Vol. 672 No. 3
105 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress on the amalgamation of the National Library of Ireland, the National Archives and the Manuscripts Commission; if legislation will be required to enact the amalgamation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2254/09]
118 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress on the planned amendment of the National Archives Act 1986; when he expects this to be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2275/09]
214 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when the National Library of Ireland, the National Archives and the Manuscripts Commission will be amalgamated; the amount he expects will be saved as a result of this amalgamation; his views on whether this amalgamation is feasible and practical; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2548/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 105, 118 and 214 together.
I would like to advise the House that the National Archives, the National Library of Ireland, and the Irish Manuscripts Commission are distinct institutions, established under various legislative acts. Accordingly, the merger of these organisations will require primary legislation.
As I stated in my reply to Questions Nos. 76, 77 and 84 on 19th November 2008, the corporate, legislative and accommodation positions of each of the Institutions is being examined with a view to drawing up a plan of action to give effect to the Government decision. My Department is also investigating the functional and logistical requirements of each institution and the adjustments which will be required. The challenges here are detailed and multi-faceted and it would be premature at this point to give definite dates. A consultative process with the Directors of the Institutions referred to above is underway under various headings including governance, shared management structures, unified support services and resources.
106 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he is satisfied that the terms of the mid-Shannon tax corridor initiative are consistent with achieving the objectives of the scheme and are benefiting Shannon region tourism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2356/09]
The Mid-Shannon Tourism Infrastructure Investment Scheme, which was introduced in section 29 of the Finance Act 2007 and launched in June 2008, provides tax incentives for investment in tourism attractions and facilities in the designated Mid-Shannon Corridor. The Mid-Shannon Tourism Investment Board, selected by the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, in consultation with the Minister for Finance, is to examine proposals and to approve those which meet the criteria set out in Guidelines to the Board. Only those projects that are approved beforehand and certified after completion, by the Board, will benefit from the incentives.
This will ensure that investment takes place in line with the carefully prepared strategies of the agencies and that projects meet standards of quality. The Guidelines also set out the classes of facilities that have been identified as most appropriate and needed in the Mid-Shannon Corridor. Among the qualifying activities included under the Scheme are:
water sports activities, boat rental and inland cruising;
visitor attractions and centres;
wellness amenities and spa facilities;
cultural facilities;
caravan and camping parks and holiday camps; and
certain restaurants and cafes.
The Guidelines have been designed to encourage the development of appropriate facilities, to the high standards expected by our tourism customers. I am satisfied that the terms set out in the Guidelines are appropriate if we are to maximise the tourism assets of the Mid-Shannon Corridor.
The Mid Shannon Tax Incentive Scheme is a welcome addition to the range of supports available to the tourism agencies in their effort to promote the development of the tourism business in the lower reaches of the Shannon basin. The scheme has been warmly embraced by Fáilte Ireland and Shannon Development and they have jointly promoted it extensively across the eligible catchment areas and through the relevant professional bodies. Between them, they have held 10 seminars and workshops for the private sector and professional groups. Over 300 people have attended these. Additional briefings have been held for key stakeholders such as local authorities, planning departments and local tourism groups.
While there have been no formal submissions to date, the executive teams in the two agencies are currently working with potential investors in exploring their projects and the funding options available to get them to a point of making formal submissions. I am advised that there are a number of quality projects in the pipeline which it is hoped will be submitted before the May 31st deadline in place. This Scheme, while in many respects similar to others which have preceded it, is in crucial ways quite new and innovative. It is in the nature of innovation that elements are experimental and may be subject to review in the light of experience as well as external developments.
My Department, in conjunction with the Department of Finance, the Mid-Shannon Tourism Infrastructure Board, Fáilte Ireland and Shannon Development, is continuing to keep the terms of the Scheme under review with a view to identifying any necessary changes. Any review of the Scheme in terms of the deadlines set is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Finance in the first instance.
107 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he has reached conclusions following his consideration of the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics task force report; if he will take action on foot of the report’s recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2348/09]
116 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position regarding the promised publication of the Indecon economic evaluation of the benefits to Ireland of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2256/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 107 and 116 together.
The London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics Task Force was established in August 2006 to ensure Ireland can identify and maximise the complete range of opportunities arising from our proximity to the Olympic and Paralympic Games in London 2012. The Task Force included experts from the sport, tourism, cultural and business sectors and was supported by staff within my Department. The Task Force report makes a number of recommendations arising from an audit carried out of high quality sports facilities in Ireland and the findings of a report by Indecon International Economic Consultants on the economic evaluation of the benefit to the island of Ireland of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games. It highlights the opportunities for Ireland from the London 2012 Games in the sport, tourism, cultural and business sectors.
I am considering the implementation of the recommendations of the London 2012 Task Force Report taking account of the current economic situation and my ongoing meetings with the key high performance stakeholders to identify the challenges which must be met in the preparation of our team for the London Games. I intend to make the report available on the Department's website next week.
108 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if capital projects under his remit will commence in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2314/09]
212 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if capital projects under his remit will commence in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2755/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 108 and 212 together.
A number of landmark capital projects under the aegis of the Department are currently at various stages of development, from the pre-contract stage to the phase of nearing completion.
National Theatre
The Abbey Theatre is to be redeveloped by way of a public-private partnership on a site at George's Dock. This site was chosen following an extensive search exercise conducted by the Office of Public Works that involved the examination of a number of options. This PPP project is now being progressed on the basis solely of the Georges Dock site. The project is complex and there are a myriad of technical, procedural and legal factors to address in making progress on it, and these continue to be progressed. The project remains a priority for the Department and I will make an announcement on the design competition very soon.
National Concert Hall
The redevelopment of the National Concert Hall, also by means of a public-private partnership agreement, is currently in the competitive dialogue phase of the procurement process. This phase involves engagement with three shortlisted applicant consortia, at the end of which they will be invited to submit tenders. The successful tenderer will be selected by September 2009 and, subject to planning permission, I will award the contract around the end of 2009. Upon completion, the project will deliver, among other facilities, a main auditorium with a seating capacity for more than 2,000 patrons. The project is progressing to schedule, with construction expected to commence in 2010.
National Conference Centre
The development of the National Conference Centre is proceeding apace according to the public-private partnership agreement already in place. The Centre will deliver significant numbers of international conference visitors to Ireland and will generate substantial foreign revenue earnings. It is, therefore, all the more important that this project be completed. I am pleased to note that the Centre remains on schedule to open on 1 September 2010.
Lansdowne Road Stadium
The Lansdowne Road Stadium project will deliver a new, state-of-the-art 50,000-seat capacity stadium to meet the international rugby and soccer fixture requirements of the IRFU and the FAI. Again, I am pleased to report that following the commencement of building work in May 2007, the project remains well on schedule for completion by mid 2010.
National Sports Campus
With respect to the establishment of a National Sports Campus at Abbotstown, the difficult economic constraints has meant that no funding has been provided to date to advance the Phase I development in 2009. I am having discussions with the Minister for Finance to see what funding might be available to move forward with Phase I on a phased basis. I am also having discussions with the NSCDA in this regard. In the short term, construction work has commenced on providing a headquarters for the Irish Institute of Sport, involving the refurbishment of an existing building, to be ready for occupancy this year.
As can be seen, progress is continuing apace on a number of major capital projects, and I hope to report positively on developments to this House during the remainder of this year and beyond. In addition my Department will continue to make payments to grantees who have been awarded grants under the Sports Capital, Local Authority Swimming Pool and ACCESS programmes.
109 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will confirm the operational subsidy provided by his Department to the National Aquatic Centre in 2008; the level of subsidy he envisages will be required in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2341/09]
I refer the Deputy to the response given to Deputy Upton in respect of Priority Question Number 95 (reference 2480/09) of today's date. The National Aquatic Centre (NAC) is operated by NSCDA (Operations) Ltd., a subsidiary company of the National Sports Campus Development Authority (NSCDA). All day-to-day operations of the NAC are a matter for the Authority and the operations company. Following the restoration of the NAC to the then Campus and Stadium Ireland Development Ltd., on 1 December 2006, an extensive capital programme was undertaken to restore the Centre to its original condition.
Much effort has gone into rebuilding its reputation and increasing its customer base and, in that context, an initial subsidy of €1.8 million was required in its first full year of operation. In 2008 a more positive picture of operational needs emerged and I have been encouraged by the significant increase in both visitor numbers and income which is being achieved to date. In more specific terms, while in 2007 there were 576,000 visitors, in 2008 there have been some 707,000 visitors. Notwithstanding the marked improvement in the level of activity and income at the NAC during 2008 there has still been a requirement of a subsidy of just over €1 million required in 2008. However this is reduced from the amount of €1.8 million in 2007.
In parallel with overseeing the ongoing operation, the Authority undertook an international benchmarking exercise comparing the performance of the NAC against other equivalent facilities throughout Europe. This work was recently completed and has been evaluated both by the Authority and by my officials. The clear message is that all publicly accessible 50metre indoor pools receive direct or indirect subsidies from Governments, local authorities, sports councils, universities and/or other like facilities. Clearly therefore the performance of the NAC is not dissimilar to other like facilities. Accordingly, and based on the National Aquatic Centre projections for trading in 2009, a subsidy in the order of €1million will be needed by the Authority for this purpose, out of its provision for 2009, in respect of this year's trading.
111 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the impact he envisages the reduction in funding for the arts sector will have on the industry in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2319/09]
I refer the Deputy to my reply of 19th November 2008 last to question 41832/08. As I outlined in that reply, under measures introduced in the 2009 budget, all Government Departments and State Agencies are to achieve a range of reductions and savings in 2009, both on pay and non-pay expenditure, and the Arts Council is no exception. These include a 3% reduction in the level of their 2008 pay bill and at least a 50% reduction in their consultancy and advertising budgets.
The Arts Council is statutorily independent, under the Arts Act 2003, in its funding decisions and I have no role to play in actual funding allocations made by the Council. As Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism I am committed to securing the best possible funding deal for the Arts Council and the arts sector generally throughout the country. By any standards however, the Arts Council has seen dramatic increases in its funding allocation in recent years, increasing by over 59% from €47.67 million in 2002 to €81.62 million in 2009. These are significant amounts of taxpayers' money in any context and have effectively transformed the arts, by facilitating increased access to and participation in the full spectrum of art forms throughout the country.
The Government's sustained support has resulted in a firm foundation to the arts sector that will assist it in facing future challenges and hopefully minimizing the effects of the new funding situation. This Government is committed to supporting the arts and will continue to work with and fund the Arts Council within available financial resources as part of its programme to achieve this.
112 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if a review of the Irish performance in the Beijing Olympics has been conducted by or on behalf of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2263/09]
The Irish Sports Council (ISC), which is funded by my Department, has statutory responsibility for encouraging the promotion, development and co-ordination of competitive sport and the achievement of excellence in competitive sport. In this regard the ISC works in partnership with the Irish Institute of Sport, the Olympic Council of Ireland, the Paralympic Council of Ireland and the relevant national governing bodies of sport in the preparation of Irish athletes for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The ISC established a review group to examine the preparations and performances at the 2008 Beijing Games in order to prepare for the 2012 London Games. The overall aim of the review is to make recommendations to the ISC in respect of structures, programmes and investment policy that should be pursued based on the outcomes of the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games. I understand that the review will be published shortly.
I am completing a series of meetings with a number of the key stakeholders involved in the support of our elite athletes to discuss how we can best build on the success we had in Beijing and the supports required in terms of coaching, programmes, facilities and funding to ensure the optimum performance of Irish athletes at the London 2012. It is my intention that the issues arising from these meetings and the review being carried out by the ISC will inform the high performance strategy for the London 2012 Games.
113 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress on the new Abbey Theatre design competition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2387/09]
In 2006 the Government decided to proceed with the redevelopment of the Abbey Theatre by way of a public private partnership on a site at George's Dock, on a build, finance and maintain basis. This site was chosen following an extensive search exercise conducted by the Office of Public Works that involved the examination of a number of options. This PPP project is now being progressed on the basis solely of the Georges Dock site. The project is complex and there are a myriad of technical, procedural and legal factors to address in making progress on it and these continue to be progressed, including the International Design Competition. Significant progress has been made in recent weeks and I hope to make an announcement soon on the matter.
114 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the steps expected to be taken to develop, enhance or promote the arts at national and local level in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2407/09]
218 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the proposed extent of expenditure by his Department in 2009 for the promotion of the arts at local level with particular reference to encouraging local drama and musical groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2680/09]
220 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his plans to generate increased interest in the arts at community level here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2682/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 114, 218 and 220 together.
As I outlined in my reply of 19th November 2008 last to Question No. 41808/08, Government Policy on the Arts is set out in the Programme for Government and is elaborated further in my Department's Statement of Strategy. My policy on the arts is to promote and strengthen the arts in all its forms, increase access to and participation in the arts, and make the arts an integral and valued part of our national life.
Responsibility for the promotion of the arts at all levels throughout the country is primarily devolved to the Arts Council. The Arts Council is the principal agency through which State funding is channelled to the arts. Under the Arts Act, 2003, the general functions of the Council include the following:
to stimulate public interest in the arts;
to promote knowledge, appreciation and practice of the arts;
to assist in improving standards in the arts.
The Arts Council is a statutorily independent body, funded by my Department and independent in its day-to-day operations, including in relation to its funding decisions. My Department has taken a direct role in relation to the provision of grant-aid for arts and culture infrastructure and has allocated over €150m in funding for the capital development of facilities around the country in recent years. A total of €108m of this was drawn down by the end of 2008. The table outlines expenditure on capital arts projects since 2004.
The Arts Capital Programme (previously known as ACCESS — Arts and Culture Capital Enhancement Support Scheme) is designed to assist in the provision of high standard arts and culture infrastructural projects, thereby enhancing access to all aspects of the arts throughout the country. The programme has been widely acknowledged as a significant intervention in the provision of high quality arts and culture infrastructure around the country. Under the scheme facilities funded to date include integrated arts centres, theatres, galleries as well as art studios and other arts production and performance spaces. A total of almost €86m has been granted to 120 projects across the country under the scheme, many of which were community based arts groups.
|
Year |
Funding |
% Change |
Supplementary Estimate |
Total including Supplementary |
% Change |
|
€m |
|||||
|
2004 |
52.500 |
19.0 |
2.00 |
54.50 |
23.6 |
|
2005 |
61.000 |
16.2 |
5.23 |
66.23 |
21.5 |
|
2006 |
72.310 |
18.5 |
10.00 |
82.31 |
24.3 |
|
2007 |
80.000 |
10.6 |
3.00 |
83.00 |
0.8 |
|
2008 |
82.102 |
2.60 |
81.60 |
-1.7 |
|
Year |
Expenditure |
|
€m |
|
|
2004 |
6.1 |
|
2005 |
12.7 |
|
2006 |
20.0 |
|
2007 |
37.2 |
|
2008 |
32.7 |
|
Total |
108.7 |
115 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he has had discussions with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food with regard to the possibility of the EU imposing quotas on sea angling; his views on whether angling tourism here may be damaged by the proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2317/09]
As the Deputy is aware; it is primarily a matter for my colleague, Brendan Smith, T.D. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, to negotiate the new Fisheries Control System, which is scheduled to come into effect on 1st January 2010. There is no doubt that the proposal as it is currently framed — to count catches of fish taken through recreational fishing against the relevant quotas of Member States — has the potential to adversely affect sea angling tourism. Angling visitors to Ireland are a specialist group and while smaller in comparison to other product specific visitors, they are a loyal group who tend to return year on year. In 2007, angling visitors to Ireland amounted to 128,000, with an estimated spend of €90million; of these visitors 31,000 were sea anglers.
I have asked my officials to monitor the situation in relation to the detailed negotiations on this proposal and to liaise with officials in the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, as necessary. My concern is to mitigate any adverse impact on the sea angling tourism sector, which is an important contributor to the Irish economy, especially in rural and coastal areas.
117 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will report on the outcome of his perusal of the Indecon report on the feasibility of a regional conference centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2401/09]
125 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will publish the Indecon report on the feasibility of a regional conference centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2331/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 117 and 125 together.
I informed the House yesterday by way of written answer that the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism had asked Fáilte Ireland to arrange an objective and independent study of the feasibility of a Regional Conference Centre in the Shannon/Limerick area. Indecon Consultants were engaged to carry out the feasibility study, the report of which was submitted to Fáilte Ireland, and this report has subsequently been presented to my Department.
The report concludes that the case for a regional conference centre in the Shannon/Limerick area is subject to considerable uncertainty and is marginal at best. The study also concludes that the required level of investment is not likely to represent the best use of public resources, either in a national context or in the context of the Shannon/Limerick region. Having examined the report, I agree with its findings. I have asked Fáilte Ireland to place a copy of the report on their website www.failteireland.ie.
119 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he has had discussions with the Department of Finance regarding the possible extension of the tax relief for sporting bodies to be extended to current expenditure for sporting organisations; his views on such a proposal and the extension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2261/09]
The tax relief on donations to certain sports bodies scheme, established under section 847a of the Taxes Consolidation Act came into effect from 1st May 2002. It allows for tax relief on donations made to approved sports bodies for the funding of sports capital projects. This scheme applies to donations of over €250 made towards expenses incurred by an approved sports body in relation to a capital project after the 1st of May 2002. The donation must be freely given with no benefit derived in return by the donor. Individual taxpayers on the self-assessment system are able to claim relief on their annual tax returns as a deduction from their total income. A corporate entity may claim relief on a donation by treating it as a deductible trading expense. Projects that are valid under the scheme include the following:
the purchase, construction or refurbishment of a building or structure, or part of a building or structure to be used for sporting or recreation activities provided by the approved sports body,
the purchase of land to be used by the approved sports body in the provision of sporting or recreation facilities,
the purchase of permanently based equipment (excluding personal equipment) for use by the approved sports body in the provision of sporting or recreation facilities,
the improvement of the playing pitches, surfaces or facilities of the approved sports body, and
the repayment of, or the payment of interest on, money borrowed by the approved sports body on or after 1 May 2002 for any of the above purposes.
I believe that the scheme is working well with 217 projects worth over €156 million approved to date. Any changes to this scheme or any new provisions of the nature referred to by the Deputy would be a matter for the Minister for Finance to consider in the context of overall taxation policy.
120 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if the drafting of a new per cent for art scheme has been initiated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2272/09]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question 44676 of 9th December 2008. As outlined in that reply, the Per Cent for Art scheme, when launched, was accompanied by a set of Guidelines to assist with its implementation. The Guidelines included a commitment to review the scheme and this process is now underway.
The review of the working and implementation of the Per Cent for Art Guidelines has been undertaken through an Inter-Departmental Group, chaired by my Department, since September 2007. This group, which is representative of a wide range of Government Departments and agencies with construction budgets, as well as the Arts Council and the Local Authority Arts Officer Association, has been active in working to revise and achieve an agreed and constructive set of guidelines.
As referred to in my reply of 9th December 2008, the Public Art Advisory Panel, convened by the Arts Council is currently liaising with the Interdepartmental Group so that the revised guidelines can be agreed, finalised and published. The public art website; Publicart.ie, is at an advanced stage of construction and is expected to be launched in the first half of this year.
121 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position regarding the money granted under the sports capital programme which has not been drawn down; the amount in question; the reasons this money has not been drawn down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2250/09]
Under the Sports Capital Programme, which is administered by my Department, funding is allocated to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. Since 1998 the Government has allocated over €725m in sports capital funding to over 7,400 sports projects across the country. This investment has transformed the sporting landscape of Ireland and has allowed the development of sports facilities across the length and breath of the country. These facilities have dramatically increased the opportunities for all people to engage in a wide variety of sports. The total level of outstanding commitments on hand for various rounds of the Sports Capital Programme at the end of 2008 was just over €175m.
The Deputy will be aware that payments under the programme are made on compliance by grantees with the conditions for payment outlined in the terms of the Programme. It is the responsibility of the grantee to ensure that these conditions are met in a timely manner to ensure the payment of the grant.
122 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress in promoting co-operation in sport on a North-South basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2271/09]
The Irish Sports Council and the Sports Council for Northern Ireland have an excellent working relationship and engage in a number of joint initiatives, such as the Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children's Sport, the All Island Sports Development Conference and programmes such as Youth Sport West.
The high level All Island Planning Group, which includes the Chairperson and Chief Executive of each Council, meets on a regular basis to ensure consistency in policy and practice in sports development. There is cooperation on such issues as research, development of high performance sport and anti-doping. The group ensures that there is no duplication of effort in planning and support for governing bodies of sport and individual athletes. The most recent meeting was held in Dublin on 16th December 2008.
In addition, the National Coaching and Training Centre has evolved into Coaching Ireland with an all-island remit and a clear focus to lead the development of coaching in Ireland. The Coaching Strategy for Ireland launched in 2008 was developed in partnership with the Irish Sports Council and Sport Northern Ireland. The strategy was developed following an extensive consultation process with coaches, athletes, national governing bodies of sport and other relevant agencies. A number of meetings have also taken place in the last year between officials of my Department and the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure to discuss sporting issues of mutual interest.
123 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the way his Department is promoting greater co-operation between the areas of arts, sport and tourism to mutually enhance future development of the areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2267/09]
Pursuant to its Statement of Strategy 2008-2010, one of the Department's high-level goals is to promote close co-operation between the arts/culture, sport and tourism sectors in order to enhance their shared contribution to the social and economic well being of the country. I am actively realising this goal in the following manner.
Tourism is a key driver of the Irish economy, and world cultural tourism is growing at approximately 15% per annum. Accordingly, I am taking an initiative in 2009 to develop the potential of cultural tourism, building in the first instance on co-operation and synergy between the bodies and institutions under the Department's remit. In particular, I intend to bring together the Heads of the key arts, sport and tourism sectoral development bodies and the National Cultural Institutions to draw up a Cultural Tourism Action Programme, to be initiated as soon as possible. This will strengthen the arts and culture family and assist the tourism industry to address current challenges and boost business in future years.
I have been encouraged in this step by the already successful benefits accruing from, for instance, the Arts Council's country-wide festivals support programme and its initiatives in the traditional arts sector, all of which contribute significantly to the tourism package available to visitors but which will, I hope, be harnessed to achieve improved synergies. In addition, ‘Culture Ireland' works closely with ‘Tourism Ireland' to maximise the opportunities for tourism which the international promotion of Irish culture presents. Apart from ongoing promotion of Culture Ireland-funded events through Tourism Ireland's international network of offices, recent successful joint initiatives include support for a special Irish focus at the leading literary festival in North America and a publication promoting Irish arts events in the key New York market.
Moreover, since 2006, the Department has financially supported ‘Culture Night', on which arts and cultural organisations, including the National Cultural Institutions, extend their opening hours to allow for increased access, in order to stimulate interest in the arts and cultural life of the city. Originally conducted only in Dublin, the concept was extended to Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford in 2008, and I plan to extend it further to a total of nine cities/towns outside Dublin in 2009. I have awarded a grant of €100,000 to Boston College for the period 2008-2010 to conduct a project to gather together Ireland's sporting heritage for publication on a website with links to present-day sporting organisations, publications, etc.
In the area of sport and tourism, Fáilte Ireland's International Sports Tourism Initiative (ISTI) is designed to attract major sporting events that can showcase Ireland as a major tourism destination. The events targeted have the ability to generate significant international media coverage and bring visitors and associated economic benefits to all the regions of the country. Events supported under ISTI include the World Rally Championship round in the North West; the Volvo Ocean Race, which is due in Galway in May; and the Tour of Ireland international cycle race in August. In addition, the Solheim Cup, which is a biennial transatlantic team matchplay competition considered to be the ladies golf equivalent of the Ryder Cup, is to be hosted by Ireland at Killeen Castle, Co. Meath, in 2011 while the Irish Open Golf tournament which is one of the major tournaments on the European Tour's 2009 schedule, will be staged at Co. Louth Golf Club in May '09.
124 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if, having regard to the difficulties experienced in the tourism sector in the past 12 months, it is intended to take specific measures which might have the effect of rejuvenating the industry in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2406/09]
134 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will take action on foot of the issues cited in the Central Statistics Office’s Tourism Trends 2007 report as disadvantages to holidays here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2316/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 124 and 134 together.
At the end of last year, the Central Statistics Office (CSO) published its thematic report "Tourism Trends 2007", which brings together tourism statistics from a variety of sources to provide a useful reference source to those interested in the tourism sector. This report shows clearly the progress of tourism in recent years, highlighting the exceptional performance in 2007. The number of overseas trips to Ireland grew by 27% to 8,012,000 between 2000 and 2007. Half of all trips were for holiday purposes and total earnings from all visitors in 2007 were €4,902 million. The Irish people and scenery were cited as the most frequently mentioned advantages of Ireland as a holiday destination between 2002 and 2007.
The Deputy will be aware that our tourism strategy framework, "New Horizons for Irish Tourism: an Agenda for Action 2003-2012" addresses these issues, among others. One of my priorities as Minister is to ensure that the tourism agenda is accommodated in all the relevant policies and programmes that impact on tourism. This is being put into practice on an ongoing basis by my Department and the tourism agencies through engagement with the relevant Departments and agencies on their policies and programmes.
The latest tourism figures published by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) show that despite a challenging global environment, Ireland's visitor numbers overall have held up well, making a vital contribution to employment, export earnings and tax receipts in our economy. The 2009 business plans for the key tourism agencies, Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland, are designed to support the marketing of Irish tourism, to improve our product offerings and to help improve business capability. These are being supported by the positive response of the tourism sector at enterprise level to the challenges we face.
While I know that our businesses and tourism agencies are responding constructively to current challenges, it is just as important that the strategic framework for tourism development responds to the changing environment. Accordingly, I have recently established the Tourism Renewal Group, which has been tasked with reviewing and, where appropriate, renewing the current tourism strategy, set out in the "New Horizons" report, in order to ensure that this strategy is focused for the short term and that the tourist industry is well placed to benefit from the upturn when it comes.
I have asked the Tourism Renewal Group to report back to me by the middle of 2009, following its considerations, with recommendations in the form of a Framework for Action for the period to 2013. I am confident that, in partnership with the sector, we can plan for current and future challenges and take appropriate action to meet them, thereby ensuring that Irish tourism continues on a path of sustainable growth over the medium term.
126 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if a new chief executive has been appointed to the Irish Institute of Sport; if there are plans to appoint a chief executive to this organisation; if a decision has been taken on the independent status of the organisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2262/09]
In 2006, the Government approved the establishment of the Irish Institute of Sport. The Institute has been working with the national governing bodies of sport and the elite athletes in ensuring that they have available to them the most up-to-date supports as they prepare to represent Ireland at international events and the Olympic Games. As Deputies will be aware, the Executive Chairperson, Mr Sean Kelly resigned recently. I would like to take this opportunity to place on the record my thanks for the work that he did to bring the Institute to its current position.
It was the intention to introduce legislation to enable the Irish Sports Council to establish subsidiaries and that the Institute would be given such legal status. However, in responding to the OECD Report on Public Sector Reform and in particular to its recommendations on the number of agencies involved in public administration, I have decided not to establish the Institute as a subsidiary of the ISC. This has not deflected the Institute from carrying on with its important work. I met with the Institute staff recently and was very impressed with the work that they are doing on behalf of our elite athletes.
I will be having discussions with the ISC on the best structure for the Institute as we plan for the Olympic Games in London in 2012 when the council's review of the Bejing Olympic Games is completed and I have completed my meetings with the relevant sporting bodies about how best to structure on high performance supports delivery mechanisms.
127 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will confirm that phase two of the National Sports Campus in Abbotstown has been postponed as per comments by him (details supplied); the status of phase one plans; if these will be progressing in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2258/09]
The facilities approved by the Government for development of Phase I of the National Sports Campus at Abbotstown, include:
A National Field Sports Training Centre catering for rugby, soccer, Gaelic games and hockey;
A multi-sport National Indoor Training Centre to provide world class training facilities for over 20 sports;
Sports science and medical facilities;
Accommodation for sports men and women; and
All-weather synthetic pitches for community recreational access.
A Project Management Team and a Design Team was appointed early in 2008 to prepare a detailed design for the facilities envisaged for Phase I. This work is almost finalised and the NSCDA will be ready to submit an application for planning permission.
However, the current difficult economic constraints has meant that no funding has been provided to date to advance the Phase I development during 2009. I am having discussions with the Minister for Finance to see what funding might be available to move forward with Phase I on a phased basis. I am also having discussions with the NSCDA in this regard.
With regard to further phases of the Campus I would like to see the development of facilities such as a Velodrome being developed. Current budgetary constraints do not allow for this at the present time. However, in its planning for the future the NSCDA is making provision for such facilities.
128 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he requested the chairmen of the bodies under the aegis of his Department to take a 10% pay cut similar to that which Government Ministers took in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2265/09]
In the Budget speech, the Minister for Finance informed the House that members of the Government and Ministers of State would surrender 10% of their current total pay and that officers at Secretary General level in Government Departments had volunteered to make a corresponding surrender in respect of their pay. The Minister for Finance also stated that other public servants in leadership and senior positions might wish to consider whether it is appropriate for them to make a similar move in current circumstances.
While the question of any fee/salary surrender by the chairmen and senior executives of bodies under the aegis of my Department is a matter for the individuals themselves to consider I welcome the policy of the Chairman and members of the Irish Sports Council to forfeit their fees and the decision of the Chairman and members of the Board of the National Library to offer a 10% cut in their fees.
129 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the precise status of the national sports facility strategy; the reason that this report has taken so long to publish; if any of the finished parts of the strategy will be published; when he expects the full report will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2276/09]
My Department is currently finalising a five-year strategic plan to inform the future development of necessary sporting facilities throughout the country. An inter-agency steering group, chaired by my Department, was established to oversee the development of the strategy, involving both national and international experts in the area of sports facilities, were engaged to assist in the preparation of the strategy.
The aim of the strategy is to provide high-level policy direction for future investment/grant assistance at national, regional and local level. It is intended to identify the facilities requirement for sport so that participation at reasonable cost is feasible for those who wish to engage in sport at either amateur or elite level. The strategy is also examining the wider economic, health and social case for continued investment in sports facilities. It aims to develop an agreed and integrated approach to planning, funding, provision and management of sports facilities and to prioritise areas for future investment to ensure continued impact in the relevant areas.
A wide range of stakeholders were consulted in order to generate a clear picture of the important issues to be considered in the provision of sports facilities including other Government Departments, local authorities, national governing bodies of sport, local sports partnerships, sports clubs and interested individuals.
A thorough international review was also carried out on existing reports, studies and strategies relating to facility provision. Research was carried out into areas such as the links between sports facility provision and participation, sports facility specifications and the motives for investing in sports facilities. On the domestic front, detailed research was carried out on the identification and awareness of various Government strategies and documents which impact on sports facility provision. The strategy is at an advanced stage and it is my intention to publish it once it has been completed and considered by the Government
130 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the outcome of discussions held on the future financing of the horse racing industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2315/09]
The Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund was established under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001 for the purpose of giving support to both the horse and greyhound racing industries. €69.719 million has been allocated to the Fund for 2009. In accordance with the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act 2001, 80% and 20% of the moneys paid into the Fund each year are distributed between Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) and Bord na gCon respectively.
Since 2001, income from the Fund has been used by both bodies towards increasing prize money levels, meeting administration costs alongside a programme of capital investment, which has underpinned a growth in both sectors. Since the establishment of the Fund a major period of development of both industries has resulted. The funding has allowed Ireland to develop into a world centre of excellence for horseracing and greyhound racing.
To date the Fund has not only helped towards providing some top class racing venues and facilities, but it has also underpinned significant employment in the industries. Horse breeding is a significant net contributor to the Irish economy and has an important role to play in generating employment, particularly in the tourism and agri-economy sectors, making it a significant regional employer and an important contributor to rural communities. The Irish greyhound industry is also regarded as one of the most vibrant and successful in the world.
In 2004, the Government put in place regulations to increase the limit of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund from €254m to €550m to continue the Fund for a further four years to 2008. A review of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund is currently underway and is expected to be completed shortly. Any increase of the Fund limit will require the approval of the Government and the Oireachtas as the level of the Fund is increased by Regulations made by the Minister, with the consent of the Minister for Finance.
131 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on the requirements for storage space in respect of the National Archives; the progress on the storage site previously referred to by him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2252/09]
The question of storage space for the National Archives is being examined afresh in the context of the proposed amalgamation of the National Library, the National Archives and the Irish Manuscripts Commission the expected relocation of the Land Commission staff and records from the National Archives building, and the availability of the necessary financial resources.
132 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on the proposed contemporary art event for Dublin in 2011; when he will be in a position to make a full announcement on this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2260/09]
A proposal for a first Dublin Biennale type event — Dublin Contemporary 2011 — is currently being developed in conjunction with the Irish Museum of Modern Art and other relevant stakeholders, under my Department's aegis. It is envisaged that this event would comprise a 12 week presentation (mid- June 2011 until September 2011) of contemporary art at landmark sites in Dublin City by national and international artists.
This is a very worthwhile project, which would be the first of its scale in Ireland and would provide a highlight for cultural tourism to the country in 2011. As with all projects currently in hand, progress on the development of Dublin Contemporary 2011 will be commensurate with available resources.
133 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when the decentralisation to Killarney will be completed; the number of employees who chose to transfer from Dublin to Killarney; his views on the fact that there may be an issue with the institutional memory in the Department, particularly at a time when funding is contracting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2268/09]
135 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if accommodation has been purchased to facilitate the decentralisation of bodies under the aegis of his Department; when he expects to begin again the decentralisation process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2269/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 133 and 135 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).
As only 10 of the existing staff of the Department opted to transfer to Killarney, it was clear that the impact of the implementation of decentralisation could be significant if not managed properly, particularly in relation to the potential loss of institutional memory. Accordingly the Department set itself a key corporate goal in its 2005-2007 Statement of Strategy to manage the organisational challenge while continuing to deliver a quality customer service during the implementation of the Decentralisation Programme. In order to meet the needs of new staff transferring into the Department a comprehensive training plan was put in place, which was regularly reviewed and revised. Procedures Manuals were also prepared in the financial area and in the case of the Department's major capital programmes.
To specifically address the potential loss of institutional memory, the transfer of staff into the Department was planned carefully and carried out on a phased basis over a number of years with appropriate training given to new staff as required. The Department has continued to operate successfully and at full capacity throughout the process. To date, 79 members of staff (including two service officers who were recruited locally) have relocated to new purpose built offices in Killarney. Of that number, 37 staff members relocated from Dublin.
The Department is currently in the process of arranging for the transfer of the remaining officials from the Department in Dublin who have opted 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. No accommodation has been purchased to facilitate the decentralisation of the three State Agencies under the aegis of the Department — the Arts Council, the Irish Sports Council and Fáilte Ireland. The decentralisation of these Agencies has been deferred pending a review in 2011.
137 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Taoiseach the annual cost of printing reports by his Department and agencies under the control of his Department; the corresponding figure for annual reports; the cost of posting these reports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2546/09]
The cost of printing reports by my Department in 2008 was €128,747. There were no costs incurred for printing of annual reports during 2008. The approximate cost of posting reports by my Department was €14,130 in 2008. The table outlines the cost of printing and posting reports by offices and bodies under the aegis of my Department in 2008.
|
Office/Body under the aegis of this Department |
Overall cost of printing reports in 2008 |
Cost of printing Annual Reports in 2008 |
Approximate cost of posting reports in 2008 |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
NESDO |
51,917 |
3,951 |
8,056 |
|
Ireland Newfoundland Partnership |
2,022 |
2,022 |
323 |
|
National Forum on Europe |
135,770 |
NIL |
29,516 |
|
Law Reform Commission |
85,840 |
9,704 |
5,886 |
|
Central Statistics Office |
9,850 |
NIL |
840 |
138 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Taoiseach the cost, in tabular format, including salary and pension payments, of each of the programme managers, special advisers, assistants or other staff appointed by him in 2007 post-election and 2008; the names, titles and duties of each of the staff appointed during these periods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2618/09]
The information requested by the Deputy relating to staff appointed by me since my appointment as Taoiseach on 7 May 2008, are detailed in the schedule:
|
Name |
Title |
Annual Salary |
|
€ |
||
|
**Joe Lennon |
Programme Manager/Special Adviser |
**221,929 |
|
Gerry Steadman |
Special Adviser |
131,748 |
|
Brian Murphy |
Special Adviser |
131,748 |
|
*Declan Ryan |
Special Adviser* |
94,785 |
|
*Peter Clinch |
Special Adviser* |
204,952 |
|
Oliver O Connor |
Special Adviser (to the Minister for Health & Children) |
177,547 |
|
*Padraig Slyne |
Special Adviser (to the Government Chief Whip)* |
96,555 |
|
Sineád Dooley |
Personal Assistant |
53,354 |
|
Peter Lenehan |
Personal Assistant |
49,685 |
|
Annette McManus |
Personal Assistant |
61,082 |
|
Denise Kavanagh |
Personal Assistant |
46,558 |
|
John Sheridan |
Personal Assistant |
55,030 |
|
Yvonne Graham |
Personal Assistant |
55,030 |
|
Sarah McLoughlin |
Personal Assistant |
47,973 |
|
Aoife Ní Lochlainn |
Personal Assistant |
66,179 |
|
***Margaret Fogarty |
Secretarial Assistant to Government Chief Whip and Minister of State [Finglas Office] |
20,239 |
|
***Linda Weir |
Secretarial Assistant to Government Chief Whip and Minister of State [Finglas Office] |
21,398 |
|
Elaine Hogan |
Personal Secretary [Tullamore Office] |
40,479 |
|
Colette Waters |
Personal Secretary [Tullamore Office] |
39,351 |
|
Eoghan O Neachtain |
Government Press Secretary |
150,712 |
|
*Mark Costigan |
Deputy Government Press Secretary* |
111,818 |
|
John Downing |
Deputy Government Press Secretary |
118,759 |
*These members of staff, are not members of a civil service pension scheme, they receive a contribution towards their pension fund of 11% of their salary, which they arrange separately. All other staff are members of the Civil Service pension schemes, for whom separate superannuation arrangements are in place for which the Department of Finance has responsibility.
**Mr. Joe Lennon, Programme Manager/Special Adviser has made a gift of €22,193 being part of his emoluments from his employment in 2009 for use for any purpose for or towards the cost of which public moneys are provided, and the Minister for Finance has accepted the gift. The salary mentioned above is the total salary prior to the making of the gift.
***On 50% worksharing basis.
139 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the fact that due to the fact that the spouse of a work permit holder is himself or herself required to apply for a work permit the additional bureaucracy acts as an impediment to employment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2492/09]
The Employment Permits Act 2006 sets down in legislation the rules governing the employment of non-EEA nationals in the State. Enshrined in this legislation are our obligations under Community Preference whereby Member States of the EU are obliged to fill skill and labour shortages from within the European Economic Area (EEA) before hiring a national from outside the EEA. The current policy in this area is to only facilitate skills gaps and to that end this Department works closely with FÁS/EURES in ensuring that Community Preference is fulfilled in the first instance.
Where a decision is made to issue a new permit, the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform facilitates family reunification, where they are satisfied that it is appropriate, by permitting spouses and dependants to enter the State. Up to 2004 spouses/dependants were not permitted access to employment and the current scheme was introduced in 2007 as a concession and in light of continuing labour shortages in the domestic market.
The Scheme was designed to give greater ease of access to employment for spouses who have been admitted to the State under Family Reunification by:
Not requiring the employer in question to advertise the job with FÁS in advance of making a work permit application,
Accepting applications for jobs in categories that would otherwise be ineligible for work permits, and
Exempting the application from the work permit fee.
Regulation of this employment under the Employment Permits Act 2006 is essential for several reasons including tracking of the types of vacancies being filled and to ensure the protection of these workers.
The Employment Permits Act 2006 provides for regular review of Ireland's economic migration policy in order to respond to the changing needs of the economy and the existing employment permit arrangements are being kept under active review to ensure that they continue to reflect current labour market needs.
140 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on whether the courses being offered on the FÁS e-college website fail to meet the latest and most recent standards in information technology and that they would not be widely accepted as sufficient qualifications within the IT industry; if she is planning to overhaul this on-line training system with more modern curricula; if her attention has been drawn to the need for the latest training to be put in place if the economy is to recover; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2501/09]
The FÁS e-college website lists 28 courses covering a range of topics related to information technology (IT) and office skills, from Introduction to ECDL to Managing a Server Environment. Learners are assisted to access appropriate and industry recognised certification in test centres close to their location.
FÁS recently consolidated its course offering on its e-Learning platform to facilitate management and quality of the courses and to fit them to the changing needs of its clients. To meet this changing need the current course offerings will be delivered using different methodologies including full time in-centre courses, evening training classes, self directed on-line learning and blended learning, which combines on-line learning with workshops and tutor supported interaction.
The courseware is updated to meet current and future needs of clients who access the service. The courses themselves are updated in line with changes to certification and client demands. FÁS strives to find a balance between the most up to date courses in terms of vendor offerings and the demand from users of existing IT platforms. All of the other courses offered on the e-college website are up to date with content appropriate to the associated certification available.
FÁS considers that e-learning is a viable and important training delivery methodology and the organisation is currently in the process of extending its use by making an initial 42 on-line courses available in a blended learning format. This will allow FÁS to deliver 25,000 additional training opportunities to clients who need fast, flexible interventions meeting the current needs of the labour market. FÁS plans to expand the current portfolio in response to demand from its training centre network and from client feedback and needs.
In response to the changing needs of the labour market, FÁS is offering an expanded range of on-line training courses with enhanced learner supports. This initiative builds on the existing e-Learning platform and will provide appropriate training for persons with high levels of employability who have been recently made redundant to upskill and refocus for re-entry into the labour market. It will target those individuals who are motivated to self-manage their learning.
141 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the annual cost of printing reports by her Department and agencies under the control of her Department; the corresponding figure for annual reports; the cost of posting these reports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2539/09]
I presume the Deputy is requesting information in relation to the year 2008. The printing costs associated with the reports of my Department and the Offices of my Department for 2008 was €13,711. There was no specific postage cost associated with those reports. The printing costs associated with the annual reports of my Department and the Offices of my Department for 2008 was €39,057.89 and the cost of posting those reports was €1,611. I am not in a position to provide the information sought by the Deputy in relation to the State Agencies under the control of my Department as such information falls within the day-to-day administration of the State Agencies concerned.
142 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the cost, in tabular format, including salary and pension payments, of each of the programme managers, special advisers, assistants or other staff appointed by her in 2007 post-election and 2008; the names, titles and duties of each of the staff appointed during these periods; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2611/09]
The table below outlines the title, duties and salary pay scales for each staff member appointed by me since I took up office as Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment on 7 May 2008.
All staff listed below are members of the Non-contributory Pension Scheme for Non-established State Employees.
|
Title |
Duties |
Salary (Per annum) |
|
€ |
||
|
Special Adviser |
Providing advice to me as Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment; monitoring, facilitating and securing the achievement of Government objectives that relate to my Department; and performing such other functions as I may direct from time to time. |
86,168 – 106,582 |
|
Press Adviser |
Providing press and communications advice in relation to my role in Government as Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment and performing such other functions as I may direct from time to time. |
66,179 – 82,520 |
|
Special Adviser |
Providing advice to me as Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment; monitoring, facilitating and securing the achievement of Government objectives that relate to my Department; and performing such other functions as I may direct from time to time. |
86,168 – 106,582 |
|
Personal Assistant |
Performing general secretarial duties including the handling of enquiries made to my Constituency Office. |
46,558 – 59,097 |
|
Personal Secretary |
Performing general secretarial duties including the handling of enquiries made to my Constituency Office. |
23,101 – 44,572 |
|
Temporary Clerical Officer |
Performing general secretarial duties including the handling of enquiries made to my Constituency Office. |
24,397 – 39,558 |
143 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of State aided jobs which have been created in County Wicklow since 1998; the breakdown of same by job description and location; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2664/09]
Between 1998 and 2008, a total of 8,396 jobs were created by IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland assisted companies in County Wicklow. There were 5,497 manufacturing jobs. International Services accounted for 2,493 and the remaining 406 were in various other areas including agriculture and forestry for example. Employment data in respect of companies supported by these agencies are collated by Forfás on a County by County basis. Between 1998 and 2007, over 400 jobs were created by Wicklow County Enterprise Board. Figures for 2008 are not yet available in relation to the CEB. I am confident that the efforts of the two agencies and the CEB will continue to attract industrial development and jobs to the County.
144 Deputy David Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her Department has carried out research into possible job creation in support of industries that will reuse and recycle waste materials; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2694/09]
At present, Enterprise Ireland supports waste recycling and waste management companies particularly through its Growth Fund, Investment Fund or Research and Development Fund. Current initiatives include the establishment by EI of a dedicated CleanTech Department to support an expanding portfolio of companies covering the Waste, Water, Energy and Services sub-sectors. This team is being resourced to address the needs and challenges arising. In addition, the agency's GreenTech Support package helps client companies take advantage of the opportunities presented by integrating environmental sustainability into their businesses.
In addition, a recent study undertaken by Forfás and Inter-Trade Ireland identified opportunities across a range of areas in the environment goods and services, including the waste sector. There are openings for those enterprises that can provide equipment, consultancy services and, in particular, develop innovative technologies in the areas of waste collection and disposal. Such technologies and services will make for more efficient and cost effective operations.
Prospects are good for companies that can meet the strong market demand for recovered materials such as plastics and metals. This is especially so where the activity can be carried out on a larger scale, producing a higher quality final material for recycling. In the area of transforming waste into energy, opportunities exist for companies providing innovative systems that utilize new and existing technologies to produce energy as well as a range of application fuels (e.g. gas, biomass fuel) and secondary products (e.g. compost) from waste materials. Renewable energy companies are becoming increasingly involved in the waste industry indicating the future growth potential for this sector. I am confident we can look forward to significant job creation in the areas identified.
145 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance the payroll and the financial package, including basic salary and pension entitlements of outgoing taoisigh, Ministers and Ministers of State. [2505/09]
The table sets out the basic salary entitlements (i.e. Office Holders allowance plus Oireachtas Members salary) for the Taoiseach, Tánaiste, Minister and Minister of State on 1 September 2008:
|
Office Holder Post |
1.09.08 |
|
€ |
|
|
Taoiseach |
185,392 |
|
TD |
100,191 |
|
Total |
285,583 |
|
Tánaiste |
145,134 |
|
TD |
100,191 |
|
Total |
245,325 |
|
Minister |
125,005 |
|
TD |
100,191 |
|
Total |
225,196 |
|
Minister of State |
54,549 |
|
TD |
100,191 |
|
Total |
154,740 |
Pension Entitlements:
Two years of service are required to qualify for an Office Holder's pension. A person who held the office of Taoiseach qualifies for Taoiseach's pension following a minimum period of two years service as Taoiseach or Minister. The pension is 20% of the Office Holder's allowance for the first two years of service plus 5% of the allowance for each further year of service up to a maximum of 60%. Pension is not payable before age 50, or age 65 in the case of "new entrants" as defined in the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004, except in the case of the Taoiseach. The pension is reduced to one-half if the person continues as a member of either House of the Oireachtas or as an MEP.
On leaving office severance may be payable for up to two years; the rates payable are: 75% of Office Holder's salary for the first six months; 50% of Office Holder's salary for the next twelve months; and 25% of Office Holder's salary for the final six months. A person may, if entitled to, switch to pension at any point but severance and pension are not payable at the same time.
Separate pension entitlements are payable in respect of TD service. Two years of service is also required to qualify for a TD's pension entitlements. These are a pension of 1/40th plus lump sum of 3/40ths of TD salary for each year of service up to a maximum of 20 years. The pension entitlements are not payable before age 50 (or from age 45 on an actuarially reduced basis), or age 65 in the case of "new entrants".
Severance may also be payable to a TD. This consists of a lump sum of 1/6th of annual salary if the person has a minimum of six months service. In addition if a person has a minimum of three years continuous service as a TD then a monthly payment may be made in respect of each year of service over two years up to a maximum of twelve monthly payments. The amount of monthly payment is 75% of 1/12th of the annual salary for the first six payments and 50% of 1/12th of the annual salary for the next six payments. A person may, if entitled to, switch to pension at any point but severance and pension are not payable at the same time.
146 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Finance if an income levy is applicable to the pension of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary. [2675/09]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the person in question has an annual pension in excess of the age exemption threshold of €20,000 and is accordingly liable to pay the income levy. A person entitled to a full medical card is, however, specifically exempt from the income levy. If the person in question holds a full medical card then evidence of this should be furnished to the pension provider who will not make any income levy deductions.
147 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Finance the status of the proposed development of a new Garda station (details supplied) in County Cork. [2498/09]
Ballincollig Garda Station is on the priority list of the Garda Building Programme for 2009. Under the Capital Works Management Framework, all public sector construction projects are required to be carried out under the new form of contract. It is necessary, therefore, to re-tender construction projects, such as Ballincollig Garda Station, which has been tendered under the previous GDLA form of contract and where no contractual commitment had been entered into, utilising the new form of construction contract.
Accordingly, the tender documents for Ballincollig Garda Station are being re-calibrated to the new form at present. The award of a contract will be subject to the availability of funding and the priority afforded to the project by An Garda Síochána and the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform.
148 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance the legal basis which exists for reducing basic rates of public sector pay in the absence of an agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2528/09]
There are a number of statutes governing the terms and conditions of staff in the different areas of the public service. As the Deputy is aware, sensitive discussions are taking place at present with the social partners. Among the issues being considered is the need to reduce public expenditure. The Deputy can be assured that any action taken by the Government will have regard to the position under legislation. I would not consider it helpful to comment further on the subject matter of the Deputy's question at the present time.
149 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance if he is legally bound by the recently agreed national wage agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2529/09]
The provisions of the agreement are not provided for in legislation. As the Deputy is aware, sensitive discussions are taking place at present with the social partners. Among the issues being considered is the pay provision of the national agreement. I would not consider it helpful to this process to comment further on the subject matter of the Deputy's question at the present time.
150 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance his plans for the future of a bank (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2530/09]
The Deputy will be aware that the institution in question is covered under the Government's guarantee Scheme. Arising from the intensified scrutiny and oversight applying to beneficiaries under the Scheme, the Financial Regulator commissioned PricewaterhouseCoopers to report on the financial position of the six covered institutions. This report established that the institution in question was well-capitalised and capital levels would remain above regulatory minimums under various loan impairment stress-scenarios. The institution concerned is not in public ownership and its plans for the future are in the first instance, a matter for its Board and members.
151 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Finance the annual cost of printing reports by his Department and agencies under the control of his Department; the corresponding figure for annual reports; the cost of posting these reports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2541/09]
In general my Department prints its reports in-house and in most cases these reports are also published on the Department's website. In some cases however, it may be decided to outsource the printing due to the volume of printing required to produce the report. In 2008 the European Regional Development Fund Financial Control Unit annual report was printed externally at a cost of €8,450 and the postage costs associated with the distribution of this report amounted to €945.70.
From time to time copies of reports printed-in-house are distributed through the postal system. No separate record is kept of the postal charges in these instances. In regards to the bodies under the remit of my Department, the table gives the details requested by the Deputy in relation to reports printed in 2008.
|
Body |
Annual cost of Printing Reports |
Cost of printing annual reports |
Postage costs |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
Special EU Programmes Body |
*35,976 |
*9,115 |
Not Available |
|
Commission for Public Service Appointments |
8,591 |
8,591 |
Not Available |
|
Valuation Office |
Reports produced-in-house |
Nil |
Not Available |
|
Public Appointments Service |
12,283 |
7,460 |
Not Available |
|
State Laboratory |
Nil |
Nil |
Not Available |
|
Office of the Ombudsman |
37,000 |
22,000 |
7,500 |
|
The Office of the Revenue Commissioners |
46,448 |
46,448 |
800 |
|
National Treasury Management Agency |
76,526 |
65,554 |
**See footnote |
*The Special EU Programmes Body has advised that this is the total cost (Northern Ireland and Ireland). The Department of Finance only pay, at a maximum, 50% of this figure. The majority of these costs come from the technical assistance programmes rather than core administration costs. These reports are normally not posted out. However, if a request for a report is received and it is necessary to post it, there is an average cost of £1.44 (UK)/£4.32 (RoI) per report.
**Costs supplied by National Treasury Management Agency include costs associated with the production of all aspects of the reports including design, printing, translation and postage costs.
I have been informed by the Office of Public Works that they are currently collating the information required by the Deputy and will forward it to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
152 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Finance the cost, in tabular format, including salary and pension payments, of each of the programme managers, special advisers, assistants or other staff appointed by him in 2007 post election and 2008; the names, titles and duties of each of the staff appointed during these periods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2613/09]
I appointed Ms. Cathy Herbert in May 2008 as Special Adviser. She provides advice to me and monitors, facilitates and secures the achievement of Government objectives that relate to my Department, and performs such other functions as may be directed by me. I appointed Ms. Maura Cosgrove and Ms. Marian Quinlan in May 2008 as Personal Assistant and Personal Secretary respectively. They provide me with administrative/secretarial support. I am also assisted in this regard by two permanent civil servants who are on loan from other Government Departments.
The salary scales in each case are set out in the table.
|
Title |
Number |
Annual Salary Range |
|
Special Adviser |
1 |
€93,730 – €114,366 |
|
Personal Assistant |
1 |
€46,558 – €55,030 |
|
Personal Secretary |
1 |
€23,181 – €44,726 |
|
Executive Officer (on Higher Executive Officer duties) |
1 |
€46,558 – €59,097 (plus allowance retained from former duties) |
|
Clerical Officer |
1 |
€23,174 – €40,417 |
The special Adviser is in receipt of a contribution of 11% of salary in lieu of membership of civil service superannuation schemes. The remaining staff are covered by civil service pension arrangements.
153 Deputy Seán Connick asked the Minister for Finance the number of imported used cars that were registered for VRT in this State from July to December 2007, January to June 2008 and July to December 2008. [2661/09]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the number of imported used cars registered for VRT in the State for the specified periods is set out in the table.
|
Period |
Gross Registrations |
Exempt(1) |
Net Registrations |
|
July – December 2007 |
27,607 |
3,216 |
24,391 |
|
January – June 2008 |
33,887 |
2,942 |
30,945 |
|
July – December 2008 |
27,764 |
2,890 |
24,874 |
(1)Cars registered that are not liable for VRT; primarily cars registered by owners transferring residence into the state.
154 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Finance if he will recapitalise banks (details supplied); the extent to which he will do so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2665/09]
On 21 December 2008, the Government announced a recapitalisation programme for Allied Irish Bank and Bank of Ireland. This decision reflects the Government's commitment to sustain the continued stability of these banks, to increase confidence and to ensure the capacity of the banks to lend into the economy to meet the everyday financial needs of individuals and businesses. Detailed discussions are ongoing.
155 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Finance the changes the Financial Regulator put in place in his office following the collapse of a bank (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2666/09]
The issues that arose with Northern Rock in September 2007 were part of the wider global liquidity crisis. Given market developments at that time, I have been informed that the Financial Regulator required Irish licensed credit institutions to commence weekly liquidity reporting in October 2007. This was supplemented by increased direct contact with credit institutions, in some cases daily, and included high-level meetings between the Financial Regulator, the Central Bank and Irish credit institutions.
Following the collapse of Northern Rock, the Financial Regulator maintained close and ongoing contact with the UK and Irish authorities regarding Irish depositors of Northern Rock. While Northern Rock operated in Ireland on a branch basis, it is subject to prudential supervision by the UK Financial Services Authority. However the Financial Regulator worked to ensure that all relevant information was made available to customers to contact and transact with Northern Rock through its websites and consumer helpline. The Financial Regulator experienced a significant increase in the number of queries to the Financial Regulator's consumer information helpline and in visits to the personal finance website in September 2007 as a result of communication difficulties experienced by Northern Rock at that time. The Financial Regulator also put a contingency plan in place to deal with any future unexpected increases to the consumer helpline and website.
156 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Finance the number of economists employed in his Department at present and their roles; the number of economists employed in his Department each year since 1997 and their roles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2667/09]
As I indicated in a reply to Deputy Joan Burton on 17th December 2008 (No. 199), there are currently 614 people (wholetime equivalents) employed in my Department. More than 80 individual officers have qualifications in economics at various levels. 57 officers hold degrees in Economics and related disciplines, 44 hold a Masters qualification in Economics and related disciplines, and 2 officers hold a PhD. Some officers will, of course, be included in more than 1 of these categories.
In the time allowed, it would not be possible to ascertain what the equivalent numbers would have been in each of the years since 1997. However, my Department has a long-standing policy of recruiting economists. Individuals with skills and qualifications in economics are employed at almost all levels of the Department. Indeed, I would point out that, of the last 7 appointments at Assistant Secretary level in the Department, 5 had Masters qualifications in economics or related disciplines, while 2 had primary degrees in economics or related disciplines.
157 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Finance if the new contract for the Fermoy flood relief plan will include proposals for work on the weir at Fermoy, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2759/09]
Documents relating to the construction of the Munster Blackwater (Fermoy North) Drainage Scheme have been issued to the pre-qualified contractors by the Office of Public Works. At the request of the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, the tender documents have included works to Fermoy Weir. Before a successful contractor is appointed, OPW will, in consultation with the Department, make a decision on whether these works will be included in the contract or not. This will depend on agreement being reached between the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and Fermoy Town Council on the proposals for the Weir.
158 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Finance the meetings he held with financial institutions or other relevant personnel prior to the decision to issue a guarantee scheme to banks; the dates of such meetings; the institutions or personnel whom he met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2766/09]
The decision to introduce the Guarantee provided by the Credit Institutions (Financial Support) Act 2008 was taken after a prolonged and unfolding period of turmoil in financial markets characterised by deteriorating availability and cost of liquidity, which accelerated rapidly in the late summer and early autumn 2008. Throughout this period, and particularly in the weeks and months preceding the decision to introduce the Guarantee, the Financial Regulator had engaged in intensive liaison and monitoring with Irish credit institutions.
I consulted throughout this period with the Financial Regulator and the Governor of the Central Bank and had available to me the advice of my officials, the National Treasury Management Agency and independent legal and financial expertise. These discussions and consultations were ongoing and intensified in the period following the virtual freezing of credit markets in September. As has been widely reported in the media, I also met with the Chief Executives of the two largest domestic banks on the night of Monday September, 29th. As the Deputy would expect during a period of difficult conditions I and my officials engaged in discussions with a wide range of institutions in the period before and after the guarantee.
I dealt with this matter at some length in my Second Stage speeches to Dáil and Seanad on the Credit Institutions (Financial Support) Bill, setting out the background to and the Government's decision to act to underpin the financial standing of Irish credit institutions.
159 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Finance the meetings he held with financial institutions or other relevant personnel prior to the decision to introduce a recapitalisation programme for banks and financial institutions; the dates of such meetings; the institutions or personnel whom he met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2768/09]
The implementation of the Bank Guarantee Scheme, announced in September 2008, has given rise to detailed engagement with the banks. In the period since September I have, along with my Department, the Central Bank, the Financial Regulator and the NTMA, worked with the covered financial institutions to examine all options to maintain stability and the proper functioning of the banking system. This process has been comprehensive and structured, addressing such issues as the business plans of the banks, potential private investment, financial market expectations, and the role of the banks in supporting the real economy.
The Government's specific recapitalisation proposals were proposed following consultation with the Central Bank, the NTMA, the Financial Regulator and our legal and financial advisors and took account of consultations with the CEOs and Chairpersons of the covered institutions.
160 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Finance the meetings he held with financial institutions or other relevant personnel prior to the decision to nationalise Anglo Irish Bank; the dates of such meetings; the institutions or personnel with whom he met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2770/09]
The implementation of the Bank Guarantee Scheme, announced in September 2008, has given rise to detailed engagement with the banks. In the period since September I have, along with my Department, the Central Bank, the Financial Regulator and the NTMA, worked with the covered financial institutions to examine all options to maintain stability and the proper functioning of the banking system. This process has been comprehensive and structured, addressing such issues as the business plans of the banks, potential private investment, financial market expectations, and the role of the banks in supporting the real economy.
The Government's decision to take Anglo into public ownership was consistent with advice given by the Central Bank, the NTMA, the Financial Regulator and our legal and financial advisors and took account of consultations with the Board of Anglo Irish Bank.
161 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance the value of the National Pensions Reserve Fund at the end of each year since its inception; the value of the Exchequer contribution in each of these years; the projected contribution in respect of 2009; the overall cost of maintaining and investing in the fund in each of these years; the amount paid out in fees, charges and other costs to fund managers, fund administrators and others in each of these years; if the cost vis-à-vis the return on the fund has been subject to a recent value for money audit; if there are plans to conduct one in view of the losses incurred in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2771/09]
The National Pensions Reserve Fund (NPRF) was established in 2001 to meet as much as possible of the costs of social welfare and public service pensions from 2025 when these costs are projected to increase dramatically due to the ageing of the population.
Under the National Pensions Reserve Fund Act 2000, the National Pensions Reserve Fund Commission controls and manages the National Pensions Reserve Fund. The Commission has discretionary authority to determine the Fund's investment strategy in accordance with the Fund's statutory investment policy of securing the optimal total financial return provided the level of risk to the moneys held or invested is acceptable to the Commission. The National Treasury Management Agency acts as Manager of the Fund and the Commission performs its functions through the Manager.
The value of the Fund at the end of each year from 2001 to 2007, as published in the NPRF Commission's Annual Report and Accounts, was as follows:
|
Year |
€ million |
|
2001 |
7,715 |
|
2002 |
7,426 |
|
2003 |
9,561 |
|
2004 |
11,689 |
|
2005 |
15,419 |
|
2006 |
18,900 |
|
2007 |
21,153 |
A preliminary 2008 end-year valuation for the Fund of €16,355 million was published in the National Treasury Management Agency's Statement of Preliminary Results for 2008. This valuation was, in the case of direct quoted investments, based on valuations at close of business on 30 December and, in the case of indirect investment vehicles, based on the most recently available valuations. The Fund's investment return from 1 January to 30 December 2008 was -29.5 per cent, reducing its annualised performance since inception in 2001 to 0.6 per cent (compared to 6.0 per cent at end-2007).
The Statement notes that the Fund's performance reflects the exceptionally difficult global market conditions in 2008 as the worsening credit crisis took its toll on economic growth. Following the dramatic deterioration in conditions since early September — in particular following the collapse of Lehman Brothers — the credit crunch escalated into the most serious financial and economic crisis since 1929, with major international stock market indices down in the region of 40 per cent for the year and the domestic ISEQ index recording a decline of some 66 per cent. All long-term investment funds have been severely affected by these extreme market conditions. In the first eleven months of 2008, the value of the NPRF declined by 28%, compared to the average Irish managed pension fund which declined by 32.6%. Overall, from inception (April 2001) until 30 November 2008, the annualised return on the NPRF was 0.9%, while, in the same period, the average Irish managed pension fund gave a return of -1.5%.
The Statement adds that the investment strategy of the NPRF Commission is primarily focused on building up a diversified portfolio of equities and other real assets on the basis that — as has historically proved the case — real assets will outperform financial assets such as bonds over the Fund's long investment timeframe. While this strategy means that the Fund will suffer volatility over certain short-term periods — and in severe bear markets it will experience negative returns — ultimately the Fund's performance will be determined by the long-term growth of the global economy over a 25 to 30 year period, rather than by sharp market movements in response to extreme events.
The National Pensions Reserve Fund Act 2000 provides for the payment each year to the Fund from the Exchequer of a sum equal to 1% of GNP. €6,515 million was paid into the Fund from the Temporary Holding Fund for Superannuation Liabilities in 2001. This included 1% of GNP contributions in respect of 1999 and 2000, the proceeds of the sale of Telecom Éireann (€4,528 million) and the interest earned on those sums. The amounts paid over in respect of 2001 and subsequent years under the statutory requirement to pay over an amount equal to 1% of GNP were as follows:
|
Year |
€ million |
|
2001 |
972 |
|
2002 |
1,035 |
|
2003 |
1,103 |
|
2004 |
1,177 |
|
2005 |
1,320 |
|
2006 |
1,446 |
|
2007 |
1,616 |
|
2008 |
1,690 |
For 2009, 1% of GNP for NPRF purposes, as published with the Budget Statement, would be €1,584 million.
The fees and expenses incurred by the Commission in managing the Fund, and which are charged to the Fund, are set out in its Annual Report. These are principally comprised of investment manager fees but also include custodian fees, fees and expenses of commissioners, IT systems, legal and tax advisory fees and consultancy fees. The fees for the years 2001 to 2007 were as follows:
|
Year |
€ million |
|
2001 |
1.0 |
|
2002 |
8.9 |
|
2003 |
14.1 |
|
2004 |
18.3 |
|
2005 |
23.8 |
|
2006 |
28.9 |
|
2007 |
23.8 |
The level of fees and expenses each year is mainly driven by the size of Fund assets under management. As a large institutional investor, the NPRF Commission is able to negotiate very competitive fees with its fund managers. The fees and expenses set out above do not include the costs incurred by the NTMA in its role as Manager of the Fund, which are borne by the Exchequer. The costs for the years 2001 to 2007 were as follows:
|
Year |
€ million |
|
2001 |
1.9 |
|
2002 |
2.5 |
|
2003 |
3.2 |
|
2004 |
3.4 |
|
2005 |
4.4 |
|
2006 |
5.7 |
|
2007 |
6.7 |
The Commission participates each year in a survey run by a Canadian firm, Cost Effectiveness Management, which measures the total operating costs of pension funds relative to their peers. The most recent survey, which was in respect of 2007 costs, found that the costs of the NPRF are in line with the average costs of peer international pension funds.
162 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding a hospital (details supplied) in County Cork; and if the proposals for this hospital can be justified in view of previous expenditure. [2819/09]
189 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the action she will take regarding a hospital (details supplied) in north Cork which is due to close in February 2009 and at which thousands of euro were spent recently on installing a new kitchen facility; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2691/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 162 and 189 together.
As this is a service matter the question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
163 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person who is over 70 years and widowed in late 2008 will qualify for a medical card for three years if his or her income is less than €1,400; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2494/09]
Under the Health Act 2008, automatic entitlement to a medical card for persons aged 70 or over ceased on 31st December 2008 and, with effect from 1st January 2009, the income thresholds for entitlement to a medical card for those aged 70 and over is €700 (gross) per week (€36,500 per year) for a single person and €1,400 (gross) per week (€73,000 per year) for a couple. The Act also allows for a surviving spouse of a person covered by the over 70 medical card to retain the medical card for a period of 3 years provided that:
the death occurred on or after 1st January 2009;
the surviving spouse/partner was aged 70 or over at the time of death;
he/she remains within the weekly income limits of €1,400.
At the expiry of the 3 year period, he/she will be assessed under the single income limit of €700.
Persons aged 70 or over who were widowed prior to the 1st January 2009 are assessed under the single person income threshold of €700 (gross) per week.
164 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the increase in funding allocated to the national health service in each of the years since 2000; the breakdown of the allocation of funding for each of these years; the primary person or department responsible for the allocation of funding in the health service; and the services and targets set down and achieved in each year. [2506/09]
Increases in funding for health services, and excluding Vote 41 Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, since 2000 are set out in the table.
|
Year |
Increase |
|
€000s |
|
|
2000 |
852,315 |
|
2001 |
1,344,401 |
|
2002 |
1,184,826 |
|
2003 |
952,120 |
|
2004 |
925,632 |
|
2005 |
1,646,050 |
|
2006 |
889,138 |
|
2007 |
1,323,775 |
|
2008 |
1,152,563 |
The figures are derived from the Revised Estimates Volume. However they exclude funding provided in respect of certain costs such as Hepatitis C Compensation Payments, Health Repayment Scheme, the Lourdes Redress Scheme and Dormant Account Funding, which are not related to the provision of services. The figure for 2005 includes additional funding arising from the inclusion in the Health Service Executive (HSE) Vote of monies which prior to its establishment were received and accounted for independently by the Health Boards outside the published Estimates.
Funding for service developments was provided for all the programmes in Health which include Care of Older People, Children and Families, Care for People with Disabilities, Mental Health, Primary Care, Acute Hospitals and Cancer Control Programme. The additional funding was mainly required to meet a range of issues including pay increases and related matters, cost pressures in Demand-Led Schemes, pressures arising from demographic and technological changes as well as general inflation and developments in service.
Funding for my Department and the agencies it directly funds is provided by the Government in Vote 39, subject to the approval of the Dáil. The allocation of funding between agencies funded under this Vote is approved by me. The funding for the HSE is agreed each year by Government as part of the Estimates process which includes negotiations between the Minister for Finance and myself with the support of our respective Departments. The Estimate for the HSE is subsequently put before the Dáil for approval. Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the HSE and funding for the services once approved by Government is provided within its Vote 40.
In Budget 2009, allowing for the adjustments indicated above, an additional €622 million was provided for the health services. The services and targets to be provided by the HSE in 2009 are set out in the National Service Plan which I approved in December, 2008. The National Service Plan provides details of all HSE funding and levels of service activities. The overall services and targets in respect of all of the funding provided across the Health Group of Votes is set out in the Annual Output Statement published by my Department each year.
165 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the position relating to a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; if the person will be seen as a matter of urgency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2513/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
166 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide two additional ambulances for the Dublin fire brigade fleet; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2521/09]
Neither my Department nor the HSE has any function in the matter of purchasing capital assets for local authorities.
167 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of admissions to private and to public nursing homes in the most recent year for which data are available; the number of beds in each category; the cost of operating public nursing homes and the value of revenue received from patients in the most recent year for which data are available; and the cost of subventions to patients in private nursing homes in the most recent year for which data are available. [2523/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
168 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when a refund will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2527/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
169 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the annual cost of printing reports by her Department and agencies under the control of her Department; the corresponding figure for annual reports; the cost of posting these reports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2543/09]
The number of reports produced by my Department varies from year to year. In 2008 the cost for printing all reports amounted to €66,035. Of that amount €30,321 was for the printing of Annual Reports by my Department, by the Office of the Minister for Children and the Adoption Board. It is not possible to give a figure for the cost of posting reports. These costs are included as part of my Department's general postal costs and are not broken down by category of items posted.
The position regarding the HSE and other agencies under my Department's aegis is a matter for the agencies themselves. My Department is asking these agencies to reply directly to the Deputy in this regard. My Department is committed to progressively moving towards e-publishing and away from the traditional paper products in order to reduce costs and waste.
170 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children the way the policy of admitting children with mental health issues into adult wards is perceived internationally; if it is best practice; the number of children each year for the past five years who have been admitted to adult wards; if the provisions for mental health in young people, including the number of psychologists and psychiatrists here per 1000 of population in comparison to other OECD countries, are sufficient; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2549/09]
The undesirability of admitting children to units providing care and treatment to adults is recognised but in the absence of an alternative, such admissions are sometimes necessary. The Mental Health Commission has issued a code of practice relating to the admission of children under the Mental Health Act 2001 which outlines interim arrangements and facilities that should be put in place to ensure the protection and safety of such children.
The development of child and adolescent mental health services is a priority for the HSE. During 2008, four beds were commissioned in St Anne's, Galway and work was completed on a six bedded unit at St Vincent's, Fairview, Dublin and the refurbishment of an eight bedded interim unit at St Stephen's, Cork. These beds will be brought into operation in 2009. Construction has commenced on two 20-bedded units in Cork and Galway. The provision of this additional bed capacity within the child and adolescent service will ensure that the inappropriate admission of 16 and 17 year olds to adult psychiatric units is curtailed.
With regard to the specific details requested in relation to the number of children admitted to adult units and the number of psychologists and psychiatrists per 1000 of population, my Department has requested the HSE to reply directly to the Deputy.
171 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children when a director for mental health for Ireland will be appointed; the reason there has been a delay in appointing this director in view of the fact that it is recommended by herself and an independent monitoring group; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2550/09]
172 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will instruct the Health Service Executive to publish an implementation plan for A Vision for Change that has been approved by her with detailed year on year targets, timeframes and human and financial resource commitments; if such an implementation plan already exists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2555/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 171 and 172 together.
Responsibility for the implementation of ‘A Vision for Change' is being addressed in the new structure currently being developed in the Health Service Executive. A draft implementation plan has been prepared and will be finalised by the HSE following completion of the restructuring process.
173 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount spent on mental health services since the launch of the A Vision for Change programme; the amount that has been generated by the sale of lands under the A Vision for Change provisions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2556/09]
175 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children if it is her policy to revise and particularly to ring-fence mental health funding in view of increasing demands on the services due to population growth; and if she will commit to same in view of her stated preference for dealing with patients as outpatients rather than as inpatients. [2558/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 173 and 175 together.
Substantial resources are invested in mental health services; overall spending on mental health services in 2007 amounted to €1 billion, and this level of funding continued into 2008 and 2009. The estimated additional cost of the implementation of ‘A Vision for Change' the Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy is €150m over 7 — 10 years. Development funding totalling €51.2m was allocated to the HSE in 2006 and 2007, some of which was diverted because of core budgetary pressures; however I am advised by the HSE that 94% of the €51.2m will be in place before the end of 2009. Funding will be provided in 2009 for the recruitment of 35 therapy posts for the child and adolescent mental health service. In addition, once-off funding of €1.75m will be provided for suicide prevention initiatives and for mental health projects supporting service users and carers.
It should be noted that the implementation of ‘A Vision for Change' is not solely dependent on the provision of additional funding; implementation is dependent to a much greater extent on the remodelling of existing resources. ‘A Vision for Change' envisions an active, flexible and community-based mental health service, with a greatly reduced need for hospital admissions.
The Report also recommended that a plan to bring about the closure of all psychiatric hospitals should be drawn up and implemented, and that the resources released by these closures should be re-invested in the new mental health service infrastructure requirement. The Departments of Finance and Health and Children have agreed in principle to the release of the proceeds of the disposal of properties prior to 2006 for reinvestment in mental health capital development. The arrangements for property disposal require Department of Finance approval in each case, the lodging of the proceeds as Exchequer Extra Receipts and the re-Voting of the funds for approved projects. Disposals to date amount to over €42m and a submission detailing the priority projects to be funded from these disposals and planned future disposals is expected to be made by the HSE, for consideration by my Department and the Department of Finance, within the coming months. It is envisaged that this submission will provide an opportunity to achieve overall agreement on the extent and timing of property disposals to facilitate the modernisation of the mental health infrastructure.
174 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of fully staffed community mental health teams in place here. [2557/09]
As this is a service matter the question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
176 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children the cost, in tabular format, including salary and pension payments, of each of the programme managers, special advisers, assistants or other staff appointed by her in 2007 post election and 2008; the names, titles and duties of each of the staff appointed during these periods; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2615/09]
I have made the following personal appointments since 7th May, 2007:
|
Name |
From |
To |
Title |
Salary payments 7/5/2007 – 31/12/2007 (Plus ER) |
Salary Payments 2008 (Plus ER) |
|
€ |
€ |
||||
|
John O’Brien |
7/5/2007 |
31/12/07 |
Special Adviser/ Programme Manager |
92,118 |
— |
|
*Oliver O’Connor |
7/5/2007 |
6/05/08 |
Special Adviser/Programme Manager |
97,940 |
71,415 |
|
Patricia Ryan |
7/5/2007 |
Present |
Special Adviser |
93,343 |
168,671 |
|
Derek Cunningham |
7/5/2007 |
Present |
Special Adviser/Press Officer |
83,768 |
141,386 |
|
Catherine Dardis |
7/5/2007 |
Present |
Personal Assistant |
40,936 |
64,559 |
|
Alan McGaughey |
7/5/2007 |
Present |
Personal Assistant |
41,383 |
65,263 |
With the exception of my Special Adviser/Press Officer, who is a member of the appropriate Civil Service Superannuation Scheme, the remaining staff, as identified above, are in receipt of 11% of their current salary in lieu of membership of a Civil Service Superannuation Scheme.
*I appointed Mr. Oliver O'Connor as my Programme Manager in the Department with effect from the 1st January, 2008. On the 7th May, 2008, Mr. O'Connor was appointed by the Taoiseach as Special Adviser with responsibility for Health and Children.
177 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding a crèche (details supplied) in County Limerick. [2621/09]
The Community Childcare Subvention Scheme (CCSS) was introduced by my Office in January 2008, under the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006 -2010 (NCIP). The purpose of the scheme is to subsidise the cost of childcare for disadvantaged and low paid parents in the not for profit childcare sector.
I understand that the service in question was approved capital grants totalling €1.4 million. On the commencement of their service in 2008 they were approved €74,750 for a year's funding under the CCSS as a start up contribution towards staffing costs for childcare workers working directly with children. The Group has been informed that their level of subvention under the CCSS for 2009 is €40,898 based on their service return submitted last year which outlined their level of service, and the level of disadvantage among the families using the service. This return identified only 25% of parents qualifying as disadvantaged or in low paid employment, compared with the national average in the Scheme which generally averages around 40% of parents.
The funding awarded will allow the service reduce fees by €100 per week for disadvantaged parents, by €70 per week for parents on FIS, and by €45 per week for working families holding either a GP Visit Card or a Medical Card. Middle and upper income parents will pay the cost price, which is significantly reduced by virtue of the €1.4 million capital grant the Group has been awarded, thereby removing rental costs for the service. The projection of 2009 costs provided by the Group suggest that this cost price, at €140 per week, is some 20% lower than the national average price for childcare with the result that all families availing of this service will benefit from quality childcare at reduced rates.
178 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will make a comprehensive statement detailing plans for the future delivery of all cancer services in the Tallaght region currently delivered from Tallaght Hospital, Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2622/09]
As the Deputy is aware, the Health Service Executive (HSE) has designated St James's Hospital and St Vincent's Hospital as the two cancer centres in the Managed Cancer Control Network for the HSE Dublin Mid-Leinster region, which includes Tallaght.
The designation of cancer centres aims to ensure that patients receive the highest quality care while at the same time allowing local access to services where appropriate. Where diagnosis and treatment planning is directed and managed by multi-disciplinary teams based at the cancer centres, then much of the treatment (other than surgery) can be delivered locally, including chemotherapy and support services. The Oncology Day Ward at the Adelaide and Meath Hospital, incorporating the National Children's Hospital (AMNCH) will continue to operate under a medical oncologist following the transfer of cancer surgery to one of the designated cancer centres. Related cancer clinical trials can therefore also continue at AMNCH.
Breast cancer services are the first to be centralised into the eight centres and will be transferred from AMNCH in April 2009 to one of the two designated cancer centres for the region, to which patients from the Tallaght region will be referred by their GP. The views of GPs in the Tallaght region are being sought to establish to which of the designated cancer centres for the region they will now refer patients with symptomatic breast disease.
Following the transfer of breast services to the designated centres, the HSE's National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) will progress the centralisation of services for other site-specific cancers, including lung, prostate and pancreatic cancers. The National Hospitals Office of the HSE will engage with AMNCH and the designated centres to agree on the services that will transfer to AMNCH from the designated centres, replacing cancer services at the hospital.
179 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans for the development of children’s services in the Tallaght region, particularly in view of her Department’s plans for the new children’s hospital on the Mater site; if she will give assurances to those parents in the region who are concerned about the matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2623/09]
The development of the National Paediatric Hospital is a priority project for the Government. The Health Service Executive Capital Plan 2008-2013 includes provision for the development of the new hospital which will include an associated Ambulatory and Urgent Care Centre at Tallaght. The project is being overseen by the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board.
The Ambulatory and Urgent Care Centre at Tallaght will offer a range of services including urgent care consultations, outpatient services and day surgery. The vast majority of children who presently attend the National Children Hospital's Emergency Department at Tallaght do not require admission and will continue to access their care locally at the new Centre. It has been estimated that when the Centre is developed, it will cater for approximately 48,000 emergency attendances, 9,000 day cases and 58,000 out-patient attendances. The actual level of activity will depend on the number of such centres developed over time.
180 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to a group (details supplied) in County Wicklow which is anxious to draw down due funding; if this will be forwarded as a matter of urgency in order to continue the service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2628/09]
Under the Community Childcare Subvention Scheme (CCSS) which is implemented under the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006 -2010, and it's predecessor the EOCP Staff Grant, payments are made by Pobal to community based childcare groups, generally on a quarterly basis. The final payments in 2008 were made during October — December, and the first payments for 2009 are being made this month (at the equivalent of the quarterly rate payable at the end of last year).
The Group in question has been paid €9,540 as an interim payment for January to March 2009. This payment will be adjusted when their return is processed. To qualify for a 2009 payment, services made an electronic return, and also forwarded signed parental forms from parents and a form signed by the service manager confirming adherence to measures which ensure compliance with Data Protection legislation. The service in question chose not to make an electronic return but a paper return only. This has delayed the process in their case. However it is hoped that the Group will know their 2009 funding in full by the end of next month.
181 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding a report sought by her Department into the spraying of 2,4,D, at roadside verges in County Meath on behalf of Meath County Council; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2635/09]
182 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health and Children her policies on the spraying of herbicides and pesticides near houses or buildings such as schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2636/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 181 and 182 together.
I understand that the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government wrote to all Local Authorities in May of last year advising that untargeted spraying of road verges with herbicide is, prima facie, an offence under Section 40 of the Wildlife Acts and that the policy of the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government is to prosecute in such cases. The incident referred to by the Deputy is, I understand, the subject of legal proceedings taken by the National Parks and Wildlife Service. I have not sought a specific report on the matter.
183 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health and Children if assessment, treatment and funding to meet the requirements of those suffering autistic spectrum disorders are uniform across all Health Service Executive regions; if a specific question will be added to the census to determine the numbers of people who have autistic spectrum disorder; the reason for the delay in accessing assessment for children in the south Tipperary area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2637/09]
The Central Statistics Office has indicated to the Department that a specific question on autistic spectrum disorder will not be included in the 2011 Census of Population. It is planned to include a general question on the number of persons with a disability but not to include questions on specific disabilities. This approach is being taken following a consultation process in 2008, in relation to the contents of the 2011 Census of Population, which included representatives of the National Disability Authority, the Equality Authority, the Disability Federation of Ireland and the National Federation of Voluntary Bodies.
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
184 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will request the Health Service Executive not to close Saint Brigid’s Ward in Saint Patrick’s Hospital, Waterford until the equivalent number of beds are provided through increases in other areas of the hospital; if she will seek a guarantee that there will be no reduction in the overall number of beds in the hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2639/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
185 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide details of plans for developing Saint Patrick’s Hospital in Waterford; the planned commencement and completion dates of such developments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2640/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
186 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway is not entitled to a special care package; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the applicant has been in the National Rehabilitation Hospital, Dún Laoghaire, County Dublin since October 2008 and is being discharged; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that they are not suitable for a private nursing home and that the family is prepared to look after the person provided they receive the benefit of a home care package; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2642/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
187 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway has not been paid under the nursing home Bill; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2645/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
188 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if it is her view that the crisis in hospital accident and emergency departments constitutes a national emergency in view of the fact that the numbers of patients on trolleys and chairs in accident and emergency units in January 2009 exceeded the numbers on the day she declared this a national emergency in March 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2690/09]
The HSE made considerable progress since 2006 in improving the delivery of services in Emergency Departments. The vast majority of hospitals were fully or substantially compliant last year with the 12 hour maximum waiting time target for those requiring admission. However, considerable pressures have been experienced since the beginning of January in Emergency Departments across the country and this has been reflected in an increase in the waiting times for patients. The difficulties are attributed to a number of factors, including the influenza and norovirus outbreaks. The HSE is working closely with all hospitals in managing the pressures to ensure that waiting times for all patients attending Emergency Departments are kept to a minimum.
I am determined that the improvements made over the last two years in managing activity in our Emergency Departments are sustained and in this context I have asked the HSE to set a revised maximum waiting time target this year of no more than 6 hours from registration to admission or discharge for all patients attending Emergency Departments, and not just for those patients who require admission. The HSE is also introducing a measurement system during 2009 which will record the total waiting time for all patients attending Emergency Departments.
190 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Transport the applications for funding for roads he currently has from all local authorities in Counties Wicklow and Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2671/09]
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads in their areas is a matter for local authorities to be funded from their own resources supplemented by State grants. State road grants for regional and local roads are allocated to local authorities under a number of grant categories. These include the Specific Improvement Grants scheme. The initial selection of projects to be funded under that scheme, and the priority to be attached to each project, is entirely a matter for the local authorities.
The projects submitted to my Department by Wicklow County Council and Carlow County Council in respect of 2009 under the Specific Improvement Grants scheme are outlined in Tables 1 and 2 respectively.
|
Road Number |
Scheme Name |
Grant Requested 2009 |
|
€ |
||
|
Ballyrooaun Bridge |
110,000 |
|
|
Ballysmuttan Bridge |
500,000 |
|
|
R750 |
Blainroe Bridge |
41,000 |
|
Colbinstown Bridge |
85,000 |
|
|
Rampere Bridge, Baltinglass |
170,000 |
|
|
Baltinglass Railway Bridge |
93,000 |
|
|
Glenmalure Bridge |
84,000 |
|
|
Killough Bridge |
30,000 |
|
|
Meetings Bridge |
66,000 |
|
|
Three Wells Bridge |
70,000 |
|
|
L5099 |
Rockey Road |
400,000 |
|
L4364/L43642 |
Lackan, Blessington |
120,000 |
|
N11 |
Newcastle – Link Road |
500,000 |
|
R117 |
Enniskerry – N11 Link |
300,000 |
|
R747 |
Aughrim to Templelusk |
500,000 |
|
R761 |
Blacklion to Killincarrig |
300,000 |
|
R753/752 |
Rathdrum – Ballinaclash Junction |
200,000 |
|
Friars Hill |
232,320 |
|
Road Number |
Scheme Name |
Grant Requested 2009 |
|
€ |
||
|
Tullow Relief Road |
2,000,000 |
|
|
Carlow Inner Relief |
500,000 |
In addition Wicklow County Council and Carlow County Council each sought funding for Low Cost Safety Improvement works at a number of locations. Details for Wicklow County Council and Carlow County Council are outlined in Tables 3 and 4 respectively.
|
Priority |
Scheme |
Estimated Cost |
|
€ |
||
|
1 |
R759 Kilbride |
93,000 |
|
2 |
R747 Woodfield |
29,000 |
|
3 |
R747 Tinoranhill South |
29,000 |
|
4 |
L4321 Castleruddery |
27,000 |
|
5 |
L4310 Grangecon |
22,000 |
|
6 |
R752/L6168 Meeting of the Waters |
24,000 |
|
7 |
L7276 Redwells Crossroads |
29,000 |
|
8 |
L8371 Red Lane |
27,000 |
|
9 |
R746 Cronyhorn |
15,000 |
|
10 |
R746 Rosnastaw |
20,000 |
|
Priority |
Scheme |
Estimated Cost |
|
€ |
||
|
1 |
Doyles cross at Cashel |
20,000 |
|
2 |
Safety barrier at Ballinacrea |
20,000 |
|
3 |
Cross roads at Knockballystine |
20,000 |
|
4 |
Cross roads at Browneshill |
20,000 |
|
5 |
Junction for Killeshal |
15,000 |
|
6 |
Ballywilliamroe Cross Roads |
10,000 |
|
7 |
Roundabout at the junction of Staplestown Road and Inner Relief Road |
25,000 |
|
8 |
Farranphlure |
10,000 |
|
9 |
Roundabout at the junction of Staplestown Road and St. Patrick’s Avenue |
20,000 |
|
10 |
Moate Cross |
5,000 |
Any questions regarding the prioritisation of particular projects should be addressed to the individual local authority. Road grants for 2009 in respect of regional and local roads will be announced shortly.
191 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Transport the development envisioned for Cork Airport; if the Scott Wilson Kirkpatrick master plan has been abandoned; when the main runway will need resurfacing; if it is intended to extend the existing runway; if, in this context, an adequate evaluation of the prevailing meteorological conditions has been carried out; if there is an intention to sell existing lands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2491/09]
Issues concerning the operation and management of Cork Airport are the responsibility of the Cork Airport Authority in the context of delegated arrangements made with the Dublin Airport Authority and I have no function in the matters raised by the Deputy.
192 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on delays in the design and construction of all new railway bridges; if the State has paid out more than €7 million in compensation claims to contractors as a result of delays in the construction of certain railway bridges; if he will report further on pending claims due to delays; if he is reviewing the railway bridge design and building process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2519/09]
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, including the provision of road over rail bridges on the national roads network, is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Act, 1993 in conjunction with Iarnród Éireann and the local authorities concerned. I have made it clear that I expect both agencies to improve their co-operation in order to minimise delays.
193 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport when the Dublin Transport Authority will be fully operational; when he will appoint the chief executive officer to the new DTA; if he will transform the DTA into a national transport regulator; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2522/09]
My Department is proceeding with preparations for the establishment of the Dublin Transport Authority (DTA) as soon as possible during 2009. A key part of those preparations is the recruitment of a Chief Executive Officer and the necessary recruitment process is now underway. The Agreed Programme for Government includes a commitment to reform bus licensing to facilitate the optimum provision of services by providing a level playing field for all market participants. The Government Programme also contains a commitment to examine the need for a National Transport Regulator in the context of the overall review of the economic regulatory environment.
The Government recently approved the General Scheme of the Public Transport Regulation Bill, which contains proposals for:
a new bus licensing regime which will replace 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;
extending nationally the provisions of the DTA Act 2008 in relation to the provision of public service obligations;
assigning responsibility to the DTA for bus licensing and public transport services contracts nationwide;
the amalgamation of the Commission for Taxi Regulation into the DTA, and
the renaming of the DTA as the National Transport Authority given its proposed national focus in relation to commercial bus licensing, future bus and rail subvention and the regulation of small public service vehicles.
In the light of the recent Government approval of the General Scheme, the Public Transport Regulation Bill will be now drafted and published as soon as possible.
194 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Transport the annual cost of printing reports by his Department and agencies under the control of his Department; the corresponding figure for annual reports; the cost of posting these reports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2547/09]
The information requested by the Deputy is being compiled and will be forwarded as soon as possible.
195 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on the Dublin Bus services which are expected to be reduced or abolished following the announcement of cutbacks in that agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2603/09]
It is a matter for Dublin Bus, within the resources available to it from fare revenue and Exchequer subvention, to optimise its services in the most efficient and effective manner, while maintaining as high a level of service as possible to the travelling public. Day to day decisions in this regard are matters for the company. I published yesterday the report by Deloittes on a Cost and Efficiency Review of Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus and I have asked the Chairman of both companies to bring forward at an early date a programme to implement the recommendations in the report.
196 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Transport the cost, in tabular format, including salary and pension payments, of each of the programme managers, special advisers, assistants or other staff appointed by him in 2007 post-election and 2008; the names, titles and duties of each of the staff appointed during these periods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2619/09]
The attached table provides the information required by the Deputy. The total salary costs in the attached table includes salary and employers PRSI payments paid to staff appointed to my office in 2007, post election, to end 2008.
|
Name |
Title |
Total Salary costs |
Duties |
|
€ |
|||
|
James Fegan |
Special Advisor |
121,648 |
Provides advice to the Minister, monitoring, facilitating and securing the achievement of Govt. objectives that relate to the Department of Transport. |
|
Olive Stephens |
Press Advisor |
143,875 |
Responsible for day to day management of the Department’s Press Office. |
|
Una Grehan |
Personal Secretary |
69,350 |
Secretarial duties. |
|
Margaret Conway |
Personal Assistant |
88,252 |
To ensure the smooth running of all constituency matters. |
197 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the situation regarding Blarney Garda station, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2483/09]
I am advised by the Garda authorities that the station party at the Garda Station at Blarney have been working out of Gurranabraher Garda Station since October last. I am also advised that the Office of Public Works has arranged a pre-planning consultation with Cork Co. Council this week to address planning concerns raised in relation to a proposed location for a temporary Garda facility at Blarney. It is intended to lodge a planning application for a temporary facility as soon as possible. Negotiations with the landlord of the existing station building are on-going in respect of its restoration.
198 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of the proposed development of a new Garda station (details supplied) in County Cork; the contingencies in place if the proposed development does not take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2499/09]
I am advised that Ballincollig Garda Station is on the Garda Building Programme. The Office of Public Works has advised that under the Capital Works Management Framework all public sector construction projects are now required to be carried out under a new form of contract. It is therefore necessary to commence a re-tendering process for the construction project utilising the new form of contract. Accordingly, the tender documents for Ballincollig Garda Station are currently being revised to the new form. The award of a contract will be subject to the availability of funding for Garda Building Projects. In the meantime the existing Garda Station will continue to service the policing needs of the local community.
199 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his Department has carried out studies into the operation of electronic monitoring of offenders; if he will provide detailed analysis of costs, advances in technology, and the offender cohort most suitable and other research that his Department has carried out on this matter; when he envisages such a system being introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2531/09]
I published a comprehensive Discussion Document on the management of convicted sex offenders yesterday which, inter alia, puts forward the possibility of using GPS electronic monitoring technology to monitor higher risk convicted sex offenders for the critical 6 month period when they have completed their sentences and have been released back into the community. Simultaneously I announced the establishment of a Project Board, led by the Probation Service, to look at this specific possibility as well as the implementation of electronic monitoring more generally in this jurisdiction. The Project Board will now begin its examination — including the cost and viability of introducing a pilot phase having regard to the most suitable prisoner cohort — and I expect to receive their recommendations within a nine month timeframe.
I should advise the Deputy that developments in the area of Electronic Monitoring have been kept under review by my Department and the Probation Service. Specifically the Service has kept abreast of developments in the area through its engagement with the CEP, the European Organisation for Probation. This work will feed in to the work of the Project Board. In tandem with the work of the Project Board my Department will examine the legislative implications that may be necessary to supplement the existing enabling provisions in the Criminal Justice Acts of 2006 and 2007 should we proceed to introduce a pilot phase of Electronic Monitoring in this jurisdiction for a specific group of convicted offenders.
200 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the annual cost of printing reports by his Department and agencies under the control of his Department; the corresponding figure for annual reports; the cost of posting these reports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2544/09]
The costs associated with the printing or publishing of reports issued by my Department is not recorded in a manner that facilitates ready identification from other administrative costs. However, I can inform the Deputy that in order to meet public information obligations in relation to official publications, it is my Department's policy to issue CDs or to use other IT based publication tools such as PDF formats. This policy also covers the publishing of documents, such as annual reports, on my Department's website. I have also requested all bodies operating under the aegis of my Department to adopt a similar practice in order to keep costs to a minimum. Where hard copies of documents are required, they are prepared for publication by the use of in-house copying equipment. As a consequence of implementing this policy, printing and postal costs are kept to an absolute minimum.
201 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the cost, in tabular format, including salary and pension payments, of each of the programme managers, special advisers, assistants or other staff appointed by him in 2007 post-election and 2008; the names, titles and duties of each of the staff appointed during these periods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2616/09]
The requested information in respect of the staff appointed by me since June 2007 is set out in the following table:
|
Name |
Title / Duties |
Salary Range |
|
Mr Ciarán Ó Cuinn |
Special Adviser (Programme Manager) |
€86,168 – €106,582 (Principal Officer scale) |
|
Mr Richard Moore |
Press Adviser |
€86,168 – €106,582 (Principal Officer scale) |
|
Ms Christine Maguire |
Personal Assistant |
€46,558 – €59,097 (Higher Executive Officer scale) |
|
Ms Myra Wall |
Personal Secretary |
€30,566 – €50,410 (Executive Officer scale) |
Payments not exceeding 11% of salary are paid in respect of Personal Retirement Savings Accounts (PRSAs) for my Special and Press Advisers. Both my Personal Assistant and Personal Secretary are members of the Non-Contributory Pension Scheme for non-established State employees. The Public Service Management Act, 1997 sets out the duties of Special Advisers.
202 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; if this will be dealt with as a matter of urgency and granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2629/09]
Officials in the Citizenship Division of my Department inform me that there is no record of an application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question.
203 Deputy Seán Connick asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his Department will provide funding to joint policing committees. [2662/09]
Joint Policing Committees are provided for in the Garda Síochána Act 2005. Their purpose is to 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 the initial pilot phase in 29 local authority areas to all 114 local authority areas. An Garda Síochána and the relevant local authorities have now commenced establishing the Committees in accordance with new Guidelines in local authority areas where there are not yet Committees. The necessary steps will take a certain amount of time, since there will be a process to select the Committee members from the local authority, the Oireachtas and the community and voluntary sector.
It is envisaged that by and large each agency involved will meet their expenses from within their own budgets. However, the question of providing some financial support from the two Government Departments involved will be kept under view in the context of the overall and evolving budgetary situation.
204 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the percentage of the probation service budget that is spent in relation to work in prisons; the average cost of the service’s work in prisons and places of detention in 2007 and 2008; the ratio of prisoners per probation officer; the ratio of special category prisoner per probation officer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2702/09]
I wish to set out for the Deputy the primary function of the Probation Service — a key agency within the Criminal Justice System. The primary role of the Service is first and foremost to help reduce the level of crime in the community and thereby increase public safety by:
the effective assessment and management of offenders in the community;
challenging offending behaviour and encouraging changed behaviour; and
facilitating the integration of ex-offenders back to the community.
In meeting this mandate the Probation Service provides probation supervision, community service, offending behaviour programmes and specialist support services, to both adult and young offenders, with the aim of reducing re-offending. The core work of the Service involves:
preparing pre-sentence assessments for the Courts;
supervising offenders in the community who are referred by the Court;
supervising offenders released conditionally from custody; and
providing a counselling service to offenders and their families.
Whilst the Probation Service does work with prisoners in the prison setting, much of that work concentrates on helping the offender to prepare for reintegration back to the community by building links with statutory and voluntary organisation who can best support the individual needs of the offender. As the Deputy will appreciate successful re-integration to the community and positive family support are critical to helping the ex-offender re-build links and the Probation Service plays a vital role in this regard.
I am glad to say that my Department has worked with the Service over recent years to develop a more focussed role for the Service. This is manifested in its new senior management structure, increased level of staffing, significant funding and in the current Strategy Statement for the Service for the period 2008 to 2010. Quite correctly, in my view, the document places a clear emphasis on how the Service can contribute to increasing public safety by targeting its resources to core functions orientated towards involvement with ex-offenders in the community and helping them in the transition from custody to the community.
The management of offenders within the prison setting is primarily a matter for the Irish Prison Service. Significant resources are channelled into working with prisoners in a supportive way to link them in with services, provide workshop training and help deal with the diverse and often complex range of issues facing individual offenders. I am satisfied that the Irish Prison Service and the Probation Service work in a collaborative way to best meet offender needs in prison and in supporting re-integration back to the community.
I can tell the Deputy that, in keeping with the emphasis on providing community support to ex-offenders, there are 38 professional Probation staff out of a total of 323 providing a dedicated service to prisoners within the Prison system. The compilation of the other specific information sought by the Deputy would require a disproportionate amount of staff time and effort to prepare and could not be justified in current circumstances where there are other significant demands on resources.
205 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amount of the 2008 and 2009 gross budget of the probation service; the percentage of this budget which provides capital and operating funding to a range of projects that support the work of the service in 2008 and the forecast for 2009; the number of projects this service supported in 2007 and 2008 and which will be supported in 2009; and the average cost per individual project participant. [2703/09]
The information requested by the Deputy is provided in the following table for the years 2007 and 2008.
|
Year |
No. of CBO |
Current CBO |
Capital CBO |
Probation Service Gross Expenditure |
% of Annual Expenditure Budget |
|
€ |
€ |
€m |
|||
|
2007 |
66 |
14.731 |
6.865 |
59,323 |
36% |
|
2008 |
57* |
14.393 |
5.000 |
54,019 |
36% |
*In 2008, responsibility for projects involving juvenile offending initiatives was transferred to the Irish Youth Justice Service, leaving 57 adult projects being supported by the Probation Service.
As the 2009 estimates have not yet been finalised the information sought is not yet available. I can advise that a Value for Money and Policy Review of projects funded by the Probation Service which was published by my Department last September indicated that the average cost per individual project participant was €5,519.00 taking into account only the funding from the Probation Service. As the Deputy will appreciate, funding is made available from other sources to some of these projects and accordingly, I am not in a position to give any other information on individual participant costs.
Going forward, I want to see community projects continue to work with the Probation Service to deliver a focussed and measurable set of outcomes to the client group of the Service. I can assure the Deputy that my Department, through the Probation Service, will continue to support such projects having regard to budgetary provisions.
206 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he plans to re-open Harristown House in Roscommon; the reason for the closure; his views on the fact that the consultants only recommended a temporary closure of the house for six months to undertake strategic restructuring; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2704/09]
I wish to advise the Deputy that the project ceased operation at the end of November, 2008. In my reply to a Parliamentary Question from the Deputy's colleague on the 14th October last I set out the background to the proposed closure of this project. My Department is fully committed to finding the best viable alternative model to assist the varied client needs of the Probation Service. I expect to shortly receive a proposal from the management of the Probation Service setting out a detailed new vision for Harristown House which will inform this process.
As the Deputy will appreciate we now have an opportunity to strengthen and refocus the delivery of a programme(s) to be run from the House. We must ensure that we have strong, strategic and committed partnership(s) in place to deliver the most appropriate service to the client group of the Probation Service. I expect to be in a position to make an announcement on the future of Harristown House in the coming months.
207 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the strength of An Garda Síochána at the end of 2008; the number of recruits in training at year end; when the first of these will graduate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2705/09]
I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength of An Garda Síochána on 31 December 2008, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 14,412. Included in this figure there are 1,050 probationary Gardai. There are a further 944 student Gardai in training phases 1-3. The first graduation of 2009 is due to take place on Thursday next 29 January 2009.
208 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the drugs seizures in Limerick including dates, quantities and locations between 18 and 29 December 2008. [2714/09]
I have been informed by the Garda Authorities that the information sought is not readily available and is currently being researched. I will be in contact with the Deputy when the information is to hand.
209 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the annual cost of printing reports by his Department and agencies under the control of his Department; the corresponding figure for annual reports; the cost of posting these reports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2542/09]
As the Deputy will appreciate, the annual cost of printing reports has significantly reduced in recent years as, in many instances, reports are no longer published in hard copy but, instead, are placed on the Department's website. This is the case with our Department's Annual Report. In cases where we are required to publish hard copies of reports, the number of copies printed is significantly less than was the case in earlier years, because of website access to the report. In 2008, my Department incurred printing costs of €7,703 in respect of its Statement of Strategy 2008-2010.
Irish Aid, which is funded by one of my Department's Votes, produces a significant number of reports. The total cost incurred in 2008 was €86,511 in 2008. These reports are primarily concerned with the evaluation and audit of expenditure and help ensure a high level of transparency in the funding and management of Irish Aid projects. Irish Aid reports are distributed through the Irish Aid web site and public offices, such as the Irish Aid Volunteering and Information Centre and Embassies abroad. The individual reports are listed as follows:
Irish Aid Annual Report (2,000 copies) — €14,064;
Irish Aid Hunger Task Force (3,700 copies) — €34,750;
Report of the Audit Committee 2006 — €6,885;
South Africa Country Programme Evaluation 2004-2006 — €9,825;
Support to Tsunami Affected Countries — €11,313;
Evaluation of the Mozambique Country Programmes 2001-2006 — €9,674.
In addition, the Advisory Board for Irish Aid (ABIA) spent €46,774 on printing reports in 2008. The four publications in question were: "Measuring Impact: the global and Irish Aid programme perspective"; "Good Governance, Aid modalities and Poverty Reduction"; "Research Findings Volume 1: Governance, Trade & Aid Effectiveness"; and, "ABIA 2007 Annual Report".
The North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) Secretariat in Armagh jointly produces an annual report with their Northern counterparts. My Department's share of the printing costs in 2008 for the NSMC annual report was €5,678. As a result of posting reports on the internet, postage costs in respect of these reports have been very limited. Standard post is used where a hard copy of a report is requested by a member of the public. It is not possible to isolate the postage cost for this type of distribution.
210 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the cost, in tabular format, including salary and pension payments, of each of the programme managers, special advisers, assistants or other staff appointed by him in 2007 post-election and 2008; the names, titles and duties of each of the staff appointed during these periods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2614/09]
The following table sets out the names, positions and cost of the non-established staff appointed by me in 2007 post election and 2008.
|
Name |
Responsibility |
Remuneration |
|
Ms. Deirdre Gillane |
Special Advisor |
Principal Officer standard scale: €86,168 – €100,191 |
|
Mr. Christy Mannion |
Special Advisor |
Principal Officer standard scale: €86,168 – €100,191plus a 10% attraction allowance |
|
Ms. Elizabeth O’Donoghue |
Personal Assistant |
Secretarial Assistant Salary Scale: €23,102 – €44,572 per annumplus a 10% attraction allowance |
|
Ms. Susan Kinsella |
Personal Secretary |
Executive Officer PPC Salary Scale: €32,179 – €51,054 per annum |
The terms of the Non-contributory Pension Scheme for Non-established State Employees and of the Contributory Spouses' and Children's Pension Scheme for Non-established State Employees applied to the following appointments:
Deirdre Gillane, Special Advisor;
Elizabeth O' Donoghue, Personal Assistant;
Susan Kinsella, Personal Secretary.
The terms of the Non-contributory Pension Scheme for Established State Employees and of the Contributory Spouses' and Children's Pension Scheme for Established State Employees applied to the following appointment: Christy Mannion, Special Advisor
Staff members appointed by Ministers are required to perform any duties which are assigned to them from time to time as appropriate to their position. The particular duties of Special Advisors to Ministers are set out in Section 11 of the Public Service Management Act 1997.
211 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the status of the National Concert Hall redevelopment plan; if it is intended to go ahead with this on a public private partnership basis; the amount of money that will be required from the Exchequer; the amount that has been guaranteed; when he expects construction to begin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2482/09]
I wish to confirm that the redevelopment of the National Concert Hall is going ahead. It will be a Design/Build/ Finance/Maintain PPP project, as decided by the Government. The tenders received will determine the cost of the project. Payments by the State will be in the form of monthly unitary payments over a twenty-five year period. These unitary payments will not commence until the first phase of the project is completed, which is expected to take place in 2012.
The primary objective of the project is to provide three performance auditoria in a single complex, offering a newly built Main Hall with a seating capacity of about 2,050 seats; the refurbishment of the existing hall of just over a 1,000 seats as a mid size performance space; and a smaller more flexible hall of 400 seats and the related public and management spaces associated with a concert hall complex developed to the highest international acoustic and architectural standards. This three-hall configuration will enable the National Concert Hall to provide for public demand including the staging of key performances by top-class world artists at reasonable ticket prices, and will meet the requirement for universal access. It is envisaged that the Earlsfort Terrace buildings will be re-united with the Iveagh Gardens, facilitating increased public access, and new public rooms, cafes and restaurants would over-look the Gardens and the city.
The official notification of the tender was published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 29th May 2008. Three shortlisted applicant consortia are participating in the competitive dialogue process at present. It is intended to invite these participants to submit tenders by end June 2009. The successful tenderer should be selected by Autumn 2009 and will then apply for planning permission for his project proposal. I look forward to placing a contract for this project as soon as the successful tenderer receives the necessary Planning Permission, with a view to the commencement of construction early in 2010.
213 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the annual cost of printing reports by his Department and agencies under the control of his Department; the corresponding figure for annual reports; the cost of posting these reports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2534/09]
In respect of the year 2008, the cost of printing reports by the Department and the National Archives, together with any associated posting cost, are as set out in tabular form.
|
Title of Report |
Cost of Printing |
Cost of Posting |
|
€ |
€ |
|
|
Report of the Tourism Strategy Implementation Group |
357.00 |
Not Available* |
|
Value-for-Money & Policy Review Report of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme |
608.30 |
Not Available* |
*The normal postal service of An Post was used to distribute a small number of copies of the report, the cost of which was minimal and for which separate postal cost records are not maintained.
In respect of the Department's Annual Report 2007, published in 2008, no printing costs were incurred last year, as the in-house facilities of the Civil Service were used to produce a sufficient number of hard copies for distribution. The minimum number of copies was circulated by means of the normal postal service of An Post, the cost of which was minimal and for which separate postal cost records are not maintained.
In the current budgetary environment, the Department is actively seeking to minimise all its administrative costs without affecting the outputs of the Department. In the case of the production of reports, this is facilitated by using in-house printing and/or photocopying facilities and by making best use of the Department's website, where soft-copy versions of reports are posted for unlimited download free of charge by its customers. The production and distribution of reports prepared by the agencies under the aegis of the Department are matters for the agencies themselves and not for the Department.
215 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will confirm that new appointees to Bord Scannán na hÉireann will have broad national geographic representation including the west of Ireland which has a strong audio-visual sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2602/09]
I am currently considering nominations for appointment to the Board of Bord Scannán na hÉireann/Irish Film Board, and I hope to make an announcement shortly. In appointing members to the board cognisance needs to be had, in the main, of the following — a special interest in, or knowledge of, film-making in the State and the development of an industry in the State for the making of films. With regard to geographical representation, it must be borne in mind that the Irish audiovisual industry has grown considerably in recent years and has established roots throughout the country. The recent Irish audiovisual content production sector review carried out on behalf of the Irish Film Board confirms this with over 567 companies operating within the sector and over 6,000 employed.
216 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the cost, in tabular format, including salary and pension payments, of each of the programme managers, special advisers, assistants or other staff appointed by him in 2007 post-election and 2008; the names, titles and duties of each of the staff appointed during these periods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2606/09]
The information requested in respect of the staff appointed by me following my appointment as Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism in May 2008 is set out in the following table:
|
Name |
Position |
Salary Level (Civil Service grades) |
|
Michelle Hoctor |
Special Adviser (Press) |
Principal Officer level |
|
Sean Dower |
Personal Assistant |
Higher Executive Officer level |
|
Pat Daly |
Constituency Assistant |
Higher Executive Officer level |
|
Inez O’Neill |
Personal Secretary |
Secretarial Assistant level + 10% attraction allowance |
Payments not exceeding 11% of salary are paid in respect of a Personal Retirement Savings Account to Ms Michelle Hoctor. All the other appointees are members of the Non-Contributory Pension Scheme for non-established State employees. The role of the Special Adviser is set out in Section 11 of the Public Service Management Act, 1997. The other staff carry out general secretarial and administrative duties including the handling of enquiries made to the constituency office.
217 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he is satisfied that projections in respect of visitors to Ireland in 2009 are expected to be met or exceeded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2679/09]
While final year figures are not yet available for 2008, the most recent CSO figures show that there were over 7.3 million overseas visitors to Ireland in the first eleven months of 2008. This is a reduction of just over 2% compared to the corresponding period of 2007. In the context of the exceptionally challenging conditions affecting nearly all of our main markets, including volatile financial markets, economic contraction and negative consumer sentiment, as well as sharply fluctuating fuel costs and exchange rates, Ireland's overall visitor numbers held up quite well in 2008.
Global economic growth is expected to remain weak in 2009. In particular, it is expected that trading conditions in two of our major markets, Great Britain and the United States, will remain particularly challenging. Accordingly, in its Draft Business Plan for 2009, Tourism Ireland, which has responsibility for the overseas marketing of Ireland as a tourist destination, has forecast between 7.1 million and 7.4 million overseas visitors to the Republic of Ireland in 2009. This represents a further slight reduction on the 2008 projected outturn.
The relevant tourism agencies are working together to support the marketing of Irish tourism, to improve our product offerings and to help improve business capability. These are being supported by the positive response of the tourism sector at enterprise level to the challenges we face. I believe the necessary structures and support are in place at this time to facilitate delivery of the projected visitor numbers for 2009.
While I know that our businesses and tourism agencies are responding constructively to current challenges, it is just as important that the strategic framework for tourism development responds to the changing environment. Accordingly, I have recently established the Tourism Renewal Group, which has been tasked with reviewing and, where appropriate, renewing the current tourism strategy, in order to ensure that this strategy is focused for the short term and that the tourist industry is well placed to benefit from the upturn. This group is expected to report before Summer 2009.
219 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the extent of budgetary increases or cuts in his Department in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2681/09]
The 2009 allocation to my Department as published on Budget Day is €549.132m. This compares with €700.162m allocated in 2008, which represents a decrease of 22%.
221 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the extent to which it is intended in 2009 to provide extra funding for the provision or development of passive recreational facilities here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2683/09]
Under the Sports Capital Programme, which is administered by my Department, funding is allocated to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. Since 1998 the Government has allocated over €725m in sports capital funding to over 7,400 sports projects across the country. This investment has transformed the sporting landscape of Ireland and has allowed the development of sports facilities across the length and breath of the country. These facilities have dramatically increased the opportunities for all people to engage in a wide variety of sports. 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.
222 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the action expected to be taken to ensure the survival of the tourism sector in the current economic climate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2696/09]
223 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he is satisfied that the tourism sector is adequately placed to meet the challenge of competition at home or abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2697/09]
224 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he has issued instructions to the tourism industry with a view to improvement in 2009 with particular reference to the competitiveness of the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2698/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 222 to 224, inclusive, together.
While final year figures are not yet available for 2008, tourism figures published by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) for the first eleven months of 2008 show that despite a challenging global environment, Ireland's visitor numbers overall have held up well, making a vital contribution to employment, export earnings and tax receipts in our economy. The 2009 business plans for the key tourism agencies, Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland, are designed to support the marketing of Irish tourism, to improve our product offerings and to help improve business capability. These are being supported by the positive response of the tourism sector at enterprise level to the challenges we face.
While I know that our businesses and tourism agencies are responding constructively to current challenges, it is just as important that the strategic framework for tourism development responds to the changing environment. Accordingly, I have recently established the Tourism Renewal Group, which has been tasked with reviewing and, where appropriate, renewing the current tourism strategy, set out in the "New Horizons" report, in order to ensure that this strategy is focused for the short term and that the tourist industry is well placed to benefit from the upturn when it comes.
I have asked the Tourism Renewal Group to report back to me by the middle of 2009, following its considerations, with recommendations in the form of a Framework for Action. Furthermore, one of my priorities as Minister is to ensure that the tourism agenda is accommodated in all the relevant policies and programmes that impact on tourism. This is being put into practice on an ongoing basis by my Department and the tourism agencies through engagement with the relevant Departments and agencies on their policies and programmes.
I am confident that, in partnership with the sector, we can plan for current and future challenges and take appropriate action to meet them, thereby ensuring that Irish tourism continues on a path of sustainable growth over the medium term.
225 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the annual cost of printing reports by his Department and agencies under the control of his Department; the corresponding figure for annual reports; the cost of posting these reports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2536/09]
The cost incurred by my Department in printing reports in 2008 was €19,860, of which €4,700 related to the Annual Report. No postage charges were incurred. With regard to public bodies funded from my Department's Vote Group, I have been informed that the following costs of the nature referred to by the Deputy were incurred in 2008:
|
Body |
Total printing cost |
Amount of total cost relating to Annual Report |
Postage cost |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
Oifig Choimisinéir na dTeangacha Oifigiúla* |
6,675 |
6,675 |
1,391 |
|
Western Development Commission |
21,285 |
960 |
630 |
|
Údarás na Gaeltachta |
5,466 |
5,466 |
380 |
*Independent statutory office.
226 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the cost, in tabular format, including salary and pension payments, of each of the programme managers, special advisers, assistants or other staff appointed by him in 2007 post-election and 2008; the names, titles and duties of each of the staff appointed during these periods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2608/09]
The details requested by the Deputy in respect of staff appointed by me post-election 2007 are outlined in the following tabular format. It should be noted that the salary payments reflected below are inclusive of Employers' PRSI at 10.75%.
|
Name |
Title/Duties |
Salary and pension payments post-election 2007 |
Salary and pension payments 2008 |
|
€ |
€ |
||
|
Pádraic Ó hUiginn |
Special Advisor |
*61,088 |
**117,013 |
|
Layla de Cogan Chin |
Media Advisor |
36,378 |
85,618 |
|
Máirín Ní Choisdealbha |
Personal Assistant from 15/06/07 to 14/09/07 |
16,517 |
Nil |
|
Muireann Ní Thuairisg |
Personal Assistant from 15/09/07 |
13,409 |
50,717 |
|
Máire Ní Fhlatharta |
Personal Secretary |
27,980 |
53,090 |
*Included in this figure is an 11% superannuation payment.
**Included in this figure is an 11% superannuation payment up to 07/05/2008 only.
227 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position in relation to a project (details supplied) in County Wicklow; if he will increase the funding as a matter of urgency in order that they can continue to provide this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2627/09]
Funding for Local and Regional Drugs Task Force areas in 2009 will be approximately €34.6m. Of this amount, over €23m is being allocated to the Local Drugs Task Forces while over €11m is being earmarked for the Regional Task Forces. Projects have already been approved funding for the first six months of 2009 and the National Drugs Strategy Team (NDST) will be reviewing this expenditure before allocating the remaining six months funding.
All Drugs Task Forces have been asked to identify savings across their area of responsibility. While I appreciate that there may be some difficult choices to be made, it will be a matter for the Drugs Task Forces — including the East Coast RDTF which allocates funding to the projects referred to by the Deputy — to identify measures to enable them to work within their allocated budgets. With regard to these projects, I understand that the Task Force has agreed funding allocations for 2009 with the company that manages the projects. My Department will continue to liaise with the NDST to ensure the continued operation of vital services in disadvantaged areas most affected by drug misuse.
228 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kildare has not received rent supplement payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2511/09]
Rent supplement is administered on behalf of the Department by the Health Service Executive as part of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. The Executive has advised that payment of basic supplementary welfare allowance and rent supplement is being reviewed and that both payments have been suspended while the review is ongoing. The Executive will be in direct contact with the person concerned when the review is complete.
229 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the annual cost of printing reports by her Department and agencies under the control of her Department; the corresponding figure for annual reports; the cost of posting these reports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2545/09]
The information requested is currently being compiled within the Department and will be made available to the Department as soon as possible.
230 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the proposals she has to introduce a pensions protection scheme for private sector pensions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2586/09]
231 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the proposals she has to secure the pensions of all employees of a company (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2588/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 230 and 231 together.
The pension rights of scheme members are protected through trust law and by provision in the Pensions Act 1990 as amended. As supplementary pension schemes are usually established under irrevocable trust, the assets of the scheme are legally separate from the assets of the employer and are not available to any other creditors where the employer becomes insolvent. Under trust law, trustees of occupational pension schemes have the principal responsibility for ensuring that the entitlements of the members are adequately protected and that they receive the pensions due to them.
In addition to the safeguards provided by trust law, the Pensions Act 1990 also provides for the regulation of pensions schemes in Ireland. Under the Pensions Act, defined benefit pension schemes must meet a minimum funding standard which requires that schemes maintain sufficient assets to enable them discharge accrued liabilities in the event of the scheme winding up. Where schemes do not satisfy the Funding Standard, the sponsors/trustees must submit a funding proposal to the Pensions Board to restore full funding within three years. The Pensions Board can allow a scheme up to ten years to meet the standard in certain circumstances.
Should a scheme be wound up by its trustees, the Pensions Act 1990 (as amended) specifies how scheme assets are prioritised. In short, schemes first prioritise benefits that have accrued to members by way of additional voluntary contribution or transfer of rights from another scheme. Benefits being paid to retired members come next in the priority list, followed by benefits to current and deferred members of the scheme.
The Government is currently considering a number of options in relation to the ongoing security of occupational pensions. Any decisions made in this context will be considered as part of the development of a long term framework for pensions. The overall objective is to deliver a pensions system which will provide an adequate income in retirement for everyone, while at the same time being affordable in the immediate and long-term future — a key consideration in the current economic environment.
232 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the cost, in tabular format, including salary and pension payments, of each of the programme managers, special advisers, assistants or other staff appointed by her in 2007 post-election and 2008; the names, titles and duties of each of the staff appointed during these periods; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2617/09]
The information sought by the Deputy is set out in the following tabular statement.
|
Name |
Title |
Salary |
Pension |
|
€ |
|||
|
Averil Power |
Special Adviser |
100,191 |
Model Scheme for non established civil servants |
|
Geraldine Butler |
Press Officer |
76,087 |
Model Scheme for established civil servants |
|
Peter O’Brien |
Personal Assistant |
55,030 |
Private pension contribution of 11% of salary |
|
Martine Lynch |
Personal Secretary |
40,907 + 10% attraction allowance |
Model Scheme for non established civil servants |
233 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the average reduction in the rate of payment of rent allowance over the past 12 months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2620/09]
Rent supplement is administered on behalf of the Department by the Health Service Executive as part of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. The purpose of the rent supplement scheme is to provide short-term income support to eligible people living in private rented accommodation, whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. There were almost 60,000 recipients of rent supplement at the end of 2007 at a cost of €392 million. At the end of 2008 numbers on rent supplement had increased to just over 74,000 at a cost of €441million.
The average weekly rent supplement payment at the end of 2007 was €128.43 and €125.87 at the end of 2008. This reflects a general reduction in rent levels in 2008. Data from the CSO's ‘privately owned rent index' indicates that rent levels have declined by more than 10% in 2008. This deceleration in rent levels is also reflected in the Daft.ie quarter three rental report which showed reductions in rent of between 3% and 5% depending on location.
234 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she has plans to issue photographic identity cards for claimants for social welfare benefits; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2624/09]
The Department has developed, in conjunction with a number of other government departments, the specifications for a Public Service card under the SAFE (Standard Authentication Framework Environment) programme. The specification provides for identification features, including a photograph. The Department has invited tenders for the production of the card along with associated management services. It hopes to conclude negotiations with the preferred bidder shortly.
It is intended that the card will introduce an improved registration process along with new card technology which will bring improved customer service and security features, considerably reducing the potential for forgery and fraudulent use. As a general principle, minimum personal data will be held on the card. It will provide secure identification and authentication to allow it to be used by the individual as a ‘key' to access services as and when they are required. It will be introduced, in a phased manner, for a number of the Department's services.
235 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will provide MABSIS data for 2008 for each MABS centre in respect of the number of new clients, the number of new clients earning a wage, the number of new clients with a mortgage and the total and average debt owed by new clients when they first presented to MABS. [2772/09]
236 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the data from the MABSIS system for 2008 in relation to the number of new clients, the number and percentage of new clients on social welfare and by type of payment, the number and percentage of new clients earning a wage, client profile by tenure type, the total debt owed by new clients when they first presented to MABS with a breakdown by creditor type, and the average debt owed by new clients when they first presented to MABS. [2773/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 235 and 236 together.
The Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) provided services to 16,600 new clients in the period to end December 2008. In addition, 2,441 people sought information about budgeting and money management. The MABS National Helpline received approximately 11,000 calls in 2008.
The detailed statistical breakdown of clients per centre requested by the Deputy is not readily available from the MABSIS. However the national MABS statistics show that the majority of new clients were on social welfare payments (59%), the highest numbers being almost 2,900 (17%) who were in receipt of the one parent family payment, 3,000 (18%) who were in receipt of jobseekers payments and 2,300 (14%) in receipt of illness/disability payments. Some 28% of clients were in receipt of wages and 3% were self-employed.
Clients mostly lived in rented accommodation, with 27% living in private rented accommodation and 24% in rented local authority accommodation. People with mortgages made up 28% of clients and 7% lived with parents. The total owed by new clients in 2008 to creditors, based on the debt they had when they first came to the MABS, amounted to €205 million, which works out at an average amount of €12,400 debt per client. Of the total amount of debt 64% was owed to banks/financial institutions, 16% was owed to credit unions, 3% was owed in respect of utilities bills and 1% was owed to moneylenders. Information on new clients per MABS company up to the end of December 2008 is detailed in the following table.
|
Company |
New clients at 31st December 2008 |
|
Arklow |
253 |
|
Athlone |
188 |
|
Ballymun |
543 |
|
Blanchardstown |
422 |
|
Bray |
574 |
|
Carlow |
677 |
|
Cavan |
205 |
|
Charleville |
111 |
|
Clare |
298 |
|
Clondalkin |
322 |
|
COMAC |
410 |
|
Cork |
970 |
|
North Cork |
384 |
|
West Cork |
288 |
|
North Donegal |
264 |
|
South Donegal |
93 |
|
West Donegal |
25 |
|
Drogheda |
146 |
|
Dublin 12 Area |
242 |
|
Dublin North City |
257 |
|
Dublin North East |
383 |
|
Dublin South East |
181 |
|
Dundalk |
188 |
|
Dundrum/Rathfarnham |
293 |
|
Dun Laoghaire |
411 |
|
Fingal |
224 |
|
Finglas |
482 |
|
North Galway |
347 |
|
South Galway |
602 |
|
Kerry |
684 |
|
Kildare |
457 |
|
Kilkenny |
363 |
|
Laois |
414 |
|
Leitrim |
117 |
|
Liffey South West |
310 |
|
Limerick |
592 |
|
Longford |
151 |
|
North Mayo |
113 |
|
South Mayo |
222 |
|
Meath |
179 |
|
Monaghan |
128 |
|
Mullingar |
191 |
|
Offaly |
223 |
|
Roscommon |
158 |
|
Sligo |
210 |
|
Tallaght |
438 |
|
North Tipperary |
206 |
|
South Tipperary |
546 |
|
Waterford |
624 |
|
West Waterford |
186 |
|
Wexford |
305 |
237 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Defence the annual cost of printing reports by his Department and agencies under the control of his Department; the corresponding figure for annual reports; the cost of posting these reports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2537/09]
In relation to publications for 2008 the information sought by the Deputy is detailed in the following table.
|
Publication |
Cost |
Postage |
|
€ |
€ |
|
|
Defence Forces OmbudsmanAnnual Report |
18,035.00 |
3,300.00 |
|
Department of Defence Annual Report |
8,159.02 |
Nil |
|
Civil Defence Board Annual Report |
6,181.00 |
Nil |
|
Office of Emergency Planning Annual Report |
300.00 |
Nil |
|
Defence Forces Reports |
5,493.33 |
Nil |
|
Total |
38,168.35 |
3,300.00 |
238 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Defence the cost, in tabular format, including salary and pension payments, of each of the programme managers, special advisers, assistants or other staff appointed by him in 2007 post-election and 2008; the names, titles and duties of each of the staff appointed during these periods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2609/09]
The information regarding staff members appointed by me in 2007 post election and in 2008 is set out in the following table.
|
Staff Members Appointments |
|
|
Name |
Derek Mooney |
|
Title |
Special Adviser / Political Adviser |
|
Duties |
To provide relevant advice to the Minister as necessary |
|
Dates of Appointment |
14 June, 2007; 7 May, 2008 |
|
Salary Scale 1 June 2007 |
€82,016 – €101,446 |
|
Salary Scale 1 March 2008 |
€84,066 – €103,982 |
|
Salary Scale 1 Sept. 2008 |
€86,168 – €106,582 |
|
Pension |
€1,632.77 |
|
Name |
Suzanne Coogan |
|
Title |
Press Adviser |
|
Duties |
To provide press liaison services to the Minister |
|
Dates of Appointment |
14 June, 2007; 7 May, 2008 |
|
Salary Scale 1 June 2007 |
€82,016 – €101,446 |
|
Salary Scale 1 March 2008 |
€84,066 – €103,982 |
|
Salary Scale 1 Sept. 2008 |
€86,168 – €106,582 |
|
Pension |
€1,629.26 |
|
Name |
Fergal O’Brien |
|
Title |
Personal Assistant |
|
Duties |
To provide administrative assistance to the Minister |
|
Dates of Appointment |
14 June, 2007; 7 May, 2008 |
|
Salary Scale 1 June 2007 |
€44,314 – €52,379 |
|
Salary Scale 1 March 2008 |
€45,422 – €53,688 |
|
Salary Scale 1 Sept. 2008 |
€46,558 – €55,030 |
|
Pension |
€703.60 |
|
Name |
Olive McNamara |
|
Title |
Personal Secretary |
|
Duties |
To provide secretarial services to the Minister |
|
Dates of Appointment |
14 June, 2007; retired on 26 October, 2007. |
|
Salary Scale 1 June 2007 |
€22,064 – €42,571 |
|
Pension |
€113.77 |
|
Name |
Yvonne MacMahon |
|
Title |
Personal Secretary |
|
Duties |
To provide secretarial services to the Minister |
|
Dates of Appointment |
9 November, 2007; 7 May, 2008 |
|
Salary Scale 1 June 2007 |
€22,064 – €42,571 |
|
Salary Scale 1 March 2008 |
€22,616 – €43,636 |
|
Salary Scale 1 Sept. 2008 |
€23,182 – €44,726 |
|
Pension |
€176.26 |
The pension contributions, as outlined above, were paid by individual staff members to the Unestablished Civil Service Pension Scheme.
239 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the initiatives and supports that he has put in place or will put in place to support and develop industries here that will reuse and recycle waste materials; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2694/09]
258 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the incentive that he has put in place or will put in place to encourage and support industries associated with recycling of waste; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2693/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 239 and 258 together.
At present, Enterprise Ireland supports waste recycling and waste management companies particularly through its Growth Fund, Investment Fund or Research and Development Fund. Current initiatives include the establishment by EI of a dedicated CleanTech Department to support an expanding portfolio of companies covering the Waste, Water, Energy and Services sub-sectors. This team is being resourced to address the needs and challenges arising. In addition, the agency's GreenTech Support package helps client companies take advantage of the opportunities presented by integrating environmental sustainability into their businesses.
In addition, a recent study undertaken by Forfás and Inter-Trade Ireland identified opportunities across a range of areas in the environment goods and services, including the waste sector. There are openings for those enterprises that can provide equipment, consultancy services and, in particular, develop innovative technologies in the areas of waste collection and disposal. Such technologies and services will make for more efficient and cost effective operations. Prospects are good for companies that can meet the strong market demand for recovered materials such as plastics and metals. This is especially so where the activity can be carried out on a larger scale, producing a higher quality final material for recycling.
In the area of transforming waste into energy, opportunities exist for companies providing innovative systems that utilize new and existing technologies to produce energy as well as a range of application fuels (e.g. gas, biomass fuel) and secondary products (e.g. compost) from waste materials. Renewable energy companies are becoming increasingly involved in the waste industry indicating the future growth potential for this sector. I am confident we can look forward to significant job creation in the areas identified.
240 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the failure by some local authorities to comply with their obligations under the Planning and Development Act 2000 to take in charge residential developments and that this failure has meant the absence of public lighting in some social housing estates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2489/09]
The taking in charge of a residential estate is a matter for the relevant planning authority. Under section 180 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, a planning authority must take in charge a residential development at the request of the developer, or a majority of the residents, where certain conditions are met.
In February 2008 my Department issued updated policy guidance to planning authorities on the taking in charge of estates. Each planning authority was asked to develop or update, as appropriate, its policy on taking in charge by the end of June 2008, on the basis of the updated policy guidance, to ensure that its revised policy is made available to the public and published on its website and is the subject of regular reports to the elected members.
A new local government service indicator in relation to the taking in charge of estates has been introduced, which will provide benchmark data from 2009 onwards for monitoring the taking in charge process. The information to be reported will include — the number of estates that were taken in charge in the year in question; the total number of dwellings in these estates; and the number of estates in respect of which enforcement action was taken. Informed by this data, which will be available in mid 2009, l intend to keep the issue of taking in charge under review.
The question of taking in charge should not arise in relation to a social housing estate, as the housing authority is responsible for the estate from the outset. I am not aware of any problems in relation to public lighting in social housing estates; any such issues should be taken up directly with the housing authority concerned.
241 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the resources available and the priorities under the fire services capital programme 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2520/09]
The resources to be made available in 2009 for capital funding of the fire and emergency services (€23 million) are included in the published 2009 estimates for public services and summary public capital programme. Proposals are currently under consideration for inclusion in the 2009 programme having regard to each fire authority's priorities, the existing facilities available, the level of activity, the proximity of other fire stations and competing demands in relation to the resources available.
242 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the annual cost of printing reports by his Department and agencies under the control of his Department; the corresponding figure for annual reports; the cost of posting these reports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2540/09]
The information requested in respect of my Department is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible. Printing costs for Agencies under the aegis of my Department are a matter for the Agencies themselves.
243 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if a date has been set for the local and European elections. [2553/09]
The timing of European Parliament elections is determined by the EU Council of Ministers by reference to the period corresponding to the first direct elections in 1979. Accordingly, they are held within a specified four-day period in June every five years subsequent to 1979. The Council announced in June 2008 that the 2009 European Parliament elections will take place between 4 and 7 June 2009.
Each member state must fix a polling date within this period and, although a formal decision has not been made in the matter, I expect that, as on previous occasions, polling at the European Parliament and local elections will take place on the same day in June 2009. I will make a statement in relation to polling day as soon as possible.
244 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to introduce campaign spending limits for the local and European elections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2554/09]
I intend to bring forward proposals in the near future for legislative change to allow for the introduction of spending limits at local elections and to have the limits in place for the local elections to be held in June 2009. Section 33 of the Electoral Act 1997 and the related order (the Electoral Act 1997 (Section 3) Order 2004) provides for the limitation of election expenses at European elections.
245 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the cost, in tabular format, including salary and pension payments, of each of the programme managers, special advisers, assistants or other staff appointed by him in 2007 post-election and 2008; the names, titles and duties of each of the staff appointed during these periods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2612/09]
The information requested is set out in the following table:
|
Minister |
Name |
Grade |
No. of staff |
Salary 2007 |
Salary 2008 |
Duties |
|
€ |
€ |
|||||
|
John Gormley |
Ryan Meade |
Special Adviser |
1 |
39,153 |
86,014 |
As set out in Section 11 of the Public Service Management Act 1997 |
|
David Healy |
Special Adviser |
1 |
36,825 |
85,692 |
As set out in Section 11 of the Public Service Management Act 1997 |
|
|
Liam Reid |
Special Adviser: Press and Information Officer |
1 |
44,906 |
98,329 |
Responsible for all aspects of the Department’s media related activities. |
|
|
Donall Geoghegan* |
Special Adviser* |
1 |
57,833 |
173,254 |
Programme Manager for the Green Party |
|
|
Diarmuid Hanafin |
Personal Assistant-Higher Executive Officer |
1 |
Provision of administrative and secretarial support. |
|||
|
Ann O’Conarain |
Personal Secretary-Executive Officer |
0.5 |
Provision of administrative and secretarial support. |
|||
|
Linda Farrell |
Personal Secretary-Executive Officer |
0.5 |
Provision of administrative and secretarial support. |
*Mr. Geoghegan's salary is paid from my Department's vote but he is based in the Department of the Taoiseach.
As outlined in their contracts the above staff had the option of joining the Non-contributory Pension Scheme for Non-established State Employees or having their membership of an approved private pension fund paid for by the Department subject to certain conditions. Five are members of the Non-contributory Scheme and two have private pensions. The cost of contributions to the above scheme is 1½% of net pay. The salary scales for all administrative grades are available on the Department of Finance website (www.finance.gov.ie).
246 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the signing, ratification and implementation of the Aarhus Convention, as well as the transposing of the public participation directive into law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2631/09]
Ireland signed the Aarhus Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-Making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters on 25 June 1998. Progress towards ratification of the Convention is closely aligned with work at EU level and, in that context, the European Union has adopted two Directives as part of the ratification process for the Convention. These deal with public access to environmental information (2003/4/EC) and public participation in certain environmental decision-making procedures (2003/35/EC).
The European Communities (Access to Information on the Environment) Regulations 2007 came into effect on 1 May 2007. These Regulations transpose EU Directive 2003/4/EC on Public access to environmental information. The process to transpose the Public Participation Directive is well advanced, with legislation completed to amend the majority of the relevant consent systems. The work to amend the remaining outstanding consent systems will be finalised by the Departments concerned as soon as possible. When this work has been completed I, along with the Minister for Foreign Affairs, will ensure that the instrument of ratification of the Aarhus Convention is submitted to Government and laid before the Dáil as soon as possible.
247 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department has or plans to have guidelines for issuing to local authorities regarding the spraying of herbicides or pesticides, including 2,4,D; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2633/09]
248 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if there are plans by his Department to require local authorities to give advance notice to nearby residents prior to any spraying of herbicides or pesticides, including 2,4-D; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2634/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 247 and 248 together.
Under Section 40 of the Wildlife Acts, the cutting, grubbing, burning or destruction by other means of vegetation growing on uncultivated land or in hedges or ditches is prohibited during the nesting and breeding season for birds and wildlife, from 1 March to 31 August. This is subject to certain specific exceptions. In most instances, it is required by law that work to hedgerows is undertaken outside this period. However, it is accepted that in some cases, trimming may be necessary, during the prohibited period, on grounds of public health and safety, notably when new road hazards are detected that require hedge trimming or vegetation clearance. Local authorities and relevant public bodies are reminded annually of their responsibilities in this regard.
I was seriously concerned in relation to the spraying of road verges in May 2008 by Meath County Council. My Department's National Parks and Wildlife Service has initiated a prosecution under the Wildlife Acts against both Meath County Council and the Company which carried out the spraying for the Council, and I understand that a date for the hearing of the case will be set in March, 2009. Following this incident, my Department issued a circular at the end of May, 2008 reminding all local authorities that extensive, untargeted spraying of road verges with herbicide is, prima facie, an offence under Section 40 of the Wildlife Acts, and it is my policy to prosecute in such cases. The question of advance notice to nearby residents should not therefore arise.
249 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the cost to the Exchequer of the administration and operation of each regional authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2648/09]
Under the Local Government Act, 1991 (Regional Authorities) (Establishment) Order 1993 by which they were established, the administration and operational costs of Regional Authorities are met principally by way of contributions from their constituent local authorities.
250 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when his Department will make funding available for the redevelopment of a block of flats (details supplied) in Dublin 2. [2651/09]
The redevelopment of the Charlemont Street flat complex is one of a number of projects included in Dublin City Council's Housing Regeneration Programme and is currently the subject of procurement under a competitive dialogue process. It is up to Dublin City Council to finalise this process and, subject to the outcome, submit a proposal to the Department for project approval and funding from within the annual housing allocation made available to the local authority.
251 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when funding will be made available to allow construction of a new waste water treatment plant at Rathcormac, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2654/09]
The Rathcormac Water and Sewerage Scheme is included for funding under the Serviced Land Initiative measure of my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009. Work on the water supply element of the scheme has been completed and the waste water collection system is under construction. My Department is examining an application for increased funding submitted by Cork County Council in advance of awarding the contract for the wastewater treatment plant. A decision on the application will be conveyed to the Council as soon as possible.
252 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the situation with respect to an application for funds in respect of the construction of a house by Wicklow County Council (details supplied); when this application was received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2668/09]
An application to construct a house at Parkmore, Baltinglass was received in my Department from Wicklow County Council on 11 December, 2006. My Department's housing inspectorate examined the proposal and was of the opinion that it would offer better value for money and better use of the available land if the Council were to build a number of houses on the land rather than a single house.
The Council was asked in February, 2007 to reconsider the proposal along these lines and to resubmit to the Department in due course. No further proposal in relation to the construction of the house was received. Following the issue of Circular N7/07 in April, 2007, the construction of a single housing unit or of small projects with a capital value of less than €500,000 may be carried out by housing authorities without prior approval of the Department subject to compliance with conditions as set out in the circular and providing funds are available within the housing allocation provided to the authority under the Social Housing Investment Programme.
253 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the situation with respect to funding for a scheme (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2669/09]
The Dunlavin Sewerage Scheme is included for funding in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009 at an estimated cost of €5.1m. My Department has approved Wicklow County Council's Preliminary Report and is awaiting submission of a construction stage budget for the scheme by the Council.
254 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the situation with respect to funding for a scheme (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2670/09]
The Arklow Sewerage Scheme is approved for funding in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009 at an estimated cost of €15.9 million. I understand that the unsuccessful applicant to the High Court for a judicial review of An Bord Pleanála's decision to grant approval for the proposed wastewater treatment plant has been given leave to appeal to the Supreme Court and has exercised that option. Further progress on this element of the scheme will depend on the outcome of these proceedings.
In May 2006, my Department conveyed approval to Wicklow County Council to undertake advance works on the Northern Interceptor Sewer, costing €1.25million, in conjunction with road works adjacent to the Bridgewater development in the town. The Council is also considering whether any other elements of the scheme should be advanced pending the outcome of the Supreme Court proceedings. Any ensuing proposals will be examined as quickly as possible by my Department.
255 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the applications for funding for housing, sewerage and water schemes he currently has from all local authorities in Counties Wicklow and Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2671/09]
Housing related projects in Counties Carlow and Wicklow for which applications for funding have been received are listed in the following tables. The most complete and up to date statement of Carlow and Wicklow County Councils' water services infrastructural requirements is set out in the Assessment of Needs produced by the Councils in response to my Department's request to all local authorities in 2006 to carry out fresh assessments of the need for capital works in their areas and to prioritise their proposals on the basis of the assessments. These assessments were taken into account in drawing up the Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009, which is available in the Oireachtas Library.
|
Programme |
Project Details |
|
Local Authority Housing |
Eastwood, Bagenalstown |
|
Phelim Wood, Tullow (Part V) |
|
|
Broderick’s Field Hacketstown Rd. Carlow |
|
|
Maryborough St. Graiguecullen |
|
|
Remedial Works |
John Sweeney Park Carlow |
|
Capital Assistance Scheme |
Cheshire Ireland Housing Assoc.Templeowen, Abbey St, Tullow |
|
Programme |
Project Details |
|
Local Authority Housing |
Emoclew, Arklow |
|
66 Upper Dargle Road, Bray |
|
|
Carrigoona, U. Dargle Road, Bray |
|
|
Kilbride Lane, Bray |
|
|
Kilbride Lodge, Bray |
|
|
Marino Clinic site, Bray |
|
|
Soldier’s Road, Bray |
|
|
St. Enda’s, Upper Dargle Road, Bray |
|
|
Brewery Straight, Rathdrum |
|
|
Carnew (Phase 4) |
|
|
Lott Lane, Kilcoole |
|
|
Shillelagh |
|
|
Three Trouts Stream, Greystones |
|
|
Remedial Works |
Ashlawn Court, Bray |
|
Oldcourt, Bray |
|
|
Parnell Park, Rathdrum |
|
|
Sycamore Dr. & Mountain View, Newtownmountkennedy |
|
|
Vartry Heights, Roundwood |
|
|
Woodview Park, Avoca |
|
|
Capital Assistance Scheme |
Sophia Housing Association, Kilmantan Place, Bray |
|
John of Gods, Ballywaltrim Cottages, Bray |
|
|
Sunbeam Housing Association,Vevay House, Bray |
|
|
Peacehaven Housing Assoc., 52 Applewood Heights, Greystones |
|
|
Cheshire Ireland Housing Assoc.Templeowen, Abbey St, Tullow |
|
|
Capital Loan & Subsidy Scheme |
Sunbeam Housing Assoc. Fairgreen Terrace, Bray |
|
Traveller Accommodation |
Coolmore, Scratnagh, Co. Wicklow |
|
Killough Lower, Kilmacanogue, Co. Wicklow |
|
|
Homeless Accommodation |
Bray |
|
Affordable Housing |
Blessington (Phase 2) |
256 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the criteria which exist for the establishment of a polling station; and if a certain number of electors are required to keep it viable. [2672/09]
Section 28 of the Electoral Act 1992 requires each county or city council, in consultation with the relevant returning officer for Dáil elections, to make a polling scheme dividing the county or city into polling districts and appointing a polling place for each district. At a poll, the returning officer is required to provide a sufficient number of polling stations at the polling place. Standing advice from my Department to councils, in exercising their responsibilities in this regard, is that polling districts must meet the reasonable requirements of electors and that, subject to this, all polling districts should be of a reasonable size.
257 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his policy on incineration as a waste management option; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2692/09]
The Programme for Government contains a range of commitments in respect of waste management policy centred on the Government's continued support for the internationally recognised waste hierarchy which places major emphasis on the prevention, reuse and recycling of waste while minimising reliance on landfill and incineration. This commitment to the waste hierarchy has added significance in the context of the requirements of the EU Landfill Directive to divert waste from landfill. Meeting this obligation will entail doubling the existing level of diversion from landfill by 2010 and further increases in diversion in subsequent years. The Programme also signalled a move away from mass burn incineration towards alternative technologies.
This is a process which will be assisted by the major review of waste policy, also provided for in the Programme, which has now commenced and which will address how better to implement waste prevention and minimisation in the particular context of the emergence of new technologies for waste management, particularly those for the mechanical and biological treatment of waste which can reduce the need for both incineration and landfill.
Undue emphasis on incineration as the cornerstone of waste management policy is detrimental to the development of alternative solutions. The review may well indicate a continuing role for incineration in our future waste management strategy but I do not envisage it being on anything like the scale that was previously envisaged. On completion of this major review I will bring forward any necessary legislative and policy initiatives needed to give effect to its conclusions.
259 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when he will introduce legislation in regard to the licensing of community radio; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2493/09]
The Broadcasting Bill 2008, which proposes to reconstitute the statutory basis for the licensing of community radio in Ireland, is currently before the Houses of the Oireachtas. The Bill assigns responsibility for licensing community radio to the proposed Broadcasting Authority of Ireland.
260 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the annual cost of printing reports by his Department and agencies under the control of his Department; the corresponding figure for annual reports; the cost of posting these reports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2535/09]
Details of the cost of printing reports during 2008, by my Department, are contained in the following table. The table includes details of annual reports published and where identifiable, postage costs. It should be noted that the level of reports published will vary from year to year. Reports produced by bodies operating under the aegis of my Department, are a day to day operational matter for those bodies and one in which I have no function.
|
Reports published in 2008 |
Cost of Publication |
Postal Costs |
|
€ |
€ |
|
|
Consultation Paper on Next Generation Broadband |
2,481.73 |
n/a |
|
Third Strategic Environmental Assessment for Oil and Gas Activity in Ireland’s Offshore Atlantic Waters:Rockall Basin |
5,687.00 |
Nil |
|
Ecofys Study on the Comparative Merits of Overhead Electricity Transmission Lines versus Underground Cables |
No external costs – report printed within Department |
475(approx. 500 copies to members of public @ 0.95 per copy) |
|
Handbook on Oil Supply Contingency Measures |
Nil – published on Department’s website |
Nil |
|
Minerals Development Acts, 1940 – 1995 – Report by the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources for the six months ended 31 December 2007 |
342.00 |
75.00 |
|
Minerals Development Acts, 1940 – 1995 – Report by the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources for the six months ended 30 June 2008 |
502.00 |
75.00 |
|
State Mining and Prospecting Facilities 1st May 2008 Competition |
350.00 |
130.00 |
|
State Mining and Prospecting Facilities 1st November 2008 Competition |
460.00 |
130.00 |
|
State Mining and Prospecting Facilities 1st February 2008 Competition |
60.00 |
130.00 |
|
State Mining and Prospecting Facilities 1st August 2008 Competition |
60.00 |
130.00 |
|
An Energy Research Strategy for Ireland |
13,618.56 Please Note this Report is not an Annual Publication |
Nil |
|
Statement of Strategy 2008-2010 |
9,631.00 |
104.60 approx. |
|
DCENR Annual Report 2007 |
12,465.00 |
97.10 approx. |
|
GSI Annual Report 2007 |
7,000 |
n/a |
|
Gaining Ground |
2,142 |
n/a |
|
All-Island Grid Study |
17,021 (incl. VAT)* |
n/a |
261 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the cost, in tabular format, including salary and pension payments, of each of the programme managers, special advisers, assistants or other staff appointed by him in 2007 post-election and 2008; the names, titles and duties of each of the staff appointed during these periods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2607/09]
The information requested by the Deputy is contained in the following table.
|
Name |
Title |
Salary Cost 2007* |
Salary Cost 2008* |
Duties |
|
€ |
€ |
|||
|
Morgan Bazilian |
Minister’s Special Adviser |
**45,800 |
**144,622 |
Duties as appropriate to the position of Special Adviser as set out in Section 11 of the Public Service Management Act 1997. |
|
Bríd McGrath |
Minister’s Press Adviser |
48,741 |
97,855 |
Duties as appropriate to the position of Special Adviser as set out in Section 11 of the Public Service Management Act 1997 |
|
Suzanne Duke |
Special Adviser to Minister of State |
40,822 |
91,546 |
Duties as appropriate to the position of Special Adviser as set out in Section 11 of the Public Service Management Act 1997 |
|
Claire Ann Byrne |
Minister’s Personal Assistant |
22,401 |
51,271 |
To provide assistance to the Minister |
|
Grace Milton |
Minister’s Personal Secretary |
6,706 |
29,753 |
To provide assistance to the Minister |
*Salary costs include expenses and Employer's PRSI. All of the above named, excluding Mr. Bazilian, are members of the Non-contributory Pension Scheme for Non-established State Employees.
**Mr. Bazilian is on secondment from his existing position with Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) and continues to receive his salary as normal from SEI. My Department refunds the salary cost for his Special Adviser post only, to SEI. Salary costs quoted above include VAT at 21%. Mr. Bazilian retains the pension arrangements of his SEI position.
262 Deputy Seán Connick asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to provide access to broadband services to individuals who live in areas not covered by the national broadband scheme and who cannot access broadband for local infrastructural reasons. [2657/09]
EU State Aid and competition rules prevent States from intervening in the areas already substantially served by broadband. While recognising that some premises within substantially served areas may have difficulties for whatever reason (long lines, pair gains, no line of sight etc) in receiving a broadband service, the NBS scheme cannot cater for such limited instances. It is expected that over time, competing service providers would be attracted to offer services in such areas, given that those areas are already commercially viable for the existing service provider(s).
263 Deputy Christy O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the acceptable timeframe for a sporting club (details supplied) in County Cork to wait for a valuation from the Valuation Office; and if this body has adequate resources to perform its duties. [2487/09]
Following confirmation by the Valuation Office that it would not be in a position to supply a valuation service in respect of activities on State foreshore, my Department sought approval from the Department of Finance for the use of valuers from the private sector. A number of applications for foreshore consents currently on hand cannot be progressed without valuation. The urgency of the matter has been brought to the attention of the Department of Finance which has indicated that the necessary approval is imminent.
264 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if there are plans to amend or replace the Noxious Weeds Act 1936; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2632/09]
The Department is currently examining the provisions of the Noxious Weeds Act 1936 with a view to updating and strengthening the provisions in accordance with good agricultural and environmental practice and with realistic penalties.
265 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the timeframe for decisions on applications received under the farm improvement scheme prior to its suspension on 31 October 2007 which are being processed by his Department up to the level of funding provided for the scheme in the 2006 partnership agreement, Towards 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2509/09]
12,675 applications were received under the Farm Improvement Scheme prior to its suspension on 31 October 2007. These applications are being processed by my Department up to the level of funding provided for the Scheme in the 2006 Partnership agreement, Towards 2016.
266 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if a decision has been made on an application received under the farm improvement scheme by a person (details supplied) in County Wexford prior to its suspension on 31 October 2007 which is being processed by his Department up to the level of funding provided for the scheme in the 2006 partnership agreement, Towards 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2510/09]
The person named is an applicant under the Farm Improvement Scheme. Applications under this Scheme are being processed by my Department up to the level of funding provided for the Scheme in the 2006 Partnership agreement, Towards 2016.
267 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, further to Parliamentary Question No. 120 of 22 November 2007, the position regarding the development of Doolin Pier, County Clare and the provision of a new building for the Doolin coast guard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2512/09]
The pier at Doolin is the property of Clare County Council and responsibility for its repair and upkeep rests with the Local Authority in the first instance. My Department has received an application from Clare County Council for funding under my Department's 2009 Fishery Harbours and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme for improvements at the pier. Their application for harbour development under the programme is currently being considered. The provision of a new building for the Doolin Coastguard is a matter for the Department of Transport and the Irish Coastguard.
268 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is planning to close the REP scheme. [2518/09]
Entry to REPS 4 continues to be available to eligible applicants and I have no plans at present to restrict or close entry to the scheme.
269 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his attention has been drawn to the fact that payment has not issued to a person (details supplied) in County Cork under the disadvantaged area scheme 2008. [2524/09]
An application under the 2008 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 29 April 2008; the application was accepted on the basis that the person named was awaiting the assignment of a herd number from the Department's Local Office. In this regard, it is understood that the process of assigning a herd number, including the necessary inspection of the holding of the person named, was completed within one month of the application being lodged, with the herd number being assigned on 9 May 2008.
One of the primary requirements of the 2008 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was that applicants were required to maintain a minimum stocking density on their holding of 0.15 livestock units per forage hectare for at least three consecutive months. However, following initial processing of this application, it was established that the holding of the person named did not meet this minimum stocking density requirement, as the applicant only held the livestock for a period of two consecutive months i.e. stock only recorded as being on the holding in September (37 bovines), October (37 bovines) and December (10 bovines). Therefore, having failed to meet the minimum stocking density requirement, the person named is ineligible for payment under the 2008 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme. The person named is an applicant under REPS 4, payments in respect of which have only recently begun to issue.
270 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the annual cost of printing reports by his Department and agencies under the control of his Department; the corresponding figure for annual reports; the cost of posting these reports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2533/09]
The following table gives details of reports published by my Department during 2008 together with publishing costs and postage costs where available.
|
Name of Report |
Production cost |
Postage |
|
€ |
€ |
|
|
2007 Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Annual Report |
22,788 |
50 |
|
Annual Review and Outlook |
25,134 |
700 |
|
Agri-vision 2015 (2nd Progress Report) |
6,070 |
|
|
2008-2010 Strategy Statement |
20,002 |
50 |
|
Audit Committee Annual Report 2007 |
1,218 |
|
|
Report on net contribution of Agri-food Sector |
2,560 |
700 |
|
Farm Animal Welfare Advisory Committee Review 2007 |
1,747 |
600 |
|
Cattle Movement Monitoring System (CMMS) Annual Statistical Report |
7,780 |
700 |
|
Quality Food Founded on Science — Research Achievements 2007 |
10,619 |
|
|
Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 |
22,089 |
630 |
|
Pesticides Residues in Food Report |
8,543 |
30 |
|
Forage Maize Varieties (Irish Recommended list 2008) Grass & Clover (Recommended list for Ireland 2008) Cereal Varieties (Irish recommended list 2008 |
4,060 |
1,000 |
|
Agriculture Appeals Office — Annual Report 2007 |
9,639 |
27 |
|
Annual Report of the Licensing Authority for Sea Fishing Boats |
1,732 |
|
|
Killybegs Marketing Strategy Report |
2,585 |
The publication of reports by Bodies under the aegis of my Department is a day-to-day operational matter for the Bodies themselves.
271 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive payment under the farm waste management scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2562/09]
The person named is an applicant for grant-aid under the Farm Waste Management Scheme. A decision will be made in respect of the application as soon as possible.
272 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason persons who have been passed for payment and had their works approved under the farm waste management scheme are not receiving their payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2563/09]
273 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason payments for the farm waste management scheme have been stopped since January 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2564/09]
279 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason for the delay in the farm waste management scheme grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2678/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 272, 273 and 279 together.
The deadline for completion of work and the submission of claims for grant payment under the Farm Waste Management Scheme expired on 31 December 2008 although applicants were permitted to submit certain supporting documentation up to 9 January 2009. In view of the exceptional number of claims received, my Department is undertaking a review of the situation including assessment of the number of fully documented applications and estimation of the overall cost of the claims and I will be having further discussions with the Minister for Finance on the matter. Inspections by my Department's staff to verify claims are continuing in the meantime.
274 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan will be granted their farm waste management grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2571/09]
The person named is an applicant for grant aid under the Farm Waste Management Scheme. My Department is currently examining the application and a decision will be made as soon as possible.
275 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the cost, in tabular format, including salary and pension payments, of each of the programme managers, special advisers, assistants or other staff appointed by him in 2007 post-election and 2008; the names, titles and duties of each of the staff appointed during these periods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2605/09]
I have detailed below the annual salary scale for each of the staff appointed by me for the period 7/5/2008 to 31/12/2008:
|
Name |
Title |
Responsibility |
Salary Scale |
|
Dermot Ryan |
Special Adviser |
Adviser |
€86,168 – €100,191 (plus 10% allowance) |
|
Philip Hannon |
Press Adviser |
Media Adviser |
€86,168 – €100,191 |
|
Nuala Brady |
Personal Assistant |
Constituency Office |
€46,588 – €55,030 |
|
Celine Mullen |
Personal Secretary |
Constituency Office |
€30,566 – €45,416 |
With regard to the pension arrangements, one Adviser is in receipt of 11% of current salary in lieu of membership of a Civil Service Superannuation Scheme. The remaining staff are members of the appropriate Civil Service Superannuation Scheme.
276 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his proposals to help young farmers and their parents who had entered into contracts to have the farm signed over with a view to making an application for the installation aid grant in view of the fact that the scheme was suspended in budget 2009; if he is examining situations whereby people have endured financial hardship by this change of policy; if he will look favourably on extenuating circumstances in which such financial hardship has been caused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2643/09]
Only fully completed applications made under the Young Farmers' Installation Scheme and received up to and including 14 October 2008 are being processed by my Department. In the event of the Scheme being re opened for applications, consideration will be given to prioritising certain categories of farmers who had taken certain actions based on an intention to join the Scheme before its suspension.
277 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his Department’s policies in respect of the spraying of 2,4-D; if it has guidelines in respect of this or other pesticides or herbicides; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2646/09]
Pesticide substances, including 2,4-D, are assessed for health and environmental effects and risks by experts from the European Commission, the European Food Safety Agency and the Member States and are approved if they exhibit no unacceptable risks. Pesticide products, containing those EU approved substances, are authorised in Ireland by the Pesticide Control Service of my Department in accordance with Regulations implementing relevant EU Directives. Only authorised pesticide products may be marketed and used in Ireland and pesticides with unacceptable health or environmental risks will not be authorised.
The Regulations also require that all pesticides must be used in accordance with the Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) specified in the approval and in accordance with Good Plant Protection Practice. Inter alia, the approval sets down the areas to be treated, the rates, timing and frequency of use and contains information on how the pesticide may be safely used.
278 Deputy Seán Connick asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the potential benefits for the fishing industry in County Wexford that might arise as a result of the recent signing of a memorandum of understanding with Russia on trade in fishery products. [2656/09]
The Sea Fisheries Protection Authority signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Russian Federation on 14 January 2009 in relation to the export of fishery products. This arose from new requirements of the Russian Federation to confirm the sanitary and veterinary status of fish exports. The Memorandum will permit the continued importation of fishery products from European Union Member States. The benefit of the Memorandum for Ireland is that it allows the export of fishery products to continue to the Russian Federation without interruption. Seven thousand, three hundred and seventy eight tonnes of seafood valued at €15M were exported to the Russian Federation in the first nine months of 2008.
280 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason for the delay in payment of grants under the rural environmental protection scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2685/09]
REPS 4 is a measure under the current Rural Development Programme 2007–13 and is subject to EU Regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications, including plan checks, to be completed before the first payments issue. The first payments for 2008 REPS 4 applications will issue this week to those whose applications require no correction following the administrative checks. However queries have arisen during the administrative checks on a significant number of REPS 4 applications and these are under examination. Further payments will continue to be made as applications are cleared.
281 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the names of the members of the board of Bord Bia; the organisations or sectors they represent; the length of time they have been serving members of the board; when each of their terms of office will come to an end; when the new appointment will be made once vacancies arise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2715/09]
The current board membership of An Bord Bia is as follows:
|
Board Member |
Length of service |
Expiry of present term |
Sector of Experience |
|
Mr. Dan Browne (Chairman) |
8 years (Chairman since April 2008) |
10/04/2011 |
|
|
Dr. Noel Cawley |
13 years |
04/09/2009 |
Dairy, food |
|
Ms. Brid Rodgers |
5 years |
14/02/2010 |
|
|
Mr.Vincent Cleary |
9 months |
10/04/2011 |
Organic dairying |
|
Mr. Joseph Hyland |
3 years |
09/04/2011 |
Meat |
|
Mr. Ray Carolan |
3 years |
10/04/2011 |
Meat, livestock breeding |
|
Ms. Mary J. Byrne |
6 years |
31/01/2009 |
Dept. of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food1 |
|
Mr. Padraig Walshe |
3 years |
31/01/2009 |
President, IFA |
|
Mr. Mel O’Rourke |
3 years |
31/01/2009 |
Horticulture |
|
Mr. Jackie Cahill |
3 years |
14/02/2010 |
President, ICMSA |
|
Mr. Michael Kilcoyne |
9 years |
31/01/2009 |
Consumer requirements2 |
|
Mr. Frank Hayes |
2 years |
14/02/2010 |
Consumer foods |
|
Mr. Kieran Dunne |
4 years |
25/11/2010 |
Horticulture |
|
Mrs. Katherine O’Leary |
4 years |
17/09/2010 |
Farming, domestic science teacher3 |
|
Dr. Paul Cusack |
9 months |
27/04/2011 |
Horticulture |
1 Under the Act one member of the board shall be an officer of the Minister.
2 Nominated by the Consumer Association of Ireland.
3 Nominated by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
282 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if it is sufficient for an applicant under the farmer rate of payment for the native woodland scheme to have a herd number or are there other qualifying criteria required for qualification; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2756/09]
Possession of an active herd number in the year the plantation is established will entitle the applicant to the farmer rate of premium.
283 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if grant aid is available from his Department or from the EU to encourage farmers to introduce sustainable energy initiatives on their farms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2757/09]
The development of sustainable energy initiatives in Ireland is first and foremost a matter for the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources who have overall responsibility for energy policy. The initiatives undertaken by my Department complement the measures introduced by the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and are primarily to encourage farmers to produce feedstock for biofuel and biomass production, to support the production of wood energy and to support agri-energy research.
In line with our commitments in the National Bioenergy Action Plan, my Department introduced a National Energy Crop Premium worth €80 per hectare to improve the profitability of growing energy crops. We also introduced a Bioenergy Scheme to encourage farmers to grow willow and miscanthus for heat and electricity generation. We are aiding establishment with grants of €1,450 per hectare. To date the Scheme has aided the planting of some 1,800 hectares. I have provided sufficient funding in 2009 for a further 1,800 hectares. EU supports for energy crops are available in the form of the Single Farm Payment and the EU premium of €45 per hectare under the EU Energy Crops Scheme.
Over the past three years, my Department has greatly enhanced our support for research projects that relate to biofuels and energy crops. Under the Department's Research Stimulus Fund Programme we have awarded grant assistance of over €6 million to 13 projects involving research into liquid biofuels, energy crop production, on-farm anaerobic digestion and second-generation biofuels. Projects supported under the Stimulus programme will complement the research work being done by Teagasc and others in this area. The production of wood energy can generate new market opportunities for farmers and local forest owners. My Department has allocated €1.1m under the Wood Biomass Harvesting Scheme to support developing enterprises in the wood chip supply sector.
As regards aid for on-farm projects, my Department is supporting the development of anaerobic digestion facilities by providing grant aid to farmers for pilot projects under the Scheme of Investment Aid for Demonstration On Farm Waste Processing Facilities. Anaerobic Digestion is a proven technology that extracts energy in the form of biogas from organic waste. In 2007, ten projects were awarded grants under the Scheme. The maximum investment ceiling is €1 million per project and the applicable grant rate is 40%. The 2007-2013 Rural Development Programme provides for the continuation of a grant scheme for the development of such facilities.
284 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason for the delay by his Department in slaughtering all the contaminated pigs arising from the recent pork dioxin scandal and in particular the breeding sows; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2761/09]
There has been no delay in my Department in dealing with the issues that arose in connection with pigs that have been or may have been exposed to contaminated feed. Immediately following receipt of the PCB positive results, movement restrictions were placed on 17 pig farms. There were in excess of 130,000 pigs on the farms from where pigs are to be slaughtered.
After consultation with the Commission of the European Union, I established a Compensation Framework for the determination of applications for ex-gratia compensation that may be paid as a result of the killing or slaughter of pigs deemed to be unfit for the food chain. Agreement was reached with pig farmers in relation to the calculation of market value for certain categories of pigs and to date some 100,000 pigs have been slaughtered. I acknowledge the co-operation of the farmers in this regard. Payments in respect of pigs slaughtered under the Compensation Framework are being processed on an ongoing basis. Discussions on this approach to market valuations in this case of other categories of pigs, including sows, are nearing completion and I would hope that slaughtering of these can commence shortly.
285 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the action he proposes to take to encourage and promote sporting activities including coaching in schools at all levels with a view to fostering a long-term interest by pupils and students culminating in participation at international level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2684/09]
At primary level, physical education (PE) is one of the six secular curriculum areas in the revised Primary Curriculum. The curriculum was revised in 1999 and implemented on a phased basis, with PE being introduced in 2005/6 prefaced by a national programme of in-service training for teachers. At post-primary level, in accordance with the Rules and Programme for Secondary Schools physical education should form part of the curriculum. The programme that each school plans and delivers should be based on the Department's approved syllabuses and the teaching hours should be registered on the school timetable. A revised syllabus for physical education for junior cycle, as a non-examination subject, was introduced on a phased basis, beginning in September 2003 and a national support team was put in place to assist in its implementation.
Physical education is an integral part of the Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA) programme. All LCA students must take two modules—Leisure Studies and Health Related Fitness—and there are four additional modules from which they can make further choices. It should be noted that the physical education syllabuses both at primary and second level have been developed on the understanding that facilities available in schools vary. Consequently, they offer flexibility regarding the physical activities undertaken so that each individual school can design a programme appropriate to the needs of its students that can be delivered using the resources and supports available to that school. The provision of new physical education facilities such as PE Halls, general purpose rooms and outdoor play areas, along with the improvement of existing facilities, is normally considered within the design brief for building projects at schools.
Quite apart from physical education classes, schools in Ireland have a strong and proud tradition of developing sport outside of the school time-table. Sports organisations such as the Gaelic Athletic Association, Basketball Ireland, the Football Association of Ireland provide extensive opportunities for schools to participate in sport.
The Irish Sports Council, in co-operation with bodies such as the FAI and Local Sports Partnerships, has developed a national Buntús Primary Schools Initiative through which additional supports — training, resource cards and equipment — are provided to support teachers and others in introducing young people to sport, and to complement the Physical Education curriculum. The initiative aims to raise the profile of physical activity and sport, improve in-service training opportunities for teachers, assist governing bodies of sport to develop and deliver appropriate supports for teachers, and provide enjoyable and meaningful activity for children which supports the delivery of the curriculum.
A special PE funding package of €3 million issued to post-primary schools in 2007, providing a grant of €4,000 per school towards the cost of replacing and upgrading PE equipment. This grant was issued, as a once-off measure, to enable schools to replace older equipment such as goalposts, PE mats, benches etc. The second ‘State of the Nation's Children' report launched by the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs found that children in Ireland are doing well on physical activity, ranking first across the 41 participating countries in being physically active for at least 4 hours per week.
286 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Science the action he will take to avoid pupils being sent home unexpectedly from a school (details supplied) in County Cork in the absence of a special needs teacher on uncertified sick leave; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2488/09]
As a result of the 2009 Budget provisions for Education, arising from current economic challenges and following subsequent proposals from the management bodies of primary schools, new arrangements are being put into place for substitution cover for uncertified sick leave for teachers in primary schools. In primary schools there will be substitute cover for teachers on uncertified sick leave other than on the first day of absence. In a school where more than one teacher is absent on the first day of uncertified sick leave, substitute cover will be provided for the second and subsequent teachers that are absent. In schools with two teachers or less cover will be provided where any classroom teacher is absent. Circular 0115/2008 outlining the full details has been posted on my Departments website at www.education.ie.
Substitution cover will continue to be provided for all other categories of absences currently available such as certified sick leave and maternity leave. In the period until the end of the school year, there will be a full review of the substitution and supervision scheme and related matters in conjunction with the school management bodies and teacher unions with a view to making up the additional expenditure and thereby ensuring that the budgetary parameters are met.
As we manage through this difficult period I am asking teachers in all schools to co-operate fully with school managers in coping with this change in the interest of the students. I am also requesting the school managerial bodies to ensure that the supervision/substitution scheme is operated with maximum effectiveness in all schools.
287 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the proposed new building for a school (details supplied) in County Wicklow; if sanction will be given in order that the building can proceed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2496/09]
The project 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 phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.
288 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the impact that education cutbacks are having on a school (details supplied) in County Clare; his proposals to address this lack of funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2497/09]
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 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. The grant provided to the school referred to, for the provision of teaching English to newcomer children, has not been affected by the 2009 Budget announcements.
289 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science, further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 450, 451, 452, 453, 455 and 456 of 4 November 2008, if his attention has been drawn to the impact that the education cutbacks will have on a school (details supplied) in County Clare; his proposals to redress the problems for this school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2507/09]
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 in relation to both staffing and grant levels 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 allocations. The staffing schedule will be published and it is a transparent and clear way of ensuring that schools are treated consistently and fairly and know where they stand. The preparatory work for staffing allocations has commenced with the processing of enrolment data that has been received from schools. The staffing allocation processes including notification to schools will commence shortly. The allocation process includes appellate mechanisms under which schools can appeal against the allocation due to them under the staffing schedules. 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 net impact of the budget measures on aggregate levels or teacher numbers in schools for the 2009/10 school year. I can do this when the allocation process has been completed. At this time the priority for my Department within the resources available to it is to carry out these processes in a timely manner. Diverting resources in order to create staffing or funding profiles for the school referred to by the Deputy could not be justified and would in fact impede the process.
290 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Education and Science his plans to ensure that all schools constructed under public private partnerships in the future will be of the full-build type rather than pre-constructed units as a means of generating employment; if building workers based here will be used in their construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2514/09]
My Department is responsible for all aspects of the assessment and approval of schools including the decision to procure schools via Public Private Partnership (PPP). This included the setting of project budgets, the development of output specifications in accordance with Department guidelines and other service requirements and agreeing the Public Sector Benchmark (compiled with the assistance of the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA)).
Once my Department has carried out these functions, the project bundle is handed over to the NDFA for procurement. All Education PPP projects are offered to the market by the NDFA in accordance with EU and National procurement guidelines and are advertised in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU), Government e-tenders website and in the National Media. It is then open to all developers and building contractors wishing to participate to submit an expression of interest to the NDFA for any particular PPP project either independently or as part of a consortium.
When the shortlisted bidders are selected (usually 3 bidders) they are required to design and deliver schools that meet the Department's requirements as outlined in the output specifications and the proposed designs are evaluated by my Department and NDFA to ensure they are in accordance with the Department's building guidelines for new schools.
291 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the annual cost of printing reports by his Department and agencies under the control of his Department; the corresponding figure for annual reports; the cost of posting these reports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2538/09]
In 2008, the total cost of printing reports by my Department, including the cost of design work prior to printing, was €338,524.89. This figure is inclusive of €22,577.05 for the design and printing of annual reports including the Department's Annual Statistical Report.
The amount spent by my Department on posting reports to schools etc. cannot be separated from the overall cost of postage including bulk postage issued from my Department. My Department's total expenditure on bulk postage, which is the general means of distributing reports, was €1,655,664.61 in 2008. This figure includes the cost of posting a variety of materials to schools and teachers including payslips (approximately 2.1 million payslips are issued annually), publications, circulars etc. It should also be noted that my Department agrees on occasion to circulate relevant materials produced by other organisations to schools, and that therefore the postage cost given above does not exclusively relate to material emanating from my Department.
My Department regularly reviews its postage arrangements with a view to achieving maximum value for money. In this regard, my Department introduced a system of regular bulk mailings to schools in order to avail of discounted rates and to minimise postal costs. In addition, the roll-out of the Department's Online Claims System, which enables schools to submit claims electronically to the Department, has resulted in a reduction in postage costs at both Department and school level of approximately €500,000 per annum. In a further effort to reduce the costs of printing and distribution of publications in 2009 it is now corporate policy within my Department that all publications will be web based and will only be printed and distributed by post in exceptional circumstances.
With regard to bodies under the aegis of my Department the expenditure incurred in relation to printing costs is a matter for each agency and this information is not collated centrally.
292 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department has entered into discussions regarding the purchase of land adjacent to a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15 for educational purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2552/09]
I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department purchased a site for the school in question. There are no ongoing discussions by my Department in relation to adjacent lands for the school referred to by the Deputy.
293 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the proposed new building for a school (details supplied) in County Wicklow; if sanction will be given in order that the building can proceed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2561/09]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that on the 23rd January last, I announced details of 10 major school building projects which are to proceed to tender and construction. The project for the school to which the Deputy refers, which is for a new school, is included in this list. While all of the projects concerned were previously offered for tender, they will now be re-offered under the new form of contract for public capital projects to get better value for money. The projects are now to start the re-tendering process so that construction work can get under way as quickly as possible. My officials will contact each school shortly to guide them on the next steps to be taken.
294 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the provision of a new primary school for Mayo Abbey, Claremorris, County Mayo; if his attention has been drawn to the availability of a suitable site and that all other requirements are being met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2575/09]
My Department received an application from the school in question in December 2008 for funding for a proposed new 3 classroom school. My Department will be in contact with the school in relation to its application.
295 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science if an information and communications technology adviser has been appointed to the Mayo Education Centre; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that 230 schools as a consequence are without the benefit of professional advice in this regard; the number and centres to which they are appointed; the budget allocated for 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2576/09]
A Value for Money Review of the ICT Support Service, addressing the work of the National Centre for Technology in Education (NCTE), the ICT Advisory Service and specific posts assigned to the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, was undertaken by my Department. While concluding that the ICT Support Service was generally effective and efficient, the Report recognised that each school must plan and execute its own policy for ICT integration across the curriculum. It concluded that, ten years on, the resources utilised by the ICT Advisory Service operating from the regional Education Centres would be better employed focussing supports for ICT leadership and change within each school.
There were three vacancies among the 21 ICT Advisor posts attached to the regional full-time Education Centres in June 2008 and a further post was due to be vacated following the retirement of an ICT advisor. Of the remaining 17 posts, 14 were filled by teachers on secondment from their teaching duties and three were filled on a non-secondment contract basis. These posts had been renewed annually. Against this background, the Education Centres were advised by the NCTE that my Department was not prepared to renew secondment arrangements for the 14 teachers seconded as ICT Advisors. The implementation of these arrangements was discussed with the Education Centres and schools concerned and any difficulties arising in specific schools due to the return of the teachers concerned were addressed by my Department. The position in relation to the three non-seconded ICT advisor posts is that my Department authorised the NCTE to fund the relevant Education Centres to offer temporary short-term contracts for the persons concerned for the remainder of the calendar year. While I understand that the three persons concerned did not wish to avail of this offer, my Department is engaged in ongoing discussions with the relevant Unions.
The NCTE continues to provide advice and support to schools on the integration of ICT into teaching and learning and to provide a range of ICT continuing professional development courses for teachers. The NCTE is working closely with the support services supported by my Department. The role of the school's ICT coordinating teacher, with the support of the school principal, is being prioritised as central in the provision of ongoing ICT support and advice to teachers. Local school-based and peer to peer support has been identified internationally as the most effective way to further ICT integration in schools. This emphasis on "in school" promotion of, and support for, ICT integration in teaching and learning is consistent with the Reports of the Strategy Group, Investing Effectively in Information and Communication Technology in Schools 2008-2013, and the evaluation report undertaken by my Department's Inspectorate, ICT in Schools, which I published last July.
In this context, the NCTE is finalising a handbook, Planning and Implementing e-Learning in your School, for principals and ICT co-ordinating teachers, A professional development course for ICT coordinating teachers on the development of e-Learning Plans is also available. It is intended to provide nationwide seminars on e-Learning and the first tranche of these seminars, targeting ICT coordinating teachers in post-primary schools were held late last year. The NCTE has set up a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), accessible by all ICT coordinating teachers who have attended the seminars. This VLE will be used as a method of organising CPD and support groups at local level. It is also an efficient channel of communication for the NCTE with this group of teachers, who are already actively exchanging resources and ideas in this online community.
296 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason fees due have not been paid to a firm (details supplied) in respect of work submitted; when these fees will be paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2577/09]
In December last, my Department wrote to the school to which the Deputy refers approving payment of fees in respect of the stage which that building project has reached. My Department is currently awaiting the submission of invoices for the fees in question.
297 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason stage three at a school (details supplied) in County Mayo has not been approved; the reason a firm involved has not been authorised to issue a fee account after ten months; his views on the fact that the firm involved has had to pay costs, salaries and overheads; if he will therefore direct that payment due from his Department be made forthwith; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2578/09]
Officials from the Planning & Building Unit of my Department have recently been in contact with the school in relation to this matter. The school has been informed that the stage submission has been accepted in principle and that it is now in order for the design team to submit fee invoices in respect of their work to date.
298 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the cost, in tabular format, including salary and pension payments, of each of the programme managers, special advisers, assistants or other staff appointed by him in 2007 post-election and 2008; the names, titles and duties of each of the staff appointed during these periods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2610/09]
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table. In June 2007, following the General Election, the Minister for Education and Science Ms Mary Hanafin, T.D., appointed the following staff:
|
Name |
Title |
Salary scale at time of appointment |
Pension Arrangements |
|
Ms. Averil Power |
Special Adviser |
€82,016 – €101,440 |
Member of the Non-contributory Pension Scheme for Non-established State EmployeesMember of the Spouses and Children’s Contributory Pension Scheme for Non-established State Employees (Contribution of 1.5% of net salary) |
|
Ms. Geraldine Butler, Civil Servant |
Press Officer |
€62,990 – €78,543 |
Member of the Non-contributory Scheme for Established Civil ServantsMember of the Spouses and Children’s Contributory Pension Scheme for Established Civil Servants (Contribution of 1.5% of net salary) |
|
Mr. Carl Gibney |
Personal Assistant |
€44,314 – €56,250 |
Member of the Non-contributory Pension Scheme for Non-established State EmployeesMember of the Spouses and Children’s Contributory Pension Scheme for Non-established State Employees (Contribution of 1.5% of net salary) |
|
Ms. Paula Power |
Personal Secretary |
€22,064 – €42,571 |
Member of the Non-contributory Pension Scheme for Non-established State EmployeesMember of the Spouses and Children’s Contributory Pension Scheme for Non-established State Employees (Contribution of 1.5% of net salary) |
I have appointed the following staff since I was appointed Minister for Education and Science:
|
Name |
Title |
Current salary scale |
Pension Arrangements |
|
Ms. Deirdre McDonnell |
Special Adviser |
€90,702 – €112,191 |
Member of the Contributory Pension scheme for Established Civil Servants (Contribution of 5% broken down to 3.5% of net salary and 1.5% of gross salary) Member of the Spouses and Children’s Contributory Pension Scheme for Established Civil Servants (Contribution of 1.5% of net salary) |
|
Mr. Bernard Mallee |
Special Adviser (with responsibility for press and communications) |
€86,168 – €107,485 |
Member of the Non-contributory Pension Scheme for Non-established State EmployeesMember of the Spouses and Children’s Contributory Pension Scheme for Non-established State Employees (Contribution of 1.5% of net salary) |
|
Ms. Katherine Woods |
Personal Assistant |
€46,558 – €55,030 |
Member of the Non-contributory Pension Scheme for Non-established State EmployeesMember of the Spouses and Children’s Contributory Pension Scheme for Non-established State Employees (Contribution of 1.5% of net salary) |
|
Ms. Mary O’Keeffe |
Personal Secretary |
€30,566 – €50,410 |
Member of the Non-contributory Pension Scheme for Non-established State EmployeesMember of the Spouses and Children’s Contributory Pension Scheme for Non-established State Employees (Contribution of 1.5% of net salary) |
These appointments and the salaries paid are in accordance with the Department of Finance Instructions relating to the Appointment of Ministerial Private Office Staff.
299 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Education and Science the minimum number of pupils with special needs required to establish a special needs class within a mainstream primary school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2655/09]
The pupil teacher ratio for the establishment of special classes for children with special educational needs attached to mainstream primary schools and special schools is determined by reference to the recommendations outlined in the Report of the Special Education Review Committee, 1993, also known as the SERC Report. These ratios range from 6:1 to 11:1 depending on the level of disability.
The Deputy will be aware that my Department's policy is to support the inclusive education of students with special educational needs across the schools system. In this context, a range of supports are provided to schools to enable them cater for pupils with special educational needs. The supports available include additional teaching support, special needs assistant support, school transport and grants for the purchase of teaching materials and specialised equipment.
As the Deputy will also 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. 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.
300 Deputy Seán Connick asked the Minister for Education and Science, further to Parliamentary Question No. 539 of 29 October 2008, when consideration will be finalised on the application by Waterford Institute of Technology for designation as a university. [2658/09]
The position is that applications have been received from three higher education institutions for designation as Universities; Waterford Institute of Technology, Dublin Institute of Technology and Cork Institute of Technology. The issue of university designation does not just affect the institutions and the regions from which applications have been received; it will also have a major impact on the future structure of the higher education system throughout the country. The Government wants to build on our strengths and to provide an environment where all our higher education institutions can develop in a way that best serves the country as a whole as well as the regions where they are based. Consideration of the three applications will be finalised as soon as possible.
301 Deputy Seán Connick asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will allow school pupils who attended their nearest national schools which are designated feeder schools for a secondary school, but who live outside the catchment area of those secondary schools, to avail of the school transport scheme. [2659/09]
Under the terms of my Department's Post Primary School Transport Scheme, a pupil is eligible for transport if s/he resides 4.8 kilometres or more from her/his local post primary education centre, that is, the centre serving the catchment area in which s/he lives.
The scheme is not designed to facilitate parents who choose to send their children to a post-primary centre outside of the catchment area in which they reside. However, children who are fully eligible for transport to the post-primary centre in the catchment area in which they reside may apply for transport on a concessionary basis to a post-primary centre outside of their own catchment area — otherwise known as catchment boundary transport. These children can only be facilitated if spare seats are available on the bus after all other eligible children travelling to their ‘own' post-primary centre have been catered for. Such children have to make their own way to the nearest pick up point within that catchment area. Families should liaise with the Transport Liaison Officer, for the county in which they reside, regarding the availability of spare seats on school transport services.
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that a Steering Committee to oversee the Value for Money Review of the School Transport Scheme, including catchment boundaries, has been established. This review will be carried out as part of the 2009-2011 round of Value for Money Reviews recently approved by Government and, when completed, will be published and submitted to the Oireachtas Select Committee on Education and Science.
302 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding funding for improvement works at a school (details supplied) in County Carlow; the last correspondence issued by him on the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2673/09]
The project to which the Deputy refers is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning. A stage 4/5 submission has been received by my Department and is currently being reviewed and evaluated. The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of this project at this time.
303 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will supply the contact details of the special education needs organisers for all primary and post-primary schools in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2686/09]
I will arrange for the information requested to be sent to the Deputy as soon as possible. In the interim, I understand that the Deputy can access the contact details of all special educational needs organisers on the website of the National Council for Special Education at www.ncse.ie.
304 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Education and Science if discretionary funding will be made available to a school (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2716/09]
My Department is not aware of any such application having been received from the school in question. However, if the temporary storage area is raising health and safety concerns, the school may apply for emergency funding, taking into consideration that there is a replacement storage area in place.
305 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Education and Science if action can be taken for schools under the national insulation scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2758/09]
My Department is at the forefront of design with respect to energy efficiency in school buildings and this performance has been recognised at both national and international level with sustainable energy awards for excellence in Design and Specification. The Department's Technical Guidance Documents which set the benchmark for low energy design in schools are clearly focused on energy efficiency and are based on solid energy research projects.
My Department's policy is supported by a strong research programme with over thirty research projects at various stages currently in hand. A programme for thermal improvements in existing schools is currently being developed and the Planning and Building Unit of my Department is developing a technical and administration guidance document that will provide school authorities with the necessary criteria and specifications to implement an insulation programme. Case studies will also be provided.
In addition, an Energy Management Guide for Schools is being developed in partnership between my Department and Sustainable Energy Ireland and this will be available on line later this year. This guide will be specifically directed to schools and will provide school managers with advice and guidance on how to improve energy management within the school and thereby reduce costs.
306 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of an application for a new school (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2762/09]
A site has been identified for the proposed new 16 classroom school referred to by the Deputy. My Department made an offer for this site in November 2008, based on an independent valuation, and a response is awaited. Once the site issues have been resolved, the further progression of the building project in question will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.
