Vol. 671 No. 1
69 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Transport the plans he has to improve the accommodation within his Department in view of the significant level of dissatisfaction with same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46453/08]
My Department was established in 2002 and since then it has experienced significant functional and staffing change that has contributed to the present situation whereby the Department's staffing complement of approximately 450 Dublin-based staff is dispersed in six locations.
This level of dispersal has posed considerable operational difficulties in the delivery of a satisfactory standard of accommodation in all cases. A more cohesive accommodation structure is therefore considered essential to address these difficulties. For this reason my Department, in conjunction with the Office of Public Works, has devised detailed plans to consolidate and reduce the number of buildings it currently occupies in Dublin from six to three.
These plans are at an advanced stage and it is envisaged that this consolidation will be achieved by the end of 2009. With a fewer number of buildings to manage, my Department will also be able to take a more focused and cost effective approach to the delivery of maintenance and improvement works in the future.
In addition to progressing the rationalisation of the Department's accommodation portfolio, my Department has in the past year carried out a number of miscellaneous office improvement schemes such as office layout. It is planned to deliver a series of other improvements in the coming years with the assistance of the OPW. The basic objective of these schemes is to ensure that working conditions are to an acceptable standard.
70 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Transport the reason his Department has not published its findings from customer surveys; if he will provide these findings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46462/08]
The results of the Customer Surveys for 2003 and 2005/2006 are accessible under the ‘Other Information' link on my Department's website. We are currently updating our Customer Charter and Action Plan, which will apply for the period 2009-2011. A customer service survey will be carried out early in 2009 as part of this exercise and the results will be published.
While the 2003 Customer Service Survey was published on 14th November 2003, due to an oversight the 2005-2006 Customer Service Survey was not published on the website but was made available internally on the Staff intranet.
71 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Transport when compulsory testing of alcohol testing will be introduced for all those involved in road traffic accidents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46492/08]
121 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Transport when he will introduce measures to facilitate the mandatory testing of all drivers involved in serious road collisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46361/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 71 and 121 together.
The current position regarding the testing of drivers for alcohol at the scene of a collision is that a member of An Garda Síochána may require a driver involved in a collision to provide a preliminary breath specimen. This discretion is provided in acknowledgement of the fact that urgent medical attention may be required for seriously injured victims and must take precedence over breath testing.
In addition, a Garda may request a blood or urine sample from a driver who is in hospital following a vehicle incident, where the Garda believes that person was intoxicated.
Advice has been received from the Attorney General on possible amendments to legislation to provide for mandatory alcohol testing at the scene of a collision which continues to take overriding medical circumstances into account. The issue is included in the Road Traffic and Transport Bill, which is currently being drafted. It is expected that the Bill will be published early next year.
72 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Transport the percentage of public transport buses in County Cork which are wheelchair accessible; the number of wheelchair buses being used for County Cork public bus services; his plans to support the expansion of wheelchair accessible buses in town and rural services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46402/08]
Bus services in Co Cork are provided largely by Bus Éireann. The company has a fleet of 164 buses in Co Cork. Of these, 116 are wheelchair accessible which represents over 70% of the fleet and, as older buses are replaced, all new urban buses are required to be wheelchair accessible. In fact, all bus services in Cork city are operated with low floor buses.
My Department's Sectoral Plan under the Disability Act 2005, titled ‘Transport Access for All', contains time bound targets for the progressive realisation of accessible transport in Ireland. To achieve these targets some statutory measures have been adopted and others are planned. The Plan provides that by 2015 practically all vehicles used for bus and coach services will be accessible. The Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008 requires public transport service contracts to provide, inter alia, for accessibility standards for services. I intend to include a similar measure for areas outside the Greater Dublin Area as part of proposals that I am developing to modernise the 1932 Road Transport Act. I also intend that the Authority may impose minimum accessibility standards on licences for commercial bus services operated by both public and private operators.
In addition, the system for tendering and procurement of services under my Department's Rural Transport Programme (RTP) has been reviewed to ensure that incentives and weightings are applied to encourage compliance with accessibility goals. Also, community owned vehicles are either already accessible or are being adapted to ensure that they meet accessibility requirements.
74 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport the reason his Department lacks the capacity to plan and deliver the information and communication technology service that his Department needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46458/08]
I have confidence in the technical ability and competence of my officials in the information and communications technology area to deliver quality service to my Department. However, I agree with the findings of the recently published Organisation Review Programme Report (ORP) that long-term unfilled vacancies together with increased workload consequent, inter alia, on the acquisition of new maritime functions have limited the capacity of the Information Services Division to deliver the full range of services.
My Department's current ICT Strategy envisaged a significant increase in staffing in our Information Services Division. However, difficulties arose in filling the vacancies in question. Accordingly, the Division has taken steps to increase its capacity to deliver the necessary services, primarily through outsourcing work.
Looking to the future, the simple solution to these challenges cannot always be the allocation of extra staffing. While the Department wants a radical increase in the deployment of ICT, prevailing external factors place constraints on our ability to fully resource the development of the IT function. Difficult choices will have to be made in reviewing ICT priorities in light of the new constraints on budgets. My Department will also seek support from our agencies and other Departments with relevant ICT expertise to further our priorities.
In this context, my officials will focus in 2009 on the development of those new systems that can have the most direct and immediate impact on the efficiency of the Department on the basis of agreed priorities.
75 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Transport when he will publish the National Cycling Strategy; the reason the deadline for the publication of this strategy by the second quarter of 2008 has been missed; the measures that will be contained in the cycling strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46355/08]
It is my intention to publish a national cycling policy as early as possible in 2009 following the publication of the Sustainable Travel and Transport Action Plan. This is in line with the commitments that I made earlier in the year and which never included a target of the second quarter 2008 for publication.
The final approved policy will set out the detail of the measures which will range from cycling infrastructure and traffic management to issues such as training and awareness. I intend that the National Cycling Policy will be not only a comprehensive response to current difficulties faced by the cycling community in terms of road priority and safety issues, but will also prove to be a springboard to creating a culture of cycling in Ireland. In this respect I have indicated that the proposed policy should aim to increase modal share of cycling from 2% to 10% by 2020.
76 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Transport when he will publish the report on CIÉ (details supplied); if legislation will be necessary arising from this report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46350/08]
I expect to receive shortly the cost and efficiency review of both Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann and I will arrange to have it published on my Department's website in due course. When I have considered the Report I will be in a position to determine if any amendments to legislation are required.
77 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Transport his views on the planning of a post Transport 21 programme in view of projected population increases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46449/08]
83 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Transport the way the 7% cut in the public transport investment programme will affect the roll out of public transport infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46375/08]
88 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the degree to which the original objectives set out in Transport 21 remain achievable in full within the projected timeframe; if the progress to date is in accord with projections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46396/08]
120 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Transport the commencement and completion dates for each public transport infrastructure project in Transport 21; if he will list each project that has been delayed or deferred indefinitely and provide a reason for each delay; if Transport 21 will be fully implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46347/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 77, 83, 88 and 120 together.
At the launch of Transport 21, the Government identified the projects in the national roads, public transport and regional airports sectors that it wishes to see prioritised for development in the ten-year period from 2006 to 2015 and provided indicative completion dates for the major projects contained.
Significant progress has been made on Transport 21 in its first three years and a number of projects have been completed and others are well advanced in planning terms.
A very extensive construction programme is also currently underway and a number of additional projects were approved recently to go to construction, including the N18 Gort to Crusheen, the Citywest Luas extension and Phase 1 of the Navan rail line.
The adjustment in the capital allocation for Transport 21 in 2009 has brought about a re-examination of the priorities in the investment programme. My priorities for investment in national roads are the completion of the major interurban network by 2010 and the progressive development of the Atlantic Road Corridor. I understand from the NRA that it is currently in the process of drawing up its programme of works for 2009 based on its funding allocation for the year.
On the public transport side, the provision of increased capacity will be a key consideration in determining investment priorities. Given their potential to greatly increase capacity of the public transport network in the Greater Dublin Area, Metro North and the DART Underground are key priorities. Investment in increased bus capacity, subject to the outcome of the cost and efficiency review of the CIE bus companies, and bus priority are also investment priorities.
The adjustment in capital funding in 2009 will not have a significant effect on the roll out of the Transport 21 public transport programme and will not result in the postponement of the start of construction of any public transport project.
The planning of the major transport capital projects identified in Transport 21 is continuing and these will be released for construction as soon as they are through statutory procedures and the available financial resources permit and consistent with the priorities I have outlined.
The Programme for Government contains a commitment to commence the preparation of a successor to Transport 21 in 2011. This work will take account of the updated CSO population projections.
78 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Transport the progress made to date in reducing transport emissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46447/08]
Meaningful progress towards reducing transport greenhouse gas emissions will only be achieved through undertaking a comprehensive set of measures over an extended period.
The present National Climate Change Strategy contains a number of measures to reduce transport emissions, including technology improvements, excise relief for biofuels, traffic measures in the Greater Dublin Area, rebalancing of motor taxes, fuel economy labelling, modal shift through Transport 21, alignment of spatial planning and transport investment and efficient driving awareness. Notwithstanding these measures, the benefits of which have yet to be fully realised, emissions from the transport sector have continued to grow very much in line with economic growth, a trend that is normal in other developed countries.
It is clear to me that more needs to be done if the transport sector is to play its part in reducing emissions generally. I signalled that when I launched a public consultation process on sustainable transport in February of this year. The detailed issues I raised and the public's response are available on www.sustainabletravel.ie.
Following on from that consultation process, it is my intention to publish the Sustainable Travel and Transport Action Plan, which will detail the measures that need to be taken not only to reduce emissions but also to enhance competitiveness, reduce congestion, deliver dividends in relation to public health and social inclusion and improve quality of life, as early as possible in 2009.
79 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Transport the reason eight staff vacancies in his Department’s information and communications technology unit remain unfilled for two years thus affecting the capacity of his Department to plan and deliver the ICT service that his Department needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46464/08]
As part of an overall review of my Department's staffing requirements and following a review of ICT strategy, 8 additional posts were allocated to Information Services Division during 2007.
While a number of these vacancies were filled, a number of other staff left the Division due to, for example, promotions, staff rotations and the need to release staff under the Decentralisation programme. There were also difficulties in filling some of the remaining vacancies due to the specialized nature of these posts. As a result the overall complement of ICT staff was not reached.
The requirement on the Department to reduce overall staff numbers means that a number of the vacancies have had to be suppressed.
As part of the Action Plan prepared in response to the findings in the Organisational Review Programme (ORP), my Department will review the allocation of resources required for delivery of our strategies, including delivery of the ICT Strategy. The Department will also seek support from our agencies and other Departments with relevant expertise to assist us in furthering ICT priorities.
80 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Transport if he will reinstate the public transport fuel rebate; his views on measures to replace the public transport fuel rebate which includes school transport services and public and private transport operators in view of the difficulties that the transport and tourism sectors are experiencing at the moment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46352/08]
As already stated in my answer to question numbers 28 and 33 on 1 October last and to eight subsequent questions in the House, the Finance Act 2008 provided for the removal of excise duty reliefs in the bus sector with effect from 1 November 2008. Since this is in line with our EU obligations, there is no power to restore the scheme.
The position in regard to school transport is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Education and Science.
81 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Transport if he is reviewing the governance arrangements in place for Dublin Port; his views on the position of members of the board of the Port of Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46368/08]
The corporate governance arrangements for Dublin Port Company are laid out in the Companies Acts, the Harbours Act 1996 and the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies.
The structure of the port company boards is outlined in section 30 of the Act. In the case of Dublin Port Company, there are three local authority directors, two employee directors and one CEO director. The remaining six directors are Ministerial appointees.
The Harbours (Amendment) Bill 2008, which is currently at Committee Stage in the Seanad, proposes changes to the structure of port company boards. The Bill proposes to remove the statutory right for local authorities to elect three directors, and to reduce the number of employee directors in the larger port companies from two to one. This will reduce the size of the boards from the current twelve to eight.
82 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Transport if he has received representations in relation to a link-up or merger of Dublin Port Company and Drogheda Port Company leading to a joint development for large scale port traffic at Bremore; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46372/08]
I am not aware of any representations received in my Department relating to a link-up or merger of Dublin Port Company and Drogheda Port Company leading to a joint development for large-scale port traffic at Bremore.
Drogheda Port Company has for some time been developing a proposal for a new port facility at Bremore in the context of a proposed joint venture arrangement. This proposal is consistent with established ports policy and the company is continuing to progress its plans.
84 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Transport his plans to tackle the school run; if he has had recent contact with the Department of Education and Science and the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government in advancing the green schools pilot project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46491/08]
School travel patterns are influenced by a wide range of factors including distance of residence from the school, availability of choice in relation to transportation, existence of safe routes to schools, standards of roads and footpaths in the vicinity of schools and personal choice. The Sustainable Travel and Transport Action Plan, which I intend to publish early in 2009 and which benefited from consultation with relevant Departments, including the Department of Education and Science, will refer to this aspect of travel in some detail.
My Department is well aware of An Taisce's Green-Schools Travel Module and I intend to continue, in 2009, to provide significant financial support to the Module, through the Dublin Transportation Office. The Module is planned to encompass 534 schools next year.
85 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Transport if the Luas line BX/D and phases 2 and 3 of the western rail corridor and the Dublin rail interconnector have been deferred or rescheduled; the estimated completion date of each of these projects; if Metro West and the Lucan Luas have been abandoned; when the railway safety programme will be fully completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46344/08]
The provision of increased capacity will be a key consideration in determining investment priorities in the coming years. Earlier this year, I mandated the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) to proceed with planning the delivery of Line BX/D, based on the Agency's preferred route for Line BX and the use of the Old Broadstone railway alignment for Line D.
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 (DCC), which includes use of Metro North construction sites and recognises the traffic management requirements of the city centre. The RPA is also engaging with DCC 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.
The emerging preferred route for Metro West was announced by the RPA in July 2007. The selected route alignment will connect Tallaght, Clondalkin, Liffey Valley and Blanchardstown and also connect with Metro North at Metro Park, close to Dublin Airport. It will provide for integration with the Luas Red Line, the Kildare and Maynooth suburban rail lines and the Lucan Luas line.
A further round of consultation is now underway to provide greater definition to the route after which the RPA will proceed with the preparation of a railway order application. The RPA plans to apply for a railway order in 2009.
The RPA announced the emerging preferred route corridor for the proposed Lucan-city centre Luas Line in October this year. The selected route is based on route options that were originally presented to the public in September 2007. Having selected the route corridor, RPA will begin the next phase of consultation focused on design. This consultation will confirm the specific location of the alignment, Luas stops, Park and Ride and a depot.
The second Railway Safety Programme commenced in 2004 and will be completed, as scheduled, at the end of 2008. The programme involved a €444 million investment in renewing the Iarnród Eireann fixed infrastructure (including track, fencing, signalling, level-crossings, bridges, cuttings and embankments etc.) in order to bring it up to an acceptable safety standard. A further €68 million was invested in enhancing the safety culture and safety management systems in Iarnród Eireann, through measures such as safety training, development of standards, safety auditing and the development of tools such as the Risk Model and the Infrastructure Asset Management database. Discussions on the composition of the third Railway Safety Programme are ongoing.
The Interconnector, which is now known as DART Underground, is planned to be completed in 2015. Further funding for this vital project was approved by my Department in November 2008 and I understand that an application for a railway order will be made in September 2009.
The first phase of the Western Rail Corridor will be completed by mid-2009. I understand that further studies are planned for 2009 to determine up to date costings of phases 2 and 3 of the Western Rail Corridor.
The start and completion dates of Transport 21 projects, which have not yet commenced, will be determined by the funding allocation available during the current difficult economic climate. The commencement dates for these projects will also be influenced by the time taken for public consultation, the relevant statutory process and the procurement and contract award processes.
86 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Transport the policies being adopted to sustain and develop the rural transport programme. [46377/08]
The Government's continued commitment to the Rural Transport Programme (RTP) is reflected in Towards 2016 which includes phased increases in the annual RTP allocation over time.
Euro 9 million was provided for the RTP in 2007 which led to an increase in the frequency of a number of existing services, extended area coverage, and additional groups of passengers accessing rural transport. Euro 10 million was provided for the Rural Transport Programme in 2008 and the 2009 allocation is Euro 11 million.
The RTP is being expanded on a phased basis in consultation with individual rural community transport groups, with a goal of achieving nation-wide coverage in due course in line with Government policy.
87 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Transport the outcome of his recent meeting with transport Ministers regarding the cross border enforcement of traffic laws in all 27 EU Member States; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46496/08]
I attended a meeting of EU Transport Ministers on 9 December and the draft Directive on Enforcement in the Field of Road Safety was one of the items on the agenda. In this context, a progress report on the draft Directive, presented by the French Presidency was noted. The draft Directive does not relate to the cross-border enforcement of all traffic laws, but specifically to the offences of drink driving, speeding, failure to wear seat belts, and failure to stop at a red light.
The draft Directive will now be a matter for the incoming Czech Presidency.
89 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the scale, scope and extent of discussions he, his Department or other Government Departments or representatives thereof have had with companies (details supplied) in the context of the recent takeover bid for Aer Lingus; if an improved or enhanced offer or offers in respect of Government shareholdings has been made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46397/08]
288 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Transport if he or his officials have held discussions with Aer Lingus regarding a Shannon/Heathrow service in view of the strategic importance of this route for the mid west region; if he will report on these discussions; if his attention has been drawn to plans to reinstate the route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47110/08]
295 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport his preferred options for the future development of air passenger transport to and from Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47226/08]
296 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the discussions he has had with management or agents of a company (details supplied) in the context of speculation on the future of Aer Lingus; if the reinstatement of Aer Lingus flights from Shannon is part of such discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47227/08]
297 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the number of meetings or contacts he has had with representatives of airlines in the context of the future development and structure of Aer Lingus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47228/08]
298 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the number and nature of meetings he has had with persons, groups, bodies or agencies involved in a possible takeover or purchase of share options in Aer Lingus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47229/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 89, 288 and 295 to 298, inclusive, together.
I refer the Deputies to my response to a priority PQ answered today, Dáil Question No. 60.
On 3 December, I accepted a request from the CEO of Ryanair, as a courtesy, for an informal meeting at which the CEO outlined, in general terms, the main features of their proposed cash offer for all shares in Aer Lingus.
On 11 December I agreed to meet with the CEO and Chairman of Aer Lingus who wished to convey to me their opposition to the Ryanair offer.
I did not indicate to either Ryanair or Aer Lingus any policy position in relation to the proposed takeover. The Deputy will be aware that both companies made public statements following the meetings.
As regards the reinstatement of the Aer Lingus Shannon Heathrow service I have taken every opportunity I could since August of last year to make it clear to Aer Lingus Management and Board Members with whom I had contact to stress the importance Government attaches to the resumption of a Shannon Heathrow service. I will continue to do so in the future.
90 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Transport if he has taken cases against road hauliers for breaching regulations since 2006; if so the number that have resulted in successful prosecutions since 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46498/08]
The Gardai are responsible for prosecutions of all offences under the Road Traffic Acts. In addition, the Road Safety Authority since its establishment in 2006, is responsible for the enforcement of legislation in relation to licensing, breaches of drivers hours and tachograph rules, the roadworthiness of vehicles and safety standards and the prosecution of related offences.
My Department has not taken any cases against road hauliers since 2006.
91 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Transport his views on the development of light rail systems for Cork, Limerick and Galway; if he will publish the feasibility studies for each of the projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46349/08]
In the 2007 Programme for Government, we made a commitment to carry out feasibility studies into Luas-style Light Rail Transport (LRT) systems in Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford within two years. I have since asked the local authorities undertaking the studies to include consideration of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT).
I expect these studies to be completed within the original timeframe and to be published.
92 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Transport when he will place the Road Safety Authority operated scheme for approved driving instructors on a statutory setting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46473/08]
The Road Safety Authority has submitted proposals for the registration and regulation of driving instructors to my Department. Consideration of these proposals is at an advanced stage, and I expect to be in a position to make the necessary regulations shortly.
93 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Transport when he will introduce legislation to replace the 1932 bus licensing law; what the heads of the Bill will be; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46351/08]
Proposals for a new bus licensing regime will be contained a forthcoming Public Transport Regulation Bill which is currently being drafted. The Bill will deal with the replacement of the Road Transport Act 1932 and the provisions of the Transport Act 1958 that relate to the provision of bus services by the State bus companies. It will also encompass provisions relating to the subvented bus market outside the Greater Dublin Area in a manner consistent with EU Regulation No. 1370/2007 on public service obligations and similar to the contractual framework used in the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008.
It is my intention to seek Government approval for a General Scheme of the Bill shortly with a view to publication next year.
94 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Transport the reason some Department staff who are underutilised are not moved to areas of greatest need as recommended in the report of the organisational review programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46466/08]
There have been considerable fluctuations in the functions of my Department since its inception in 2002 including taking on responsibility for maritime matters in 2006 and for regional and local roads and the management of the National Vehicle and Driver File in January 2008. The net effect has been a significant increase in both the policy and service delivery functions of the Department and a great degree of change for staff. The frequent churn and change and the fact that the Department is evidently stretched, as acknowledged by the Organisational Review Programme (ORP) has militated against rapid re-deployment of staff to areas of greatest need in recent years. In response to the findings of the ORP my Department has prepared an action plan which includes the implementation of a structured approach to the assignment, development and promotion of staff. The structure of the Department is being re-aligned to focus on updated priorities and a resource capacity study will be conducted during 2009 to review the capacity of the reducing staff quota to deliver on the Department's agenda and how available resources might be deployed more efficiently.
95 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport his views on the re-establishment of the Cork-Swansea ferry as a link to facilitate the development of tourism in the south west; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40980/08]
128 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport his views on whether the suspension of the Cork-Swansea ferry in 2007 has had a detrimental effect on tourism in the south west; if attempts have been made to quantify these adverse effects; and if his attention has been drawn to the efforts to re-establish that tourist link. [40981/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 95 and 128 together.
The Cork Swansea Ferry Company suspended its service in 2007. I can appreciate the concerns that have been expressed in the region in response to this development. My colleague, Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey, T.D., recently met with representatives from county councils in Cork and Kerry who outlined to him the detrimental effects this suspension has had in the South West.
Quantification of adverse effects on tourism in the region would be a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Arts, Sports and Tourism, Mr. Martin Cullen, T.D.
The Port of Cork Company is continuing to engage in discussions with a number of interested parties and stakeholders with a view to the latter commencing a new passenger and freight service on the Cork-Swansea route. The Port of Cork Company also completed a feasibility study on the route and this indicated that a service, subject to procuring a suitable vessel, could be feasible for an operator for year round passenger and freight operations. The Port of Cork Company will continue to do what it can to facilitate resumption of a service.
As Minister of State for Transport, I feel it is important that the market offers a diverse range of viable maritime links in and out of the State. This is vital to facilitate trade and tourism. I certainly hope that the current efforts show that the service is commercially viable and that it can be resumed as soon as possible.
96 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Transport the status of the proposed separation of Dublin, Cork and Shannon airports; if he will repeal the State Airports Act 2004; if he will revise the debt allocation arrangements that are in place for the three airports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46343/08]
The State Airports Act, 2004 provides the framework for the establishment of Shannon and Cork as independent airports. As part of the airport restructuring process the boards of Cork and Shannon airport are required to prepare business plans for eventual separation.
All three airport business plans have to be coordinated by the Dublin Airport Authority for eventual approval by myself and the Minister for Finance. Among the requirements to be satisfied in advance of separation is the need to ensure the financial sustainability of all three state airports.
I have now received business plans from each of the state airports and I have been in consultation with the three Airport Authorities concerning the approach to the separation of Cork and Shannon having regard to the current economic climate and trends in the aviation market generally. I hope to announce the outcome of those consultations shortly.
I should add that the repeal of the State Airports Act, 2004 does not arise.
97 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide a full report on the recent intergovernmental agreement on full US pre-clearance facilities for Shannon and Dublin airports; if this new agreement will require extra information sharing between the Irish and US authorities for Irish passengers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46342/08]
I was very pleased to sign an Inter-Governmental Agreement for the provision of Pre-Clearance services at Irish airports with Secretary Chertoff of the US Department of Homeland Security in Washington last month. The agreement provides for the pre-clearance of passengers in respect of U.S. customs, immigration and agricultural matters prior to boarding of aircraft in Ireland for U.S. destinations.
I anticipate that the agreement will bring major benefits to Ireland such as under it aircraft will be able to land at less congested and less expensive domestic terminals in international airports or at domestic airports in the U.S. This will facilitate onward connections for passengers to other parts of the U.S. Passengers will also benefit from uninterrupted passage through US airports on arrival.
Under the agreement pre-clearance officers of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Service will be authorised, under Irish law, to carry out certain functions at designated pre-clearance areas of Irish airports in relation to passengers and aircraft bound for the U.S. that would otherwise be carried out on arrival in the U.S.
There is no provision in the agreement for the sharing of additional information between the Irish and the U.S. authorities.
Pre-clearance will require new legislation and Departmental officials have commenced the preparation of a general scheme of a Pre-clearance Bill with a view to having the legislation in place for pre-clearance to be operational in Shannon in the Summer of 2009.
98 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Transport if he will improve the maintenance of his Department’s buildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46451/08]
My Department, in conjunction with the Office of Public Works, has agreed a multi-annual maintenance programme which is designed to ensure that the Department's building stock is retained in good condition. This programme consists of a variety of maintenance measures that will progressively improve and upgrade the standard of accommodation.
My Department is also engaged in a consolidation of its current locations with the aim of reducing the number of its locations in Dublin from six buildings to three by the end of 2009. It is envisaged that this consolidation will permit a more focused and cost-effective approach to maintenance works.
99 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Transport the progress that has been made with his opposite numbers in Northern Ireland or in the UK regarding a common structure for penalty points; the problems with same; when a united approach will be achieved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40242/08]
The enforcement on foreign registered drivers of penalties for road traffic offences is a complex legal and administrative matter for many States, and my Department is pursuing this question at European, British/Irish and North/South levels.
We are working with the authorities of the United Kingdom on the mutual recognition of penalty points, but a recent feasibility study carried out by the UK Department for Transport has underlined complex legal issues and the probable need for new primary legislation both here and in the United Kingdom in due course.
It is expected it will be some time before the mutual recognition of penalty points is in place.
100 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Transport when he will publish the Sustainable Travel and Transport Plan; the reason this national policy document has been delayed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46354/08]
While I had previously indicated my intention to publish the Sustainable Travel and Transport Action Plan by end 2008, it is now my intention to publish it as early as possible in 2009.
101 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Transport if the Dublin outer orbital road remains his policy; and if so, when he expects construction to begin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46484/08]
As the Deputy will be aware, as Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in respect of the national roads programme element of Transport 21. The implementation of individual national road projects is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Act 1993 in conjunction with the relevant local authorities.
Neither Transport 21 nor the National Development Plan provides any funding for a Leinster Orbital Route to be constructed in the period to 2015. The Government has already made it clear, under Transport 21, that priorities for the roads investment programme after the completion of the major interurban network in 2010, will be the Atlantic Road Corridor as well as the improvement of other key national primary routes and the targeted improvement of certain national secondary routes.
The Leinster Orbital Route proposal remains an important potential element of our longer-term infrastructure development. My Department will continue to liaise with the roads and planning authorities concerned to ensure that route options are preserved free of impediment for this potential project.
102 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Transport if he is reviewing road traffic legislation; if he has made recommendations to the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform on updating road safety legislation in view of the large number of motorists who have had speeding offences thrown out of court because of legal loopholes; if he has had contacts with the Road Safety Authority in terms of a more comprehensive review of road safety legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46360/08]
I take it the Deputy is referring to the recent speeding cases struck out by a District Court, and questions as to whether there was a requirement to publish a notice in Iris Oifigiúil of the making of special speed limit bye-laws by local authorities. There are no such requirements under the Road Traffic Act 2004 or in the guidelines made under it relating to the making of such bye-laws.
The enforcement and prosecution of speeding offences and any further action in relation to these particular cases is a matter for An Garda Síochána and the DPP.
The Road Traffic Acts are kept under review and amended from time to time, and my Department is in regular contact with all the agencies involved in road safety and traffic, including my colleague the Minister for Justice, Equality & Law Reform, An Garda Síochána and the Road Safety Authority. A Road Traffic Bill is currently being drafted for publication early next year.
103 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport the reason he gave a 10% increase in fares to Iarnród Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46457/08]
106 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Transport if he has placed conditions on the 10% fare rises for Irish Rail; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46454/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 103 and 106 together.
An average 10% fares increase was recently approved for Irish Rail, Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann to cover cost increases in fuel earlier this year, labour, other general costs and also taking into account the overall financial position of the CIE companies.
The fares increase was granted subject to the implementation of a package of customer focused/performance based measures to promote the greater use of public transport through, inter alia,
the early implementation of the recommendations of the forthcoming cost and efficiency review of Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann currently being undertaken and a plan in that regard;
promotion of the greater use of smartcard ticketing and the preparation of a specific action plan in that regard;
the introduction next year, on a pilot basis, of mobile phone and web-based real-time passenger information for bus services in the Dublin area.
104 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Transport if he will review the nationwide provisions in place for commuter park and ride facilities in view of the need to encourage a modal shift to public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46362/08]
My Department supports park and ride as having a role to play in encouraging commuters to switch to public transport. The provision of dedicated park and ride facilities at railway stations is a matter for Irish Rail, and at Luas and proposed Metro sites it is a matter for the RPA. Local authorities also have a role in providing commuter park and ride facilities.
In the Greater Dublin Area, the TAS consultancy Report for the DTO indicated that overall bus-based park and ride has a limited role to play because of the population size and distances involved. However, the Report indicated that there is some potential for satellite park and ride facilities. The local authorities in the hinterland area of the Greater Dublin Area have been examining the potential of such satellite park and ride facilities, and while funding has been made available by my Department no proposals have been submitted by local authorities as yet. In at least one case, this is due to planning difficulties.
In Cork, one very successful park & ride has been developed on the southern side of the City. A proposal for a second park and ride is currently being actively developed by Cork City Council on the western side of the city. In Galway, Limerick, and Waterford the local authorities are continuing to examine the feasibility of permanent park & ride while a temporary Christmas park & ride is currently being operated by Galway City Council.
My Department makes funding available to local authorities for the development of park and ride facilities both in the Greater Dublin Area and in the regional cities and is prepared to provide capital support for such facilities on the basis of sound business plans from proposers for the projects.
I have no plans at this time for a review of park and ride provisions nationwide.
105 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Transport if he expects Metro West to be completed by 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46475/08]
Provision will be made in the 2009 grant allocations to facilitate significant progress in the planning and design of Metro West. The RPA intends to submit an application for a railway order for the project by the end of 2009.
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.
107 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Transport his plans in response to CIE claims of its major budget deficit in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46480/08]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Priority Dáil Question No. 62, which I answered earlier today.
108 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Transport his views on amendments to the Harbours Bill 2008; if he will ensure that the level of employee director and county councillor representation on the board of the six national ports is maintained; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46369/08]
The Harbours (Amendment) Bill 2008 was published in July 2008 and is currently at Committee Stage in Seanad Éireann. The primary purpose of the Bill is to give effect to certain aspects of the Government's Ports Policy Statement, launched in 2005.
A total of 17 amendments were proposed for consideration at Seanad Committee Stage, including an amendment in relation to the proposed removal of the statutory representation of local authority directors on port company boards.
The various amendments remain the subject of debate and consideration in the Seanad and I look forward to continuing that debate in the stages that remain in both the Seanad and the Dáil.
109 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Transport the number of times he is briefed by the Medical Bureau of Road Safety; his views on recent submissions by the MBRS to increase the funding of programmes to monitor and detect drug drivers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46364/08]
I have visited the Bureau on two occasions this year, most recently at the official opening of their state of the art facilities at UCD Belfield, and my officials are in regular contact with management and staff on a range of issues. My Department is represented on the Board of the Bureau and this mechanism also facilitates good communication between both organisations.
It is a function of the Bureau to undertake research on drink and drug driving and to keep abreast of international developments in these areas, and the Bureau provides information and advice on these matters to my Department.
Funding of €4.4 million was provided for the Bureau this year, and my Department will endeavour, in these challenging times, to ensure a reasonable level of funding for the Bureau for 2009.
110 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Transport his plans to reform the penalty points system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46383/08]
Penalty points were first applied in October 2002 to the offence of speeding and have been rolled out in stages between then and September 2006 in respect of a total of 36 offences. The focus of the roll-out of the penalty points system to date has been on road safety critical offences that relate primarily to the behaviour of drivers.
The progressive extension of the penalty point system will continue to be pursued and the system is being kept under review.
111 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on progress on the big dig infrastructure works necessary in Dublin city centre to facilitate the construction of metro north, the Luas link-up and the Dublin rail interconnector; if adjustments have been made to the contingency plans of the big dig in view of the reports on the deferral of the Luas Line BX; the stakeholders involved in planning for the big dig; when he will start a public information and awareness campaign on the big dig; the major traffic changes that will be made in April 2009 or later in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46348/08]
The Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) lodged their application for a railway order for Metro North with An Bord Pleanála on 18th September last. Subject to the grant of an enforceable railway order, preparatory works such as utility diversions will commence in 2009. Good progress is also being made in planning work for the DART underground (Interconnector) and Irish Rail has set itself a target of making a railway order application in 2009.
Pending the establishment of the Dublin Transport Authority, the Dublin City Manager chairs the Dublin Transport 21 Implementation Group which co-ordinates and oversees the investment programme in Dublin. The Group comprises the chief executives of the principal implementing agencies, an Assistant Secretary from my Department, the Fingal County Manager, the Director of Traffic and representatives of the Garda Síochána and business associations.
Two sub-groups have been established and the business community is represented on both:
The Contingency Planning Group is overseeing the preparation by Dublin City Council of a traffic management strategy for the Transport 21 construction phase, focussed particularly on the city centre. This strategy will take account of other construction activity by local authorities, public bodies and private developers.
The Communications Group is preparing a co-ordinated communications strategy for the construction period of major Transport 21 projects, such as Metro North and the Interconnector. The theme of this strategy will be "Dublin is open for business".
In addition, Dublin City Council is holding focus meetings with the city centre business community while the RPA continues to meet individual businesses and residents' organisations along the Metro North preferred alignment to inform them of its plans and to address issues of concern. I understand that in early in 2009 a multi-agency joint strategy, including a public information and awareness campaign, will be rolled out.
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 (City Centre — Liffey Junction). 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.
I hold regular quarterly meetings with the Transport 21 implementing agencies, An Garda Síochána and business organisations in Dublin to identify the principal concerns of the business community and to review progress on traffic planning for the construction phase of Transport 21 projects. I last met with the Dublin City Centre Stakeholders Group on 29 September 2008. It was agreed at that meeting that the next meeting of the Stakeholders Group will be in January 2009.
112 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Transport when the new Dublin Transport Authority will be fully operational. [46376/08]
It is my intention to establish the Dublin Transport Authority as early as possible in 2009 once I am satisfied that it has the financial and staffing resources necessary to enable it discharge effectively the functions assigned to it by the Oireachtas under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008.
Discussions are currently taking place between my Department and the Department of Finance on the financing and staffing of the Authority against the background of the difficult position faced by the Exchequer as outlined in the recent Budget.
113 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport if he has received and reviewed the recent legal opinion (details supplied) prepared for the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport on the taxi sector and the possibility of introducing a cap or moratorium on the issuing of taxi licences; his views on the legal opinion; the deadline for the submission of the report by the Taxi Regulator on the taxi industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46339/08]
Under the Taxi Regulation Act 2003, the Commission for Taxi Regulation is the independent public body responsible for the development and maintenance of the regulatory framework for the control and operation, including licensing, of taxis, hackneys, limousines and their drivers. However, the Commission does not have any remit or statutory power under the Taxi Regulation Act in relation to the control of the number of licences issued.
My Department has received a copy of the opinion of the Senior Counsel on taxi deregulation referred to by the Deputy. In response I wish to say that I have no proposals to introduce quantitative restrictions on entry to the taxi market. I do support, however, the application of standards of a qualitative nature, which are determined by the Commission. The proposed new standards for the taxi industry were published in November 2007 and I understand they will be introduced on a phased basis from next month and will be fully rolled out by 2012.
In addition, the Commission has appointed consultants to undertake an extensive economic review of the small public service vehicle sector. I understand that the review will be completed early in the New Year.
114 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Transport his views on the progress to date in implementing the recommendations of the 2003 high level review of commercial ports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46444/08]
The High Level Review of the State Commercial Ports, carried out by Raymond Burke Consulting in association with Posford Haskoning Consulting Engineers and Farrell Grant Sparks, was published in May 2003. This was the first such review of the port companies established under the terms of the Harbours Act 1996.
Subsequently, the Review was the subject of an extensive public consultation process on its findings and recommendations. The work undertaken as part of the Review, and the earlier statutory Performance Audit of the State Port Companies in 2001 carried out by Jonathan Packer, together with the submissions and observations received during these processes, fed into and informed the development of the Ports Policy Statement in 2005. The development of a ports policy statement was one of the recommendations of the Review itself.
A key focus of both the High Level Review and the Ports Policy Statement was the need to further enhance the commercial ethos conferred upon the port companies by the Harbours Act 1996. To that end, important recommendations were made inter alia regarding board size and composition.
The Harbours (Amendment) Bill 2008 is intended to give a legislative basis to these recommendations by reducing the number of directors on port company boards from 12 to 8, removing statutory local authority representation, ending the practice of appointing port users to boards and standardising the number of employee directors at one per port company.
The Bill also contains other amendments to support the recommendations contained in the Review and Ports Policy Statement designed to enhance the commercial ethos of the State port companies. These proposals include allowing port companies to invest in commercial opportunities outside their harbour limits and introducing a greater degree of flexibility regarding borrowing by port companies, which will aid their continued development and progress.
The High Level Review also specified the desirability of recognising the integral role of the ports sector in the overall transport chain by transferring responsibility for the ports from the then Department of Communications, Marine, Energy and Natural Resources to the Department of Transport. This transfer took place in January 2006.
The High Level Review and the subsequent development of the Ports Policy Statement provided a clear framework for the development of the commercial ports sector in the State. The Harbours (Amendment) Bill 2008, when enacted, will considerably supplement the progress made since the High Level Review was published in 2003.
115 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport when the report on the future of Dublin Port will be published; if the report will recommend changes to the future location and size of Dublin Port; if he will publish new legislation to accompany the report; if measures in the report will require new legislation; his views on the proposed reclamation of 21 hectares at Dublin Port; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46370/08]
Indecon International Economic Consultants have been commissioned to undertake a comprehensive review of the role of Dublin Port as provided for under the National Development Plan 2007 — 2013.
This study will examine the feasibility of various scenarios relating to Dublin Port, including:
Existing port activities continuing to expand with demand,
Relocating all or part of Dublin Port's existing activities to an alternative location(s),
Port activities continuing at current levels with growth being catered for at alternative locations.
Work on the Dublin Port study is progressing and I expect a final report for my consideration in the early part of 2009. I will consider the report's findings upon receipt and take appropriate action.
I am aware that Dublin Port Company has lodged a planning application with An Bord Pleanála under the Planning and Development (Strategic Development) Act 2006 to reclaim and develop 21 hectares of foreshore within the port area.
As a "prescribed body" under that Act, I was formally notified of the application and my Department has written to An Bord Pleanála with an update on the progress of the Dublin Port study.
116 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the position the three Government appointees to the board of directors at Aer Lingus took on proposals for the outsourcing of key ground and cabin crew jobs at the airline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46341/08]
The State's nominated directors on the Board of Aer Lingus are mandated to ensure that all future decisions of the company that have significant implications for wider Government, aviation or regional development policies are considered at Board level. The mandate specifically states that the possible decisions concerned would include decisions on proposals with significant local or national economic implications including a direct impact on employment.
It is a matter for the directors concerned to respect the mandate in the context of their overriding fiduciary duties under the Companies Acts to act in the best interests of the company and shareholders generally.
I am pleased to note that the Unions and management at Aer Lingus have found a mutually acceptable way forward at a very challenging time for the aviation industry generally.
118 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Transport if he is planning to change the blood alcohol level for drivers; if so, when he will introduce the necessary legislation; the level to which he plans to reduce the blood alcohol concentration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46363/08]
The Government recently gave its approval to the drafting of a Road Traffic and Transport Bill, which inter alia proposes a reduction in the legal Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) level for drivers. It is hoped to have the Bill published early next year.
119 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the number of inspectors monitoring the wages and conditions of maritime workers on vessels in Irish ports; the number of random inspections carried out each year from 2005 to 2008; if he will strengthen the monitoring of wages and conditions of mariners in Irish ports and water; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46371/08]
The terms and conditions of employment on board vessels are a matter primarily for the State in which the ship is registered.
A comprehensive body of Irish employment rights legislation governs the conditions of employment of workers on board vessels under the Irish flag. This includes legislation dealing with minimum wages.
If the vessel is not registered in Ireland, then the port state control inspections cover the International Maritime Organisation's various Safety and Environment Protection Conventions as well as the International Labour Organisation Conventions. The inspection of the latter includes the welfare of the crew (food, accommodation, hours of work etc) but would exclude rates of pay.
The number of marine surveyors, who carry out a range of duties, employed by my Department currently stands at 22.
The figures for port state control inspections under the Paris Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on foreign flag merchant ships visiting Irish ports in 2005 to 2007 were 422, 440, and 410 respectively. Inspections to date in 2008 are just over 400.
In addition to the Port State Control Inspections, safety inspections on ro-ro passenger ferries and high-speed passenger craft operating on scheduled international routes to/from Ireland are conducted. The figures for these inspections are 24 each year for 2005 and 2006 with 31 last year and 28 to date in 2008.
Ireland has consistently supported the International Labour Organisation in its efforts to promote global labour standards for seafarers. A new consolidated Maritime Labour Convention was adopted in February 2006 at the 94th International Labour Conference in Geneva. Ireland was represented at the Conference by a tripartite delegation consisting of Government officials, nominees of the employers (IBEC) and of the workers (ICTU). The new Convention sets out clear principles and rights for seafarers. EU member states are committed to ratifying the new Convention by 31 December 2010 and it is expected to come into force internationally in 2011.
122 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Transport when the integrated ticketing project will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46384/08]
123 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the integrated ticketing project; the final completion date for the full integrated ticketing scheme; the estimated costs for developing and implementing integrated ticketing; if Bus Éireann will be fully incorporated into the integrated ticketing scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46374/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 122 and 123 together.
A smart card for public transport services in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) is available on Luas services. In recent months all buses in the Dublin Bus fleet have been fitted with smart card validators and smart cards are now in use on these buses in respect of a number of ticket products such as annual and monthly bus tickets, annual and monthly integrated bus and rail tickets and 5-day rambler tickets.
Irish Rail will launch its own interim smart card scheme from next summer. These smart card schemes will enable both users and operators to familiarise themselves with the use and flexibilities of smart card systems in advance of the introduction of the single smart card scheme.
From late next year, a single smart card will be introduced for ticket products on Dublin Bus and Luas services. This smart card will also have an electronic purse capability for use on both services.
This single smart card system will then be extended to Irish Rail DART and commuter rail services within a further 12 months. The new gating systems at Irish Rail stations in the GDA have been designed to handle the new smart card.
In relation to Bus Éireann, the smart card will be introduced on a pilot basis on a number of its commuter routes in late 2010. It is also envisaged that private bus operators will join the scheme over this timeframe.
The overall capital budget for the project is €55.4 million.
124 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Transport if he will introduce new regulations on the issue of overloading of private leisure boats; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46483/08]
My Department's approach to maritime safety involves an appropriate combination of statutory regulation, safety awareness promotion and enforcement. The balance to be struck between regulation and safety awareness promotion has a particular significance in relation to recreational craft, which are intended for leisure and sporting purposes. It is the responsibility of owners and operators of recreational craft to ensure that a vessel is properly operated, equipped and maintained.
To assist them my Department developed and published in 2006, the Code of Practice for the Safe Operation of Recreational Craft following a public consultation process. The Code sets out in a user-friendly way, the legislative requirements and standards relating to recreational craft and guidance on best practice. It includes information on legal requirements on voyage planning relating to amongst other things, the capability of the boat, pre-departure safety checks and safety equipment.
The Code also outlines the requirements of the Recreational Craft Directive (RCD) which has been transposed into Irish law. The RCD provides that recreational craft placed on the market since June 1998 must comply with specified safety requirements. These requirements include being appropriately marked with the number of persons recommended by the manufacturer for which the boat is designed to carry when underway and the manufacturer's maximum recommended load for which the boat is designed.
The Code of Practice gives advice to members of the public on the purchasing of recreational craft having regard to the requirements of the Recreational Craft Directive.
I consider that the legislation in place together with the Code of Practice is an appropriate and proportional response to addressing the issue of overloading on recreational craft. If observed they can save lives. There is an onus on all of us to take personal responsibility for our safety whether on the roads or on the water.
125 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Transport the final costs for the construction of the Dublin Port Tunnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46367/08]
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in respect of the national roads programme element of Transport 21. The implementation of individual national road projects, including the Dublin Port Tunnel, as well as the responsibility to secure the provision of a safe and efficient network of national roads, are matters for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Act, 1993 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
The construction of the Dublin Port Tunnel project was procured by Dublin City Council and funded through the NRA. In relation to cost matters, discussions between the contractor and Dublin City Council concerning the finalisation of outstanding cost issues are continuing, utilising the relevant mechanisms set out in the contract between the parties, and I understand that good progress has been made in this area.
126 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Transport if he is reviewing and updating legislation in relation to parking; his policy in relation to the growing problem of larger vehicles parking in residential areas; the measures he will take to combat this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46373/08]
The Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations 1997 to 2006 are currently being reviewed and updated in my Department.
Road authorities have power under the 1997 regulations to prohibit the parking of large vehicles on a public road, at either a particular location on a public road or in a particular zone.
The road authority parking regulations can be enforced by the Garda Síochána and traffic wardens and authorised persons (vehicle clamping operators).
127 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Transport when he will publish the results of the investigation led by his Department into the presence of Irish and foreign registered car write-offs on Irish roads; the measures he will introduce to address the problem of car write-offs on Irish roads; if that includes a system for the compulsory reporting of car write-offs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46365/08]
With the assistance of data made available voluntarily by the insurance industry the Department, following analysis against the 2.5 million active vehicles on the National Vehicle and Driver File (NVDF) has written to the registered owners of 1,117 vehicles which the records indicate may still be in use on public roads. All of the data provided by insurers has now been analysed and follow up action has been taken where warranted. This exercise has now been concluded satisfactorily.
As I indicated in responses to previous similar questions voluntary arrangements with insurers have also been put in place whereby the NVDF now receives regular notifications of write off instances. These arrangements enable the NVDF to have current write off data and are operating well.
Provision of write-off data in relation to imported used vehicles at the time of registration is a matter for the Revenue Commissioners.
129 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Transport when he will publish the National Pedestrian Safety Strategy; the reason the deadline for the publication of this strategy by the third quarter of 2008 has been missed; the measures that will be contained in the pedestrian safety strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46356/08]
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No 477 of 2006) this is a matter for the Road Safety Authority.
130 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport when he will publish legislation to facilitate the introduction of the full graduated driver licence scheme; the reason this legislation has been delayed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46358/08]
The Road Safety Strategy 2007 — 2012 outlines a range of measures to be considered in relation to a Graduated Driver Licensing System. The driver licensing regulations, which were made in October 2007, providing for the introduction of a learner permit to replace the provisional licence and some other measures, were the first step in the introduction of a Graduated Driver Licensing System.
A progressive roll-out of appropriate measures is envisaged as the most practical approach for implementing the Graduated Driver Licensing System.
The Road Safety Authority is currently preparing a consultation paper on the issue, and I will consider in due course the proposals which emerge from that process.
131 Deputy Damien English asked the Taoiseach the estimate he has made of the number and percentage of the workforce who will be over the age of 65 years in 2013, 2018, 2023 and 2028; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46654/08]
The information requested by the Deputy is contained in the following table. The data are taken from the Population and Labour Force Projections published in April 2008.
Because of the uncertainty involved, the labour force projections are only given for the period to 2021, while the years distinguished are 2011, 2016 and 2021.
Three migration scenarios are given: M1 assumes average annual net immigration of 50,000 in the period 2006-2021, M2 36,700, while M0 assumes zero net migration.
|
M0 |
M2 |
M1 |
||
|
2011 |
Labour force 65+ (000s) |
51.1 |
51.5 |
51.6 |
|
As a percentage of total |
2.3 |
2.2 |
2.1 |
|
|
2016 |
Labour force 65+ (000s) |
72.8 |
73.9 |
74.2 |
|
As a percentage of total |
3.2 |
2.9 |
2.8 |
|
|
2021 |
Labour force 65+ (000s) |
96.3 |
98.4 |
99.0 |
|
As a percentage of total |
4.2 |
3.6 |
3.5 |
132 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Taoiseach the amount of money paid by the Office of the Attorney General in respect of official business abroad by the holders of positions (details supplied) for each year since 2000 to date in 2008. [46751/08]
133 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Taoiseach the amount of money paid by the Office of the Attorney General in respect of official business abroad by each lawyer at the equivalent grade of assistant secretary level for each year since 2000 to date in 2008. [46763/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 132 and 133 together.
The Information requested by the Deputy in these questions is being compiled by the Office of the Attorney General and will be forwarded to him as soon as possible.
134 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Taoiseach if the contract drafters hired between 1996 and 2008 from outside the EU received training in European Communities law in the Office of the Attorney General before transposing European directives and regulations. [46767/08]
135 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Taoiseach if the contract drafters hired between 1996 and 2008 received training in Irish law in the Office of the Attorney General before drafting Irish legislation. [46768/08]
140 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Taoiseach if he will furnish the written instructions given to contract drafters on being hired to ensure uniformity of style. [46773/08]
141 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Taoiseach if knowledge of Irish law and European Communities law is a requirement before being hired as a contract drafter of Irish legislation in the Office of the Attorney General. [46774/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 134, 135, 140 and 141 together.
I am advised by the Attorney General that when seeking contract drafters the Office of the Attorney General requires candidates to possess very high levels of skill and experience in common-law jurisdiction. Many have formerly been heads of Offices in their own jurisdictions and all come with the highest recommendations. Where it is necessary, the Office arranges appropriate training to ensure that such staff are fully competent to perform any particular task they are assigned. This is in accordance with Office practice as training is available to all Office staff as necessary.
Contract drafters are given any necessary guidance in relation to relevant issues including Irish Constitutional Law, Administrative Law, European Law and the European Convention on Human Rights. It is not a requirement that contract drafters have a prior knowledge of Irish and European Community Law on their engagement as this expertise already exists in the Office. Contract drafters are assigned to Groups within the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel to the Government. These Groups are headed by permanent Parliamentary Counsel at Assistant Secretary and higher level who provide the necessary expertise where required, including in Constitutional, Irish and European law. These Parliamentary Counsel monitor and guide the work of the contract drafters and deal with issues on drafting files as appropriate. Additionally, as with all drafting staff, contract staff work closely with Advisory Counsel in the AGO who are specialists in their legal field. Contract drafters are supplied with the Office's Drafting Manuals and this assists in ensuring a standard approach. Finally, of course, like all drafters, contract drafters work in close liaison with the Departments sponsoring the Bills and statutory instruments that they are drafting.
There are procedures within the Office for quality assurance of all drafting files prior to the transmission of final drafts of legislation to client Departments. Furthermore, where legal issues arise on drafting files, requests for advice are made to Advisory Counsel and in some cases submissions are made by the Advisory Counsel to the Attorney General in relation to these issues.
It should also be noted that contact drafters have, allied to their extensive drafting skills, and experience, brought other insights and expertise into the Office. Their advice in respect of Bill management at Government level and their knowledge of other jurisdictions' steps to improve the clarity of legislation have been of much assistance to the Office in developing its views and know-how on these matters. This is an important contribution to the continuous development of skills and expertise in the Office. The Office also utilises the skills and experience of the contract staff in the training of its own permanent staff.
136 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Taoiseach the number of permanent drafters who left their positions in the Office of the Attorney General each year from 2003 to 2008 to take up other positions in the public service. [46769/08]
The figures sought by the Deputy are as follows:
|
Year |
Number |
|
2003 |
None |
|
2004 |
None |
|
2005 |
2, of whom one left on secondment for a position in the Irish Public Service and one left on career break for a position with the OECD |
|
2006 |
None |
|
2007 |
1 left for a position in the Irish Public Service |
|
2008 |
1 left for a position in the Irish Public Service |
137 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Taoiseach the number of contract drafters employed by the Office of the Attorney General on 1 January in each year from 1996 to 2008. [46770/08]
The figures sought by the Deputy are as follows:
|
Year |
Number |
|
1996 |
3 |
|
1997 |
2 |
|
1998 |
2 |
|
1999 |
4 |
|
2000 |
2 |
|
2001 |
4 |
|
2002 |
4 |
|
2003 |
5 |
|
2004 |
6 |
|
2005 |
5 |
|
2006 |
7 |
|
2007 |
6 |
|
2008 |
5 |
138 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Taoiseach the number of entry level advisory counsel who entered the Office of the Attorney General each year from 2000 to 2008. [46771/08]
The figures sought by the Deputy are given below. Entry level advisory counsel entering in 2006, 2007 and 2008 were largely recruited for secondment as legal advisers to other Government Departments and Offices.
|
Year |
Number |
|
2000 |
None |
|
2001 |
8 |
|
2002 |
2 |
|
2003 |
3 |
|
2004 |
1 |
|
2005 |
None |
|
2006 |
6 |
|
2007 |
7 |
|
2008 |
4 |
139 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Taoiseach the number of entry level drafters who entered the Office of the Attorney General each year from 2000 to 2008. [46772/08]
The figures sought by the Deputy are as follows:
|
Year |
Number |
|
2000 |
None |
|
2001 |
3 |
|
2002 |
2 |
|
2003 |
None |
|
2004 |
2 |
|
2005 |
None |
|
2006 |
2 |
|
2007 |
None |
|
2008 |
3 |
142 Deputy Damien English asked the Taoiseach the equipment and data that was lost or stolen from his Department in the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46671/08]
No equipment or data has been reported lost or stolen from my Department in the past 12 months.
143 Deputy Damien English asked the Taoiseach the amount of money spent on hotel accommodation by his Department and each State agency under the aegis of his Department for each of the years 2004 to date in 2008; if he will provide the information available in tabular readable form. [46686/08]
The amount spent on hotel accommodation from my Department's Vote and each State agency under the aegis of this Department from 2004 to end of November 2008 is detailed in the table below.
|
Year |
Amount |
|
€ |
|
|
2004 |
246,431 |
|
2005 |
190,447 |
|
2006 |
220,392 |
|
2007 |
136,493 |
|
2008 (to end November) |
211,508 |
These figures include Programme spend in respect of the bodies operating under the aegis of my Department, other than those referenced out separately below.
Expenditure by NESDO (which was established on a statutory basis from 1 January 2007) is detailed in the following table for 2007 & 2008.
|
Year |
Amount |
|
€ |
|
|
2007 |
23,613 |
|
2008 (to end November) |
23,646 |
Expenditure by the Central Statistics Office is detailed in the following table from 2004 to 2008 inclusive.
|
Year |
Amount |
|
€ |
|
|
2004 |
2,116 |
|
2005 |
3,407 |
|
2006 |
2,945 |
|
2007 |
8,995 |
|
2008 (to end November) |
4,628 |
In general, CSO staff travelling on official business make hotel bookings themselves and pay directly for their accommodation so an overall figure for hotel costs is not available. As a decentralised Office, the CSO occasionally pays directly for hotel accommodation in Ireland, for a small number of meetings involving staff from the Dublin and Cork offices.
144 Deputy Damien English asked the Taoiseach the procurement arrangements in place in his Department and each State agency under the aegis of his Department for the sourcing of hotel accommodation for him, for his Departmental staff and staff at each State agency, when overnight accommodation is necessary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46701/08]
My Department has a travel policy which is based on the guidelines laid down by the Department of Finance. It is applicable to all staff and sets out the policy regarding appropriate hotel accommodation to be used. The aims of the travel policy are to minimise official travel costs and to achieve value for money for expenditure necessarily incurred, consistent with the effective discharge of official duties.
Hotel bookings in relation to my official foreign travel are made by the Department of Foreign Affairs in consultation with the host Government and the local Irish Embassy. In regard to procurement arrangements for sourcing hotel accommodation, the central contract for travel booking services for government officials includes provision for making hotel reservations. This contract is currently held by Club Travel Limited and was awarded following an EU-level advertised procurement process conducted under the lead of the Department of Finance earlier this year.
With regard to Departmental staff, in most instances, hotel bookings are centrally co-ordinated by my Department's Finance Unit which ensures that the travel policy and Department of Finance guidelines are complied with. A designated Travel Officer has responsibility for making bookings on the basis of a decision by the Department of the options put forward by Club Travel. Where exceptionally, Department officials book their own hotel accommodation, they are required to adhere to the Department's Travel Policy.
The procurement arrangements in NESDO are to select a hotel which is convenient to the location of the official business and which is competitively priced. With regard to the Central Statistics Office (CSO), the normal civil service rules for travel and subsistence expenses apply to staff of the CSO travelling on official business. Staff claim travel and overnight expenses in accordance with the rules and rates appropriate to the relevant destination. In general, staff travelling on official business make hotel bookings themselves and pay directly for their accommodation.
As a decentralised Office, the CSO occasionally pays directly for hotel accommodation in Ireland, for a small number of meetings involving staff from the Dublin and Cork offices. When the CSO sources accommodation for official purposes (e.g. meetings, interview rooms, overnight accommodation) the Office follows national procurement guidelines. All bookings are made on the basis of the most economically advantageous tender.
145 Deputy Damien English asked the Taoiseach the number of computer servers that are owned or leased by his Department and each State agency under the aegis of his Department; and the amount of capacity on each server. [46716/08]
My Department owns and operates 52 servers across two separate networks. These servers are configured so as to provide resilience and failover in case of equipment failure. The table below outlines the actual capacity, in gigabytes, of each server, some of which hold a ‘mirror' of the data on other critical servers.
|
Server No. |
Capacity (GB) |
Server No. |
Capacity (GB) |
Server No. |
Capacity (GB) |
Server No. |
Capacity (GB) |
|
1 |
18 |
14 |
25 |
27 |
73 |
40 |
140 |
|
2 |
18 |
15 |
36 |
28 |
73 |
41 |
140 |
|
3 |
18 |
16 |
36 |
29 |
73 |
42 |
140 |
|
4 |
18 |
17 |
36 |
30 |
73 |
43 |
140 |
|
5 |
18 |
18 |
36 |
31 |
73 |
44 |
150 |
|
6 |
18 |
19 |
36 |
32 |
73 |
45 |
205 |
|
7 |
18 |
20 |
36 |
33 |
80 |
46 |
205 |
|
8 |
18 |
21 |
40 |
34 |
80 |
47 |
205 |
|
9 |
18 |
22 |
70 |
35 |
80 |
48 |
210 |
|
10 |
18 |
23 |
70 |
36 |
100 |
49 |
270 |
|
11 |
18 |
24 |
70 |
37 |
135 |
50 |
560 |
|
12 |
18 |
25 |
73 |
38 |
140 |
51 |
650 |
|
13 |
20 |
26 |
73 |
39 |
140 |
52 |
720 |
The following section details the servers owned or leased by the state agencies under the aegis of my Department
|
Server No |
Capacity (GB) |
|
1 |
145 |
|
2 |
217 |
|
3 |
277 |
|
4 |
277 |
|
5 |
68 |
|
6 |
72 |
|
Server No |
Capacity (GB) |
|
1 |
270 |
CSO
The CSO has 104 computer servers with an average capacity of 150 gigabytes per server: and three Storage Area Networks (SANs) with a total capacity of 65 terabytes.
146 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Taoiseach the budgeted cost to his Department for 2009 of incremental pay increases for all staff in and under the aegis of his Department; the comparative cost for each year from 2002 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46992/08]
The estimated cost of incremental pay increases for staff in this Department and the agencies under its aegis in 2008 and 2009 is detailed in the table below. Cost of increments is not identified as a separate cost in the budget process and consequently is not readily available for the years 2002 to 2006. I do not consider it an efficient use of administrative time to provide comparative details for 2002 to 2006 as this would necessitate an inordinate amount of time and cost in my Department.
|
Department/Agencies |
Estimated cost 2008 |
Estimated Cost 2009 |
|
€ |
€ |
|
|
Department of the Taoiseach |
202,000.00 |
201,000.00 |
|
Central Statistics Office |
420,000 |
440,000 |
|
National Economic Social Council Office (NESDO) |
17,248.00 |
14,570.00 |
147 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Taoiseach the number of civil servants and other public servants, who have relocated to locations outside of Dublin under the decentralisation programme; the estimated number of each category who will have relocated by the end of 2009; the breakdown of each set of figures in terms of those who are relocating from Dublin and relocating from elsewhere; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47007/08]
To date, 23 former members of staff from my Department have already been assigned to decentralised posts. There are no proposals to decentralise my Department or any of the bodies under its aegis. It is a matter for those Departments to which staff from my Department have decentralised to assign such staff to locations outside of Dublin.
148 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Taoiseach the number of people working in his Department; the number earning below €50,000 per annum; the number earning between €50,001 and €60,000 per annum; the number earning between €60,001 and €70,000 per annum; the number earning between €70,001 and €80,000 per annum; the number earning between €80,001 and €90,000 per annum; the number earning between €90,001 and €100,000 per annum; the number earning over €100,001 per annum; the number in each staff category (details supplied) for each income band. [47022/08]
149 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Taoiseach the number of civil and public servants working in or under the aegis of his Department for each year from 2002 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47037/08]
150 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Taoiseach the number of locations in which civil and public servants working in or under the aegis of his Department are located; the locations of same; the number, and the number in each category (details supplied) of staff at each location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47052/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 148 to 150, inclusive, together.
The number of whole time equivalent civil and public servants working in or under the aegis of my Department for each year from 2002 to 2008 is set out in the table below.
|
Year |
No. of staff in Dept |
NESDO |
Central Statistics Office |
|
2002 |
222.0 |
21.5 |
753.0 |
|
2003 |
220.2 |
22.5 |
686.3 |
|
2004 |
215.5 |
21.5 |
684.3 |
|
2005 |
213.3 |
20.8 |
776.0 |
|
2006 |
215.0 |
22.6 |
877.6 |
|
2007 |
220.0 |
23.4 |
787.9 |
|
2008 |
214.0 |
24.0 |
773.2 |
NESDO (National Economic and Social Development Office) first operated on a non statutory basis from its inception in April 2002 until the entry into force of the National Economic and Social Development Act 2006 on 1 January 2007. Details in relation to NESDO comprise staff serving in all its constituent bodies, i.e.the National Economic and Social Council (NESC), the National Economic and Social Forum (NESF) and the National Centre for Partnership and Performance (NCPP).
All staff in my Department and the National Economic & Social Development Office are based in Dublin. The Central Statistics Office has staff in both Dublin and Cork. Details are provided in the table below.
|
Cork |
Dublin |
Field Staff |
|
|
Director General/Assistant Director General/Director |
5.00 |
2.00 |
0.00 |
|
Senior Statistician/P.O. |
15.00 |
13.00 |
0.00 |
|
Statistician |
50.40 |
43.80 |
0.00 |
|
A.P. |
17.35 |
5.50 |
0.00 |
|
H.E.O. |
49.60 |
27.40 |
0.00 |
|
E.O. |
106.30 |
47.20 |
0.00 |
|
S.O. |
11.70 |
4.40 |
12.00 |
|
C.O. |
218.30 |
48.20 |
78.05 |
|
Other |
12.00 |
6.00 |
0.00 |
|
Total |
485.65 |
197.50 |
90.05 |
Notes:
1. "Other" category above includes Service Officers, Service Attendants, Implant Operators, Accountant, Technical Officer and Telephonists.
2. Field Staff are employed throughout the country and work from home. Therefore, it is not possible to provide more detail by location for these grade. Field staff grades of Coordinator and Interviewer are equivalent to S.O. and C.O. as reflected in the table above.
The breakdown of the salaries of staff in my Department in the format requested by the Deputy is set out in the table below. It should be noted that the details refer to actual staff rather than whole time equivalents.
|
€ |
No. of persons |
|
> 100,001 |
28 |
|
90,001 – 100,000 |
7 |
|
80,001 – 90,000 |
10 |
|
70,001 – 80,000 |
13 |
|
60,001 – 70,000 |
6 |
|
50,001 – 60,000 |
37 |
|
< 50,000 |
135 |
151 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Taoiseach the agencies, bodies or authorities under the aegis of his Department that have been scheduled for merging, amalgamation, abolition or sharing of services as announced in the Budget 2009; the progress that has been made on the implementation of these organisational changes; the details of the implementation plan for these organisational changes; the cost savings that will arise from each of these organisational changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47067/08]
There are no agencies, bodies or authorities under the aegis of my Department scheduled for merging, amalgamation, abolition or sharing of services as announced in the Budget 2009.
152 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Taoiseach the amount of taxpayers’ money given to the Institute for International and European Affairs in the lead up to the Lisbon Referendum. [47105/08]
The Department of the Taoiseach does not provide any direct funding to the Institute of International and European Affairs, other than payment of a yearly membership fee for the Department. The membership fee for the Department of the Taoiseach for 2008 is €6,000.
153 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to EU Directive 2002/44/EC laying down minimum standards for the protection of workers from risks to their health and safety arising or likely to arise from exposure to mechanical vibration, and its transposition deadline of no later than 6 July 2005 and its provision of a transitional period of five years in relation to Section 5 (3) where work equipment is used which was given to workers before 6 July 2007. [46934/08]
154 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to EU Directive 2002/44/EC laying down minimum standards for the protection of workers from risks to their health and safety arising or likely to arise from exposure to mechanical vibration, its transposition deadline of no later than 6 July 2005 and its provision of a transitional period of five years in relation to Section 5(3) where work equipment is used which was given to workers before 6 July 2007. [47069/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 153 and 154 together.
Directive 2002/44/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 June 2002 on the minimum health and safety requirements regarding the exposure of workers to the risks arising from physical agents (vibration) was originally transposed into Irish law through the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Control of Vibration at Work) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 370 of 2006). These Regulations were subsequently revoked by and reincorporated in the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007 (S.I. No. 299 of 2007) in an exercise of consolidation and simplification of regulatory provisions in the area of occupational safety and health.
Specifically, Chapter 2 of Part 5, Regulations 133 to 142, and Schedule 6 of the 2007 General Application Regulations retransposed Directive 2002/44/EC into Irish law.
This Chapter sets out requirements relating to the control of vibration at work including exposure limit values and action values, determination and assessment of risks, provisions aimed at avoiding or reducing exposure, employee information and training, health surveillance, records and effects and exemptions. Regulation 134, inter alia, provides that Regulation 139, relating to the application of exposure limit values, applies on and after 6 July 2010, but not until then, where work equipment is used which was first provided to employees before 6 July 2007 by an employer, and does not permit compliance with the exposure limit values.
155 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will expand on Parliamentary Question No. 138 of 9 December 2008 to include the duration and dates of the visits made by her or other Ministers in her Department to FÁS events abroad since 2000 to date in 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46518/08]
The information below sets out details in relation to visits made by Ministers of this Department to FÁS events abroad since 2000. The exact dates in relation to a number of the trips made in 2000 and 2001 are not readily available and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
|
Minister |
Trip |
Date |
|
Minister Martin |
Science Challenge Florida |
10–14 July 2005* |
|
Minister Killeen |
FÁS Jobs Fair New York |
18-22 October 2006 |
|
Science Challenge Houston |
23-27 October 2005 |
|
|
Minister Ahern |
Science Challenge Houston |
24-28 April 2006 |
|
Minister Harney |
Science Challenge Florida |
7-12 July 2004 |
|
FÁS Jobs Fair S/Africa |
25-27 November 2000 |
|
|
FÁS Jobs Fair London |
13 May 2000 |
|
|
Minister Kitt |
FÁS Jobs Fair NY |
2001 |
|
FÁS Jobs Fair Moscow |
2001 |
|
|
FÁS Jobs Fair Berlin |
2001 |
|
|
Minister Treacy |
FÁS Jobs Fair Newfoundland |
2000 |
*Included events hosted by IDA.
156 Deputy Damien English asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the equipment and data that was lost or stolen from her Department in the past 12 months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46664/08]
My Department's records indicate that in the past 12 months one laptop has been reported stolen, one laptop reported missing and one BlackBerry device reported stolen. None has been recovered or found. There have been no other computers or data devices reported lost, missing or stolen during this period.
It is my Department's policy to invoke the facility to remotely erase all data from a BlackBerry device as soon as it is reported missing, and immediately cancel the subscription with the service provider. In the case of the stolen BlackBerry it was not possible to do this locally and the device was disabled by the service provider at my Department's request.
It is also the policy in my Department to encrypt all new laptops before they are issued. A project to encrypt all laptops already issued to officers of my Department is currently underway and should be completed by year-end. The two missing laptops were not encrypted but they were reported not to contain any sensitive or private data at the time of their loss.
157 Deputy Damien English asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount of money spent on hotel accommodation by her Department and each State agency under the aegis of her Department for each of the years 2004 to date in 2008; if she will provide the information available in tabular readable form. [46679/08]
As a general rule, staff of my Department who are necessarily detained away from home or headquarters on official business in Ireland on an overnight basis are responsible for the payment of their own accommodation expenses. In accordance with Department of Finance travel and subsistence regulations, staff are usually paid a flat rate allowance in such circumstances to cover their combined accommodation and subsistence costs. My Department does not generally receive or record details of their hotel costs.
Occasionally, my Department organises meetings in hotels which necessarily require accommodation for some staff of the Department. The accommodation costs in such cases usually form part of a wider package of conference facilities and are paid as part of a total invoice. The accommodation costs are not recorded separately on my Department's accounting systems in such instances.
Where an officer avails of hotel accommodation while engaged on official business abroad, he/she may be reimbursed expenses by way of: (a) a flat-rate allowance to cover combined accommodation and subsistence costs, or (b) vouched accommodation costs, with a reduced subsistence allowance.
Any hotel accommodation costs reimbursed by my Department in these situations are aggregated with associated subsistence costs on my Department's accounting systems and are not recorded separately.
Similar procedures also apply in relation to hotel accommodation costs for myself and my Ministers of State. In accordance with Department of Finance travel and subsistence regulations, Ministers and Ministers of State are reimbursed vouched accommodation costs and receive a reduced subsistence allowance for overnight absences on official business, whether in Ireland or abroad. However, the accommodation costs are not recorded separately on my Department's accounting systems.
It is not feasible, therefore, to identify separately the amount of money spent on hotel accommodation by my Department, as this exercise would require every expenses claim and a number of individual invoices processed by my Department to be reviewed. My Department processes several thousand expenses claims each year.
Expenditure on hotel accommodation by the State agencies under the aegis of my Department is an administrative matter for the agencies concerned and my Department does not have direct access to those details.
158 Deputy Damien English asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the procurement arrangements in place in her Department and each State agency under the aegis of her Department for the sourcing of hotel accommodation for her, for her Departmental staff and staff at each State agency, when overnight accommodation is necessary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46694/08]
As a general rule, staff of my Department who are necessarily detained away from home or headquarters on official business on an overnight basis in Ireland are responsible for selecting their own accommodation. This arrangement also applies to myself and my Ministers of State.
In accordance with Department of Finance travel and subsistence regulations, officials are usually paid a flat rate allowance in such circumstances to cover their combined accommodation and subsistence costs. Ministers and Ministers of State are reimbursed vouched accommodation costs and receive a reduced subsistence allowance.
Occasionally, my Department organises meetings in hotels which necessarily require accommodation for some staff of the Department. The accommodation costs in such cases usually form part of a wider package of conference facilities and are paid as part of a total invoice. Public Procurement procedures apply in organising such meetings.
With regard to the sourcing of hotel accommodation for official business abroad, my Department, together with a number of other Government Departments, has engaged the services of a travel management company to process flight and hotel bookings. The contract for these services was awarded following a public tendering process managed by the Department of Finance. The service provided by the travel management company allows my Department to access competitive hotel rates abroad, often at short notice and in times of peak demand.
In some situations, hotel accommodation for Ministerial visits abroad is organised through the Department of Foreign Affairs or by agencies such as IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland. My Department does not have any role in the selection of hotels in these instances.
The procurement of hotel accommodation by the State agencies under my Department's remit is an administrative matter for the agencies concerned and my Department does not have direct access to the details of their procurement arrangements.
159 Deputy Damien English asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of computer servers that are owned or leased by her Department and each State agency under the aegis of her Department; and the amount of capacity on each server. [46709/08]
Server specifications for servers owned by the agencies under the aegis of this Department are day-to-day operational matters for the agencies involved and not ones in which I have any function.
My Department's records include details of servers with relevant storage capacity, owned or leased by the Department or its Offices and which are on the Department's network. These details are set out in tabular format as follows:
|
Server Identity |
Owned / Leased |
Capacity (Gigabytes) |
|
1 |
Owned |
625 |
|
2 |
Owned |
625 |
|
3 |
Owned |
489 |
|
4 |
Owned |
2,800 |
|
5 |
Owned |
2,800 |
|
6 |
Owned |
2,300 |
|
7 |
Owned |
2,300 |
|
8 |
Owned |
68 |
|
9 |
Owned |
66 |
|
10 |
Owned |
66 |
|
11 |
Owned |
407 |
|
12 |
Owned |
60 |
|
13 |
Owned |
34 |
|
14 |
Owned |
407 |
|
15 |
Owned |
40 |
|
16 |
Owned |
37 |
|
17 |
Owned |
78 |
|
18 |
Owned |
534 |
|
19 |
Owned |
534 |
|
20 |
Owned |
534 |
|
21 |
Owned |
534 |
|
22 |
Owned |
540 |
|
23 |
Owned |
540 |
|
24 |
Owned |
101 |
|
25 |
Owned |
366 |
|
26 |
Owned |
272 |
|
27 |
Owned |
476 |
|
28 |
Owned |
340 |
|
29 |
Owned |
476 |
|
30 |
Owned |
68 |
|
31 |
Owned |
510 |
|
32 |
Owned |
272 |
|
33 |
Owned |
34 |
|
34 |
Owned |
283.9 |
|
35 |
Owned |
156 |
|
36 |
Owned |
863.9 |
|
37 |
Owned |
7.75 |
|
38 |
Owned |
34 |
|
39 |
Owned |
12 |
|
40 |
Owned |
863 |
|
41 |
Owned |
272 |
|
42 |
Owned |
68 |
|
43 |
Owned |
67 |
|
44 |
Owned |
340 |
|
45 |
Owned |
68 |
|
46 |
Owned |
396.26 |
|
47 |
Owned |
396 |
|
48 |
Owned |
337.7 |
|
49 |
Owned |
68 |
|
50 |
Owned |
170 |
|
51 |
Owned |
166 |
|
52 |
Owned |
170 |
|
53 |
Owned |
82 |
|
54 |
Owned |
37.2 |
|
55 |
Owned |
67.7 |
|
56 |
Owned |
597 |
|
57 |
Owned |
880 |
|
58 |
Owned |
880 |
|
59 |
Owned |
880 |
|
60 |
Owned |
262 |
|
61 |
Owned |
208 |
|
62 |
Owned |
477 |
|
63 |
Owned |
390.53 |
|
64 |
Owned |
312 |
|
65 |
Owned |
148.4 |
|
66 |
Owned |
68 |
|
67 |
Owned |
68 |
|
68 |
Owned |
168 |
|
69 |
Owned |
65 |
|
70 |
Owned |
270 |
|
71 |
Owned |
73 |
|
72 |
Owned |
231 |
|
73 |
Owned |
219.1 |
|
74 |
Owned |
1 |
|
75 |
Owned |
160 |
|
76 |
Owned |
79 |
|
77 |
Owned |
85 |
|
78 |
Owned |
216.9 |
|
79 |
Owned |
170 |
|
80 |
Owned |
170 |
|
81 |
Owned |
296 |
|
82 |
Owned |
340.1 |
|
83 |
Owned |
160 |
|
84 |
Owned |
701 |
|
85 |
Owned |
270.6 |
|
86 |
Owned |
160 |
|
87 |
Owned |
221.6 |
|
88 |
Owned |
204.95 |
|
89 |
Owned |
155.73 |
|
90 |
Owned |
399.63 |
|
91 |
Owned |
289.8 |
|
92 |
Owned |
70 |
|
93 |
Owned |
29 |
|
94 |
Owned |
283.9 |
|
95 |
Owned |
316.6 |
|
96 |
Owned |
315.9 |
|
97 |
Owned |
170.2 |
|
98 |
Owned |
170.2 |
|
99 |
Owned |
68 |
|
100 |
Owned |
68 |
|
101 |
Owned |
340.1 |
|
102 |
Owned |
270 |
|
103 |
Owned |
32 |
|
104 |
Owned |
47 |
|
105 |
Owned |
387.6 |
|
106 |
Owned |
880 |
|
107 |
Owned |
340.1 |
|
108 |
Owned |
477 |
|
109 |
Owned |
67.7 |
|
110 |
Owned |
205 |
|
111 |
Owned |
498.12 |
|
112 |
Owned |
61 |
|
113 |
Owned |
136 |
|
114 |
Owned |
17 |
|
115 |
Owned |
168 |
|
116 |
Owned |
169 |
|
117 |
Owned |
171 |
|
118 |
Owned |
171 |
|
119 |
Owned |
137 |
|
120 |
Owned |
160 |
|
121 |
Owned |
477 |
|
122 |
Owned |
160 |
|
123 |
Owned |
440.35 |
|
124 |
Owned |
112 |
|
125 |
Owned |
136 |
|
126 |
Owned |
136 |
|
127 |
Owned |
136 |
|
128 |
Owned |
136 |
|
129 |
Owned |
136 |
|
130 |
Owned |
58 |
|
131 |
Owned |
477 |
|
132 |
Owned |
67.7 |
|
133 |
Owned |
68 |
|
134 |
Owned |
107 |
|
135 |
Owned |
29 |
|
136 |
Owned |
33.7 |
|
137 |
Owned |
101.4 |
|
138 |
Owned |
136 |
|
139 |
Owned |
101.95 |
|
140 |
Owned |
56 |
|
141 |
Owned |
136 |
|
142 |
Owned |
17 |
|
143 |
Owned |
101.51 |
|
144 |
Owned |
73 |
|
145 |
Owned |
360 |
|
146 |
Owned |
17 |
|
147 |
Owned |
160 |
|
148 |
Owned |
160 |
|
149 |
Owned |
160 |
|
150 |
Owned |
135 |
|
151 |
Owned |
160 |
|
152 |
Owned |
160 |
|
153 |
Owned |
160 |
|
154 |
Owned |
135 |
160 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the advisory committees, boards, quangos, taskforces, fora or any other ad hoc bodies which were created by her or her Department in 2008; the purpose of the body in each case; the reason such a body such a body was required in each case; the membership of each body; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46781/08]
My Department established five such groups in 2008. The specific details requested by the Deputy for each are as follows:
Advisory Group on Media Mergers
(a) Purpose of the Group — To review the legislative framework in relation to the public interest aspects of media mergers and to make recommendations as appropriate
(b) Reason the Group was established — To assist in the overall review of the Competition Act 2002
(c) Membership of the Group:
Paul Sreenan Senior Counsel (Chair),
Marc Coleman, Author, Broadcaster and Writer,
Professor Colum Kenny, Dublin City University,
Michael O' Keeffe, Broadcasting Commission of Ireland,
John Herlihy, Chief Executive, Google Ireland,
Olive Braiden, Arts Council,
Peter Cassells, National Centre for Partnership & Performance.
Sales Law Review Group
(a) Purpose of the Group — To conduct a review of the legislation governing the sale of goods and supply of services, and to provide analysis and evaluation of the proposed EU Consumer Contractual Rights Directive and to make recommendations as to how the Directive and Irish contract and sales law can be integrated
(b) Reason the Group was established — The area to be covered by the review is heavily legalistic, complex and technical, particularly in the general sales law field.
(c) Membership of the Group:
Professor Robert Clark, UCD (Chair);
Tony Burke, nominee of Irish Exporters' Association;
Caterina Gardiner LL.B, LL.M, NUI Galway;
Michael Kilcoyne, Vice-Chairman Consumers' Assoc of Ireland;
Roderick Maguire LL.B, LL.M, BL, Honorary Secretary of the Bar Council of Ireland;
Sean Murphy, Legal Adviser NCA;
Richard Nesbitt S.C. nominee of IBEC;
Kevin O'Higgins, Solicitor nominee of Incorporated Law Society;
Nathan Reilly LL.B, LL.M, Barrister;
Fidelma White LL.B, LL.M, UCC.
Interim Advisory Board to the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA)
(a) Purpose of the Board — To advise the Director of NERA on matters relating to compliance with, and enforcement of, employment legislation.
(b) Reason the Board was established — To enable representatives of employers and employees to advise the Director of NERA on matters relating to compliance with and enforcement of employment legislation having regard to Sections 19-21 of the Employment Law Compliance Bill, 2008.
(c) Membership of the Board:
John Dennehy (Chair), former public representative,
John Walsh, former Assistant Secretary, Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment,
Stella Skowronska, Language Course Co-ordinator and Teacher,
James Somers, former General President, SIPTU and Executive Member & Treasurer ICTU,
Linda Tanham, Assistant General Secretary, Mandate,
Patricia King, National Officer, SIPTU,
Owen Wills, General Secretary, TEEU,
Mary Cryan, HR Director, Brown Thomas Group,
John Flanagan, Head of Branches and IT, EBS,
Eddie Keenan, Director of IR, Employment and Manpower Services, CIF.
Enterprise Feedback Group
(a) Purpose of the Group — To provide feedback from business and industry on the Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation (SSTI) and advice on the commercialisation of research outcomes from the Government's substantial investment in research and development
(b) Reason the Group was established — Feedback from Group will inform the continuing development of policy for the achievement of the SSTI's targets.
(c) Membership of the Group:
Lionel Alexander (Chair) Vice President and General Manager, Hewlett Packard Irl
Sean Baker, IT Consultant
William Carty, Finance Director, Abbott Ireland
Dr. Gabriel Dennison, NTR plc
Aidan Fitzsimons, Commercial Director, Dairygold Cooperative Society
Michael Gallagher, Managing Director, Swan Net-Gundry Ltd
Eleanor Garvey, General Manager, Pfizer Ireland Pharmaceuticals
Tony Golden, Managing Director, Citi Ireland
Cathy Kearney, Managing Director, Apple Computer International
Henry McGarvey, Managing Director, Pramerica Systems Ireland Ltd
Sean McGrath, Chief Technical Officer, Propylon Ltd
Martin McVicker, Managing Director, Combilift Ltd
Julie O'Neill, General Manager, Gilead Sciences Ltd
Steering Committee for the Review and Assessment of the EQUAL Community Initiative 2000-2006
(a) Purpose of the Committee — The EQUAL Community Initiative, an ESF co-financed programme that addressed issues around inequality and discrimination in the labour market under the 2000-2006 Structural Funds is being wound up at the moment. The purpose of Steering Committee is to oversee a review, by external consultants, of the learning from the activities and pilots carried out under EQUAL.
(b) Reason the Committee was established — The Steering Committee was set up to oversee the review, by external consultants, of the learning from EQUAL and ensure it is carried out and implemented in a correct manner. It is expected the review will provide recommendations / advice on how best to implement the lessons in labour market policy and programmes to the Department.
(c) Membership of the Committee:
Vincent Landers, Head of ESF in Ireland (Chairperson)
Catherine Curran, Head of the EQUAL Authority in Ireland
Carol Baxter, Equality Authority,
Margaret Barry, FÁS,
Niall Monks, Labour Market Policy Section of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment,
Finola McDonnell, IBEC,
Willie McIntosh , Human Capital Investment Operational Programme 2007-2013 OP, Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment,
Frank Vaughan, ICTU,
Tony Tyrrell, WRC,
Jim Deane, Department of Finance.
161 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the external consultants hired by her Department in 2007 and 2008; the work carried out and the cost of such work in each case; the reason it was not possible to carry out such work internally within her Department or an agency of her Department in each case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46782/08]
The information requested by the Deputy insofar as my Department is concerned is set out in the tabular statement below.
The figures provided relate to consultancies as defined in the Department of Finance December 2006 "Guidelines for the Engagement of Consultants and Other External Support by the Civil Service".
My Department continues to seek greater efficiencies, effectiveness and value for money in the administration of its financial resources. My Department's requirements for consultancy only arise where appropriate skills, knowledge or expertise are not available within the Department, or where a particular need arises that cannot be addressed within the resources available. When it becomes necessary to engage consultants, Government tendering procedures are followed, which ensures that contracts are awarded to the most suitable and cost effective tenderer. Where possible, my Department utilises the expertise available in other Government Departments and Offices, such as obtaining legal advice from the Chief State Solicitors Office in preference to engaging external consultants.
A feature of the Department's procedures for approving funding for consultancies under the Consultancy Subhead (Subhead A07) or, indeed, the Research Subhead (Subhead U), is that before any funding is approved by the Management Board of my Department, the Line Section requesting such funding must make a strong business case, outlining the anticipated benefits, the value-added nature of the consultancy, and the argument for engaging outside consultants in preference to undertaking the work using the internal resources of the Section.
I would point out to the Deputy that, even on occasions where consultants are engaged, significant skills transfers occur. Additionally, training and development resources are allocated to encourage participation in appropriate third level and postgraduate courses, designed to meet the business goals of the Department. During the period in question (i.e. 2007 & 2008), thirty-one staff participated in courses designed to enhance their competencies in the areas of policy analysis, economic policy studies and project management. This training will contribute towards reducing dependency on consultants in future years. Furthermore, a number of officers in my Department have undertaken training courses provided through the Department of Finance's Expenditure Reviewers Network, to provide them with the appropriate skills sets and techniques to undertake work which may otherwise have needed to be undertaken by external consultants. Although the input of consultants is still sometimes required in some expenditure reviews, the level of input and the associated expenditure is considerably reduced.
In light of the need to pursue greater efficiencies and value for money, my Department will continue to endeavour to ensure that any funding provided for consultancies is necessary, and results in the optimal use of the Department's financial and human resources.
|
Name of Consultants |
Purpose |
Cost |
|
€ |
||
|
Leo Burnett |
Advertising increase in National Minimum Wage |
50,163 |
|
Corporate Risk Strategies Ltd (CRS) |
Prepare a Health and Safety report on each of the Department’s buildings together with the appropriate Safety Statements. |
24,200 |
|
ESRI |
National Survey on Workplace Bullying |
84,232 |
|
Tom Walsh |
To provide advice to the Department on the development of occupational health and safety policy and legislation |
81,493 |
|
Arup Consulting Engineers |
To support the Department in its review of Review of Dangerous Substances legislation |
28,814 |
|
Indecon Economic Consultants |
To prepare a report on the EU Emissions Trading Scheme. |
30,000 |
|
Indecon Consultants |
Prepare a Report — Value for Money Review of Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) |
111,244 |
|
The Media Group |
To devise, implement and manage a national promotion and advertising campaign across a range of media for the ICT Audits Programme for Small Business in Ireland |
135,000 |
|
Noel J. Travers BL |
Drafted a legal instrument. |
8,440 |
|
RITS |
To prepare a series of reports re IT Security |
118,928 |
|
Version 1 |
To prepare a report on the Insolvency Payments Section BPR (Business Process Re-engineering) |
7,187 |
|
Work Research Co-operative Social & Economic Consultants |
Acquired Disability and Job retention report |
26,632 |
|
Goodbody Economic Consultants |
Review of Wage SubsidyScheme |
23,595 |
|
Farrell Grant Sparks |
Ex-ante evaluation of the Human Capital Investment OP 2007-2013 |
66,671 |
|
Indecon Economic Consultants |
Study of efficiency and Effectiveness ofVocational Training Services |
5,087 |
|
DHR Communications |
Dissemination of information etc, on the SEF co-funded “EQUAL” Community Initiative (CI) |
28,305 |
|
Tom Ferris |
To carry out six case studies investigating the administrative burdens arising due to regulation and to prepare a report |
2,997 |
|
Dan Flinter |
To facilitate two business workshops, examining the burdens of regulation on business, and make recommendations |
8,643 |
|
Name of Consultants |
Purpose |
Cost |
|
€ |
||
|
Nathan Reilly |
Review of consumer legislation |
7,053 |
|
Keating and Associates |
Communications Strategy for the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement (ODCE) |
32,670 |
|
Millward Brown IMS |
Market Research for ODCE |
44,790 |
|
Cyril O’Neill |
Legal Costs Assessment for ODCE |
13,273 |
|
Connolly Lowe |
Legal Costs Assessment for ODCE |
2,588 |
|
Carr Communications |
Effective communications with Companies Registration Office (CRO) clients |
45,372 |
|
Millward Browne |
Carry out market research for the CRO |
27,062 |
|
Grant Thornton |
Consultancy on Public Procurement and Business Solutions |
57,521 |
|
O’ Mara, Geragthy, Mc Court |
Provision of legal services and advices |
35,086 |
|
Q4 |
Public relations services/advice |
18,150 |
|
Owens DDB |
Advice on advertising and placing of same in various media |
128,566 |
|
DKM Economic Consultants |
Research on multi-unit developments |
1,210 |
|
RPS Consultants |
Research on energy policy |
9,575 |
|
Vision Consulting Ltd |
Consultants were engaged to carry out a review of the operation of the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA) Information Services and to make recommendations on the structures, processes and systems that should operate in the Unit in order to achieve the highest possible standard of excellence in terms of meeting customer needs. |
95,711 |
|
Keating and Associates |
To provide NERA with PR Consultancy Services |
46,462 |
|
Mason Hayes & Curran |
NERA legal costs |
16,611 |
|
Ellard Browne |
NERA Management Information Framework work |
7,550 |
|
PriceWaterhouseCoopers |
NERA Management Consultancy |
30,189 |
|
Vision Consulting |
NERA Communictions Strategy |
186,334 |
|
Cawley Nea Ltd |
NERA Advertising Media |
181,335 |
|
Design Tactics |
NERA Advertising Media |
6,285 |
|
McCann Fitzgerald |
Provision of legal advice under the Industrial and Provident Societies Acts for the CRO |
18,184 |
|
Millward Browne |
Market Research for CRO |
42,144 |
|
Name of Consultants |
Purpose |
Cost |
|
€ |
||
|
DNM Technology |
VMWare advice on the use of software to run virtual PCs |
4,840 |
|
S.F.Hughes & Co |
Legal Services/advice |
938 |
|
James W. Houlihan |
Legal Services/advice |
1,210 |
|
James Dwyer |
Legal Services/advice |
1,815 |
|
John Hennessy BL |
Legal advice |
126,324 |
|
Matthias Kelly QC |
Legal advice |
162,742 |
|
Form Creative Ltd |
Advertising campaign for Work Life Balance Day 2007 |
52,398 |
|
Form Creative Ltd |
Advertising for Panel of Consultants 2007 |
8,673 |
|
Helm Corporation Ltd |
Consultancy Service Oracle Review –Finance Unit |
8,146 |
|
European Commission |
Engagement of consultants to carry out National Evaluation of the impact of the European Employment Strategy in Ireland |
4,973 |
|
Mazars |
Engagement of a consultant to undertake 2 audits from the Department’s 2006 Audit Plan (Finance Unit and Personnel Unit) (continued from 2006) |
10,482 |
|
Name of Consultants |
Purpose |
Cost |
|
€ |
||
|
DHR Communications |
Dissemination of information on the ESF co-funded “EQUAL” Community Initiative (CI) |
9,547 |
|
Social and Market Research |
Conduct an “EQUAL” Survey |
23,850 |
|
Farrell Grant Sparks |
Ex-ante evaluation of the Human Capital Investment Operational Programme 2007-2013 |
7,025 |
|
Work Research Co-operative WRC |
Job Retention and return to work |
26,632 |
|
Keating Consulting Ltd |
NERA PR |
63,189 |
|
Ellard Browne Ltd |
NERA Advertising |
605 |
|
Cawley Nea Ltd |
NERA Advertising |
27,410 |
|
Name of Consultants |
Purpose |
Cost |
|
€ |
||
|
Tom Walsh |
To provide advice to the Department on the development of occupational health and safety policy and legislation |
63,422 |
|
Arup Consulting Engineers |
To support the Department in its review of Review of Dangerous Substances legislation |
35,930 |
|
Kilroy Solicitors |
Legal Advice |
16,263 |
|
Version 1 |
To prepare a report on the Insolvency Payments Section Business Process Re-engineering (BPR) |
13,177 |
|
RITS |
Security Advice |
38,535 |
|
IQ Content Ltd |
Review of Department’s Website |
20,604 |
|
Goodbody Economic Consultants |
Review of the Wage Subsidy Scheme |
23,595 |
|
IPA |
Quality Assessment of Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Value for Money Review |
3,630 |
|
Carr Communications |
Communications Advice for the Companies Registration Office (CRO) |
25,593 |
|
Open Interface |
Website accessibility advice for the CRO |
3,993 |
|
Grant Thornton |
Procurement and business solution advice for the CRO |
71,874 |
|
Millward Brown/IMS |
Market Research for ODCE |
15,898 |
|
Mathias Kelly QC |
Legal advice |
167,171 |
|
Experian Ireland |
Provision of statistical analysis of returns to the CRO |
182 |
|
PricewaterhouseCoopers |
Media Research for the Advisory Group on Media Mergers |
26,965 |
|
Emily Gibson BL |
Legal Services for the Advisory Group on Media Mergers |
5,596 |
|
Form Creative Ltd |
Advertising campaign for Work Life Balance Day 2008 |
€4,994 |
|
Form Creative Ltd |
Advertising campaign for Work Life Balance Day 2008 |
120,000 |
|
Arthur Cox |
Prioritising Information Obligations in Company Law Legislation |
2,226 |
|
Scannell Solutions |
Prioritising Health and Safety Obligations — Additional Review |
605 |
|
IQ Content Ltd |
Review of Department’s Website |
41,261 |
|
Indecon Economic Consultants |
Value for Money Review of SFI |
74,163 |
|
Name of Consultants |
Purpose |
Cost |
|
€ |
||
|
Tom Walsh |
To provide technical & research support to the Department in relation to certain aspects of occupational health and safety and chemicals policy |
8,000 |
|
Arup Consulting Engineers |
To support the Department in its review of Review of Dangerous Substances legislation |
79,327 |
|
Cawley Nea |
Advertising consultants |
27,101 |
|
Keatings |
PR consultants |
22,458 |
|
Achilles Procurement Services Ltd |
Consultancy on the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA) case management system |
602 |
|
Gordon Green |
Consultancy on NERA enforcement database |
1,268 |
|
KPMG |
Assessment of a restructuring plan |
273,460 |
|
RITS |
Information Security Services |
17,669 |
|
Trigraph Professional Services |
Review of ICT Unit Project Management Procedures & Practices |
2,995 |
|
Mason, Hayes & Curran |
Procurement Legal Advice |
8,534 |
|
Computer Associates |
Review of ICT Backup Systems |
13,310 |
|
Dermot McCarthy SC |
Legal Advice |
9,100 |
|
Brian Murray |
Fees to Counsel |
1,724 |
|
Douglas Clarke |
Fees to Counsel |
41,029 |
|
Remy Farrell |
Fees to Counsel |
7,719 |
|
Work Research Co-operative WRC |
Carry out work by providing Technical Support for the Department on the co-funded ESF EQUAL Community Initiative. |
100,672 |
|
Ernst & Young |
Audit of “DAWN” under the ESF co-funded EQUAL Community Initiative |
25,090 |
|
PA Consulting |
Review and Assessment of the EFS co-funded EQUAL Community Initiative 2000-2006 |
14,898 |
|
WRC |
Carry out work by providing Technical Support for the Department on the co-funded ESF EQUAL Community Initiative. |
38,514 |
|
Goodbody Economic Consultants |
Review of the Wage Subsidy Scheme |
23,595 |
|
Indecon Economic Consultants |
To carry out work relating to the Leonardo Da Vinci Programme |
2,000 |
162 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of redundancies reported to her Department for County Kildare in each of the past five years; the areas of the county in which the redundancies occurred; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46792/08]
The numbers of redundancies occurring in County Kildare in each of the past five years are shown on the table attached. The figures for 2003/2004 show the number of redundancies notified to my Department in those years, while those figures from 2005 onwards represent the number of actual redundancies occurring in County Kildare. Information on redundancies is maintained on a county basis and is not available separately for areas within a county.
|
2003* |
2004* |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
Total |
|
|
Kildare |
721 |
706 |
745 |
796 |
1,147 |
1,773 |
5,888 |
*Notified Redundancies by Area 2003-2004.
163 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the plans or investigative mechanisms that she is planning to address the major increase in unemployment figures in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46823/08]
Unemployment is increasing across the country due to the downturn in the economy and this has impacted on Kildare also. This situation is unwelcome and is an indication of the challenges that are now facing the labour market and that are within the economy as a whole.
The Government is taking specific measures to address this challenge and to ensure that job losses are minimised as much as possible and for as short a time as possible. The enterprise development agencies, along with FÁS the employment and training authority, are actively engaged in facilitating job opportunities in Kildare.
At present there are 25 IDA Ireland supported companies in Kildare employing approximately 10,356 people. Kildare has in recent years attracted some world class manufacturing companies including Wyeth Medica, Braun Oral B, Intel and Hewlett Packard. The Millennium Park in Naas has three modern 40,000 sq.ft. advance office buildings which are now available for marketing to inward investors, with all the necessary infrastructure, including ducting for broadband.
New indigenous companies have also been established and have created new employment in the county. The major €22.6 million expansion investment, supported by Enterprise Ireland, is underway and on target in Green Isle Foods. It is expected to lead to the creation of 130 new jobs in the area. A major investment of €28 million also is underway in Dawn Farm Foods Ltd. Overall 100 new jobs will be created.
FÁS is providing a number of training and employment programmes in Kildare and has, with the Local Employment Services, geared up its Employment Services further to provide increased capacity for increased referrals from the Live Register.
164 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if there are itineraries planned by any of the State agencies under her remit to visit Kildare south in the next six months; if the contacts made by her or her Department created or met on any of the trade missions that she led or was part of since she came into her Ministry, are part of any of the itineraries; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46824/08]
IDA Ireland is the agency with statutory responsibility for the attraction of foreign direct investment to Ireland and its regions. The marketing of individual areas, including Kildare, for new or expansion FDI investments and jobs is a day-to-day operational matter for the Agency. While I may give general policy directives to the Agency, I am precluded under the Acts from giving directives regarding individual undertakings or from giving preference to one area over others.
I travel abroad on missions organised by IDA Ireland to assist the Agency in the attraction of foreign direct investment to this country. These visits are targeted at specific sectors and do result, in some cases, in follow up visits by foreign companies to this country. The arrangement of such itineraries, is a day to day operational matter for the Agency and not one in which I have a function. In the final analysis, it is the investing company, who decides where to invest and where to visit. However I have been informed by IDA Ireland that there have been 2 IDA sponsored itineraries to Kildare during 2008.
I also travel on trade missions abroad that are organised by Enterprise Ireland. The aim of these visits is to promote the exports of goods and services produced in this country into foreign markets and to thereby grow indigenous Irish firms.
165 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if progress has been made or if meetings have taken place between the Industrial Development Authority and Kildare County Council in relation to the sale or leasing of the vacant IDA lands in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46825/08]
The management of IDA Ireland's industrial property portfolio is a day-to-day operational matter for the Agency, as part of the statutory responsibility assigned to it by the Oireachtas and it is not a matter in which the Minister of the day has any involvement.
I am informed by IDA Ireland that, at present, the Agency has approximately 2.27 hectares remaining available in Monasterevin, approximately 1.77 hectares remaining available in Athy, (Woodstock), and approximately 1.53 hectares remaining available in Castledermot. I understand that the Board of IDA approved the sale of all these lands to Kildare County Council at its Board meeting on April 9th 2003. However, this transaction was never finalised due to a failure in negotiations.
The Agency also has approximately 1.72 hectares available in Tipper Road Naas
IDA is currently reviewing the future use of all these lands. As part of this review, in November 2008 IDA had meetings with Kildare County Council to determine their interest in the acquisition of these lands. At present these discussions are ongoing pending a review of the current land prices.
166 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the action she has taken regarding employment law (details supplied); if no action has been taken to date, when action will be taken; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46907/08]
I understand that the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA), which is responsible for monitoring compliance with employment rights legislation, is aware of, and has commenced enquiries in relation to, the company referred to by the Deputy. NERA advise me that appropriate action will be taken in the event of breaches of employment legislation by that Company being discovered.
167 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when this Deputy will receive a full reply to Parliamentary Question No. 159 of 18 November 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46908/08]
The information covering the last nine years, requested by the Deputy in his earlier Parliamentary Question, took longer than I or my Department had anticipated to finalise. Nonetheless, the information has issued to the Deputy this week.
168 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when a work permit will issue to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46922/08]
A work permit has now issued in this case.
169 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps she has taken and each of the measures she has introduced in the past three months to ensure that retail outlets and other businesses importing products priced in sterling are passing on to consumers to the fullest extent possible the benefits of the weaker sterling exchange rate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46943/08]
I have previously advised the House of the Government's concerns in relation to the importance of retailers passing on to consumers the benefits of the Euro's appreciation in value against Sterling. Given widespread concerns that consumers were not enjoying these benefits in terms of the prices that they pay for goods, particularly goods sourced in the UK, I initiated an engagement with the retail sector in June of this year as to the reasons why the benefits of the Euro's appreciation were not being passed on to consumers. In the course of that engagement I met with IBEC and leading members of Retail Ireland, and also wrote to major individual retailers to express the Government's concern on this matter.
By way of response, retailers advised that while the retail price of goods imported from the UK had lagged exchange rate movements due to factors such as the forward purchase of goods and currency, there had already been reductions in the price of some goods and further reductions were in the pipeline. In this regard, I would acknowledge that since my initial engagement with the sector in June, there has been some reduction in prices and the Deputy will be aware of the price campaigns of the various retailers, which has helped to some degree in the ongoing reduction in the annual inflation figure.
Notwithstanding these welcome price reductions, concerns still remain in relation to the differential in prices between the north and south. Retailers have contended that one of the main reasons for this price differential is that the cost of doing business in Ireland is significantly higher than that in the UK. To that end, in September of this year, I requested Forfás to carry out an analysis of the relative cost of doing business in a number of locations in the Republic, Northern Ireland and the UK. I expect to receive Forfás' analysis of its findings on this matter very shortly. I recently met again with the retail sector to discuss some of Forfás' preliminary findings and to reiterate the Government's concerns in relation to the level of the differential in prices between the north and the south.
It is my strong view that where there are significant differentials in consumer prices and retailers have a duty to their customers and to the economies in which they operate to explain why there are such differentials. It is my intention to continue to pursue this matter with the retail sector.
170 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the budgeted cost to her Department for 2009 of incremental pay increases for all staff in and under the aegis of her Department; the comparative cost for each year from 2002 to date in 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46985/08]
The year to year costs of incremental pay increases are normally offset by corresponding reductions in costs associated with retirements and other movements by staff on higher points on the incremental scales and their replacement by staff on lower points. Incremental increases are not therefore individually costed and there is no separate provision for incremental increases in my Department's estimates. Therefore it is not possible to provide the Deputy with the information requested for the years 2002 to 2008 or for 2009.
The cost of incremental pay increases awarded to existing staff in the agencies under the remit of my Department is a day to day matter for the agencies concerned. My Department has no role or function in this process.
171 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of civil servants and other public servants, who have relocated to locations outside of Dublin under the decentralisation programme; the estimated number of each category who will have relocated by the end of 2009; the breakdown of each set of figures in terms of those who are relocating from Dublin and relocating from elsewhere; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47000/08]
My Department has been making good progress in the relocation of the required 250 posts to Carlow under the Government's Decentralisation Programme.
Officials of my Department, in consultation with the Department of Finance and the OPW, as well as decentralising staff and Business Units, opened an advance office in Carlow on July 30th 2007. The number of staff in this decentralised advance office is 98. This number is expected to increase to 103 in 2009 with the balance of staff decentralised in 2010. Of the 98 staff in place in Carlow, 60 have decentralised from Dublin and 38 from outside Dublin.
Health and Safety Authority
Under the decentralisation programme, 110 staff of the Health and Safety Authority were assigned to decentralise to Thomastown, Co Kilkenny. In anticipation of the move to Thomastown, the Authority established an interim office in Kilkenny city in August 2006.
The Authority currently has 33 staff based in its interim office in Kilkenny. Of these, 7 staff have relocated from its Dublin Office and the remaining 26 staff have been assigned to Kilkenny on recruitment to the Authority.
Significant further progress on decentralisation within the Authority awaits the review of decentralisation to be completed in 2011.
FÁS
There are currently 25 posts in Birr and all of these posts have been transferred from Head Office, Dublin.
FÁS will continue to seek to accommodate 15 additional posts for transfer to Birr, as the vacancies arise.
172 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of people working in her Department; the number earning below €50,000 per annum; the number earning between €50,001 and €60,000 per annum; the number earning between €60,001 and €70,000 per annum; the number earning between €70,001 and €80,000 per annum; the number earning between €80,001 and €90,000 per annum; the number earning between €90,001 and €100,000 per annum; the number earning over €100,001 per annum; the number in each staff category (details supplied) for each income band. [47015/08]
There are a total of 1,151 people employed in my Department. The table below sets out the number of staff in each staff category and in each income band.
These figures do not take into account the various worksharing patterns.
|
Grade |
Below €50,000 per annum |
Between €50,001 and €60,000 |
Between €60,001 and €70,000 |
Between €70,001 and €80,000 |
Between €80,001 and €90,000 |
Between €90,001 and €100,000 |
Over €100,000 |
|
Secretary General |
1 |
||||||
|
Assistant Secretary |
7 |
||||||
|
Asst. Secretary Equivalent |
5 |
||||||
|
Principal Officer |
10 |
7 |
42 |
||||
|
Principal Officer Equivalent |
2 |
||||||
|
Assistant Principal |
1 |
11 |
27 |
59 |
3 |
||
|
Administrative Officer |
4 |
6 |
|||||
|
Higher Executive Officer |
26 |
122 |
24 |
||||
|
Executive Officer |
255 |
51 |
|||||
|
Staff Officer |
46 |
||||||
|
Clerical Officer |
373 |
||||||
|
Service Staff |
48 |
||||||
|
Auditor |
2 |
||||||
|
Solicitor |
2 |
||||||
|
Examiner |
3 |
1 |
|||||
|
Economist |
1 |
||||||
|
Professional Accountant Grade 1 |
3 |
8 |
|||||
|
Controller of Patents |
1 |
173 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of civil and public servants working in or under the aegis of her Department for each year from 2002 to date in 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47030/08]
It has not been possible in the time available to compile the information as requested by the Deputy. My officials are working on preparing the material and I will communicate with the Deputy as soon as the information is available.
174 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of locations where civil and public servants working in or under the aegis of her Department are located; the locations of same; the number, and the number in each category (details supplied) of staff at each location; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47045/08]
It has not been possible in the time available to compile the information as requested by the Deputy. My officials are working on preparing the material and I will communicate with the Deputy as soon as the information is available.
175 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the agencies, bodies or authorities under the aegis of her Department that have been scheduled for merging, amalgamation, abolition or sharing of services as announced in budget 2009; the progress that has been made on the implementation of these organisational changes; the details of the implementation plan for these organisational changes; the cost savings that will arise from each of these organisational changes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47060/08]
In so far as the rationalisation of state bodies under the aegis of my Department is concerned, the recent budget statement included an announcement in relation to the merging of the National Consumer Agency and the Competition Authority. Since the budget announcement 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. It is my intention to bring forward the necessary legislation to give effect to this merger as soon as possible. In so far as cost savings are concerned, 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.
176 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount of taxpayers’ money given to the Institute of International and European Affairs in the lead up to the Lisbon referendum. [47099/08]
No monies were given to the Institute for International and European Affairs by my Department in connection with the Lisbon Treaty Referendum. My Department holds corporate membership of the Institute for which an annual fee of €6,000 is payable.
177 Deputy Damien English asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her plans to increase the number of business mentors available to small and medium enterprises outside of the current schemes in operation by the State agencies under the aegis of her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47178/08]
Enterprise Ireland runs a range of training programmes, including, inter alia, the Enterprise Ireland Mentor Network, to help Irish businesses develop business leadership, increase skills and enhance management capabilities within companies both large and small.
Under the Mentor Network Programme, new mentors are recruited on a client needs basis. The Network currently has over 170 active mentors. I am informed that the number of new mentors to be added in 2009 will be determined by client demand.
The Enterprise Ireland Mentor Network was set up in 1988, and has provided thousands of Irish companies across the sectors with tailored advice, guidance and support, helping them accelerate growth and build management capability. Enterprise Ireland has published a Best Practice Guide which incorporates elements of International Best Practice and ensures the Mentor service is delivered to a consistently high standard across the Network.
The Mentor Network carries out approximately 300 assignments a year for Enterprise Ireland clients and also for clients of the County Enterprise Boards. Mentors on the Enterprise Ireland Network are successful senior executives, entrepreneurs or owner managers who volunteer to advise clients based on their own business experience.
Each year the service develops in order to be able to assist Irish companies to meet the challenges and opportunities they face. In 2009 the services of the Mentor Network will be expanded to:
First Time Exporter clients of the County Enterprise Boards and Enterprise Ireland under the First Flight programme.
Mentors with significant experience of diverse economic conditions that can advise companies throughout 2009.
Mentors with experience in the high growth markets where new opportunities exist, e.g. Brazil, China, India, Russia and the Gulf States.
Enterprise Ireland is also leveraging the deep experience that exists within the mentor network through utilising the mentors as advisers on the International Selling Programme that will have between 75 and 90 companies participating next year.
Enterprise Ireland also has a number of senior executives in international markets that mentor and advise our client companies.
The County and City Enterprise Boards are the principal government agencies at local level with responsibility for enterprise promotion and micro business development. The key objectives of the Boards are to stimulate and promote local enterprise culture and entrepreneurship and to assist new business start ups and the expansion and growth of existing small business. The Enterprise Boards pursue these objectives by providing a number of crucial management and capability development or soft support services to businesses and individuals across a diverse range of sectors, including a business information service, business mentoring, business consultancy, business training programmes and various business networking opportunities. Over 143,000 people have participated on the various Management Development and Mentoring Programmes available from the CEBs since their inception in 1993 to end 2007.
178 Deputy Damien English asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will introduce a new health check scheme for small and medium enterprises similar to that recently introduced in the United Kingdom; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47179/08]
The State development agencies under the aegis of my Department such as Enterprise Ireland, the County and City Enterprise Boards and FÁS provide financial and non-financial assistance to small and medium enterprises to assist in their development and growth. Business advice, mentoring and management capability and development programmes are provided as part of this assistance.
The UK health check system referred to by the Deputy is an on-line web based facility which enterprises may use to assist them to identify key areas of potential weakness in their businesses. Where such weaknesses are identified, individuals are generally directed to obtain specific advice and assistance. The UK facility is similar to the European Commission's "Vaccinate Your Business Against Bad Times" available to SMEs in all Member States, including Ireland, through the Commission's "European Portal for SMEs".
In view of the assistance already provided by the State development agencies, I have no plans to introduce a specific on-line web based facility similar to the UK. The agencies are already responding to the challenges presented by the current economic difficulties. The type of assistance from these agencies is kept under review and will be modified to reflect changing needs of enterprise.
179 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount of EU funding received by her Department directly or for institutions, groups, organisations or bodies under her aegis in the past 20 years to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47243/08]
Ireland has qualified for Structural Funds since we joined the EU in 1973 and my Department, and its predecessor the Department of Labour, has been the National Authority for the European Social Fund (ESF) since that time. As National Authority for the ESF, my Department receives all ESF monies paid to Ireland by the European Commission. The ESF received by Ireland is used for the implementation of agreed Programmes or Initiatives, which are implemented by a range of Government Departments and States Agencies, and my Department transfers ESF payments to the Departments and Agencies concerned.
For the 2007 to 2013 round of funding the European Commission has allocated a total of €375.36 million of assistance to Ireland from the ESF. A total of €18.768 has been received to date.
Under the 2000 to 2006 round of funding a total of €1,030.05 million has been received to date by Ireland through the ESF. That assistance was delivered through five Operational Programmes operated by various Departments and Agencies. Total ESF allocated to each of the 5 programmes of the 2000 to 2006 round of funding is as follows:
|
Programme |
Funding |
|
€ |
|
|
Employment & Human Resource Development OP |
892,087,000 |
|
Southern & Eastern Regional (S&E) OP |
87,337,000 |
|
Border, Western and Midlands (BMW) OP |
37,063,000 |
|
Peace II OP |
45,859,983 |
|
EQUAL Community Initiative |
34.498,648 |
|
Total |
1,096,845,631 |
Under the 1994 to 1999 round of EU funding, over 2,181 million was received by Ireland from the ESF. That assistance was delivered through 6 individual Operational Programmes (OPs) and a further 9 distinct Community Initiatives (CIs), and Innovatory Actions as follows:
|
Programme |
Funding |
|
€ |
|
|
Tourism |
107.224 |
|
HRD |
1,633.79 |
|
Ind OP |
130.391 |
|
Agric |
64.133 |
|
Adapt |
26.402 |
|
Fisheries |
6.616 |
|
Employment CI |
79.91 |
|
LURD |
69.968 |
|
SME Initiative |
1.614 |
|
Leader II |
8.559 |
|
Peace |
30.062 |
|
Interreg |
7.937 |
|
RETEX |
1.85 |
|
Pesca |
0.678 |
|
Urban |
8.522 |
|
Innovatory Actions |
4.108 |
|
Total |
2,181.764 |
The ESF figures for the years 1973 to 1993 from Table 11 of the "Budgetary and Economic Statistics" which was published by the Department of Finance in 2007 are provided below. It is not feasible to give a further breakdown by programme of ESF payments for this Department for these earlier years.
|
Year |
European Social Fund (million) |
|
€ |
|
|
1973 |
0.0 |
|
1974 |
4.6 |
|
1975 |
5.1 |
|
1976 |
5.8 |
|
1977 |
10.4 |
|
1978 |
24.5 |
|
1979 |
36.6 |
|
1980 |
59.3 |
|
1981 |
57.5 |
|
1982 |
92.9 |
|
1983 |
117.7 |
|
1984 |
107.0 |
|
1985 |
179.4 |
|
1986 |
161.8 |
|
1987 |
245.7 |
|
1988 |
161.0 |
|
1989 |
176.0 |
|
1990 |
163.2 |
|
1991 |
470.7 |
|
1992 |
352.1 |
|
1993 |
395.7 |
|
Total |
2,827.0 |
In addition, my Department would also have received some direct funding outside of the Structural Funds in support of specific activities in areas such as Consumer Affairs, or as a participant in the "BRITE" Project, administered by the European Business Register (EBR), for example.
The Department would also have been involved in European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) co-funded projects since Ireland's accession to the EU, however, ERDF receipts would have been paid directly to the central Exchequer by the European Commission and not channelled through individual Departments.
Finally, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment would also have co-ordinated a number of EU Programmes over the years under which European funding was awarded on the basis of competitive "Calls for Proposals" issued by the European Commission. However, the funding successfully accessed by many different applicants would have been paid directly to the successful applicants and not channelled through the Department.
180 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Finance his views on the recently announced International Monetary Fund rescue package for Latvia; the full details of same, and the response to the crisis which the European Union has made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46613/08]
The IMF has not announced a Balance of Payment assistance package for Latvia. However, the IMF has indicated that Latvia is experiencing a sharp downturn in output growth and external funding pressures and that accordingly the Latvian authorities have asked the Fund, together with the EU, to provide technical and financial support.
Under Council Regulation 332/2002, the EU can grant medium-term financial assistance to Member States outside the Euro area. This arises from Article 119 of the Treaty, which says assistance can be provided to a member "in difficulties or seriously threatened with difficulties as regards its balance of payments either as a result of an overall disequilibrium in its balance of payments or as a result of the type of currency at its disposal". The Council Presidency and the Commission are in close consultations with the Latvian authorities and the International Monetary Fund with a view to developing a joint response to the economic and financial situation in Latvia. It is expected that an agreed funding package will be decided on shortly.
181 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Finance the number of counterfeit €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200 and €500 notes that were removed from circulation for each of the years 2003 to date in 2008; if he will provide the information in tabular readable form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46643/08]
Information on euro banknote counterfeiting is published biannually by the European Central Bank (ECB) in January and July. The following table published by the ECB on 10 July 2008, indicates the half-yearly trend in the number of counterfeits recovered:
|
Period |
2003/2 |
2004/1 |
2004/2 |
2005/1 |
2005/2 |
2006/1 |
2006/2 |
2007/1 |
2007/2 |
2008/1 |
|
1000s |
312 |
307 |
287 |
293 |
286 |
300 |
265 |
265 |
296 |
312 |
Number of Counterfeits
The table shows that the quantity has not varied greatly over recent years. When these figures are compared with the number of genuine euro banknotes in circulation — on average 11.5 billion notes — the quantity of counterfeits is very small. The breakdown of counterfeits by denomination is as follows:
|
€5 |
€10 |
€20 |
€50 |
€100 |
€200 |
€500 |
|
|
Breakdown by denomination (in %) |
0.5 |
2 |
33 |
36 |
21.5 |
6.5 |
0.5 |
It can be seen that the three mid-range denominations (€20, €50 and €100) together account for about 90% of all counterfeits. As can be seen from the following table, the level of counterfeits discovered in Ireland is broadly in line with the overall figures for the Eurosystem.
|
Denomination |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 to mid-December |
|
5 |
11 |
21 |
23 |
61 |
73 |
55 |
|
10 |
765 |
2,174 |
1,586 |
848 |
386 |
417 |
|
20 |
3,674 |
3,830 |
3,158 |
2,009 |
992 |
800 |
|
50 |
10,749 |
7,485 |
12,126 |
8,026 |
10,351 |
12,029 |
|
100 |
365 |
1,648 |
512 |
883 |
465 |
586 |
|
200 |
35 |
174 |
338 |
50 |
406 |
794 |
|
500 |
1 |
1 |
5 |
4 |
0 |
2 |
|
15,600 |
15,333 |
17,748 |
11,881 |
12,673 |
14,683 |
Euro banknotes are produced to the highest standards and contain security features which are hard to counterfeit. However, The Central Bank advises the public to be alert and to check the authenticity of the banknotes they receive, particularly at busy times such as the Christmas trading period. Anyone who suspects they may have received a counterfeit should contact the Garda Siochána, giving as many details as possible about the banknote's origin. Further information on the banknote security features is available on the Central Bank's website: www.centralbank.ie.
182 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Finance the penalty for people having number plates on vehicles that are not up to standard or unclear; the number of people who have been summonsed for such an offence in each county to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46916/08]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that Section 131(6)(a) of the Finance Act 1992 provides that the identifying mark (i.e. the registration number) assigned to a vehicle, once registered in the State, must be displayed in the format prescribed by the Revenue Commissioners.
Under section 139 of the Finance Act 1992 (as amended), the display of an identification mark (number plate) in contravention of section 131(6)(a) carries a penalty of €5,000 on summary conviction.
The Deputy may wish to note that Revenue enforcement officials, who are based at numerous locations around the country, carry out regular and on-going checks to identify breaches of VRT legislation. Instances of non-compliance with registration plate regulations are initially dealt with by means of verbal or written warnings and subsequently followed up by officials to confirm that the position has been regularised.
In the course of such checks, sixty-nine formal warnings issued for non-compliance with VRT number plate regulations in 2008. Follow-up assurance checks have confirmed compliance with the regulations, following the issue of warnings. Accordingly, no summonses were issued to date in 2008 for contravention of the VRT number plate regulations.
The Deputy will be aware that An Garda Síochána also has a role to play in policing number plate legislation.
183 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Finance if the income levy to be introduced in January 2009 applies to gross income which includes the contributory State pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46521/08]
The position is that the income levy will apply to gross income but this excludes social welfare payments and the contributory and non-contributory State pensions.
184 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 64 of 6 November 2008 the position regarding this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46562/08]
It is expected that a meeting with the relevant stakeholders will take place early in the New Year to discuss the proposed pilot project to remove silt from the Shannon Cut.
185 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Finance the equipment and data that was lost or stolen from his Department in the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46666/08]
Following is the information requested by the Deputy.
|
Year |
Device Type |
Reported lost/ missing/stolen |
Recovered |
|
2008 |
USB Memory Stick |
1 |
0 |
To date in 2008, one memory stick has been reported stolen and has not been recovered. I understand that no sensitive or private data was compromised with the loss of this device.
186 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Finance the amount of money spent on hotel accommodation by his Department and each State agency under the aegis of his Department for each of the years 2004 to date in 2008; if he will provide the information available in tabular readable form. [46681/08]
In general civil servants whose work requires them to stay overnight at a location distant from their home or headquarters are paid a fixed sum which is designed to cover the cost of accommodation, three meals and a small amount for incidentals. There are different rates for different locations. Accommodation is generally arranged by the officers themselves and in most cases my department is not informed whether the officer has stayed in a hotel or in other accommodation. In this situation it is not possible to separate out accommodation costs from other costs.
The amounts listed below show the total amount paid out in overnight expenses by my Department for official travel.
|
Year |
Subsistence Expenditure |
|
€ |
|
|
2004 |
342,402 |
|
2005 |
268,828 |
|
2006 |
332,367 |
|
2007 |
382,908 |
|
2008 |
291,942 |
In relation to the bodies under the aegis of my Department the figures are currently being collated and will be forwarded to the Deputy directly when this process has been completed.
187 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Finance the procurement arrangements in place in his Department and each State agency under the aegis of his Department for the sourcing of hotel accommodation for him, for his Departmental staff and staff at each State agency, when overnight accommodation is necessary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46696/08]
In general, where an overnight stay is required, the staff of my Department and agencies are paid a fixed sum which covers overnight expenses i.e. the cost of accommodation, three meals and a small amount for incidentals. However, to take account of the wide variation in circumstances that can arise with foreign travel, in some cases, instead of an overall subsistence rate, the cost of the accommodation can be separately claimed by the official. In such cases, the rate of subsistence is reduced. There are different rates for different locations. Accommodation is generally arranged by the officers themselves.
From time to time the Revenue Commissioners books hotels for conferences, seminars etc. Given the geographic spread of Revenue staff, it will be appreciated that such events may include overnight accommodation. To ensure optimum value for money, the accommodation costs for staff can be included as part of the overall package agreed with the hotel, with corresponding reductions in subsistence payments. Procurement for this type of accommodation is carried out in accordance with EU and National guidelines.
When I travel abroad on official business the relevant Embassy advises on the most suitable accommodation. The location of the accommodation would usually take into account the cost; the distance from the airport/meeting venues etc.
188 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Finance the number of computer servers that are owned or leased by his Department and each State agency under the aegis of his Department; and the amount of capacity on each server. [46711/08]
The information requested by the Deputy is provided in the following table. No servers are leased by my Department and I have been informed that this is the case in relation to the bodies under the aegis of my Department.
|
Number of Servers |
Capacity — Gigabytes |
|
Department of Finance |
|
|
29 |
1 – 100 |
|
20 |
101 – 200 |
|
18 |
201 – 300 |
|
5 |
301 – 400 |
|
9 |
401 – 500 |
|
2 |
501 – 600 |
|
6 |
601 – 700 |
|
1 |
801 – 900 |
|
3 |
901 – 1000 |
|
3 |
1101 – 1200 |
|
1 |
1301 – 1400 |
|
Commission for Public Service Appointments |
|
|
2 |
135 |
|
1 |
82 |
|
1 |
36 |
|
Public service Appointments Service |
|
|
110 |
7,400 (Total capacity) |
|
Office of the Ombudsman |
|
|
4 |
280 |
|
2 |
200 |
|
3 |
130 |
|
Valuation Office |
|
|
1 |
900 |
|
2 |
280 |
|
2 |
270 |
|
1 |
236 |
|
1 |
136 |
|
1 |
100 |
|
5 |
68 |
|
2 |
34 |
|
1 |
26 |
|
State Laboratory |
|
|
21 |
35-80 |
|
Office of Public Works |
|
|
98 |
19-545 |
|
Office of the Revenue Commissioners |
|
|
463 |
These range across high spec, medium spec to low end capacity |
189 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance the grades of all individuals who have voluntarily surrendered pay; the value of the pay surrender to the State in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46795/08]
The main groups that have made a surrender of salary are Members of the Government, Ministers of State, Secretaries General and holders of posts at an equivalent level in the Civil Service. Other groups that have made a surrender of salary include certain members of the Oireachtas and a number of individual senior public servants. As the gifts are personal and voluntary it would not be appropriate to disclose the grades of those individuals. In the last category mentioned above, citing the grade/position held would allow identification of the persons concerned in most instances.
The approximate values of the amounts surrendered are as follows:
|
2008 |
2009 |
|
|
€ |
€ |
|
|
Members of the Government and Ministers of State |
114,000 |
670,000 |
|
Secretaries General and equivalent posts |
127,000 |
690,000 |
|
Other Groups |
51,000 |
323,000 |
190 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Finance the number of working days it takes to have a tax clearance certificate issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46910/08]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a tax clearance certificate will normally be issued within six working days to a person whose tax affairs are up to date. This means that at the time of the application, the person:
has made all of the required returns to Revenue, and
has paid all tax known to be due or agreed a payment schedule in respect of such tax debts.
Where an applicant for tax clearance does not meet the criteria mentioned, a formal notification of refusal setting out the basis for the refusal, is issued by Revenue. If the applicant subsequently satisfactorily resolves the issues that have been notified to him/her, Revenue will then issue a tax clearance certificate.
191 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Finance when a person (details supplied) will get a tax clearance certificate issued to them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46911/08]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a tax clearance certificate issued to the person concerned dated 12th December 2008.
192 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the relevant information which has been put at his disposal with regard to the availability of credit to small businesses here; if he has been provided, and if so if he will make available, monthly or other regular statistics analysing these credit flows; if he has in recent months instructed the Central Bank, the Financial Regulator or other appropriate authorities to step up monitoring of such credit flows; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46942/08]
Nobody wants a situation where viable businesses fail because banks will not lend them money. At my meetings with certain financial institutions over the last two weeks, I asked those institutions covered by the Government's guarantee Scheme to consider the contribution that they can make to the economy through appropriate credit initiatives in relation to small and medium sized businesses and otherwise. I have, therefore, welcomed the fact that certain institutions have announced initiatives in this regard.
The Deputy may also wish to be aware that I recently met Mr Plutarchos Sakellaris, Vice-President of the European Investment Bank, which recently announced that it was providing additional funding through its lending facility for SMEs in the European Union. Mr Sakellaris confirmed that the Bank has been in discussion with a number of Irish financial institutions about participating in this facility for SMEs and that the EIB hopes that agreements to provide such loan facilities can be finalised as soon as possible. I have urged Irish banks to utilise the facility to the maximum extent possible with a view to making the additional funding available to SMEs as soon as possible. It is therefore pleasing to note that a number of banks have announced their intention to do so. Additionally, with my colleague, the Tánaiste and Minster for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, I have been in regular contact with the banks regarding the flow of lending to small business.
The Central Bank's October Monthly Statistics showed that lending to the Irish economy was essentially flat in October and this is a matter of concern. However, we should be cautious about drawing strong conclusions from one month's data. Forfás/Enterprise Ireland are surveying 200 clients or County Enterprise Boards and Enterprise Ireland in order to gather more detailed information.
193 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance if he will set out for each tax credit and tax relief available to individual taxpayers, including but not confined to tax relief on mortgage interest, tuition fees, BES, service charges, rent payable in private tenancies, trade union expenses, health and medical expenses, the cost to the Exchequer in terms of tax foregone for each year from 2002 to date in 2008; the budgeted cost for 2009; the numberof taxpayers availing of the tax relief; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46944/08]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the total identifiable costs to the Exchequer of all income tax credits and reliefs available to individuals are set out in the following table for the income tax years 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005, the most recent year for which the necessary detailed information is available except where otherwise stated. Relevant notes relating to items in the table are also set out below.
Projections for income tax receipts are based on assumed movements in macro-economic 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 the years 2006 to 2009 in relation to the above mentioned reliefs.
The numbers availing represent income earners who were in a position to absorb at least some of the tax relief and thereby give rise to an Exchequer cost. They do not include the numbers of potential claimants whose entitlements to other tax reliefs were sufficient to reduce their liability to tax to nil without reference to the specific relief. The numbers availing are rounded to the nearest hundred as appropriate.
A married couple who has elected or has been deemed to have elected for joint assessment is counted as one tax unit.
|
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
|||||
|
Tax Relief Provision |
Estimated cost1 |
Estimated cost1 |
Estimated cost1 |
Estimated cost1 |
||||
|
INCOME TAX |
€m |
Numbers |
€m |
Numbers |
€m |
Numbers |
€m |
Numbers |
|
Exemption limits: |
||||||||
|
General Exemption (2) |
0.0 |
0 |
0.0 |
0 |
0.0 |
0 |
0.0 |
0 |
|
Child Addition (2) |
1.0 |
2,900 |
1.3 |
2,800 |
0.3 |
900 |
0.3 |
1,000 |
|
Age Exemption (2) |
21.9 |
31,700 |
49.2 |
48,500 |
58.6 |
53,500 |
61.5 |
49,600 |
|
Married Person’s Credit (3) |
1805.1 |
629,400 |
1,820.6 |
631,000 |
2,015.5 |
698,200 |
2,268.9 |
756,500 |
|
Single Person’s Credit (3) |
1552.8 |
1,169,600 |
1,612.4 |
1,209,800 |
1,655.1 |
1,228,300 |
1,854.3 |
1,330,100 |
|
Widowed Person’s Credit (3) |
122.3 |
72,950 |
125.3 |
73,800 |
125.7 |
73,400 |
132.2 |
71,500 |
|
Additional Credit to Widowed Person in Year of Bereavement |
6.1 |
4,000 |
4.9 |
4,000 |
4.9 |
4,000 |
4.7 |
4000 |
|
Additional Bereavement Credit to Widowed Parent |
5.6 |
3,500 |
5.2 |
3,300 |
4.0 |
2,500 |
4.3 |
2,400 |
|
Additional Personal Credit for Lone Parent |
137.8 |
102,700 |
149.3 |
109,200 |
150.8 |
101,700 |
194.1 |
124,900 |
|
Homecarer Credit |
73.7 |
100,800 |
72.6 |
99,200 |
75.1 |
103,600 |
63.9 |
87,900 |
|
Additional Credit for Incapacitated Child |
4.4 |
8,800 |
4.6 |
9,000 |
5.0 |
9,800 |
10.3 |
10,400 |
|
Employee (PAYE) Credit |
917.2 |
1,257,800 |
1,141.5 |
1,311,900 |
1,512.7 |
1,372,400 |
2,030.8 |
1,493,300 |
|
Dependent Relative Credit |
1.1 |
16,600 |
1.1 |
16,000 |
1.05 |
15,650 |
1.02 |
15,200 |
|
Person Taking Care of Incapacitated Taxpayer |
0.6 |
600 |
0.9 |
1,000 |
1.3 |
870 |
1.8 |
660 |
|
Age Credit |
19.3 |
68,100 |
18.3 |
64,500 |
19.4 |
65,100 |
20.6 |
68,800 |
|
Blind Person’s Credit |
0.7 |
850 |
0.7 |
850 |
0.7 |
830 |
0.8 |
890 |
|
Medical Insurance Premiums (4) |
161.7 |
859,000 |
190.6 |
909,700 |
218.2 |
941,300 |
229.6 |
1,073,400 |
|
Health Expenses |
63.2 |
143,850 |
81.9 |
172,700 |
109.6 |
218,100 |
134.0 |
260,700 |
|
Contributions Under Permanent Health Benefit Schemes, after Deduction of Tax on Benefits Received (5) |
1.7 |
20,000 |
2.0 |
20,300 |
2.5 |
21,300 |
3.2 |
21,600 |
|
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
|||||
|
Tax Relief Provision |
Estimated cost1 |
Estimated cost1 |
Estimated cost1 |
Estimated cost1 |
||||
|
INCOME TAX |
€m |
Numbers |
€m |
Numbers |
€m |
Numbers |
€m |
Numbers |
|
Employees’ Contributions To Approved Superannuation Schemes (6) |
430.0 |
569,200 |
||||||
|
Employers’ Contributions To Approved Superannuation Schemes (6) |
90.0 |
296,700 |
||||||
|
Exemption of Investment Income and Gains of Approved Superannuation Funds (7)* (12) |
1,050.0 |
N/A |
||||||
|
Exemption of employers’ contributions from employee BIK (6) |
370.0 |
296,700 |
||||||
|
Tax Relief on “tax free” lump sums (6) |
120.0 |
N/A |
||||||
|
Retirement Annuity Premiums |
250.9 |
110,600 |
264.0 |
109,500 |
318.9 |
115,000 |
357.7 |
121,200 |
|
Personal Retirement Savings Accounts (8) |
N/A |
N/A |
6.0 |
2,440 |
13.7 |
6,300 |
42.2 |
32,900 |
|
Interest paid: |
||||||||
|
Loans relating to Principal Private Residence |
192.8 |
430,000 |
220.7 |
443,800 |
231.5 |
477,400 |
279.0 |
587,800 |
|
Other (9) |
15.6 |
5,260 |
19.5 |
5,100 |
19.6 |
5,500 |
22.2 |
4,800 |
|
Rent Paid in Private Tenancies |
26.4 |
97,400 |
28.1 |
102,400 |
33.0 |
118,500 |
48.07 |
144,500 |
|
Expenses Allowable to Employees under Schedule E |
153.8 |
866,420 |
111.5 |
866,600 |
122.1 |
867,300 |
65.0 |
908,800 |
|
Third Level Education Fees |
6.9 |
17,500 |
8.6 |
21,900 |
11.1 |
26,600 |
14.3 |
29,900 |
|
Exemption of Certain Earnings of Writers, Composers and Artists |
23.9 |
1,600 |
22.5 |
1,700 |
32.1 |
1,970 |
34.8 |
2,220 |
|
Dispositions (Including Maintenance Payments made to Separated Spouses) |
12.8 |
5,900 |
15.0 |
6,000 |
17.1 |
6,000 |
18.9 |
6,100 |
|
Exemption of Interest on Savings Certificates, National Instalment Savings & Index Linked Savings Bonds |
108.8 |
N/A |
140.1 |
N/A |
150.1 |
N/A |
129.5 |
N/A |
|
Rent a Room |
1.8 |
1,440 |
2.6 |
2,000 |
2.7 |
2,330 |
3.3 |
2,820 |
|
Exemption of Income of Charities, Colleges, Hospitals, Schools, Friendly Societies, etc. (10) |
23.4 |
N/A |
19.9 |
N/A |
19.3 |
N/A |
19.8 |
N/A |
|
Donations to Approved Bodies |
16.3 |
25,600 |
28.6 |
38,450 |
25.9 |
42,900 |
34.0 |
63,800 |
|
Donations to Sports Bodies (11) |
0.1 |
140 |
0.3 |
300 |
0.2 |
380 |
0.2 |
430 |
|
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
|||||
|
Tax Relief Provision |
Estimated cost1 |
Estimated cost1 |
Estimated cost1 |
Estimated cost1 |
||||
|
INCOME TAX |
€m |
Numbers |
€m |
Numbers |
€m |
Numbers |
€m |
Numbers |
|
Retirement Relief for certain Sports Persons (11) |
N/A |
N/A |
0.1 |
17 |
0.2 |
41 |
0.25 |
42 |
|
Exemption of Irish Government Securities where owner not ordinarily resident in Ireland (12) * |
130.1 |
N/A |
142.8 |
N/A |
199.7 |
N/A |
169.3 |
N/A |
|
Exemption of Statutory Redundancy Payments |
25.1 |
25,100 |
42.5 |
25,800 |
76.9 |
25,300 |
72.8 |
22,000 |
|
Service Charges |
5.2 |
124,900 |
8.2 |
169,300 |
12.7 |
229,600 |
17.2 |
304,700 |
|
Top Slicing Relief — Reduced Tax Rate for Payments in Excess of Exemption Amounts Made as Compensation for Loss of Office |
5.7 |
1,300 |
0.1 |
1,500 |
12.2 |
1,420 |
11.1 |
1,480 |
|
Revenue Job Assist allowance |
0.9 |
1,700 |
0.6 |
900 |
0.4 |
550 |
0.4 |
550 |
|
Allowance for seafarers |
0.2 |
120 |
0.3 |
150 |
0.4 |
230 |
0.4 |
200 |
|
Trade Union Subscriptions |
11.0 |
229,600 |
6.5 |
232,100 |
10.7 |
248,300 |
11.8 |
272,100 |
|
Exemption From Tax of Certain Social Welfare Payments: |
||||||||
|
Child benefit * |
266.4 |
336,300 |
327.3 |
337,100 |
404.9 |
344,200 |
366.6 |
373,500 |
|
Maternity allowance * |
8.4 |
9,600 |
9.4 |
10,600 |
9.7 |
10,400 |
9.6 |
10,800 |
|
Exemption of Pensions, Benefits or Gratuities Payable to Veterans of the War of Independence, their Widows or Dependents |
0.09 |
1,400 |
0.08 |
1,200 |
0.08 |
1,000 |
0.08 |
900 |
|
Approved Profit Sharing Schemes * |
42.0 |
55,100 |
29.9 |
49,900 |
43.5 |
47,400 |
55.7 |
53,000 |
|
Savings-Related Share Option Schemes* |
0.09 |
N/A |
7.3 |
N/A |
1.7 |
N/A |
6.2 |
N/A |
|
Approved Share Option Schemes* |
N/A |
N/A |
Neg. |
31 |
0.03 |
91 |
0.4 |
464 |
|
Employee Share Ownership Trusts* (Income Tax only) |
1.5 |
17,800 |
0.9 |
7,900 |
0.1 |
234 |
1.2 |
6,500 |
|
Investment in Corporate Trades (BES) |
20.2 |
2,300 |
16.7 |
2,100 |
21.1 |
2,600 |
16.1 |
1,650 |
|
Investment in Seed Capital |
1.4 |
72 |
2.3 |
89 |
2.7 |
106 |
1.3 |
42 |
|
Stock Relief * |
1.9 |
N/A |
1.9 |
N/A |
1.9 |
N/A |
2.0 |
N/A |
|
Relief for expenditure on significant buildings and gardens |
3.7 |
54 |
2.1 |
70 |
2.5 |
66 |
3.3 |
84 |
|
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
|||||
|
Tax Relief Provision |
Estimated cost1 |
Estimated cost1 |
Estimated cost1 |
Estimated cost1 |
||||
|
INCOME TAX |
€m |
Numbers |
€m |
Numbers |
€m |
Numbers |
€m |
Numbers |
|
Donation of Heritage items |
4.2 |
5 |
5.8 |
8 |
5.2 |
3 |
5.8 |
7 |
|
Special Savings Incentive Scheme |
433.0 |
1,143,400 |
531.9 |
1,113,900 |
548.0 |
1,094,300 |
597.4 |
1,083,600 |
|
Total Capital Allowances: (Income Tax only) (14) |
546.9 |
N/A |
560.4 |
245,549 |
663.6 |
260,781 |
734.4 |
249,379 |
|
Rented Residential Relief — Section 23 *(15) |
N/A |
N/A |
69.4 |
1,952 |
182.2 |
3,578 |
239.7 |
4,126 |
|
Double Taxation Relief (Income Tax only) |
49.7 |
8,680 |
56.2 |
10,010 |
29.1 |
10,800 |
30.7 |
12,740 |
|
Investment in Films* |
21.6 |
2,240 |
24.6 |
2,400 |
19.5 |
1,900 |
15.7 |
1,500 |
NOTES ON TABLE
(1) Figures accompanied by an asterisk * are particularly tentative and subject to a considerable margin of error.
(2) The cost figures for the exemption limits are based on the excess of the exemption limits over the basic personal tax credits. They include the cost of marginal relief for taxpayers whose incomes are not greatly in excess of the exemption limits.
(3) The figures shown for the basic personal tax credits (married, single and widowed) are the costs of these tax credits as if all other tax credits and the exemption limits did not apply. They do not include individuals who are not on Revenue records because their incomes are below the income tax thresholds.
(4) Arising from the change over to Tax Relief at Source the figures relate to the number of policies issued. These include policies where subscriptions were paid by businesses on behalf of their employees.
(5) Part of the cost of contributions to Permanent Health Benefit Schemes is not identifiable as a result of the move to a "net pay" basis for contributions by PAYE taxpayers from 6 April 2001.
(6) See the following table "Green Paper on Pensions" for background commentary and cost figures for 2006.
(7) Arising from the work on the "Green Paper on Pensions" (2007) the basis for costing this item has been changed and is not directly comparable with the figures for earlier years. See also the following table "Green Paper on Pensions" for more recent figures.
(8) The figures shown for Personal Retirement Savings Accounts for 2004 are derived from personal tax returns and are understated because they do not include contributions made by employers or by employees through their employers. See 2005 and the following table "Green Paper on Pensions" for more complete figures.
(9) "Other" relates to borrowings for purposes such as acquiring an interest in a company or partnership or to pay death duties.
(10) The cost of exempting the income of charities, colleges, hospitals, schools, friendly societies, etc. from income tax includes the sums repaid in respect of tax credits and income tax deducted at source (certain dividends, other investment income and payments received under covenant), donations made by the PAYE sector to approved bodies but does not include income tax relief in respect of donations made by the self-employed. It also includes the cost of exempting certain bodies from the deduction on income arising from government securities. Information is not available about other income received gross.
(11) The cost figures for relief for donations to Approved Sports Bodies and for certain Sports Persons are based on self assessment returns.
(12) In the absence of other information, tax has been assumed at the standard rate of income tax even though a different rate might be appropriate in many cases.
(13) The cost shown for capital allowances does not include any cost associated with "unused capital allowances", that is, capital allowances which are not absorbed by a company in the accounting period in which they arise because they exceed the amount of the company's profits of that accounting period which are available for offset. Unused capital allowances can be offset as losses against taxable profits arising in the previous accounting period and against certain profits arising in future accounting periods and can be offset against the profits of another company in the same group of companies. It is estimated that €3500 million of unused capital allowances were claimed in respect of 2005 accounting periods but as the proportion of this item which is included in previous years losses and in group relief is not separately identifiable a reliable estimate of the cost of the capital allowance element cannot be provided.
(14) The tax cost shown for section 23 type relief is the estimated ultimate tax cost relating to the total allowable expenditure in respect of claims made in 2004 and 2005 tax returns for the first time. The cost shown is for income tax cases only.
Green Paper on Pensions — updated estimates of cost for 2006
As part of the work on the Green Paper on Pensions, a review was carried out of the current regime of incentives for supplementary pension provision with a view to developing more comprehensive and reliable estimates of the cost of reliefs in this area. The review examined, among other things, the current reliefs and incentives for investment in supplementary pensions and the data available on which to base reliable estimates of the costs in revenue foregone to the Exchequer.
The review drew on newly available 2006 aggregate data on contributions to pension schemes by employers and employees arising from a P35 initiative introduced on foot of provisions that were included in Finance Act 2004 with a view to improving data quality. Arising from the review, estimates of the cost of tax for private pension provision for 2006 have been made. As similar data sources would not be available for previous years, it is not possible to provide costings on a similar basis for those years except in the case of 2005 for which tentative estimates have been compiled.
|
Estimated costs |
Numbers* |
|
|
€million |
||
|
Employees’ Contributions to approved Superannuation Schemes |
540 |
680,000 |
|
Employers’ Contributions to approved Superannuation Schemes |
120 |
362,000** |
|
Estimated cost of exemption of employers’ contributions from employee BIK |
510 |
362,000 |
|
Exemption of investment income and gains of approved Superannuation Funds |
1,200 |
Not available |
|
Retirement Annuity Contracts (RACs) |
380 |
Not available for 2006 |
|
Personal Retirement Savings Accounts (PRSAs) |
120 |
71,500 |
|
Estimated cost of tax relief on “tax-free” lump sum payments |
130 |
|
|
Estimated cost of PRSI and Health Levy relief on employee and employer contributions |
220 |
Not available |
|
Gross cost of tax relief |
3,220 |
|
|
Estimated tax yield from payment of pension benefits |
320 |
|
|
Net cost of tax relief |
2,900 |
*Numbers as included in P35 returns from employers to Revenue for 2006. Figures are as verified to date but may be understated and subject to revision.
**This is numbers of employees for whom employers are contributing to occupational pension funds as included in P35 returns to Revenue for 2006. Figures are as verified to date but may be understated and subject to revision.
The breakdown and make-up of these estimated costs of reliefs differ from presentations of costs in this area for previous years in a number of respects and are not directly comparable. For further details on the cost of tax and other reliefs and the changes in the methodology, refer to pages 106 and 107 of the Green Paper on Pensions which is available at www.pensionsgreenpaper.ie.
194 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance if he will set out for each tax credit and tax relief available to businesses the cost to the Exchequer in terms of tax foregone for each year from 2002 to date and the budgeted cost for 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46945/08]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the information requested in relation to the main tax credits and reliefs available to businesses under the Income Tax Acts for which estimates of cost can be provided is as set out in the following table. The information provided covers the period from 2002 to 2006, the latest year for which most of the necessary detailed data is available. Data is not yet available for 2007 as the tax returns for that year are currently being processed. Tax returns for 2008 are not due until next year. Projections for income tax receipts are based on assumed movements in macro-economic parameters and not by reference to the costs of individual tax reliefs. Accordingly, I am not in a position to provide the information requested by the Deputy for 2009 in relation to these reliefs.
A number of tax reliefs, credits and deductions (for example, personal credits, pension contributions, BES, Film relief and property based tax incentives), which are also available to self-employed and PAYE taxpayers, are not exclusively available for business reasons and have not been included in the table.
|
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
||||||
|
Title of Relief/ Credit |
No’s |
Cost |
No’s |
Cost |
No’s |
Cost |
No’s |
Cost |
No’s |
Cost |
|
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
||||||
|
Capital Allowances (1) |
N/Av |
1595.0 |
250,000 |
1580.3 |
272,300 |
1683.6 |
266,200 |
1877.5 |
N/Av |
N/Av |
|
Effective Rate of 10% for Manufacturing and Certain Other Activities (2) |
4,720 |
1174.1 |
3770 |
525.7 |
3,361 |
354.1 |
3,034 |
396.0 |
2,831 |
384.1 (provisional) |
|
Group Relief |
1,290 |
166.8 |
1,400 |
150.7 |
1,472 |
207.6 |
1,578 |
421.6 |
1,592 |
255.6 (provisional) |
|
Research & Development Tax Credit (3) |
N/Av |
N/Av |
N/Av |
N/Av |
73 |
70.5 |
135 |
65.2 |
141 |
74.7 (provisional) |
|
Exemption for patent income |
N/Av |
N/Av |
N/Av |
N/Av |
849 |
62.8 |
1030 |
75.6 |
1120 |
83.8 (provisional) |
|
Relief for Management Expenses |
645 |
54.0 |
640 |
64.7 |
592 |
47.8 |
627 |
51.9 |
731 |
53.7 (provisional) |
|
Stock Relief (4) |
N/Av |
1.9 |
N/Av |
1.9 |
N/Av |
1.9 |
N/Av |
2.0 |
N/Av |
N/Av |
(1) The cost shown for capital allowances does not include any cost associated with "unused capital allowances", that is, capital allowances which are not absorbed by a company in the accounting period in which they arise because they exceed the amount of the company's profits of that accounting period which are available for offset. Unused capital allowances can be offset as losses against taxable profits arising in the previous accounting period and against certain profits arising in future accounting periods and can be offset against the profits of another company in the same group of companies. As an example, it is estimated that €3500 million of unused capital allowances were claimed in respect of 2005 accounting periods but as the proportion of this item which is included in previous years losses and in group relief is not separately identifiable a reliable estimate of the cost of the capital allowance element cannot be provided. The figures shown for 2002 are an estimate.
(2) The cost does not include any notional cost associated with IFSC companies. The International Financial Services activity in Ireland represents new business which has developed as a result of, among other things, the concessionary tax rate. This means that as the cost of the concessionary rate is not just the difference between the concessionary tax rate and the full tax rate, it is therefore not quantifiable. In regard to the cost shown for the effective rate of 10 per cent for manufacturing and certain other activities, no account is taken of the fact that without these incentives, many enterprises may not have set up here. To the extent that profits earned by such enterprises would not have been available for Irish tax purposes, part of the cost figure shown might be regarded as notional.
(3) The cost shown for R&D is for claims for R&D on corporation tax returns for accounting periods ending in years 2004 (when the scheme commenced), 2005 and 2006. However, the cost includes the cost associated with claims where the company was entitled to the credit but was unable to absorb it in that accounting year.
(4) Tentative estimate.
195 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance if he is satisfied that the budgetary framework of revenues and expenditures set out by him in Budget 2009 remains viable in view of recent forecasts in the decline in economic activity for the year of up to 4% and in view of the most recent live register figures that indicate the average rate of unemployment for 2009 as forecast on Budget 2009 day has already been surpassed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46946/08]
As I stated in my replies to oral questions last week, all indications are that economic activity in 2009 will contract by significantly more than the forecast in the recent Budget with an overall contraction of perhaps somewhere in the region of 3 to 4 per cent.
At Budget time, I identified that there were significant risks to the economic and fiscal forecasts for 2008 and for 2009. The further deterioration in tax receipts in 2008, as seen by the end-November Exchequer Returns, the continuing weakening of consumer and investor confidence, adverse currency movements, continued difficulty in the international financial markets and depressed economic conditions, are all evidence of those risks materialising. The drop in the 2008 revenue take alone would push the 2009 General Government Deficit up by about €1.5 billion to 7¼ per cent of GDP. In addition, each 1 per cent decline in economic activity in 2009 beyond the contraction of 1 per cent already forecast would increase the General Government Deficit by about ½ per cent.
The Budget day forecast for unemployment next year was based on the assumption that while employment would decline, reflecting the contraction in activity, there would be some easing in the growth of labour supply, brought about by lower participation rates and lower rates of migration. Clearly if, as I have already indicated, the economy is now likely to contract significantly more than previously expected, this will have an impact on the outlook for the labour market.
Upon receipt of the end-year fiscal data and the latest economic data, including the third quarter national income data and December Live Register figures, a revised economic and fiscal assessment will be prepared by my Department in early January and brought forward for Government consideration. This assessment will reflect the dramatically changed environment now being faced.
In light of the further deterioration in the economic and budgetary situation, the Government is continuing to identify measures to ensure the sustainability of the public finances, while also focusing on areas that can expand the productive capacity of the economy. In this regard, the Taoiseach will shortly publish a programme for the renewal of the economy. The stabilisation of the public finances is the central immediate element of this framework.
196 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance when the special group on public service numbers and expenditure programmes is due to report; if elements of its recommendations will be reported, considered and implemented in advance of the group’s final report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46947/08]
The Group will report to me every two months and will submit a final report to me by the end of June 2009. The Special Group's analysis and recommendations will assist me and my Government colleagues to identify economies which can be made on the scale necessary to ensure that the public finances are brought under control in a short and economically prudent timeframe. The Group's conclusions will accordingly be considered on an ongoing basis in the context of preparing the Estimates of Expenditure for 2010 and later years, and publication or otherwise will be decided on in that context.
197 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance if he will set out the remuneration arrangements for the members of the special group on public service numbers and expenditure programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46948/08]
The remuneration arrangements, insofar as any apply, for members of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes are expected to be finalised in the New Year.
198 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance if, with respect to the special group on public service numbers and expenditure programmes, the Exchequer cost of tax incentives, credits or reliefs in terms of tax revenue forgone comes under the remit of the group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46949/08]
The Special Group's primary focus is on examining all programmes funded through public expenditure and to identify options for savings in the context of the Government's fiscal objectives as set out in Budget 2009. As such, tax incentives, credits or reliefs do not come under the remit of the group.
199 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the number of people working in his Department; the number of qualified economists, having a masters degrees in economics, PhD’s in economics, and the number of qualified accountants working at his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46950/08]
There are currently 614 people (whole time equivalents) employed in my Department. There are currently 57 officers who hold degrees in Economics and related disciplines, 44 who hold a Masters qualification in Economics and related disciplines, and 1 officer who holds a PhD. Some officers will, of course, be included in more than 1 of these categories. There are 7 officers with professional accountancy qualifications. In addition, a further 10 staff have degrees in Accounting or accounting related disciplines.
200 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance if, with respect to each PPP project under development with Exchequer financing, at the planning or construction stage, the increased cost of debt financing has rendered the project financially unviable or has increased the cost of the project to the Exchequer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46951/08]
The Deputy will be aware that my Department has put in place the overall PPP investment framework, including the framework for the appraisal, assessment, procurement and evaluation of projects. Individual Departments are responsible for the projects and programme in their areas, within that overall framework. The extent to which current market developments affect PPPs is a matter for each Department suitably advised by the National Development Finance Agency, who are monitoring the situation.
201 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance his position on the possible takeover of Aer Lingus (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46952/08]
The Deputy will understand that there are constraints on any comments I can make about this matter at this stage because of the strict rules of disclosure which apply under the Irish Takeover Panel takeover code. I can say that Ryanair released its formal offer document on 15 December and, as the Deputy is aware from recent comments from the Minister for Transport, the Government will evaluate the offer from the perspective of the Government as a shareholder and having regard to a range of issues including Ireland's aviation policy.
202 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the increases in credit default swap prices on sovereign Irish debt since 30 September 2008; the way this increase relates to the benchmark of German sovereign debt over the same period; his views on these developments; if this evolution in relative CDS prices relates to the introduction of the bank guarantee scheme; and if so, the extent; his views on whether Ireland’s sovereign rating could be downgraded from its current AAA rating at some point during 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46956/08]
The National Treasury Management Agency have advised me that the current aversion to risk in global markets has led to an increase in the cost of insuring exposure to all counterparties, and the associated increase in credit spreads has more to do with the general sentiment in the credit markets than the financial position of individual issuers. Irish government debt has not been immune to this trend. However, while the Government's bank guarantee scheme is certainly a contributory factor to the increase, the market for Irish government credit default swaps is small and prices quoted are volatile. Also, it should be noted that such spreads represent a cost to the investor and do not directly affect the cost of debt to the Exchequer.
The following table sets out CDS prices for Irish and German Government bonds on the 29th and 30th of September and at close of business yesterday.
|
29/09/08 |
30/09/08 |
16/12/08 |
|
|
Ireland 5 year CDS |
32.9 |
60.4 |
189.7 |
|
German 5 year CDS |
8.8 |
12.3 |
47.5 |
Ireland has the top AAA rating from all the major rating agencies. In assessing overall credit worthiness, consideration has to be given to the overall level of government debt. The government debt ratio was forecast in Budget 2009 to be around 36% of GDP at end-2008. This ratio does not take into the account the assets of the National Pensions Reserve Fund or the significant cash balances that the NTMA has built up for the Exchequer. When the assets of the NPRF are netted off, the projected net indebtedness position for end-2008, as set out in Budget 2009, is in the region of 25% of GDP. The projected EU average for end 2008 is around 60% of GDP. However, given the continuous deterioration in the public finances, as evidenced in the end-November Exchequer returns, and the downside risks to growth next year, it is inevitable that our borrowing will rise in the years ahead. The Government is concerned at such a development and is giving priority to stabilising and restoring the public finances to a sustainable position, particularly by bringing the current budget back to balance as soon as possible.
203 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance if the charging scheme of the bank guarantee scheme foresees a mechanism for a reappraisal of the overall gross charge in view of developments in the pricing of Irish long term sovereign debt when this change in pricing arises either directly or indirectly from the introduction of the bank guarantee scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46957/08]
The thinking behind the Charging Model is set out in some detail in the Annexe to the Scheme. However, the main principle is that the Minister for Finance estimates an aggregate cost that the State will bear as a consequence of the guarantee and each covered institution will pay its share in accordance with its risk profile and the guarantee charging model, subject to the estimated cost to the Exchequer being fully recouped. In case the actual cost for the State is higher, the charge will be adapted accordingly.
The Deputy will be aware that a cost of €1 billion over two years was the original estimate for recouping the cost to the State of extra borrowing. Nothing has yet arisen to suggest that this estimate was inaccurate. The cost of public borrowing constantly changes in the financial markets in response to many different influences, and there is no reason to suggest that these changes are all driven by the guarantee scheme.
204 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the cost to the Exchequer, in terms of tax revenue foregone, of tax relief for investors in the private housing market for each year from 2002 to date in 2008; the budgeted cost of such reliefs for 2009; the number of individual taxpayers who avail of such reliefs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46958/08]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the relevant information available on the cost to the Exchequer of income tax relief for individual investors in private housing is based on personal income tax returns filed by non-PAYE taxpayers for the years 2003 to 2006 inclusive, the latest year for which this information is available, indicating the amount of interest on borrowings claimed as a deduction against rental income assessable under Case V, Schedule D. The estimated costs are set out as follows.
|
Year |
Estimated Tax Forgone |
Numbers of individual claimants |
|
€m |
||
|
2003 |
222 |
39,800 |
|
2004 |
284 |
50,800 |
|
2005 |
393 |
60,600 |
|
2006 (provisional) |
572 |
63,700 |
The estimates are based on assuming that tax relief was allowed at the top income tax rate of 42% and the figures provided could therefore be regarded as the maximum Exchequer cost in respect of those taxpayers.
Corresponding suitable data is not available for the year 2002. I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that data for the tax year 2007 is not yet available as the appropriate income tax returns for that year which were recently due for filing are currently being processed. It should be noted that any corresponding data returned by PAYE taxpayers in the income tax return form 12 is not captured in the Revenue computer system. However, any PAYE taxpayer with non-PAYE income greater than €3,174 is required to complete an income tax return form 11. This return is the source of the figures provided in this reply.
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 the years 2007 to 2009 in relation to this relief.
Income tax relief is also claimed by individuals who have invested in private residential property under the various property based tax incentive schemes in the categories of urban renewal, town renewal, seaside resort, rural renewal, living over the shop, park and ride, student accommodation, holiday cottages and housing for the elderly and infirm. Based on information that has been received and collated to date for the tax years 2004, 2005 and 2006, the position in terms of estimated tax relief allowed in respect of these schemes is set out in the following table.
No specific Revenue information on the cost of these schemes is available for the tax year 2003 or previous years and I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that data for the tax year 2007 is not yet available as the appropriate income tax returns for that year have only recently been filed and have not yet been processed. For the same reason, I am not in a position to provide the data requested by the Deputy for the years 2008 and 2009.
|
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
||||
|
Residential property |
No. of Investors |
Tax relief allowed €m |
No. of Investors |
Tax relief allowed €m |
No. of Investors |
Tax relief allowed €m |
|
Urban renewal, town renewal, seaside resort, rural renewal, living over the shop, park and ride, student accommodation, holiday cottages and housing for the elderly and infirm. |
3,123 |
69 |
5,372 |
192 |
6,269 |
213 |
205 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the cost, in terms of tax revenue foregone, of the remittance tax regime for foreign business executives for each year of its operation from 2002 to date in 2008, including the forecast cost of the proposed revamped scheme, as set out in the Finance Bill (No. 2) 2008 for 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46959/08]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that, prior to 31 December 2005, a non-domiciled individual could avail of the remittance basis of taxation in respect of the income from a non-Irish sourced employment. This applied, not only to non-domiciled business executives, but to all non-domiciled individuals working in the State. As the Deputy is aware, that type of remittance basis gave rise to a number of abuses and, as a result,it was curtailed in the Finance Act 2006.
With effect from 1 January 2006, the remittance basis of taxation no longer applies to the income of a non-Irish sourced employment attributable to the performance in the State of the duties of that employment. Section 13 of the Finance (No. 2) Bill 2008 as recently amended by the Select Committee on Finance and the Public Service proposes to introduce a new type of remittance basis of taxation to the income of a non-Irish sourced employment attributable to the performance in the State of the duties of that employment which was debated at some length at Committee Stage of the Bill.
As to potential loss to the Exchequer, individuals chargeable on the remittance basis are obliged to declare only so much of the foreign income received in, or remitted to, the State. Accordingly, details of un-remitted employment income under foreign contracts, in respect of which Irish tax was forgone, either by business executives or other occupations, are not available.
Budget of 2006 stated that the Exchequer yield from discontinuing the remittance basis with effect from 1 January 2006 was estimated at over €50 million in 2006, €75 million in 2007 and €100 million in subsequent full years. These estimates were arrived at on the basis of the evidence of the promotion of the use of the remittance basis which the changes in the Finance Act 2006 were designed to eliminate.
As regards the proposed scheme as outlined in the present Finance Bill, as I stated at the Committee Stage of the Bill, it is difficult to estimate but I believe it could cost about €10 million per annum.
206 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance if the buses run by the Office of Public Works in the Phoenix Park could be eco-friendly buses; if the OPW has examined this possibility; his views on this as a positive development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46960/08]
207 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the number of passengers who have used the bus services provided in the Phoenix Park; the cost to the Exchequer on an annual basis since the services commenced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46961/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 206 and 207 together.
The buses used for the shuttle service are powered by liquid petroleum gas and were the most ecologically friendly vehicles available on the market at the time of tender 2007 / 2008. These buses offer significant environmental benefits over diesel, including 96% lower emissions of nitrous oxide, zero particulate emissions and much lower noise levels.
The total number of passengers carried on the service between 4 May 2008 and 26 October 2008 was 17,345. The total cost of providing the service between the beginning of May to the end of October was €183,934.00. The business plan for the service envisaged a build-up of passengers on a progressive basis from a small start-up base. Given the take-up on the service to date however, its continued operation at its present level is being reviewed.
208 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the purpose the Steward’s House at Farmleigh is used for; if it is used by An Taoiseach; if An Taoiseach has stayed there overnight; if so, the number of occasions; the annual cost to the Exchequer of maintaining this residence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46962/08]
209 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the purpose for which An Taoiseach’s State residence is being used for; the annual cost to the Exchequer of maintaining this residence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46963/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 208 and 209 together.
The Steward's House is an integral part of the Farmleigh Estate, and it was included as part of the purchase of Farmleigh by the State in 1999. The Steward's House was refurbished to provide additional guest accommodation as part of the overall Farmleigh complex, but separate from the main house.
As part of the Farmleigh Estate, it is available for official use. Since it became available for use, one group of 3 guests, the EU Commissioner for Agriculture and two others, were accommodated in the Steward's House for 2 days and 2 nights. It has been used by the Taoiseach for a small number of informal meetings over recent weeks. The Taoiseach has also stayed overnight on 5 occasions when official duties prevented his return to his residence. The question of the basis on which such use might arise in the future is currently under consideration.
Since the Steward's House has only recently been refurbished and renovated, the annual maintenance costs for the House are minimal.
210 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the number of times the Farmleigh estate has been used for each of the years 2006, 2007 and to date in 2008; the number of nights the residence has been occupied by foreign dignitaries or other individuals for each of the years 2006, 2007 and to date in 2008; the annual cost to the Exchequer of maintaining this residence for each of the years 2006, 2007 and to date in 2008; the budgeted cost for 2008 and 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46964/08]
The information sought by the Deputy in relation to usage of Farmleigh and the annual running costs of Farmleigh in each of the years 2006, 2007 and 2008 is given in the following tables. In addition to the cost of running Farmleigh as the premier guest facility for visiting Heads of State, the expenditure in each year supported significant other activity at Farmleigh in relation to its use as a venue for high level meetings, and also the very successful public access and event programme. Details of these other activities are given in the following tables also.
|
2009 Budget Prelim. |
2008 Budget |
2008 to date |
2007 |
2006 |
|
|
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
|
|
Operating/Running costs |
3.130 |
3.226 |
3.020 |
3.204 |
3.359 |
|
Summary of Residential Visits in recent years |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Year |
No. of Guests |
No. of Bednights |
Duration of overnight stays |
Main State Visits/Guests (Heads of State) (Overnights) |
|
2006 |
170 |
340 |
1-4 |
Croatia, Australia, Norway, New Zealand, Egypt, |
|
2007 |
108 |
283 |
1-4 |
Poland, USA, Slovakia, Belgium, Finland |
|
2008 provisional figures |
60 |
130 |
1-4 |
Comm.Walstrom, Vietnam, Estonian President and EU Commission President |
|
Summary of High Level Events held at Farmleigh |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Year |
No. of Events |
Nos Attending |
|
2006 |
96 |
4350 |
|
2007 |
113 |
4625 |
|
2008 provisional figures |
86 |
4740 |
|
Summary of Public Events Programme |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Year |
Total No. of Visitors |
Total No. of Public Events |
|
2006 |
277,005 |
54 |
|
2007 |
177,161 |
65 |
|
2008 provisional figures |
190,000 |
79 |
Public Access Days: 146.
211 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance if property developers who build houses and rent out rather than sell them can claw-back VAT paid on construction costs; if there have been changes to this element of the VAT regime during 2008 or if there are such changes planned for 2009; the rationale for such changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46973/08]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that, in common with any trader engaged in taxable activities, property developers engaged in the building and selling of houses are entitled to deduct VAT incurred on their input costs. The position regarding property developers who, having deducted VAT incurred on the development of residential property, subsequently rent rather than sell completed houses is set out below.
Where a house is completed before 1 July 2008 and rented on or after that date, there is a full claw-back of the VAT deducted by the developer. This claw-back is triggered by section 4C(3) to the Value-Added Tax Act 1972, as amended, and is effected at the time the letting of the residential property is created.
The Finance Act 2008 introduced a new VAT on property regime from 1 July 2008. The new regime includes a capital goods scheme (CGS) that regulates VAT deductibility in relation to property by reference to the taxable and exempt use of the property over the "life" of the property, which in most cases is 20 years. Where a house is completed on or after 1 July 2008, and rented on or after 1 July 2008 (an exempt activity), no immediate claw-back of the VAT occurs. Instead, the developer is required to adjust the VAT deductibility at the end of the second CGS interval and each subsequent interval until the property is sold. In effect, therefore, VAT deducted by the developer is clawed back proportionately by reference to the length of the letting over the 20 year "life" of the property. Full details on the CGS are available under Chapter 6 of the VAT on Property Guide, which is available on the Revenue website at www.revenue.ie.
I would add, however, that the subsequent sale by a developer of a residential property that he has rented out remains fully taxable.
212 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance if, in respect of the reported levying of a fine by the Financial Regulator on the chairperson of a leading insurance company and the publication of a limited amount of information in relation to the matters giving rise to that fine, he has requested detailed briefing from the Regulator in relation to the matters involved in the case pertaining to an insurance company and to a bank which is covered by the State bank guarantee scheme; if he has requested special examinations, audits or reviews to be carried out in respect of both of the relevant financial institutions; the rationale for such changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46974/08]
In my role as the Minister for Finance I have responsibility for the development of the legal framework governing financial regulation. The day-to-day responsibility for the supervision of financial institutions is a matter for the Financial Regulator, which is statutorily independent in the exercise of its regulatory functions. The Financial Regulator is also obliged to treat as confidential the information it holds on regulated entities. Consequently the Settlement Agreement entered into with the insurance company in question is strictly a matter between the parties.
The Deputy will be aware that in light of the ongoing turmoil in financial markets, the Financial Regulator is continuing to intensify its on-site and off-site supervision of financial institutions. In this respect the Financial Regulator has advised me that on the basis of the latest figures available, all insurers meet the statutory solvency margin requirements. On the banking side, I have met with the Governor of the Central Bank and the Financial Regulator to discuss the report on the financial position of the major financial institutions participating in the Government Guarantee Scheme. This report which cannot be disclosed because of its confidential and commercially sensitive nature presents an analysis of the institutions having regard to their loan books. The report confirmed that the capital position of each of the institutions reviewed is in excess of regulatory requirements as at 30 September 2008. The report also concludes that even in certain stress scenarios the capital levels in the financial institutions will remain within regulatory requirements in the period to 2011.
213 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance if he is satisfied that the requirement to notify to the Stock Exchange of significant shareholdings in quoted shares, and banks in particular, via the office of the Financial Regulator is being carried out; if he is satisfied himself that a company (details supplied) has been fully notified to the Stock Exchange as apparently required; if persons involved in the acquisition of shares, or an interest in shares via contracts for difference, are obliged to notify these interests; if they are not obliged to notify these interests, his views on whether this is a gap in the regulatory mechanism; his further views on asking the Regulator to make or strengthen regulations to this effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46975/08]
A person is required to make a notification to the issuer and to the Irish Stock Exchange where their shareholding in that issuer, which is admitted to trading on a regulated market, reaches or passes certain percentage thresholds, expressed as a percentage of total voting rights in the capital of the issuer. The relevant threshold for Irish issuers is 3% and each 1% thereafter up to 100%. The notification requirement only applies to shares with voting rights attached. The notification requirements also apply to a person who holds, directly or indirectly, financial instruments which result in an entitlement to acquire, on such holder's own initiative alone, under a formal agreement, shares to which voting rights are attached, already issued, of an issuer.
A person making a notification to an issuer shall at the same time file a copy of such notification with the Irish Stock Exchange by e-mail. Upon receipt of the notification the issuer must make public all the information contained in the notification.
In the case of a bank, any person proposing to acquire 10% or more of its shares or voting rights must notify the Central Bank and Financial Services Authority of Ireland in advance and receives its approval for an such acquisition. The Financial Regulator has raised with my Department the question of extending disclosure requirements to other types of financial instruments, such as contracts for difference, and proposals are expected shortly.
214 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the discussions he has had with private equity interests, hedge funds, or groups or consortia including private equity or hedge funds proposing to take a stake in any of the banks covered by the guarantee; the consortia that have made approaches in this regard; the number of occasions; if he has met representatives of any of the listed groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46976/08]
The Government's Guarantee Scheme has been successful in safeguarding the stability of the Irish banking sector and in restoring its liquidity position. However, international capital market expectations in relation to capital levels in the banking sector have altered.
In my statement on 28 November, I indicated that it would be appropriate for the State in certain circumstances, through the National Pensions Reserve Fund or otherwise, to consider supplementing private investment with State participation. Following on from this, the Government announced on 14 December its intention to support, alongside existing shareholders and private investors, a recapitalisation programme for credit institutions in Ireland of up to E10 billion. In that regard, the State is open to supporting proposals from potential investors that would add value to the security and stability of the financial system and would enhance its ability to contribute in a positive way to economic development.
I have met in recent weeks with a number of banks and investment businesses. I have indicated that it is a matter for the Board of each financial institution concerned to develop further their own plans for raising capital where appropriate. Following the Government's announcement of 14 December, relevant credit institutions are expected to develop detailed proposals and these institutions have been asked to submit their proposals by early January.
Any parties with serious propositions for investment in an institution are of course referred to the institutions concerned. Any proposals involving State participation or investment would be considered only following advice from the NTMA and from financial and legal advisors as appropriate.
It would not be appropriate for me to comment on any specific proposals or specific meetings with interested parties, as the details of any discussions are potentially market sensitive.
215 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance his views on extending the bank guarantee scheme; if he has received representations or requests from any of the covered institutions for such extension; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that many of the institutions covered are suggesting that they may have difficulties in raising finance beyond the duration of the guarantee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46977/08]
I have had no formal requests from any of the covered institutions to extend the Guarantee Scheme. However, I have been asked, in various discussions, as to the Government's intentions in this regard. The Guarantee Scheme is less than three months old and will run for two years. The operation of the Scheme will be kept under constant review.
216 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance if he had further audit or other examination in respect of the institutions covered by the bank guarantee scheme with a view to examining their loan books, particularly in respect to bad debts incurred by the covered institutions from exposure to the property and construction sectors; if he has been advised of the appropriate levels of write-downs in the covered institutions; if he has requested any of the covered institutions to make appropriate write-downs in respect of losses that may be incurred from their loan books; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46978/08]
The Financial Regulator recently received reports, prepared by Price Waterhouse Coopers, on the financial and capital position of the institutions receiving support under the Credit Institutions (Financial Support) Scheme. These reports indicated that the capital position of each of the institutions reviewed was in excess of regulatory requirements as at 30 September 2008 and also concluded that, even in certain stress scenarios, the capital level will remain within regulatory requirements in the period to 2011.
As the Deputy would expect, continued vigilance is appropriate during the period of the Government guarantee and further work continues on the review of covered institutions' loan books. The outcome of this work will be considered by the Financial Regulator as part of the ongoing supervision of the covered institutions under the Scheme and more generally.
While the Price Waterhouse Coopers reports have provided an assurance on the capital position of the covered institutions, I also recognise that market expectations on appropriate capitalisation levels have changed and that it is also necessary to ensure that the banks are in a position to lend to business and personal customers in a sound financial position. It is for this reason that I announced a programme of capitalisation for credit institutions in Ireland.
The extent to which impaired loans have been provided for is a matter for each institution and its auditors to report on, in accordance with supervisory and accounting requirements, as the institutions publish results for the appropriate periods. The Financial Regulator will be in ongoing contact with the covered institutions on this matter having regard to the continuing work of Price Waterhouse Coopers and other information obtained within the regulatory framework.
217 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the budgeted cost to his Department for 2009 of incremental pay increases for all staff in and under the aegis of his Department; the comparative cost for each year from 2002 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46987/08]
As indicated in PQ reply of 23 October 2008 (No.84) to Deputy Leo Varadker, the estimated cost of increments awarded to staff in my Department in 2008 was €227,000, and is expected to be of the order of €171,000 in 2009. These amounts do not include the cost of long service increments which are only payable after satisfactory service of 3 and 6 years at the highest points on incremental scales.
It should be noted that since the introduction of the revised Performance Management and Development System (PMDS) in the civil service, the payment of all increments since 2007 is dependant on staff receiving a satisfactory rating.
No dedicated annual provision is made for the payment of increments in my Department. Expenditure may vary from year to year depending on the number of staff who are on points below the maximum of their scale and the number of staff who have reached the maximum of the scale. Retirements and replacement of promoted staff by persons at lower scale points of their former grade also impact on costs from year to year.
It is not possible in the time available to give a complete statement of the actual cost of increments in any given year. In the normal course, the annual cost in my Department and in bodies under the aegis of my Department would not exceed 1% of payroll.
218 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the number of civil servants and other public servants, who have relocated to locations outside of Dublin under the Government’s decentralisation programme; the estimated number of each category who will have relocated by the end of 2009; the breakdown of each set of figures in terms of those who are relocating from Dublin and relocating from elsewhere; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47002/08]
The following is the information requested by the Deputy in tabular form for my Department and the bodies under the aegis of my Department.
|
Location |
Number Decentralised to date |
Total who will have decentralised by end 2009 |
Relocated from Dublin |
Relocated from elsewhere |
|
Tullamore |
128* |
130 |
90 |
24 |
|
Kildare |
0 |
Approx 30** |
n/a |
n/a |
*Includes 14 staff recruited for Tullamore
**As all staff have not been recruited for Kildare it is not possible at this stage to state how many of the 30 posts will be filled by Dublin based staff.
|
Location |
Number Decentralised to date |
Total who will have decentralised by end 2009 |
Relocated from Dublin |
Relocated from elsewhere |
|
Newcastle West |
45 |
53 |
2 |
43 |
|
Kilrush |
57 |
57 |
5 |
52 |
|
Listowel |
52 |
52 |
8 |
44 |
|
Athy |
73 |
75 |
62 |
11 |
|
Navan |
99 |
99 |
78 |
21 |
|
Location |
Number Decentralised to date |
Total who will have decentralised by end 2009 |
Relocated from Dublin |
Relocated from elsewhere |
|
Trim |
32 |
249 |
179 |
70 |
|
Claremorris |
31 |
31 |
5 |
26 |
219 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the number of people working in his Department; the number earning below €50,000 per annum; the number earning between €50,001 and €60,000 per annum; the number earning between €60,001 and €70,000 per annum; the number earning between €70,001 and €80,000 per annum; the number earning between €80,001 and €90,000 per annum; the number earning between €90,001 and €100,000 per annum; the number earning over €100,001 per annum; the number in each staff category (details supplied) for each income band. [47017/08]
The number of people currently working in my Department is 655.
The following is the number of people in each salary band:
|
Salary band |
No. in band |
Breakdown by grade |
|
Under €50,000 |
302 |
10 Asst Principal level 30 Administrative Officer level 29 Higher Executive Officer level 51 Executive Officer level 32 Staff Officer level 124 Clerical Officer level 26 Services Officer/Services Attendant level |
|
€50,001 – €60,000 |
84 |
1 Principal level 2 Assistant Principal level 10 Administrative Officer level 62 Higher Executive Officer level 8 Executive Officer level 1 Teacher |
|
€60,001 – €70,000 |
37 |
1 Principal level 6 Assistant Principal level 13 Administrative Officer level 17 Higher Executive Officer level |
|
€70,001 – €80,000 |
30 |
30 Principal level |
|
€80,001 – €90,000 |
88 |
4 Principal level 84 Assistant Principal level |
|
€90,001 – €100,000 |
41 |
4 Principal level 37 Assistant Principal level |
|
Over €100,000 |
73 |
2 Secretary General level 3 Second Secretary level 1 Deputy Secretary level 11 Assistant Secretary level 56 Principal level |
220 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the number of civil and public servants working in or under the aegis of his Department for each year from 2002 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47032/08]
The following tables list the information requested by the Deputy in respect of my Department and agencies under the aegis of my Department.
|
Year |
Number of Staff (full-time equivalents) |
|
31/12/2002 |
622.52 |
|
31/12/2003 |
600.81 |
|
31/12/2004 |
587.39 |
|
31/12/2005 |
587.09 |
|
31/12/2006 |
622.43 |
|
31/12/2007 |
628.70 |
|
30/11/2008 |
613.91 |
|
Year |
Staff Numbers (Full Time Equivalents) |
|
2002 |
6,463 |
|
2003 |
6,440 |
|
2004 |
6,444 |
|
2005 |
6,445 |
|
2006 |
6,442 |
|
2007 |
6,574 |
|
2008 |
6,592 |
The staff numbers are as published in the Revised Estimates Volumes, except for 2008 which is the figure as at 10 December 2008.
Office of Public Works
The number of civil servants and state industrial employees in the Office of Public Works at the end of 2006 and 2007 and at the end of November 2008 are shown in the following table. Excluded from the figures are students, apprentices, seasonal/casual and on-call personnel. The information in respect of 2002-2005 is not readily accessible and will be sent directly to the Deputy by the Office of Public Works. It might be noted that the numbers employed rise substantially during the summer season when temporary staff are engaged, for example, as guide/information officers at heritage sites.
|
Year |
Number of Staff (full-time equivalents) |
|
2006 |
1,925.5 |
|
2007 |
1,972.1 |
|
2008 to end of November |
2,007.4 |
|
Year |
Staff Numbers (Full Time Equivalents) |
|
2004* |
146.75 |
|
2005 |
140.30 |
|
2006 |
144.95 |
|
2007 |
147.35 |
|
2008 |
142.86 |
*(Formerly Civil Service Commission until Nov 04).
|
Year |
Staff Numbers (Full Time Equivalents) |
|
2004* |
6 |
|
2005 |
8 |
|
2006 |
8 |
|
2007 |
9 |
|
2008 |
12 |
*(Formerly Civil Service Commission until Nov 04).
|
Year |
Staff Numbers (Full Time Equivalents) |
|
2002 |
|
|
2003 |
89.00 |
|
2004 |
90.40 |
|
2005 |
91.30 |
|
2006 |
94.20 |
|
2007 |
91.20 |
|
2008 |
92.05 |
|
Year |
Staff Numbers (Full Time Equivalents) |
|
2002 |
|
|
2003 |
130.00 |
|
2004 |
147.90 |
|
2005 |
149.60 |
|
2006 |
148.00 |
|
2007 |
156.33 |
|
2008 |
158.23 |
|
Year |
Staff Numbers (Full Time Equivalents) |
|
2002 |
|
|
2003 |
152.00 |
|
2004 |
160.00 |
|
2005 |
163.00 |
|
2006 |
150.50 |
|
2007 |
159.50 |
|
2008 |
154.60 |
|
Year |
Staff Numbers (Full Time Equivalents) |
|
2002 |
76.90 |
|
2003 |
76.60 |
|
2004 |
75.20 |
|
2005 |
75.86 |
|
2006 |
76.09 |
|
2007 |
85.29 |
|
2008 |
91.52 |
Remaining information in relation to 2002 will be provided directly to the Deputy when available.
221 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the number of locations where civil and public servants working in or under the aegis of his Department are located; the locations of same; the number, and the number in each category (details supplied) of staff at each location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47047/08]
The following tables list the information requested by the Deputy in respect of my Department and agencies under the aegis of my Department.
Department of Finance
My Department currently has offices in Dublin and Tullamore, details as follows:
|
Grade |
Dublin |
Tullamore |
Total |
|
Secretary General |
1.00 |
1.00 |
|
|
Secretary General PSMD |
1.00 |
1.00 |
|
|
Second Secretary |
3.00 |
3.00 |
|
|
Assistant Secretary |
14.00 |
14.00 |
|
|
Principal |
50.50 |
6.00 |
56.50 |
|
Assistant Principal |
136.15 |
25.00 |
161.15 |
|
Administrative Officer |
47.60 |
2.00 |
49.60 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
75.64 |
23.50 |
99.14 |
|
Executive Officer |
40.20 |
13.60 |
53.80 |
|
Staff Officer |
20.00 |
9.00 |
29.00 |
|
Clerical Officer |
70.66 |
37.10 |
107.76 |
|
Services Officer |
19.00 |
5.00 |
24.00 |
|
Services Attendant |
2.00 |
2.00 |
|
|
CMO & staff |
7.00 |
7.00 |
|
|
Teacher |
4.96 |
4.96 |
|
|
Grand Total |
492.71 |
121.20 |
613.91 |
Revenue Commissioners
The number (full time equivalents) and category of Revenue staff, including details of the locations (45) in which they are currently posted, are set out in the table below:
Department of Finance
My Department currently has offices in Dublin and Tullamore, details as follows:
|
Grade |
Dublin |
Tullamore |
Total |
|
Secretary General |
1.00 |
1.00 |
|
|
Secretary General PSMD |
1.00 |
1.00 |
|
|
Second Secretary |
3.00 |
3.00 |
|
|
Assistant Secretary |
14.00 |
14.00 |
|
|
Principal |
50.50 |
6.00 |
56.50 |
|
Assistant Principal |
136.15 |
25.00 |
161.15 |
|
Administrative Officer |
47.60 |
2.00 |
49.60 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
75.64 |
23.50 |
99.14 |
|
Executive Officer |
40.20 |
13.60 |
53.80 |
|
Staff Officer |
20.00 |
9.00 |
29.00 |
|
Clerical Officer |
70.66 |
37.10 |
107.76 |
|
Services Officer |
19.00 |
5.00 |
24.00 |
|
Services Attendant |
2.00 |
2.00 |
|
|
CMO & staff |
7.00 |
7.00 |
|
|
Teacher |
4.96 |
4.96 |
|
|
Grand Total |
492.71 |
121.20 |
613.91 |
Revenue Commissioners
The number (full time equivalents) and category of Revenue staff, including details of the locations (450 in which they are currently posted, are set out in the table below:
|
Location |
Grade |
Total |
|
Arklow |
HEO |
1.0 |
|
EO |
1.0 |
|
|
Arklow Total |
2.0 |
|
|
Athlone |
PO |
1.0 |
|
AP |
5.0 |
|
|
HEO |
14.1 |
|
|
EO |
28.9 |
|
|
CO |
34.7 |
|
|
Other |
2.0 |
|
|
Service Attendant |
1.0 |
|
|
Service Officer |
1.0 |
|
|
Athlone Total |
87.7 |
|
|
Athy |
PO |
1.0 |
|
AP |
1.0 |
|
|
HEO |
12.5 |
|
|
EO |
19.2 |
|
|
SO |
1.0 |
|
|
CO |
29.5 |
|
|
Athy Total |
64.2 |
|
|
Bantry |
SO |
1.0 |
|
CO |
1.0 |
|
|
Bantry Total |
2.0 |
|
|
Bridgend |
AP |
2.0 |
|
HEO |
5.0 |
|
|
EO |
8.0 |
|
|
SO |
2.0 |
|
|
CO |
12.5 |
|
|
Other |
1.0 |
|
|
Bridgend Total |
30.5 |
|
|
Carlow |
HEO |
1.0 |
|
EO |
2.7 |
|
|
CO |
1.0 |
|
|
Carlow Total |
4.7 |
|
|
Carrick-on-Shannon |
EO |
2.0 |
|
Carrick-on-Shannon Total |
2.0 |
|
|
Castlebar |
PO |
1.0 |
|
AP |
5.0 |
|
|
HEO |
20.3 |
|
Grade |
Number |
|
Chief Executive Officer |
1.00 |
|
Principal |
3.00 |
|
Principal Psychologist |
1.00 |
|
Senior Psychologist |
1.00 |
|
Assistant Principal |
5.50 |
|
Professional Accountant (shared with State Lab) |
1.00 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
19.63 |
|
Translator |
1.00 |
|
Psychologist |
3.60 |
|
Executive Officer |
25.20 |
|
Staff Officer |
12.30 |
|
Clerical Officer |
64.63 |
|
Services Officer |
4.00 |
|
Cleaner |
2.00 |
|
Total |
144.86 |
|
Grade |
Number |
|
Director General |
1.00 |
|
Senior Investigator/Principal |
9.00 |
|
Investigator/Assistant Principal |
31.83 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
9.8. |
|
Executive Officer |
11.73 |
|
Staff Officer |
1.00 |
|
Clerical Officer |
24.16 |
|
Services Officer |
2.00 |
|
Total |
93.52 |
Information relating to the Office of Public Works, State Laboratory, Valuation Office, Commission for Public Service Appointments and the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General will be provided directly to the Deputy once received.
222 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the agencies, bodies or authorities under the aegis of his Department that have been scheduled for merging, amalgamation, abolition or sharing of services as announced in Budget 2009; the progress that has been made on the implementation of these organisational changes; the details of the implementation plan for these organisational changes; the cost savings that will arise from each of these organisational changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47062/08]
In response to the Deputy's question, there are no organisations or agencies under the remit of my Department which have been amalgamated or eliminated due to recent budgetary measures.
223 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance his views on whether banks should be required to provide people with an annual statement of DIRT deducted in order that they can check their exact tax liability. [47081/08]
Section 262 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 already provides that a financial institution must, following a depositor's request, provide a statement to the depositor showing the gross amount of any relevant interest paid or credited to the depositor, the DIRT deducted, the net payment and the date of that payment. I have no plans to amend this legislative provision at this time.
Section 34 of the Finance Act 2007 introduced a new scheme to allow the operation of DIRT exempt savings accounts subject to two conditions: (1) the account holder must be aged 65 years of age or over or be permanently incapacitated; and (2) the account holder's total income must not exceed the relevant exemption threshold, i.e. €19,000 (for an individual) or €38,000 (for a married couple).
In 2007, Revenue widely publicised these changes. An Information Leaflet (DE1) giving comprehensive information for qualifying taxpayers on how to have interest credited to their savings accounts without deduction of DIRT was made available at Revenue offices. Information on DIRT exemption was also included on the Revenue website at www.revenue.ie. Application forms and information leaflets were also made available at most financial institutions. Revenue also arranged for an information leaflet to be issued to social welfare customers in receipt of state and other pensions.
224 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Finance the elements of the Programme for Government that will not be implemented and delivered on due to the changed financial situation nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47186/08]
As a result of the very different international economic environment that we now face, it is clear that the short term prospects for economic activity are considerably less favourable than that envisaged when the Programme for Government was set out. We now face a position where tax revenues are back to 2005 levels while spending by 2009 is estimated to have increased by 35%. Clearly we have a substantial gap.
The Government's priority is the restoration of a balanced current budget over the medium term. Achieving this will inevitably mean that it will be difficult to deliver on the priorities outlined in the Programme for Government given the level of resources available.
That said the Government is also continuing to commit substantial funding to public investment to secure the future growth potential of the economy, thereby maintaining employment and competitiveness and enhancing the productive capacity of the economy.
Finally, as I have said in response to previous PQs on this issue the Programme for Government is a five year programme which must be judged over the full five years of the Government.
225 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the amount of EU funding received by his Department directly or for institutions, groups, organisations or bodies under his aegis in the past 20 years to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47245/08]
Since Ireland joined the EU in 1973, approximately €20bn has been allocated in EU Structural and Cohesion Funds. The Structural Funds comprise the: European Regional Development Fund (ERDF); European Social Fund (ESF); Fishery Funds — Financial Instruments for Fisheries Guidance (FIFG) and European Fisheries Fund (EFF); and Agriculture Funds — European Agriculture Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF), guidance element and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD).
My Department is responsible for, amongst other things, overall policy in relation to Ireland's EU Structural and Cohesion Funds. It is responsible for drawing down the European Regional Development and Cohesion Funds which are paid into the Central Fund as a capital receipt. It also plays a central role in the development and monitoring of the programmes/projects through which the Funds are drawn down.
Ireland has qualified for Structural Funds since we joined the EU in 1973 and for the Cohesion Fund from 1993 when it was established. However, due to the economic progress the country has made, Ireland no longer qualifies for Cohesion Funding since 2004.
Details of receipts Ireland has received from the EU Budget under the various funds since we joined the EU in 1973 can be obtained from Table 11 of the document "Budgetary and Economic Statistics" published by my Department in September. The document is available on my Department's website at the following address:
http://www.finance.gov.ie/documents/publications/other/BES2008.pdf
226 Deputy Niall Blaney asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in regard to an application to Pobal by a committee (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46517/08]
As the Deputy will be aware, I have responsibility for the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006 -2010 (NCIP), which will invest €575 million over 5 years, with €358 million of this in capital grant aid for childcare services.
I understand that the service in question was initially approved capital grant funding under the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme (EOCP) 2000 — 2006 in November 2005. This grant was decommitted and transferred to the NCIP as the applicant could not proceed to contract at that time. As the applicant could not secure a lease agreement in the time required under the NCIP, the funding was decommitted again in August 2008. This decision was appealed however, given that the applicant had not secured a lease for the project, the original decision to decommit funding was deemed appropriate.
I also understand that Greencastle Community Childcare Centre has submitted a further capital grant application for €680,821 and that this application is currently in the appraisal process. A decision on this application will be made in due course following which the applicant will be notified of the outcome.
227 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will give an assurance that she will fully support the renewal of the bilateral agreement with Vietnam for the adoption of Vietnamese children by Irish couples; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47366/08]
253 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on the concerns raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46926/08]
265 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Health and Children whether a provision is being made to extend the agreement between Ireland and Vietnam regarding the adoption of children beyond the expiry date of May 2009; if a new agreement is being put in place before the expiry date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47169/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 227, 253 and 265 together.
My Office will shortly be publishing the Adoption Bill, 2008 which will ratify the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption. Under the new legislation, prospective adoptive parents will be able to adopt from countries which have also ratified the Hague Convention, and countries with which Ireland has a bilateral agreement which meets Hague standards.
While it is true to say that our current Agreement with Vietnam is based on Hague principles, as part of the preparations for our new legislation we need to ensure that our Agreement reflects the Hague Convention as comprehensively as possible. A new Agreement allows the opportunity to elaborate and strengthen some existing provisions to meet the standards which it is anticipated will be set in draft legislation. There have been considerable developments in intercountry adoption in Vietnam since the Agreement was signed 5 years ago. This progress also needs to be reflected in any new Agreement.
There is a clause in the current Agreement which states that the Agreement will be automatically extended for another 5 year term unless one State notifies the other State to the contrary. Because of the changes to our adoption legislation, the Agreement cannot ‘roll over' in its present form for another 5 years. As a result, the Irish Government was obliged to formally notify Vietnam that there can be no automatic renewal of the Agreement when the five year term expires on 1 May, 2009.
I am aware of the concerns of those parents who have already adopted and those who hope to adopt from Vietnam in the future. I would like to assure the Deputy that officials from my Office and the Adoption Board have been continuously monitoring the situation and liaising closely with colleagues in the Department of Foreign Affairs and our embassy in Hanoi over recent months. In November, a senior official from my Office led a delegation to Vietnam accompanied by the Chairman and CEO of the Adoption Board. While the purpose of this visit was to commence discussions with the Vietnamese Authorities on the possible renegotiation of the Agreement, the delegation also availed of the opportunity to meet with officials from various embassies and with UNICEF to discuss the their views on intercountry adoption from Vietnam.
The Irish Government has issued a formal request to the Vietnamese Authorities stating that we wish to enter into discussions immediately for the purpose of negotiating a new Agreement to follow on from the existing Agreement. We are currently awaiting the response of the Vietnamese authorities.
228 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children the cuts in home help services in County Louth in 2009. [46548/08]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
229 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a child (details supplied) in County Dublin aged 13 having been assessed by the Health Service Executive orthodontic service for Dublin north as in need of treatment will have to wait two years for this treatment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46553/08]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
230 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children when she expects a site to be finalised for the sexual assault treatment unit in Galway; the progress made in regard to such a unit in Mullingar, County Westmeath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46561/08]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
231 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an application by a person (details supplied) in County Cork under the nursing home charges repayment scheme. [46607/08]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
232 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the average cost of a public long-stay nursing home bed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46627/08]
The Department estimates that the average cost of a public long stay nursing home bed for 2008 is in the region of €1,300 per week.
233 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Health and Children the refurbishment and extension works planned for Letterkenny General Hospital, County Donegal; when these will commence; when the project is expected to be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46637/08]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
234 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of consultant doctors by speciality who are employed by or have fees paid by the State for each of the years 2004 to date in 2008; and if she will provide the information in tabular readable form. [46647/08]
235 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of money paid in fees or salaries to consultant doctors by the State for each of the years 2004 to date in 2008; and if she will provide the information in tabular readable form. [46648/08]
236 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount paid in fees or salaries per speciality for each of the years 2004 to date in 2008; and if she will provide the information in tabular readable form. [46649/08]
237 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of consultant doctors by speciality who were paid fees or salaries by the State (details supplied); if she will provide the information for each of the years 2004 to date in 2008; and if she will provide the information in tabular readable form. [46650/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 234 to 237, inclusive, together.
As these are service matters they have been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
238 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans she or her Department has to publish data on an annual basis regarding the salaries or fees paid to consultant doctors, similar to that of the publication of GMS payments, in the interest of openness and transparency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46651/08]
Medical consultants working in the public health service are remunerated by way of salary. Their salary scales are included in the Consolidated Salary Scale Reports which are periodically produced by my Department and published on the Department's website at www.dohc.ie/publications.
239 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health and Children the equipment and data that was lost or stolen from her Department in the past 12 months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46668/08]
Since December 2007, three Blackberries have been reported lost or stolen from members of staff in separate incidents. I understand that no sensitive or private data were contained on these devices.
240 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of money spent on hotel accommodation by her Department and each State agency under the aegis of her Department for each of the years 2004 to date in 2008; if she will provide the information available in tabular readable form. [46683/08]
The information requested by the Deputy in relation to my Department is contained in the table below. My Department has also requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Health Service Executive to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy on this matter. The information in relation to the other state agencies under the aegis of my Department is not readily available and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
|
EU/Non-EU |
Home |
|
|
€ |
€ |
|
|
2004 |
101,030 |
4,291 |
|
2005 |
81,606 |
7,267 |
|
2006 |
82,100 |
1,837 |
|
2007 |
86,851 |
2,450 |
|
2008* |
80,000 |
4,148 |
|
431,587 |
19,993 |
*Figures for 2008 up to 30 November.
241 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health and Children the procurement arrangements in place in her Department and each State agency under the aegis of her Department for the sourcing of hotel accommodation for her, for her Departmental staff and staff at each State agency, when overnight accommodation is necessary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46698/08]
My Department has strict policies and procedures in place to ensure compliance with Department of Finance Guidelines on travel and subsistence. Along with most other Departments, it uses the services of a travel agent who was awarded a contract following a selection process co-ordinated by the Department of Finance. As part of its remit, this agent provides a hotel booking service at discounted rates to ensure best value for money. With respect to sourcing hotel accommodation abroad for myself and officials travelling with me, the relevant Irish Embassy or Consulate General provides my office with a number of options following which a selection is made based on convenience and cost.
Each Agency established under the Aegis of my Department is responsible for sourcing or procuring its own hotel accommodation for agency staff when required. Each Agency is obliged to comply with the Department of Finance circulars on travel and subsistence and compliance is monitored by the internal audit function. Where hotel accommodation is being procured, Agencies must comply with relevant public service guidelines on procurement as set out in this Department's Framework for Corporate and Financial Governance, 2006, for Agencies funded by this Department.
242 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of computer servers that are owned or leased by her Department and each State agency under the aegis of her Department; and the amount of capacity on each server. [46713/08]
The following table lists the operational servers run directly by my Department, categorised as small, medium and large by their disk capacities in Gigabytes.
|
Capacity |
Number of Servers |
|
Less than 100GB |
38 |
|
Between 100GB and 500GB |
27 |
|
Greater than 500GB |
8 |
In relation to information on computer servers used by the HSE this is a service matter and it has been referred to HSE for a direct reply.
In relation to other health agencies which are directly funded through my Department, arrangements are being made to have the required details collated. The information will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as this exercise is completed.
243 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons in receipt of home help allowances in Kildare/ west Wicklow in each of the past five years; the number of new applications in each of the past five years; the total hours allocated to the home help system in each of the past five years; the number of home helps employed in the same period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46783/08]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
244 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children if the assessment of travel allowance payments for home helps in the Kildare/ west Wicklow has been completed; if so, the payments that have been made to each person; the cost of the payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46784/08]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
245 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No 221 of 8 May 2008, if the Health Service Executive has completed a cost benefit analysis under the capital appraisal guidelines in relation to the re-development of the Central Mental Hospital facility. [46785/08]
The cost benefit analysis has been completed and is currently under consideration by the HSE.
246 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children the result of an inquiry into practices at hospitals (details supplied) in County Tipperary. [46787/08]
The Mental Health Commission inquiry into practices at the St. Michael's Unit, South Tipperary General Hospital and St. Luke's Hospital, Clonmel, is nearing conclusion and it is expected that the report will be finalised early in the New Year.
247 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of home care packages funded in the Kildare West Wicklow areas of the HSE for each of the past three years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46793/08]
248 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of home care packages issued in the Kildare west Wicklow areas of the Health Service Executive in each of the past three years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46794/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 247 and 248 together.
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
249 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of elderly persons in County Roscommon and County Leitrim who have been approved by the Health Service Executive for home help, only to be placed on a waiting list until funding becomes available; the plans she and the Health Service Executive are putting in place to ensure home help will be made available to these qualified persons before they are forced to go into care. [46813/08]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
250 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of cases of an infection (details supplied) that were recorded in 2007 and to date in 2008; the number of cases identified in each hospital in the country; the number of claims that have been taken against the Health Service Executive in this regard; the claims that have been settled; and the amount that has been paid out in compensation to date. [46821/08]
Tackling all Health Care Associated Infections (HCAIs), including MRSA, continues to be a priority for the Government and the Health Service Executive (HSE). HCAIs are not a new phenomenon and have always been a potential complication of medical treatment, especially in hospitals. This is the case worldwide.
It should be noted that if a patient is diagnosed with a bloodstream infection at a given hospital, it does not indicate that the infection was acquired at that hospital. Many bloodstream infections are acquired in the community, but only diagnosed upon admission to hospital. Or, a patient may have acquired the infection in one hospital, but the infection may be diagnosed on transfer to another hospital.
A new National Surveillance System has been established by the HSE to collect data and provide information on a quarterly basis to monitor HCAIs in our health system. This data has been compiled and published for 2006, 2007 and the first 2 quarters of 2008. I attach in table format an extract of the relevant information for the Deputy, taken from the recent reports of the Health Protection Surveillance Centre. The table gives the number of MRSA bloodstream isolates by acute public hospital for 2007 and the first 6 months of 2008. Most of the variation in reported numbers of S. aureus bloodstream infections between hospitals can be explained by differences in hospital size, activity and patient populations. At present there is no way to adjust the data to allow for these differences and hence direct comparisons between hospitals are not possible.
The State Claims Agency handles all MRSA claims against individual hospitals in the public sector, the HSE and/or the Minister for Health and Children. There are currently 98 alleged healthcare associated infection claims and to date one case has been settled. It will be appreciated that each case has it own complexities and there are issues involved beyond MRSA. It is policy not to divulge either the details or amounts concerned in individual cases.
|
Acute Public Hospital |
Total number of isolates of MRSA 2007 |
Total number of isolates of MRSA Q1 & Q2 20081 |
|
Adelaide, Meath and National Children’s Hospital, Tallaght, Dublin |
18 |
13 |
|
Bantry General Hospital |
8 |
1 |
|
Beaumont Hospital (including St. Joseph’s Hospital, Raheny), Dublin |
50 |
25 |
|
Cappagh National Orthopaedic Hospital, Dublin |
0 |
0 |
|
Cavan General Hospital |
9 |
1 |
|
Children’s University Hospital, Temple Street, Dublin |
0 |
0 |
|
Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown, Dublin |
14 |
2 |
|
Coombe Women’s Hospital, Dublin |
2 |
0 |
|
Cork University Hospitala |
39 |
9 |
|
Galway University Hospitalsc |
N/A |
23 |
|
Erinville Hospital, Corka |
N/A |
|
|
Kerry General Hospital, Tralee |
16 |
10 |
|
Letterkenny General Hospital, Donegal |
13 |
10 |
|
Lourdes Orthopaedic Hospital, Kilcreene |
0 |
0 |
|
Louth County Hospital, Dundalk |
1 |
3 |
|
Mallow General Hospital, Co. Cork |
4 |
5 |
|
Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin |
40 |
16 |
|
Mayo General Hospital, Castlebar |
20 |
5 |
|
Mercy University Hospital, Cork |
15 |
9 |
|
Merlin Park Regional Hospital, Galwayc |
7 |
N/A |
|
Midland Regional Hospital, Mullingar |
5 |
3 |
|
Midland Regional Hospital, Portlaoise |
3 |
0 |
|
Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore |
13 |
1 |
|
Mid-western Regional Hospital, Ennis |
3 |
1 |
|
Mid-western Regional Hospital, Nenagh |
10 |
1 |
|
Mid-western Regional Hospital, Dooradoyle, Limerick |
16 |
11 |
|
Mid-western Regional Maternity Hospital, Limerick |
0 |
0 |
|
Mid-western Regional Orthopaedic Hospital, Limerick |
0 |
0 |
|
Monaghan General Hospital |
3 |
0 |
|
Naas General Hospital |
11 |
4 |
|
National Maternity Hospital, Holles St., Dublin |
0 |
0 |
|
Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda |
* |
2 |
|
Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin, |
4 |
1 |
|
Our Lady’s Hospital, Cashelb |
N/A |
|
|
Our Lady’s Hospital, Navan |
6 |
1 |
|
Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe |
3 |
3 |
|
Roscommon County Hospital |
3 |
1 |
|
Rotunda Hospital, Dublin |
0 |
0 |
|
Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, Dublin |
0 |
0 |
|
Sligo General Hospital |
13 |
7 |
|
South Infirmary — Victoria University Hospital, Cork |
4 |
3 |
|
South Tipperary General Hospital, Clonmel |
1 |
4 |
|
St. Colmcille’s Hospital, Loughlinstown |
8 |
* |
|
St. Finbarr’s Hospital, Corka |
3 |
|
|
St. James’s Hospital, Dublin |
61 |
22 |
|
St. John’s Hospital, Limerick |
2 |
0 |
|
St. Luke’s General Hospital, Kilkenny |
10 |
1 |
|
St. Luke’s Hospital, Dublin |
2 |
1 |
|
St. Mary’s Orthopaedic Hospital, Gurranebraher, Cork |
0 |
0 |
|
St. Michael’s Hospital, Dun Laoghaire |
2 |
0 |
|
St. Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin |
28 |
18 |
|
University College Hospital, Galwayc |
30 |
|
|
Waterford Regional Hospital |
26 |
12 |
|
Wexford General Hospital |
0 |
4 |
*No data received;
N/A, Not applicable;
1 2008 data for Quarter 1 and 2 is provisional
a In 2007, maternity services at Erinville Hospital and St. Finbarr's Hospital, Cork transferred to Cork University Maternity Hospital, which together with Cork University Hospital (CUH) composed CUH group. All data for CUH group in 2007 are presented under CUH;
b In 2007, acute services at Our Lady's Hospital, Cashel transferred to South Tipperary General Hospital, Clonmel.
c As of January 2008, data for University College Hospital, Galway and Merlin Park University Hospital, Galway are combined under Galway University Hospitals.
251 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons from the retired professions with State pensions who will loose the medical card as a result of recently passed legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46912/08]
Following the 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 the current medical card holders aged 70 and over will no longer qualify for a medical card.
The estimated 5% figure of persons aged 70 and over, who will lose automatic entitlement to a medical card, was based on the best available information from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) and the EU wide survey on Income and Living Conditions (EU-SILC), which is conducted by the CSO to obtain information on the income and living conditions of different types of households. These EU-SILC tables have been made available to Opposition parties.
252 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a medical card will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46923/08]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
254 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the BCG vaccines have ceased in Maynooth, Naas and Athy in County Kildare in which the Health Service Executive has closed three BCG clinics and parents are concerned at this lack of service for infants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46928/08]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
255 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health and Children if, with respect to the proposed co-located hospital on the site of Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown, recent increases in the cost of debt financing may impact on either the financial viability of the project or on the cost to the Exchequer; if she will confirm that Mount Carmel Medical is the only group which has tendered for the project; if she has set a deadline for the completion of the tendering process for the project; when construction of the co-located hospital will begin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46954/08]
The aim of the acute hospital co-location initiative is to make available approximately 1,000 additional public acute hospital beds for public patients by transferring private activity, with some limited exceptions, from public acute hospitals to co-located private hospitals.
Significant progress has been made on the implementation of the co-location initiative. The Board of the HSE has approved preferred bidder status for the development of co-located hospitals on six sites. Project Agreements for four of these have been signed and preparatory work for the remaining two is proceeding. Planning permission was granted for one project last month and two other projects are under consideration by An Bord Pleanála.
A tender in respect of Connolly Hospital has been received by the Health Service Executive and is under consideration.
Each co-location project is required to demonstrate value for money for the State, taking into account its comprehensive benefits, as well as the cost of tax allowances and private bed revenue currently accruing to public hospitals. The scheme of tax allowances under the Finance Act 2001 means that, for each €100 million of qualifying capital expenditure, the cost of tax relief to investors (assuming a marginal tax rate of 41% for those investors) will be some €41 million in gross terms, spread over 7 years. The on-going revenue cost to the public hospitals will be minimal. This is because the beds in public hospitals to be freed up for public patients are already staffed and the back-up services and facilities required to support them are in place. The only staffing cost envisaged is the appointment of additional consultants which is being pursued in the light of the agreement on the new consultants' contract. Additional revenues will accrue to the Exchequer from the extra activity generated by the construction of the hospitals, the employment arising and the related services provided on which taxes will be paid.
It is a matter for each of the successful bidders to arrange to finance the projects in accordance with the terms of the relevant Project Agreement. Although it is certainly the case that the funding environment has changed radically in the last six months, in relation to both public and private sectors, the co-location initiative like other major projects has to deal with this. The successful bidders are working on the details of contractual terms with banks and other arrangers of finance in the very difficult and changed credit environment. The HSE is continuing to work with them to ensure that the co-located hospitals can be built and brought into operation as soon as possible, and that the goal of achieving new public acute bed capacity at value for money to the State is achieved.
My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the detailed operational matters raised by the Deputy in respect of the Connolly co-location project investigated and a reply issued directly to her.
256 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health and Children the budgeted cost to her Department for 2009 of incremental pay increases for all staff in and under the aegis of her Department; the comparative cost for each year from 2002 to date in 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46989/08]
My Department does not receive any additional funding for incremental progression. Therefore, there is no specific budget provided in any year for the payment of increments, as my Department is expected to meet such costs, if any, from within its overall pay allocation. The costs, if any, arising in relation to this matter will vary based upon the length of service of existing staff and replacement of those retiring or resigning by new entrants at the lowest point of the salary scale. The Department manages all of these issues within the overall pay allocation. A similar situation applies in health agencies with no additional funding made available for such costs and agencies required to address the issue from within their existing pay allocation.
257 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of civil servants and other public servants, who have relocated to locations outside of Dublin under the Government’s decentralisation programme; the estimated number of each category who will have relocated by the end of 2009; the breakdown of each set of figures in terms of those who are relocating from Dublin and relocating from elsewhere; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47004/08]
As the Deputy will be aware my Department is not one of the Departments scheduled for decentralisation under the Government's Decentralisation Programme. To date fifty-five civil servants have transferred to decentralising Departments from my Department. Further details in respect of the transfer of these officers are available from the decentralising Departments.
258 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people working in her Department; the number earning below €50,000 per annum; the number earning between €50,001 and €60,000 per annum; the number earning between €60,001 and €70,000 per annum; the number earning between €70,001 and €80,000 per annum; the number earning between €80,001 and €90,000 per annum; the number earning between €90,001 and €100,000 per annum; the number earning over €100,001 per annum; the number in each staff category (details supplied) for each income band. [47019/08]
The following table outlines the number of staff (wholetime equivalent), broken down by grade and PRSI class (i.e. Class A Full, Class B Modified), employed in my Department as at 30th November 2008. The figures are based on the monthly returns made to the Department of Finance and include staff seconded in to my Department.
|
Grade |
Wholetime equivalent |
|
Secretary General |
1 |
|
Assistant Secretary (Modified) |
8 |
|
Principal Officer (Modified) |
35.8 |
|
Principal Officer (Full) |
1 |
|
Assistant Principal (Modified) |
92.6 |
|
Assistant Principal (Full) |
6.8 |
|
Higher Executive Officer (Modified) |
71.1634 |
|
Higher Executive Officer (Full) |
23.3 |
|
Administrative Officer (Modified) |
2 |
|
Administrative Officer (Full) |
11.5 |
|
Executive Officer (Modified) |
42.8 |
|
Executive Officer (Full) |
50.8 |
|
Staff Officer (Modified) |
8.8 |
|
Staff Officer (Full) |
1.6 |
|
Clerical Officer (Modified) |
30.4317 |
|
Clerical Officer (Full) |
72.03 |
|
Advisory Counsel |
2 |
|
Appeals Officer |
1.4 |
|
Civilian Driver |
6 |
|
Deputy Chief Medical Officer (Modified) |
2.6 |
|
Deputy Chief Medical Officer (Full) |
2.8 |
|
Personal Assistant |
6 |
|
Personal Secretary |
4 |
|
Porter |
2 |
|
Probation/Welfare Officer |
6.35 |
|
Service Officer (Modified) |
6.8 |
|
Service Officer (Full) |
4 |
|
Special Advisor |
3 |
|
Statistician |
4 |
|
Others |
18.1317 |
|
TOTAL |
528.71 |
Current rates of pay effective from 1st September 2008, are available from the Department of Finance's website at:
http://www.finance.gov.ie/documents/circulars/circulars 2008/paysept2008.pdf
259 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of civil and public servants working in or under the aegis of her Department for each year from 2002 to date in 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47034/08]
I wish to advise that the numbers employed, in the public health service (excluding State-sponsored bodies under the aegis of my Department), for the years 2002 to September 2008 are as follows:
|
Dec 2002 |
Dec 2003 |
Dec 2004 |
Dec 2005 |
Dec 2006 |
Dec 2007 |
Sept 2008 |
|
95,679 |
96,501 |
98,723 |
101,978 |
106,273 |
111,505 |
110,819 |
Notes: (1) excludes home helps and (2) student nurses are included in the 2007 and 2008 employment ceilings on the basis of 3.5 students equating to 1 wholetime equivalent. The employment levels adjusted for student nurses on the above basis are 110,664 WTEs (Dec 07) and 110,767 WTEs (Sept 08).
The number of civil servants working in my Department for each year from 2002 to 30th November 2008 is detailed in the following table:
|
Dec 2002 |
Dec 2003 |
Dec 2004 |
Dec 2005 |
Dec 2006 |
Dec 2007 |
Nov 2008 |
|
645.18 |
649.06 |
625.52 |
602.54 |
595.99 |
566.42 |
497.11 |
The above figures reflect Department of Health & Children numbers and do not include staff of the Office of the Ombudsman for Children or seconded staff.
The numbers employed in the State-sponsored bodies under the aegis of my Department are currently being collated and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as they are available.
260 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of locations where civil and public servants working in or under the aegis of her Department are located; the locations of same; the number, and the number in each category (details supplied) of staff at each location; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47049/08]
I wish to advise that the services and functions of the public health service are located at numerous locations throughout the country. The numbers employed in the public health service (excluding State-sponsored bodies under the aegis of my Department), by HSE region and grade category, are set out in the following table:
|
Dublin/ Mid-Leinster |
Dublin/ North-East |
National |
South |
West |
Total |
|
|
Medical/Dental |
2,520.76 |
1,926.99 |
31.22 |
1,758.46 |
1,865.85 |
8,103.28 |
|
Nursing |
10,888.48 |
8,240.12 |
13.66 |
9,143.29 |
9,611.95 |
37,897.5 |
|
Health & Social Care Professionals |
5,314.38 |
3,750.58 |
12.3 |
3,298.67 |
3,372.35 |
15,748.28 |
|
Management/Admin. |
5,021.65 |
3,878.48 |
808.97 |
3,712.84 |
4,506.32 |
17,928.26 |
|
General Support Staff |
3,448.05 |
2,806.29 |
54.72 |
3,673.22 |
2,817.51 |
12,799.79 |
|
Other Patient & Client Care |
5,898.23 |
3,580.41 |
1 |
3,641.73 |
5,220.57 |
18,341.94 |
|
Total |
33,091.55 |
24,182.87 |
921.87 |
25,228.21 |
27,394.55 |
110,819.05 |
Notes: (1) excludes home helps and (2) student nurses are included in the 2008 employment ceiling on the basis of 3.5 students equating to 1 wholetime equivalent. The employment level adjusted for student nurses on the above basis is 110,767 WTEs.
All staff in my Department are currently located in Dublin, the majority being based at my Department's headquarters in Hawkins House.
A small percentage (approximately 7%) of the Department's staff is located in three other offices in Dublin city, namely, the Adoption Board (Shelbourne Road, Dublin 4), the Health Repayment Scheme Appeals Office (Irish Life Mall, Dublin 1) and the Disability Appeals Office (Clondalkin, Dublin 22).
The breakdown, by grade, of my Department's staff across all offices, is as follows:
|
WTE |
Headcount |
|
|
Secretary General |
1 |
1 |
|
Assistant Secretary |
8 |
8 |
|
Principal Officers |
36.8 |
38 |
|
Assistant Principal Officers |
99.4 |
111 |
|
Higher Executive Officers |
94.4634 |
105 |
|
Administrative Officers |
13.5 |
14 |
|
Executive Officers |
93.6 |
102 |
|
Staff Officers |
10.4 |
14 |
|
Clerical Officers |
102.4617 |
116 |
|
Special Advisor |
3 |
3 |
|
Personal Asst |
6 |
8 |
|
Personal Secretary |
4 |
4 |
|
Civilian Driver |
6 |
6 |
|
Advisory Counsel |
2 |
2 |
|
Statistician |
4 |
4 |
|
Probation/Welfare Officers |
6.35 |
7 |
|
Deputy Chief Medical Officers |
5.4 |
6 |
|
Appeals Officers |
1.4 |
2 |
|
Service Officers |
10.8 |
11 |
|
Porter |
2 |
2 |
|
Others |
18.1317 |
20 |
|
Total |
528.7 |
584 |
The Deputy should note that the above figures are based on the monthly returns made to the Department of Finance for my Department at end November 2008 and includes staff of the Office of the Ombudsman for Children and staff seconded in to my Department. All staff working in the Department are civil servants with the exception of 13 staff (11.6 WTE) who are working under secondment arrangements to my Department. Of these 9 staff (8.6 WTE) are public servants.
Information relating to the State-sponsored bodies under the aegis of my Department is currently being collated and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
261 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health and Children the agencies, bodies or authorities under the aegis of her Department that have been scheduled for merging, amalgamation, abolition or sharing of services as announced in the Budget 2009; the progress that has been made on the implementation of these organisational changes; the details of the implementation plan for these organisational changes; the cost savings that will arise from each of these organisational changes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47064/08]
The programme of rationalisation in the health sector involves a total of 15 agencies as follows:
3 agencies are to be amalgamated to form a new Public Health and Medicines Safety Authority
Food Safety Authority of Ireland
Office of Tobacco Control
Irish Medicines Board
6 agencies are to be integrated into the Health Service Executive
National Cancer Screening Service
National Cancer Registry
Drug Treatment Centre Board
Crises Pregnancy Agency
Post Graduate Medical and Dental Board
National Council for Professional Development of Nursing and Midwifery
3 agencies to be integrated into the Health and Social Care Professionals Council
National Social Work Qualifications Board
Opticians Board
Pre Hospital Emergency Care Council
The timeframe for rationalisation spans the period 2009 to 2011 inclusive, but this is highly dependent on the necessary legislation being in place.
The Department of Finance has issued each relevant Department with an Implementation Plan which is to be updated on an ongoing basis to enable that Department to report to Government on progress being made by each Department on the roll out of the Rationalisation of Agencies. The work being done in my Department at present relates to data collection and analysis across the fifteen Agencies together with the progressing of a number of pieces of legislation relevant to rationalisation and the discussions with Agencies which are now underway.
While there is clearly a need to secure efficiencies from the rationalisation programme, the primary aim of these measures is to streamline service delivery, professional registration and policy making in a number of areas in the health sector, through the integration and/or amalgamation of function. Efficiencies will derive over time from economies of scale and the elimination of duplication in areas such as recruitment, procurement, payroll and ICT systems.
262 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason medications (details supplied) are no longer on the medical card approved list; and the guidelines which she has issued to the Health Service Executive for deciding whether persons should be given support with these medications on hardship grounds. [47082/08]
The supply of drugs and medicines is a service matter and therefore this matter has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
263 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [47090/08]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
264 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of taxpayers’ money given to the Institute for International and European Affairs in the lead up to the Lisbon Referendum. [47102/08]
In November, 2007, my Department paid the annual corporate membership subscription of €6,000 to the Institute.
266 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health and Children the additional services she plans to introduce at Our Lady’s Hospital in Navan, County Meath for 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47175/08]
267 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health and Children the reduction in services she has planned at Our Lady’s Hospital in Navan, County Meath for 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47176/08]
268 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of staff employed at Our Lady’s Hospital in Navan, County Meath; the breakdown under each category; the way this compares from 2002; and if she will provide the information in tabular readable form. [47177/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 266 to 268, inclusive, together.
As these are service matters they have been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
269 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health and Children if it is permissible for parents to have the collection and storage of their baby’s umbilical cord blood if they are prepared to enter a written contract with Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda, County Louth and if they are willing to fund the procedure from their personal resources; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47181/08]
270 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 90, 91, 92 and 93 of 22 October 2008, the person who carries out such procedures; the location at which same is carried out, when sanctioned by the Health Service Executive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47182/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 269 and 270 together.
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy
271 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of EU funding received by her Department directly or for institutions, groups, organisations or bodies under her aegis in the past 20 years to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47247/08]
The information requested is being collated in my Department and will be forwarded directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
272 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Transport if, in view of the particularly adverse weather conditions which have been prevailing in the midlands area, including Westmeath, Longford, Offaly and Laois, he will take steps to provide a special allocation of funding to the relevant authorities in these counties to enable them to grit and salt the roads which have been virtually impassable due to the ice and frost conditions pertaining for the past number of weeks and which are expected to continue over Christmas. Local authorities do not have the necessary finance available to enable them to grit and salt these roads, especially some of the secondary and country roads to enable people to travel about their daily business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46531/08]
Under the Roads Act, 1993, the maintenance of roads, including winter maintenance, is a statutory function of each individual road authority. This work is funded out of each authority's own resources, supplemented in the case of regional and local roads by discretionary and block grants allocated annually by my Department. In the case of national roads, funding for maintenance, which includes the gritting of roads and other safety related work in winter, is provided by my Department to the NRA which allocates it among the local authorities.
Local authorities are advised that they should set aside contingency sums from these resources to finance works necessitated by severe weather conditions. In 2008, the total discretionary maintenance grant allocated to county councils by my Department was €29.56 million and the total block grant allocated to urban authorities was €16.133 million. The maintenance grant, including winter maintenance, forecasting and monitoring, by my Department to the NRA for allocation to local authorities in 2008 was €58.21 million. Local authorities are regularly reminded by my Department of their responsibilities in relation to winter maintenance of roads. During 2008, the matter was brought to the attention of local authorities on 5 February and again on 10 December.
273 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Transport his position on the possible takeover of Aer Lingus (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46953/08]
Following its initial announcement on 1 December, Ryanair has posted a detailed offer to Aer Lingus shareholders on 15 December. In accordance with the Takeover Rules, the Board of the Company must set out a detailed response within 14 days following the release of the detailed offer so that shareholders can make a decision on the acceptance of the offer or otherwise. Of course the Deputy will be aware that the Board of Aer Lingus has publicly announced its rejection of the proposed offer.
I have said that the Government would consider the Ryanair offer when received. It is now being examined by my Department.
274 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport his views on competition in the Irish aviation sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46634/08]
The Government recognises the importance of competition in the Irish aviation sector. The policy, as set out in my Department's current statement of strategy, is to promote regular, safe, cost effective and competitive air services linking the country and key business and tourism markets. The priority, from an Irish economy perspective, is to maintain the highest possible levels of connectivity between Ireland and key markets around the world and my Department will continue to closely monitor developments in the aviation sector that impact on that objective.
I would also refer the Deputy to by reply to today's priority PQ 46527/08.
275 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport his view on the statement of the Minister for Finance that the new air travel tax should have little, if any, impact on aviation policy; and if he will make a statement on same and on Aer Lingus assertion that it will cost them an additional €30 million in 2009. [46526/08]
Ireland's aviation policy, as set out in my Department's current Statement of Strategy is to promote regular, safe, cost effective and competitive air services linking the country and key business and tourism markets. The priority, from an Irish economy perspective, is to maintain the highest possible levels of connectivity between Ireland and key markets around the world.
The Air Travel Tax announced in Budget 2009 will come into force in respect of passengers departing from Irish airports on and from 30 March 2009. The decision to introduce the new tax was taken in the context of the overarching priority to reduce the budgetary deficit.
Ireland is not unique in regard to applying a tax on air travel. I understand a number of countries within the EU apply similar taxes including, the UK, France and the Netherlands, as do Australia and New Zealand. The proposed rates for the Irish air travel tax at €10 and €2 are not unreasonable when compared to rates in other countries.
I understand that tourists will only be subject to the tax on their return journey and, on this basis, it is envisaged that the additional €10 or €2 in the context of a much larger purchasing decision involving travel, hotel expenditures etc. should not have much of an effect on tourist numbers.
I appreciate the airline industry continues to go through a difficult period reflecting in the main weak world economic activity. However, this is somewhat offset by the recent fall in oil prices. Oil prices which have now more than halved from the all-time high prices experienced earlier in the year. Moreover, fuel used by commercial airlines is completely exempt from tax so it is a sector that already has considerable preferential treatment.
The cost implications for airlines arising from the air travel tax would be a commercial matter for each airline concerned. It is open to the airlines to decide whether or not they wish to pass the tax on in full to their customers.
276 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Transport if there are plans to carry out a feasibility study on the advantages of having a rail network for County Donegal and connecting Derry and Sligo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46636/08]
The provision of rail links in County Donegal does not form part of Transport 21, though I am aware that a Donegal County Council led steering group is considering undertaking a feasibility study on possible rail links to Donegal. The commissioning and funding of the study is a matter for the organizations and agencies participating in the steering group. I will consider, in conjunction with Irish Rail, the outcome of the study.
277 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Transport the equipment and data that was lost or stolen from his Department in the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46672/08]
There have been nine instances of equipment being reported lost, missing or stolen from my Department in the past twelve months. These instances included five laptops and four Blackberries. Of these, four laptops and one Blackberry were subsequently recovered. One laptop and three Blackberries are still missing.
I have been assured by my officials that each incident has been investigated and that there is no evidence that any private or sensitive data was compromised as a result of these incidents.
All Departmental laptops are issued to staff with password protection enabled. Since October 2007, all data replicated from my Department's network to laptops is automatically encrypted. Mechanisms are in place to remotely immobilise and wipe any information on any portable data devices lost, missing or stolen from my Department.
There has been no other instance of data or equipment being reported missing, lost or stolen from my Department in the last 12 months.
My Department ensures that data security measures are regularly reviewed in the light of changing circumstances and that any appropriate measures identified are implemented in order to prevent risk to data.
278 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Transport the amount of money spent on hotel accommodation by his Department and each State agency under the aegis of his Department for each of the years 2004 to date in 2008; if he will provide the information available in tabular readable form. [46687/08]
279 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Transport the procurement arrangements in place in his Department and each State agency under the aegis of his Department for the sourcing of hotel accommodation for him, for his Departmental staff and staff at each State agency, when overnight accommodation is necessary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46702/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 278 and 279 together.
The costs of accommodation and other expenses including meals for Departmental staff who are travelling at home, or abroad, are met from within the rates for subsistence expenses which are authorized from time to time by the Minister for Finance. As such a specific figure is not available for accommodation costs.
In relation to procuring accommodation for domestic travel Departmental staff source accommodation themselves subject to accommodation falling within the rates set by the Minister for Finance. In relation to foreign travel Departmental staff can use the services of Club Travel who hold the contract for providing air travel and other services to the Department to book accommodation. The rates claimable for foreign travel must comply with those set by the Minister for Finance.
The procurement and expenditure activities of the agencies operating under the aegis of my Department are a day-to-day operational matter for the agencies concerned, subject to compliance with the Code of Practice for the Corporate Governance of State Bodies and relevant Department of Finance guidelines in this regard. Accordingly, my Department does not maintain records of such expenditure by the relevant State agencies.
280 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Transport the number of computer servers that are owned or leased by his Department and each State agency under the aegis of his Department; and the amount of capacity on each server. [46717/08]
My Department owns 171 servers, which have a total capacity of 23 Terabytes.
In relation to agencies under the aegis of my Department, the administration of their computer systems is an operational matter for them.
281 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Transport the budgeted cost to his Department for 2009 of incremental pay increases for all staff in and under the aegis of his Department; the comparative cost for each year from 2002 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46993/08]
An estimated cost of incremental pay increases to existing staff in my Department in 2009 and comparative costs for each year from 2002 to date in 2008 is currently being compiled. As it cannot be given within the specified timeframe, the information will be forwarded directly to the Deputy once available.
In relation to agencies under the aegis of my Department, the payment of salaries is a matter for the agencies concerned.
282 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Transport the number of civil servants and other public servants, who have relocated to locations outside of Dublin under the Government’s decentralisation programme; the estimated number of each category who will have relocated by the end of 2009; the breakdown of each set of figures in terms of those who are relocating from Dublin and relocating from elsewhere; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47008/08]
10 posts from the Department's Road Haulage function and 40 Road Safety Authority Posts were decentralised to Loughrea and the move was completed in July 2007. Decentralisation of an additional 62 Road Safety Authority posts (which were not part of the original Government decision) to Ballina was also achieved.
While Road Safety Authority posts are categorised as public service posts, civil servants transferring from my Department to the RSA retained their Civil Service status for 3 years from Vesting Day, 13th September, 2006. This involved 6 staff transferred to Loughrea and 210 staff transferred to Ballina.
Following the Government decision to defer a number of decentralisation projects to 2011, no further moves are planned for 2009. 9 of the 50 posts moved to Loughrea were filled by CAF applicants from Dublin with the remainder filled by CAF applicants from other locations. Of the Ballina posts, 8 were filled by CAF applicants from Dublin with 19 filled by CAF applicants from other locations.
283 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Transport the number of people working in his Department; the number earning below €50,000 per annum; the number earning between €50,001 and €60,000 per annum; the number earning between €60,001 and €70,000 per annum; the number earning between €70,001 and €80,000 per annum; the number earning between €80,001 and €90,000 per annum; the number earning between €90,001 and €100,000 per annum; the number earning over €100,001 per annum; the number in each staff category (details supplied) for each income band. [47023/08]
The information requested by the Deputy is provided in the following table. Please note that staff are grouped into administrative grade-equivalents and the numbers also include seconded staff.
|
Admin. Grade equivalent |
€0 – €50,000 |
€50,001 – €60,000 |
€60,001 – €70,000 |
€70,001 – €80,000 |
€80,001 – €90,000 |
€90,001 – €100,000 |
€100,000+ |
|
Service Officer |
15 |
||||||
|
Clerical Officer |
183 |
||||||
|
Staff Officer |
21 |
||||||
|
Executive Officer |
93 |
15 |
|||||
|
Higher Executive Officer |
7 |
65 |
25 |
||||
|
Administrative Officer |
24 |
31 |
3 |
||||
|
Assistant Principal Officer |
2 |
2 |
8 |
24 |
42 |
21 |
|
|
Principal Officer |
3 |
4 |
32 |
||||
|
Assistant Secretary & General Secretary |
8 |
284 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Transport the number of civil and public servants working in or under the aegis of his Department for each year from 2002 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47038/08]
The following table shows the numbers of civil servants working in this Department since 2002.
|
Year |
Number |
|
2008 (to end November) |
562 |
|
2007 |
450 |
|
2006 |
694 |
|
2005 |
511 |
|
2004 |
508 |
|
2003 |
517 |
|
2002 |
509 |
Returns in relation to the non commercial semi state bodies under the aegis of this Department have only been compiled following the decision of 1 July 2003 and are contained in the attached table.
|
Name |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
|
Dublin Transportation Office (DTO) |
28 |
28 |
28 |
26 |
28 |
28 |
|
National Roads Authority (NRA) |
90 |
88 |
89 |
120 |
149 |
149 |
|
Medical Bureau of Road Safety (MBRS) |
18 |
17 |
17 |
17 |
21 |
31 |
|
National Safety Council (NSC) |
12 |
11 |
12 |
To RSA |
||
|
Commission for Aviation Regulation (CAR) |
17 |
18 |
16 |
20 |
22.5 |
|
|
Railway Safety Commission |
7 |
8 |
8 |
|||
|
Road Safety Authority |
297 |
319 |
||||
|
Commission for Taxi Regulation |
22 |
285 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Transport the number of locations where civil and public servants working in or under the aegis of his Department are located; the locations of same; the number, and the number in each category (details supplied) of staff at each location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47053/08]
As it will take some time to gather the information requested, this will be compiled and forwarded directly to the Deputy.
286 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Transport the agencies, bodies or authorities under the aegis of his Department that have been scheduled for merging, amalgamation, abolition or sharing of services as announced in budget 2009; the progress that has been made on the implementation of these organisational changes; the details of the implementation plan for these organisational changes; the cost savings that will arise from each of these organisational changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47068/08]
My Department is at present developing proposals for the implementation of the decision announced in Budget 2009 in relation to the rationalisation of State agencies. For my Department, this involves the establishment of the Dublin Transport Authority and the amalgamation of air, marine, and rail accident investigation functions.
It is proposed that the Dublin Transport Authority will incorporate the Dublin Transportation Office, the Commission for Taxi Regulation and the Public Transport Licensing function of my Department. My Department has recently prepared an implementation plan in this regard, the details of which are under on-going discussion with the Department of Finance. I am not, therefore, in a position to comment further on the plan at this stage.
I am satisfied that substantial benefits will accrue as a result of the improved procurement, regulation, management and co-ordination of transport services. Those benefits will accrue to the travelling public, employers, taxpayers and society at large and will make an important contribution to sustaining competitiveness and addressing the increasing challenges of climate change.
In relation to the amalgamation of the accident functions, the position is that I have recently accepted a proposal for merging the three accident investigation areas into one organisation, on an administrative basis initially, through the establishment of an Office of Accident Investigation attached to my Department. I have also recently established an implementation team to draw up an implementation plan for my approval. The Department of Finance has been advised of the position in this regard. I believe also that the amalgamation of the accident investigation functions will enable efficiencies to be achieved primarily from the integration of support functions.
287 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the amount of taxpayers’ money given to the Institute for International and European Affairs in the lead-up to the Lisbon referendum. [47106/08]
My Department holds corporate membership of the Institute of International and European Affairs. The annual fee for 2008 was €6,000.
289 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport his preferred options for spending on major road development projects for the alleviation of traffic chaos in each of the next five years; if any of the proposals are expected to be hit by recession; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47220/08]
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 and the allocation of funding thereto, is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Act, 1993 in conjunction with the relevant local authority. Notwithstanding the current difficult economic climate, this Government is committed to continuing investment in the national transport infrastructure.
290 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent of the upgrading of the commuter rail services throughout County Kildare that has taken place in the past five years; the proposals for the further development in this area over the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47221/08]
Major improvements have taken place on the Kildare and Maynooth lines in recent years. Capacity on the Kildare Line has been increased by 160% in recent years. In addition platform extensions allowing for longer trains, introduction of Sunday services and the turnback facility at Newbridge have facilitated better services. The Kildare Route Upgrade Project which is currently under construction and due to be completed in 2010 will more than treble capacity for commuters on the line.
The position in regard to the improvement of railway services on the Maynooth line is that capacity has been trebled in the last five years. I understand from Iarnród Éireann that it plans to re-signal the line and to close a number of level crossings to improve journey times. The line will also be electrified as part of the re-alignment of the Dart services which is a necessary precursor for the Dart Underground. I understand from Iarnród Eireann that both the re-signalling and electrification should be completed by 2013.
291 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport his views on the extent of EU financial aid received for major or minor road works, rail or bus services or installations in each of the past 10 years to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47222/08]
292 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent of EU funding received for the provision of road, rail, air and sea-port transport or installations in the past 20 years to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47223/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 291 and 292 together.
Ireland has received a substantial level of EU aid for the transport sector over the past 20 years under a number of Operational Programmes for which my Department has responsibility. The total sum of EU aid involved (€2,820m) has been a major contributory factor to the provision of key infrastructure and economic development in Ireland and the importance of the EU contribution is fully recognised and has been acknowledged. Full details of the Programmes concerned, the current status of each Programme and the total amount of EU aid received was provided in response to a similar question tabled by Deputy John O'Mahony on Tuesday, 5th February 2008. A copy of that reply is attached for the information of the Deputy. A copy of the detailed follow-up data referred to in that reply will be sent to the Deputy in the near future.
EU funding for transport projects was also received under various other Programmes including a number of INTERREG Programmes, the Peace Programme and the Cohesion Fund 1993-2003. EU funding for local and regional roads has also been received under the Regional Operational Programmes for the Border, Midlands and Western Region (BMW) and the Southern and Eastern Region (S&E). My Department does not have lead responsibility for any of these Programmes.
293 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which the public capital transport programme is expected to proceed in each of the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47224/08]
The provision of increased capacity will be a key consideration in determining public transport investment priorities in the coming years. Given their potential to greatly increase capacity of the public transport network in the Greater Dublin Area, Metro North and the DART Underground are key priorities. Investment in increased bus capacity, subject to the outcome of the cost and efficiency review of the CIE bus companies, and bus priority measures are also priorities. The adjustment in capital funding in 2009 will not have a significant effect on the roll out of the Transport 21 public transport programme and will not result in the postponement of the start of construction of any public transport project.
All of the public transport projects currently under construction will continue on schedule and some, such as the Cork — Midleton line, Phase 1 of the Western Rail Corridor and the Luas extension to the Docklands, will be completed in the course of the year. The start and completion dates of public transport projects, which have not yet commenced, will be determined by the funding allocation available during the current difficult economic climate. The commencement dates for these projects will also be influenced by the time taken for public consultation, the relevant statutory process and the procurement and contract award processes.
294 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport his preferred options for the development of a regional airport network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47225/08]
The six regional airports at Donegal, Sligo, Knock, Galway, Kerry and Waterford provide a network which complements the facilities provided by the State airports and contributes to balanced regional development. My Department's approach to the regional airports is to implement targeted safety and other investments in the regional airports and targeted subventions for regional air services.
This overall approach is reflected by my Department providing direct financial support for the six regional airports under two schemes — one relating to operational expenditure and the other to capital investments. In addition funding is provided by my Department in respect of the provision of PSO services connecting Dublin Airport with Kerry, Galway, IWAK, Sligo and Donegal regional airports and with the City of Derry Airport.
299 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will support a matter (details supplied). [47089/08]
A legal challenge to the constitutionality of certain provisions of existing ground rents legislation was heard in the High Court during 2005. The High Court's judgment upholding the constitutionality of the legislation was delivered in early 2006 but it has since been appealed to the Supreme Court. While operation of the law in relation to ground rents continues to be reviewed in my Department, there are no proposals for changes pending the outcome of the appeal that I have mentioned.
It should be noted that the law already provides a statutory scheme for the acquisition of the fee simple in dwellinghouses which is set out in the Landlord and Tenant (Ground Rents) (No. 2) Act 1978. Part III of that Act makes provision for a streamlined procedure, operated by the Property Registration Authority, whereby a person may acquire the fee simple in their dwellinghouse.
300 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will review the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46520/08]
The wife and child of the person concerned have previously been granted multiple journey ‘C' type visas, valid for one year. In this instance, long stay ‘D' type visas were approved on 8 December 2008. The validity period of the visa being three months refers to the time frame, within which the persons concerned may present at the port of entry to the State.
It should be borne in mind that a visa is merely a pre-entry clearance to seek permission to enter the State — no automatic right of entry or residency is conferred. Whether a person is permitted to enter and the exact period for which s/he is allowed to remain is a matter for the Immigration Officer at the port of entry.
301 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if persons (details supplied) in County Kerry who were released under licence could have the conditions of their release supplied to them. [46532/08]
I wish to inform the Deputy that both persons (details supplied) were granted a period of temporary release earlier this year subject to numerous conditions, including the stipulation that they return to prison on the completion of the period of temporary release. Both persons have signed their temporary release forms, which set out in writing the conditions of their temporary release, acknowledging these conditions and verifying that they had been given a copy of their temporary release notice. If they require a further copy they should contact their respective prisons.
302 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his Department has reviewed the appeal from a person (details supplied) whose application for a holiday visa for two weeks over Christmas 2008 was refused on 17 November 2008; if the additional substantive information submitted will permit the appropriate time limited visa to the person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46536/08]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 374 of 25 November 2008. The visa application referred to was received in the Visa Office, Dublin on the 10 November 2008. Following consideration by a Visa Officer it was refused on 17 November 2008. An appeal was received in the Visa Office, Dublin on 15 December 2008. The current processing time for visa appeals is 3 — 4 weeks from the date of receipt in the Visa Office, Dublin. Given the number of appeals currently awaiting consideration, a decision may not be made within the time frame that the person concerned proposes to travel.
303 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of an application for leave to remain by a person (details supplied) in County Cork; if he will expedite a decision on the application based on the details of the case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46552/08]
I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that an application on behalf of the person in question for residence in the State on the basis of marriage to an Irish national was received in May 2008.
Applications of this kind, in fairness to all other such applicants, are dealt with in chronological order and currently take up to twelve months to process. It should be noted that marriage to an Irish national does not confer an automatic right of residence in the State. The content of the Deputy's Question is noted and my Department will be in touch with the person in question in this regard.
304 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if investigations are continuing regarding crime in County Donegal; the progress being achieved; if there is cooperation between the Gardaí and the PSNI regarding a particular crime (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46635/08]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the investigation into the crime referred to by the Deputy is ongoing and that a number of avenues of inquiry are being actively pursued with the co-operation and assistance of the Police Service of Northern Ireland. The Deputy will appreciate that in circumstances where a Garda investigation is ongoing it would not be appropriate for me to comment further.
305 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of the establishment of a committee (details supplied); the persons who will constitute its membership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46641/08]
Joint Policing Committees are provided for in the Garda Síochána Act 2005. Their purpose is provide a forum where An Garda Síochána and the local authority — the two organisations which make the most significant contribution to preventing and tackling crime in a specific area — can come together, with the participation of members of the Oireachtas and community and voluntary interests, on matters affecting the area.
On 24 September I launched, with my colleague the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, the roll out of the Committees from an initial pilot phase in 29 local authority areas to all 114 local authority areas. The Guidelines which I made set out the membership of, and the procedures to be followed in setting up, the Committees.
Membership will be made up of local authority elected members, Oireachtas members, local authority officials, Garda officers nominated by the Commissioner and persons representing the community and voluntary sector.
Following the formal decision by a local authority meeting to establish a Committee, a process is set in train to select the Committee members from the elected members of the local authority, the members of the Oireachtas who have registered their interest in becoming members and the community and voluntary sector, and various procedural matters have to be dealt with. The Garda Síochána representatives will be appointed by the Garda Commissioner.
I am informed that the relevant local authorities, including Limerick County Council, have been requested to take the necessary steps to secure the establishment of these Committees, and I understand that this process is now underway. In addition, my Department has written to the Garda Commissioner requesting that he arrange for the establishment of the Committees in conjunction with the relevant local authorities.
306 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to incidences whereby protection money has been illegally demanded from businesses in the State or in which protection money is being paid; the State protections afforded to businesses who find themselves in such circumstances; the efforts being made by his Department and that of An Garda Síochána to counter such activity; if An Garda Siochana has been provided with sufficient resources to address such activity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46644/08]
Where information comes into the possession of An Garda Síochána indicating the type of activity suggested by the Deputy, it is subject to thorough investigation.
An Garda Síochána, in accordance with the priorities determined by the Minister for Justice, Equality, and Law Reform pursuant to Section 20 of the Garda Siochana Act 2005 and 2007, is committed to targeting organised criminal groups engaged in serious crime and those who facilitate the activities of these groupings.
The Garda Commissioner's Annual Policing Plan sets out strategic goals including inter alia a commitment to significantly reduce the impact of crime and criminal behaviour. These goals are backed up by strategic actions which include a commitment to continue and intensify intelligence-led operations against groups and individuals engaged in the trafficking of illegal drugs, guns and immigrants into and within the State.
An Garda Síochána utilises intelligence-led operations to target organised crime gangs. 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 is being targeted on a number of fronts, including the use of uniformed and plain-clothes Gardaí overtly and covertly disrupting known criminals in the course of criminal activities. Specialist units from National Support Services are also assisting in these operations and apply their expertise to different aspects of criminal activity. A number of organised crime groups have been targeted in this manner recently with firearms being recovered and drugs seized resulting in a number of people being prosecuted and convicted before the Courts.
In November 2005 the Organised Crime Unit at the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation was set up to combat the growth of organised crime, and in particular armed criminal gangs. The Unit will continue to work closely with other specialist units, including the Garda National Drugs Unit and the Special Detective Unit / Emergency Response Unit, in targeting those suspected of involvement in organised criminal activity.
Senior management in An Garda Síochána will continue to monitor the activities of criminals to ensure that law enforcement activities adapt to changing circumstances.
307 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of people in each Garda division who were detected for driving vehicles whilst serving a ban from driving in each of the past five years by An Garda Síochána; the number who were successfully prosecuted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46656/08]
The Garda Síochána Act 2005 makes provision for the compilation and publication of crime statistics by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose.
I have requested the CSO to provide the statistics sought by the Deputy directly to him.
308 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of people in each Garda division who were detected for driving vehicles whilst uninsured in each of the past five years by An Garda Síochána; the number who were successfully prosecuted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46657/08]
The Garda Síochána Act 2005 makes provision for the compilation and publication of crime statistics by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose.
I have requested the CSO to provide the statistics sought by the Deputy directly to him.
309 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the equipment and data that was lost or stolen from his Department in the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46669/08]
No equipment or data has been reported stolen or lost from the Department. A small number of Blackberry devices have been lost and not recovered to date. They were quickly missed, the accounts frozen and the data removed by the server. There was no loss of data.
310 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amount of money spent on hotel accommodation by his Department and each State agency under the aegis of his Department for each of the years 2004 to date in 2008; if he will provide the information available in tabular readable form. [46684/08]
311 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the procurement arrangements in place in his Department and each State agency under the aegis of his Department for the sourcing of hotel accommodation for him, for his Departmental staff and staff at each State agency, when overnight accommodation is necessary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46699/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 310 and 311 together.
I wish to inform the Deputy that the information requested in respect of hotel accommodation costs incurred by staff in my Department on official business is not separately identifiable because it forms part of the total travel and subsistence expenditure.
As a general principle, competitive accommodation rates are sourced where possible by staff in my Department. In addition, for the past two years, my Department has engaged the services of a company which specialises in sourcing and procuring hotel accommodation at competitive rates. There is no charge for this service to the Department.
312 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of computer servers that are owned or leased by his Department; and the amount of capacity on each server. [46714/08]
My Department has 510 servers in total. The capacity of each server varies depending on function, and that function can change depending on business requirements, but the approximate total capacity of the servers is 41 terabytes.
313 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of An Garda Síochána firearms stolen, reported stolen, missing or otherwise unaccounted for in each of the years 2004 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46725/08]
The information requested will take time to be compiled. I will forward the answer to the Deputy in due course.
314 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, with regard to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 313 to 338 of 18 November 2008 for which answers are outstanding, he will provide the information requested; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46727/08]
The following table sets out the information requested by the Deputy on a quarterly basis. I am advised that it would take extensive garda time and resources to compile the information on a monthly basis as requested by the Deputy. The number of motorised vehicles has increased from 40 to 53 and from 2 to 8 in respect of mountain bikes in the period referred.
|
Station |
Type |
Jan 07 |
Apr 07 |
Jul 07 |
Oct 07 |
Jan 08 |
Apr 08 |
Jul 08 |
Oct 08 |
|
Taghmon |
Car |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
Oylegate |
Car |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
RosslarePier |
Car |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
Rosslare Strand |
Car |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Oulart |
Car |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
New Ross |
Cars |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
|
Vans |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
Motorcycles |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
|
4×4s |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
Mountain Bikes |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
|
Enniscorthy |
Cars |
5 |
5 |
4 |
4 |
5 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
|
Vans |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
|
|
Mountain Bikes |
0 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
|
|
Ferns |
Car |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Glynn |
Car |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Gorey |
Cars |
4 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
8 |
|
Vans |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
|
Motorcycles |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
|
|
4×4s |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
|
M.P.V. |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
|
Mountain Bikes |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
|
Duncannon |
Car |
2 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Kilmore Quay |
Car |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
Kiltealy |
Car |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Courtown Harbour |
Car |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Clonroche |
Car |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Castlebridge |
Car |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Carrickbyrne |
Car |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Carrick on Bannow |
Car |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
Campile |
Car |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Bunclody |
Car |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Blackwater |
Car |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Ballywilliam |
Car |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Ballycullane |
Car |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Baldwinstown |
Car |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Wexford |
Cars |
7 |
7 |
7 |
7 |
7 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
|
Vans |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
|
Motorcycles |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
|
|
4×4s |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
|
Mountain Bikes |
0 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
3 |
3 |
|
|
TOTAL |
42 |
45 |
45 |
45 |
49 |
51 |
58 |
61 |
315 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of community Gardaí currently assigned in each county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46728/08]
I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that as of 30 November 2008, the latest date for which figures are readily available, there were 689 Gardaí assigned to the Community Policing Unit.
The Deputy will be aware that Garda Divisional boundaries and County boundaries are not co-terminous. The 2008 Garda Annual Policing Plan sets out the Commissioner's proposals to realign the boundaries of Garda Divisions around the country to make them coterminous with local authority boundaries. The 2009 Policing Plan will also have proposals in this regard. The planned changes will bring about greater efficiencies and effectiveness in facilitating the establishment and functioning of Joint Policing Committees.
In the following table the number of community Gardaí are broken down by their current Division.
|
Division |
Community Policing |
|
Carlow/Kildare |
4 |
|
Cavan/Monaghan |
4 |
|
Clare |
6 |
|
Cork City |
27 |
|
Cork North |
2 |
|
Cork West |
5 |
|
D.M.R. East |
41 |
|
D.M.R. North Central |
71 |
|
D.M.R. North |
66 |
|
D.M.R. South Central |
64 |
|
D.M.R. South |
54 |
|
D.M.R. West |
87 |
|
Donegal |
16 |
|
Galway |
17 |
|
Kerry |
7 |
|
Laois/Offaly |
10 |
|
Limerick |
92 |
|
Longford/Westmeath |
17 |
|
Louth |
8 |
|
Mayo |
8 |
|
Meath |
8 |
|
Roscommon/Galway East |
2 |
|
Sligo/Leitrim |
6 |
|
Tipperary |
15 |
|
Waterford/Kilkenny |
23 |
|
Wexford |
9 |
|
Wicklow |
20 |
|
TOTAL |
689 |
316 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of legally held guns and pistols that have been licensed by the Garda authorities since the ban on such guns was lifted in 2004; the number of legally licensed hand guns or pistols that have been reported as stolen since the ban on such guns was lifted; the reason behind his recently announced proposal to again ban the holding of such licensed guns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46729/08]
The Garda Commissioner informs me that 31 legally held handguns have been stolen since the start of 2004. As the Deputy is aware, for over 30 years prior to 2004, it was policy not to license handguns in this jurisdiction. Following a series of judicial decisions, that is no longer the case and approx. 1,800 handguns have been licensed since then. This was not the result of a considered or deliberate public policy decision. While, thankfully, violence related to the troubles in the North has largely been brought to an end we are now faced with a gun culture operating in criminal gangs. It is a matter of great regret that the activities of criminal gangs should impinge on the interests of law abiding licensed firearms owners but I cannot overlook the fact that the overall level and kind of licensed firearms prevalent in the community is relevant to the prevention of crime, in the same way the prohibition on handguns was considered appropriate from the early seventies on.
I have been conscious too of the remarks of Mr. Justice Charleton in a recent judgement that a reasonable person is entitled to feel alarmed at the proliferation of handguns. I am aware too of calls made by members of the Oireachtas from a number of parties to address this situation. I am aware that some people have a strongly held view that once they are of good character and make the necessary secure arrangements for the storage of their firearms they should be free to have firearms of any kind licensed to them. I feel that that would represent an unacceptable situation where our gun laws could mirror those of countries such as the United States and that, if the present situation continued unchecked, this would happen.
It was against this background that I directed my Department and An Garda Síochána to carry out an urgent and intensive review of the firearms law. Proposals arising from that review will be reflected in a Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous) Provisions Bill which will be published shortly. My proposals for reform in this area include a ban on issuing new licenses for handguns, although there will be limited exceptions in relation to Olympic sports. Those who have licenses already can, when they are due for renewal, apply to have them renewed under a new licensing procedure where the safety of the community will be paramount. Together with the Garda Commissioner I will keep under annual review the outcome of the licensing procedure and, if the outcome leaves a situation which still poses an unacceptable risk to the community, will use new powers to ban particular types of firearm. There have been suggestions in some quarters that this move arose, in some way, as a response to recent gangland crime. It did not.
I have been on record for many months saying I was looking at this issue, especially in light of Judge Peter Charleton's remarks in July. I felt that it was incumbent on me and the Oireachtas to respond to his views. Otherwise in the light of tragic incidents the public would correctly ask the question: Why, when they were warned, did the politicians not do something about it? I am aware that the vast majority of licensed firearms holders pursue their interests legitimately and I am conscious too that many of them deeply resent any connection that is made to the issue of licensed handguns in the context of our crime problem. But as Justice Minister I cannot avoid the reality that the overall number of weapons in circulation and the type of those weapons can add to a gun culture which I do not believe is acceptable. My proposals for reform in this area represent a balanced approach and it is important to stress that these proposals will not impinge on the vast majority of licensed firearms holders. While any inconvenience caused to those who will be affected by the proposals is, of course, regretted I am satisfied that my proposals will be in the public interest.
317 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda reservists who have been appointed to Garda stations in County Limerick. [46788/08]
There are currently 11 attested Garda Reserve members attached to Limerick Garda Division. At present all the Reserve members in the Limerick Division are attached to Henry Street Garda station. A further 6 people are in training and will be assigned as Reserve Gardaí to the Limerick Division upon completion of their training. Recruitment for the Garda Reserve is ongoing and I would welcome the prospect of further assignments of Garda Reserve members to the Limerick Division as additional Reserve members from the area become available.
318 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of an application for naturalisation in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46913/08]
An application for a certificate of naturalisation on behalf of the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in June 2008. Processing of the file has been completed and I have reached a decision. The person in question will be informed of that decision in due course.
319 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of an application for naturalisation in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46914/08]
An application for a certificate of naturalisation on behalf of the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in June 2008. Processing of the file has been completed and I have reached a decision. The person in question will be informed of that decision in due course.
320 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of an application for a person (details supplied) who has applied for naturalisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46915/08]
An application for a certificate of naturalisation for the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Section of my Department in August 2005. Officials in that Section inform me that processing of the application has commenced and the file will be forwarded to me for a decision in the coming months.
321 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amount spent or paid to each consultancy company or firm in each of the years 2000 to date in 2008; the cost of each report carried out; the work enacted; the reason for such a report; the name of each company or firm which undertook each report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46917/08]
As I indicated in my Reply to Parliamentary Question No. 162 of 11 December, 2008, it has not been possible to compile the full and accurate detail of the information sought by the Deputy. When I have the information to hand I will respond to both Deputies.
322 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, with respect to the proposed Thornton Hall prison project, recent increases in the cost of debt financing may impact on either the financial viability of the project or on the cost to the Exchequer; if he has set a deadline for the completion of the tendering process for the project; when construction of the prison will begin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46955/08]
Negotiations are currently underway with a commercial consortium, which was selected following an EU tender procedure as the preferred bidder for the design, construction, finance and maintenance of the proposed prison facilities at Thornton Hall, North County Dublin. While these negotiations are advanced stage they have not yet been completed to the point that the Project Agreement can be signed. I am advised by the Irish Prison Service that it is anticipated that it will not be possible to have a contract signed this year. The aim would be to have a contract signed early in 2009. Construction will commence immediately after contract award and should take no more than 3 years. This timeframe is subject, of course, to the successful completion of the contract negotiations. If, for any reason, these negotiations are not successfully concluded there are other tenderers and other options which can be considered.
The Thornton Hall project is a complex Public Private Partnership Project which involves the construction of more than 30 buildings, including 8 prison facilities on the site, a major internal road network, extensive perimeter security and a vast array of security systems both physical and electronic. Additional matters have had to be addressed following the extensive public consultation involving the publication of the Environmental Impact Assessment and consideration of the development by the Oireachtas. Pressures on the international financial markets have had implications for a number of major capital projects including Thornton. In particular the availability and cost of finance has been affected.
The National Development Finance Agency, as the financial adviser to the Irish Prison Service, is keeping the financial impacts of the current international "credit crunch" situation under review. Before a contract is awarded the final cost must be within the budget (capital envelope) allocated to the project and be under the Public Sector Benchmark. The Public Sector Benchmark is a monetary value that represents a risk adjusted cost, over the construction and 25 year maintenance period, to the sponsoring agency of delivery the project using ‘traditional' public sector procurement. The National Development Finance Agency will advise my Department whether the project represents value for money when compared to the Public Sector Benchmark.
323 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí stationed at the Blanchardstown Garda station County Dublin currently and for each of the past five years; the number of these gardaí who are, or have been for each of the past five years, allocated to community policing on a dedicated basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46967/08]
I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength, including Community Gardaí, of Blanchardstown Garda station as at 31 December 2003-2007 and 30 November 2008 the latest date for which figures are readily available, was as set out in the following table:
|
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
|
|
Personnel Strength |
142 |
152 |
167 |
174 |
180 |
192 |
|
Community Gardaí |
19 |
17 |
17 |
19 |
22 |
26 |
It is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner to allocate personnel throughout the Force taking everything into account. The situation will be kept under review and when additional personnel next become available the allocation of Community Gardaí will be fully considered by the Commissioner within the overall context of policing requirements throughout the country.
324 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the budgeted cost to his Department for 2009 of incremental pay increases for all staff in and under the aegis of his Department; the comparative cost for each year from 2002 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46990/08]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 158 of 23 October 2008.
325 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of civil servants and other public servants, who have relocated to locations outside of Dublin under the Government’s decentralisation programme; the estimated number of each category who will have relocated by the end of 2009; the breakdown of each set of figures in terms of those who are relocating from Dublin and relocating from elsewhere; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47005/08]
As the Deputy will be aware, my Department's decentralisation programme has been extremely successful to date. Five hundred and sixty civil servants have already moved to their decentralised locations. Two hundred and ninety two moved from provincial locations and two hundred and sixty eight staff moved from Dublin. Overall, this represents over 60% of the target numbers for my Department and we now have a presence in all of the seven locations covered by the programme. It is anticipated that a further seventy staff will have moved by the end of 2009, bringing the total number up to six hundred and thirty.
326 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of people working in his Department; the number earning below €50,000 per annum; the number earning between €50,001 and €60,000 per annum; the number earning between €60,001 and €70,000 per annum; the number earning between €70,001 and €80,000 per annum; the number earning between €80,001 and €90,000 per annum; the number earning between €90,001 and €100,000 per annum; the number earning over €100,001 per annum; the number in each staff category (details supplied) for each income band. [47020/08]
327 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of civil and public servants working in or under the aegis of his Department for each year from 2002 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47035/08]
328 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of locations where civil and public servants working in or under the aegis of his Department are located; the locations of same; the number, and the number in each category (details supplied) of staff at each location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47050/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 326 to 328, inclusive, together.
There are 2,407 staff currently serving in my Department. This includes those agencies that are staffed by my Department. It does not include bodies in the wider Justice sector that recruit their own staff such as those of the Courts Service, Garda Síochána, Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission, Legal Aid Board, Property Registration Authority and non-administrative staff in the Irish Prisons Service. Figures for previous years are not readily available and in any event they would not be comparable with current figures. A breakdown of the number of staff in the various income bands outlined by the Deputy is set out in the following table:
|
Income Band |
Number of staff |
|
Under €50,000 |
1,503 |
|
€50,001 to €60,000 |
312 |
|
€60,001 to €70,000 |
251 |
|
€70,001 to €80,000 |
121 |
|
€80,001 to €90,000 |
99 |
|
€90,001 to €100,000 |
23 |
|
Over €100,000 |
98 |
As certain grades are in two or more income bands due to the salary range and/or the work attendance patterns of individuals, it would not provide any meaningful information to include a breakdown of the grades under each band. The staff of my Department and associated agencies covered in this reply are distributed across a large number of locations in Dublin and around the country. Staff in Dublin are currently based in some 29 individual locations across the capital, including 10 Probation Service offices. Outside Dublin, staff are based in 7 decentralised locations (Killarney, Longford, Tipperary, Portarlington, Portlaoise, Navan and Roscrea). In addition, there are 31 regional Probation Service offices. In view of the large number of staff, grades and locations involved, the provision of a detailed breakdown in this regard would involve a disproportionate amount of staff time and resources.
329 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the agencies, bodies or authorities under the aegis of his Department that have been scheduled for merging, amalgamation, abolition or sharing of services as announced in the Budget 2009; the progress that has been made on the implementation of these organisational changes; the details of the implementation plan for these organisational changes; the cost savings that will arise from each of these organisational changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47065/08]
I can inform the Deputy that the position remains unchanged from my Reply to Question Number 322 of 25 November, 2008.
330 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the action he has taken to investigate the issues raised by a person (details supplied) who has been protesting outside Dáil Eireann for several months; if the allegations he makes relating to what happened his daughter in a public house in Dublin have been investigated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47078/08]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that, following an investigation of the matter referred to by the Deputy, a person was arrested, charged with assault and convicted. The court also ordered compensation to be paid, and I understand this was done. I am also informed that subsequent civil proceedings were settled before coming to court. Where an offence is disclosed, the matter is investigated by An Garda Síochána and an investigation file prepared for the law officers, who, in the exercise of their independent role, determine the matter of criminal charges against any person. As the Deputy is aware, the courts are, subject only to the Constitution and the law, independent in the exercise of their judicial functions, and it is not open to me to comment on or intervene in any way in the conduct of, or decision in, any individual court case.
331 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps he will take to deal with the problems for communities created by the actions of anti-social teenage gangs, particularly having regard to recent evidence that some of these gangs may be able to access firearms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47080/08]
Tackling anti-social behaviour is a priority for both An Garda Síochana and my Department — as is evidenced by the resources we continue to commit to front line policing. The Garda Juvenile Diversion Programme, operated by Garda Juvenile Liaison Officers, has proved to be highly successful in diverting young persons away from crime by offering guidance and support to juveniles and their families. It also enables referral to the Garda Youth Diversion Projects which are community-based, multi-agency crime prevention initiatives operating separately from the Diversion Programme. There are currently 100 of these projects operating in various locations throughout the country.
The Children Act 2001 is now fully in force and provides a modern framework for responding to the needs of young people who come in contact with the criminal justice system. The Irish Youth Justice Service has been established to develop an integrated response to youth offending. This response is set out in the National Youth Justice Strategy 2008-2010, launched last March. There is a deep responsibility on parents where the behaviour of their children is concerned. The Children Act 2001 provides a number of measures in relation to parental responsibility in respect of children involved in anti-social behaviour, and children found guilty of offences.
Public disorder offences make up a significant proportion of crime committed by juveniles, and are an issue where cooperation between the Gardaí and the local community is vital. That is why I am proceeding with the roll out of the joint policing committees, following their successful pilot phase. These committees enable local authority representatives and officials and the Gardaí, with the participation of Oireachtas members and community interests, to get together in a structured way to discuss matters affecting the policing of the area.
Operation Anvil commenced in the Dublin Metropolitan Region in 2005 to deal with serious crime and was extended nationwide in 2006. The primary focus of the Operation is the targeting of active criminals and their associates involved in serious crime by preventing and disrupting their criminal activity through extensive additional overt patrolling and static checkpoints by uniform, mobile and foot patrols, supported by armed plain clothes patrols. Under Operation Anvil up to the end of November, 1,200 firearms have been recovered in Dublin and 1,000 in the rest of the country. There have also been over 7,000 arrests for serious crimes such as murder, robbery and burglary and 67,000 searches for weapons, drugs and stolen goods. In this way, the Gardaí will continue to address the issue of illegal guns relentlessly. Funding for Operation Anvil will increase in 2009 from €20 million to €21 million. I can assure the Deputy that I attach the highest importance to tackling the serious threat posed by firearms. The Gardaí will pursue relentlessly those who use firearms in the commission of crime, and I will provide both the resources necessary to do this and legislation required to prevent the availability of such weapons.
332 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of persons having been refused permission to stay here, who voluntarily leave and subsequently reapply to work here as a non-EEA national; the number who are successful in their application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47083/08]
As the Deputy will be aware, one of the options open to persons faced with the prospect of having a Deportation Order issued in respect of them is that they can seek to return voluntarily to their country of origin. Details of the number of asylum seekers and irregular migrants from non-EU countries who voluntarily repatriated during the period since 2003 are outlined in the following table:
|
Year |
Number of self-managed voluntary returns |
Number of voluntary returns — International Organisation for Migration assisted |
Total |
|
2003 |
361 |
401 |
762 |
|
2004 |
218 |
393 |
611 |
|
2005 |
125 |
210 |
335 |
|
2006 |
63 |
175 |
238 |
|
2007 |
162 |
255 |
417 |
|
2008 (to 15 Dec) |
72 |
434 |
506 |
In relation to the number of persons who voluntarily leave and subsequently reapply to work here as a non-EEA national, I can inform the Deputy that, although immigration history is taken into account in visa decisions, my Department does not record the personal and immigration history of visa applicants in a statistical format. Consequently, it is not possible to provide the information requested by the Deputy. I should also inform the Deputy that not every non-EEA national is visa required. Where non-EEA nationals are visa required, visas for the purpose of employment are issued worldwide by both my Department and the Department of Foreign Affairs. Each case is dealt with on its own merits on a case-by-case basis at the time of processing.
333 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for naturalisation in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11. [47087/08]
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 on 25 November 2004. On examination of this application it was determined that the person in question did not meet the statutory residency requirements as set out in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended. A letter informing the applicant of this was issued on the 16 March 2007 and the person in question was invited to make a new application under his existing reference number. The purpose of this letter was to ensure that the person concerned would not lose his place in the processing queue. This application was lodged on 23 April 2007. Officials in the Citizenship Section of my Department inform me that processing of this application has commenced and the file will be forwarded to me for a decision in the coming months.
334 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will support a group (details supplied). [47088/08]
My colleague the Minister for Transport is responsible for legislation relating to the matters raised by the Deputy which I understand will be addressed in the context of a new Road Traffic and Transport Bill.
335 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amount of taxpayers’ money given to the Institute for International and European Affairs in the lead up to the Lisbon treaty referendum. [47103/08]
My Department pays an annual corporate membership to the Institute for International and European Affairs which falls due every August. In this connection it paid €6,000 in 2008. No other payments were made to the Institute by my Department apart from for the purchase of a number of publications.
336 Deputy Michael Noonan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be made on an application for a re-entry visa by a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47111/08]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the re-entry visa application referred to has been approved.
337 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if Members of the Houses of the Oireachtas are entitled to attend hearings in respect of asylum seekers in regard to their status on their claims, for the purpose of providing further information known to them; if they are not entitled to attend, the reason for such decisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47184/08]
Under the Refugee Act 1996, 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.
Under the Act an oral hearing may arise in the case of an appeal to the Tribunal under section 16 against a recommendation of the Commissioner. Section 16 does not include any specific reference to a role for a member of a House of the Oireachtas at an oral hearing. The section does include the following provisions which could have a bearing on the matter: for the purposes of an oral hearing the Tribunal may direct in writing any person whose evidence is required by the Tribunal to attend before the Tribunal to give evidence and to produce any document or thing in his or her possession or control; the Tribunal shall enable the applicant to be present at the hearing and present his or her case to the Tribunal in person or through a legal representative or other person; and an oral hearing shall be held in private.
338 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of persons apprehended while driving under the influence of illegal drugs in each of the past five years to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47231/08]
The Garda Síochána Act 2005 makes provision for the compilation and publication of crime statistics by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose. I have requested the CSO to provide the statistics sought by the Deputy directly to him.
339 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of unlawful killings caused by the use of legally or illegally held handguns in each of the past six years to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47232/08]
The following table contains the number of cases of murder and manslaughter recorded in which firearms were used for the years 2003 to 2007 and in 2008 up to 30 September.
|
Year |
Recorded |
|
2008* |
13 |
|
2007 |
18 |
|
2006 |
27 |
|
2005 |
23 |
|
2004 |
9 |
|
2003 |
21 |
*Figures provided are provisional, operational and liable to change.
I have sought further information from An Garda Síochána in relation to the types of weapons used and will communicate further with the Deputy.
340 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amount of EU funding received by his Department directly or for institutions, groups, organisations or bodies under his aegis in the past 20 years to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47248/08]
I am advised that it is not possible to provide the extensive information requested 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.
341 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the information obtained from the recent Operation Cellar campaign by the Garda that can assist local drug task forces in identifying areas, communities or families that need help and assistance under the remit of the LDTF; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40922/08]
I have been informed by the Garda Authorities that similar to Operation ‘Clean-Street', Operation ‘Cellar' is a ‘test-purchase' initiative targeting suppliers of heroin and cocaine, led by the Garda National Drugs Unit, assisted by personnel from Divisional and District Drug Units, in a number of locations nationwide. This initiative led to the arrest of 155 individuals, and the commencement of 236 proceedings for related offences.
An Garda Síochána is represented by a Garda Inspector on the Local and Regional Drug Task Forces. This officer provides relevant information on drug prevalence and supply to the Local and Regional DTF's. In addition An Garda Síochána is also represented by a Garda Superintendent on the National Drug Strategy Team and he provides continuous feed-back on various operational initiatives which have relevance and feed into the ongoing work of the Local and Regional Task Forces. This assists the Local and Regional Drugs Task Forces in the preparation of strategies to reduce demand for, and target the supply of, illegal drugs in Ireland.
342 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will report on the status of the national speed camera roll-out and tendering competition; if he will provide a commencement and completion date for the national speed camera roll-out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46359/08]
Following a two stage tender and evaluation process to procure an outsourced safety camera network, a preferred bidder has been identified. I am informed by the Garda authorities that one of the unsuccessful tenderers has requested clarification. The issues raised are expected to be resolved shortly, and An Garda Síochána are expected to commence contract discussions with the preferred bidder.
As soon as the contract is concluded, roll-out of the network of cameras will commence. Roll-out will involve a service start-up phase, which will include drawing up policy and procedures by the service provider and their approval by An Garda Síochána; service testing, following which the Garda Commissioner will issue a service commencement certificate; and roll-out of the service until operating at full capacity. Every effort is being made to proceed with this project as speedily as possible. Until the contract discussions are concluded it is not possible to indicate a specific timescale for the project.
The 2009 Estimates provide €10 million in the Garda Vote for the provision of the service, which will allow the project to proceed to full roll-out in 2009.
343 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the actions of the Iranian Government against the Baha’i community with regard to arbitrary arrests and imprisonment of same; and the action that has been taken in protesting such discriminatory measures with Iranian counterparts. [46608/08]
I share the concerns of the Deputy about the oppressive treatment of the Baha'i minority in Iran. In my reply to Written Question 42351/08 on 25 November, I set out these concerns in detail, as well as the action taken by the Government to impress these concerns on the Iranian authorities.
Further to that reply, I wrote last week directly to Foreign Minister Mottaki of Iran on a number of human rights issues. In that letter, I set out at length my deep concern about the treatment of the Baha'i in the strongest terms, including urging that detained Baha'i be released and that the Baha'i community be afforded the same protection and tolerance as all other Iranians.
My Department will continue to monitor actively the situation of the Baha'i community in Iran, and to convey my strong views to the Iranian authorities.
344 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the blockade of humanitarian supplies to the Palestinian inhabitants of the Gaza Strip by the Israeli Government; the action the he proposes to take as part of the EU, in view of the fact that some 80% of those living in the Gaza Strip depend on these supplies to live; if his attention has been drawn to the calls by the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and EU External Affairs Commissioner Beneta Ferrero-Waldner for the immediate reopening of the commercial crossings into Gaza; and his views of such a proposal. [46609/08]
346 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on recent hostilities between Israeli forces and Palestinian militants; his views in particular on comments attributed to Israel’s Minister for Foreign Affairs to the effect that the truce in the area is over; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46612/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 344 and 346 together.
The Government remain seriously concerned about the humanitarian situation in Gaza, which has effectively been isolated since the Hamas takeover in June 2007, even during a ceasefire between Israeli forces and Hamas which was broadly respected from 19 June 2008 until 4 November 2008. Since then there have been a number of clear breaches on both sides.
The Government has consistently and repeatedly called for an end to the isolation of the people of Gaza, in particular through the re-opening of crossing points for the movement of people and goods. The Government agree with those who state that the effective isolation of Gaza constitutes collective punishment and is illegal under international humanitarian law. Ireland will continue to work with EU partners to ensure that our concerns about the situation in Gaza are conveyed to the Israeli Government at every appropriate opportunity.
Since 4 November, Israel has effectively closed all border crossings for commercial goods, and even for humanitarian supplies. I understand, however, that the situation has improved somewhat in recent days and that Israel has allowed more vital supplies, including fuel, to be delivered to the people of Gaza. This is a welcome development but the population of 1.5 million people continue to face virtually unsustainable conditions.
While expressing our humanitarian concerns about Gaza, the Government unreservedly condemn the recent renewal of rocket attacks from Gaza on towns in southern Israel. An immediate end to all violence is essential. In this regard, it is vitally important that both sides re-instate and renew the ceasefire originally agreed last June and which will formally expire on 19 December. Ireland will continue to support Egyptian efforts to restore the truce.
I raised the situation in Gaza with EU partners at both the meeting of the General Affairs and External Relations Council in Brussels on 8 December and a Foreign Ministers' discussion which took place en marge of the European Council on 11-12 December. Ireland was instrumental in ensuring that the Council Conclusions adopted on 8 December call for the humanitarian situation in Gaza to be addressed with all urgency, as well as stating that crossings should be opened for the supply of goods and services, and that the ability of the UN Works and Relief Agency (UNWRA) to deliver humanitarian assistance should be assured. The European Council, in its Conclusions of 12 December, also reiterated that the Middle East Peace Process and efforts to achieve a viable two-State solution must be a priority for the international community in 2009.
Ireland also raised the situation in Gaza during the Universal Periodic Review of Israel at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on 4 December, calling on Israel to respect its obligations under international human rights instruments and international humanitarian law.
345 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the details of the recently announced scheme whereby the Football Association of Ireland is to have a welfare officer with responsibility for young Irish players living in Britain; the way it is proposed to fill, finance and maintain this position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46610/08]
On 27 November, together with Chief Executive of the Football Association of Ireland, Mr. John Delaney, I announced the appointment of Terry Conroy as the new FAI welfare officer for Britain. This followed a two-stage interview process conducted by the FAI and officials from the Irish Abroad Unit of my Department. This initiative is a direct response to concerns that the welfare needs of young Irish players who travel to Britain to take up positions at professional clubs be addressed. The vast majority of these young people are ultimately released by their clubs and some experience considerable hardships.
The new welfare officer will liaise with clubs in Britain on behalf of players and their families, particularly in cases where difficulties arise in relation to alcohol, substance abuse or gambling. He will work directly with the players to ensure that they are aware of local educational and other vocational training opportunities and will also be available to assist retired Irish footballers who may have fallen on hard times.
The Department has allocated a €50,000 grant towards the programme this year, with matching funding provided by the Football Association of Ireland, under whose aegis the welfare officer is employed. The welfare officer will report directly to the FAI, which will in turn report to the Department on the programme's progress. A comprehensive progress report will also be submitted to the Department within twelve months.
347 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the situation as it currently pertains in Thailand. [46614/08]
While the situation in Thailand remains tense, the demonstrations mounted by the People's Alliance for Democracy, which paralysed the capital and key airports in recent weeks, have ended. A new Prime Minister — Abhisit Vejjajiva, leader of the opposition Democrat Party — was elected by the parliament on 15 December, and the process of establishing a new government is now underway. However, in response, supporters of the previous Government launched their own protests in the capital and the situation remains volatile, with the deep-seated polarisation of Thai politics and society unresolved. Thailand also faces both economic difficulties and the task of restoring its international image as a major tourist destination.
If political stability is to be achieved, and if Thailand is to successfully address the many challenges it faces, it is vital for the parties there to engage in dialogue in a spirit of national reconciliation. Defining the role of the military will need to be a feature of this process. Of key importance also, in both the short and longer term, will be observance of the rule of law, respect for the Thai constitution and protection of the democratic process.
With regard to the situation of Irish citizens in Thailand, the main airports have now reopened and officials and airlines are working to clear the backlog of stranded passengers. Assistance to Irish citizens continues, of course, to be available through our Honorary Consul in Bangkok and our Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, should it be required.
348 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position in Mumbai, India following the recent terrorist attack there; if all Irish persons who had been in the vicinity have safely left the area; and if Irish and European officials have contacted Indian counterparts in the aftermath of the events. [46615/08]
India remains in a state of heightened alert in the aftermath of the Mumbai attacks. There are concerns that there may be further terrorist incidents, particularly as the country prepares for national elections due before May 2009. Security remains tight throughout the country, particularly in major cities and at installations such as airports and Government buildings. My Department is currently advising travellers to exercise caution in relation to journeys to and within India.
My Department provided consular assistance to over 30 individuals with whom it was in contact. Thankfully, there were no Irish injuries, but several Irish citizens had been in hotels attacked by the militants. All of these managed to escape without injury, though some were deeply distressed by the experience. Assistance provided to them included replacement of travel documents which had to be abandoned when the attacks took place, travel arrangements home or out of Mumbai and general advice about the situation and safety issues. My Department is not aware of any Irish citizens that now require follow-up advice or assistance in the affected region. The Irish Ambassador in India visited Mumbai on 15 and 16 December for a series of official meetings and calls, including a number of calls on persons and agencies who were helpful to Irish citizens during the crisis.
At their meeting on 8 December, EU Foreign Ministers renewed their strong condemnation of the attacks in Mumbai and reiterated their expression of condolences to the families of the victims and their solidarity with the people of India and with the Indian authorities. Ministers also reiterated their determination to contribute to the fight against terrorism throughout South Asia and called for the stepping up of regional cooperation in combating terrorism. They also underlined their hope that Pakistan will cooperate fully with the Indian investigation into the attacks and that both countries and their neighbours will work together to bring those responsible to justice.
In terms of my own contacts, as I stated in response to a previous Parliamentary Question on 4 December, I spoke with the Indian Ambassador in Dublin on 27 November, the day after the attacks began, to convey my sincere condolences on behalf of the Irish people at the tragic events which were taking place at that time. I also expressed the hope that the Indian authorities would be able to resolve the situation without further loss of life and that those who carried out or plotted these attacks would be brought to justice. On 9 December I wrote to the Minister of External Affairs of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee, to express my personal condolences on the tragic loss of life which occurred at Mumbai and to express the deep appreciation of the Government for the support extended by the relevant Indian security and emergency services to officials in our Embassy in New Delhi and our Consulate General in Mumbai as they carried out their consular duties following the attacks. I assured the Minister of our support and solidarity at this most difficult time for India.
349 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the third session of the Universal Periodic Review of the UN Human Rights Council which was held between 1 and 15 December 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46616/08]
350 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on discussions regarding Colombia at the third session of the Universal Periodic Review of the UN Human Rights Council. [46617/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 349 and 350 together.
The third session of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism of the UN Human Rights Council took place in Geneva between 1 and 15 December 2008. The UPR is one of the major new aspects of the Council, which subjects each UN member State to a thorough review of its human rights performance every fourth year. The reviews are based on information provided by the concerned State, compilation reports prepared by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and input from NGOs. Each review is facilitated by three States members who act as rapporteurs. During the UPR Working Group sessions, States and NGOs have the opportunity to participate in an interactive dialogue with the State under review.
Sixteen countries were reviewed at the third UPR session, namely Bahamas, Barbados, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cape Verde, Colombia, Israel, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Montenegro, Serbia, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates and Uzbekistan. Ireland participated actively at the session, putting questions and recommendations to Botswana, Burundi, Colombia, Israel, Montenegro, Serbia and Uzbekistan. The questions and recommendations of participating States, including those from Ireland, are reflected in the outcome reports that were adopted by the UPR Working Group and can be viewed on the website of the Human Rights Council: http://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/UPR/Pages/UPRmain.aspx
In relation specifically to the examination of Colombia, the Irish Delegation raised issues and made recommendations regarding human rights defenders, victims of gender-based violence and extrajudicial killings. Ireland welcomed recent Colombian government assurances on the protection of Human Rights Defenders and the development of a Protection Programme for Human Rights Defenders. Ireland also recommended that Colombian legislation on Human Rights Defenders be implemented in full. Ireland recommended that the Colombian government implement the May 2008 Constitutional Court ruling that the witness protection programme be revised to deal with gender-based violence.
Ireland recommended that the Colombian Government implement urgently the recommendations of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights from 2008. In welcoming recent Colombian government efforts to end the incidence of extrajudicial killings in Colombia, Ireland further recommended that the new National Plan of Action on Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law be used to address comprehensively the issue of extra-judicial killings. Ireland will examine the conclusions and recommendations of the report of the Universal Periodic Review of Colombia which was adopted on 15 December.
The establishment of a strong UPR mechanism was viewed by Ireland and the wider EU membership as a key innovation of the Human Rights Council. Its universal nature counters charges of selectivity. We have stressed the importance of ensuring that experts and NGOs are fully involved in the process, and the importance of concrete outcomes and operational follow-up. The first two UPR sessions took place in April and May 2008 respectively. As 16 States are reviewed at each session, a total of 48 States have been reviewed so far. Ireland is due to undergo the UPR process in 2011.
351 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the discussions he has held with colleague Ministers throughout the European Union, following the withdrawal for sale of Irish pork products, in efforts to have such products available for sale again. [46618/08]
The Government has been working to ensure that Irish pork products are available for sale again as soon as possible in Ireland's major markets, including in the European Union. My Department, through its network of Embassies, is working closely with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and Bord Bia to keep the relevant authorities in our major markets fully informed of developments and so provide reassurance, when required, with regard to Irish pork products.
352 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the equipment and data that was lost or stolen from his Department in the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46667/08]
Within the period in question, the Department of Foreign Affairs has had two laptops stolen, one USB memory stick was lost and three mobile phones were lost or stolen. These devices did not contain any sensitive data and both laptops were encrypted. The Department encrypts all laptops before issue and also issues guidelines to all officers on the appropriate use of IT equipment, highlighting the obligations arising under the Data Protection Act.
353 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount of money spent on hotel accommodation by his Department and each State agency under the aegis of his Department for each of the years 2004 to date in 2008; if he will provide the information available in tabular readable form. [46682/08]
354 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the procurement arrangements in place in his Department and each State agency under the aegis of his Department for the sourcing of hotel accommodation for him, for his Departmental staff and staff at each State agency, when overnight accommodation is necessary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46697/08]
I propose to reply to Questions Nos. 353 and 354 together.
I have provided below in tabular form details of the hotel accommodation costs incurred under the headquarters budget of my Department for each year from 2004 to date, for officers travelling overseas and within Ireland in an official capacity. There are no State Agencies operating under the remit of my Department.
|
Year |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
|
Hotel Costs |
€931,006 |
€1,025,476 |
€1,010,159 |
€980,942 |
€967,201 |
With regard to the procurement arrangements for sourcing hotel accommodation, the central contract for travel booking services for government officials includes provision for making hotel reservations. This contract is currently held by Club Travel Limited and was awarded following an EU-level advertised procurement process conducted earlier this year. Club Travel is used by my Department to book hotel accommodation for officers travelling to Brussels.
The central aims of the travel policy of my Department, which is based on the travel policy for Government Departments laid down by the Department of Finance, are to minimise official travel costs and to achieve value for money for expenditure necessarily incurred, consistent with the effective discharge of official duties. The Departmental travel policy advises that the most reasonably priced, appropriate, hotel accommodation should be used when engaged in official travel.
Throughout Ireland's diplomatic network of 75 Missions abroad, Embassies and Consulates maintain lists of Hotels with which special rates have been negotiated locally. When official or Ministerial travel is being undertaken abroad, the Mission accredited to the country will book appropriate accommodation for officials and Ministers in line with Departmental travel policy and in consultation as necessary with the Minister's Office.
355 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of computer servers that are owned or leased by his Department and each State agency under the aegis of his Department; and the amount of capacity on each server. [46712/08]
My Department has 257 computer servers across offices in Ireland and its 75 Missions around the world. Each of these servers is owned by the Department.
Server capacity falls into the following ranges:
(a) Up to 100 gigabytes — 29 servers
(b) Between 300 and 400 gigabytes — 226 servers
(c) Above 400 gigabytes — 2 servers.
There are no State agencies under the aegis of my Department.
356 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the budgeted cost to his Department for 2009 of incremental pay increases for all staff in and under the aegis of his Department; the comparative cost for each year from 2002 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46988/08]
Increments are paid annually to staff in my Department who have not reached the maximum point on the appropriate salary scale for their grade provided that they meet required standards in relation to performance and attendance set down under the Civil Service Performance Management and Development System.
In the time available, it has not been possible to provide the financial information being sought for the years prior to 2008. However, I can advise the Deputy that the estimated overall cost for the payment of increments in my Department for 2008 and 2009 amounts to €1.07 million and €1.1 million respectively.
357 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of civil servants and other public servants, who have relocated to locations outside of Dublin under the Government’s decentralisation programme; the estimated number of each category who will have relocated by the end of 2009; the breakdown of each set of figures in terms of those who are relocating from Dublin and relocating from elsewhere; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47003/08]
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 124 staff have now moved into the new permanent Headquarters building in Limerick. The remaining 14 posts are expected to be filled in early 2009. The information requested by the Deputy is conveyed in the tabular format below:
|
Total |
Civil Servants |
Other Public Servants |
|
|
Number of staff who decentralised from Dublin |
86 |
86 |
0 |
|
Number of staff who decentralised from elsewhere |
38 |
38 |
0 |
|
Number of staff who are due to decentralise in 2009 |
14 |
14 |
0 |
|
Total number due to decentralise by the end of 2009 |
138 |
138 |
0 |
358 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of people working in his Department; the number earning below €50,000 per annum; the number earning between €50,001 and €60,000 per annum; the number earning between €60,001 and €70,000 per annum; the number earning between €70,001 and €80,000 per annum; the number earning between €80,001 and €90,000 per annum; the number earning between €90,001 and €100,000 per annum; the number earning over €100,001 per annum; the number in each staff category (details supplied) for each income band. [47018/08]
The core staffing number approved by the Department of Finance for my Department is 1,576 (on a full-time equivalent basis). This figure includes approximately 300 locally recruited staff employed at missions abroad. The following table sets out the number of staff on the Department's payroll, excluding those who are locally recruited abroad, broken down by grade and the relevant salary scales for the grades in question.
|
Grade |
Number |
Salary scale (non-PPC rate) |
Salary scale (PPC rate) |
|
Secretary General |
1 |
€253,635 |
€266,985 |
|
Second Secretary |
4 |
€221,929 |
€233,610 |
|
Deputy Secretary |
5 |
€177,547 |
€186,891 |
|
Assistant Secretary |
42 |
€131,748 – €150,712 |
€138,683 – €158,644 |
|
Principal Development Specialist |
1 |
€100,191 – €114,285 |
€105,463 – €120,300 |
|
Counsellor/PO |
102 |
€92,730 – €114,366*€86,168 – €106,582 |
€97,617 – €120,383 €90,702 – €112,191 |
|
Senior Development Specialist |
14 |
€80,016 – €97,109 |
€84,225 – €102,218 |
|
Assistant Principal/First Sec |
195 |
€72,681 – €90,884* €66,179 – €82,520 |
€76,510 – €95,665 €69,659 – €86,865 |
|
Development Specialist |
32 |
€66,179 – €82,520 |
€69,659 – €86,865 |
|
HEO/Third Sec/AO |
193 |
€46,558 – €59,097* €49,379 – €59,097 |
€49,007 – €62,210 €51,980 – €64,296 |
|
EO |
126 |
€32,179 – €53,067* €32,179 – €51,054 |
€30,566 – €50,410 €30,566 – €48,504 |
|
SO |
45 |
€34,941 – €46,655 |
€36,779 – €49,104 |
|
CO |
532 |
€24,255 – €38,397* €23,174 – €37,584 |
€25,532 – €40,417 €24,397 – €39,558 |
|
Cleaners/Services Officers, Nightwatchpersons (NWP) |
45 |
€20,913 – €24,281 Cleaner €21,901 – €29,199 Services Officer €21,966 – €27,022 NWP |
€21,840 – €25,559 Cleaner €22,876 – €30,735 Services Officer €22,946 –€28,444 NWP |
*These are the salary levels applying to the higher scale posts in the relevant grade.
Personal Pension Contribution (PPC) scales apply where officers were employed since 6 April 1995, pay class A rate of PRSI and make a personal pension contribution.
359 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of civil and public servants working in or under the aegis of his Department for each year from 2002 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47033/08]
The core staffing number approved by the Department of Finance for my Department is 1,576. This includes 320 permanent staff who are working in the Passports Offices in Ireland and approximately 300 local staff currently employed at missions abroad.
The number of staff currently serving as of 1 December is 1,557. The shortfall of 19 is accounted for by vacancies for which replacements have not yet been appointed.
The table below provides details of the number of civil servants in my Department for each of the years from 2002 to 2008. It does not include the local staff employed at missions abroad. It should also be noted that the figures for 2002 and 2003 include a total of 19 staff who were employed by the Agency for Personal Services Overseas (APSO), a body under the aegis of my Department until it was fully integrated into it in 2004.
|
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
|
1,091 |
1,177 |
1,127 |
1,081 |
1,130 |
1,214 |
1,257 |
360 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of locations where civil and public servants working in or under the aegis of his Department are located; the locations of same; the number, and the number in each category (details supplied) of staff at each location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47048/08]
The core staffing number approved by the Department of Finance for my Department is 1,576.
The number of staff currently serving as of 1 December is 1,557. Of this total, 927 staff are based in six offices located in Ireland. The remaining 630 staff, of whom 300 are locally recruited, are based in Missions abroad. The following table provides a breakdown by grade of the staff serving in the six Irish locations.
|
Sec Gen |
Asst Sec |
Counsellor/ PO |
1st Sec/ AP |
3rd Sec/ HEO/ EO |
EO |
SO |
CO |
Other Grades |
Total |
|
|
Dublin |
1 |
9 |
25 |
68 |
93 |
61 |
24 |
236 |
2 Accountants 2 Architects 41 Cleaners/Services Officers/NWPs |
562 |
|
Balbriggan |
1 |
5 |
14 |
5 |
106 |
3 Services Officers |
134 |
|||
|
Cork |
1 |
3 |
7 |
6 |
68 |
85 |
||||
|
Limerick |
1 |
9 |
21 |
17 |
16 |
2 |
26 |
26 Development Specialists 4 Accountants 2 Services Officers |
124 |
|
|
Armagh |
1 |
1 |
4 |
1 |
4 |
11 |
||||
|
Belfast |
2 |
3 |
2 |
4 |
11 |
361 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the agencies, bodies or authorities under the aegis of his Department that have been scheduled for merging, amalgamation, abolition or sharing of services as announced in the Budget 2009; the progress that has been made on the implementation of these organisational changes; the details of the implementation plan for these organisational changes; the cost savings that will arise from each of these organisational changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47063/08]
There are currently no State agencies or authorities operating under the responsibility of my Department. There are three Advisory Committees and one Educational Commission, which come under the aegis of the Department; these are the Development Education Advisory Committee; the Government Emigrant Services Advisory Committee; the Advisory Board for Irish Aid; and the Fulbright Commission.
No announcement was made in respect of any of these bodies in the Budget 2009.
362 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount of taxpayers’ money given to the Institute for International and European Affairs in the lead up to the Lisbon Referendum. [47101/08]
The Institute for International and European Affairs (IIEA) is an independent policy research think-tank and forum. The Department of Foreign Affairs pays an annual fee, currently set at €6,000, in respect of its corporate membership of the IIEA.
In the past, the Institute has also received funding from my Department under the Communicating Europe Initiative (CEI). The scheme provides grants to organisations and individuals for projects aimed at increasing knowledge and awareness of the European Union. In 2007, the IIEA received funding of €3,000 under the CEI.
As part of the Department's public information campaign on the Lisbon Treaty, the Institute was paid €23, 626 for Consolidated and Annotated versions of the EU Treaties, as amended by the Lisbon Treaty. Copies of these texts, which were published by the Institute, were made available on request to members of the public and were also distributed to all public libraries throughout the State.
363 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of receptions hosted (details supplied) in the period from June 2007 to May 2008 in tabular form. [47113/08]
364 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of receptions hosted (details supplied) in a specific period in tabular form. [47114/08]
365 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the breakdown of receptions hosted (details supplied) in tabular form. [47115/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 363 to 365, inclusive, together.
The information on the hospitality hosted by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Ministers of State in the Department of Foreign Affairs in the period June 2007 to date is detailed in the tables. The breakdown of events is as follows: lunches 68%, receptions (wine andcanapés) 25%, dinners 4.2%, receptions (wine only) 1.4%, others 1.4% and black-tieevents 0%.
|
Host |
Lunch |
Reception |
Dinner |
Other |
|
Mr. Dermot Ahern T.D., Minister for Foreign Affairs |
17 |
6 |
0 |
0 |
|
Mr. Dick Roche T.D., Minister of State for European Affairs |
4 |
4 |
1 |
0 |
|
Mr. Michael Kitt T.D. Minister of State for Overseas Development |
6 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
|
Host |
Lunch |
Reception |
Dinner |
Other |
|
Mr. Micheál Martin T.D., Minister for Foreign Affairs |
16 |
7 |
2 |
0 |
|
Mr. Dick Roche T.D., Minister of State for European Affairs |
5 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Mr. Peter Power T.D., Minister of State for Overseas Development |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
366 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount of EU funding received by his Department directly or for institutions, groups, organisations or bodies under his aegis in the past 20 years to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47246/08]
As the Deputy will appreciate, in the time available, it has been difficult to research all aspects of funding received by my Department over such a long period.
However, following a detailed examination of the Department's records, I understand that the only direct EU funding received by my Department was the EU Special Support Programme for Peace and Reconciliation (Peace I), which was targeted at Northern Ireland and the six border counties in the South. This programme ran from 1995 to end-December 2001, with continued funding being drawn down to the end of 2005.
This Department had responsibility for two measures under the sub-programme of Peace I which dealt with cross border development. The first of these two measures was entitled Measure 3.3 on Cross-Border co-operation between Public Bodies and had an expenditure of approximately €11 million. The second was entitled Measure 3.1 on Cross-Border Business and Cultural Linkages and had an expenditure of €12 million. The latter measure was implemented by an intermediary agency, Co-Operation Ireland, under the supervision of this Department.
367 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the level of funding which will be available under the sports capital programme for 2009; when he will accept applications for funding under this programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46640/08]
372 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when application forms for grants (details supplied) will be made available; if the grants will be allocated at a later stage in 2009; if the application process will be delayed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46780/08]
374 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the date the sports capital programme will be announced; if there are indications as to the amount of capital that will be available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46789/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 367, 372 and 374 together. The Deputies will be aware that allocations under the 2008 Sports Capital Programme were announced in July last. No decision has yet been made about the timing of further rounds of the Programme.In the 2009 Estimates, €56m has been provided in my Department's vote to cover payments to be made from the C-1 sub-head, out of which grants are paid for the provision of sports and recreation facilities.
368 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the equipment and data that was lost or stolen from his Department in the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46659/08]
I would refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question Ref. No. 30139/08 answered on Wednesday, 24th September 2008. Since my reply to that Parliamentary Question, the Department, including the National Archives of Ireland, has suffered no loss or theft of its IT equipment or data.
369 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the amount of money spent on hotel accommodation by his Department and each State agency under the aegis of his Department for each of the years 2004 to date in 2008; if he will provide the information available in tabular readable form. [46674/08]
Staff of the Department employed on official business away from their headquarters are paid subsistence expenses within the rates authorised from time to time by the Minister for Finance. The subsistence allowance payable is not intended to meet the whole cost of subsistence when absent from home and headquarters and is not intended to be a source of emolument or profit. Subsistence allowances are payable only in respect of necessary absence from headquarters. The cost to staff members of hotel accommodation incurred by them is met wholly or partly from the subsistence allowance paid to them.
From time to time my Department incurs accommodation costs. The schedule below shows the direct cost of accommodation in respect of 2007 and 2008. The figures in respect of 2004-2006 are not readily available.
|
Year |
€ |
|
2007 |
6,833.60 |
|
2008 |
6,704.10 |
Details of the costs of hotel accommodation in the organisations under the aegis of my Department is a matter for the Boards and Directors of those organisations.
370 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the procurement arrangements in place in his Department and each State agency under the aegis of his Department for the sourcing of hotel accommodation for him, for his Departmental staff and staff at each State agency, when overnight accommodation is necessary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46689/08]
The procurement by the Department of hotel accommodation for overnight accommodation either for me as Minister or for Departmental staff is determined by and accords with public procurement and/or travel and subsistence guidelines, as prepared by the Department of Finance.
The procurement of services by any of the agencies under the aegis of the Department is determined by applicable guidelines contained in the Department of Finance's Government-endorsed Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies. I can confirm that this Code has been brought to the attention of those agencies, which are themselves responsible for compliance with the relevant financial procedures, including procurement guidelines.
371 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of computer servers that are owned or leased by his Department and each State agency under the aegis of his Department; and the amount of capacity on each server. [46704/08]
The Department owns and operates 22 servers currently in its offices at Kildare Street and Killarney. The capacity of the hard drives on these servers is as follows: 6 servers with 136 GB each, 5 servers with 409 GB each, 4 servers with 465 GB each, 4 servers with 68 GB each, 2 servers with 285 GB each and 1 server with 34 GB.
The National Archives has 7 servers operating on its local area network (LAN). The capacity of the hard drives on these servers is 16 GB, 75 GB, 136 GB, 204 GB, 204 GB, 408 GB and 836 GB.
Additionally, the National Archives has 8 servers externally hosted at a data centre, which service the Census of Ireland online facility. Each of these servers has a 72 GB capacity. It also has 1 externally hosted server servicing the National Archives website, and this has a capacity of 146 GB. Neither the Department nor the National Archives lease any of their servers.
Details regarding computer services in the Department's agencies are a matter for those agencies and my Department does not have such details.
373 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of applications for funding under the sports capital grant over the past five years; the number of applications from County Kildare; the number of successful applications from County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46786/08]
375 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the funding not drawn down from the sports capital grants scheme over each of the past five years; the funding not drawn down in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46790/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 373 and 375 together.
Under the Sports Capital Programme, which is administered by my Department, funding is allocated to sporting and community organisations. It is the main vehicle for development of sports facilities at local, regional and national level throughout the country.
Since 1998 the Sports Capital Programme has allocated over €725m to 7,401 sports facility projects. This investment has transformed the sporting landscape of Ireland with improved facilities in virtually every village, town and city. The facilities funded range from new equipment for the smallest clubs, to regional multi-sport centres and national centres of sporting excellence. For a project to be considered for funding under the programme it must first meet a certain number of basic requirements such as showing evidence of the minimum required level of own funding or evidence of freehold or sufficiently long leasehold to ensure that the facility stays in sporting use. All projects that do not meet these minimum requirements are considered ineligible and are not assessed for funding.
When assessing applications that have met these minimum requirements the Department uses a number of criteria. Applications are scored according to how well they meet these criteria and then ranked in order of priority within their own county. The amount of funding available for distribution under the Programme in each county is determined on a pro-rata basis based on the 2006 Census of Population. This method of assessment and allocation ensures that all counties, including those with growing populations, receive proportionate levels of funding. However, if a county does not have a sufficient number of eligible projects it is of course not possible to allocate that county's share of the total allocations. In these cases the funding is distributed to projects elsewhere.
Information in relation to the number of applications received under the sports capital programme nationally and in Kildare, and the number of successful applications from Kildare, in each of the last five years and the amount of outstanding allocations as at the end of October is set out in the table below:
|
Year |
No. Of Applications — Total |
No. Of Applications — Kildare |
No. Of Successful Applications — Kildare |
Funding allocated nationally but still to be drawn down |
|
€ |
||||
|
2004 |
1,304 |
44 |
27 |
12,532,168 |
|
2005 |
1,362 |
44 |
16 |
15,863,306 |
|
2006 |
1,338 |
33 |
19 |
34,465,958 |
|
2007 |
1,533 |
38 |
17 |
56,699,574 |
|
2008 |
1,453 |
44 |
21 |
47,298,000 |
The amount of funding allocated to clubs and organisations in Kildare over the period 2004 to 2008 but not yet drawn down is almost €6.5 million.
376 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the reason a club (details supplied) in County Kildare has not been able to draw down capital lottery funding to allow their club carry out necessary works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46791/08]
Under the Sports Capital Programme, which is administered by the Department, funding is allocated to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The aim of the Programme is to maximise participation in sport through the provision of modern high quality, safe, well-designed and sustainable facilities and sports equipment. The provision of such facilities allows for increased numbers to participate in sport.
A grant of €120,000 was provisionally allocated to the project in question under the 2007 Sports Capital Programme. A number of queries have been raised by my Department in relation to the procurement of works carried out in relation to this project. The club responded to these queries last week and the matter is currently being considered. It is expected that a letter will issue to the organisation in question later this week.
377 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the budgeted cost to his Department for 2009 of incremental pay increases for all staff in and under the aegis of his Department; the comparative cost for each year from 2002 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46980/08]
The estimated cost of incremental pay increases for staff in the Department in 2008 and 2009 is set out as follows:
|
Year |
€ |
|
2008 |
70,000 |
|
2009 |
75,000 |
The Department did not retain figures for the annual cost of incremental increases in the past as there was no specific budgetary provision within the overall payroll provision to cover such increases. The rationale for this is based on the principle that the overall cost of increments for staff should be offset by reductions in costs arising from the retirement or other movements of staff at higher points on pay scales and their replacement by staff at lower points.
The figure for 2009 is calculated on the basis of existing staff in the Department but the final figure will be impacted, inter alia, by further staff turnover in the context of finalising the decentralisation of the Department to Killarney in early 2009.The cost of incremental pay increases for the agencies under the remit of the Department is a matter for each agency to be met from within their particular pay budget allocation.
378 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of civil servants and other public servants, who have relocated to locations outside of Dublin under the Government’s decentralisation programme; the estimated number of each category who will have relocated by the end of 2009; the breakdown of each set of figures in terms of those who are relocating from Dublin and relocating from elsewhere; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46995/08]
381 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of locations where civil and public servants working in or under the aegis of his Department are located; the locations of same; the number, and the number in each category (details supplied) of staff at each location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47040/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 378 and 381 together.
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 Department, with a staff of 130, excluding the National Archives, was designated an "early mover" by the Decentralisation Implementation Group (DIG). To date, 76 staff (including two service officers who were recruited directly) have relocated to new purpose built offices in Killarney. The Department is now in two locations — Kildare Street in Dublin and New Road in Killarney.
The breakdown of information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table below.
|
GRADE |
Located at Kildare St. Dublin |
Located at New Road, Killarney |
Decentralised from Dublin |
Decentralised from Provincial Locations |
|
Secretary General |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Assistant Secretary |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Principal Officer |
5 |
5 |
3 |
2 |
|
Assistant Principal |
6 |
17 |
13 |
4 |
|
Accountant |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
8 |
16 |
11 |
5 |
|
Executive Officer |
10 |
20 |
6 |
14 |
|
Staff Officer |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Clerical Officer |
6 |
15 |
1 |
14 |
|
Service Officer |
1 |
2 |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Total |
42 |
76 |
34 |
40 |
It is not possible at this time to estimate the exact number of staff who will be located in Killarney by the end of 2009. The Department is currently arranging for the next group of officials to transfer to Killarney while simultaneously assessing how best to provide an efficient and effective service to its stakeholders including meeting the needs of the Minister, the Minister of State and the Houses of the Oireachtas in the context of implementing Government decisions on decentralisation.
379 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of people working in his Department; the number earning below €50,000 per annum; the number earning between €50,001 and €60,000 per annum; the number earning between €60,001 and €70,000 per annum; the number earning between €70,001 and €80,000 per annum; the number earning between €80,001 and €90,000 per annum; the number earning between €90,001 and €100,000 per annum; the number earning over €100,001 per annum; the number in each staff category (details supplied) for each income band. [47010/08]
There are currently 183 people working in the Department, which includes the National Archives. The salary details requested by the Deputy are set out as follows:
|
Salary Earnings |
No of staff |
Grade |
|
Over €100,000 |
10 |
Secretary General 1 Assistant Secretary 3Director 1 Principal Officer 5 |
|
Between €90,001 and €100,000 |
6 |
Principal Officer 4 Assistant Principal 2 |
|
Between €80,001 and €90,000 |
19 |
Principal Officer 2 Professional Accountant 1 Keeper 1 Assistant Principal 15 |
|
Between €70,001 and €80,000 |
9 |
Assistant Keeper I 1 Assistant Principal 7 Senior Archivist 1 |
|
Between €60,001 and €70,000 |
11 |
Assistant Principal 2 Senior Archivist 2 Archivist 2 Higher Executive Officer 5 |
|
Between €50,001 and €60,000 |
34 |
Assistant Principal 1 Archivist 6 Higher Executive Officer 21 Executive Officer 6 |
|
Below €50,000 |
94 |
Archivist 6 Higher Executive Officer 2 Executive Officer 31 Staff Officer 5 Secretarial Assistant 1 Clerical Officer 40 Head Services Officer 1 Services Officer 8 |
380 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of civil and public servants working in or under the aegis of his Department for each year from 2002 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47025/08]
In the case of the Department, including the National Archives, the core number of staff, based on whole time equivalents, all of whom are civil servants, is as follows:
|
Year |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
|
Number |
460 |
456 |
448 |
168 |
168 |
172 |
174 |
In the case of the agencies under the aegis of the Department, funded from the Department's Vote, the total core number is as follows:
|
Year |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
|
Number |
525 |
521 |
511 |
777 |
1,017 |
1,017 |
1,020 |
These staff are almost exclusively public servants. The changes in 2005 were due to the establishment as separate legal entities of the National Museum of Ireland and the National Library of Ireland, which were up to then part of the Department. The figures also reflect a continued reduction in staffing numbers from 2002 in line with Government policy. The additional figures for 2006 arose from the amalgamation of the Regional Tourism Authorities with Fáilte Ireland, involving an incorporation of the former staff of the Regional Tourism Authorities and the recognition of the Crawford Gallery as a National Cultural Institution.
382 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the agencies, bodies or authorities under the aegis of his Department that have been scheduled for merging, amalgamation, abolition or sharing of services as announced in the budget 2009; the progress that has been made on the implementation of these organisational changes; the details of the implementation plan for these organisational changes; the cost savings that will arise from each of these organisational changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47055/08]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Questions Nos. 76, 77 and 84 of 19 November 2008. The decisions which were announced in budget 2009 were to amalgamate the Irish Museum of Modern Art, the Crawford Art Gallery and the National Gallery of Ireland, while retaining their separate brand identities; and to amalgamate the National Archives, the Irish Manuscripts Commission and the National Library. The consultative process with the directors of the national cultural institutions involved is continuing.
383 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the amount of taxpayers’ money given to the Institute for International and European Affairs in the lead up to the Lisbon referendum. [47095/08]
The Department was a corporate member of the Institute for International European Affairs up to the end of January 2008. As part of an effort to reduce the Department's administrative costs, membership was not renewed. There is no record of any other payment being made to the Institute.
384 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the amount of EU funding received by his Department directly or for institutions, groups, organisations or bodies under his aegis in the past 20 years to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47238/08]
Since its establishment in 2002, the Department has received EU funding as set out in the following tabular statement:
|
Sector |
Year |
Purpose of EU Funding |
Amount |
|
Arts/Culture |
2008 |
Minerva Joint Irish-UK Workshop |
€3,943.69 |
In respect of the agencies under the aegis of the Department, applications for and the receipt of EU funding are day-to-day matters for the agencies themselves. Details of such funding arrangements are usually set out in the annual reports and accounts of the agencies in question, copies of which are available in the Oireachtas Library.
385 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Dinny McGinley den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil iarratas déanta ag Eagraíocht (sonraí tugtha) ar airgeadú dá n-imeachtaí agus an gcuirfidh sé na hacmhainní riachtanacha ar fáil sa dóigh gur féidir leo leanúint lena gcuid oibre; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [46535/08]
Comhairlítear dom nach bhfuil aon iarratas foirmeálta faighte ag mo Roinnse ón eagraíocht atá sonraithe ag an dTeachta. Cuireann mo Roinn maoiniú ar fáil faoin gClár Forbartha Áitiúla do chuimsitheacht shóisialta chun díriú ar mhíbhuntáiste a shárú agus comhionannas agus cuimsitheacht shóisialta agus eacnamaíochta a chur chun cinn. Úsáidtear an maoiniú seo chun réimse leathan tograí a fhorbairt chun dul i ngleic le riachtanais áitiúla. Tuigtear dom gur cuireadh maoiniú de thart ar €500 in aghaidh na bliana ar fáil don eagraíocht atá sonraithe ag an dTeachta i gcomhair tionscnaimh traenála agus acmhainn an phobail a fhorbairt. Tuigtear dom freisin ó Údarás na Gaeltachta go bhfuil ceist mhaoiniú na heagraíochta atá luaite pléite le tamall anuas agus go bhfuil curtha in iúl don eagraíocht nach mbeidh an túdarás ag déanamh maoinithe ar a cuid imeachtaí i 2009.
386 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the equipment and data that was lost or stolen from his Department in the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46661/08]
I am informed that no IT equipment or data was lost or stolen from my Department in the last 12 months.
387 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount of money spent on hotel accommodation by his Department and each State agency under the aegis of his Department for each of the years 2004 to date in 2008; if he will provide the information available in tabular readable form. [46676/08]
388 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the procurement arrangements in place in his Department and each State agency under the aegis of his Department for the sourcing of hotel accommodation for him, for his departmental staff and staff at each State agency, when overnight accommodation is necessary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46691/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 387 and 388 together.
The general position in my Department is that payments for overnight subsistence are made at standard rates in line with Department of Finance guidelines. Such standard payments are intended, inter alia, to cover any hotel accommodation costs for officials that may arise. However, direct expenditure on hotel accommodation may arise in certain cases — for example, if the overnight subsistence rate does not cover the cost of hotel accommodation for officers travelling abroad. In the case of hotels abroad, my Department has a contract in place with a service provider who has special negotiated hotel rates in Brussels hotels and access to a global hotel programme with over 12,000 properties in 47 countries, with an average discount of 20% on corporate rates. All such expenditure is paid in accordance with Department of Finance guidelines. Similar arrangements to those set out in the preceding paragraph also apply to Oifig Choimisinéir na dTeangacha Oifigiúla and the Commissioners of Charitable Donations and Bequests. With regard to other bodies funded from within my Department’s ministerial Vote group, my Department has been assured that the procurement arrangements in place comply with relevant Department of Finance guidelines. Relevant information on direct expenditure on hotel accommodation costs arising in respect of my Department and bodies funded from within my Department’s ministerial Vote group is being compiled. I have arranged for it to be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
389 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of computer servers that are owned or leased by his Department and each State agency under the aegis of his Department; and the amount of capacity on each server. [46706/08]
The details sought by the Deputy in relation to my Department and the bodies funded from within its ministerial Vote group are provided in tabular format in the appendix to this reply. I understand that Foras na Gaeilge was unable to supply the relevant details within the timeframe for reply to this question. Accordingly, I have arranged to have the information appertaining to that organisation forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it becomes available.
|
Name of organisation |
Number of computer servers owned or leased |
Amount of capacity on each server |
|
Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs |
50 |
1 @17GB 1 @29GB 1 @34GB 7 @68GB 1 @72GB 1 @83GB 1 @120GB 4 @170GB 1 @203GB 1 @215GB 1 @267GB 1 @272GB 1 @279GB |
|
1 @284GB 4 @292GB 6 @341GB 1 @409GB 1 @558GB 1 @584GB 2 @624GB 1 @755GB 2 @876GB 2 @904GB 1 @940GB 1 @1,016GB 1 @1,346GB 1 @1,383GB 1 @1,979 GB 2 @2,092GB |
||
|
Oifig Choimisinéir na dTeangacha Oifigiúla |
1 |
100 GB |
|
Commissioners of Charitable Donations and Bequests |
1 |
68 GB |
|
Údarás na Gaeltachta |
14 |
1 @ 256 MB 5 @ 1GB 1 @ 1.5 GB 5 @ 2GB 1 @ 3.5 GB 1 @ 256 GB |
|
Western Development Commission |
2 |
1 @ 75 GB 1 @ 200 GB |
|
Waterways Ireland |
40 |
4 @2GB 1 @ 2.5 GB 2 @3GB 1 @4GB3 @5GB 1 @ 5.2GB 1 @ 5.5 GB 1 @6GB 2 @7GB 1 @10 GB 2 @11 GB 1 @13 GB 1 @20 GB 1 @21 GB 2 @25 GB 1 @28 GB 1 @38 GB 1 @39 GB 2 @40 GB 2 @43 GB 1 @48 GB 1 @51 GB |
|
3 @58 GB 1 @70 GB 1 @78 GB 1 @82 GB 1 @100 GB |
||
|
Foras na Gaeilge |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Ulster Scots Agency |
2 |
1 @140 GB 1 @ 210 GB |
NB — GB refers to Gigabyte and MB refers to Megabyte.
390 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the make up of the management committee of Kilmore West CDP in Dublin 5; the remit of the group; if his attention has been drawn to their annual funding streams; the amount his Department contributes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46816/08]
The Community Development Programme was established in 1990 in recognition of the role of community development in tackling the causes and effects of poverty and disadvantage. The programme provides financial assistance to projects to help meet the cost of staffing and equipping local resource centres, which provide a focal point for community development activities. Projects are concerned with the needs of women and children, those with disabilities, the homeless, lone parent families, the elderly, the unemployed, young people at risk, Travellers and other disadvantaged groups. Kilmore West community development project has been funded through the programme since 1999. Its principal activity is to establish and organise community development projects and to act as promoters of such projects for the benefit of the local community and environs. The management committee of Kilmore West community development project is made up of local people from target groups in the community, such as older people and lone parents. Core funding under the programme for Kilmore West community development project for 2008 was set at €120,483. Many projects leverage additional funds from a variety of sources, including the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, the Health Service Executive and the VEC. Kilmore West community development project reported the receipt of additional funds of €34,400 from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform in 2007, and over €43,000 in 2008 from the Department of Health and Children in support of an after-school project.
391 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the budgeted cost to his Department for 2009 of incremental pay increases for all staff in and under the aegis of his Department; the comparative cost for each year from 2002 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46982/08]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 171 of 23 October 2008. The position, as set out in that reply, is that year-to-year increases in allocations would not normally be granted to allow for increments. In the normal way, the overall cost of increments for some staff on incremental scales should be offset by reductions in cost arising from retirements or other movements by staff on higher incremental points and their replacement by staff on lower points. I can confirm that there is no increased provision for increments in the pay bill in my Department's group of Votes for 2008, nor is such a provision being made for 2009. The position would be the same in relation to previous years.
392 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of civil servants and other public servants, who have relocated to locations outside of Dublin under the Government’s decentralisation programme; the estimated number of each category who will have relocated by the end of 2009; the breakdown of each set of figures in terms of those who are relocating from Dublin and relocating from elsewhere; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46997/08]
Under the decentralisation programme, my Department's headquarters will be decentralising to Charlestown, County Mayo. To date, 100 civil servants have moved to interim accommodation in Tubbercurry, County Sligo, 51 of whom relocated from Dublin. It is not planned to move any further staff to this location until a permanent headquarters is in place in Charlestown in mid-2011. The decentralisation of ten civil servants from my Department to Na Forbacha, County Galway, is now complete, with five of the staff concerned having relocated from Dublin. In relation to Foras na Gaeilge, none of the public servants employed in that organisation has relocated to Gaoth Dobhair, County Donegal, as yet. The matter is being pursued in a North-South context. It is anticipated that five staff will relocate in 2009. For the sake of completeness, I should add that 25 of the staff of Pobal, a private company with charitable status, have relocated to Clifden, County Galway. All except one were recruited locally. I understand that it is not planned to move any further staff to this location in 2009.
393 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of people working in his Department; the number earning below €50,000 per annum; the number earning between €50,001 and €60,000 per annum; the number earning between €60,001 and €70,000 per annum; the number earning between €70,001 and €80,000 per annum; the number earning between €80,001 and €90,000 per annum; the number earning between €90,001 and €100,000 per annum; the number earning over €100,001 per annum; the number in each staff category (details supplied) for each income band. [47012/08]
There is an agreed core of 276 whole-time equivalent staff in my Department. In addition, there are eight whole-time equivalent staff seconded from my Department to the Office of the Commissioner of Charitable Donations and Bequests. For completeness, the information provided below includes details in respect of the staff seconded from my Department to the office of An Coimisinéir Teanga, the National Advisory Committee on Drugs and the National Drugs Strategy Team. It should be noted that the numbers reflected below include work sharers.
|
Grade |
Staff Numbers |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
11 |
|
Executive Officer |
48 |
|
Clerical Officer |
69 |
|
Staff Officer |
3 |
|
Professional/Other |
22 |
|
Grade |
Staff Numbers |
|
Administrative Officer |
4 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
35 |
|
Executive Officer |
7 |
|
Professional/Other |
9 |
|
Grade |
Staff Numbers |
|
Assistant Principal Officer |
9 |
|
Administrative Officer |
1 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
9 |
|
Professional/Other |
3 |
|
Grade |
Staff Numbers |
|
Assistant Principal Officer |
15 |
|
Professional/Other |
4 |
|
Grade |
Staff Numbers |
|
Principal Officer |
4 |
|
Assistant Principal Officer |
11 |
|
Professional/Other |
4 |
|
Grade |
Staff Numbers |
|
Principal Officer |
5 |
|
Assistant Principal Officer |
1 |
|
Professional/Other |
2 |
|
Grade |
Staff Numbers |
|
Secretary General |
1 |
|
Assistant Secretary |
3 |
|
Principal Officer |
9 |
394 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of civil and public servants working in or under the aegis of his Department for each year from 2002 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47027/08]
The number of public and civil and public servants working under the aegis of my Department from 2002 to 2008 is as follows: 2002, 735; 2003, 776; 2004, 785.20; 2005, 814.50; 2006, 813; 2007, 808.54; and 2008, 819.34.
395 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of locations where civil and public servants working in or under the aegis of his Department are located; the locations of same; the number, and the number in each category (details supplied) of staff at each location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47042/08]
The information sought by the Deputy is as follows:
|
Name of Agency/Body |
Location |
No. of Public Servants |
No. of Civil Servants |
Breakdown by Grade |
|
Dept. Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs |
43-49 Mespil Road, Dublin |
87.50 |
7 Principal Officers 12 Assistant Principal Officers 2 Administrative Officers 16.2 Higher Executive Officers 14.8 Executive Officers 0.6 Staff officers 19.9 Clerical Officers 15 Professional / other |
|
|
Teeling Street, Tubbercurry, Sligo |
100.00 |
7 Principal Officers 11 Assistant Principal Officers 2 Administrative Officers 24 Higher Executive Officers 26 Executive officers 25 Clerical Officers 5 Professional / Other |
||
|
Na Forbacha, Galway |
49.90 |
2 Principal Officers 8 Assistant Principal Officers 10.73 Higher Executive Officers 9.1 Executive Officers 2 Staff officers 12 Clerical Officers 6 Professional / Other |
||
|
Other Locations |
22.00 |
2 Assistant Principal Officers 2 Higher Executive Officers 2 Executive Officers 4 Clerical Officers 12 Professional / Other |
||
|
Foras na Gaeilge |
Belfast |
4.00 |
1 Deputy Chief Executive Officer 3 Staff Officers |
|
|
Dublin |
51.00 |
1 Chief Executive Officer 2 Directors 5 Programme Managers 1 Administrative Officer 5 Higher Executive Officer 6.6 Executive Officer 6 Clerical Officer 1 Services Officer 1 Warehouseman 1 Sales Rep 1 Senior Editor 1 Editor 7 Assistant Editor 1 Technical Officer 2 Assistant Terminologists 1 Project Manager 1 Dictionary Editor 7 Seasonal staff at Clerical Officer grade |
||
|
Ráth Cairn, Co Meath |
3.00 |
1 Higher Executive Offer 1 Executive Officer 1 Clerical Officer |
||
|
Ulster-Scots Agency |
Raphoe, Donegal |
2.00 |
1 Higher Executive Officer 1 Clerical Officer |
|
|
Head Office, Belfast |
12.00 |
1 Grade 7 2 Deputy Principals 5 Staff Officers 2 Executive Officers 2 Administrative Officers |
||
|
Waterways Ireland |
Athlone |
4.32 |
1 Assistant Lockkeeper 1 Boatperson 2 Engineering Technicians 1.24 Inspectors of Navigation 0.08 Storekeeper Clerk Grade 2 |
|
|
Ballyconnell |
3.00 |
1 Engineering Technician 1 Go Light Equipment Operator 1 Senior Ganger |
||
|
Carrick-on-Shannon |
14.17 |
1 Administrator 0.17 Assistant Inspector of Navigation 3 Clerical Officers 4 Engineers 1 Engineering Technicians 1 Head of Administration 1 Regional Manager 1 Senior Administrator 2 Senior Engineers |
||
|
Coleraine |
6.00 |
2 Labourers 2 Lockkeepers 1 Senior Engineers 1 Supervisor |
||
|
Dublin |
10.71 |
2 Clerical Officers 1.71 Engineers 2 Engineering Technicians 1 Head of Asset and Project Management 1 Regional Manager 3 Senior Engineer Operations |
||
|
East Barrow |
19.00 |
1 Civil Forman Grade 1 2 Go Basic 2 go Chargehands 2 Go light Equipment Operators 1 Go Plant Operator A 4 Go Plant Operators B 7 Lockkeepers |
||
|
East Grand Canal |
51.67 |
2 Carpenters 2 Civil Foreman Grade 1 2 Civil Foreman Grade 2 1 Craftsman 3.92 Go Basic 8 Go Chargehand 2 Go Light Equipment Operator 9 Go Plant Operator A 9 go Plant Operator B 10.75 Lockkeeper 1 Mechanical Fitter / Welder 1 Mechanical Foreman Grade 1 |
||
|
East Royal Canal |
21.00 |
1 Civil Foreman Grade 1 1 Craftsman 2 Go Basic 3 Go Chargehand 2 Go Light Equipment Operator 6 Go Plant Operator A 6 Go Plant Operator B |
||
|
Enniskillen |
57.63 |
1 Administrative Assistant 14 Administrators 1 CEO 7.76 Clerical Officers 2 Directors 2 1 Director 3 1 Director 1 2.78 Engineer Designers 3 Heads of Administration 2 heads of Engineering 2 Heads of Function 1 Project Accountant 9.81 Senior Administrator 4 Senior Engineers 1.41 Support Services Officers 1.87 System Analysts 2 Valuers |
||
|
Kilclare |
6.00 |
1 Boatperson Skipper Fox 1 Civil Foreman Grade 2 2 Go Chargehands 1 Go Light Equipment Operator 1 Go Plant Operators B |
||
|
Killaloe |
1.00 |
Go Light Equipment Operator |
||
|
Lowtown, Kildare |
3.08 |
2.08 Go Basic 1 go Plant Operators A |
||
|
North Lough Erne |
6.58 |
0.58 Assistant Wardens 2 Go Basic 2 Labourers 1 Supervisor 1 Warden |
||
|
North Lower Bann |
3.00 |
1 Labourer 2 Lockkeepers |
||
|
North Shannon Erne |
16.98 |
1 Boatperson 0.31 Civil Foreman Grade 1 1 Civil Foreman Grade 2 1.63 Go Basic 5.44 go Light Equipment Operator 3 Go Plant Operator A 2 Go Plant Operator B 1 Lockkeeper 1 Mechanical Fitter/Welder 0.6 Waterway patroller |
||
|
Portumna |
41.05 |
1 Assistant Lockkeeper 6 Boatpersons 2 Boatpersons Skipper Coill an Eo 1 Carpenter 1 Civil Foreman Grade 1 1 Civil Forman Grade 2 1 Craftsman 0.18 Gauge Reader 1 Go Basic 2 Go Chargehand 8 Go Light Equipment Operator 2.53 Go Plant Operator A 3 Go Plant Operator B 2.51 Lockkeeper 1 Mechanical Foreman Grade 2 1 Office Foreman grade 1 1 Office Supervisor 2 Senior Ganger 1.83 Storekeeper Clerk Grade 1 1 Storekeeper Clerk Grade 2 1 Storekeeper Clerk in Charge |
||
|
Roosky |
2.00 |
1 Ganger and Excavator Driver 1 Go Light Equipment Operator |
||
|
Scariff |
16.96 |
1 Administrator 1 Boatperson 0.17 Caretaker / Cleaner 2.79 Clerical Officer 3 Engineer 2 Environment Officer 1 Internal Auditor 1 Mechanical Safety Services 1 Regional Manager 1 Safety Advisor 2 Senior Engineer 1 Senior Environment Officer |
||
|
Tullamore |
31.49 |
1 Assistant Inspector of Navigation 1.75 Carpenter 1 Civil Foreman Grade 1 1 Craftsman 2 Engineer mechanical 1 Engineering Technician 4 Go Basic1 Go Light Equipment Operator 3 Go Plant Operator A4 Go Plant Operator B 3 Lockkeeper 2.25 Mechanical Fitter / Welder 1 Office Foreman Grade 1 1 Regional Engineer 2 Storekeeper Clerk Grade 1 0.74 Storekeeper Clerk Grade 2 1 Storekeeper Clerk in Charge 0.75 Storeperson |
||
|
West Shannon Navigation |
17.95 |
0.24 Assistant Lockkeeper 2 Boatpersons 1.71 Boatpersons Skipper Fox 1 Carpenter 2 Civil Foreman Grade 2 4 Go Light Equipment Operator 1 Go Plant Operator A 6 Lockkeepers |
||
|
An Coimisinéir Teanga |
An Spidéal, Galway |
7.00 |
1 Principal Officer 3 Assistant Principal Officers 1 Higher Executive Officers 1 Executive Officer 1 Clerical Officer |
|
|
Údarás na Gaeltachta |
Na Forbacha (Head Office), Galway |
71.00 |
1 Chief Executive 1 Assistant Chief Executive 2 Senior Manager 3 Managers 15 Grade 1 12 Grade 2 16 Grade 3 15 Grade 4 6 Grade 5 |
|
|
Regional Office, Galway |
11.00 |
1 Senior Manager 1 Grade 1 5 Grade 2 1 Grade 3 1 Grade 4 2 Grade 5 |
||
|
Regional Office Donegal |
16.00 |
1 Grade 1 5 Grade 2 6 Grade 3 1 Grade 4 2 Grade 5 |
||
|
Regional Office, Kerry |
10.00 |
1 Senior Manager 1 Grade 1 2 Grade 2 4 Grade 3 1 Grade 4 1 Grade 5 |
||
|
Western Development Commission |
Ballaghaderreen, Roscommon |
16.54 |
1.14 Principal Officers 3 Assistant Principal Officers 8.4 Higher Executive Officers 1 Executive Officers 3 Clerical Officers |
|
|
National Advisory Committee on Drugs |
Shelbourne House, Shelbourne Road, Dublin 4 |
2.00 |
1.60 |
1 Director 1 Research Officer 1 Higher Executive Officer 0.6 Clerical Officer |
|
National Drugs Strategy Team |
Dublin |
4.80 |
1 Principal Officer 3 Assistant Principal Officer 0.8 Higher Executive Officer |
|
|
Charitable Donations & Bequests |
12 Clare Street,Dublin 2 |
8.00 |
1 Assistant Principal 1 Higher Executive Officer 1 Executive Officer 1 Staff Officer 3 Clerical Officers 1 Service Officer |
Answers are supplied on a full-time equivalent basis.
396 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the agencies, bodies or authorities under the aegis of his Department that have been scheduled for merging, amalgamation, abolition or sharing of services as announced in the budget for 2009; the progress that has been made on the implementation of these organisational changes; the details of the implementation plan for these organisational changes; the cost savings that will arise from each of these organisational changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47057/08]
I refer the Deputy to my replies to Questions Nos. 90 and 128 of 18 Samhain 2008 and 403 of25 Samhain 2008.
As outlined in those replies, the following developments are relevant in this context. In accordance with a decision made by the North/South Ministerial Council and in order to secure good practice and value for money, the functions and funding of Bord na Leabhar Gaeilge transferred to Foras na Gaeilge with effect from 1 January 2008. The Council has also decided that the functions, staffing and funding of Colmcille in Ireland should transfer to Foras na Gaeilge and arrangements to that end are in hand.
The Charities Bill 2007, which was passed by Seanad Éireann on 11 December 2008, provides for the dissolution of the Office of Commissioners of Charitable Donations and Bequests for Ireland. The Bill further provides that the Office of Commissioners will be replaced by a new Charities Regulatory Authority, which will take on the statutory functions of the Office of Commissioners, as well as having broader statutory regulatory functions relating to charities operating in the jurisdiction.
A total of 94 local development bodies and 184 community development projects receive funding through my Department or through Pobal for local delivery of community and rural development measures. Arising from the cohesion process, which involves the merger of overlapping LEADER and Partnership groups, the number of local development bodies is being reduced from 94 to 54.
Further opportunities to secure improved efficiencies and outcomes across bodies within the ambit of my Department will be pursued over the coming period.
397 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount of EU funding received by his Department directly or for institutions, groups, organisations or bodies under his aegis in the past 20 years to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47240/08]
Amounts received as appropriations-in-aid in respect of EU programmes directly under my Department's remit for the period since its establishment in June 2002 to end-2007 are set out in the Appropriation Accounts for the years in question. For the Deputy's convenience, the relevant amounts are included in Table 1, as well as amounts received in 2008 to date.
|
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
|
|
€000s |
€000s |
€000s |
€000s |
€000s |
€000s |
€000s |
|
|
Programme for PEACE & Reconciliation |
0 |
1,862 |
5,391 |
2,567 |
15,003 |
7,435 |
5,331 |
|
Rural Development Schemes |
0 |
2,119 |
3,572 |
3,744 |
6,468 |
7,143 |
0 |
|
LEADER, INTERREG & Peace Programme |
0 |
2,137 |
13,686 |
6,923 |
3,827 |
9,702 |
7,990 |
|
LEADER Rural Economy Sub Programme 2007-2013 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
8,190 |
8,190 |
With regard to Údarás na Gaeltachta, the amounts of EU funding received for the period 2002-07, which have been communicated to my Department by an tÚdarás, are set out in Table 2. With regard to 2008, I understand from an tÚdarás that EU funding in excess of €1 million has been received this year to date.
|
Year |
€’000 |
|
2002 |
2,693 |
|
2003 |
1,723 |
|
2004 |
1,924 |
|
2005 |
2,239 |
|
2006 |
3,637 |
|
2007 |
1,921 |
398 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when she expects to issue instructions to reverse the situation whereby Irish citizens are refused social welfare benefits under the habitual residency clause; if the habitual residency clause is in line with the Constitution in view of the fact that any Irish citizen who has been abroad more than once in the past four years will be deemed ineligible; if this is in line with convention; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47604/08]
415 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the instructions she has issued throughout her Department to persons dealing directly with members of the public, Irish nationals and non-Irish nationals, to render it difficult if not impossible to qualify for various social welfare or Health Service Executive payments or supports in some cases in violation of precedent and international human rights; if it is intended by the application of such guidelines to starve out specific categories; if cognisance is taken of the potential hardship caused in such cases; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the habitual residency clause as currently applied is based on unsound legal grounds; if it is her intention to force people to emigrate by the use of such methods; the way this equates with the previously stated objective of the requirement of an extra 500,000 immigrants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47234/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 398 and 415 together.
The requirement to be habitually resident in Ireland was introduced as a qualifying condition for certain social welfare payments with effect from 1 May 2004, 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.
It applies to claims for jobseeker's allowance, non-contributory State pension, blind pension, non-contributory widow's and widower's pensions and guardian's payment, one-parent family payment, carer's allowance, disability allowance, supplementary welfare allowance including rent supplement, and child benefit.
The effect of the condition is that a person whose habitual residence is elsewhere is not qualified for these payments on arrival in Ireland. Three out of every four claims that require detailed examination with regard to the habitual residence condition are found to satisfy that condition. Those who are refused are mainly people who have not been granted access to the labour market or people who have had no attachment, or insignificant attachment, to the work force since arrival in Ireland. There is therefore no conflict between this provision and the policy of attracting to Ireland qualified workers to fill jobs which cannot be filled from the current labour force.
No distinction is drawn in social welfare legislation on grounds of nationality. To introduce any such distinction would be in conflict with the provisions of the Equal Status Acts and with international conventions. Therefore Irish people are subject to the habitual residence condition in the same way as others when they claim one of the relevant payments.
It is not the case that a person "who has been abroad more than once in the past four years will be deemed ineligible". The factors taken into consideration in deciding whether the condition is satisfied include: length and continuity of residence in Ireland, length and purpose of any absence from Ireland, the nature and pattern of employment, the applicant's main centre of interest and the future intention of the applicant. These factors were originally set down in judgements of the European Court of Justice and were included for clarity in the Social Welfare Consolidation Act in 2007. Taking into account, particularly, the last two of these factors, Irish nationals returning to live here on a permanent basis should experience no difficulty in demonstrating that they satisfy the requirements of the Habitual Residence Condition.
The Department consulted with the Attorney General's Office in the course of drafting the habitual residence legislation and subsequently when issues were raised regarding compliance with the EU legislation and other international convention commitments. None of the issues raised with the Department have warranted a change in the legislation.
The habitual residence condition does not apply to exceptional or urgent needs payments under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme. In addition to this, the EU regulations covering migrant workers who have been employed in Ireland since arrival here are carefully observed. Direct provision is also available for asylum seekers. In these ways, the application of this provision conforms fully to our EU and international obligations.
The guidelines for deciding officers with regard to the habitual residence condition are updated periodically and published on the Department's website at: http://www.welfare.ie/EN/ OperationalGuidelines/Pages/habres.aspx Similar guidelines have been circulated to community welfare officers of the Health Service Executive who administer the supplementary welfare schemes.
399 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be called for an oral hearing. [46550/08]
Further to my response to Parliamentary Question 40903/08 on 18 November 2008, I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that there is no update to the information given in that response. Every effort will be made to have this appeal dealt with as quickly as possible.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on Social Welfare entitlements.
400 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the equipment and data that was lost or stolen from her Department in the past 12 months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46670/08]
This Department administers some fifty schemes and makes payments to one million people each week. Because of the nature, scale and diversity of its work, the Department holds extensive and detailed personal information about its customers and takes its responsibilities to safeguard this data extremely seriously. Every effort is made by the Department and the agencies under its aegis to ensure that personal customer data is held securely.
In the past 12 months, the following equipment and data was lost or stolen from the Department:
Two Desktops — Social Welfare Local Office, Buncrana, Co. Donegal;
Two Laptops — (1 house break-in, 1 office break-in).
None of the equipment held sensitive data. The two desktops were used to access applications which are run from the DSFA Data Centre in Dublin. All client data is held on central databases and, therefore, no client data was held on the desktops. The laptops were being used to access centrally-stored client information through a secure remote log-in. No client data was retained on the laptops after the remote sessions ceased. It is Departmental policy that sensitive data is not to be held on mobile devices unless absolutely necessary and, even then, only when appropriately secured. All new laptops are fitted with full disk encryption software before issue, and all existing laptops are being recalled for encryption.
401 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the amount of money spent on hotel accommodation by her Department and each State agency under the aegis of her Department for each of the years 2004 to date in 2008; if she will provide the information available in tabular readable form. [46685/08]
Details of expenditure on hotel accommodation by my Department and each State Agency under its aegis are not immediately available.
My Department is compiling this information and my officials will write to the Deputy with these details as soon as they are available.
402 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the procurement arrangements in place in her Department and each State agency under the aegis of her Department for the sourcing of hotel accommodation for her, for her Departmental staff and staff at each State agency, when overnight accommodation is necessary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46700/08]
The information requested is currently being compiled within the Department and will be made available to the Deputy as soon as possible.
403 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of computer servers that are owned or leased by her Department and each State agency under the aegis of her Department; and the amount of capacity on each server. [46715/08]
The current number of servers in use by my Department and its Agencies is 30 VMS Servers with an average of 4 GB of memory per server and 351 Windows Servers with an average of 2.5 GB of memory per server. The capacity of each server is dependent on the nature of the application involved and the particular ICT service being provided. Most servers are connected to a Storage Area Network and the amount of disk capacity allocated varies according to the function assigned to the server at any given time.
A migration programme is currently underway to move all remaining Open VMS applications to the Windows platform and the implementation of consolidation and virtualisation initiatives has commenced to reduce the physical number of servers deployed.
404 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if families who have a GMS card are entitled to claim funding from local community welfare officers under the book grant scheme to defray the cost of schoolbooks for students. [46812/08]
The school books grant scheme is a scheme operated by the Department of Education and Science. Decisions regarding entitlement under the scheme are a matter for that Department.
405 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the amount of money spent or paid to each consultancy firm in each of the years 2000 to date in 2008; the cost of each consultancy report; the work carried our by each; the name of each consultancy company; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46918/08]
The information requested by the Deputy is currently being compiled within the Department and will be made available to the Deputy as soon as possible.
406 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a transfer to the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform in Naas, County Kildare will be offered to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46924/08]
The person is on the Central Transfer List for the Garda Station in Naas, Co. Kildare, which comes under the remit of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. The decision in relation to the transfer is a matter for that Department.
407 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the budgeted cost to her Department for 2009 of incremental pay increases for all staff in and under the aegis of her Department; the comparative cost for each year from 2002 to date in 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46991/08]
The information requested by the Deputy pertaining to 2008 is set out in the following tabular statement.
The rest of the information in respect of previous years is currently being compiled within the Department and will be made available to the Deputy as soon as possible.
All costs, which are based on existing staff levels, are estimates and as such are liable to fluctuate due to factors such as staff movements.
|
Organisation |
Annual cost of increments in 2008 |
|
€ |
|
|
Dept. of Social and Family Affairs |
1,915,800 |
|
Combat Poverty Agency |
18,000 |
|
Pensions Board* |
25,000 |
|
Citizens Information Board |
116,000 |
|
Family Support Agency |
40,000 |
|
Office Pensions Ombudsman |
6,500 |
*The cost will be borne from funds generated by the Pensions Board with no expense accruing to the Exchequer.
408 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of civil servants and other public servants, who have relocated to locations outside of Dublin under the Government’s decentralisation programme; the estimated number of each category who will have relocated by the end of 2009; the breakdown of each set of figures in terms of those who are relocating from Dublin and relocating from elsewhere; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47006/08]
Under the Government's current decentralisation programme for the civil and public service, some 1,200 posts comprising the Department's headquarter sections and the Social Welfare Appeals Office are relocating to 6 locations — Sligo, Carrick-on-Shannon, Donegal Town, Buncrana, Carrickmacross and Drogheda.
To date, 212 posts have relocated from the Department's Dublin Offices to Carrick-on-Shannon and Sligo under the current programme — 140 posts to Carrick-on-Shannon and 72 posts to Sligo. As outlined in the following table, 69 officers were based in Dublin prior to their relocation under the decentralisation programme. Posts relocated to date under the programme of decentralisation:
|
PO |
AP |
HEO |
EO |
SO |
CO |
Service Grades |
Total |
|
|
Grade breakdown of posts decentralised from Dublin |
5 |
19 |
36 |
47 |
9 |
92 |
4 |
212 |
|
No. of Dublin based staff that decentralised |
1 |
2 |
23 |
24 |
1 |
17 |
1 |
69 |
|
No. of Provincial based staff that decentralised |
4 |
17 |
13 |
23 |
8 |
75 |
3 |
143 |
During 2009, it is anticipated that a further 120 posts will transfer to Buncrana and Carrick-on-Shannon — 115 posts to Buncrana and 5 posts to Carrick-on-Shannon. A site in Buncrana has been purchased, the building is under construction and the expected completion date of the project is late 2009. The following table outlines the breakdown requested. Posts to relocate during 2009 under the programme of decentralisation (subject to the completion of accommodation):
|
PO |
AP |
HEO |
EO |
SO |
CO |
Service Grades |
Total |
|
|
Grade breakdown of posts due to decentralise in 2009 |
1 |
2 |
5 |
13 |
14 |
82 |
3 |
120 |
|
No. of staff currently based in Dublin that will decentralise |
0 |
1 |
5 |
6 |
4 |
27 |
0 |
43 |
|
No. of staff currently based in Provincial locations that will decentralise |
1 |
1 |
0 |
7 |
1 |
27 |
0 |
37 |
The Central Application will remain open for new applications until the full decentralisation programme is complete. Assignments will continue to be made for Buncrana bound Business Units during 2009.
In addition, the Department has decentralised offices in Longford, Sligo, Letterkenny, Waterford, Dundalk and Roscommon and some 219 Civil Servants have transferred to these offices and other offices of the Department to fill vacancies created by the current decentralisation programme. Furthermore, a total of 258 employees of the Department have transferred to other Government Departments for the purposes of their decentralisation programmes.
409 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of people working in her Department; the number earning less than €50,000 per annum; the number earning between €50,001 and €60,000 per annum; the number earning between €60,001 and €70,000 per annum; the number earning between €70,001 and €80,000 per annum; the number earning between €80,001 and €90,000 per annum; the number earning between €90,001 and €100,000 per annum; the number earning more than €100,000 per annum; the number in each staff category (details supplied) for each income band. [47021/08]
The number of posts occupied in the Department at 15 December 2008 is 4,506 posts comprising 4,911 permanent civil servants. This does not include staff working for bodies under the Department's aegis or temporary staff working in the Department.
Details of earnings across the bands set out are not immediately available in my Department but are being compiled and my officials will write to the Deputy when this information is available.
410 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of civil and public servants working in or under the aegis of her Department for each year from 2002 to date in 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47036/08]
The following table outlines the number of posts in the Department of Social and Family Affairs and the Agencies from the year 2002 to 2008. The agencies under the remit of the Department are The Pensions Board, Family Support Agency (from May 03), Citizens Information Board (formerly Comhairle) and the Combat Poverty Agency. The Pensions Ombudsman's Office also comes under the remit of the Department.
|
Year |
Dept of Social and Family Affairs (Number of Posts) |
Agencies (Number of Posts) |
|
1st Jan 2002 |
4,439 |
152 |
|
1st Jan 2003 |
4,417 |
156 |
|
1st Jan 2004 |
4,306 |
182 |
|
1st Jan 2005 |
4,286 |
190 |
|
1st Jan 2006 |
4,281 |
191 |
|
1st Jan 2007 |
4,317 |
189 |
|
1st Jan 2008 |
4,439* |
201 |
|
15th Dec 2008 |
4,516 |
192 |
*Includes 61 posts from the General Register Office, which transferred from the Department of Health and Children to the Dept of Social and Family Affairs on 1st January 2008.
411 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of locations where civil and public servants working in or under the aegis of her Department are located; the locations of same; the number, and the number in each category (details supplied) of staff at each location; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47051/08]
The following table (Table 1) details the locations and breakdown of posts in the Department of Social and Family Affairs. Table 2 refers to locations and posts in the agencies of the Department. The agencies under the remit of the Department are The Pensions Board, Family Support Agency, Citizens Information Board (formerly Comhairle), the Combat Poverty Agency. The Office of the Pensions Ombudsman also comes under the remit of the Department and the posts in that Office are included in Table 2.
|
Location |
SEC |
DS |
ASC |
PO |
AP |
HEO |
AO |
EO |
SO |
CO |
Service Grades |
Total |
|
Achill |
1.00 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
4.00 |
|||||||
|
Ardee |
1.00 |
1.00 |
||||||||||
|
Arklow |
3.00 |
4.50 |
4.00 |
6.60 |
18.10 |
|||||||
|
Athlone |
2.00 |
7.00 |
3.00 |
6.50 |
14.20 |
0.49 |
33.19 |
|||||
|
Athy |
1.00 |
1.00 |
0.24 |
2.24 |
||||||||
|
Bailieboro |
1.00 |
1.00 |
||||||||||
|
Ballagahdereen |
1.00 |
1.00 |
||||||||||
|
Ballina |
1.00 |
5.00 |
8.00 |
6.50 |
13.90 |
34.40 |
||||||
|
Ballinamore |
1.00 |
1.00 |
||||||||||
|
Ballinasloe |
1.00 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
3.00 |
||||||||
|
Ballybofey |
0.60 |
1.00 |
1.60 |
|||||||||
|
Ballyhaunis |
1.00 |
1.00 |
||||||||||
|
Ballyshannon |
1.00 |
0.50 |
1.50 |
|||||||||
|
Bandon |
1.00 |
1.00 |
||||||||||
|
Bantry |
2.00 |
1.00 |
2.50 |
4.00 |
9.50 |
|||||||
|
Belmullet |
1.00 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
7.00 |
10.00 |
|||||||
|
Birr |
1.00 |
1.00 |
||||||||||
|
Bray |
5.50 |
3.60 |
4.33 |
12.90 |
1.00 |
27.33 |
||||||
|
Buncrana |
4.00 |
3.60 |
4.40 |
12.56 |
1.00 |
25.56 |
||||||
|
Cahirciveen |
1.00 |
1.00 |
1.50 |
2.60 |
6.10 |
|||||||
|
Carlow |
1.00 |
4.00 |
5.00 |
5.30 |
12.60 |
1.00 |
28.90 |
|||||
|
Carrickmacross |
1.00 |
1.00 |
||||||||||
|
Carrick-on-Shannon |
3.00 |
10.00 |
20.00 |
29.20 |
10.00 |
73.81 |
3.00 |
149.01 |
||||
|
Carrigaline |
1.00 |
1.00 |
3.80 |
7.80 |
1.00 |
14.60 |
||||||
|
Castlebar |
1.00 |
5.00 |
2.00 |
2.00 |
8.23 |
18.23 |
|
Location |
SEC |
DS |
ASC |
PO |
AP |
HEO |
AO |
EO |
SO |
CO |
Service Grades |
Total |
|
Castleblaney |
1.00 |
1.00 |
||||||||||
|
Castlerea |
1.00 |
1.00 |
||||||||||
|
Cavan |
1.00 |
4.00 |
3.60 |
4.80 |
13.80 |
27.20 |
||||||
|
Ck-On-Suir |
1.00 |
1.00 |
||||||||||
|
Claremorris |
1.00 |
1.00 |
||||||||||
|
Clifden |
2.00 |
0.50 |
2.00 |
3.50 |
8.00 |
|||||||
|
Clonakilty |
1.00 |
1.00 |
||||||||||
|
Clones |
1.00 |
1.00 |
||||||||||
|
Clonmel |
1.00 |
4.00 |
6.00 |
4.60 |
11.10 |
1.00 |
27.70 |
|||||
|
Cobh |
1.00 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
2.20 |
5.20 |
|||||||
|
Cork |
3.00 |
7.00 |
21.55 |
28.20 |
20.40 |
53.80 |
3.00 |
136.95 |
||||
|
Donegal Town |
1.00 |
3.00 |
4.80 |
6.00 |
6.00 |
20.80 |
||||||
|
Drogheda |
1.00 |
6.00 |
7.00 |
7.10 |
19.23 |
2.00 |
42.33 |
|||||
|
Dublin |
1.00 |
1.00 |
6.00 |
49.80 |
119.00 |
262.10 |
7.00 |
331.96 |
173.53 |
679.75 |
68.03 |
1,699.17 |
|
Dundalk |
2.00 |
6.00 |
13.00 |
1.00 |
29.20 |
15.15 |
70.23 |
2.00 |
138.58 |
|||
|
Dunfanaghy |
1.00 |
2.00 |
1.00 |
6.50 |
10.50 |
|||||||
|
Dungarvan |
1.00 |
1.00 |
||||||||||
|
Dungloe |
3.00 |
2.00 |
2.00 |
9.00 |
16.00 |
|||||||
|
Dunmanway |
0.50 |
0.50 |
||||||||||
|
Ennis |
2.00 |
6.50 |
5.50 |
8.60 |
16.80 |
1.00 |
40.40 |
|||||
|
Enniscorthy |
1.00 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
4.00 |
|||||||
|
Falcarragh |
1.00 |
1.00 |
||||||||||
|
Galway |
2.00 |
5.00 |
13.70 |
12.40 |
13.30 |
35.80 |
3.00 |
85.20 |
|
Location |
SEC |
DS |
ASC |
PO |
AP |
HEO |
AO |
EO |
SO |
CO |
Service Grades |
Total |
|
Gorey |
1.00 |
1.00 |
||||||||||
|
Gort |
1.00 |
1.00 |
||||||||||
|
Granard |
1.00 |
1.00 |
||||||||||
|
Kells |
1.00 |
1.00 |
||||||||||
|
Kenmare |
1.00 |
1.00 |
2.00 |
4.00 |
||||||||
|
Kilkenny |
4.50 |
7.00 |
7.80 |
17.50 |
1.00 |
37.80 |
||||||
|
Killarney |
4.00 |
1.00 |
1.60 |
6.60 |
||||||||
|
Killybegs |
1.00 |
1.00 |
||||||||||
|
Kilmallock |
1.00 |
1.00 |
||||||||||
|
Letterkenny |
2.00 |
5.00 |
12.00 |
24.10 |
21.13 |
186.03 |
5.00 |
255.26 |
||||
|
Limerick |
1.00 |
4.00 |
15.00 |
10.50 |
13.50 |
39.00 |
3.00 |
86.00 |
||||
|
Listowel |
4.00 |
2.00 |
4.00 |
8.80 |
18.80 |
|||||||
|
Longford |
1.00 |
5.80 |
21.40 |
52.96 |
24.03 |
244.64 |
6.00 |
355.84 |
||||
|
Loughrea |
1.00 |
1.00 |
2.60 |
6.80 |
11.40 |
|||||||
|
Macroom |
1.00 |
1.00 |
||||||||||
|
Mallow |
1.00 |
3.00 |
2.00 |
3.80 |
4.90 |
14.70 |
||||||
|
Manorhamilton |
1.00 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
2.00 |
5.00 |
|||||||
|
Monaghan |
1.00 |
2.00 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
5.00 |
|||||||
|
Moville |
1.00 |
1.00 |
||||||||||
|
Mullingar |
1.00 |
4.80 |
6.00 |
6.00 |
12.10 |
1.00 |
30.90 |
|||||
|
Naas |
4.00 |
4.00 |
||||||||||
|
Navan |
2.00 |
4.00 |
7.00 |
12.90 |
1.00 |
26.90 |
||||||
|
Nenagh |
1.00 |
2.00 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
5.00 |
|
Location |
SEC |
DS |
ASC |
PO |
AP |
HEO |
AO |
EO |
SO |
CO |
Service Grades |
Total |
|
New Ross |
2.00 |
2.00 |
||||||||||
|
Newbridge |
1.00 |
3.00 |
7.30 |
7.80 |
21.80 |
2.00 |
42.90 |
|||||
|
Newcastle West |
3.00 |
3.00 |
4.00 |
10.00 |
1.00 |
21.00 |
||||||
|
Newmarket |
1.00 |
1.00 |
||||||||||
|
Portlaoise |
4.00 |
2.00 |
6.00 |
|||||||||
|
Roscommon |
1.00 |
2.00 |
7.60 |
7.73 |
3.33 |
25.10 |
2.00 |
48.76 |
||||
|
Sligo |
6.00 |
22.80 |
43.40 |
3.00 |
86.13 |
39.83 |
364.60 |
11.00 |
576.76 |
|||
|
Swinford |
1.00 |
1.00 |
||||||||||
|
Thurles |
5.00 |
3.50 |
5.00 |
11.00 |
1.00 |
25.50 |
||||||
|
Tipperary |
1.00 |
1.00 |
2.00 |
|||||||||
|
Tralee |
1.00 |
6.00 |
7.00 |
8.10 |
20.46 |
1.00 |
43.56 |
|||||
|
Tuam |
3.00 |
3.00 |
||||||||||
|
Tubbercurry |
1.00 |
1.00 |
||||||||||
|
Tullamore |
1.00 |
6.50 |
3.00 |
5.00 |
10.40 |
1.00 |
26.90 |
|||||
|
Waterford |
1.00 |
4.00 |
14.10 |
14.53 |
17.24 |
57.23 |
1.00 |
109.11 |
||||
|
Westport |
2.00 |
1.00 |
1.80 |
4.80 |
9.60 |
|||||||
|
Wexford |
1.00 |
5.00 |
9.00 |
11.63 |
26.00 |
1.00 |
53.63 |
|||||
|
Wicklow |
1.00 |
1.00 |
||||||||||
|
Youghal |
1.00 |
1.00 |
*Principal Officer Grade includes the Departments Medical Assessors.
|
Location |
PO |
AP |
HEO |
EO |
SO |
CO |
Pensions Ombudsman |
CEO |
Actuary |
Solicitor |
Service Manager |
Area Co-Ordinator |
Mediator |
Total |
|
Athlone |
0.50 |
0.39 |
0.89 |
|||||||||||
|
Castlebar |
1.00 |
1.50 |
0.39 |
2.89 |
||||||||||
|
Cavan |
1.00 |
1.00 |
||||||||||||
|
Cork |
1.00 |
3.00 |
1.00 |
2.00 |
1.00 |
0.39 |
8.39 |
|||||||
|
Dublin |
8.00 |
28.50 |
41.60 |
30.10 |
2.00 |
35.7 |
1.00 |
3.00 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
3.51 |
157.41 |
|
Dundalk |
2.00 |
1.50 |
0.39 |
3.89 |
||||||||||
|
Galway |
1.00 |
1.50 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
0.60 |
0.78 |
5.88 |
|||||||
|
Kilkenny |
1.00 |
2.50 |
1.00 |
4.50 |
||||||||||
|
Letterkenny |
1.00 |
1.00 |
0.39 |
2.39 |
||||||||||
|
Limerick |
2.00 |
2.00 |
1.00 |
0.39 |
5.39 |
|||||||||
|
Mullingar |
1.00 |
0.50 |
1.50 |
|||||||||||
|
Portlaoise |
0.50 |
0.39 |
0.89 |
|||||||||||
|
Sligo |
0.50 |
0.50 |
0.39 |
1.39 |
||||||||||
|
Tralee |
0.50 |
0.39 |
0.89 |
|||||||||||
|
Tullamore |
1.00 |
1.00 |
||||||||||||
|
Waterford |
1.00 |
1.50 |
0.39 |
2.89 |
||||||||||
|
Wexford |
0.50 |
0.39 |
0.89 |
|||||||||||
|
TOTAL |
202.08 |
412 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the agencies, bodies or authorities under the aegis of her Department that have been scheduled for merging, amalgamation, abolition or sharing of services as announced in the budget 2009; the progress that has been made on the implementation of these organisational changes; the details of the implementation plan for these organisational changes; the cost savings that will arise from each of these organisational changes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47066/08]
In Budget, 2009 the Government announced proposals in relation to the future of two of the agencies under the aegis of the Department — the Combat Poverty Agency and the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS). The legislative provisions to give effect to the proposed changes for the Combat Poverty Agency and the MABS are contained in the Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008.
The Combat Poverty Agency is to be integrated with the Office for Social Inclusion in a new Division within the Department of Social and Family Affairs. The decision on integration was informed by the findings of a review of the Combat Poverty Agency undertaken on foot of a Government Decision of 6th June, 2007.
The Department is working with the Board of the Agency in finalising a plan for the smooth integration of both bodies. This will include meetings and workshops with the staff involved before the plan is finalised and subsequently in the course of its implementation. A Steering Committee comprising senior officials in the Department and members of the of the Agency has been set up to oversee the integration project and it is envisaged that a six month period will be required to complete the arrangements for the transition of the Combat Poverty and the Office for Social Inclusion to the new Division.
The integration of the Combat Poverty Agency and the Office for Social Inclusion will create a stronger, more cohesive and better resourced body to support the Government's anti poverty and social inclusion strategies, including engagement with the social partners and other stakeholders. The quality and extent of the support provided will be much greater than each body has been able to provide separately. Integration will represent much better value for money not only for taxpayers but also for those experiencing poverty and social exclusion in terms of the improved overall support which can now be provided. There will be additional direct savings in terms of accommodation and support services. The extent and timing of these savings will be identified and dealt with as part of the implementation process which is underway.
The Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) is the main Government funded service which provides assistance to people who are over-indebted and need help and advice in coping with debt problems. It is widely recognised as providing a high quality, confidential, personal service to the public that makes a significant difference to the lives of many people. There are 53 independent companies with voluntary boards of management and over 240 money advice staff operating the local services throughout the country. However, it has been recognised for some time that the Service needs a proper legislative basis and structure. The Government has decided that this can best be achieved by placing the MABS with the Citizens Information Board. 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. Cost efficiencies will be realised in the medium to longer term through the integration of support services such as administration and IT.
It is envisaged that a six month period up to July 2009 will be required to complete the arrangements for the transfer of responsibility for the MABS to the Citizens Information Board. Details of the implementation plan are being worked out in consultation with the Citizens Information Board and the Chief Executive Officer.
413 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of payments made to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare from the community welfare officer for the period 2000 to 2002; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47166/08]
The supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) scheme is administered on behalf of the Department by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive.
The Executive has advised that the person concerned received basic weekly SWA payments totalling €5,310.90 from 10 January 2002 to 31 July 2002, travel supplement payments totalling €210 from 7 January 2002 to 23 February 2002 and mortgage interest payments totalling €483.20 from 1 January 2002 to 30 April 2003. He received no SWA payments in 2000 or 2001.
If the person concerned requires further clarification on these payments then he should contact the community welfare officer at his local health centre who will assist him.
414 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason an appeal has not been accepted against the decision to refuse unemployment benefit in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; if her attention has been drawn to the hardship and anxiety caused arising from this decision arising from the reply to a previous question; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47233/08]
The person concerned was in receipt of Jobseeker's Allowance from January 2008 to 28 October 2008. Payment ceased when he failed to sign the Live Register on the appointed day (23 October 2008) and thereby failed to prove he was unemployed from that time.
He made a repeat claim on 10 November 2008 and the claim was disallowed on the grounds that he had failed to submit any evidence of his efforts in seeking employment.
Notification of the decision and his right to appeal issued on 12 November 2008 and an appeal was received on 15 December 2008. All relevant papers will be sent to the Appeal Office as soon as possible and they will be in touch with him in due course.
In the meantime it is open to him to contact the local Community Welfare Officer who may be in a position to help him.
416 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the amount of EU funding received by her Department directly or for institutions, groups, organisations or bodies under her aegis in the past 20 years to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47249/08]
Details of the amount of EU funding received by my Department directly and for bodies under its aegis in the past 20 years are not immediately available.
My Department is compiling this information and my officials will write to the Deputy with these details as soon as they are available.
417 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Defence the equipment and data that was lost or stolen from his Department in the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46662/08]
Insofar as my Department is concerned no equipment or data has been reported lost or stolen in the last twelve months.
In relation to Defence Forces ICT equipment, one DF laptop was reported stolen from a private residence of a member of the Defence Forces in June of this year. The laptop was encrypted and sensitive or private data was not compromised.
In relation to all other non-ICT items of equipment or data held by the Defence Forces, the information cannot be assembled in the short timeframe available, given the scale and variety of equipment and the geographical spread of the Defence organisation, at home and abroad. However, this information will be collated as part of the accounting cycle for the twelve months ending 31st December 2008 and will be available in early 2009. I will provide details to the Deputy as soon as they are available.
418 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Defence the amount of money spent on hotel accommodation by his Department and each State agency under the aegis of his Department for each of the years 2004 to date in 2008; if he will provide the information available in tabular readable form. [46677/08]
419 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Defence the procurement arrangements in place in his Department and each State agency under the aegis of his Department for the sourcing of hotel accommodation for him, for his Departmental staff and staff at each State agency when overnight accommodation is necessary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46692/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 418 and 419 together.
Where hotel accommodation is necessary, the costs are generally met by the individual staff member out of his/her overnight fixed rate of subsistence as is the case throughout the public service. In certain limited cases, my Department pays the cost of hotel accommodation directly. However, records are not readily available in these cases and it would take an inordinate amount of time and resources to manually compile the information.
I am satisfied that the procurement arrangements in place in my Department and its agencies for sourcing hotel accommodation when necessary are in compliance with the Department of Finance guidelines. Approval for overnight accommodation in relation to official business is sought in advance from a senior official in my Department and sanction is only authorised when it is established that the overnight accommodation is essential. In advance of payment, claims made in respect of overnight accommodation are certified by an authorised official as being in accordance with the provisions of the appropriate Department of Finance Travel and Subsistence circulars. The Department of Finance circulars on Travel and Subsistence are brought to the attention of all staff and are readily available on my Department's intranet site.
420 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Defence the number of computer servers that are owned or leased by his Department and each State agency under the aegis of his Department; and the amount of capacity on each server. [46707/08]
The number and capacity of computer servers in my Department and the Defence Forces is spread over a number of mainstream applications, including Local and Wide Area Networks, business, administrative and financial systems, web hosting, mission-critical support systems and a wide range of local and specialist applications. The capacity varies according to need. There is also a wide geographical spread, given the nature and scope of the Defence organisation. The following is a summary of the position.
Civil Branch of the Department, including integrated civil/military modules: a total of 79 Servers; the storage capacity varies from 300 GB (gigabyte) to 1.0TB (terabyte; 1 TB=1000GB) per server. None is leased. Defence Forces — military only applications: a total of 152 servers. The storage capacity varies from 70GB to 1.1 TB per server. There are four servers leased by the Defence Forces. Three of these have a 160 GB capacity and one has a capacity of 144 GB.
421 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Defence the number of Defence Forces firearms stolen, reported stolen, missing or otherwise unaccounted for in each of the years 2004 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46726/08]
There are controls in place to ensure that there can be no interference to inventoried weapons assigned to a Unit of the Defence Forces. All weapons are stored in sound and secure premises where access is restricted to designated personnel. There are frequent and detailed inspections of the serial-numbered assets and items of controlled stores.
Defence Force Regulation L2 on Weapons, Ammunition, Explosives and Other Items of Ordnance and Defence Force Regulation S2 on Financial and Accounting Instructions comprehensively outline the schedule of checking required in respect of all serial-numbered items. There are no reports of firearms belonging to the Defence Forces having been stolen or reported missing as stolen from stores within the State and no weapons are unaccounted for.
The following weapons have been reported as stolen/missing from the Defence Forces during the period 2004 to 2008:
Steyr Rifle from KFOR in Kosovo in March 2004.
Walter PPK 9mm Pistol from UNMIL in Liberia in September 2004.
Steyr rifle was lost overboard at sea from the LE Aisling in July 2006.
HK 9mm Pistol from the 97th Infantry Battalion in Chad in July 2008.
Each of the above incidents has been investigated. The location of the rifle lost at sea is known but the rifle cannot be recovered. In each of the other incidents the stolen or missing firearms have not been recovered.
422 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Defence if final agreement has been reached with Kildare County Council in regard to the taking over of an estate (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46822/08]
In April 2008, officials from my Department met with the residents from Orchard Park to outline plans for a programme of works including a children's play area and the upgrade of laneways to deter antisocial behaviour. This work is currently underway. It is hoped that these remedial works will assist in the takeover of the estate by Kildare County Council.
Since that meeting, my officials have been in contact with Kildare County Council in order to arrange a meeting to discuss the taking over of the estate. A response is awaited from Kildare County Council to my department's invitation to discuss the matter.
423 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Defence the budgeted cost to his Department for 2009 of incremental pay increases for all staff in and under the aegis of his Department; the comparative cost for each year from 2002 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46983/08]
I have set out in the table the estimated cost to my Department for 2008 and 2009 of incremental pay increases for all staff in and under the aegis of my Department. These figures are based on existing personnel numbers and do not reflect any changes in numbers or profile of staff that might take place in the future. Some of the factors that can influence this are resignations, career breaks, retirements and decentralisation. The figures for the years 2002 to 2007 are not readily available and compiling this information would require a disproportionate amount of time and resources.
|
2008 |
2009 |
|
|
€ |
€ |
|
|
Defence Forces |
2,878,460 |
2,975,675 |
|
Civilian Employees |
128,520 |
129,520 |
|
Civil Servants |
230,400 |
237,400 |
|
Civil Defence Board |
3,650 |
3,750 |
|
3,241,030 |
3,346,345 |
424 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Defence the number of civil servants and other public servants who have relocated to locations outside of Dublin under the Government’s decentralisation programme; the estimated number of each category who will have relocated by the end of 2009; the breakdown of each set of figures in terms of those who are relocating from Dublin and relocating from elsewhere; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46998/08]
The Government decision on decentralisation provides for the transfer of my Department's Dublin-based civil service staff, together with a number of military personnel, to Newbridge, Co. Kildare, and for the decentralisation of the Defence Forces Headquarters (DFHQ) to the Curragh.
The number of posts to be relocated to Newbridge is approximately 200 civil service posts together with 43 military. Six members of staff have relocated from provincial offices to Dublin in advance of the move to Newbridge which is scheduled for end of 2009. A further 335 military posts together with 78 support staff will decentralise to the new DFHQ building in the Curragh. A state-owned site has been chosen for a new building and the timeframe for completion of the project will be determined by the outcome of the proposed tender competition that is currently being prepared by OPW. All military personnel decentralising are based in Dublin.
425 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Defence the number of people working in his Department; the number earning below €50,000 per annum; the number earning between €50,001 and €60,000 per annum; the number earning between €60,001 and €70,000 per annum; the number earning between €70,001 and €80,000 per annum; the number earning between €80,001 and €90,000 per annum; the number earning between €90,001 and €100,000 per annum; the number earning over €100,001 per annum; the number in each staff category (details supplied) for each income band. [47013/08]
I have set out in the following table the information requested by the Deputy:
|
Grades |
Earnings less than €50,000 |
Earnings between €50,001 and €60,000 |
Earnings between €60,001 and €70,000 |
Earnings between €70,001 and €80,000 |
Earnings between €80,001 and €90,000 |
Earnings between €90,001 and €100,000 |
Earnings over €100,001 |
|
Accountant |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
1 |
Nil |
Nil |
|
Administrative Officer |
Nil |
2 |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
|
Assistant Principal Officer |
2 |
1 |
7 |
14 |
9 |
Nil |
Nil |
|
Assistant Secretary |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
2 |
|
Cleaners and Superintendent |
5 |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
|
Clerical Officer |
148 |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
|
Executive Officer |
79 |
5 |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
28 |
23 |
6 |
3 |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
|
Minister’s Personal Asst |
1 |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
|
Minister’s Press Adviser |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
1 |
Nil |
|
Minister’s Special Adviser |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
1 |
Nil |
|
Principal Officer |
1 |
2 |
Nil |
2 |
2 |
Nil |
8 |
|
Secretary General |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
1 |
|
Services Officer/Attendant |
16 |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
|
Staff Officer |
36 |
1 |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
|
Storeman |
1 |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
|
Watchman |
4 |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
|
Total Number per category |
321 |
34 |
13 |
19 |
12 |
2 |
11 |
In relation to the figures set out above, please note the following:
Some employees are in lower earnings categories owing to pro-rata pay for reduced working hours for such schemes as Term Time, Parental Leave, Work sharing etc.
Similar categories of grades have been amalgamated. (i.e. Clerical Officer, Clerical Officer Higher Scale and Pre and Post '95 Clerical Officer grades are shown as Clerical Officer.)
The figures include overtime and allowance earnings in 2008.
426 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Defence the number of civil and public servants working in or under the aegis of his Department for each year from 2002 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47028/08]
I have set out in the table below the number of civil and public servants working in or under the aegis of my Department for each year from 2002 to date in 2008.
|
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
|
412.1 |
407.1 |
406.4 |
389.4 |
384.5 |
400.8 |
406.8 |
427 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Defence the number of locations where civil and public servants working in or under the aegis of his Department are located; the locations of same; the number, and the number in each category (details supplied) of staff at each location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47043/08]
The information requested by the Deputy is outlined in the table:
|
Grade |
Dublin |
Roscrea |
Galway |
Brussels |
Cork |
Curragh |
Kosovo |
Athlone |
|
Secretary General |
1.0 |
|||||||
|
Asst Secretary |
2.0 |
|||||||
|
Head of Corporate Services |
1.0 |
|||||||
|
PO |
10.5 |
1.0 |
2.0 |
1 |
||||
|
Accountant |
1.0 |
|||||||
|
AP |
24.1 |
3.0 |
8.0 |
2 |
||||
|
Technical Officer |
1.0 |
|||||||
|
HEO |
32.8 |
4.8 |
19.2 |
1 |
||||
|
Properties Officer |
1.0 |
|||||||
|
Admin Officer |
1.0 |
1 |
||||||
|
EO |
43.3 |
4.8 |
31.1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
||
|
SO |
15.2 |
17.3 |
||||||
|
CO |
39.5 |
8.0 |
90.4 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
|
Storeman |
1.0 |
|||||||
|
Storekeeper |
2.0 |
|||||||
|
Head Services Officer |
1.0 |
|||||||
|
Services Officer |
10.0 |
1.0 |
6.0 |
|||||
|
Services Attendant |
1.7 |
|||||||
|
Watchman |
3.0 |
|||||||
|
Cleaner |
5.0 |
|||||||
|
TOTAL |
191.1 |
24.6 |
178.0 |
7 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
The Dublin-based staff of my Department are due to decentralise to Newbridge, Co. Kildare at the end of 2009.
428 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Defence the agencies, bodies or authorities under the aegis of his Department that have been scheduled for merging, amalgamation, abolition or sharing of services as announced in the budget 2009; the progress that has been made on the implementation of these organisational changes; the details of the implementation plan for these organisational changes; the cost savings that will arise from each of these organisational changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47058/08]
The bodies under the aegis of my Department are the Civil Defence Board, the Board of Coiste an Asgard and the Army Pensions Board. Budget 2009 does not contain any proposals in relation to these bodies nor is it my intention to merge, amalgamate, or abolish any of them. My Department provides support services (finance, IT, human resources) to all three and I am satisfied that this is an efficient and effective arrangement.
429 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Defence the amount of taxpayers money given to the Institute for International and European Affairs in the lead up to the Lisbon referendum. [47097/08]
I wish to state that no taxpayers' money was given by my Department to the Institute for International and European Affairs in the lead up to the Lisbon Referendum. The only payment made to this company is in respect of Corporate Membership renewal in the sum of €6,000, which fell due in September 2008.
430 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the amount of EU funding received by his Department directly or for institutions, groups, organisations or bodies under his aegis in the past 20 years to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47241/08]
My Department has been in receipt of funding from the EU since 1979 in the form of a financial contribution towards expenditure incurred on fishery protection measures. The amount of funding received in the past 20 years is as follows:
|
Year |
Amount in €m |
|
1986-1989 |
0.0 |
|
1990 |
1.0 |
|
1991 |
4.6 |
|
1992 |
4.8 |
|
1993 |
5.2 |
|
1994 |
6.2 |
|
1995 |
3.4 |
|
1996 |
4.1 |
|
1997 |
3.4 |
|
1998 |
1.7 |
|
1999 |
8.6 |
|
2000 |
2.2 |
|
2001 |
3.2 |
|
2002 |
0.2 |
|
2003 |
0.0 |
|
2004 |
0.7 |
|
2005 |
0.9 |
|
2006 |
0.0 |
|
2007 |
0.0 |
|
2008 |
0.7 |
|
Total |
50.9 |
431 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will report on the early December meeting in Poznan, Poland on climate change issues; the progress which was made at the meeting; the position and contribution made by Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46611/08]
The 14th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change took place in Poznan from 1-12 December. The meeting was an important stocktaking exercise at the mid-way point between last year's agreement on the Bali Road Map and the new global climate change agreement that will be reached next year in Copenhagen. A number of important decisions were made at the meeting, including on accelerating the negotiations in 2009. This will be facilitated by the work programmes agreed that provide an ambitious and clearly defined timetable for the different stages of the negotiations next year, including the production of a negotiating text by June 2009 for the future global climate agreement. Agreement on the operational of the Adaptation Fund was also reached in Poznan, so that funding will be available for climate change adaptation projects in developing countries from 2009. I delivered a national statement in the Plenary Session, focusing on adaptation of developing countries to the inevitable effects of climate change, and I intervened in the Ministerial Roundtable on a shared vision on long-term cooperative action. I also participated in the daily meetings of the EU Ministers to coordinate the position of the Community's negotiators. Members of my delegation participated in the negotiations as active and important players in the broader European Union delegation, including negotiating and presenting on behalf of the EU.
432 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of posts assigned at assistant principal level in his Department’s soon to be decentralised office in Wexford; the number of officials who have taken up duty in his Department to fill these posts; the number who have yet to take up duty; when he expects that they will be notified to take up duty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46522/08]
433 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of officers at assistant principal level who had taken up duty in his Department from other Departments with a view to decentralising to Waterford, New Ross or Kilkenny prior to the recent announcements regarding decentralisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46523/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 432 and 433 together.
The Government announcement on 14 October 2008 confirmed that the decentralisation of my Department's Headquarters to Wexford (270 posts) will proceed as planned. However the transfer of posts to the three other locations in the South East — Waterford (225 posts), New Ross (125 posts) and Kilkenny (62 posts) — is being deferred pending the outcome of a review in 2011 in light of budgetary developments.
My Department's Headquarter offices in Wexford are under construction and expected to be completed and ready for occupation in Q1 2009. My Department will then transfer 270 posts into these offices in 2009. 47 Assistant Principal Officer (AP) posts are being assigned to the Department's Headquarters in Wexford and 41 of these posts are currently filled. The remaining posts (6) will be filled in early 2009.
The following table sets out the position in relation to the number of Assistant Principal Officers from other Departments who have joined the Department and signed-up to decentralise to Waterford, New Ross and Kilkenny:
|
Location |
Assistant Principals in situ for location |
Assistant Principals in situfor location from other Departments |
|
Waterford |
4 |
4 |
|
New Ross |
6 |
3 |
|
Kilkenny |
6 |
4 |
434 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the standards used to determine the safety levels at Haulbowline Island by a company (details supplied) in its recent report were in fact the threshold values for industrial use, not residential use; the way, in view of the fact that these levels exceed the internationally accepted limits for residential use by many multiples, it is appropriate to reassure persons working on the island as well as the residential inhabitants of Cork Harbour that there are no identified risks to the residents. [46537/08]
435 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will make available to the public and consult with it over the alternative proposals for the future of the toxic dump on Haulbowline Island before he brings a report to Government for decision on whatever actions are shown to be necessary. [46538/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 434 and 435 together.
My Department re-engaged consultants, White Young Green (WYG), to carry out an independent and rigorous assessment of current site conditions on Haulbowline, following recent works on the area of the site known as the East Tip. This assessment comprised three distinct modules, and the consultants had available the advice of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Marine Institute and the Health and Safety Authority in their development:
1. assessing quality of surface water, marine sediment and mussel bivalves in the vicinity;
2. assessment of any health or environmental risks posed by current site conditions;
3. ambient air monitoring.
Analytical results in respect of the above modules were compared against the most relevant and appropriate comparative screening values in all cases. Ambient air monitoring was undertaken in accordance with relevant national and international occupational exposure limit values, finding that air quality complied with all relevant standards and guidelines, including in Cobh which was the main population centre that was monitored, and that there is no occupational risk to human health from airborne substances.
Similarly the assessment of water, sediment and mussel samples employed the relevant applicable screening criteria and found no identifiable risk to the residents of Cork Harbour, though some findings do merit further investigation and monitoring. In the case of assessing the health and environmental risks posed by potential contaminants in the waste material on the East Tip itself the screening was undertaken using threshold screening values for commercial/industrial use. These human health generic assessment criteria which are derived from guidance issued in the UK are considered most appropriate for the site and are conservative for on-site exposures for current land use. In that context any exceedances of these screening values identified in the report do not suggest a risk to health of people on site undertaking normal activities or to those in the Cork harbour area including the Naval Base.
Furthermore, at the request of the local residents and public representatives, it was arranged that the site assessment reports be reviewed by independent experts in order to offer reassurance to the local communities that the scope of works, tests and analysis employed conform to best international practice in determining whether there exists any immediate health or environmental threat posed by the site. Professor Phillip Morgan (Sirius Geotechnical & Environmental Ltd) and Dr. Marcus Trett (Physalia Limited, Consultant & Forensic Ecologists) carried out this peer review and considered the aspects of the WYG reports relating to the potential risk posed by contamination present in, on or under the land to human health and environmental and ecological receptors that could realistically be impacted by such contamination. The peer reviewers considered that, overall, the reports represent work that is of a quality consistent with good professional practice for such projects.
In relation to consultation with the local communities my Department and I have previously met with the local residents and, while their views are well known to my Department, it is intended that further consultation will take place in the New Year prior to my submitting proposals to Government in respect of the future use of the site.
436 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 474 of 21 October 2008, the position regarding the proposal from an association (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46549/08]
I intend to announce details of the voluntary housing projects to be approved for funding under the Capital Assistance Scheme for 2009 as early as possible in the New Year.
437 Deputy Noel O’Flynn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps his Department will take to replace lead water pipes in housing estates in which the lead contamination is higher than the acceptable allowable limit; and if grants are available to local authorities and private households to replace lead pipes with PVC pipes. [46556/08]
Management of the public drinking water supply infrastructure is the responsibility of the relevant local authority. I have put in place a rigorous supervisory framework to ensure that good quality drinking water is available to the public and that effective mechanisms exist to deal quickly and effectively with any problems which may arise. Under the European Communities (Drinking Water) (No. 2) Regulations, 2007, local authority drinking water supplies are subject to supervision by the EPA and I have given the Agency the necessary resources to back up its new enforcement powers.
Substantial funding towards local authorities' water conservation programmes, including replacement of old pipework, is being provided under my Department's Water Services Investment Programme. In this context it is open to each authority to prioritise any necessary pipe replacement in its own area.
In relation to individual service connections and internal plumbing, water services legislation provides that the owner of a premises is responsible for ensuring that the internal water distribution system is capable of delivering drinking water that complies with drinking water standards. My Department's Water Services Investment Programme does not extend to funding or providing grants for replacement of individual services connections or other measures relating to single households.
438 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the status of decisions made by An Bord Pleanála if membership of the board does not include members from each of the areas as outlined in section 106 of the Planning and Development Act 2000; if there has been an instance since the creation of An Bord Pleanála when membership of the board did not reflect the instructions as laid out in the Act; if so, the way this would affect the work of the board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46630/08]
As enacted, the Planning and Development Act 2000 provided that An Bord Pleanála should consist of a Chairperson and 7 ordinary members, and that the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government would appoint 6 of the ordinary members from among persons nominated by each of six panels of prescribed organisations representing various sectoral interests. The seventh ordinary member would be an officer of the Minister. Under this structure, if a vacancy occurred on the Board following the retirement, resignation or removal from office of a nominated ordinary member, it may follow that, pending the filling of that vacancy, there would be no nominee of the panel concerned on the Board. However, the 2000 Act provides that the Board may act notwithstanding a vacancy in the office of Chairperson or among the ordinary members, as long as there is a minimum of three members to form a quorum for a meeting of the Board. Where a vacancy occurs, the Minister shall, as soon as may be, take steps to fill the vacancy.
Accordingly, I am advised that while there have from time to time been vacancies on the Board, it was nevertheless entitled to act and to continue to perform its functions under the 2000 Act. The 2000 Act was amended in 2006 to provide that the Board would comprise a Chairperson and 9 ordinary members, and that the Minister would appoint 2 ordinary members from among persons nominated by each of four panels of prescribed organisations representing various sectoral interests. Given that the terms of office of various ordinary members spanned the transition from a Board of 7 ordinary members to one of 9, and a change in nominating panels, it followed that the distribution of backgrounds currently envisaged under section 106 of the Act need not be immediately achievable and might fall to be dealt with as future vacancies arise.
439 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the proposed sewerage scheme for Gweedore, County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46638/08]
446 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the proposed upgrading and extension of a sewerage scheme (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46721/08]
447 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the proposed upgrading and extension of a sewerage scheme (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46722/08]
448 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the proposed upgrading and extension of a sewerage scheme (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46723/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 439 and 446 to 448, inclusive, together.
I refer to the reply to Question No. 405 of 4 November 2008. The position is unchanged.
440 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has plans to advise or instruct local authorities to purchase houses on the open market for inclusion on their housing stock in view of the reduction of prices throughout the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46655/08]
Acquisitions already form an important component of the Social Housing Investment Programme. Local authorities have powers under the Housing Act 1966 to acquire dwellings for social housing purposes and must consider such acquisitions in the context of their housing action plan and their available funding.
As is the case with all Social Housing Investment Programme projects, proposals for acquisitions must be developed in accordance with the policy framework set out in Delivering Homes, Sustaining Communities, addressing inter alia an identifiable housing need and promoting a desirable tenure mix in the wider locality, and must also fully comply with the usual procurement requirements and procedures as outlined in my Department's Circulars which place particular focus on achieving best value for money.
441 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the equipment and data that was lost or stolen from his Department in the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46665/08]
I assume that the question relates to ICT equipment. In the past twelve months three laptops and one external hard drive have been reported stolen and have not been recovered. No sensitive or personal data was stored on any of these devices.
442 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of money spent on hotel accommodation by his Department and each State agency under the aegis of his Department for each of the years 2004 to date in 2008; if he will provide the information available in tabular readable form. [46680/08]
The table sets out the expenditure on hotel accommodation by my Department (including Met Éireann) for each of the years from 2004 to date. Expenditure on hotel accommodation by the State agencies under the aegis of my Department is a matter for the agencies themselves.
|
Year |
Hotel accommodation costs |
|
€ |
|
|
2004 |
457,600 |
|
2005 |
170,802 |
|
2006 |
214,699 |
|
2007 |
217,002 |
|
2008 (to 15 December) |
236,867 |
443 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the procurement arrangements in place in his Department and each State agency under the aegis of his Department for the sourcing of hotel accommodation for him, for his departmental staff and staff at each State agency, when overnight accommodation is necessary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46695/08]
The sourcing of hotel accommodation, where an overnight stay is necessary, is generally organised at section level in the Department, or by my Ministerial Office in the case of my own travel requirements. The Department of Finance sets and amends, as appropriate, subsistence rates for hotel and other accommodation expenses, which my Department applies.
Some foreign hotel accommodation is also booked through the Department's travel provider, which negotiates corporate rates with hotels on behalf of the Department.
In the case of block bookings for conferences and other such events, the Department, in line with procurement guidelines, obtains a number of quotes from local hotels in order to secure the most competitive rates possible.
The sourcing of hotel accommodation by the State agencies under my aegis is a matter for the agencies themselves and they have been reminded of the need to comply with Department of Finance guidance on travel and subsistence.
444 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of computer servers that are owned or leased by his Department and each State agency under the aegis of his Department; and the amount of capacity on each server. [46710/08]
My Department has 124 servers with an average capacity of 210 Gigabytes. The number and capacity of computer servers owned or leased by agencies under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for the individual agencies.
445 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the proposed upgrading and extension of a sewerage scheme (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46720/08]
The Falcarragh Sewerage Scheme is included for funding in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009.
My Department is awaiting submission of Donegal County Council's Preliminary Report for the scheme.
449 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the proposed upgrading and extension of a sewerage scheme (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46724/08]
The Killybegs Sewerage Scheme is included for funding in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009.
My Department is awaiting submission by Donegal County Council of Tender Documents for the wastewater treatment plant for Killybegs which is being procured as a bundled contract with Bundoran, Convoy and Glencolmcille. I understand that the Council has sought tenders for the Killybegs sewer network and outfall contract.
450 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of people who are on the waiting list for local authority housing in County Donegal; the steps he proposes to take to shorten this list and provide housing for those most in need as soon as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46797/08]
The number of households on a local authority's waiting list continuously fluctuates as households on the list are allocated housing and new households apply for housing support. My Department does not hold information in relation to the numbers currently on waiting lists in County Donegal.
The 2008 statutory housing need assessment indicated that the net housing need in County Donegal at 31 March 2008 was 2,519 households. The breakdown by authority in that county is:
Donegal County Council — 1,763 households;
Bundoran Town Council — 91 households;
Buncranna Town Council — 150 households; and
Letterkenny Town Council — 515 households.
The Government has been responding to the increased social housing need over the last number of years by expanding its social housing investment programme. Local authorities have recorded significant levels of housing output culminating in a record output of over 9,000 units in 2007. Indications are that the public housing programme will provide over 9,000 new dwellings again in 2008 through a combination of local authority construction and acquisition programmes, the programmes of voluntary and co-operative housing bodies and by means of long term arrangements with private property owners under the Rental Accommodation Scheme.
Looking to the future, €1.66 billion in funding has been provided for housing in the 2009 Estimates which will support continued strong momentum towards meeting housing needs, our commitments in Towards 2016 and our long-term goals under the National Development Plan.
451 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the negative impact of recent cutbacks in posts in Donegal County Council, resulting in 138 part-time and contract workers being made redundant; if there are plans to assist the council in maintaining these jobs due to the negative impact they will have on services and employment within the county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46799/08]
It is a matter for each local authority to prioritise its spending, within the resources available to it, across the range of services it provides. Equally, local authorities must ensure full value for money for the resources invested, and seek the maximum efficiency across their operations.
General purpose grants are important in assisting local authorities to balance their budgets, and comprise about one fifth of the funding required by authorities to provide their day to day services, although the proportion varies between authorities.
Local authorities receive income from a range of sources including rates, charges for goods and services, specific State grants and general purpose grants from the Local Government Fund.
Donegal County Council's general purpose grant allocation for 2009 is €41,475,164. General purpose grants to Donegal County Council have increased by some 218% since 1997.
I am satisfied that the general purpose allocation I have provided for 2009, together with the income available from other sources, will enable Donegal County Council to provide an acceptable level of service to their customers.
452 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide a breakdown of the €500,000 funding allocated to Health Service Executive west for housing aid for the elderly; if this amount was intended for County Galway; the amount that was allocated to each county within Health Service Executive west; the number of applications approved in each county; the cost for each county; the number awaiting payment; the cost for each county mentioned in the above breakdown; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46803/08]
The allocations to the Health Service Executive (HSE) under the Special Housing Aid for the Elderly Scheme (SHAE) are determined by a Task Force, which operates under the aegis of my Department. The scheme is operated at a local level by the HSE. While the scheme has been closed to new applications since 1 August 2008, having been replaced by the Housing Aid for Older People Scheme, the HSE is continuing to process applications on hands at that stage.
Funding is provided to the HSE on a regional basis and it is a matter for the HSE to apportion funding within regions. The total allocation to the HSE West in respect of the SHAE scheme in 2008 is €5.5 million.
453 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount spent by his Department in each year over the past five years, including 2008, on the distribution of publications from his Department to local authorities and to other sources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46814/08]
The following table sets out the money spent by my Department on postal services over the past five years:
|
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
|
€347,056 |
€330,823 |
€216,786 |
€290,312 |
€236,695 |
My Department does not record data on the breakdown of general post versus postal charges for distribution of publications or to specific destinations as stated in the question.
454 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the level of administration in the fire service when compared to other jurisdictions; his further views on the ratio of managers to fire fighting personnel in the State; and if he plans to take action to address this matter. [46815/08]
The provision of a fire service in its functional area, including the establishment and maintenance of a fire brigade, is a statutory function of individual fire authorities under section 10 of the Fire Services Act 1981. Staffing and organisational arrangements for the purposes of carrying out the functions of fire authorities are a matter for the relevant city or county manager under section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001.
455 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when funding will be made available for the remedial housing programme in an area (details supplied) in Dublin 17. [46817/08]
My Department is currently considering a proposal for regeneration works in Buttercup Park, Darndale and will be writing to Dublin City Council in connection with the matter shortly.
456 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his competency and power to sanction an application for rates, remissions or rebates proposed for start-up businesses by local authorities pursuant to section 2 of 1970 Local Government (Rates) Act; if local authority members can devise a system to alleviate the rates payable by start-up companies on a progressive basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46818/08]
My sanction is required under the Local Government (Rates) (Waiver) Regulations 1970 to the making or amending of a rates waiver scheme by a rating authority. The making of a rates waiver scheme is a reserved function and the scheme may relate to ratepayers generally or classes of ratepayers in respect of properties of a class or classes specified in the scheme under section 2 of the Local Government (Rates) Act 1970.
457 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application for funding regarding an area (details supplied) was received by his Department for funding; when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expected to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction; when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed in respect of these schemes. [46826/08]
The Gorey Sewerage Scheme is included for funding under my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009, based on an assessment of needs by Wexford County Council in 2006.
The Council's contract documents for the scheme are being examined in my Department and are being dealt with as quickly as possible.
458 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application for funding regarding an area (details supplied) was received by his Department for funding; when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expected to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction; when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed in respect of these schemes. [46827/08]
459 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application for funding regarding an area (details supplied) was received by his Department for funding; when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expected to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction; when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed in respect of these schemes. [46828/08]
460 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application for funding regarding an area (details supplied) was received by his Department for funding; when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expected to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction; when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed in respect of these schemes. [46829/08]
461 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application for funding regarding an area (details supplied) was received by his Department for funding; when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expected to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction; when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed in respect of these schemes. [46830/08]
463 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application for funding regarding an area (details supplied) was received by his Department for funding; when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expected to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction; when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed in respect of these schemes. [46832/08]
464 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application for funding regarding an area (details supplied) was received by his Department for funding; when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expected to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction; when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed in respect of these schemes. [46833/08]
466 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application for funding regarding an area (details supplied) was received by his Department for funding; when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expected to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction; when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed in respect of these schemes. [46835/08]
468 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application for funding regarding an area (details supplied) was received by his Department for funding; when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expected to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction; when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed in respect of these schemes. [46837/08]
469 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application for funding regarding an area (details supplied) was received by his Department for funding; when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expected to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction; when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed in respect of these schemes. [46838/08]
470 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application for funding regarding an area (details supplied) was received by his Department for funding; when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expected to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction; when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed in respect of these schemes. [46839/08]
471 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application for funding regarding an area (details supplied) was received by his Department for funding; when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expected to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction; when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed in respect of these schemes. [46840/08]
472 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application for funding regarding an area (details supplied) was received by his Department for funding; when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expected to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction; when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed in respect of these schemes. [46841/08]
473 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application for funding regarding an area (details supplied) was received by his Department for funding; when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expected to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction; when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed in respect of these schemes. [46842/08]
474 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application for funding regarding an area (details supplied) was received by his Department for funding; when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expected to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction; when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed in respect of these schemes. [46843/08]
475 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application for funding regarding an area (details supplied) was received by his Department for funding; when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expected to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction; when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed in respect of these schemes. [46844/08]
476 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application for funding regarding an area (details supplied) was received by his Department for funding; when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expected to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction; when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed in respect of these schemes. [46845/08]
477 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application for funding regarding an area (details supplied) was received by his Department for funding; when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expected to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction; when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed in respect of these schemes. [46846/08]
478 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application for funding regarding an area (details supplied) was received by his Department for funding; when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expected to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction; when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed in respect of these schemes. [46847/08]
479 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application for funding regarding an area (details supplied) was received by his Department for funding; when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expected to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction; when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed in respect of these schemes. [46848/08]
481 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application for funding regarding an area (details supplied) was received by his Department for funding; when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expected to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction; when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed in respect of these schemes. [46850/08]
482 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application for funding regarding an area (details supplied) was received by his Department for funding; when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expected to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction; when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed in respect of these schemes. [46851/08]
484 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application for funding regarding an area (details supplied) was received by his Department for funding; when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expected to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction; when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed in respect of these schemes. [46853/08]
486 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application for funding regarding an area (details supplied) was received by his Department for funding; when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expected to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction; when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed in respect of these schemes. [46855/08]
489 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application for funding regarding an area (details supplied) was received by his Department for funding; when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expected to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction; when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed in respect of these schemes. [46858/08]
490 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application for funding regarding an area (details supplied) was received by his Department for funding; when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expected to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction; when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed in respect of these schemes. [46859/08]
491 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application for funding regarding an area (details supplied) was received by his Department for funding; when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expected to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction; when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed in respect of these schemes. [46860/08]
492 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application for funding regarding an area (details supplied) was received by his Department for funding; when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expected to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction; when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed in respect of these schemes. [46861/08]
493 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application for funding regarding an area (details supplied) was received by his Department for funding; when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expected to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction; when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed in respect of these schemes. [46862/08]
495 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application for funding regarding an area (details supplied) was received by his Department for funding; when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expected to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction; when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed in respect of these schemes. [46864/08]
496 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application for funding regarding an area (details supplied) was received by his Department for funding; when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expected to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction; when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed in respect of these schemes. [46865/08]
497 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application for funding regarding an area (details supplied) was received by his Department for funding; when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expected to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction; when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed in respect of these schemes. [46866/08]
498 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application for funding regarding an area (details supplied) was received by his Department for funding; when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expected to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction; when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed in respect of these schemes. [46867/08]
500 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application for funding regarding an area (details supplied) was received by his Department for funding; when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expected to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction; when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed in respect of these schemes. [46869/08]
501 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application for funding regarding an area (details supplied) was received by his Department for funding; when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expected to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction; when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed in respect of these schemes. [46870/08]
502 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application for funding regarding an area (details supplied) was received by his Department for funding; when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expected to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction; when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed in respect of these schemes. [46871/08]
503 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application for funding regarding an area (details supplied) was received by his Department for funding; when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expected to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction; when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed in respect of these schemes. [46872/08]
504 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application for funding regarding an area (details supplied) was received by his Department for funding; when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expected to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction; when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed in respect of these schemes. [46873/08]
505 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application for funding regarding an area (details supplied) was received by his Department for funding; when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expected to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction; when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed in respect of these schemes. [46874/08]
506 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application for funding regarding an area (details supplied) was received by his Department for funding; when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expected to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction; when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed in respect of these schemes. [46875/08]
507 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application for funding regarding an area (details supplied) was received by his Department for funding; when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expected to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction; when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed in respect of these schemes. [46876/08]
510 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application for funding regarding an area (details supplied) was received by his Department for funding; when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expected to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction; when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed in respect of these schemes. [46879/08]
511 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application for funding regarding an area (details supplied) was received by his Department for funding; when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expected to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction; when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed in respect of these schemes. [46880/08]
514 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application for funding regarding an area (details supplied) was received by his Department for funding; when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expected to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction; when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed in respect of these schemes. [46883/08]
515 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application for funding regarding an area (details supplied) was received by his Department for funding; when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expected to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction; when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed in respect of these schemes. [46884/08]
516 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application for funding regarding an area (details supplied) was received by his Department for funding; when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expected to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction; when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed in respect of these schemes. [46885/08]
517 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application for funding regarding an area (details supplied) was received by his Department for funding; when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expected to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction; when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed in respect of these schemes. [46886/08]
518 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application for funding regarding an area (details supplied) was received by his Department for funding; when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expected to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction; when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed in respect of these schemes. [46887/08]
519 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application for funding regarding an area (details supplied) was received by his Department for funding; when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expected to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction; when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed in respect of these schemes. [46889/08]
520 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application for funding regarding an area (details supplied) was received by his Department for funding; when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expected to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction; when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed in respect of these schemes. [46890/08]
522 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application for funding regarding an area (details supplied) was received by his Department for funding; when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expected to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction; when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed in respect of these schemes. [46892/08]
524 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application for funding regarding an area (details supplied) was received by his Department for funding; when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expected to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction; when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed in respect of these schemes. [46894/08]
525 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application for funding regarding an area (details supplied) was received by his Department for funding; when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expected to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction; when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed in respect of these schemes. [46895/08]
527 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application for funding regarding an area (details supplied) was received by his Department for funding; when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expected to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction; when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed in respect of these schemes. [46897/08]
528 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application for funding regarding an area (details supplied) was received by his Department for funding; when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expected to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction; when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed in respect of these schemes. [46898/08]
529 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application for funding regarding an area (details supplied) was received by his Department for funding; when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expected to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction; when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed in respect of these schemes. [46899/08]
530 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application for funding regarding an area (details supplied) was received by his Department for funding; when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expected to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction; when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed in respect of these schemes. [46900/08]
531 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application for funding regarding an area (details supplied) was received by his Department for funding; when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expected to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction; when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed in respect of these schemes. [46901/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 458 to 461, inclusive, 463, 464, 466, 468 to 479, inclusive, 481, 482, 484, 486, 489, 490 to 493, inclusive, 495 to 498, inclusive, 500 to 507, inclusive, 510, 511, 514 to 520, inclusive, 522, 524, 525 and 527 to 531, inclusive together.
There are no sewerage schemes for any of these locations included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009, a copy of which is available in the Oireachtas Library.
462 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application for funding regarding an area (details supplied) was received by his Department for funding; when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expected to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction; when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed in respect of these schemes. [46831/08]
The Bunclody Sewerage Scheme has been approved for funding under my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009 as part of the Rural Towns and Villages Initiative, based on an assessment of needs by Wexford County Council in 2006.
I have approved the Council's tender recommendations for the scheme and it is a matter for the Council to arrange for the carrying out of the works.
465 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application for funding regarding an area (details supplied) was received by his Department for funding; when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expected to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction; when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed in respect of these schemes. [46834/08]
467 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application for funding regarding an area (details supplied) was received by his Department for funding; when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expected to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction; when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed in respect of these schemes. [46836/08]
483 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application for funding regarding an area (details supplied) was received by his Department for funding; when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expected to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction; when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed in respect of these schemes. [46852/08]
485 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application for funding regarding an area (details supplied) was received by his Department for funding; when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expected to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction; when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed in respect of these schemes. [46854/08]
487 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application for funding regarding an area (details supplied) was received by his Department for funding; when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expected to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction; when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed in respect of these schemes. [46856/08]
508 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application for funding regarding an area (details supplied) was received by his Department for funding; when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expected to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction; when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed in respect of these schemes. [46877/08]
512 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application for funding regarding an area (details supplied) was received by his Department for funding; when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expected to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction; when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed in respect of these schemes. [46881/08]
521 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application for funding regarding an area (details supplied) was received by his Department for funding; when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expected to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction; when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed in respect of these schemes. [46891/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 465, 467, 483, 485, 487, 508, 512 and 521 together.
These schemes are being advanced as a single grouped project and are included for funding under my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009, based on an assessment of needs by Wexford County Council in 2006. The Council's Preliminary report for the grouped scheme is being examined in my Department and is being dealt with as quickly as possible.
480 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application for funding regarding an area (details supplied) was received by his Department for funding; when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expected to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction; when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed in respect of these schemes. [46849/08]
The Enniscorthy Sewerage Scheme is included for funding under my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009, based on an assessment of needs by Wexford County Council in 2006.
My Department is awaiting submission of Wexford County Council's contract documents for the scheme.
488 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application for funding regarding an area (details supplied) was received by his Department for funding; when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expected to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction; when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed in respect of these schemes. [46857/08]
499 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application for funding regarding an area (details supplied) was received by his Department for funding; when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expected to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction; when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed in respect of these schemes. [46868/08]
513 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application for funding regarding an area (details supplied) was received by his Department for funding; when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expected to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction; when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed in respect of these schemes. [46882/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 488, 499 and 513 together.
These schemes have been approved for funding under the Serviced Land Initiative measure of my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009, based on an assessment of needs by Wexford County Council in 2006.
My Department has approved the Council's design proposals for the schemes and, in accordance with devolved procedures, it is now a matter for the Council to proceed with the works.
494 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application for funding regarding an area (details supplied) was received by his Department for funding; when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expected to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction; when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed in respect of these schemes. [46863/08]
This scheme is included for funding under my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009, based on an assessment of needs by Wexford County Council in 2006. I understand that the scheme is under construction and information in relation to expected completion and commissioning dates may be sought from Wexford County Council.
509 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application for funding regarding an area (details supplied) was received by his Department; when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expected to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction; and when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed in respect of these schemes. [46878/08]
I understand that construction work on this scheme, which was funded under my Department's Water Services Investment Programme, has been completed. Information in relation to the commissioning date may be sought from Wexford County Council.
523 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application for funding regarding an area (details supplied) was received by his Department; when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expected to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction; and when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed in respect of these schemes. [46893/08]
The Fethard Sewerage Scheme is included for funding under my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009, based on an assessment of needs by Wexford County Council in 2006.
My Department is awaiting submission of the Council's contract documents for the scheme.
526 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the initial application for funding regarding an area (details supplied) was received by his Department for funding; when his Department received preliminary reports; when his Department expected to sanction approval to the local authority in respect of these schemes to proceed to tender and construction; when construction and commissioning is expected to be completed in respect of these schemes. [46896/08]
I understand that construction work on the Coolgreaney Sewage Scheme, which was funded under my Department's Water Services Investment Programme, has been completed. Information in relation to the commissioning date may be sought from Wexford County Council.
532 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when this Deputy will receive a full reply to Parliamentary Question No. 470 of 18 November 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46909/08]
A full reply to Question No. 470 of 18 November 2008 issued on 16 December 2008.
533 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the budgeted cost to his Department for 2009 of incremental pay increases for all staff in and under the aegis of his Department; the comparative cost for each year from 2002 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46986/08]
The estimated cost of incremental pay increases for my Department in 2008 is €908,000 and €913,000 in 2009. These estimated figures are based on the current number of staff employed in my Department and they take into account the pay increase due in 2009 under Towards 2016. However, the year to year costs of incremental pay increases are normally offset by corresponding reductions in costs associated with retirements and other movements by staff on higher points on the incremental scales and their replacement by staff on lower points.
The comparative cost of incremental pay increases for each year from 2002 to date is not readily available and its compilation would involve a disproportionate amount of time and work.
The budgeted cost of incremental pay increases in respect of the agencies under the aegis of my Department is a matter for the agency or body concerned and my Department is not involved in their day to day operational activities.
534 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of civil servants and other public servants, who have relocated to locations outside of Dublin under the Government’s decentralisation programme; the estimated number of each category who will have relocated by the end of 2009; the breakdown of each set of figures in terms of those who are relocating from Dublin and relocating from elsewhere; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47001/08]
The Government announcement on 14 October 2008 confirmed that the decentralisation of my Department's Headquarters to Wexford (270 posts) will proceed as planned. However the transfer of posts to the three other locations in the South East — Waterford (225 posts), New Ross (125 posts) and Kilkenny (62 posts) — is being deferred pending the outcome of a review in 2011 in light of budgetary developments.
The transfer of the National Building Agency and the Local Government Computer Services Board, to Wexford and Drogheda respectively, are also deferred pending the review. My Department's Headquarter offices in Wexford are under construction and expected to be completed and ready for occupation in Q1 2009. My Department will then transfer 270 posts into these offices in 2009.
An advance office was established in Wexford on 25 June 2007 and is currently staffed by 43 people. Of these, one staff member transferred from an original location outside of Dublin and one staff member was recruited locally. The remainder of the staff transferred from an original Dublin based location.
The advance office staff will transfer to the permanent office first, followed by the remaining staff to complete the filling of 270 posts. Of these staff, a further 59 will be transferring from an original location outside of Dublin, with the rest transferring from an original Dublin based location.
535 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of people working in his Department; the number earning below €50,000 per annum; the number earning between €50,001 and €60,000 per annum; the number earning between €60,001 and €70,000 per annum; the number earning between €70,001 and €80,000 per annum; the number earning between €80,001 and €90,000 per annum; the number earning between €90,001 and €100,000 per annum; the number earning over €100,001 per annum; the number in each staff category (details supplied) for each income band. [47016/08]
There are currently 1316.72 people (figure indicates full time equivalent) working in my Department. The information requested is set out in the following table.
|
Grade |
<€50,000 |
€50,001-€60,000 |
€60,001-€70,000 |
€70,001-€80,000 |
€80,001-€90,000 |
€90,001-€100,000 |
>€100,001 |
|
Secretary General |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
Asst Sec* |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
8 |
|
PO* |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
8.6 |
17.8 |
55 |
|
AP* |
11.33 |
9.76 |
51.55 |
72.2 |
92 |
20 |
0 |
|
AO* |
38.73 |
30.73 |
24 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
HEO* |
51.1 |
134 |
40 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
EO* |
277.95 |
39 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
SO* |
17.55 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
CO* |
149.62 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Services Officers |
39.8 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Ministerial Staff |
8 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
2 |
|
Industrial |
111 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Total |
705.08 |
215.49 |
115.55 |
73.2 |
103.6 |
37.8 |
66 |
*Includes administrative, professional and technical staff at each grade level.
536 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of civil and public servants working in or under the aegis of his Department for each year from 2002 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47031/08]
The information requested is set out in the table.
|
Year |
DEHLG |
State Bodies** |
|
2002 |
1355.04 |
573 |
|
2003 |
1363.18 |
585 |
|
2004 |
1374.81 |
589.5 |
|
2005 |
1374.93 |
616.7 |
|
2006 |
1373.79 |
664.7 |
|
2007 |
1416.46 |
684.7 |
|
2008* |
1316.72 |
801.1 |
*The figures provided for 2008 cover the period up to 30 November 2008 for DEHLG and up to 30 September 2008 for the State Bodies.
**As the Dublin Docklands Development Authority, the Housing Finance Agency and the National Building Agency are not publicly funded, their staffing numbers are not included.
Due to the realignment of heritage-related functions between my Department and the Office of Public Works in 2002 and 2003 the above table does not include Industrial staff figures for those years.
537 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of locations where civil and public servants working in or under the aegis of his Department are located; the locations of same; the number, and the number in each category (details supplied) of staff at each location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47046/08]
The information requested for my Department is set out in the table.
The locations at which the staff of the agencies under the aegis of my Department are assigned are a matter for the agency or body concerned and my Department is not involved in their day to day operational activities.
|
Location |
Secretary General |
Asst Sec* |
PO* |
AP* |
AO* |
HEO* |
EO* |
SO* |
CO* |
Service Officers |
Ministerial Staff |
Non Industrial Total |
Industrial Total |
|
2 Patrick’s St., Kilkenny |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
2.00 |
0.00 |
|
3 Society St., Ballinasloe |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
0.00 |
|
4 Claremont Rd., Sandymount |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
2.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
3.00 |
0.00 |
|
4/5 Harcourt Rd.Dublin 2 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
2.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
3.00 |
0.00 |
|
6 Upper Ely Place |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1.80 |
4.50 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
7.30 |
4.00 |
|
Ardcavan |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
6.60 |
3.00 |
10.00 |
11.70 |
1.00 |
10.00 |
2.00 |
0.00 |
44.30 |
0.00 |
|
Athlone — Field Staff |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
0.00 |
|
Atlumney |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
0.00 |
2.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
3.00 |
0.00 |
|
Ballina |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
8.00 |
1.00 |
13.73 |
24.60 |
2.73 |
27.18 |
4.00 |
0.00 |
82.24 |
0.00 |
|
Ballinafad |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
2.00 |
1.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
4.00 |
1.00 |
|
Ballybay |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
1.80 |
0.00 |
8.60 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
11.40 |
0.00 |
|
Ballycroy National Park, Mayo |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
2.00 |
0.00 |
5.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
7.00 |
1.00 |
|
Belmullet |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
5.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.20 |
0.00 |
6.20 |
0.00 |
|
Birr |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
2.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
3.00 |
0.00 |
|
Carlow — Field Staff |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
0.00 |
|
Casement Aerodrome |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
8.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
9.00 |
0.00 |
|
Cavan — Field Staff |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
0.00 |
|
Clare — Field Staff |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
0.60 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
2.60 |
0.00 |
|
Clifden Court, Clifden |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
0.00 |
2.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
3.00 |
0.00 |
|
Clones |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
2.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
2.00 |
0.00 |
|
Connemara National Park |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
9.00 |
|
Coole Park, Gort |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
3.00 |
|
Cork — Field Staff |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
2.00 |
1.00 |
2.00 |
2.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
8.00 |
0.00 |
|
Cork Airport |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
6.00 |
3.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
10.00 |
0.00 |
|
Custom House |
1.00 |
7.00 |
48.60 |
104.06 |
12.00 |
88.76 |
80.70 |
9.80 |
67.30 |
17.00 |
15.00 |
451.22 |
0.00 |
|
Donegal — Field Staff |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
0.00 |
4.50 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
5.50 |
0.00 |
|
Dromore Woods |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
2.00 |
|
Dublin Airport |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
0.00 |
6.00 |
8.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
15.00 |
0.00 |
|
Dublin Castle |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
5.00 |
1.00 |
0.00 |
6.00 |
0.00 |
|
Dún Scéine |
0.00 |
0.00 |
3.00 |
15.73 |
19.73 |
7.00 |
6.70 |
0.60 |
13.00 |
2.00 |
0.00 |
67.76 |
0.00 |
|
Eastgate, Little Island, Cork |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
4.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
5.00 |
1.00 |
|
Location |
Secretary General |
Asst Sec* |
PO* |
AP* |
AO* |
HEO* |
EO* |
SO* |
CO* |
Service Officers |
Ministerial Staff |
Non Industrial Total |
Industrial Total |
|
Ely Court, 7 Ely Place, D2 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
3.00 |
19.00 |
11.80 |
12.30 |
9.80 |
1.00 |
10.10 |
3.00 |
0.00 |
70.00 |
0.00 |
|
Emmet Place Youghal |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
0.00 |
|
ENFO 17 St. Andrew St. Dub. 2 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
2.00 |
0.00 |
1.80 |
2.00 |
0.00 |
6.50 |
1.00 |
0.00 |
14.30 |
0.00 |
|
Friarsmill Road, Mullingar |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
0.00 |
3.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
4.00 |
0.00 |
|
Galway |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
|
Galway — Field Staff |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
8.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
11.00 |
0.00 |
|
Glengariff Nature Reserve |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
3.00 |
|
Glenveagh National Park |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
2.00 |
0.00 |
4.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
6.00 |
34.00 |
|
Government Buildings Cork |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
6.00 |
1.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
8.00 |
0.00 |
|
Government Buildings Mullingar |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
0.00 |
|
Govt. Buildings, Nenagh |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
3.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
5.00 |
0.00 |
|
Govt.Bldngs,The Glen, Waterford |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
1.60 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
2.60 |
0.00 |
|
Headford Rd. Galway |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
4.73 |
4.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
8.73 |
0.00 |
|
Irish Life |
0.00 |
0.00 |
7.80 |
15.00 |
1.00 |
9.20 |
10.80 |
0.00 |
2.40 |
1.00 |
0.00 |
47.20 |
0.00 |
|
Kerry — Field Staff |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
3.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
4.00 |
0.00 |
|
Kilkenny — Field Staff |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
0.00 |
|
Killarney National Park |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
0.00 |
9.00 |
0.00 |
2.73 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
13.73 |
33.00 |
|
Kilmurray Sth., Kilworth, Cork |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
0.00 |
|
Knock Airport |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
5.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
6.00 |
0.00 |
|
Laoise — Field Staff |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
0.00 |
|
Leitrim — Field Staff |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
0.00 |
|
Limerick — Field Staff |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
0.00 |
0.60 |
1.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
2.60 |
0.00 |
|
Longford — Field Staff |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
0.00 |
|
Malin Head |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
6.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.24 |
0.00 |
7.24 |
0.00 |
|
Mayo — Field Staff |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
3.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
4.00 |
0.00 |
|
Met Éireann HQ |
0.00 |
1.00 |
9.00 |
35.50 |
0.00 |
32.00 |
17.50 |
0.00 |
11.00 |
3.41 |
0.00 |
109.41 |
0.00 |
|
Monaghan — Field Staff |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
2.00 |
0.00 |
|
Moyne, Co. Longford |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
0.00 |
2.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
3.00 |
0.00 |
|
Mullingar |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
2.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
2.00 |
0.00 |
|
Location |
Secretary General |
Asst Sec* |
PO* |
AP* |
AO* |
HEO* |
EO* |
SO* |
CO* |
Service Officers |
Ministerial Staff |
Non Industrial Total |
Industrial Total |
|
Nat. Monuments Depot, Mallow |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
2.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
2.00 |
0.00 |
|
O’Connell Bridge House |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
0.00 |
2.50 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
0.80 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
5.30 |
0.00 |
|
Offaly — Field Staff |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
0.00 |
2.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
4.00 |
0.00 |
|
Old Mill, Dromohair, Co. Leitrim |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
2.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
3.00 |
1.00 |
|
Portlaoise — Field Staff |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
0.00 |
|
Roscommon — Field Staff |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
2.00 |
0.00 |
|
Rosslare |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
3.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.49 |
0.00 |
3.49 |
0.00 |
|
Shannon Airport |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
6.50 |
0.00 |
9.00 |
8.50 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
26.00 |
0.00 |
|
Sligo — Field Staff |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
3.00 |
0.00 |
|
Spruce Hse., Leeson Lane, D2. |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
0.00 |
|
St. Francis St., Ennis |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
3.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
3.00 |
0.00 |
|
Station Rd., Kildare Town |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
2.00 |
0.00 |
2.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
5.00 |
0.00 |
|
Tipperary — Field Staff |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
3.60 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
4.60 |
0.00 |
|
Valentia Observatory |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
2.00 |
7.00 |
0.00 |
4.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
2.00 |
0.00 |
15.00 |
2.00 |
|
Waterford — Field Staff |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
2.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
4.00 |
0.00 |
|
Westmeath — Field Staff |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
0.00 |
|
Wexford — Field Staff |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
2.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
3.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
6.00 |
0.00 |
|
Wexford Wildfowl Reserve |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
2.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
2.00 |
2.00 |
|
Wicklow — Field Staff |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
0.00 |
|
Wicklow Mountains National Pk. |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
3.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
6.00 |
14.00 |
|
Total |
1.00 |
8.00 |
78.40 |
256.92 |
110.83 |
216.89 |
295.60 |
18.13 |
167.61 |
37.34 |
15.00 |
1205.72 |
111.00 |
*Includes administrative, professional and technical staff at each grade level.
538 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the agencies, bodies or authorities under the aegis of his Department that have been scheduled for merging, amalgamation, abolition or sharing of services as announced in the budget 2009; the progress that has been made on the implementation of these organisational changes; the details of the implementation plan for these organisational changes; the cost savings that will arise from each of these organisational changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47061/08]
Work to merge the Local Government Management Services Board and the Local Government Computer Services Board, into the Local Government Services Board, has been initiated and is expected to require the preparation of legislation. These Bodies are funded through the local government system rather than by way of direct Exchequer subvention, and their merging will be designed to promote further efficiency and effectiveness in shared service provision in local government. It is, accordingly, not possible to provide the requested level of detail at this time.
It is planned that the Rent Tribunal will merge with the Private Residential Tenancies Board. My Department is currently examining appropriate mechanisms for advancing the merger. I anticipate that legislation will be required and in that event it will be introduced through the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, 2008. No savings will accrue to the Exchequer in 2008 and the expected savings in 2009 will be dependent on the timing of the merger. The full year savings arising are estimated to be in the region of €70,000 to €100,000 per annum.
539 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will establish a commission to make recommendations on the proposal for a boundary extension for Limerick city; if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties encountered in developing Limerick as the gateway to the mid-west region in the absence of such an extension and the urgency of addressing the issue of the narrow confines of the current boundary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47077/08]
On 1 March 2008 I altered the boundary of Limerick City under Part V of the Local Government Act 1991 to support the wider task of regeneration in Limerick. The 2008 boundary alteration was supported by both Limerick City Council and Limerick County Council.
The Green Paper on Local Government, Stronger Local Democracy — Options for Change, which I published in April 2008, discusses the issues of the governance of the gateways, the establishment and role of the Local Government Commission, and local authority boundary changes. The White Paper on local government, which I am currently finalising, will set out the Government's proposals in relation to these matters.
540 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of the local government fund allocation made to Donegal County Council which is from the levy that is to be collected from non principal residents. [47079/08]
543 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of the local government fund allocation that was made to each local authority which is from the levy that will be collected from non principal residents. [47170/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 540 and 543 together.
I refer to the reply to Question No. 401 of 16 December 2008. The position is unchanged.
541 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding funding he will provide to Cork City Council and to Cork County Council under the housing adaption grant schemes for older persons and persons with a disability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47084/08]
My Department made combined capital allocations of €1,962,090, €2,545,140 and €1,008,930 to the North, South and West Divisions, respectively, of Cork County Council and €1,855,620 to Cork City Council, in May 2008, for the operation of the Housing Adaptation Grant Schemes for Older People and People with a Disability. The schemes are funded by 80% recoupment available from my Department together with 20% contribution from the resources of the local authority. In light of particularly significant levels of activity experienced by Cork County and City Councils this year, I announced in October 2008 a supplementary Exchequer allocation of €1,200,000, (that is €300,000 for Cork City Council and €300,000 for each of the County Council's three Divisions), towards the operation of these schemes in 2008. 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, and to manage the operation of the schemes in their areas from within this allocation.
My Department is in the process of liaising with all local authorities regarding their funding requirements under the schemes in 2009 and it is my intention to notify individual allocations to local authorities early in the New Year.
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. This provision will enable local authorities to continue effectively to respond to the housing needs of these target groups through the payment of increased numbers of grants.
542 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of taxpayers’ money given to the Institute for International and European Affairs in the lead up to the Lisbon referendum. [47100/08]
My Department pays an annual corporate membership fee to the Institute of International and European Affairs, which amounts to €6,000.
544 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans for devolution of authority to local authorities; the scale of such devolution; the timescale envisaged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47185/08]
The Green Paper on Local Government, Stronger Local Democracy — Options for Change, which I published in April 2008, discusses the role of local government within Ireland's political and governmental system. It acknowledges the opportunity for national government to devolve functions which can be delivered at local level, but that local government needs to be strengthened if it is to take on greater responsibility.
The conclusions of the OECD's recent Review of Public Management in Ireland, and the subsequent Report of the Task Force on the Public Service are also of relevance to the balance of functions between central and local government. The Report of the Task Force in particular recommends that local government structures should be drawn upon to enhance public service delivery, particularly through leadership at local level of shared services, case-based approaches and integrated responses. The Government's proposals in relation to the strengthening of local government will be set out in the White Paper on local government which I am currently finalising. These proposals will be taken forward in parallel with the overall proposals for public sector reform set out in the recent Government statement on Transforming Public Services and the above-mentioned Report of the Task Force on the Public Service.
545 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of EU funding received by his Department directly or for institutions, groups, organisations or bodies under his aegis in the past 20 years to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47244/08]
While my Department has had responsibility for the implementation of a number of capital expenditure programmes that qualified for EU funding over this period, the Department of Finance is responsible for drawing down associated European Regional Development and Cohesion funds which are then paid directly into the Central Fund as a capital receipt. Historic information on the extent to which EU assisted expenditure has been incurred for the entire period concerned is not readily available in my Department. Receipts received by this country since Ireland joined the EU can be obtained from the document Budgetary and Economic Statistics published by the Department of Finance which is available on the website www.finance.gov.ie.
546 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the grants available for persons in houses which are in need of insulation for heat preservation and retention if there are grants available for upgrading windows through Sustainable Energy Ireland or through his Department; if he will furnish the relevant documentation in support thereof; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47253/08]
I am providing funding for two programmes that assist households in need of improved insulation.
The Warmer Homes Scheme is targeted at households on low incomes, such as those in receipt of fuel allowance, invalidity or disability benefit. The Scheme provides cavity wall insulation, attic insulation, boiler lagging jackets, draught proofing measures and Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs). Advice is also provided to householders on minimising energy use. These measures are provided free or at a nominal cost.
The Warmer Homes Scheme is delivered principally through community based organisations. Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) oversees the Programme. Applications for assistance under the Scheme should be made via the relevant community organisation, details of which can be found under the grants section of SEI's website (www.sei.ie/grants). I have increased the funding for this Scheme to €5 million in 2009 and have secured another €5 million in matching funding from ESB Customer Supply and Bord Gáis Éireann.
The Home Energy Saving Scheme, which is also managed by SEI, will provide grant assistance to householders generally to install energy efficiency measures from next year. I launched the Scheme on a pilot basis earlier this year, in a selected number of areas and with a budget of €5 million.
The pilot phase of the Scheme is providing 30% grants towards cavity wall insulation, wall lining insulation, external insulation, attic insulation, heating controls and low-e double glazing. This pilot phase is informing the design of the wider roll out of the Scheme in 2009 for which provision of €20 million has been made. I am currently finalising the operational details of the full Scheme, including the measures that will be supported, and I expect to be in a position to make an announcement in respect of new applications at the beginning of 2009.
547 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the equipment and data that was lost or stolen from his Department in the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46660/08]
There have been no reported losses of desktop PCs or memory keys in my Department to date in 2008. There have been two Blackberry devices lost, neither of which was recovered or found.
There have been no reports that any sensitive data has been compromised by these losses. The level of personal information relating to members of the public processed within my Department is very small.
Whilst the risk of personal data being released is considered very low, my Department is in the process of identifying a suitable product that will provide encryption for laptops and other portable devices. It is expected that this will be selected, and implementation started, in January 2009.
548 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount of money spent on hotel accommodation by his Department and each State agency under the aegis of his Department for each of the years 2004 to date in 2008; if he will provide the information available in tabular readable form. [46675/08]
The expenditure on hotel accommodation by my Department for the period June 2007, when this Department was formed, to date is set out in the following table.
|
Period |
Hotel accommodation expenditure |
|
€ |
|
|
June to December 2007 |
105,258.04 |
|
January 2008 to Present |
74,814.89 |
|
Total hotel accommodation expenditure |
180,072.93 |
Expenditure on hotel accommodation by any agency under the aegis of my Department is a day to day operational matter for the agency concerned and I have no function in it.
549 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the procurement arrangements in place in his Department and each State agency under the aegis of his Department for the sourcing of hotel accommodation for him, for his Departmental staff and staff at each State agency, when overnight accommodation is necessary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46690/08]
Arrangements in my Department for the sourcing of hotel accommodation for official business reasons are subject to the various circulars and guidelines on Travel and Subsistence issued by the Department of Finance.
The sourcing of hotel accommodation by the Agencies is a day-to-day operational matter for the agencies themselves and I have no function in that regard.
However, I would also draw the Deputy's attention to the reply I gave in this House to Question No. 97 of 2 December 2008 when I outlined that all such expenditure by the relevant Agencies is subject to review and scrutiny by the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General. I also confirmed, in that reply, that my Department has contacted the relevant State Agencies in relation to ensuring that their travel and subsistence rules comply with the regulations and guidelines governing same.
550 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of computer servers that are owned or leased by his Department and each State agency under the aegis of his Department; and the amount of capacity on each server. [46705/08]
My Department has ninety-six physical computer servers, providing live, development and test environments for internal services. The number of physical servers will reduce over the first half of 2009 as virtual server technologies are used to provide multiple services from a single physical server.
The amount of storage on each of these servers varies between 36 Gigabytes and 12 Terabytes, depending on the age and function of the server. Currently there is a total of 55 Terabytes of storage available to these servers.
The number of servers used by the agencies under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for which I have no responsibility.
551 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when this Deputy will receive a full reply to Parliamentary Question No. 485 of 18 November 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46903/08]
I refer the Deputy to the reply to Question No. 485 on the 18th November last and reaffirm the position that the identification of records prior to January 2007 cannot be facilitated without undue commitment of staff resources and administrative cost. I would also point out that this Department is only in existence in its current format since June 2007. If the Deputy has a question in relation to a specific item I will make appropriate enquiries.
552 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has had discussions with the ESB regarding the traceability, sale, use and disposal of oils which have been used in their electricity transformers, in view of the concern that such oil may have been responsible for the contamination of the food recycling plant which gave rise to the pork industry crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46932/08]
The operation of electricity transformers is a day-to-day matter for the company and not one in which I have a function.
Nonetheless, I have had enquiries made on this issue and I understand the following is the current position. The companies contracted by the ESB to dispose of oils used in their electricity transformers do not convey any waste products into the food business. The waste oils are used in the production of asphalt for road building purposes. The ESB has longstanding contracts with these companies but in light of the recent pork industry crisis, the ESB undertook discussions with the relevant companies to ascertain the up-to-date position and, based on the assurances it has received, the board is confident of the traceability of such waste products.
553 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the budgeted cost to his Department for 2009 of incremental pay increases for all staff in and under the aegis of his Department; the comparative cost for each year from 2002 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46981/08]
The Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources was established in June 2007.
My Department has calculated that the cost of increments to Departmental staff will be approximately €290,000 in 2009. The comparative figure for 2008 was €340,505.
The staff in my Department are placed on a pay scale, according to their grade, with annual increments up to a maximum level. The annual increment is normally paid on the anniversary of appointment provided performance and attendance during the year is satisfactory.
554 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of civil servants and other public servants, who have relocated to locations outside of Dublin under the Government’s decentralisation programme; the estimated number of each category who will have relocated by the end of 2009; the breakdown of each set of figures in terms of those who are relocating from Dublin and relocating from elsewhere; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46996/08]
The Government's original decision on Decentralisation involved the relocation of my Department's headquarters to Cavan with the transfer of some 300 posts.
54 administrative staff already have decentralised to my Department's offices in Elm House, Cavan. Of these, 48 have relocated from Dublin and 6 from non-Dublin locations.
In accordance with the recent Government Decision, no further relocation of posts will take place prior to the formal review of the Decentralisation Programme scheduled for 2011.
555 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of people working in his Department; the number earning below €50,000 per annum; the number earning between €50,001 and €60,000 per annum; the number earning between €60,001 and €70,000 per annum; the number earning between €70,001 and €80,000 per annum; the number earning between €80,001 and €90,000 per annum; the number earning between €90,001 and €100,000 per annum; the number earning over €100,001 per annum; the number in each staff category (details supplied) for each income band. [47011/08]
The Department currently employs a total number of 298 full time equivalent staff.
The following table lists the information requested by the Deputy. Some of the posts listed are part-time positions.
|
Salary |
Number of Staff |
Number per Grade |
|
Less than €50,000 |
173 |
4 Temp Field Assistants, |
|
2 Superintendent of Mapping |
||
|
4 Staff Officers |
||
|
9 Services Officers |
||
|
1 Storekeeper |
||
|
1 Service Attendant |
||
|
21 HEOs |
||
|
2 Senior Geologists |
||
|
1 Personal Assistant to Minister |
||
|
1 Head Services Officer |
||
|
1 Lab Technician |
||
|
7 Geologists |
||
|
50 Eos |
||
|
63 Cos |
||
|
2 Civilian Drivers |
||
|
1 Assistant Superintendent |
||
|
2 Cartographers |
||
|
1AP |
||
|
€50,001 – €60,000 |
41 |
1 Temp Field Asst |
|
2 Superintendent of Mapping |
||
|
1 Superintendent of Cartography |
||
|
23 HEOs |
||
|
3 Geologists |
||
|
1 Executive Engineer |
||
|
6 Eos |
||
|
1 AP |
||
|
3 AOs |
||
|
€60,001 – €70,000 |
27 |
7 APs |
|
2 Executive Engineers |
||
|
1 Geologist |
||
|
8 HEOs |
||
|
6 Senior Lab Technicians |
||
|
1 Senior Lab Technician |
||
|
2 Senior Lab Tech Class 2 |
||
|
€70,001 – €80,000 |
22 |
11 APs |
|
1 Staff Engineers |
||
|
2 Chief Superintendent of Mapping |
||
|
1 Chief Technologist |
||
|
1 Legal Advisor |
||
|
6 Senior Geologists |
||
|
€80,001 – €90,000 |
29 |
18 APs |
|
4 Principals |
||
|
3 Principal Geologist |
||
|
1 Professional Accountant Gr1-Ppc |
||
|
3 Staff Engineers |
||
|
€90,001 – €100,000 |
4 |
4 Principals |
|
Over €100,000 |
23 |
1 Asst Dir Geological Survey |
|
1 Asst Director of Communications |
||
|
3 Asst Secretaries |
||
|
2 Chief Technical Advisors |
||
|
1 Deputy Secretary |
||
|
1 Director of Communications |
||
|
1 Director Geological Survey |
||
|
2 Petroleum Exploration Specialists |
||
|
10 Principals |
||
|
1 Secretary General |
556 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of civil and public servants working in or under the aegis of his Department for each year from 2002 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47026/08]
The Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources was established in June 2007. The number of staff in this Department at the end of 2007 was 339. The current staffing complement stands at 298.
557 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of locations where civil and public servants working in or under the aegis of his Department are located; the locations of same; the number, and the number in each category (details supplied) of staff at each location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47041/08]
Civil Servants working directly for my Department are located in four buildings as follows: 29-31 Adelaide Rd, Dublin 2 with a staff complement of 164. Tom Johnson House, Beggars Bush, Dublin 2, with a staff complement of 74. Leeson Lane, Dublin 2, with a staff complement of 21. Elm House, Cavan, with a staff complement of 54. The table herewith details the grade breakdown for each location.
In addition, there are currently 12 Departmental staff who work from home on a part-time basis under the Department's e-working scheme. These staff members also have a workstation in one of the four locations listed above.
The location of buildings occupied by State Agencies is a matter of public record and is available in the library of the Houses of the Oireachtas. Accommodation, staffing and staff related issues for the agencies under the aegis of my Department, are a day to day operational issue for the agencies themselves and I have no function in that regard.
|
Grade |
Adelaide Rd |
Beggars Bush |
Leeson Lane, Cavan |
|
Secretary General |
1 |
0 |
00 |
|
Deputy Sec General |
1 |
0 |
00 |
|
Assistant Secretary |
3 |
0 |
00 |
|
Principal Officer |
12 |
1 |
12 |
|
Assistant Principal Officer |
29 |
3 |
35 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
36 |
3 |
210 |
|
Administrative Officer |
4 |
0 |
00 |
|
Executive Officer |
30 |
5 |
316 |
|
Staff Officer |
2 |
0 |
11 |
|
Clerical Officer |
30 |
10 |
518 |
|
Services Officer |
7 |
3 |
11 |
|
Professional & Technical Staff |
9 |
49 |
51 |
558 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the agencies, bodies or authorities under the aegis of his Department that have been scheduled for merging, amalgamation, abolition or sharing of services as announced in the budget 2009; the progress that has been made on the implementation of these organisational changes; the details of the implementation plan for these organisational changes; the cost savings that will arise from each of these organisational changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47056/08]
I would draw the Deputy's attention to the reply I gave in this House to Question No. 487 on 25 November 2008.
I would further update the Deputy as follows. Work on the necessary amending legislation to give effect to the decision is already well advanced in my Department. I have also established a tightly focused group chaired by my Department with representation on behalf of the existing Boards to guide the implementation of this decision.
This Group is developing the key features of the new model and is advising on the legislative provisions required to deliver the new regime. It will also devise appropriate transitional arrangements so as to ensure the smooth changeover to the new structures.
The Department of Finance has requested an implementation plan and this will be submitted shortly.
559 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount of taxpayers’ money given to the Institute for International and European Affairs in the lead up to the Lisbon referendum. [47096/08]
My Department pays an annual Corporate Membership Fee to the Institute of European Affairs (IEA). The fee in respect of the year commencing 1st November 2007 was €6,000.
560 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to funding directly or indirectly through sponsorship or other form of financial support or patronage to the broadcasting or print media, public or private, from any source associated with euro scepticism; the basis or nature of such funding or support; if understandings, agreements or arrangements have been entered into and on what basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47236/08]
My attention has not been drawn to any of the matters raised by the Deputy insofar as they relate to broadcasting. I have no function in relation to the print media.
561 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount of EU funding received by his Department directly or for institutions, groups, organisations or bodies under his aegis in the past 20 years to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47239/08]
The Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources was established in June 2007. To assist the Deputy, the following table sets out the EU funding received by the Department and predecessor Departments for programmes and schemes under its remit as and from 1 January 1997. It should be noted that the receipts relate to the specific responsibilities that were under the Department's remit at the time received. The receipts are shown primarily on an activity related basis.
The identification of records prior to January 1997 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.
|
Year |
1997 |
1998 |
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
|
Technical Assistance |
— |
34,876 |
— |
— |
||||||||
|
Tourism OP |
59,811 |
— |
— |
— |
||||||||
|
Harbour Works |
564,368 |
— |
— |
— |
||||||||
|
Fisheries Conservation |
221,464 |
291,800 |
520,816 |
50,000 |
515,030 |
44,501 |
529,239 |
53,395 |
801,539 |
— |
— |
|
|
Inland Fisheries Boards |
697,654 |
49,856 |
— |
— |
— |
263,017 |
140,635 |
|||||
|
Forest Service |
14,583,846 |
48,084,050 |
57,266,314 |
57,367,249 |
39,444,031 |
60,641,898 |
44,358,963 |
— |
— |
— |
— |
|
|
Aquaculture |
1,721,849 |
2,453,497 |
4,217,275 |
3,503,077 |
6,819,070 |
1,876,121 |
||||||
|
Marine Institute |
480,593 |
1,747,374 |
2,447,966 |
1,999,252 |
536,761 |
803,616 |
1,643,550 |
2,499,339 |
2,969,522 |
1,654,394 |
3,100,000 |
|
|
BIM |
9,845,248 |
5,046,624 |
10,272,229 |
9,987,257 |
3,808,000 |
253,270 |
120,000 |
57,000 |
||||
|
Interreg |
— |
— |
— |
235,500 |
195,894 |
78,910 |
||||||
|
Salmon Research Agency |
18,729 |
11,346 |
156,687 |
— |
— |
|||||||
|
Coillte Teo |
57,179 |
100,778 |
145,191 |
81,704 |
119,777 |
119,997 |
15,111 |
|||||
|
Sustainable Energy Ireland |
9,100,000 |
19,506 |
56,604 |
|||||||||
|
Electricity Supply Board |
3,848,862 |
12,000,000 |
||||||||||
|
Formation of Fish Producers Organisations |
— |
— |
— |
57,830 |
— |
|||||||
|
Advance for new Fisheries OP |
— |
— |
— |
— |
4,746,000 |
|||||||
|
FIFG Fisheries |
3,268,521 |
4,343,518 |
16,360,352 |
5,223,371 |
1,849,964 |
|||||||
|
ESF Element of Fisheries OP 94-99 |
198,683 |
|||||||||||
|
Vessel Monitoring System |
368,925 |
|||||||||||
|
Contributions to Conferences |
63,460 |
|||||||||||
|
Peace II Initiative |
— |
— |
— |
— |
189,001 |
753,466 |
472,962 |
|||||
|
Euro |
25,904,713 |
55,956,007 |
70,844,079 |
69,778,792 |
49,554,494 |
76,280,723 |
64,467,564 |
11,192,437 |
24,339,651 |
14,889,922 |
7,496,682 |
Nil |
562 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his attention has been drawn to the results of the data obtained by the sustainable management of interactions between aquaculture and wild salmonid fish funded by the EU and partnered between Ireland, Scotland, and Norway and the data obtained by the national fish stock assessment programme of the Central Fisheries Board in 2007 which demonstrated the increased mortalities in wild salmon as a result of marine salmon farms and their sea lice infestations; and the measures he plans to take to protect the Irish wild salmon as the competent authority under the Habitats Directive which list the salmon for protection. [46539/08]
571 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will report on the recommendations of the high level sea lice monitoring and control working group which was established by the then Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources in 2005 and comprised representatives of the Department, the Fisheries Boards, Marine Institute and Bord Iascaigh Mhara to examine and review the systems and processes for controlling sea lice levels at marine finfish farms. [46546/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 562 and 571 together.
Since the transfer of fisheries functions to my Department, work has continued on this issue and in May of this year my Department published a Strategy for Improved Pest Control on Irish Salmon Farms. A National Implementation Group with representatives from my Department, BIM, Marine Institute and industry representatives has been formed and will the drive the implementation of the strategy. The Implementation Group has commenced its work and is expected to present its report to me by end of May, 2009.
563 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason for delay in rural environment protection scheme payments in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; when payment will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46516/08]
REPS 4 is a measure under the current Rural Development Programme 2007–13 and is subject to different EU Regulations from the preceding versions of REPS. Under REPS 4, all payments are to be made in just two instalments. The first payment, of 75%, can be made only when all administrative checks on all 2008 applications for REPS 4 and the Single Payment Scheme are completed. This is why it has not yet been possible to release payments even to farmers who applied for REPS 4 some time before the closing date of 15 May.
Most REPS plans are now prepared using eREPS, the electronic planning system approved and funded by my Department. As the information in these plans is in computerised format, the administrative checks can be carried out quickly. However a substantial minority of plans submitted this year were not prepared using eREPS. Administrative checks on these have to be done manually and are extremely time-consuming. An effect of recent industrial action in my Department's local offices was that this process was delayed. While normal working has resumed in the local offices following the intervention of the Labour Relations Commission, there is still much to be done before the administrative checks are completed. In these circumstances my Department sought some flexibility from the European Commission which would have allowed payment of those REPS 4 cases which had been fully cleared, but the Commission were not prepared to allow this. As a result, it is now apparent that REPS 4 payments cannot issue before the end of 2008.
While I am anxious that the REPS 4 payments should go out as soon as possible, and my Department will make every effort to facilitate this, there are of course still over 48,000 farmers in REPS 3 and just under 16,000 of those have anniversary dates on 1 November and 1 December this year. Staff in my Department's local offices are currently engaged in processing the annual payment applications for these farmers, and I have asked them to make every effort to issue as many payments as possible before Christmas.
I have asked senior management in my Department to give me regular updates on the payment situation.
564 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he made an initial order to pay REP scheme four payments in November 2008; and if so, the reason applicants have been told not to expect payment until January 2009. [46533/08]
REPS 4 is a measure under the current Rural Development Programme 2007-13 and is subject to different EU Regulations from the preceding versions of REPS. Under REPS 4, all payments are to be made in just two instalments. The first payment, of 75%, can be made only when all administrative checks on all 2008 applications for REPS 4 and the Single Payment Scheme are completed. This is why it has not yet been possible to release payments even to farmers who applied for REPS 4 some time before the closing date of 15 May.
Most REPS plans are now prepared using eREPS, the electronic planning system approved and funded by my Department. As the information in these plans is in computerised format, the administrative checks can be carried out quickly. However a substantial minority of plans submitted this year were not prepared using eREPS. Administrative checks on these have to be done manually and are extremely time-consuming. An effect of recent industrial action in my Department's local offices was that this process was delayed. While normal working has resumed in the local offices following the intervention of the Labour Relations Commission, there is still much to be done before the administrative checks are completed. In these circumstances my Department sought some flexibility from the European Commission which would have allowed payment of those REPS 4 cases which had been fully cleared, but the Commission were not prepared to allow this, As a result, it is now apparent that REPS 4 payments cannot issue before the end of 2008.
While I am anxious that the REPS 4 payments should go out as soon as possible, and my Department will make every effort to facilitate this, there are of course still over 48,000 farmers in REPS 3 and just under 16,000 of those have anniversary dates on 1 November and 1 December this year. Staff in my Department's local offices are currently engaged in processing the annual payment applications for these farmers, and I have asked them to make every effort to issue as many payments as possible before Christmas.
I have asked senior management in my Department to give me regular updates on the payment situation.
565 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will identify the person permitting processes within his Department that are not in line with EU Directive 2003/35/EC on public participation in environmental decision making; and the action he will take to bring them into compliance with this Directive to enable Ireland to ratify the Aarhus Convention. [46540/08]
The Public Participation Directive (PPD) was issued by the European Commission in order to provide members of the public with opportunities to participate on the permitting and ongoing regulation of certain categories of activities within Member States. Such opportunities are provided through access to information, justice, and through consultation on certain key documents.
The transposition of the EU Public Participation Directive 2003/35/EC will include consents granted under the Foreshore Act 1933-2005 where an Environmental Impact Assessment is required under the European Communities (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Amendment) Regulations, 1999 (S.I. No. 93 of 1999).
My Department is currently putting in place the necessary measures to ensure that the Foreshore Acts 1933-2005 fully complies with the Public Participation Directive 2003/35/EC.
The Government decided on 2 October 2007 that responsibility for certain foreshore functions under the Foreshore Acts 1933-2005 would transfer to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
My Department is currently putting in place the necessary arrangements to ensure the efficient and effective transfer of the appropriate legislation and associated functions.
My Department will continue to work closely with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in the context of progressing the various elements required to fully transpose the EU Public Participation Directive 2003/35/EC in the context of the Foreshore Acts 1933-2005.
566 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason Ireland no longer avails of European funding for the forestry programme here taking into consideration the requirement for Departments to reduce expenditure; and the cost to the Exchequer through the loss of this funding. [46541/08]
The provision of 100% grants for the establishment costs of afforestation has been a key element of national forestry policy and is considered essential to overcome the traditional reluctance to plant and to recognise the long-term commitment of land to forestry. However, the maximum grant aid available to applicants in Ireland for any afforestation scheme co-funded from EU and Exchequer funds under the Rural Development Regulation 1698/2005 is 80%.
The EU, however, has no objection to Member States paying a higher rate of aid on a national basis. In fact, the EU makes specific provision in its state aid rules for a 100% rate of aid in countries, like Ireland, where forest cover is particularly low. Consequently, and in order to provide for the continued payment of 100% grants, it was decided not to include the forestry measures under the Rural Development Programme and to fund them from the Exchequer instead.
The overall amount of EU support for rural development in Ireland for the period 2007 to 2013 was fixed at €2.339 billion in 2006 and is fully allocated to other schemes in Ireland's Rural Development Programme. Accordingly, the decision not to include the forestry programme in the Irish Rural Development Programme has no bearing on the total amount of EU support for rural development in Ireland.
567 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his attention has been drawn to the recent report of the Court of Auditors on the failure of cross compliance (details supplied); and if he proposes to publish for farmers the precise obligations deriving from the relevant 19 directives and regulations and define a complete set of verifiable requirements and standards which are understandable for farmers, limited to the farmer’s responsibility, applicable and controllable and which take account of the specific characteristics of the areas and farming practices, as recommended in this report. [46542/08]
568 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his attention has been drawn to the recent report of the Court of Auditors on the failure of cross compliance; and if he will assure the Houses of the Oireachtas that Ireland is not one of the member states that have not implemented effective control and sanction systems which provide sufficient assurance on farmers’ compliance. [46543/08]
569 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will provide details of monitoring of cross compliance to recipients of CAP since 2005 to date in 2008. [46544/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 567 to 569, inclusive, together.
I am aware of the report referred to by the Deputy. My Department conducted a series of countrywide information meetings for farmers on the introduction of the Single Payment Scheme during the latter half of 2004 and again during 2005. In addition, my Department published two separate booklets on the introduction of cross-compliance and copies were sent to every farmer in the country. These booklets dealt with the 18 Statutory Management Requirements (SMRs) and Good Agricultural and Environmental Conditions (GAEC) under cross-compliance. A separate information booklet dealing with the Nitrates element of cross-compliance issued to all farmers during September 2006 and this was followed in November 2006 by a further series of countrywide information seminars for farmers. More recently, in August 2007, my Department issued a further information leaflet to every farmer in the country setting out, in simple language, what to expect in the event of being selected for an on-farm cross-compliance inspection. All of these information booklets are available on my Department's website www.agriculture.gov.ie.
Ireland also has a farm advisory service (FAS) in the form of Teagasc and private REPS planners. My Department has organised training for these advisers with particular emphasis on the cross-compliance requirements. Details of all the agencies approved as FAS agencies are held on my Department's website and farmers have been encouraged to make use of these agencies. Furthermore, as advertised in the national press, Teagasc, in conjunction with my Department, has recently undertaken practical on farm demonstrations for farmers on the requirements of cross-compliance.
The rate of on-farm inspection required for cross-compliance is 1% of those farmers to whom the Statutory Management Requirements or GAEC apply. However at least 5% of producers must be inspected under the Bovine Animal Identification and Registration requirements as this level is prescribed under the relevant Regulations. In the sheep sector 3% of producers must be inspected annually involving 5% of animals. Over the four years 2005 to 2008, my Department carried out 23,684 on-the-spot inspections for cross-compliance and applied sanctions in 3,811 cases.
I am satisfied that my Department is making every effort to ensure that Irish farmers are fully aware of the cross-compliance requirements. While we have effective monitoring and control arrangements in place, I have asked my officials to examine in detail the recent Court of Audit Special Report and I am happy to consider any recommendations which would further enhance my Department's implementation of the cross-compliance regime.
570 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason Ireland no longer avails of European funding for the aquaculture industry, taking into consideration the requirement for Departments to reduce expenditure; and the cost to the Exchequer through the loss of this funding. [46545/08]
The total aid available to Ireland under the EFF amounts to €42 million for the period 2007 — 2013. In line with this funding, an Operational Programme for Fisheries in support of the seafood industry has been developed and approved by the EU Commission. Priority has been given to the Decommissioning of Fishing Vessels Scheme for which a total of €32 million has been set aside. A scheme for vessels over 18 metres in length was launched earlier this year and payments are currently being made.
In relation to aquaculture, the EU Commission was not prepared to support the inclusion of aquaculture development in the EU Operational Programme for Fisheries because of its concerns in relation to environmental compliance issues by Ireland. Aquaculture development will now be supported by state funds. In 2009, €5 million has been made available for aquaculture development support, in addition to funds provided by BIM. A further €1.46 million has been set aside specifically in 2009 to support compliance of fisheries and aquaculture with respect to activities in Natura 2000 sites.
572 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will recall for assessment aquaculture licenses which operations have been conclusively linked to mortalities of wild salmon by the sustainable management of interactions between aquaculture and wild salmonid fish project funded by the EU and partnered between Ireland, Scotland, and Norway and by the data obtained as part of the national fish stock assessment programme. [46547/08]
The monitoring and control of aquaculture licences is carried out by my Department in consultation with those bodies, BIM and Marine Institute, provided by statute to carry out that function. All relevant licences now granted by my Department include specific obligations on the licensee in regard to Sea Lice Monitoring and Control.
573 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their REP scheme four payment. [46551/08]
REPS 4 is a measure under the current Rural Development Programme 2007-13 and is subject to different EU Regulations from the preceding versions of REPS. Under REPS 4, all payments are to be made in just two instalments. The first payment, of 75%, can be made only when all administrative checks on all 2008 applications for REPS 4 and the Single Payment Scheme are completed. This is why it has not yet been possible to release payments even to farmers who applied for REPS 4 some time before the closing date of 15 May.
Most REPS plans are now prepared using eREPS, the electronic planning system approved and funded by my Department. As the information in these plans is in computerised format, the administrative checks can be carried out quickly. However a substantial minority of plans submitted this year were not prepared using eREPS. Administrative checks on these have to be done manually and are extremely time-consuming. An effect of recent industrial action in my Department's local offices was that this process was delayed. While normal working has resumed in the local offices following the intervention of the Labour Relations Commission, there is still much to be done before the administrative checks are completed. In these circumstances my Department sought some flexibility from the European Commission which would have allowed payment of those REPS 4 cases which had been fully cleared, but the Commission were not prepared to allow this. As a result, it is now apparent that REPS 4 payments cannot issue before the end of 2008.
While I am anxious that the REPS 4 payments should go out as soon as possible, and my Department will make every effort to facilitate this, there are of course still over 48,000 farmers in REPS 3 and just under 16,000 of those have anniversary dates on 1 November and 1 December this year. Staff in my Department's local offices are currently engaged in processing the annual payment applications for these farmers, and I have asked them to make every effort to issue as many payments as possible before Christmas. I have asked senior management in my Department to give me regular updates on the payment situation.
574 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the moneys paid to date or already committed for payment in 2008 for the farm waste management grant; the moneys available for applications outstanding; the funding available in 2009 to pay for applications submitted by 31 December 2008; the time taken to process such applications for payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46560/08]
To date in 2008, €364.7 million has been paid by my Department to farmers under the Farm Waste Management Scheme. The 2009 allocation for the Scheme is €125 million. My Department endeavours to ensure that, as far as possible, payments under the Farm Waste Management Scheme are made to farmers in line with the commitments set out in the Charter of Rights for Farmers 2005/2007.
575 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when payment in respect of a the REP scheme will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [46626/08]
REPS 4 is a measure under the current Rural Development Programme 2007-13 and is subject to different EU Regulations from the preceding versions of REPS. Under REPS 4, all payments are to be made in just two instalments. The first payment, of 75%, can be made only when all administrative checks on all 2008 applications for REPS 4 and the Single Payment Scheme are completed. This is why it has not yet been possible to release payments even to farmers who applied for REPS 4 some time before the closing date of 15 May.
Most REPS plans are now prepared using eREPS, the electronic planning system approved and funded by my Department. As the information in these plans is in computerised format, the administrative checks can be carried out quickly. However a substantial minority of plans submitted this year were not prepared using eREPS. Administrative checks on these have to be done manually and are extremely time-consuming. An effect of recent industrial action in my Department's local offices was that this process was delayed. While normal working has resumed in the local offices following the intervention of the Labour Relations Commission, there is still much to be done before the administrative checks are completed. In these circumstances my Department sought some flexibility from the European Commission which would have allowed payment of those REPS 4 cases which had been fully cleared, but the Commission were not prepared to allow this. As a result, it is now apparent that REPS 4 payments cannot issue before the end of 2008.
While I am anxious that the REPS 4 payments should go out as soon as possible, and my Department will make every effort to facilitate this, there are of course still over 48,000 farmers in REPS 3 and just under 16,000 of those have anniversary dates on 1 November and 1 December this year. Staff in my Department's local offices are currently engaged in processing the annual payment applications for these farmers, and I have asked them to make every effort to issue as many payments as possible before Christmas. I have asked senior management in my Department to give me regular updates on the payment situation.
576 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the equipment and data that was lost or stolen from his Department in the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46658/08]
The number of Department owned laptops or other data devices, such as Blackberries and memory keys, reported lost or stolen from my Department in 2008 are set out in the following table:
|
Data Device |
Number |
Lost/Stolen |
|
Laptop |
6 |
Stolen |
|
Blackberry |
1 |
Lost |
|
Memory Stick |
1 |
Lost |
When a device, such as a laptop or Blackberry, is reported lost or stolen, access by that device to the Department's computer network is immediately suspended and use of the device is blocked. In all cases where devices were reported stolen the theft was reported to the Gardaí. To date, no data concerning members of the public has been compromised. All laptops are protected by use of a user-id and password. The Department has commenced a programme of encrypting all laptops used by its staff.
577 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the amount of money spent on hotel accommodation by his Department and each State agency under the aegis of his Department for each of the years 2004 to date in 2008; if he will provide the information available in tabular readable form. [46673/08]
578 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the procurement arrangements in place in his Department and each State agency under the aegis of his Department for the sourcing of hotel accommodation for him, for his Departmental staff and staff at each State agency, when overnight accommodation is necessary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46688/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 577 and 578 together.
While procurement arrangements in place in my Department are not specifically for the sourcing of hotel accommodation, all overnight subsistence rates are paid in line with Finance Circular 11/82. Sourcing of hotel accommodation by Bodies under the aegis of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food is, in the first instance, a matter for the Bodies themselves as part of the day-to-day activities governing their operation. Under Section 10.2 of the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, published by the Department of Finance, in addition to being required to submit to an Annual Report and Accounts, the Chairperson of each State Body is required to submit a separate report covering corporate governance issues including affirmation that all appropriate procedures for procurement are being carried out.
The following are details of expenditure by my Department on hotel accommodation in countries other than Ireland in the each of the years 2004 to date in 2008:
|
Year |
€ |
|
2004 |
303,469.89 |
|
2005 |
268,813.38 |
|
2006 |
280,879.61 |
|
2007 |
331,113.00 |
|
2008 to date |
361,953.12 |
It is not possible to supply information in relation to expenditure on hotel accommodation within Ireland for the period in question because in accordance with Civil Service regulations officers are paid a flat rate for overnight subsistence and they are not required to specify the type of accommodation they use.
579 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of computer servers that are owned or leased by his Department and each State agency under the aegis of his Department; and the amount of capacity on each server. [46703/08]
The number of servers that are owned by this Department is 376. The average memory capacity of each server is 5 Gigabytes. The average windows based server hard disk capacity is 230 Gigabytes. The implementation of servers by agencies under the remit of my Department is an operational matter for the agencies themselves.
580 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food further to parliamentary Question No. 393 of 9 December 2008, if his Department ever approached the European Commission for approval to extend the deadline of 31 December 2008 for completion of work by farmers under the revised farm waste management scheme; if so, the dates on which such approaches were made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46819/08]
The deadline of 31 December 2008 for completion of work by farmers under the revised Farm Waste Management Scheme introduced by my Department in March 2006 is a condition of the EU state aid approval for the Scheme. The European Commission has since reaffirmed that it expects Ireland to respect this deadline strictly.
581 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan will be granted their entitlements from the lease which has been transferred to their name; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46921/08]
An application was received on 14 May 2008 requesting the transfer of 23.93 Single Payment Scheme entitlements to the person named from another farmer by way of lease. The application was processed on 12 November 2008. In addition to the payments that issued to the person named on 16 October and 1 December relating to her own entitlements, a supplementary payment for the leased entitlements issued on 9 December.
582 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his Department monitors drying processes for animal or human foodstuffs in this State, including the fuels used in these processes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46931/08]
While the use of oil in the generation of feed drying facilities has not, heretofore, caused problems within the feed industry, this aspect is now being pursued with the feed industry and with the relevant Regulatory State Agencies that are involved.
583 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the list of suppliers of oil for the drying process at a plant (details supplied) in County Carlow; the periods of supply relevant to each supplier over the period since 1 September 2008; if the oil or any quantity of it was recycled; the source from which it came from; the processes it was subjected to, to make it suitable for the purposes of the operation there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46933/08]
As this matter is the subject of a Garda investigation it would be inappropriate for me to comment at this time.
584 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the budgeted cost to his Department for 2009 of incremental pay increases for all staff in and under the aegis of his Department; the comparative cost for each year from 2002 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46979/08]
There is no specific budgetary provision for staff incremental pay increases in 2009. The cost, which is part of the overall salaries provision for the Department, will be determined by the numbers of staff qualifying for increments and the stage in the year from which individual incremental payments are made. Precise information is not readily available but the estimated cost for my Department in 2008 and 2009 is €2,054,000 and €2,245,000 respectively.
It is not feasible to compile information on comparative costs from 2002 to 2007 having regard to the complexity and extent of the calculations for the staff numbers involved. Incremental increases awarded by State Agencies which come under the remit of my Department are an operational matter for the agencies themselves.
585 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of civil servants and other public servants, who have relocated to locations outside of Dublin under the Government’s decentralisation programme; the estimated number of each category who will have relocated by the end of 2009; the breakdown of each set of figures in terms of those who are relocating from Dublin and relocating from elsewhere; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46994/08]
My Department's original Decentralisation Implementation Plan allowed for a phased move to Portlaoise and the 2005, 2006 and 2007 advance phases were completed on schedule. To date, the Department has met its targets set out in its original plan and in total, since the programme was announced, there has been an increase of 297 full-time posts in Portlaoise and 84 in Clonakilty. The Department's move to Clonakilty is now substantially complete. Of the 297 posts moved to Portlaoise and 84 to Clonakilty, all were civil servants; 220 and 33 respectively were from Dublin.
The OPW announced late last year that a consortium, the Macquarie Partnership, has won the tender for the project to build the permanent offices in Portlaoise, Mullingar and Carlow (a design, finance, build and maintain contract). Planning permission has been granted and following the budget announcement that the project will proceed, we are expecting an update on timeframes shortly. To reflect the changes to the timetable and the progress so far, as well as the evolving operating environment, a revision to the Department's Decentralisation Implementation Plan is now being considered. As part of this an additional advance phase has been agreed that will involve some 150 posts in the period until completion of the permanent accommodation. The exact breakdown of these posts in terms of those who are relocating from Dublin and relocating from elsewhere is expected to be similar to the proportions evidenced to date.
586 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of people working in his Department; the number earning below €50,000 per annum; the number earning between €50,001 and €60,000 per annum; the number earning between €60,001 and €70,000 per annum; the number earning between €70,001 and €80,000 per annum; the number earning between €80,001 and €90,000 per annum; the number earning between €90,001 and €100,000 per annum; the number earning over €100,001 per annum; the number in each staff category (details supplied) for each income band. [47009/08]
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table. The total number of staff in each category is not adjusted to take account of staff working on a part-time basis.
|
Grades |
Below €50,000 |
€50,001 – €60,000 |
€60,001 – €70,000 |
€70,001 – €80,000 |
€80,001 – €90,000 |
€90,001 – €100,000 |
Over €100,000 |
TOTAL |
|
Administrative Officers |
18 |
8 |
1 |
|||||
|
Advisory Counsel Grade 3 |
1 |
|||||||
|
Agricultural Inspectors |
15 |
24 |
60 |
|||||
|
Area Superintendent |
19 |
|||||||
|
Asst Secretary |
11 |
|||||||
|
Asst Agricultural Insp Agric |
34 |
59 |
16 |
|||||
|
Asst Principal |
14 |
77 |
49 |
13 |
||||
|
Chemist |
1 |
2 |
||||||
|
Chargehand Craft |
1 |
|||||||
|
Chief Analyst |
1 |
|||||||
|
Chief Inspector Agric |
1 |
|||||||
|
Chief Veterinary Officer |
1 |
|||||||
|
Civilian Drivers |
4 |
|||||||
|
Cleaners |
28 |
|||||||
|
Clerical Officers |
1,259 |
|||||||
|
Craftsmen |
5 |
|||||||
|
Dairy Produce Officer |
9 |
|||||||
|
Deputy Chief Veterinary Off |
4 |
|||||||
|
Deputy Chief Analyst |
4 |
|||||||
|
Director Of Laboratories |
1 |
|||||||
|
Director of Coford |
1 |
|||||||
|
District Superintendent |
41 |
82 |
||||||
|
Engineer Grade 1, 2 & 3 Civil |
3 |
4 |
7 |
3 |
10 |
|||
|
Executive Officers |
441 |
113 |
||||||
|
First Asst Solicitor Agric |
1 |
1 |
||||||
|
Forestry Inspector Grade 1,2 & 3 |
7 |
2 |
19 |
5 |
4 |
|||
|
General Operatives |
65 |
|
Grades |
Below €50,000 |
€50,001 – €60,000 |
€60,001 – €70,000 |
€70,001 – €80,000 |
€80,001 – €90,000 |
€90,001 – €100,000 |
Over €100,000 |
TOTAL |
|
Harb. Constables |
2 |
|||||||
|
Harbour Master |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|||||
|
Head Laboratory Attendant |
1 |
|||||||
|
Head Services Officer |
1 |
|||||||
|
Higher Executive Officers |
40 |
208 |
61 |
|||||
|
Higher Seed Analyst |
3 |
|||||||
|
Ind. Foremen |
6 |
|||||||
|
Inspector Grade 1 & 2 & Fisheries |
4 |
8 |
2 |
2 |
||||
|
Laboratory Analyst |
43 |
34 |
||||||
|
Laboratory Attendant |
34 |
|||||||
|
Librarian |
1 |
|||||||
|
Minister |
1 |
|||||||
|
Minister Of State |
2 |
|||||||
|
Miscellaneous Grade |
27 |
1 |
1 |
|||||
|
Poultry Officer |
6 |
|||||||
|
Principal |
2 |
5 |
33 |
|||||
|
Professional Accountant Gr 1 |
1 |
|||||||
|
Research Officer |
1 |
9 |
14 |
1 |
||||
|
SAO |
59 |
227 |
||||||
|
Secretary General |
1 |
|||||||
|
Secretarial Assistant |
2 |
|||||||
|
Seed Analyst |
14 |
|||||||
|
Senior Auditor |
1 |
|||||||
|
Senior Dairy Produce Officer |
4 |
|
Grades |
Below €50,000 |
€50,001 – €60,000 |
€60,001 – €70,000 |
€70,001 – €80,000 |
€80,001 – €90,000 |
€90,001 – €100,000 |
Over €100,000 |
TOTAL |
|
Senior Inspector |
2 |
13 |
||||||
|
Senior Lab Analyst |
3 |
48 |
||||||
|
Senior Legal Clerk |
1 |
|||||||
|
Senior Research Officer |
16 |
|||||||
|
Senior Seed Analyst |
1 |
|||||||
|
Senior Serological Assist |
2 |
|||||||
|
Senior Superintend Vet Insp |
10 |
|||||||
|
Senior Surveyor |
1 |
|||||||
|
Serological Assistant |
38 |
|||||||
|
Services Attendant |
9 |
|||||||
|
Services Officer |
39 |
|||||||
|
Staff Officer |
133 |
|||||||
|
Storekeeper |
1 |
|||||||
|
Superinten Sen Research Off |
5 |
|||||||
|
Superintendent Surveyor |
1 |
|||||||
|
Superintending Vet Insp |
56 |
|||||||
|
Supervising Serological Asst |
12 |
|||||||
|
Supervisory Poultry Officer |
1 |
|||||||
|
TAO |
553 |
|||||||
|
Technical Grades L |
6 |
|||||||
|
Veterinary Insp |
38 |
152 |
41 |
|||||
|
Total |
2,887 |
728 |
296 |
129 |
175 |
187 |
197 |
4,599 |
587 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of civil and public servants working in or under the aegis of his Department for each year from 2002 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47024/08]
The numbers of civil servants working in my Department from 2002 to 2008 are listed as follows. The figures quoted refer to Whole Time Equivalents (WTE).
|
End Year |
WTE Staff Numbers |
|
2001 |
4,546 |
|
2002 |
4,521 |
|
2003 |
4,5781 |
|
2004 |
4,538 |
|
2005 |
4,441 |
|
2006 |
4,242 |
|
2007 |
4,3072 |
|
End November 2008 |
4,165 |
1This figure includes Forestry staff added to my Department in that year.
2This figure includes Fisheries staff added to my Department in 2007.
588 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of locations where civil and public servants working in or under the aegis of his Department are located; the locations of same; the number, and the number in each category (details supplied) of staff at each location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47039/08]
Civil servants from my Department carry out their duties in over 250 locations throughout the country. There were 4,165 Whole Time Equivalent (WTE) staff employed in the Department at the end of November 2008. The following table provides details of these staff, broken down by grade category. Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food breakdown of staff by grade category at end November 2008:
|
Grade |
WTE |
|
Admin Officer |
24.6 |
|
Advisory Counsel Grade |
1.0 |
|
Agricultural Inspector |
94.1 |
|
Area Superintendent |
22.0 |
|
Assistant Secretary |
11.0 |
|
Asst Agricultural Insp Agric |
108.4 |
|
Asst Principal |
135.9 |
|
Asst Prncp Snr Sys Analyst |
11.0 |
|
Chemist |
3.0 |
|
Chief Inspector Agric |
1.0 |
|
Chief Technologist |
1.0 |
|
Chief Veterinary Officer |
1.0 |
|
Civilian Driver |
4.0 |
|
Cleaner |
19.5 |
|
Cleaner Part- Time |
12.0 |
|
Clerical Off |
1,047.3 |
|
Clerical Off Temp |
23.6 |
|
Clerical Officer Temporary Ter |
10.0 |
|
Dairy Produce Officer |
9.0 |
|
Deputy Chief Technologist |
3.0 |
|
Deputy Chief Veterinary Off |
3.0 |
|
Deputy Dir Vet Research Lab |
1.0 |
|
Director Vet Research Lab |
1.0 |
|
District Superintendent |
121.7 |
|
Engineer |
23.0 |
|
Executive Officer |
489.0 |
|
First Asst Solicitor Agric |
2.0 |
|
Forestry Inspector |
31.0 |
|
General Operative |
1.0 |
|
Harbour Master |
6.0 |
|
Head Laboratory Attendant |
1.0 |
|
Head Of Legal Services In Agri |
1.0 |
|
Head Services Officer |
1.0 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
282.5 |
|
Higher Seed Analyst |
3.8 |
|
Inspector |
12.0 |
|
Inspector & Eng Fisheries |
2.0 |
|
Inspector Of Fisher/Eng Gr 1 |
1.0 |
|
Laboratory Analyst |
70.6 |
|
Laboratory Attendant Ag&Mar |
35.0 |
|
Laboratory Attendant S Lab |
1.0 |
|
Librarian |
1.0 |
|
Personal Assistant |
2.0 |
|
Personal Secretary |
2.0 |
|
Poultry Officer |
6.0 |
|
Principal |
39.6 |
|
Professional Accountant Gr 1 |
1.0 |
|
Research Officer |
20.8 |
|
Secretary General Agriculture |
1.0 |
|
Section Managers Marine |
2.0 |
|
Seed Analyst |
10.9 |
|
Senior Auditor |
1.0 |
|
Senior Dairy Produce Officer |
4.0 |
|
Senior Inspector |
14.0 |
|
Senior Lab Analyst Class 2 |
2.0 |
|
Senior Laboratory Analyst |
45.9 |
|
Senior Legal Clerk |
1.0 |
|
Senior Research Officer |
14.6 |
|
Senior Seed Analyst |
1.0 |
|
Senior Serological Assistant |
1.0 |
|
Senior Superintend Vet Insp |
12.0 |
|
Senior Surveyor |
1.0 |
|
Serological Assistant |
33.6 |
|
Services Attendant |
9.0 |
|
Services Officer |
40.0 |
|
Staff Officer |
120.2 |
|
Superinten Sen Research Off |
3.0 |
|
Superintendent Surveyor |
1.0 |
|
Superintending Vet Insp |
55.0 |
|
Supervising Poultry Officer |
1.0 |
|
Supervising Serological Asst |
9.0 |
|
Supervisory Agric Off |
266.5 |
|
Supervisory Agric Off Ag&Ee |
20.0 |
|
Technical Agricultural Off |
550.9 |
|
Technical Grades Level 4 |
6.0 |
|
Veterinary Inspector |
230.0 |
|
Visually Impaired Telephonist |
3.0 |
|
Wildlife Inspector Grade 2 |
1.0 |
589 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the agencies, bodies or authorities under the aegis of his Department that have been scheduled for merging, amalgamation, abolition or sharing of services as announced in the budget 2009; the progress that has been made on the implementation of these organisational changes; the details of the implementation plan for these organisational changes; the cost savings that will arise from each of these organisational changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47054/08]
Included in the Budget statement by the Minister for Finance on the 14th October was the decision to transfer the marketing functions of Bord Iascaigh Mhara to An Bord Bia and to merge the National Council for Forestry Research and Development (COFORD) into my Department.
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.
As Bord Bia determines funding priorities and allocations within its Estimate it is not possible at this stage to estimate possible savings to the Exchequer for the years mentioned. The amalgamation of COFORD into the Forest Service of my Department early next year will produce savings in the area of accommodation currently taken for that Organisation. Further possible savings will be accessed as part of the overall estimate provision for the Forest Service in 2009 and beyond.
590 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the amount of taxpayers’ money given to the Institute for International and European Affairs in the lead up to the Lisbon referendum. [47094/08]
My Department pays an annual membership fee to the Institute for International and European Affairs. The amount paid in 2008 was €6,000.
591 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the amount of EU funding received by his Department directly or for institutions, groups, organisations or bodies under his aegis in the past 20 years to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47237/08]
My Department's Compendium of Agricultural Statistics, which is published annually, provides a detailed breakdown of EU receipts in Ireland, including those from the FEOGA Guidance and Guarantee Funds, and from the European Agricultural Guarantee Fund and the European Agricultural Rural Development Fund which have replaced them since 2007.
The Compendium for 2008, which is at present being finalised, shows EU receipts of more than €43 billion in the period 1973-2007, and € 36.137 billion in the 20 years from 1987 to 2007. The following is a copy of the Tables to be published in the 2008 Compendium for the Deputy's information. To date in 2008, EU receipts by my Department amount to €288.637 million.
|
Year |
FEOGA Guarantee |
FEOGA Guidance |
European Agriculture Guarantee Fund |
European Agriculture Fund for Rural Development |
European Social Fund |
European Regional Development Fund |
Cohesion Fund |
Other* |
Total |
|
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
|||
|
1973 |
— |
— |
— |
0.0 |
|||||
|
1974 |
4.6 |
— |
— |
4.6 |
|||||
|
1975 |
5.1 |
2.3 |
0.6 |
8.0 |
|||||
|
1976 |
5.8 |
10.8 |
2.3 |
18.9 |
|||||
|
1977 |
10.4 |
10.8 |
4.7 |
25.9 |
|||||
|
1978 |
24.5 |
14.1 |
5.7 |
44.3 |
|||||
|
1979 |
36.6 |
32.4 |
75.9 |
144.9 |
|||||
|
1980 |
59.3 |
58.9 |
69.3 |
187.6 |
|||||
|
1981 |
57.5 |
69.3 |
76.7 |
203.5 |
|||||
|
1982 |
92.9 |
83.9 |
74.8 |
251.7 |
|||||
|
1983 |
117.7 |
73.9 |
90.7 |
282.3 |
|||||
|
1984 |
107.0 |
82.8 |
29.6 |
219.4 |
|||||
|
1985 |
179.4 |
96.5 |
24.1 |
300.0 |
|||||
|
1986 |
161.8 |
97.9 |
14.6 |
274.3 |
|||||
|
1987 |
939.1 |
86.2 |
245.7 |
111.0 |
15.1 |
1,397.1 |
|||
|
1988 |
1,064.7 |
81.8 |
161.0 |
164.6 |
2.9 |
1,474.9 |
|||
|
1989 |
1,223.3 |
97.4 |
176.0 |
143.4 |
4.7 |
1,644.7 |
|||
|
1990 |
1,633.8 |
119.2 |
163.2 |
285.8 |
8.6 |
2,210.6 |
|||
|
1991 |
1,694.3 |
182.0 |
470.7 |
434.1 |
13.8 |
2,794.9 |
|||
|
1992 |
1,414.0 |
187.2 |
352.1 |
564.5 |
14.1 |
2,531.9 |
|||
|
1993 |
1,627.6 |
159.9 |
395.7 |
589.7 |
51.7 |
25.4 |
2,849.8 |
||
|
1994 |
1,490.3 |
166.2 |
351.8 |
223.0 |
86.6 |
20.1 |
2,338.0 |
||
|
1995 |
1,460.5 |
181.5 |
325.3 |
454.7 |
127.1 |
17.5 |
2,566.5 |
|
Year |
FEOGA Guarantee |
FEOGA Guidance |
European Agriculture Guarantee Fund |
European Agriculture Fund for Rural Development |
European Social Fund |
European Regional Development Fund |
Cohesion Fund |
Other* |
Total |
|
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
|||
|
1996 |
1,732.6 |
191.2 |
321.1 |
377.2 |
176.4 |
21.8 |
2,820.3 |
||
|
1997 |
1,929.8 |
210.7 |
344.1 |
452.3 |
216.6 |
36.6 |
3,190.0 |
||
|
1998 |
1,618.7 |
235.7 |
397.6 |
596.8 |
142.6 |
23.9 |
3,015.1 |
||
|
1999 |
1,723.0 |
106.3 |
265.5 |
265.0 |
290.0 |
29.1 |
2,678.9 |
||
|
2000 |
1,681.4 |
34.7 |
220.6 |
513.1 |
152.2 |
— |
2,601.9 |
||
|
2001 |
1,854.2 |
20.7 |
135.0 |
345.9 |
297.1 |
92.3 |
2,745.2 |
||
|
2002 |
1,709.3 |
11.4 |
107.5 |
438.3 |
206.0 |
29.9 |
2,502.4 |
||
|
2003 |
1,945.2 |
16.6 |
111.4 |
293.5 |
172.6 |
35.5 |
2,574.8 |
||
|
2004 |
1,829.7 |
61.9 |
208.3 |
449.3 |
25.8 |
36.5 |
2,611.5 |
||
|
2005 |
1,806.0 |
33.0 |
211.2 |
255.6 |
15.6 |
61.1 |
2,382.5 |
||
|
2006 |
1,723.3 |
41.4 |
160.9 |
192.3 |
39.5 |
43.4 |
2,200.8 |
||
|
2007 |
50.2 |
1,388.0 |
374.0 |
136.1 |
105.4 |
0.0 |
35.1 |
2,088.8 |
|
|
Total 1973-2007 |
32,100.5 |
2,274.9 |
1,388.0 |
374.0 |
6,123.3 |
7,889.0 |
1,999.9 |
1,036.4 |
53,186.0 |
|
Note: Receipts shown in Table N1 differ from claims submitted in subsequent tables. |
1,762.0 |
*Includes EMS, Veterinary Fund, Education, Fisheries Protection, etc.
Source: Department of Finance (Budgetary and Economic Statistics).
Commencing in 2007, the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF) / (FEOGA), has been replaced by two new funds;
The European Agricultural Guarantee Fund (EAGF);
The European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD).Following the setting up of the new funds a discontinuity has been inserted into thetable with the column headings being changed to reflect the 2007-2013 FinancialFramework Headings for agriculture.
592 Deputy Mary Alexandra White asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of badgers captured by each district veterinary office, by year, in the past ten years. [47250/08]
593 Deputy Mary Alexandra White asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of badgers, by district veterinary office licence, which have been subject to post-mortem. [47251/08]
594 Deputy Mary Alexandra White asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of badgers that were subject to post-mortem which tested positive for tuberculosis per district veterinary office licence. [47252/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 592 to 594, inclusive, together.
All badgers captured are subject to a gross post mortem. However, due to the low sensitivity of the technique, the Department carries out pooled tissue culturing on a percentage of all badgers captured (currently approximately 2,500) across all of the DVOs. Culturing a pooled sample, which involves mixing tissue extracted from up to 14 sites from an individual badger, is significantly less sensitive than the most detailed culturing techniques available (which involve culturing 30 pieces of tissue for each badger), but is deemed to be sufficient for research purposes. From a cost perspective, it would not be economic to carry out laboratory culturing on all badgers and the current arrangements are considered by this Department to be a prudent use of scarce resources. Where detailed post mortem with culturing of tissue is undertaken, TB has been confirmed in 45%-50% of badgers.
The number of badgers that have been subject to post mortem and the results of these for each District Veterinary Office area are not available. The total number of badgers captured over the past 10 years is set out as follows:
|
Year |
Number of badgers removed |
|
1998 |
2,474 |
|
1999 |
3,533 |
|
2000 |
4,727 |
|
2001 |
3,558 |
|
2002 |
5,686 |
|
2003 |
4,737 |
|
2004 |
2,973 |
|
2005 |
5,171 |
|
2006 |
5,589 |
|
2007 |
5,937 |
A detailed breakdown of the numbers captured by each DVO is not currently available. However, my Department will provide the Deputy with this information as soon as it can be compiled.
595 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Dinny McGinley den Aire Oideachais agus Eolaíochta an aontaíonn sé gur buille mór don Ghaeilge agus don Ghaeltacht cealú an deontais caipitíochta do na coláistí samhraidh; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [46796/08]
Aithním an ról tábhachtach atá ag na coláistí samhraidh Gaeltachta i saol na Gaeilge agus molaim obair na gcoláistí as ucht líofacht a chothú i measc na mac léinn a dhéanann freastal orthu. Is ábhar dóchais é go leanann líon suntasach mac léinn orthu ag freastal ar na coláistí seo sa Ghaeltacht. Aithním chomh maith go mbíonn tionchar nach beag ag na coláistí ar eacnamaíocht na gceantar Gaeltachta in a bhfuil siad lonnaithe.
In a ainneoin seo agus in ainneoin an mhéadaithe de €302 milliún atá sa bhuiséad oideachais do 2009, éacht nach beag agus an eacnamaíocht mar atá sé, ní raibh aon dul as ach roinnt cinntí crua, deacra a dhéanamh. Léiríodh na cinntí seo i measc na bhfógairtí Lá an Bhuiséid, agus ina measc bhí cealú an deontais a bhí á íoc ag mo Roinnse do na coláistí samhraidh Gaeilge. B'é ráta an chúnamh deontais seo a cuireadh ar fáil ná tuairim is €53 in aghaidh gach mac léinn a bhí rollaithe ar chúrsa trí seachtaine i 2008, méid ab ionann is cuid bheag go leor den chostas foriomlán a ghabh le freastal ar an gcúrsa.
Leanfaidh tacaíocht an Stáit do mhic léinn a fhreastalaíonn ar na coláistí samhraidh Gaeltachta i bhfoirm na bhfóirdheontas a íoctar le teaghlaigh a chuireann cóiríocht ar fáil do na mic léinn. Leanfar leis an maoiniú a dhéantar ar fhreastal ábhar oidí ar na coláistí samhraidh sa Ghaeltacht. Leanfar freisin leis na socruithe maidir le saoire phearsanta bhreise a cheadú do mhúinteoirí bunscoile a mhúineann ar na coláistí samhraidh.
Toisc gurb iad áiteanna dúchais na teanga, tuigim an tábhacht chultúrtha agus sochtheangeolaíoch a bhaineann leis na limistéir Ghaeltacht go háirithe, d'fhoghlaimeoirí na teanga agus tá áthas orm go leanfar le tacaíocht a thabhairt dóibh.
596 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will reverse the decision to close the special needs class at a school (details supplied) in County Leitrim. [46519/08]
As the Deputy will be aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through the local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from primary and post primary schools for special educational needs supports. This includes the establishment of special classes in various geographical areas as required and the discontinuation of such classes where the need no longer exists.
The continuation of the class referred to by the Deputy is no longer warranted on the basis that the children enrolled in the class do not meet my Department's criteria for enrolment in the class. A number of discussions have taken place involving the HSE, NCSE and National Educational Psychological Service to determine the best arrangements for pupils with a disability living in the locality. The SENO is awaiting proposals from the school management in this context. 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.
597 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the funding which will be provided for Gaeltacht summer schools following the abolition of the capital grant scheme previously provided; the position in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46557/08]
598 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the effects on an industry following the cutback in a capital grant scheme (details supplied); and if he will reconsider same. [46558/08]
611 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the impact the abolition of capital grants for Irish colleges will have on the Irish language, the economy of the Gaeltacht and the Irish colleges themselves; his views on restoring the grant for 2009 and future years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46800/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 597, 598 and 611 together.
I recognise the important role of the Gaeltacht summer colleges and I commend the work of the colleges for fostering fluency among the students who attend them. It is encouraging that a significant number of students continue to attend these colleges in the Gaeltacht. I recognise also that the colleges have a considerable influence on the economy in the Gaeltacht areas in which they are located. However, the 2009 Budget required difficult choices to be made across all areas of public expenditure. These decisions were made to control public expenditure and to ensure sustainability in the long run. In this respect Education, while protected to a much greater extent than most other areas of public expenditure, could not be totally spared.
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 were outlined in the Budget day announcements and included the abolition of my Department's grant to Irish summer colleges. The rate of grant assistance provided per student enrolled on a three week course in 2008 was approximately €53 which represented a relatively small portion of the overall cost of attending.
State support will continue for students who attend the summer colleges in the form of the subsidies which are paid to families which accommodate students. The funding of student teachers' attendance at summer colleges in the Gaeltacht and the arrangements regarding additional personal leave for primary teachers who teach in summer colleges will also continue. I understand the cultural and sociological importance of Gaeltacht areas for students of the language and I am delighted that support will continue to be given to them.
599 Deputy Seán Ardagh asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will examine the concerns expressed in correspondence from the school principal of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 10; if he will respond to their concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46559/08]
The 2009 Budget required difficult choices to be made across all areas of public expenditure. These decisions were made to control public expenditure and to ensure sustainability in the long run. In this respect, the education sector, while protected to a much greater extent than most other areas of public expenditure, could not be totally spared. The various impacts at school level were included in the Budget day announcements. Even with the Budget measures in place there will still be a significantly increased borrowing requirement in 2009.
My Department will be advising individual schools in the normal way in relation to their staffing and grant allocations. The preparatory work for this has commenced with the processing of enrolment data that has been received from schools. The staffing allocation processes, including notification to schools, will commence early in the New Year. The allocation process includes appellate mechanisms under which schools can appeal against the allocation due to them under the staffing schedules. In addition to the mainstream classroom teachers, my Department also allocates teaching resources to schools for special needs and language support. The final allocation to a school is also a function of the operation of the redeployment panels, which provide for the retention of a teacher in an existing school if a new post is not available within the agreed terms of the scheme.
I have no difficulty in setting out for this House or for the public generally the overall changes on aggregate teacher numbers or on grant levels in schools for the 2009/10 school year. I will do this when the allocation processes have been completed. Furthermore, the staffing schedule will be published; it is a transparent and clear way of ensuring that schools are treated consistently and fairly and know where they stand.
600 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science further to parliamentary Question No. 512 of 4 November 2008, when payment will issue to a contractor (details supplied) in County Clare; if the review of all payments have been made regarding the project in question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46628/08]
The school in question is seeking funding over and above that sanctioned by the Department for the installation of prefabs. The issue is under consideration in the Department and it will be in contact with the school authority shortly in relation to this matter.
601 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the condition of one of the prefabricated buildings at a school (details supplied) in County Cavan; if he will intervene to secure a new school building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46629/08]
The school referred to by the Deputy has an application with my Department for large scale capital funding for an extension project. The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction is dependent on the prioritisation of competing demands on the funding available under my Departments capital budget. This project will be considered on an on-going basis in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However it is open to the school in question to apply for an emergency works grant. 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 rise during the school year. Should the school submit an application it will be assessed and the school notified of the outcome.
602 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that an educational services provider (details supplied) that has been working in conjunction with his Department for four years in the provision of early intervention for children with an autistic spectrum disorder; if his Department will allow the parents to use their home tuition scheme grant in order for their children to continue attending the services provided here in 2009; the plans he has in place for the provisions to allow attendance beyond 2009 in order that significant savings can be made by the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46646/08]
My Department is continuing to work with the service provider in question in the context of a proposal which they submitted in relation to home tuition payment arrangements.
603 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of higher education grant applications made in 2008-2009; the number of successful applications; the number of applications that have been paid out to students; the number of unsuccessful applications; the number of applications that still have to be processed; if he will provide the information in tabular readable form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46652/08]
604 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of money allocated for higher education grants in 2008-2009; the amount of money that has been paid out to students to date for this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46653/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 603 and 604 together.
My Department funds four maintenance grant schemes for third level and further education students. These are the Higher Education Grants Scheme, the Vocational Education Committees' Scholarships Scheme, the Third Level Maintenance Grants Scheme for Trainees and the Maintenance Grants Scheme for Students attending Post Leaving Certificate Courses. The Higher Education Grants Scheme is administered by the local authorities. The other three schemes are administered by the Vocational Education Committees.
In January each year my Department carries out a survey of the 66 local authorities and VEC's in respect of the status of applications. The survey indicates, on a specified date, the number of applications received, the number awarded a grant, the number refused a grant and the status of other applications on hand. The details in respect of applications for student grants for the academic year 2008/09 will not be available until the January 2009 survey is completed and analysed.
In relation to the amount of money allocated for higher education grants I can confirm that the allocation in 2008 is €263 million. This allocation spans two academic years — the second and third recoupments of the 2007/08 academic year and the first recoupments of the 2008/09 academic year. The first recoupments of the 2008/09 academic year are currently being processed by my Department; this process will be completed by the end of December.
605 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Education and Science the equipment and data that was lost or stolen from his Department in the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46663/08]
No desktop computers, laptops or blackberry devices were reported as lost or stolen in my Department in the past 12 months. One USB memory key was reported lost but was subsequently found. No data, including personal data, was lost.
606 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of money spent on hotel accommodation by his Department and each State agency under the aegis of his Department for each of the years 2004 to date in 2008; if he will provide the information available in tabular readable form. [46678/08]
607 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Education and Science the procurement arrangements in place in his Department and each State agency under the aegis of his Department for the sourcing of hotel accommodation for him, for his Departmental staff and staff at each State agency, when overnight accommodation is necessary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46693/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 606 and 607 together.
The information in relation to expenditure on hotel accommodation by my Department is being compiled and will be forwarded to the deputy as soon as possible. In relation to the procurement arrangements in place in my Department the position is as follows. In instances where overnight accommodation is required for particular purposes for example conferences, training and development programmes etc where possible, quotes are obtained from a range of hotels which best meet the accommodation and facilities requirements of the particular event. Advice is usually sought from the local Irish embassy in relation to obtaining suitable accommodation for the Minister at official events abroad. With regard to bodies under the aegis of my Department the expenditure incurred and the procurement arrangements are a matter for each agency and this information is not collated centrally.
I recently wrote to the Chairpersons of agencies under my Department's aegis to remind them of the need to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in respect of expenditure of public funds generally and in particular in relation to business travel and subsistence expenditure. I emphasised the importance of the agencies being in a position to provide assurance, through appropriate control procedures and monitoring arrangements, that the necessary measures are in place to ensure compliance with prescribed procedures in relation to expenditure and that such procedures are documented and being implemented as required by statute, regulation or guideline as appropriate.
608 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of computer servers that are owned or leased by his Department and each State agency under the aegis of his Department; and the amount of capacity on each server. [46708/08]
In total my Department has 124 servers supporting a range of systems and services and including production, development, test, and training environments. They are categorised in the following table based on storage capacity. The memory and processor capacity varies depending on the function of the server. My Department owns all of the servers.
With regard to the agencies under the aegis of my Department, each agency is responsible for its own Information Technology services and the number of servers in each agency is therefore a matter for the individual agency. This information is not monitored or collated centrally.
However if the Deputy is interested in a particular agency my Department officials will be happy to arrange for the provision of this information.
|
Size from (GBs) |
Size to (GBs) |
Number of Servers |
|
0 |
499 |
82 |
|
500 |
999 |
36 |
|
1,000 |
1,999 |
4 |
|
> 2000 |
2 |
|
|
Total |
124 |
609 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Education and Science if an application has been received from a school (details supplied) in County Donegal for an extension and refurbishment; when the application was made; the stage the planning is at; when it is expected that approval will be given; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46718/08]
I can confirm to the Deputy that an application was received in 2000 from Co Donegal VEC for large scale capital funding for an extension/refurbishment project at the school to which he refers.
The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction is dependent on the prioritisation of competing demands on the funding available under my Departments capital budget. This project will be considered on an on-going basis in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
610 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Education and Science if an application has been received in his Department for a new school for a school (details supplied) in County Donegal; when the application was made; the stage the project is at; when it is expected that the project will be progressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46719/08]
The school referred to by the Deputy submitted an application in 2000 to my Department for large scale capital funding for a new school. Following assessment it was determined that a 24 classroom school would be required and the appointment of a design team is awaited.
The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction is dependent on the prioritisation of competing demands on the funding available under my Department's capital budget. This project will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
612 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress in the provision of a new school (details supplied) in County Galway; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46801/08]
The development of a building project for the school in question is at an early stage.
The commencement and progression of all large scale building projects from initial design stage through to construction phase, including this project, will be considered on an on-going basis in the context of my Department's Multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
613 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Education and Science the cost for each of the years 2002 to 2007 for the provision of annual rental or lease of prefabs for classroom and facilities at primary and second level schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46802/08]
The amount spent on renting temporary accommodation, including — but not limited to — prefabricated accommodation for each of the years 2002 to 2007 is as follows:
2007: €35.5m (5.49% of total spend of €647m on school buildings);
2006: €24.5m (4.95% of total spend of €495m on school buildings);
2005: €15.7m (3.1% of total spend of €501m);
2004: €11.3m (3.4% of total spend of 333m);
2003: €9.4m (2.9% of total spend of €327m);
2002: €8.4m (2.4% of total spend of €344m).
The Deputy will be aware that demand for additional accommodation in schools has risen significantly over the last number of years, with the appointment of 6,000 extra teachers in the primary sector alone since 2002. In considering the need to provide extra resource and other teachers to schools in recent years, the Government could have decided to make children wait until permanent accommodation could be provided. However, we prioritised putting the extra teachers into schools as soon as possible. Against this background, my Department has nonetheless managed to keep expenditure on temporary accommodation low. It should be noted that the amount spent on rental accommodation was still only 5.5% of the total investment in school buildings in 2007.
It should also be noted that temporary accommodation is not limited to prefabs and can also involve the rental of high quality buildings.
614 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of permanent teaching posts created by sector at second level in each of the years 2000 to date in 2008. [46804/08]
615 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of contracts of indefinite duration posts created by sector at second level in each of the years 2000 to date in 2008. [46805/08]
616 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of pro rata fixed term contracts created by sector at second level in each of the years 2000 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46806/08]
617 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Education and Science the permanency ration across each sector at second level in each of the years 2000 to date in 2008. [46807/08]
618 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of casual part-time created by sector at second level in each of the years 2000 to date in 2008. [46808/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 614 to 618, inclusive, together.
The number of permanent teaching posts available in individual schools at any one time is determined in accordance with the agreed criteria relating to the application of the pupil teacher ratio. It is a matter for the individual school authority,as employer, to determine whether any particular post when vacated may be filled on a permanent basis.
In arriving at its decision in this regard, the school authority must take account of the current and future requirements of the school and the flexibility needed to meet those requirements.
The information in the format requested by the Deputy is not available in my Department. I will arrange for information in regard to the current number of posts in the different categories referred to by the Deputy to be forwarded to him.
619 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on including schools (details supplied) in County Roscommon in the Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools programme; and if his attention has been drawn to the fact that both areas are high unemployment blackspots. [46809/08]
620 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Education and Science the criteria used in including and giving recognition to schools under the DEIS programme; if he and his Department are penalising schools (details supplied) for working harder, getting better results and ensuring better attendance by not including them in the DEIS programme even though they satisfied the qualifying criteria and were part of the disadvantaged programme and the fact that Castlerea and Ballaghaderreen Central Statistics Office figures confirm more families are unemployed in the region. [46810/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 619 and 620 together.
The schools to which the Deputy refers are among the schools that were judged by an independent identification process in 2005 not to have a sufficient level of disadvantage among their pupils to warrant their inclusion in DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunities in Schools), the Action Plan for educational inclusion. The next identification process is scheduled to be held at the end of the current DEIS programme which runs from 2005-2010. There will not be an opportunity before this to be included in the current DEIS programme of supports.
These schools were among 73 post primary schools that retained resources, both human and financial, under pre-existing schemes and programmes for addressing educational disadvantage. When DEIS was introduced, a commitment was given as a concessionary measure to these schools that they would retain a level of support for the duration of the DEIS Initiative.
While it is appreciated that the discontinuation of these resources will impact on these schools, given the current volatile and challenging economic climate, difficult decisions had to be made in order to contain public sector spending. One of these decisions was to advance the withdrawal of such supports from non DEIS schools to the beginning of the next school year.
The main focus of Social Inclusion measures will be to retain resources in DEIS schools. There is a need to focus targeted resources on the schools in most need and this approach is in line with the broad thrust of the recommendations of the Comptroller and Auditor General which are set out in his report on Primary Disadvantage of 2006, which recommended that my Department should focus its educational disadvantage measures on those schools serving the most disadvantaged communities.
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)
% 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.
Targeting resources at the most disadvantaged schools that are working to counteract educational disadvantage will continue to be a priority for the Government.
621 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Education and Science the measures of supervision under health and safety that are necessary in schools. [46811/08]
The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 sets out the responsibilities on individual school management authorities to have a safety statement in place in their schools. The Statement should identify potential hazards, assess the risks to health and safety and put appropriate provision in place to safeguard the safety and health of employees and pupils. The Safety Statement should be reviewed on a regular basis. In practical terms, individual school authorities are best placed to assess the detail of their own health and safety requirements.
Sections 14, 15 and 23 of the Education Act,1998 assigns each Board of Management and Principal Teacher responsibility for the day-to-day management of schools. Principals should organise supervision for the order and general behaviour of pupils during school hours. In particular, they should organise and participate in the effective supervision of the pupils during breaks, lunch-breaks, assembly and dismissal.
Rules 121(4) and 124(1) of the Rules for National Schools and Section 23(2) of the Education Act 1998 also oblige teachers to take all reasonable precautions to ensure the safety of pupils and to participate in supervising pupils when the pupils are on school premises, during school time and/or on school activities.
622 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a school (details supplied) is to lose a teacher resulting in larger class sizes; the action that can be taken for the school not to lose this teacher; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46905/08]
I have consistently said that the 2009 Budget required difficult choices to be made across all areas of public expenditure. These decisions were made to control public expenditure and to ensure sustainability in the long run. In this respect Education, while protected to a much greater extent than most other areas of public expenditure, could not be totally spared.The various impacts at school level were included in the Budget day announcements. Even with the budget measures in place there will still be a significantly increased borrowing requirement in 2009.
When the country was able to afford it we reduced the basis on which primary teachers are allocated to schools from being based on an average number of primary pupils per teacher from 35 pupils in 1995/96 down to the current level of 27 pupils. This is reflected in the improvements that we have made on class sizes over the years and these improvements reflect our commitment to education. The change to a new average of 28 pupils per teacher from September 2009 has to be viewed in that context. Although it reverses some of the progress that we have made in recent years I had no option but to curtail the annual increase in teacher numbers. The reduced class sizes for the most disadvantaged in our DEIS schools of an average of 1 teacher for every 20 pupils in Junior classes and an average of 1 teacher for every 24 pupils in Senior classes will not be changing in 2009.
While the budget measures will impact on class sizes it will be necessary in the more testing economic climate ahead for us to continue to target and prioritise our resources to maximum effect for everyone. While teacher numbers are important numerous influential reports have highlighted the fact that teacher quality is the single most important factor — far and above anything else — in improving educational outcomes for children. Ensuring high quality teaching and learning is a challenge and dealing with factors that inhibit it represent a challenge for the Government, the Department, school management and indeed the teacher unions.
My Department will be advising individual schools in the normal way in relation to their staffing allocations. The preparatory work for this has commenced with the processing of enrolment data that has been received from schools. The staffing allocation processes including notification to schools will commence early in the New Year. The allocation process includes appellate mechanisms under which schools can appeal against the allocation due to them under the staffing schedules. In addition to the mainstream classroom teachers my Department also allocates teaching resources to schools for special needs and language support. The final allocation to a school is also a function of the operation of the redeployment panels which provide for the retention of a teacher in an existing school if a new post is not available within the agreed terms of the scheme.
I am confident that as the global economy improves it will be possible to build again on the significant achievements of recent years and do so in a manner consistent with overall prudent management of the Irish economy.
623 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science when this Deputy will receive a full reply to Parliamentary Question No. 612 of 18 November 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46906/08]
The deputy will be aware that I provided comprehensive information with regard to money paid to consultants from 2003 to end October 2008 and that I indicated that information relating to consultancy expenditure from 2000 to 2002 is not readily available and would involve an inordinate amount of administrative time to compile. The relevant material is archived and is not in a format which would allow the data to be readily compiled from the original documentation. However I include a table compiled previously by my Department in relation to expenditure including expenditure on consultancies for the years in question for the Deputy's information.
|
Consultants, Experts, Advisors |
Purpose |
Cost |
|
£ |
||
|
C.Sheffield |
Employee Assistance Service Review |
4,090 |
|
CRC, Trinity College |
Evaluation of Early School Leavers Initiative |
52,810.89 |
|
CRC, Trinity College |
Preparation of National Youth Work Development Plan |
54,300 |
|
Crowleys — DFK |
ESF verification report |
70,654.81 |
|
Deloitte & Touche |
Organisational review |
35,214 |
|
Dennehy Associates |
PR Consultancy |
19,360 |
|
Dermot Rochford |
Review of the Pilot Employee Assistance Scheme |
8,894 |
|
Dermot Rochford |
Staffing resource and organisational needs of NQAI, HETAC and FETAC |
14,336.08 |
|
Dermot Rochford |
Staffing needs of admin office in Tourism College, Killybegs |
4,089.90 |
|
Eileen Costello |
Consultancy — Inventory System |
1,625 |
|
ERC, St. Pat’s Drumcondra |
Research on 8 — 15 Early School Leaver Initiative |
111,117 |
|
Ernst & Young |
Review of Work in the Building Unit DES |
15,137 |
|
Eustace Patterson Ltd |
Review of Gaisce |
15,157 |
|
Farrell Grant Sparks |
Report on Tralee IT under Section 20 of RTC Act 1992 |
32,017.18 |
|
Farrell Grant Sparks |
PPP Project Launch |
18,297.79 |
|
Farrell Grant Sparks/A&L Goodbody |
Pilot PPP Education Projects (Five PPP Schools and Cork School of Music) |
103,665.99 |
|
Inishowen Technology |
School information and communication technology |
15,695 |
|
Lesley Dee |
Orchard Cope Foundation |
5,075 |
|
Noel Lindsay |
Saving & loan fund for adult & continuing education |
2,000 |
|
NUI — Maynooth |
Adult Education — Green & White Papers |
35,000 |
|
Oliver Freaney & Co |
3rd Level Finance accountancy |
19,950 |
|
Philip Lee Solicitors |
Consultancy -Vet School |
29,34.25 |
|
Prospectus |
Business Planning and Partnership in DES |
17,949 |
|
Prospectus |
Review of Special Education |
26,645 |
|
Prospectus |
Staff survey on internal communications |
23,262 |
|
Seamus Ó hUallacháin |
Interim Review of Institutes of Technology |
1,100 |
|
Sean Cromien |
Review of Department of Education operations & structures |
16,500 |
|
Todd Architects |
Masterplan — Portlaoise |
59,508 |
|
Tony Bromwell |
Review of Safety Procedures in Lisnagry, Co.Limerick |
3,534 |
|
WRC Social&EconomicConsults |
Review of VTOS |
11,654 |
|
WRC Social&EconomicConsults |
Women’s Education Initiative |
20,100 |
|
WRC Social&EconomicConsults |
Improving Effectiveness of VTOS |
29,140 |
|
Total |
850,812.89 |
|
Consultants, Experts, Advisors |
Purpose |
Cost |
|
€ |
||
|
Anne Colgan |
DES Task Force on Autism |
10,000.00 |
|
Conor Galvin/ Bryn Holmes |
Research Consultancy on ICT Usage in Schools |
5,078.95 |
|
Deloitte & Touche |
Business Analysis & Development of the Financial Management Function |
88,854.00 |
|
Deloitte & Touche |
Specification and selection of FMS System |
42,418.00 |
|
Deloitte&Touche/A&L Goodbody |
Pilot PPP Education Projects (National Maritime College) |
336,480.00 |
|
Dennehy Associates |
PR Consultancy |
126,338.94 |
|
Dermot Rochford |
VEC staffing study |
85,982.85 |
|
Dominic McCanny |
Investigation for Personnel Unit (DES) |
2,618.75 |
|
Educational Research Centre |
Evaluation of the sole use of the answer questions in Apprentice Tests |
47,989.78 |
|
Elizabeth Waters |
Lifelong Learning Consultation |
13,500.00 |
|
Eustace Patterson Ltd |
Contribution to study of FIT |
8,853.71 |
|
Farrell Grant Sparks |
Financial advice re: European Investment Bank refinancing of PP Projects |
63,000.00 |
|
Farrell Grant Sparks/A&L Goodbody |
Report on the Strategic Development Site for education & health purposes |
120,625.12 |
|
Farrell Grant Sparks/A&L Goodbody |
Five PPP Schools & Cork School of Music |
164,537.10 |
|
Gartner Group |
Research Advisory Services |
33,065.13 |
|
Institute of Leisure & Amenity (ILAM) |
PE Halls |
1,061.74 |
|
Jonathan Wliiams |
Editing of reports |
886.73 |
|
Jordan Akustik |
Cork School of Music |
7,102.91 |
|
Kevin Leonard |
Management Consultancy NEPS Administration |
5,325.64 |
|
McCann Fitzgerald |
Seminar on Public Procurement |
4,207.38 |
|
McIver Consulting |
Review of PLC Sector |
88,722.00 |
|
Michael Collins and Associates |
Architectural advice |
32,886.22 |
|
National Women’s Council |
Technical support for education equality initiative |
106,072.15 |
|
Niall Fitsimons & Co. |
Site Report on St. Finbarr’s Farranferris |
5,561.45 |
|
Price Waterhouse Coopers |
Review of financial guidelines |
11,995.03 |
|
Prospectus |
Internal Customer Action Plan and Business Planning |
7,618.43 |
|
Sean O Fiachra |
OECD INES network C — developing a new governing structure for ERC |
10,270.89 |
|
Tony Bromwell |
Review of Safety Procedures in Lisnagry, Co. Limerick |
2,441.71 |
|
WRC Social&EconomicConsults |
Women’s Education Initiative |
10,801.98 |
|
WRC Social&EconomicConsults |
Independent assessment of the young people’s facilities and services fund |
29,010.98 |
|
Total |
1,473,307.57 |
|
Consultants, Experts, Advisors |
Purpose |
Cost |
|
€ |
||
|
A & L Goodbody |
PPP Projects |
3,840.79 |
|
AHEAD |
Review of disability needs in further education |
38,000.00 |
|
Aine Hyland |
Preparation of Eurydice Dossier |
3,174.00 |
|
Anne Tuffy |
Report on European Schools |
7,180.86 |
|
Cynthia Deane |
Educational Disadvantage Forum |
5,050.00 |
|
Deloitte&Touche/A&L Goodbody |
Pilot PPP Education Project (National Maritime College) |
98,500.00 |
|
Deloitte & Touche |
Verification Programme for ESF-aided Programmes 2000-2001 VEC sector |
21,454.51 |
|
Dennehy Associates |
PR Consultancy |
38,443.65 |
|
Dermot Rochford |
Study of VEC staffing structure & job evaluation of librarian (St Catherines) |
4,830.00 |
|
Dominic McCanny |
Investigation for Personnel Unit DES |
523.75 |
|
Eustace Patterson Ltd |
Contribution to study of FIT |
7,682.00 |
|
Helen Leonard |
Survey to evaluate pay of library staff in St Catherine’s |
3,807.36 |
|
Irish Project Supervisors Ltd |
Report: Health & Safety Spec & Risk Assessment for window cleaning |
3,810.05 |
|
John Coolahan |
Preparation of Eurydice Dossier |
8,583.00 |
|
John Coolahan |
OECD Report on Teachers |
6,300.00 |
|
Mazars Consulting |
Corepay support |
22,997.18 |
|
Mazars McIver |
Assessment of staffing requirement of National Adult Learning Council |
4,695.00 |
|
McIver Consulting |
Review of PLC sector |
48,164.00 |
|
National Women’s Council |
Technical support for education equality initiative |
87,000.00 |
|
Occupational Health Consultants |
Asbestos lecture |
751.73 |
|
Professor Iseult McCarthy |
Art Teachers Diploma Review |
7,503.82 |
|
Professor Thomas Mitchell |
Work for the Irish Academy for the Performing Arts |
3,900.00 |
|
Project Management Limited |
Pilot Schools Inventory Project |
1,092,749.00 |
|
Sean Glenane |
OECD INES Project |
2,933.14 |
|
University Limerick (Frank McGourty) |
Research on Laboratory Design & Equipment |
104,055.00 |
|
Vivian Cassells |
Report on European Schools |
7,180.86 |
|
Total |
1,633,109.70 |
624 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the way the appeals system will operate for schools scheduled to lose teachers or support staff as a result of cutbacks in the 2009 education budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46965/08]
625 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Dublin 15 area has one of the largest immigrant populations of school-going age needing extensive language support and that schools in the Dublin 15 area could lose up to 75 language support teachers as a result of the education cutbacks announced in budget 2009; the way the appeals system will operate for schools scheduled to lose language support teachers as a result of cutbacks in the 2009 education budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46966/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 624 and 625 together.
It is open to the Board of Management to submit an appeal under certain criteria to an independent Appeal Board which was established to adjudicate on appeals on mainstream staffing allocations in primary schools. Details of the criteria and application dates for appeal are contained in the staffing schedule which issues annually to all Boards of Management and is also made available on my Department's website. The criteria are also available in Circular 0024/2007 (Appeal Board for Mainstream Staffing in Primary Schools) which is also on my Department's website.
The Appeal Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.
My Department will be advising individual schools in the normal way in relation to their mainstream staffing allocations. The preparatory work for this has commenced with the processing of enrolment data that has been received from schools. The staffing allocation processes including notification to schools will commence early in the New Year. In addition to the mainstream classroom teachers my Department also allocates teaching resources to schools for special needs and language support.
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.
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. The position for individual schools will become clear at that stage.
626 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the location and construction of a school (details supplied); if the school will open at a permanent or temporary site in September 2009; the funding that has been allocated in the 2009 capital education budget for the establishment of this school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46968/08]
My Department has been aware of a need for further post primary provision in the Dublin 15 area and in that context, I sanctioned the establishment of a new post primary school for the area.
My Department is working closely with Co. Dublin VEC and is currently examining the possibility of opening the new school in September 2009 subject to the identification of suitable accommodation. It is envisaged that the new school will open in temporary accommodation in 2009 and an announcement will be made on the exact location shortly.
627 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the establishment of a Gaelscoil in Tyrrelstown, Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46969/08]
The Department was made aware of proposals to establish a new Gaelscoil to serve Tyrrelstown/Hollystown in August 2008. A formal ‘Notification of Intent' to establish this new school was received from the proposed Patron, An Foras Patrunachta, in September 2008.
However, as the Deputy will be aware, on 14th September last, I announced a review of the procedures for recognising primary schools. In the interim period, it is not planned to recognise any new primary schools except in areas where increases in pupil numbers would require the provision of a new school.
The application to establish a new Gaelscoil to serve Tyrrelstown/Hollystown will be considered in this context.
628 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the establishment of an Educate Together primary school in Carpenterstown, Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46970/08]
An application for recognition, from September 2008, of the proposed new school to which the Deputy refers was not granted in 2008.
Given the significant additional levels of primary school provision made in the area in question in the past 3 years, my predecessor was satisfied that sufficient provision has been made to serve the current and future population in the short to medium term and that appropriate diversity of provision has been provided. The Patron was informed that this did not preclude recognition at a future date.
As the Deputy will be aware, on 14th September last, I announced a review of the procedures for recognising primary schools . In the interim period, it is not planned to recognise any new primary schools except in areas where increases in pupil numbers would require the provision of new schools.
The application to establish a new Educate Together School to serve the Carpenterstown area will be considered in this context.
629 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will make provision for the upgrading of the science laboratories in a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15 during 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46971/08]
The school referred to by the Deputy applied to my Department for funding under the Summer Works Scheme in 2008 to renovate/upgrade the science and home economics facilities in the school at an estimated cost in excess of €1.6m.
My Department has focused on delivering as many large projects as possible in 2008 particularly in developing areas, while also delivering improvements in the quality of existing primary and post-primary school accommodation throughout the country and funding was not made available for a Summer Works Scheme this year.
I intend to have a Summer Works Scheme in 2009. The details of the operation of the scheme and the level of funding to be made available under the scheme in 2009 are currently being considered and will be completed as soon as possible. The Professional and Technical Reports provided by schools for 2008 can be used again for future projects so that schools will not be at the loss of expenditure on them.
630 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the budgeted cost to his Department for 2009 of incremental pay increases for all staff in and under the aegis of his Department; the comparative cost for each year from 2002 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46984/08]
The information requested by the Deputy is not readily available in my Department.
However, based on a recent reply to a Parliamentary Question, it was estimated that increments accounted for approximately 1.63% of the total pay bill of my Department for 2008.
By applying a similar percentage to the Pay bill for the years in question the Table gives an estimate of the cost of incremental pay increases for the years 2002-2008.
I wish to point out that in general no additional money is provided for incremental pay increases in any year. The additional cost of increments for staff on incremental scales is offset by reductions in costs arising from the retirement or other movements of staff at higher salary points and their replacement by staff at lower salary points.
|
Year |
€m |
|
2002 |
52 |
|
2003 |
61 |
|
2004 |
67 |
|
2005 |
72 |
|
2006 |
79 |
|
2007 |
86 |
|
2008 |
91 |
631 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of civil servants and other public servants who have relocated to locations outside of Dublin under the Government’s decentralisation programme; the estimated number of each category who will have relocated by the end of 2009; the breakdown of each set of figures in terms of those who are relocating from Dublin and relocating from elsewhere; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46999/08]
I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department has completed the decentralisation of 88 posts to Athlone and 7 posts to Mullingar. Of these posts, 66 Civil Servants relocated from Dublin and the remaining 29 posts were filled by Civil Servants relocating from provincial locations.
The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, a body under the aegis of my Department, has decentralised 12 posts to Portlaoise in advance of its decentralisation to Portarlington. Of the 12 posts, 8 staff relocated from Dublin and the remaining 4 relocated from provincial locations.
632 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of people working in his Department; the number earning below €50,000 per annum; the number earning between €50,001 and €60,000 per annum; the number earning between €60,001 and €70,000 per annum; the number earning between €70,001 and €80,000 per annum; the number earning between €80,001 and €90,000 per annum; the number earning between €90,001 and €100,000 per annum; the number earning over €100,001 per annum; the number in each staff category (details supplied) for each income band. [47014/08]
The details requested by the Deputy are not readily available. My Department will arrange to compile and forward the details requested as soon as possible.
633 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of civil and public servants working in or under the aegis of his Department for each year from 2002 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47029/08]
The number of civil and public servants (expressed as whole time equivalents) working in or under the aegis of my Department in the years in question is as follows:
|
Year |
€ |
|
2002 |
79,873 |
|
2003 |
80,022 |
|
2004 |
81,641 |
|
2005 |
85,105 |
|
2006 |
89,263 |
|
2007 |
92,427 |
|
2008 |
94,407 |
634 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of locations where civil and public servants working in or under the aegis of his Department are located; the locations of same; the number, and the number in each category (details supplied) of staff at each location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47044/08]
The following information relates to administrative and non-administrative staff in my Department. The information relating to agencies under the remit of my Department is currently being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
|
Grades |
Athlone |
Dublin |
Tullamore |
|
Secretary General |
1.00 |
||
|
Asst. Secretary |
2.00 |
6.00 |
1.00 |
|
Director |
1.00 |
||
|
Principal Officer (PO) |
10.00 |
20.2 |
9.00 |
|
Assistant Principal Officer (APO) |
28.00 |
36.5 |
16.00 |
|
Higher Executive Officer (HEO) |
58.90 |
61.13 |
27.40 |
|
Administrative Officer (AO) |
2.80 |
5.00 |
0.00 |
|
Executive Officer (EO) |
126.42 |
79.53 |
66.19 |
|
Staff Officer (SO) |
26.70 |
11.36 |
4.60 |
|
Clerical Officer (CO) |
188.46 |
71.70 |
42.03 |
|
Ministerial |
6.00 |
||
|
443.28 |
299.42 |
166.22 |
|
CO |
SO |
EO |
HEO |
APO |
PO |
TOTAL |
|
|
Blanchardstown |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
4 |
||
|
Castlebar |
0.5 |
0.5 |
|||||
|
Cork |
3 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
7 |
||
|
Drogheda |
1 |
1 |
|||||
|
Galway |
2 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
5 |
||
|
Limerick |
2 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
5 |
||
|
Mullingar |
3 |
1 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
11 |
|
Naas |
2 |
1 |
1.1 |
0.8 |
4.9 |
||
|
Navan |
2 |
1 |
0.5 |
1 |
4.5 |
||
|
Sligo |
3 |
1 |
1 |
5 |
|||
|
Tallaght |
1 |
1 |
0.8 |
1 |
3.8 |
||
|
Tralee |
1 |
1 |
|||||
|
Waterford |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
4 |
||
|
Wexford |
1 |
1 |
|
Athlone |
|
|---|---|
|
Number |
|
|
Cleaner |
8 |
|
General Operative |
1 |
|
Senior Inspector |
1 |
|
District inspector |
1 |
|
Services Officer |
5 |
|
16 |
|
Number |
|
|
Senior Psychologist |
1 |
|
Psychologist |
1 |
|
District Inspector |
1 |
|
Post Primary Inspector |
1 |
|
4 |
|
Number |
|
|
Divisional Inspector |
1 |
|
Senior Inspector |
1 |
|
District Inspector |
1 |
|
3 |
|
Number |
|
|
Assistant Chief Inspector |
1 |
|
Post Primary Inspector |
3 |
|
Senior Inspector |
5 |
|
District Inspector |
2 |
|
Divisional Inspector |
5 |
|
Psychologist |
11 |
|
*Regional Director |
1 |
|
Senior Psychologist |
5 |
|
33 |
|
Number |
|
|
Advisory Counsel |
2 |
|
Assessor of Youth Work |
1 |
|
Cleaner |
6 |
|
Deputy Chief Inspector |
1 |
|
Manager (School Building Unit) |
1 |
|
Assistant Chief Inspector |
9 |
|
Post Primary Inspector |
7 |
|
Senior Inspector |
11 |
|
Divisional Inspector |
5 |
|
Records Manager |
1 |
|
Services Officer |
15 |
|
Senior Statistician |
1 |
|
Solicitor |
1 |
|
Statistician |
2 |
|
Accountant |
2 |
|
Telephonist |
1 |
|
*Director |
1 |
|
Psychologist |
24 |
|
*Regional Director |
3 |
|
Senior Psychologist |
16 |
|
110 |
|
Number |
|
|
District Inspector |
2 |
|
Psychologist |
5 |
|
Senior Psychologist |
2 |
|
9 |
|
Number |
|
|
Senior Inspector |
2 |
|
Divisional Inspector |
1 |
|
3 |
|
Number |
|
|
Post Primary Inspector |
1 |
|
Senior Inspector |
2 |
|
District Inspector |
2 |
|
Divisional Inspector |
3 |
|
Psychologist |
3 |
|
Senior Psychologist |
5 |
|
16 |
|
Number |
|
|
Post Primary Inspector |
7 |
|
Senior Inspector |
2 |
|
District Inspector |
6 |
|
Divisional Inspector |
4 |
|
Psychologist |
1 |
|
Senior Psychologist |
1 |
|
21 |
|
Number |
|
|
Divisional Inspector |
1 |
|
Psychologist |
4 |
|
Senior Psychologist |
2 |
|
7 |
|
Number |
|
|
Post Primary Inspector |
1 |
|
Divisional Inspector |
1 |
|
2 |
|
Number |
|
|
Psychologist |
4 |
|
Senior Psychologist |
1 |
|
5 |
|
Number |
|
|
Psychologist |
3 |
|
Senior Psychologist |
1 |
|
4 |
|
Number |
|
|
Psychologist |
1 |
|
Senior Psychologist |
2 |
|
3 |
|
Number |
|
|
Psychologist |
3 |
|
Senior Psychologist |
2 |
|
5 |
|
Number |
|
|
Psychologist |
1 |
|
Senior Psychologist |
2 |
|
3 |
|
Number |
|
|
Psychologist |
1 |
|
Number |
|
|
Psychologist |
5 |
|
Senior Psychologist |
1 |
|
6 |
|
Number |
|
|
Psychologist |
5 |
|
*Regional Director |
1 |
|
Senior Psychologist |
1 |
|
7 |
|
Number |
|
|
Psychologist |
6 |
|
Senior Psychologist |
3 |
|
9 |
|
Number |
|
|
Psychologist |
4 |
|
Senior Psychologist |
1 |
|
5 |
|
Number |
|
|
Psychologist |
1 |
|
Senior Inspector |
1 |
|
District Inspector |
1 |
|
Divisional Inspector |
1 |
|
4 |
|
Number |
|
|
Psychologist |
4 |
|
Senior Inspector |
1 |
|
District Inspector |
1 |
|
Post Primary Inspector |
1 |
|
7 |
|
Number |
|
|
Psychologist |
3 |
|
Divisional Inspector |
1 |
|
District Inspector |
1 |
|
5 |
|
Number |
|
|
Psychologist |
2 |
|
*Regional Director |
1 |
|
Senior Psychologist |
1 |
|
4 |
|
Number |
|
|
Psychologist |
1 |
|
Senior Psychologist |
2 |
|
3 |
|
Number |
|
|
Psychologist |
2 |
|
Senior Psychologist |
3 |
|
Post Primary Inspector |
1 |
|
Senior Inspector |
1 |
|
Divisional Inspector |
2 |
|
9 |
|
Number |
|
|
Architectural Assistant |
10 |
|
Architect |
5 |
|
Engineer |
3 |
|
Manager |
2 |
|
Quantity Surveyor |
3 |
|
Services Officer |
3 |
|
Senior Architect |
5 |
|
31 |
|
Number |
|
|
Senior Inspector |
2 |
|
Divisional Inspector |
1 |
|
3 |
|
Number |
|
|
Post Primary Inspector |
2 |
|
Senior Inspector |
1 |
|
District Inspector |
1 |
|
Divisional Inspector |
2 |
|
6 |
|
Number |
|
|
Divisional Inspector |
1 |
|
Number |
|
|
Assistant Chief Inspector |
1 |
|
Post Primary Inspector |
2 |
|
District Inspector |
2 |
|
Divisional Inspector |
5 |
|
10 |
|
Number |
|
|
Post Primary Inspector |
2 |
|
Senior inspector |
2 |
|
District Inspector |
1 |
|
5 |
|
Number |
|
|
Senior Inspector |
1 |
|
District Inspector |
2 |
|
Divisional Inspector |
1 |
|
4 |
|
Number |
|
|
Senior Inspector |
2 |
|
District Inspector |
4 |
|
Divisional Inspector |
1 |
|
7 |
|
Number |
|
|
Post Primary Inspector |
1 |
|
Divisional Inspector |
1 |
|
2 |
|
Number |
|
|
Senior Inspector |
1 |
|
District Inspector |
5 |
|
Divisional Inspector |
2 |
|
8 |
|
Number |
|
|
Post Primary Inspector |
1 |
|
Senior Inspector |
1 |
|
District Inspector |
2 |
|
Divisional Inspector |
1 |
|
5 |
*The posts of Director and Regional Director are grades at the National Educational Psychologists Service (NEPS).
635 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the agencies, bodies or authorities under the aegis of his Department that have been scheduled for merging, amalgamation, abolition or sharing of services as announced in the budget 2009; the progress that has been made on the implementation of these organisational changes; the details of the implementation plan for these organisational changes; the cost savings that will arise from each of these organisational changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47059/08]
The following measures were also taken by my Department as part of the Government's programme for the rationalisation of agencies.
The National Qualifications Authority of Ireland (NQAI), the Higher Education and Training Awards Council (HETAC) and the Further Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC) are to be amalgamated into a single agency.
An Implementation Advisory Group, representative of the key stakeholders in the amalgamation process, has been formed to advise the Department of Education and Science in relation to the functions of the new organisation. An implementation paper will be produced covering the functions of the new agency and key legislative considerations. A period of public consultation will then take place, followed by legislation. Allowing for planning and consultation, it is anticipated that the legislative process will be complete and the new statutory agency will be established by the end of 2010. Options for closer co-operation and sharing of administration support between the existing bodies prior to statutory establishment are being explored.
It should be noted that the primary reason for the amalgamation is not to achieve cost savings in themselves, but to ensure a more coherent approach by establishing a single integrated organisation. Savings would not arise from the abolition of functions but from efficiencies resulting from them being performed by a single body. It is anticipated that some savings will arise, inter alia, from the removal of parallel top level management and board structures and from the sharing of administrative support. Further work on administrative planning will be required before savings can be quantified.
The Educational Disadvantage Committee was formally abolished in October 2008. If provision was to be made for the Committee's reconstitution it would have been of the order of €100,000 per annum.
The National Adult Learning Council (NALC) was formally disbanded in October 2008. The expenditure incurred on the National Adult Learning Council was as follows:
€21,012 in 2002;
€59,491 in 2003.
The Council has not met since 2003 and no further expenditure has been incurred. It is estimated that to have proceeded with the Council as originally envisaged would have involved significant additional annual expenditure.
The Centre for Early Childhood Development and Education was closed in September 2008. Recurrent annual funding for the Centre was in the region of €1 million.
636 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary schools which are awaiting permanent recognition, permanent accommodation and are in prefabs partly or in whole; the patronage of each school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47086/08]
The information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy.
637 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of taxpayers’ money given to the Institute for International and European Affairs in the lead up to the Lisbon Referendum. [47098/08]
The Department of Education and Science, like other Government Departments, is a corporate member of the Institute of International and European Affairs, and pays an annual subscription to the Institute of €6,000.
Membership of the Institute allows the staff of my Department to benefit from opportunities for professional training and development and to broaden their awareness of European and international issues of relevance to their work by attending events organised by the Institute.
No additional funding was given to the Institute by my Department in the lead up to the Lisbon Referendum. The Department's International Section, which is responsible for the EU dimensions of education and training, purchased a number of copies, from the Institute, of its publication "Consolidated Version of the Treaties amended by the Treaty of Lisbon" for official use.
638 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will support a matter (detail supplied). [47108/08]
A special arrangement regarding the retention of their teaching posts operates for teachers who are members of the Oireachtas. The terms of the arrangement provide that a teacher in a recognised primary or second level school whilst a member of the Oireachtas can retain their teaching post subject to the approval of the school's managerial authority.
Teaching salary is paid to the Oireachtas member for the duration of the arrangement but the total cost of the replacement teacher including pension and PRSI contributions is deducted from the salary. The arrangement allows that the balance of salary, if any, remaining after the deductions have been made may be paid to the Oireachtas member. A number of Oireachtas members do not accept any balance of salary that may be payable.
The information requested will be forwarded to the Deputy.
639 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding a school building project at a school (details supplied) in County Meath; if payment will be made to progress this project in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47171/08]
The school to which the Deputy refers has applied to my Department for large scale capital funding for a new building.
The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from site acquisition and initial design stage through to construction will be considered in the context of the school building and modernisation programme.
However, in view of the level of demand on the Department's capital budget currently, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression the project at this time.
640 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding a school building project at a school (details supplied) in County Meath; if payment will be made to progress this project in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47172/08]
The school referred to by the Deputy applied to my Department for funding under the Summer Works Scheme in 2008.
The particular emphasis in 2008 has been on providing sufficient school places in developing areas, while also delivering improvements in the quality of existing primary and post-primary school accommodation throughout the country. Accordingly my Department has focused on delivering as many large projects as possible in 2008 and funding was not made available for a Summer Works Scheme this year.
I intend to have a Summer Works Scheme in 2009. The details of the operation of the scheme and the level of funding to be made available under the scheme in 2009 are currently being considered and will be completed as soon as possible. The Professional and Technical Reports provided by schools for 2008 can be used again for future projects so that schools will not be at the loss of expenditure on them.
641 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding a school building project at a school (details supplied) in County Meath; if payment will be made to progress this project in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47173/08]
An extension project for the school referred to by the Deputy is currently in early architectural planning. My Department has received a revised stage 2 submission (initial sketch scheme) from the school authorities which is currently being examined.
The progression of all large scale building projects including this project will be considered on an ongoing basis in the context of the Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. It is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.
642 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will confirm that the commitment given by him to a school (details supplied) in County Meath that has dispersed disadvantaged status, will continue to receive supports in line with the level of disadvantage among its pupils, despite its unsuccessful DEIS application and appeal in 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47174/08]
The school to which the Deputy refers is among the schools that were judged by an independent identification process in 2005 not to have a sufficient level of disadvantage among their pupils to warrant their inclusion in DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunities in Schools), the Action Plan for educational inclusion. The next identification process is scheduled to be held at the end of the current DEIS programme which runs from 2005-2010. There will not be an opportunity before this to be included in the current DEIS programme of supports.
This school together with 26 other urban primary and 73 post primary schools retained resources, both human and financial, including Home School Community Liaison services under pre-existing schemes and programmes for addressing educational disadvantage. When DEIS was introduced, a commitment was given as a concessionary measure to these schools that they would retain a level of support for the duration of the DEIS Initiative.
While it is appreciated that the discontinuation of these resources will impact on these schools, given the current volatile and challenging economic climate, difficult decisions had to be made in order to contain public sector spending. One of these decisions was to advance the withdrawal of such supports from non DEIS schools to the beginning of the next school year.
The main focus of Social Inclusion measures will be to retain resources in DEIS schools. There is a need to focus targeted resources on the schools in most need and this approach is in line with the broad thrust of the recommendations of the Comptroller and Auditor General which are set out in his report on Primary Disadvantage of 2006, which recommended that my Department should focus its educational disadvantage measures on those schools serving the most disadvantaged communities.
643 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science if moneys were allocated for the provision of facilities in respect of a person (details supplied); the extent of moneys allocated; the basis on which the allocation was made; if an appropriate teacher was to be appointed as a consequence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47183/08]
I am aware of the matter to which the Deputy refers and as the case remains before the Courts it would be inappropriate for me to comment further on the detail of the proceedings.
However the Deputy should be aware that resources were made available by the Department of Education and Science to both of the schools named to facilitate provision for educational placement for the child in question.
644 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a school (details supplied) in County Meath that had requested much needed works to be carried out on their grounds, were refused; and if he will review the decision on same. [47187/08]
The School to which the Deputy refers submitted an application for additional works to the grounds of the existing temporary school.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that funding for works to the grounds will be provided in the context of the application for additional temporary accommodation for September 2009.
645 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science the position of an application by a school (details supplied) in County Meath which has applied for an extension to its school building; the status of its request; if it has been accepted; and if so, when work will commence. [47188/08]
The Department has received an application for an extension at the school referred to by the Deputy. Agreement has been reached with the school authorities to bring it up to a 16-classroom school. This project is currently awaiting approval to appoint a design team.
The progression of all large scale building projects including this project will be considered in the context of the Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. It is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.
646 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science the position of an application by a school (details supplied) in County Meath which has been waiting on a new school building for ten years; if it has been accepted; and if so, when work will commence. [47189/08]
The Department has agreed to the provision of two new 24-classroom schools. One school will cater for the boys national school and the other for the girls national school, in the area referred to by the Deputy.
These projects are currently awaiting permission to appoint a design team and will be treated as a joint project.
The progression of all large scale building projects including this joint project will be considered on an ongoing basis in the context of the Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. It is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.
647 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science the position of an application for an extension by a school (details supplied) in County Meath; if it has been accepted; and if so, when work will commence. [47190/08]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the building project for the school to which he refers, was one of 25 major school projects included in my announcement of 29 September 2008, which have been given the go ahead to proceed to tender and construction.
My Department has been in contact with the school authorities in this regard.
648 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science the position of an application for a new building by a school (details supplied) in County Meath; if it has been accepted; and if so, when work will commence. [47191/08]
The Department has agreed in principle to the provision of a new 24-classroom school building for the school referred to by the Deputy. The Schedule of Accommodation has also been agreed with the school authorities.
The progression of all large scale building projects including this project, will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of my Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.
649 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science the position of an application by a school (details supplied) in County Louth for the refurbishment of its toilet facilities; if it has been accepted; and if so, when work will commence. [47192/08]
There is no record in my Department of an application for funding for the refurbishment of toilet facilities from the school referred to by the Deputy.
The school should contact the Modernisation and Policy Unit of my Department in the matter.
650 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science the position of an application by a school (details supplied) in County Louth which has applied for emergency fire safety works and renovations to its science laboratories; if it has been accepted; and if so, when work will commence. [47193/08]
652 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science the position of an application by a school (details supplied) in County Louth which has applied for essential work on its heating and on toilet systems; if it has been accepted; and if so, when work will commence. [47195/08]
654 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science the position of an application by a school (details supplied) in County Louth which has applied for essential works; if it has been accepted; and if so, when work will commence. [47197/08]
655 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science the position of an application by a school (details supplied) in County Louth which has applied for essential works; if it has been accepted; and if so, when work will commence. [47198/08]
657 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science the position of an application by a school (details supplied) in County Louth which has applied for essential works; if it has been accepted; and if so, when work will commence. [47200/08]
659 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science the position of an application by a school (details supplied) in County Louth which has applied for essential works; if it has been accepted; and if so, when work will commence. [47202/08]
660 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science the position of an application by a school (details supplied) in County Louth which has applied for essential works; if it has been accepted; and if so, when work will commence. [47203/08]
661 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science the position of an application by a school (details supplied) in County Louth which has applied for essential works; if it has been accepted; and if so, when work will commence. [47204/08]
665 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science the position of an application by a school (details supplied) in County Galway for essential works; if it has been accepted; and if so, when work will commence. [47208/08]
669 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science the position of an application by a school (details supplied) in County Dublin for essential works; if it has been accepted; and if so, when work will commence. [47212/08]
670 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science the position of an application by a school (details supplied) in County Dublin for essential works; if it has been accepted; and if so, when work will commence. [47213/08]
671 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science the position of an application by a school (details supplied) in County Dublin for essential works; if it has been accepted; and if so, when work will commence. [47214/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 650, 652, 654, 655, 657, 659 to 661, inclusive, 665, 669, 670 and 671 together.
The schools referred to by the Deputy applied to my Department for funding under the Summer Works Scheme in 2008.
The particular emphasis in 2008 has been on providing sufficient school places in developing areas, while also delivering improvements in the quality of existing primary and post-primary school accommodation throughout the country. Accordingly my Department has focused on delivering as many large projects as possible in 2008 and funding was not made available for a Summer Works Scheme this year.
I intend to have a Summer Works Scheme in 2009. The details of the operation of the scheme and the level of funding to be made available under the scheme in 2009 are currently being considered and will be completed as soon as possible. The Professional and Technical Reports provided by schools for 2008 can be used again for future projects so that schools will not be at the loss of expenditure on them.
651 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science the position of an application by a school (details supplied) in County Louth for works on its school; if it has been accepted; and if so, when work will commence. [47194/08]
The school to which the Deputy refers has applied to my Department for large scale capital funding.
The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project from initial design stage through to construction will be considered in the context of the school building and modernisation programme. However, in view of the level of demand on the Department's capital budget currently, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression the project at this time.
653 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science the position of an application by a school (details supplied) in County Louth which has applied for a new school building; if it has been accepted; and if so, when work will commence. [47196/08]
The Department has agreed to the provision of a new 36-classroom school building to cater for an amalgamation of two schools including the school referred to by the Deputy. The project to provide the new school is in architectural planning and is currently at stage 2b (detailed design) of the planning process.
The progression of all large scale building projects including this project will be considered in the context of the Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. It is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.
656 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science the position of an application by a school (details supplied) in County Louth which has applied for essential works; if it has been accepted; and if so, when work will commence. [47199/08]
The proposed building project for the school to which the Deputy refers is at an early stage of architectural planning.
The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction will be considered in the context of the school building and modernisation programme. However, in view of the level of demand on the Department's capital budget currently, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression the project at this time.
658 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science the position of an application by a school (details supplied) in County Louth which has applied for essential works; if it has been accepted; and if so, when work will commence. [47201/08]
The application for major works at the school referred to by the Deputy is currently being re-tendered. My Department is awaiting contact from the school authorities in this regard.
662 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science the position of an application by a school (details supplied) in County Louth which has applied for essential works; if it has been accepted; and if so, when work will commence. [47205/08]
The school to which the Deputy refers has applied to my Department for large scale capital funding for an extension and refurbishment project. The project is in the early stages of architectural planning.
The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction will be considered in the context of the school building and modernisation programme. However, in view of the level of demand on the Department's capital budget currently, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression the project at this time.
663 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science the position of an application by a school (details supplied) in County Louth for essential works; if it has been accepted; and if so, when work will commence. [47206/08]
The school to which the Deputy refers has applied to my Department for large scale capital funding.
The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction will be considered in the context of the school building and modernisation programme. However, in view of the level of demand on the Department's capital budget currently, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression the project at this time.
664 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science the position of an application by a school (details supplied) in County Louth for essential works; if it has been accepted; and if so, when work will commence. [47207/08]
The Department has received an application for a major extension from the school referred to by the Deputy. Schedules of accommodation have been agreed with the school authorities on the additional accommodation to be provided. This project is currently awaiting approval to appoint a design team.
The progression of all large scale building projects including this project will be considered in the context of the Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. It is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.
666 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science the position of an application by a school (details supplied) in County Dublin for essential works; if it has been accepted; and if so, when work will commence. [47209/08]
The proposed building project for the school to which the Deputy refers is at an advanced stage of architectural planning.
The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction will be considered in the context of the school building and modernisation programme. However, in view of the level of demand on the Department's capital budget currently, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression the project at this time.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that, as an interim measure, the Department has taken a decision in principle to replace a number of prefabs at the school. It received information from the school recently which will enable this matter to progress further.
667 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science the position of an application by a school (details supplied) in County Dublin for essential works; if it has been accepted; and if so, when work will commence. [47210/08]
There is no record in my Department of an application for capital funding from the school referred to by the Deputy. The school should contact the Modernisation and Policy Unit of my Department in the matter.
668 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science the position of an application by a school (details supplied) in County Dublin for a new school building; if it has been accepted; and if so, when work will commence. [47211/08]
The Department is aware of the accommodation pressures being experienced by the school referred to by the Deputy.
The project at this school has a band rating of 1, the highest priority that the Department assigns to major capital projects.
A permanent site has been identified and is being acquired under the Fingal School Model Agreement.
The progression of the school's major capital project will be considered on an on-going basis in the context of the Department's Multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme and availability of capital resources.
672 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science the position of an application by a school (details supplied) in County Dublin for essential works; if it has been accepted; and if so, when work will commence. [47215/08]
The school to which the Deputy refers has applied to my Department for large scale capital funding.
The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction will be considered in the context of the school building and modernisation programme. However, in view of the level of demand on the Department's capital budget currently, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression the project at this time.
673 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science the position of an application by a school (details supplied) in County Dublin for a new school building; if it has been accepted; and if so, when work will commence. [47216/08]
The school to which the Deputy refers has applied to my Department for large scale capital funding for a new building.
The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction will be considered in the context of the school building and modernisation programme. However, in view of the level of demand on the Department's capital budget currently, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression the project at this time.
674 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science the position of an application by a school (details supplied) in County Dublin for a new school building; if it has been accepted; and if so, when work will commence. [47217/08]
Acquisition of a 6 acre site for primary school provision in Tyrrelstown is well advanced at contract stage. As the Deputy will appreciate, due to the commercial sensitivities attaching to site acquisition, I cannot comment further on the matter at this time.
The site is such that it should provide accommodation for both of the schools (including the school to which the Deputy refers) currently accommodated in temporary accommodation on the Powerstown Road. The Department will be discussing the configuration and size of the schools with the two patron bodies concerned, Educate Together and the Catholic Archbishop of Dublin.
The progression of all large scale building projects from initial design stage through to tender and construction, including this project, will be considered on an on-going basis in the context of my Department's Multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. In light of current competing demands on my Department's capital budget, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the further progression of the project at this time.
The school to which the Deputy refers will continue to be accommodated on the site at Powerstown Rd until their permanent accommodation is delivered.
675 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science the position of an application by a school (details supplied) in County Dublin for essential works; if it has been accepted; and if so, when work will commence. [47218/08]
The school referred to by the Deputy applied to my Department for funding under the Summer Works Scheme in 2008.
The particular emphasis in 2008 has been on providing sufficient school places in developing areas, while also delivering improvements in the quality of existing primary and post-primary school accommodation throughout the country. Accordingly my Department has focused on delivering as many large projects as possible in 2008 and funding was not made available for a Summer Works Scheme this year.
I intend to have a Summer Works Scheme in 2009. The details of the operation of the scheme and the level of funding to be made available under the scheme in 2009 are currently being considered and will be completed as soon as possible. The Professional and Technical Reports provided by schools for 2008 can be used again for future projects so that schools will not be at the loss of expenditure on them.
676 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science the position of an application by a school (details supplied) in County Dublin for essential works; if it has been accepted; and if so, when work will commence. [47219/08]
The major capital project for the School to which the Deputy refers has been assigned the highest priority band rating of 1 and a design team has been appointed.
The progression of all large scale building projects from initial design stage through to tender and construction, including this project, will be considered on an on-going basis in the context of my Department's Multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. In light of current competing demands on my Department's capital budget, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the further progression of the project at this time.
677 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of EU funding received by his Department directly or for institutions, groups, organisations or bodies under his aegis in the past 20 years to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47242/08]
The information requested by the Deputy is in the following tables.
Table 1 details the level of EU aid received, per Measure, by the Department of Education and Science from the European Social Fund under the Community Support Framework, 1994 — 1999.
Table 2 details the level of EU aid received, per Measure, by the Department of Education and Science from the European Social Fund under the Community Support Framework 2000-2006.
The Deputy should be aware that EU funds are drawn-down in arrears, following certification and checking of accounts and in accordance with European Commission rules and procedures.
There may be other amounts paid directly to education sector bodies/institutions by the EU Commission in relation to which my Department does not have details.
For historical data detailing the level of EU aid received by the State between 1973-1993, I would direct the Deputy to the EU Transfers Section of the Department of Finance publication — Budgetary and Economic Statistics.
Under the EU Peace II programme a total of €1,660,760 was received by my Department in the period 2003 — 2008 in respect of Peace II, Measure 5.5, Cross Border Education, School and Youth Co-operation and of this amount, under the agreed funding arrangements, a total of €217,057 was paid to the Department of Education, Northern Ireland.
|
1994 |
1995 |
1996 |
1997 |
1998 |
1999 |
||
|
Measure |
ESF |
ESF |
ESF |
ESF |
ESF |
ESF |
ESF |
|
£’000 |
£’000 |
£’000 |
£’000 |
£’000 |
£’000 |
£’000 |
|
|
HUMAN RESOURCES OP |
|||||||
|
Preventive Actions |
2,625 |
2,629 |
2,691 |
2,464 |
2,602 |
10,511 |
23,522 |
|
Early School Leavers |
4,635 |
4,433 |
4,433 |
4,180 |
8,548 |
12,387 |
38,616 |
|
Vocational Preparation and Training |
22,835 |
36,254 |
37,179 |
33,400 |
37,496 |
41,050 |
208,214 |
|
Apprenticeship |
8,581 |
7,619 |
7,799 |
7,143 |
7,377 |
7,529 |
46,048 |
|
Middle Level Technician/Higher Technical Skills |
32,489 |
40,533 |
46,218 |
46,084 |
47,782 |
48,630 |
261,736 |
|
Advanced Technical Skills |
7,565 |
5,911 |
6,050 |
5,542 |
5,345 |
3,077 |
33,490 |
|
Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme |
13,894 |
9,518 |
9,743 |
8,923 |
9,215 |
9,406 |
60,699 |
|
Training of Trainers |
3,678 |
4,664 |
5,497 |
6,409 |
6,618 |
7,215 |
34,081 |
|
Certification |
666 |
1,107 |
1,481 |
1,427 |
1,660 |
1,862 |
8,203 |
|
Promotion of Equal Opportunities |
0 |
2 |
16 |
16 |
443 |
1,500 |
1,977 |
|
Technical Assistance |
0 |
93 |
225 |
119 |
0 |
0 |
437 |
|
Modern Languages |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
270 |
912 |
1,182 |
|
Adult Literacy |
4,678 |
4,678 |
|||||
|
SUB-TOTAL |
96,968 |
112,763 |
121,332 |
115,707 |
127,356 |
148,757 |
722,883 |
|
INDUSTRY OP |
|||||||
|
Graduate Training |
44 |
345 |
517 |
634 |
759 |
1,115 |
3,414 |
|
Enterprise Development |
197 |
378 |
342 |
222 |
242 |
741 |
2,122 |
|
SUB-TOTAL |
241 |
723 |
859 |
856 |
1,001 |
1,856 |
5,536 |
|
TOURISM OP |
|||||||
|
Initial Training |
4,186 |
5,590 |
4,292 |
4,027 |
4,348 |
4,716 |
27,159 |
|
Continuing Training |
465 |
621 |
477 |
447 |
481 |
527 |
3,018 |
|
SUB-TOTAL |
4,651 |
6,211 |
4,769 |
4,474 |
4,829 |
5,243 |
30,177 |
|
GRAND TOTAL |
101,860 |
119,697 |
126,960 |
121,037 |
133,186 |
155,856 |
758,596 |
|
1994 |
1995 |
1996 |
1997 |
1998 |
1999 |
||
|
Measure |
ESF |
ESF |
ESF |
ESF |
ESF |
ESF |
ESF |
|
€’000 |
€’000 |
€’000 |
€’000 |
€’000 |
€’000 |
€’000 |
|
|
HUMAN RESOURCES OP |
|||||||
|
Preventive Actions |
3,333 |
3,338 |
3,416 |
3,129 |
3,302 |
13,347 |
29,865 |
|
Early School Leavers |
5,885 |
5,629 |
5,629 |
5,307 |
10,854 |
15,728 |
49,032 |
|
Vocational Preparation and Training |
28,994 |
46,033 |
47,207 |
42,410 |
47,609 |
52,123 |
264,376 |
|
Apprenticeship |
10,895 |
9,675 |
9,903 |
9,070 |
9,367 |
9,560 |
58,470 |
|
Middle Level Technician/Higher Technical Skills |
41,253 |
51,467 |
58,684 |
58,515 |
60,671 |
61,747 |
332,337 |
|
Advanced Technical Skills |
9,606 |
7,505 |
7,682 |
7,036 |
6,786 |
3,907 |
42,522 |
|
Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme |
17,641 |
12,085 |
12,371 |
11,330 |
11,701 |
11,943 |
77,071 |
|
Training of Trainers |
4,670 |
5,922 |
6,980 |
8,137 |
8,403 |
9,161 |
43,273 |
|
Certification |
845 |
1,405 |
1,880 |
1,812 |
2,108 |
2,365 |
10,415 |
|
Promotion of Equal Opportunities |
0 |
2 |
21 |
20 |
563 |
1,905 |
2,511 |
|
Technical Assistance |
0 |
119 |
285 |
151 |
0 |
0 |
555 |
|
Modern Languages |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
343 |
1,158 |
1,501 |
|
Adult Literacy |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
5,940 |
5,940 |
|
SUB-TOTAL |
123,122 |
143,180 |
154,058 |
146,917 |
161,707 |
188,884 |
917,868 |
|
INDUSTRY OP |
|||||||
|
Graduate Training |
56 |
438 |
656 |
804 |
964 |
1,416 |
4,334 |
|
Enterprise Development |
251 |
480 |
435 |
282 |
307 |
941 |
2,696 |
|
SUB-TOTAL |
307 |
918 |
1,091 |
1,086 |
1,271 |
2,357 |
7,030 |
|
TOURISM OP |
|||||||
|
Initial Training |
5,315 |
7,098 |
5,449 |
5,113 |
5,520 |
5,988 |
34,483 |
|
Continuing Training |
590 |
788 |
605 |
568 |
611 |
670 |
3,832 |
|
SUB-TOTAL |
5,905 |
7,886 |
6,054 |
5,681 |
6,131 |
6,658 |
38,315 |
|
GRAND TOTAL |
129,334 |
151,984 |
161,203 |
153,684 |
169,109 |
197,899 |
963,213 |
|
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2000-2007 |
|
|
Programme/Measure |
ESF |
ESF |
ESF |
ESF |
ESF |
ESF |
ESF |
ESF |
ESF |
|
€’000 |
€’000 |
€’000 |
€’000 |
€’000 |
€’000 |
€’000 |
€’000 |
€’000 |
|
|
Employment Human Resources Development OP |
|||||||||
|
School Completion Programme |
1,412 |
3,164 |
7,823 |
8,912 |
8,865 |
9,078 |
39,254 |
||
|
Third Level Access |
815 |
2,921 |
5,746 |
6,969 |
7,472 |
6,731 |
30,654 |
||
|
Early School Leavers — Community Training Workshops |
0 |
1,169 |
630 |
706 |
804 |
1,986 |
5,295 |
||
|
Early School Leavers — Youthreach & Travellers Workshops |
18,866 |
23,005 |
14,763 |
36,689 |
27,180 |
29,456 |
|
149,959 |
|
|
Back to Education Initiative |
0 |
0 |
0 |
3,823 |
3,205 |
5,331 |
12,359 |
||
|
Adult Literacy |
11,611 |
0 |
2,671 |
6,110 |
5,962 |
8,618 |
34,972 |
||
|
Undergraduate Skills |
0 |
1,582 |
40,289 |
5,682 |
3,463 |
15,400 |
66,416 |
||
|
Certification and National Qualifications Framework |
2,164 |
253 |
848 |
742 |
777 |
358 |
984 |
6,126 |
|
|
Education Equality Initiative |
0 |
84 |
175 |
26 |
0 |
- |
273 |
||
|
Equal Opportunities Promotion and Monitoring |
0 |
64 |
304 |
355 |
438 |
187 |
1,348 |
||
|
All measures (not distributed across measures) |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
5,866 |
5,866 |
|
TOTAL |
34,868 |
32,242 |
73,249 |
70,014 |
58,166 |
77,133 |
984 |
5,866 |
352,522 |
(a) Under the 2000-2006 Round, the European Commission will process the final Operational Programme payments (estimated at over €20million in aid) based on the submission of the Member State's final closure documents.
(b) It is estimated that aid of €130 million (approx.) will be received in respect of education related measures during the period 2007-2013.
