Vol. 673 No. 4
13 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of money estimated, allocated, owing or spent by the Government on the purchase of carbon credits in respect of Kyoto Protocol commitments for the year 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3922/09]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 1 on today's Order Paper.
Under the Carbon Fund Act 2007, the National Treasury Management Agency has been designated as purchasing agent for the State. In 2008, the Agency purchased some 3.5m certified emission reduction units at a cost of €53m; these units were generated under the Clean Development Mechanism provided for in Article 12 of the Kyoto Protocol. Further purchases of these type of units for Kyoto Protocol compliance purposes in the commitment period 2008-2012 is a matter for the Agency in accordance with the purchasing framework set out in Annex III to the National Climate Change Strategy 2007-2012. However, they may be influenced by any international emissions trading agreement which the Government may enter into under Article 17 of the Kyoto Protocol and my Department is liaising with the Agency on prospect of such a trading agreement or agreements.
Prior to the designation of the National Treasury Management Agency as purchasing agent, my Department committed €10 million each to the Carbon Fund for Europe and the BioCarbon Fund operated by the World Bank. Management of these investments is a matter for my Department and, since enactment of the 2007 Act, payments are made through the Carbon Fund process as they arise. In 2008, my Department refunded €3.72m to the Carbon Fund in respect of these investments in the World Bank in 2007.
In December 2006, my Department entered into an agreement with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development to invest €20 million in the Multilateral Carbon Credit Fund. The investment was made in 2006 on foot of a once-off provision from the Department's vote.
14 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will extend the ten year derogation on designated bogs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3756/09]
43 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will extend the ten year derogation on bogs designated prior to 1999; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3757/09]
213 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding turf cutting; if there has been discussion between him and his counterparts in Europe in relation to allowing people with hopper machines to be able to cut turf; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3989/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 14, 43 and 213 together.
Blanket Bogs and Raised bogs are important natural habitats and are home to unique ecosystems containing rare flora and fauna. Both are protected habitats under European and Irish Law and representative samples have been designated as Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) under the Habitats Directive or Natural Heritage Areas (NHA) under the Wildlife Acts. Ireland has some of the most ecologically important bogs in the European Union.
In 1999, when the first of these sites were designated for nature protection all commercial cutting on these bogs was stopped and the then Minister granted a 10 year grace period for those who were cutting turf for their personal domestic use to find alternative sources of fuel. This 10 year period expires this year for 32 raised bog SACs.
Blanket bogs, which occur predominantly on the Western seaboard but also in Wicklow and the midlands, can tolerate a certain amount of turf extraction without compromising their value as habitats and it is envisaged that cutting on Blanket Bog SAC's can continue, except in very sensitive areas, under the current restrictions, which prohibits commercial extraction and the use of "sausage" machines.
Raised bogs occur predominantly in the midlands. There are over 1,500 raised bogs in the State and only 139 of these are designated for nature protection as SACs or NHAs. The continued cutting of turf, by hand or machine, and associated drainage on these designated raised bogs is incompatible with their preservation. Even with the restricted cutting that was introduced in 1999, over one third of the best bog habitat on these sites has been lost in ten years.
There is a legal obligation on the State to take measures to ensure the protection of this essential and irreplaceable part of our natural heritage. Therefore, in the light of the scientific evidence, it would not be appropriate to grant an extension to the derogation in these areas. I will shortly bring a proposal to Government with a view to putting arrangements in place to facilitate the transition to a full cessation of turf cutting on 32 raised bogs by the end of 2009, and to the remaining number of designated bogs in 2012 and 2014.
There has been no discussion about the use of hopper machines — the use of such machines is permitted wherever turf cutting is permitted. The use of "sausage" machines is not permitted on designated bogs.
16 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide details of the new equity support scheme which is to replace existing affordable housing schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3882/09]
As signalled by the Minister for Finance in Budget 2009, a new single streamlined Government Equity Scheme is to be introduced in relation to affordable housing. Under this new arrangement the purchase transaction will be largely unchanged from the affordable purchaser's perspective. However, instead of units being sold at a discounted price, with the value of the discount being subject to a reducing claw-back, the State will take an equity stake in affordable units sold. The purchaser will have the option of either buying out the remaining equity in steps or at the end of a fixed period.
Initially, I intend to apply the equity arrangement to affordable housing delivered under Part V of the Planning and Development Acts 2000 to 2007, the 1999 Affordable Housing Scheme and the Affordable Housing Initiative, once the details have been finalised and the necessary legislative provision has been introduced through the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, 2008. The issue of introducing an open market component of the scheme will be kept under review in light of developments in the housing market.
These new arrangements will introduce greater equity into the system, provide greater protection of the State's investment and achieve better value for money as funds can be recycled into assisting further households with affordable housing.
Full information on the revised arrangements will be made available prior to their commencement. In the interim, the existing arrangements for the sale of affordable housing continue to apply. Prospective applicants for affordable homes should apply in the normal way to the local authority or local authorities in the areas in which they are interested in purchasing.
17 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if it is his intention to immediately bring the Private Residential Tenancies Board within the ambit of the Freedom of Information Act 1997 and the Office of the Ombudsman; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3907/09]
The functions of the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB) are, at present, outside the scope of the Freedom of Information Act 1997 and the Ombudsman Act 1980.
The Board commenced operations in September 2004 and has made considerable progress since then. Given the importance of openness and transparency in relation to the operation of State bodies generally, it is my intention that the Board, subject to exemptions that recognise its quasi-judicial functions, should come under the scope of the Freedom of Information code. My Department is in discussions in this regard with the Department of Finance, which has overall responsibility for the Freedom of Information Act and its extension to further bodies. At this stage, it is intended that the matter will be progressed in the context of proposals to be brought forward later in the year by the Department of Finance for the extension of the Freedom of Information Acts to a number of additional public bodies. Once approved, and an implementation date has been agreed, the formal extension of the Act to additional bodies can be given effect by Regulations.
I do not propose that the Board be brought within the remit of the Ombudsman, given the quasi-judicial nature of much of its work.
18 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide a list of all payments and bonuses to the director of services in each county council for 2008. [3489/09]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 350 of 3 February 2008. Salaries of Directors of Service are set out in the City and County Managers (Remuneration)(No.2) Order 2008. The salary scale for a Director of Service, from September 2008 is €93,231 increasing by annual increments to €110,183.
The Review Body on Higher Remuneration in the Public Sector (Part 2 of Report No.38 of September 2000 dealing with Rewarding Exceptional Performance) recommended the introduction of a performance related awards scheme for Managers, Assistant City Managers and Directors of Service of local authorities. Accordingly, a scheme was introduced in 2003, with the pool for performance awards at 10% of the pay bill for the group concerned and individual participants eligible to receive payments of up to 20% of pay. No payments have been made under the performance awards scheme in respect of 2008.
19 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of management plans which have been drawn up by his Department in respect of natural heritage areas and special areas of conservation since 2007; the number of management plans left to compete for all NHAs and SACs; the percentage of plans completed and the number left; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3826/09]
Individual site management plans are not a legal requirement under the EU Habitats Directive and the EU Natural Habitats Regulations, 1997; however, individual site conservation plans are an important instrument of conservation and in total, 140 such plans have been prepared, 21 of these since 2007. There are plans therefore for one third of the 423 Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) in Ireland.
45 site conservation plans have gone through public consultation and are available on my Department's National Parks and Wildlife Service website at www.npws.ie. In addition, conservation planning information is available on request from my Department for any individual SAC.
To provide key information on SACs more quickly to interested parties, work is also underway on preparation of shorter documents, called conservation statements, for sites. Such statements will be available for 30 new sites by March 2009 and for a further 20 by the end of 2009.
Management plans have been published for the National Parks in Killarney and the Wicklow Mountains, the lands of which are largely included in SACs. Management plans for Glenveagh and Connemara National Parks will be published in 2009.
There are currently no conservation plans prepared for sites designated solely as Natural Heritage Areas.
20 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will introduce a standard cost for BER assessments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3831/09]
32 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on whether the BER process has been compromised by recent discoveries of inconsistent ratings on the same property by different assessors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3838/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 20 and 32 together.
I refer to the reply to Question Nos. 1041, 1042, 1061 and 1111 of 27 January 2009.
In order to encourage the development of a competitive cost environment, and in line with other EU Member States, no standard fee for Building Energy Rating (BER) assessments has been set. There are currently almost 1,700 BER assessors registered with Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) and this number is expected to grow, given that over 4,800 persons have successfully completed training. The conditions for a healthy competitive market for this service, are, therefore, in place and a downward pressure on the cost of BER assessments is already evident. As with all services, home owners are advised to shop around for the best deal available.
In relation to recent media reports of inconsistent ratings, the position is that, when a registered BER assessor completes an assessment on a property, he/she is required to lodge the relevant data on SEI's National Administration System (NAS). The NAS undertakes detailed validation checks on each BER assessment received and can query an assessor in relation to any irregular data submitted. This is an essential safeguard in a complex process where the potential for human error can exist. I am informed by SEI that the assessments in question were not lodged on the NAS and do not constitute official BER results. All BER assessment activity is closely monitored by SEI and a robust system of audit and quality assurance checks is in place.
21 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the action he has taken following two errors in appointing persons to the Private Residential Tenancies Board who did not meet the membership criteria set down in legislation, to ensure he does not repeat the same mistake; when his attention was drawn to an error in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3858/09]
25 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the status, following the passage of the Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2009, of the ten board members illegally appointed as regards the expiration of their appointment to the dispute resolution committee; if section 159 (3) of the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 is to be applied to future appointments to the DRC; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3903/09]
27 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in the normal course of events, all members of the board of the Private Residential Tenancies Board are appointed to the dispute resolution committee; if the two persons illegally appointed to the board were at any stage appointed to the DRC; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3905/09]
46 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the way and the date the illegal appointment of board members of the Private Residential Tenancies Board to the dispute resolution committee came to his notice; the question that arose as to whether statutory requirements to consult with him were formally satisfied in making those appointments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3904/09]
I propose to take Question Nos. 21, 25, 27 and 46 together.
On 30 June 2008, Councillors Dessie Larkin and Vincent P. Martin were appointed as members of the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB) for the period up to 31 December 2012. Subsequently, the Board appointed both members to its Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC), consistent with its general policy of appointing all Board members to the DRC.
However, on 12 September 2008, it was brought to my Department's attention that section 169 of the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 precludes members of local authorities from membership of the Board. Therefore the appointments of Councillors Larkin and Martin to the Board were invalid. Following the matter being brought to notice, my Department acted immediately, contacting both individuals concerned and explaining that their ineligibility for appointment to the Board had been mistakenly overlooked by my Department at the time of their appointment.
As I indicated to the House when this matter arose on the Adjournment on 9 October 2008, neither individual had participated in any Tenancy Tribunals drawn from the membership of the DRC. While they had attended five Board meetings at which Tenancy Tribunal cases were discussed, all decisions at those meetings were taken by consensus and with an attendance well in excess of the quorum of five. Nevertheless, in the interests of legal certainty, the Board reconsidered all decisions taken at those meetings at a Board meeting on 19 September 2008 and fresh determination orders and decisions were made.
The separate issue which gave rise to the enactment last week of the Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2009 concerned a procedural error by the Board of the PRTB in making appointments to its Dispute Resolution Committee. While section 159(3) of the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 requires that a member of the Board must have at least three years remaining in their Board term of office to be appointed to the Committee, it emerged in December 2008 that this requirement had not been complied with in the case of a number of DRC appointments made by the Board. The Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2009 enacted last week has regularised this deficiency and the individuals concerned will now continue to be members of the DRC for the period specified by the Board when making the appointments, even where this extends beyond their term of Board membership. In the absence of documentary evidence that the requirements of section 159 in relation to consultation with the Minister regarding appointments to the DRC had been complied with by the Board, the legislation also addressed this issue, for the avoidance of any doubt.
The issue which ultimately gave rise to the legislation enacted last week was identified within the PRTB on 9 December 2008 and my Department was advised informally the following day of the fact that there was a potential difficulty, at which point the PRTB sought legal advice on the matter. On foot of the legal advice received, the Board indicated to my Department on 19 December 2008 that it would be submitting a written request for the introduction of legislation to regularise the situation. Minister Gormley was advised of the matter on that date and it was brought to my attention on my return to the office on Monday 22 December 2008, on which date the formal request from the PRTB was received.
Given the time, effort and cost expended by the PRTB in convening the Tribunals involved, and given that the professionalism and procedures of the Tribunals were not in any doubt, it was considered that neither landlords, tenants nor the taxpayer would be well served by potentially adding further to the PRTB caseload and that emergency legislation of the kind sought by the Board should be introduced to address the situation. The matter was immediately taken up with the Office of the Attorney General, culminating in the introduction of the legislation on the first day of the new Dáil term on 27 January 2009.
While the legislation regularises the appointments concerned, it does not amend the terms of section 159 of the 2004 Act. Accordingly, the requirements of section 159 continue to apply to all future DRC appointments. My Department has written to the PRTB in this regard, emphasising the need for absolute diligence by the Board in ensuring future compliance with the requirements of section 159 and all other provisions of the Act.
When the issue in relation to the DRC appointments was brought to attention in December 2008, my Department requested the PRTB to urgently commission an external audit to check compliance with the provisions of the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 with regard to governance and legal structures, appointment of Board members and Committee members and any other relevant aspects relating to the governance provisions of the Act. This compliance audit was completed in January 2009 and has identified no similar issues requiring legislative correction.
Finally, it should be noted that I have requested my Department to undertake a review of the provisions of the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 under which the PRTB operates. The purpose of this review, which will get underway shortly, is to consider whether, in light of more than four years' operational experience, the PRTB's underpinning legislative framework can be improved in order to further support the effective regulation of a healthy and well-functioning private rental sector.
22 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the action he will take on foot of the White Young Green report into pollution emanating from Haulbowline Island; if it is his intention to investigate areas such as beneath the former steelworks buildings as recommended in the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3900/09]
38 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has received a report from Cork County Council regarding licences or permits that might have issued for the removal for recycling of slag material from the former Irish Ispat site at Haulbowline Island. [3901/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 22 and 38 together.
My Department is finalising a Memorandum for Government which will provide an update on the outcome of the extensive site investigation and the interim works carried out since 2003 at Haulbowline and will detail options for future use of the site which will determine the levels and extent of further works and remediation that may be required. Investigation of the areas under the footprint of the steelworks buildings which were not possible to access at the time of the 2005 site investigation due to the unstable nature of the buildings remains a key issue to be addressed in this context.
Consultations with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment which holds a current mandate from Government to establish a group to look at future options for the site, the Department of Finance who own the site and the Department of Defence who share the Island of Haulbowline will shortly be initiated. Consultation with the local community so that their requirements can be considered by the Government will also be pursued.
My Department has neither requested nor received a report from Cork County Council regarding licences or permits that might have issued for the removal for recycling of slag material from the site prior to my Department taking over management of the site in June 2003.
23 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on whether delays in the planning process and in particular in relation to planning appeals are inhibiting much needed development throughout the country; and if he has proposals in this regard. [3492/09]
There are two basic elements in the planning system — the determination of planning applications by planning authorities, and the determination by An Bord Pleanála of planning appeals and other matters referred to it.
There were an unprecedented 92,650 planning applications in 2006, and some 86,800 in 2007. These levels of activity clearly had implications for the operation of the planning system. Available data indicate that in 2007, about 64% of decisions on planning applications were made within the statutory 8 week period, further information was sought in 32% of cases, and an extension of time was agreed with the applicant in nearly 3% of cases.
The number of planning applications in 2008 fell by some 30% to about 61,000 and is expected to fall further during 2009.
As an independent planning appeals body, An Bord Pleanála has a key role in ensuring that physical developments, in particular major infrastructure projects, respect the principles of sustainable development and are planned in an efficient, fair and open manner.
Under Section 126 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, the Board has a statutory objective to determine appeals within 18 weeks. Where the Board does not consider it possible or appropriate to reach a decision within 18 weeks (e.g. because of delays arising from the holding of an oral hearing), it will inform the parties of the reasons for this, and will indicate when it intends to make the decision.
Record levels of case intake over successive years, peaking at nearly 6,700 cases in 2007, have challenged An Bord Pleanála's ability to achieve this statutory objective. According to the Board's annual report for 2007, the 18-week statutory objective was met in 48% of all cases, compared to 52% in 2006.
The Board has also assumed significant new functions under the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006. This necessitated a review of the Board's operations and significant restructuring leading to the establishment of a dedicated Strategic Infrastructure Division within the organisation.
In light of the demands imposed by its heavy caseload and these additional functions, sanction was given in 2007 for an additional 35.5 permanent staff, bring the total complement to 172. Board membership has also been increased from 10 to 11, on a temporary basis.
The Board is focused on dealing quickly with the current backlog of cases and restoring compliance with its statutory objective of determining appeals and referrals within a period of 18 weeks, and expects to make significant progress in this regard over 2009.
I am considering legislative change, in the context of the proposed Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill, to facilitate greater overall efficiency in the determination of cases by the Board.
26 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the expenditure on the acquisition and the storage of electronic voting machines to date; if he will scrap electronic voting machines in order to save storage costs and to gain any residual value from their scrappage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3908/09]
34 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he will take to prevent further loss to the taxpayer resulting from the storage of the defunct electronic voting systems which are stored throughout the country resulting in annual loss and liability to the Exchequer, in some cases for the next 20 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3801/09]
228 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of locations throughout the country at which electronic voting technology is stored; the annual cost to the Exchequer of such storage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4146/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 26, 34 and 228 together.
The total expenditure on the development and roll-out of the electronic voting system to date is some €51.3 million, the bulk of which has been incurred in purchasing the voting machines and ancillary equipment. These costs are set out in the following table.
|
Expenditure item |
Cost |
|
€m |
|
|
Voting machines |
43.941 |
|
Ancillary equipment (Ballot Modules, Programme Reading Units, PCs, trolleys, tables, etc.) |
2.330 |
|
Awareness and Education campaigns |
2.566 |
|
Voting Machine development, election software development/training etc. |
0.828 |
|
Consultancy/testing |
0.731 |
|
Miscellaneous (staff training, freight) |
0.924 |
|
Total |
51.320 |
Responsibility for the security and safe storage of manual voting electoral materials (such as ballot boxes, stamping instruments and stationery) has been a matter for the Returning Officers, who are statutorily responsible for conducting the polls. Accordingly, similar responsibility was assigned to them in relation to the storage of the electronic voting machines and equipment. Based on figures received in my Department from Returning Officers, the total annual costs for storage of the electronic voting equipment (including the cost of insurance, service charges, rates and heating) for 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 were some €658,000; €696,000; €706,000; €489,000; and €204,000, respectively.
In 2007, over 60% of the electronic voting machines (some 4,762 in total) were moved to a central storage facility located at Gormanston Army Camp. Costs incurred to date in respect of the movement and storage of this equipment are some €328,000. These are largely one-off costs related to the preparation of the facility, transportation of the machines and the acquisition of storage containers. The available capacity at this location has now been fully utilised. A total of 2,729 voting machines are stored locally by Returning Officers at thirteen locations throughout the country; a further thirteen machines are stored in the Custom House.
I am aware of the issues that have been raised in relation to storage arrangements for the machines. On this matter, the Government decision to proceed with the movement of the electronic voting equipment to centralised premises was the right approach.
I am at present considering the next steps to be taken in relation to the electronic voting and counting project. In this, I am taking into account the work of the Commission on Electronic Voting, which has examined the system, relevant experiences and developments internationally, the need to maintain public confidence in the electoral process, as well as the provisions in the Programme for Government relating to electoral reform generally.
Given the scale of investment in the system to date, and the importance of the issues involved for our electoral system, it is essential that the future of the project be examined objectively and in a thorough and comprehensive manner. It is important that we come to the best possible decision. It is not possible to make more specific comment at this point on the project itself, or on future plans for the machines, pending the necessary work and a decision by Government in the matter.
29 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he plans to extend compulsory purchase order legislation to vacant properties and other lands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3768/09]
Under the Planning and Development Acts, and other relevant legislation, a local authority may, for the purposes of performing any of its functions, compulsorily acquire land, including any structure or derelict site.
30 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the possible effects of exposure to high levels of radon gas; and when clear guidance for local authorities on addressing high radon concentrations in social housing and otherwise will be available. [3491/09]
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas found in variable amounts in rocks and soil. When it surfaces in the open air, it is quickly diluted. However, where it enters an enclosed space, such as an ordinary building, it can, under certain circumstances accumulate to reach unacceptably high concentration levels.
Radon is a known carcinogen and contributes to the incidence of lung cancer. This risk is especially significant for smokers. Long term exposure to high radon levels presents a direct risk to human health.
The Government's approach to radon is to concentrate efforts on increasing public awareness of the risks posed by radon in the home. This is similar to the approach adopted in the majority of EU member states.
The Government, largely through the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII), has committed significant resources to assessing the extent of the radon problem throughout the country and to increasing public awareness of the health risks associated with prolonged exposure to high radon concentrations.
In addition, my Department has recently established a multi-agency group to examine the issue further and to engage closely with local authorities in determining the best approach to addressing any radon protection deficits in local authority housing stock. Discussions are ongoing, and guidance will be made available in due course. However, it should be noted that a number of local authorities, in Cork, Clare, Kerry, Tipperary, and Waterford have already undertaken radon testing and remediation action, where necessary, in their housing stock. My Department continues to support the efforts of such authorities under their annual improvement works programme.
31 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress his Department has made with regard to producing a legislative framework to enable the sale of local authority flats; if he will bring forward an amendment to the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008 to provide tenants of local authority apartments the right to buy their own homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3899/09]
Work is continuing to address the outstanding issues relating to the tenant purchase of local authority apartments. I hope that legislative proposals for a viable apartment sales scheme can be finalised in time for consideration during the Dáil Committee Stage of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008.
33 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the increasing number of people on the social housing waiting lists here; and if he plans to reverse the 1999 prohibition on social housing provision on Office of Public Works lands transferred to local authorities. [3769/09]
On 9 December 2008 I published preliminary results of the Housing Needs Assessment 2008 carried out in accordance with the terms of the Housing Act, 1988. The assessment took place in March 2008 and indicated that there were 56,249 households in need of social housing support, an increase of some 30% on the corresponding figure in 2005. Further information regarding the assessment is available on my Department's website at www.environ.ie, including a breakdown of the net need figure by housing authority.
I am not aware of the 1999 prohibition on social housing provision on Office of Public Works lands transferred to local authorities referred to in the question.
35 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the 2007 national waste report that found that Ireland is moving further away from its targets to send less food and garden waste to landfill; if he will implement the recommendations contained in the report in order to meet Ireland’s 2020 European Union landfill targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3914/09]
42 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the way he will meet Ireland’s need to divert an additional half a million tonnes of biodegradable waste from landfill by 2010 to meet its targets under the European Union Landfill Directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3913/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 35 and 42 together.
I am committed to putting in place the necessary measures to ensure compliance with the EU landfill diversion targets that will apply from 2010 onwards.
Following extensive consultation, the National Strategy on Biodegradable Waste was published in April 2006 and is aimed at diverting 80% of biodegradable waste from landfill through segregated collection and the generation of compost. The programme for Government contains a commitment to implementation of the National Strategy.
The projections for 2016, are based on the provision by then of alternative treatment facilities on the necessary scale, and relevant issues in that regard are being examined in depth in the International Waste Review currently under way. The initial targets under the Landfill Directive are more immediate as they relate to 2010 and the existing measures under the Biowaste Strategy are designed to achieve these targets.
I have also indicated my intention to introduce primary legislation to allow significant increases in the landfill levy and a Regulatory Impact Analysis for this purpose has been completed. My Department, in addition, is working with industry towards the development of a Statutory Instrument for the segregation of commercial biodegradable waste.
The National Waste Report 2007 states that the quantity of biodegradable municipal waste landfilled continued to increase to 1,485,968 tonnes in 2007. I am concerned at our progress towards meeting targets for the diversion of this material. Last year, I issued a circular to all local authorities to drive forward the roll out of brown bins and promote the use of home composting and the report indicates progress in relation to home composting. I am confident that all of the above measures will contribute significantly to the attainment of the targets for the diversion of biodegradable waste from landfill.
36 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the review of the waste management plan authorised by his Department has been completed; when it is intended that issues arising therefrom are expected to be addressed in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3802/09]
The programme for Government includes a commitment to undertake an international review of waste management policy. In February 2008, a procurement process was initiated to appoint consultants to undertake comprehensive research on the waste sector in Ireland and to cover a wide range of issues to help identify how best to proceed with further efforts to reduce waste levels, improve recycling rates and deliver equitable and cost-effective waste management solutions. Eunomia Research and Consulting Ltd. (and partners) were selected to undertake the study, the scope of which will underpin the overall review as provided for in the programme for Government. It is anticipated that the study will be completed in summer 2009 and I will then bring forward any necessary legislative and policy responses.
37 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he will take to ensure local authorities have accurate electoral registers in place in time for polling in the local and European elections in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3924/09]
In law, the preparation of the Register of Electors is a matter for each local registration authority. It is their duty to ensure, as far as possible and with the co-operation of the public, the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the register.
In working to compile the register for 2007/8, local authorities undertook and completed, with assistance from my Department, the most extensive registration campaign in decades. On the basis of the work undertaken, I am satisfied that local authorities achieved a significant improvement in the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the register compared to previous years. The task for local authorities, in relation to the register for 2009/10, was to maintain and build on the progress made in previous years.
Authorities were required to publish the final register for 2009/10 by 1 February 2009 and this is now available for checking. Individuals not on the register can avail of the supplement to the register up until 15 days before the next polling day.
39 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he plans to initiate legislation to require local authorities who hold a surplus of affordable housing to use this as social housing when necessary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3770/09]
Where a local authority, having explored all appropriate options, is satisfied that affordable homes on hands are no longer required for that purpose, they may be used for another purpose connected with the functions of the authority, including social housing. Accordingly, the question of introducing legislation in that regard does not arise.
40 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the material collected for recycling by local authorities or licensed waste management operators in 2007 or 2008 that has been used for fuel or to supply waste to energy production; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3915/09]
The 2007 National Waste Report shows that some 32,000 tonnes of refuse derived fuel was utilised for waste to energy abroad in that year. The composition of this RDF material is not available. Information for 2008 will not be available until the publication of the National Waste Report for 2008 in early 2010.
The issue of the diversion of low grade recyclates to co-firing in cement kilns was raised by the Irish Waste Management Association at a recent meeting with my Department and further discussions are planned. Dr. Peter Bacon has also suggested the diversion of such material to waste to energy markets in the UK, in a report commissioned by REPAK. The level of material on hand, arising from the current difficulties in global markets for recyclates, has declined significantly as a result of markets reopening. Therefore, finding markets for the full recycling of material on hand remains the preferred solution.
41 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 30 of 27 November 2008, that any rental property being let for the first time after 1 February 2009 will have to comply with all the requirements of the new regulations, the way compliance will be established since property being let for the first time is not inspected and the new regulations have yet to be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3902/09]
51 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in regard to his statement that new regulatory standards would apply to all privately rented dwellings from 1 February 2009, local authorities have been furnished with the new regulations and guidelines on their implementation; if landlords bringing new rented properties onto the market have been informed of the newly applicable standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3894/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 41 and 51 together.
Minimum standards for rental accommodation are prescribed by regulations made under section 18 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1992. All landlords have a legal obligation to ensure that their rented properties comply with these regulations. Failure to do so is an offence, subject, on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding €3,000, or a term of six months in prison or both, and €250 for each day of a continuing offence. Responsibility for enforcing the regulations rests with the relevant local authority, supported by a dedicated stream of funding allocated by my Department.
In the partnership agreement Towards 2016, the Government committed to updating and more effectively enforcing the minimum standards regulations and recently delivered on this commitment by approving a package of measures. A number of elements of this package require amendments of primary legislation and these are being addressed during the passage, through the Oireachtas, of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008. These include increased penalties for non-compliance and the introduction of a more robust sanctions regime.
Those elements of the package not requiring primary legislation have been introduced through new regulations to update the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 1993. The new regulations, entitled the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2008, were made by me on 10 December 2008 and notice of the making of these regulations was published in Iris Oifigiúil on 16 December 2008. Copies of the regulations are available in the Oireachtas library and on my Department's website at www.environ.ie. Copies of the regulations have also been provided to various sectoral interests, including landlord and tenant representative bodies. In addition, the coming into effect of the regulations was advertised in the print media on Monday 26 January 2009.
The Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2008 came into effect generally on 1 February 2009. From that date, any rental properties being let for the first time will have to comply with all the requirements of the new Regulations. However, taking account of views expressed in wide-ranging consultations during the development of the new standards package, certain provisions of the new regulations will not come into effect for existing rental accommodation until 1 February 2013 as it will be necessary to allow time for the carrying out of the significant remedial work that may be involved in achieving compliance. Accordingly, in so far as existing rental accommodation is concerned, the issues covered by those provisions — sanitary facilities, heating facilities and food preparation and storage and laundry — will continue to be subject to the relevant provisions of the Housing (Standards for Rented Housing) Regulations 1993 until then. Existing rental accommodation is defined in the regulations as a house let for rent or other valuable consideration solely as a dwelling at any time from 1 September 2004 to 31 January 2009.
Responsibility for enforcing the regulations with regard to minimum standards for rental accommodation rests with the relevant local authority. My Department provides significant resources, from part of the proceeds of tenancy registration fees collected by the Private Residential Tenancies Board, to assist local authorities in discharging their functions under the Housing Acts in relation to rented accommodation. Over €3m was provided for this purpose in 2007, with a further €4m earmarked for 2008. In addition, a Technical Guidance Document has been prepared and copies have been provided to local authorities in order to assist with the practical implementation of the regulations; the guidance document is also available on my Department's website at www.environ.ie.
It is a matter for each individual local authority to decide the specific details of its enforcement strategy, inspection arrangements and methods for establishing compliance. However, in discharging their responsibilities in relation to the rental sector, authorities have been asked to have regard to Good Practice in Housing Management: Guidelines for Local Authorities Standards in the Private Rented Sector: Strategic Planning, Effective Enforcement published by the Centre for Housing Research in November 2007, which makes a range of recommendations on relevant issues.
44 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the targets that were set for the transfer of eligible claimants from rent supplement to the rental accommodation scheme on the introduction of the scheme in 2005; the progress made against the target in each year; the present number of applicants under the RAS scheme; if he will make adjustments in the qualifying criteria for applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3896/09]
The transfer of tenants under the rental accommodation scheme commenced in September 2005 with 606 transfers in that year. The original target was to achieve 5,000 transfers from rent supplement per full year, over the period of the implementation programme to the end of 2009. The output in relation to the scheme for the years 2006, 2007 and 2008 is provided in the following table.
|
Year |
Number of transfers |
|
2006 |
4,446 |
|
2007 |
6,044 |
|
2008 |
6,915 |
The current qualifying criteria for RAS are that a household must be in receipt of rent supplement and have a long term housing need. To be counted as having a long-term housing need a household would normally have to be in receipt of rent supplement for 18 months or more. Qualifying criteria for RAS are kept under review by my Department, but I have no plans to change the criteria at present.
At the end of 2008, 31,343 households were in receipt of rent supplement for 18 months or more.
45 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the practice of some local authorities charging for recycling of household waste at civic amenity sites or green bin collections; his views on whether this is in keeping with the polluter pays principle and the need to meet recycling targets here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3912/09]
Tens of thousands of tonnes of domestic recyclables are collected by local authorities or treated at civic amenity sites each year. The cost to local authorities for the collection, transport and separation of these materials prior to recycling ranges from €35 to €300 per tonne depending on the types of material involved. While the setting of waste charges is a matter for individual local authorities, it is not apparent that a nominal charge for such services would contravene the polluter pays principle.
Local authorities provide free bring sites situated throughout their functional areas; in many instances they provide a Chem Car service free of charge for the disposal of hazardous waste streams such as paint, solvents and medicines, while facilities for the disposal of WEEE are also provided free of charge.
47 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he plans to initiate legislation that will include protocols and procedures for local authorities and others in respect of evictions, to ensure a clear, independent and accessible appeals process that would be available to tenants who are the subject of eviction procedures and include appropriate protocols and procedures for meeting the accommodation needs of households who are subject to eviction. [3771/09]
The issues raised in the question in relation to eviction procedures have been the subject of recent court decisions which are currently under appeal to the Supreme Court and the matter is in effect sub judice.
48 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will impose a spending limit on local elections in time for the elections in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3871/09]
I refer to the reply to Priority Question No. 2 on today's Order Paper.
I intend to bring forward proposals in the near future for legislative change to allow for the introduction of spending limits at local elections. It is my intention to have the limits in place for the local elections to be held this year. The Programme for Government contains a commitment to examine spending limits at local elections as part of the Green Paper on Local Government. Submissions made in the course of preparing the Green Paper, published in April 2008, were generally supportive of some kind of expenditure limit.
In October 2008, I consulted the Joint Committee on the Environment, Heritage and Local Government on the issue of spending limits. A policy research document prepared on behalf of the committee and presented at that meeting offered useful practical guidance. There are a number of complexities that need to be considered, and I discussed these with members of the committee, and I am taking them into account in the preparatory work now under way.
49 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding notification he has received from the Environmental Protection Agency indicating the amount of carbon emitted here for 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3923/09]
The Environmental Protection Agency is responsible for compiling the national inventories of greenhouse gas emissions for Ireland and for reporting these to the European Union and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). These inventories are compiled on an annual basis using the good practice guidelines established by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The results become available in preliminary form about 11 months after the end of a calendar year, and they are then finalised and submitted as required to the EU and UNFCCC over the following five months.
Total greenhouse gas emissions in 2007, the most recent year for which figures are available, were 69.205 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent which is almost 1% lower than the level of emissions in 2006. In relation to the Kyoto Protocol, Ireland’s emissions in 2007 were 6.368 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent higher than the Kyoto limit as an annual average, while forest sinks (i.e. reductions) were 1.36 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent resulting in a “current” annual distance to target of 5.008 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent.
Preliminary greenhouse gas emissions data for 2008 are expected to become available from the Agency towards the end of 2009. Work is continuing across Government Departments on the development of measures to reduce national greenhouse gas emissions.
50 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of people who have made an application under the home choice scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3895/09]
221 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will respond to a query (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4076/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 50 and 221 together.
The Housing (Home Choice Loan) Regulations 2008, which provide for the introduction of the Home Choice Loan scheme came into effect on 1 January 2009. The scheme is now fully operational.
Over 1,200 prospective purchasers had formally registered interest on the dedicated Home Choice website (www.homechoiceloan.ie) in advance of the scheme's formal introduction on 1 January and these have been contacted in recent weeks to advise that applications are now being accepted. Four full applications have now been made and a significant number of enquiries have also been received from brokers in relation to pending applications.
It is important to note that the intention of the scheme is not to provide an incentive for households to enter the housing market; it is designed rather to facilitate first-time buyers who have decided to purchase a home at this time.
52 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he is satisfied that a time of nine to ten months from the date of a disputes application being received by the Private Residential Tenancies Board to its being heard by an adjudicator meets the aim set under the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 to be resolved cheaply and speedily; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3911/09]
My Department has no function in the operational matters of the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB), which is an independent statutory body established under the terms of the Residential Tenancies Act 2004. The board's performance is, however, now benefiting from the increase in its permanent staff complement from 26 to 40 approved by my Department last year.
The PRTB may be contacted at their offices at O'Connell Bridge House, Dublin 2 or by telephone or email. Contact details are available on the board's website at www.prtb.ie
53 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of money set aside or spent on the purchase of carbon offsets for flights by Ministers or other persons on Government business; the amount per flight it is intended to be used to purchase carbon offsets; the persons from whom carbon offsets are to be purchased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3921/09]
In response to the Programme for Government and the National Climate Change Strategy commitments, I have developed the principles of a scheme to offset greenhouse gas emissions from official air travel by Ministers and civil servants. There are some logistical and administrative arrangements to be finalised, but I am confident that the scheme will be fully operational by the end of the first quarter of 2009.
The scheme will operate on an annual basis, starting in 2009 and will retrospectively account for all official air travel since the Government came into office in June 2007. All Departments have been notified of the key elements of the scheme and they will be required each year to calculate their carbon dioxide emissions and associated offsetting costs based on total air kilometres travelled. My Department will provide a carbon price each year to reflect the average price in the voluntary offsetting market as the basis for Departments to calculate their offsetting costs.
The value of the total offsetting requirements for Departments will be invested on behalf of Ireland by the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership (REEEP) in small scale "gold standard" energy efficiency and renewable energy offsetting projects in Ireland's priority Oversees Development Aid countries in Africa.
The scheme will apply to all Government Departments and Offices, and will cover all flights by Ministers and officials on both commercial airlines and Government passenger aircraft. It will also apply to bodies under the aegis of Departments and it will be a matter for individual Departments to decide which bodies are to be included.
The scheme will be optimal in terms of administrative efficiency and accountability and will have the added advantage of increasing awareness of global warming implications of air travel among official travellers and their Departments and Offices.
54 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of affordable housing units at turn-key stage which are at present vacant and unsold; his views on the additional cost to local authorities of financing that housing; if it his intention to make an alteration in the affordable housing provisions to make the scheme more attractive in the context of falling house prices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3898/09]
It is a feature of the operation of the affordable housing schemes that individual authorities ordinarily have a certain quantum of completed affordable homes on hands at any given time, principally comprising units either being prepared for, or in the course of, sale. However, the information available from local authorities would suggest that the strong level of affordable housing delivery in 2008 and wider housing and mortgage market considerations are combining to increase the stock of homes on hands. The indications to date are that the number of affordable units on hands nationally is in the region of 2,500 to 3,000 units. Given that the length of time between the acquisition and subsequent sale of affordable homes varies from case to case, it is not feasible to estimate the associated financing costs.
My Department has requested the Affordable Homes Partnership to examine the position in selected areas, in conjunction with the relevant housing authorities, with a view to identifying actions that might assist in the sale of such units. In this context, the partnership is arranging a seminar for local authorities to advise on marketing and sale of affordable homes in the current climate. Further guidance will be issued to local authorities by my Department and by the AHP in the coming weeks.
Where housing authorities consider it appropriate, in the context of reduced open market prices and the continuing need to ensure value for money outcomes, they have the option to provide further subsidy, including from any Part V funds on hands. Local authorities are best positioned to make judgments in this regard based on local circumstances.
55 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the measures in view of the funding shortfall by local authorities under the housing aid to the elderly scheme and the disabled persons grant scheme in 2008 he has put in place to ensure that the combined scheme is adequately funded in 2009; the allocation to each local authority under the combined grant scheme in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3909/09]
In line with my objective of prioritising the needs of the most vulnerable households, the financial provision secured for housing in 2009 will allow for the level of funding allocated towards housing supports for older people and people with a disability this year to be increased by 8% over the initial estimate for 2008. This provision will enable local authorities to continue effectively to respond to the housing needs of these target groups through the payment of increased numbers of grants.
Local authorities will be notified of their combined capital allocations for the operation of the Schemes in 2009, following the publication of the Revised Estimates for Public Services 2009.
As in previous years, it will be a matter for each local authority to decide on the specific level of funding to be directed towards each of the schemes, from within the combined allocation notified to them by my Department, and to manage the operation of the schemes in their areas from within this allocation.
56 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will refrain from signing the ministerial order to give effect to the Electoral Area Boundary Report’s recommendation to split the village of Sandymount, Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3735/09]
On 16 June 2008, I received the reports of the two independent Boundary Committees I established in January 2008 to review local electoral areas. When publishing the reports on 17 June 2008, I announced that, consistent with long established practice in respect of constituency formation at European, national and local levels in Ireland, I was accepting the recommendations contained in them. It is my view that to review or seek to amend the recommendations of the committees would undermine the independent and apolitical nature of the process. I have made 33 out of the 37 necessary orders (including the order relating to the Dublin City Council area) to give effect to the recommendations in the reports. The remaining four orders will be made as soon as possible.
57 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he plans to propose amending the terms of the Housing Act 1988 in order to ensure a statutory assessment of housing need takes place on an annual basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3767/09]
The Housing (Miscellaneous) Provisions Bill 2008, published in July 2008, provides for a new housing needs assessment process, replacing section 9 of the Housing Act 1988, which currently governs the assessment of need. The new provisions give the Minister power to require housing authorities to carry out housing needs assessments periodically. Following the enactment of the Bill and the making of the associated regulations it is intended that a national assessment of need would be carried out on an annual basis.
59 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will take further steps on foot of the North South study into the feasibility of an Irish paper mill in view of the finding that such a project could help ensure that markets are available for recycling paper and cardboard collected from households and businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3916/09]
A study led by the North/South Market Development Steering Group to determine the feasibility of establishing a paper mill on the island of Ireland was initiated in 2004 and the Phase 1 Study Report was published in August 2006. The feasibility study is the first of two phases and the project was funded jointly by the Department of the Environment in Northern Ireland through Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) and my Department. The project was managed by WRAP.
Provisional findings from the first stage of an interim phase — taking soundings from individual businesses in the sector — indicate that the paper manufacturing/converting and waste management sectors show favourable interest in exploring the establishment of a tissue mill on the island. Consequently a more formal sectoral group meeting was convened in March 2008 to test this level of interest amongst the key industrial players. Valuable feedback was gained at this meeting.
While the North/South Market Development Steering Group will keep the project under review, industry itself will be the major party in deciding as to whether the paper mill project is taken forward. Stakeholders have been advised that both jurisdictions along with WRAP will continue to assist.
60 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the measures planned by his Department to reduce carbon emissions through the actions of local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3920/09]
The National Climate Change Strategy 2007-2012 acknowledged that the public sector, including local authorities, has a key leadership role in adopting high energy efficiency standards and practices that can lead by example and drive change through the wider community. The strategy contained specific commitments for local authorities and delivering on these commitments is primarily a matter for them. A number of local authorities have already published their own climate change strategies and my Department is working closely with authorities to ensure a co-ordinated approach to reduce carbon emissions.
61 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of people in employment here in each of the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3933/09]
The number of people in employment is measured by the Quarterly National Household Survey or QNHS and published by the Central Statistics Office. Statistics are available on a quarterly basis only.
The most recent data on employment levels in each of the past five years (on a year on year quarterly basis) are set out in the following table:
|
Numbers in Employment |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
|
Quarter 3 |
1,893,100 |
1,994,300 |
2,076,900 |
2,146,000 |
2,120,800* |
Source: CSO, Quarterly National Household Survey, Q3 2008 (June-August 2008).
The number of persons in employment decreased by 25,200 or -1.2% year on year (Quarter 3 2007 to Quarter 3 2008) bringing the total in employment to 2,120,800, the first annual decline in employment since 1991. This recent decline comes after many years of extraordinary growth in the labour force and employment. Since 2004 (Quarter 3) to 2008 (Quarter 3), employment has grown by 227,700 with unemployment increasing by 66,700 in the same period.
62 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on whether County Donegal’s enterprise development and job creation agencies provide value for money; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3945/09]
63 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason County Donegal has the highest rate of unemployment and social inequality here despite the fact that large amounts of money are spent on enterprise development and job creation agencies in the county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3946/09]
64 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of County Donegal agencies charged with enterprise development and job creation; the annual Government spend and support on each of these agencies; the number of jobs these agencies created in 2007 and 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3947/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 62 to 64, inclusive, together.
State development agencies supporting enterprise development in County Donegal and which operate under my aegis are IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and Donegal County Enterprise Board. The training agency FÁS is also under my aegis and plays a major role in the training and upskilling of workers in enterprises. Údarás na Gaeltachta and other agencies operate under the aegis of other Ministers.
In 2008 Donegal CEB received a Capital Allocation of €821,093 of which €471,627.00 was used to deliver a range of management capability development programmes, and €349,466.00 was used in direct grant assistance, resulting in the creation of 187 jobs in the area. The role of Donegal County Enterprise Board, as one of the 35 County and City Enterprise Boards nationwide, is to provide support for small businesses with 10 employees or fewer in the start-up and expansion phases, to promote and develop indigenous micro-enterprise potential and to stimulate economic activity and entrepreneurship at local level throughout the country.
Donegal is a target location for IDA with the County now competing for a different type of business to the labour intensive manufacturing which we so successfully won over the past four decades. The overseas investor is now seeking locations for more advanced manufacturing or office based solutions, to a great extent depending on high skill and doing high value work.
To encourage this interest IDA has developed a new modern Business Park in Letterkenny with modern building solutions capable of competing with other locations nationally and also internationally. IDA has been working with the 3rd Level Sector in the region at Letterkenny Institute of Technology and the 3rd Level sector in Northern Ireland to offer the necessary courses aimed at our target sectors of Medical Technologies, International and Financial Services and High End Engineering.
As regards Enterprise Ireland, its activity is focused on the creation of new jobs through supporting entrepreneurs setting up new High Potential Start-Up Companies, the retention and creation of new jobs in existing companies and in enhancing the innovation capability of Ireland at a national and regional level through support of research in companies and third level institutions. Enterprise Ireland provides a range of supports for high potential start up companies including, financial supports, business and marketing advice, mentoring, product development etc. Two HPSU's were created in Donegal in 2007.
In 2008, under the 2007-2009 Community Enterprise Centre Scheme, Milford & District Resource Ltd. were approved funding of €500,000 towards a new Community Enterprise Centre in Milford, Co. Donegal and €50,000 funding for a Business Development Manager.
While recognising that there are currently employment difficulties in Donegal, as there is across the State, it is of major significance that while jobs are being lost, jobs are also being created as is clearly demonstrated by the Agency statistics above. The role of the State development agencies has been, and will continue to be, critical in supporting both the maintenance of enterprises and the creation of enterprises. I have full confidence in their ability to do so in County Donegal into the future. The number of jobs created in Donegal by IDA Ireland grant aided companies are as follows:
|
Data Year |
2007 |
2008 |
|
No. of Companies |
13 |
12 |
|
Permanent Employment |
1,623 |
1,641 |
|
Gross Gains (New Jobs) |
176 |
67 |
|
Job Losses |
-116 |
-49 |
As regards Údarás na Gaeltachta, I am informed that the number of jobs created in Donegal by its client companies in 2007 and 2008 is as follows:
|
Donegal |
2007 |
2008 |
|
Full Time Jobs |
372 |
357 |
|
Job Losses |
371 |
319 |
|
Net Change |
+1 |
+38 |
|
Donegal |
2007 |
2008 |
|
Number Of Plants |
197 |
184 |
|
Full Time Jobs |
3,427 |
3,212 |
|
Gains |
435 |
231 |
|
Losses |
-274 |
-449 |
|
Net Change |
161 |
-218 |
|
Contract/Part Time Jobs |
522 |
507 |
Source: Forfás Employment Survey 2008.
65 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she has examined the questions raised with her by a person (details supplied) who is one of 40 staff who were left without wages and holiday pay by a company; the action she has taken to ensure that the workers will receive their full entitlements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3951/09]
72 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps she is taking to ensure that all staff of a company (details supplied) will be paid outstanding wages, holiday pay, notice and redundancy moneys; the situation on payment of wages and redundancy at the company; if she has met with the company staff and board of management; if not, if she plans on doing so; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4073/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 65 and 72 together.
I have no role in the day-to-day operation of individual companies, and as such have not met with staff or management of the company concerned. However, I understand that the Tánaiste has received representations on the matter and that the Department raised the matter with Enterprise Ireland, who have a relationship with, and have provided support to, the company. Enterprise Ireland, in turn, has been in contact with the company and has advised that, as the company is now in breach of its grant aid agreements, they have formally revoked and are seeking recovery of grants paid to the company and have cancelled unpaid grant aid not yet drawn down.
In relation to the specific issues raised by the Deputy, there are a number of different aspects that arise and these are dealt with separately as follows.
Redundancies
Section 11 of the Redundancy Payments Act 1967 provides that the following two conditions must apply for a cessation of work to be regarded as a lay off:
First, that it is reasonable in the circumstances for the employer to believe that the cessation of employment will not be permanent, and,
Second, that the employer gives notice to that effect to the employee prior to the cessation.
Under the legislation, if a lay off exceeds 4 weeks, it is open to an employee to seek a determination that in fact a redundancy has taken place. In situations where there is a dispute about whether or not a redundancy has taken place, or where the employer is simply silent on the subject, the matter may be referred — by an employee, a group of employees, or their representatives (e.g. a trade union) to the Employment Appeals Tribunal (EAT) for a determination. It would be open to an employer to appeal a determination of the EAT within 21 days to the High Court. Officials in my Department have advised staff of the Company of the availability of this option.
If the EAT determines that a redundancy has taken place — and if there is no appeal or an appeal fails — and if the company refuses to pay or is not in a position to pay redundancy entitlements, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment can at that stage pay the employee(s) their minimum statutory redundancy entitlements in full. The Department will then follow up with the employer to recover that element of the payment, which the State is entitled to get back.
Payment of wages
The Deputy also raised the matter of outstanding wages and holiday pay. Section 5(6) of the Payment of Wages Act, 1991, states that the non-payment of wages properly payable by an employer on any occasion will be regarded as an unlawful deduction of wages. Employees may bring complaints in relation to matters under this legislation to the Rights Commissioner Service and staff have been advised accordingly. If a Rights Commissioner decides that the complaint is valid, an employer can be ordered to pay compensation. The employer can appeal the decision of the Rights Commissioner to the Employment Appeals Tribunal within 6 weeks. If a decision of the Rights Commissioner is not appealed or the appeal fails and the decision is not enforced by the due date by the employer, the employee(s) affected may enforce the decision or determination through an Order of the Circuit Court.
Insolvent company
The Insolvency Payments Scheme, operated under the Protection of Employees (Employers' Insolvency) Act, 1984, and administered by my Department, provides for the payment of certain wage-related entitlements where an employee's employment is terminated as a result of the employer's insolvency. In addition to minimum statutory redundancy entitlements, payments can also be made in respect of arrears of wages, sick pay, holiday pay, minimum notice, etc.
However, claims under the Scheme can only be processed if a company is legally insolvent within the definition of the Act and a "relevant officer" — normally a receiver or liquidator — has been appointed. Relevant Officers can submit a certified claim on behalf of employees on statutory forms, which are available from the Department.
As the Deputy is aware, the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA), which is responsible for monitoring compliance with Employment Rights Legislation, can provide additional information on employment rights obligations and entitlements. NERA can be contacted by telephone on 1890 80 80 90 (Lo call) while the Authority's website, www.employmentrights.ie, could also be usefully consulted.
66 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will confirm the availability of funds (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3967/09]
I understand from Enterprise Ireland that Enterprise Castlerea was approved support of €350,000 by the agency for the Centre in question under the Community Enterprise Centre (CEC) Scheme in 2006. However, due to a delay in the transfer of a site from IDA Ireland to Roscommon County Council, a time extension to commence construction of the Centre was granted to the company on 24 March 2008. The time extension was to December 2008.
In December 2008, Enterprise Castlerea contacted Enterprise Ireland with an alternative proposal to the construction of the Centre. This proposal is for the purchase of a 30,000 sq. ft. building to be converted into enterprise units. The agency met with Enterprise Castlerea and requested that updated information be submitted in support of the new proposal. To date, only basic information has been submitted by Enterprise Castlerea about this alternative proposal. Additional information is necessary to form the basis of a recommendation to the relevant decision making Board within Enterprise Ireland.
67 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason an applicant for a position was told their safe pass certification which was issued in the UK was not valid here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3974/09]
Participants who successfully complete the one-day FÁS Safe Pass programme are registered on the FÁS database and receive a registration card, which is valid for 4 years. FÁS has informed me that it is not aware of a UK Safe Pass Programme.
However, FÁS has entered into a mutual recognition of registration cards agreement in respect of health and safety awareness training with the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) UK on 8th October 2002.
The agreement provides "From the date hereof FÁS Safe Pass and CSCS will mutually recognise the health and safety awareness training requirement incorporated in CSCS as equivalent to the FÁS Safe Pass Programme". Anybody presenting a valid UK CSCS card in Ireland will be issued with a FÁS Safe Pass Card.
68 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if laptops, art works, paintings, sculptures, computers, mobile telephones, blackberries or other equipment has been lost or stolen from her Department or its agencies since 2007 to date in 2009; the circumstances surrounding the items’ disappearance; if action has been taken to recover the item or items; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4016/09]
Since 2007, 2 mobile phones, 2 blackberries and 2 laptop computers have been reported by staff of my Department / Offices of my Department as having been lost or stolen. These items were stolen from individual offices in the Department or the Offices of the Department. One of the laptop computers was stolen during a Department training course at an external venue. One of the mobile phones was left in a taxi while an officer was on Department business in New York City.
None of those items were recovered. It is the policy of my Department and the Offices of my Department to report the theft of any equipment of value to the Garda Síochána or other relevant police authority. The Department uses various security technologies, which can prevent access to or can remotely disable ICT devices when reported stolen or missing.
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 State Agencies concerned.
69 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her Department has a contract with a taxi firm; if so, the amount of money spent by officials in 2007 and 2008; the changes she will bring about; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4030/09]
My Department and the Offices of my Department have had a contract with National Radio Cabs since 2007 following the success of that company in a public procurement tendering process. The Department / Offices of the Department made payments amounting to €44,917.37 and €55,879.93 to National Radio Cabs in 2007 and 2008 respectively.
The use of taxis by officials of my Department and the Offices of my Department is kept under constant review. Last October, officials of my Department and the Offices of my Department were advised, inter alia, to make every effort to minimise the use of taxis and were encouraged to use public transport where available in lieu of taxis.
70 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if external storage is utilised by her Department; if so, if she will state what is being stored; the length of time it has been stored; the cost of such storage; the details of the contract; her plans in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4044/09]
My Department and the Offices of my Department have since 2002 availed of external storage facilities for the storage of documents and files that are not current. The Department and the Offices of the Department use the services of 4 different storage contractors. These companies also provide a file retrieval service and this contributes substantially to the cost of storing documents and files. The cost of storing documents and files for my Department and the Offices of my Department for 2008 was €225,626.40.
71 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if a person in receipt of a course participant training allowance from FÁS who is also in receipt of a survivors’ pension from the Department of Social and Family Affairs is also entitled to a training bonus; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4061/09]
The Training Bonus of €31.80 is payable to eligible trainees on FÁS mainline training courses and also to people with disabilities in training with Specialist Training Providers monitored by FÁS. A person in receipt of a Survivors' Pension (also known as the Widow's Pension) from the Department of Social and Family Affairs is not entitled to a Training Bonus. The training bonus is payable to the following categories of people who were on, or commenced, a FÁS training course on or after 19 April 1999:
Persons in receipt of Jobseeker Benefit or Jobseeker Allowance for 12 months or more
Persons who progress to FÁS training having completed a minimum of 12 months on a Community Employment programme;
Persons who progress to FÁS training having completed a minimum of 12 months on the Job Initiative programme;
Disabled persons not in receipt of Illness Benefit or Invalidity Pension;
Persons who have completed a minimum period of 12 months in a combination of the above categories (i.e. in receipt of Jobseeker Benefit/Allowance, on Community Employment or Job Initiative programmes) prior to progressing to a FÁS training course are eligible for the bonus.
73 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position in relation to the application for a work permit in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4097/09]
The Employment Permits Section informs me that it has no record of an application being received in this case.
74 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the entitlement to redundancy in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4098/09]
Under the Redundancy Payments Scheme all eligible employees are entitled to a statutory redundancy lump sum payment on being made redundant. Payment of statutory redundancy is, in the first instance, a matter for the employer. In general, a redundancy situation exists where an employee's job no longer exists. It is up to the employer concerned to determine whether or not there is in fact a redundancy situation. Disputes in this regard can be referred to the Employment Appeals Tribunal (EAT) for adjudication.
This matter has been examined by the Redundancy Payments Section of my Department and no records currently exist in respect of an application for statutory redundancy for the person concerned.
This individual may be able to claim a redundancy lump sum because of lay off. A lay off situation exists when an employer suspends an employee's employment because there is no work available, when the employer expects the cessation of work to be temporary and when the employer notifies the employee to that effect. The employee will, however, be required to serve notice in writing on Form RP9 of his intention to claim statutory redundancy from his employer. A copy of this form may be had from my Department or may be downloaded from the Department's website at www.entemp.ie.
75 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if an employer can be forced to pay redundancy to Polish workers who are on a three-day week due to the downturn in business (details supplied). [4154/09]
I wish to advise the Deputy that there is not a redundancy situation in the circumstances outlined in his question. It is up to the employer concerned in the first instance to determine whether or not there is in fact a redundancy situation. Disputes in this regard can be referred to the Employment Appeals Tribunal (EAT) for adjudication.
76 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the make-up, terms of reference and reporting deadlines in respect of the employment and re-training task-force for Limerick; the resources to be provided for this task force; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4157/09]
On 2nd February, I confirmed that Mr Denis Brosnan will chair the Mid-West Region Task Force. The other members are as follows:
Roger Downer;
John Herlihy;
John Fitzgerald;
Martin Cronin;
Brian O'Connell;
Anita Higgins;
Ken O'Sullivan;
Kay McGuinness.
Vincent Cunnane, (Chief Executive)
At the time of preparation of this reply, the final details of the task force remit are still under consideration but will be clarified in time for the first meeting of the task force which, I understand, is planned for next Monday 9th February. The full resources of the State development agencies, under the auspices of my Department, will be made available, as required, to support the work of the task force.
77 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Finance if he will explain the logic behind the reason to move the Lifford VRT office to Donegal town; if a feasibility study has been conducted in respect of this movement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3955/09]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that Revenue's Border Midlands West Region has the largest geographical spread of all Revenue regions. The number of small offices located in this region is a legacy of the prior existence of Customs and Excise stations which, since 1993, are no longer needed in the context of the Single Market. Generally, only limited services are delivered from these small offices.
The functions carried out in the Lifford office have been reviewed and it has been established that there is an overriding business case to integrate these functions into other nearby Revenue locations in Co. Donegal. This position is made more urgent by the condition of the building in Lifford. The structure has serious health and safety issues and would, in any event, require total rebuilding in a different location. The decision has therefore been taken that the reasonable option is to close Lifford and to move the functions elsewhere.
The Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) functions are moving from Lifford to Donegal Town with effect from Monday 16th February. Revenue's on-line facilities (ROS) have greatly reduced the demand for service at their Vehicle Registration Offices. All new vehicles can be registered using ROS. Indeed, each of the main dealers in Co. Donegal currently uses ROS for this purpose. No attendance at a Vehicle Registration Office (VRO) is necessary.
In addition, a valuation enquiry facility is available on the Revenue website, allowing all customers to obtain VRT quotations for second-hand vehicles on-line. The registration process for second-hand vehicles has been simplified and it is no longer necessary to physically examine all such vehicles as had been the case previously. There is also a facility for Customers to register vehicles by post without the need to bring their vehicles to a Revenue office. These initiatives have greatly assisted the successful consolidation of vehicle registration services into the larger Revenue centres.
In order to register a vehicle on-line, the VRT must be paid at the time of registration. A deferred payment or FACT (Flexible Accounting of Cash Transactions) facility is available to dealers for this purpose. The deferred payment account is maintained by the dealers in their own bank. The FACT account is a payment account maintained with Revenue. Amounts due in respect of VRT are debited automatically from those accounts at the time of vehicle registration. Lodgements can be made by dealers to their FACT accounts by cheques presented in person or received by post at the VRO. Electronic funds transfer is another method by which dealers can lodge money to their FACT accounts. Staff at the VRO are available to assist members of the motor trade in arranging the payment method best suited to their business requirements.
Based on service demands, the alternatives available and the need for Revenue to make effective use of resources, the consolidation of vehicle registration services into Donegal town is reasonable and will not cause undue difficulty for Customers in the county.
78 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Finance if the 1% income levy on farm income will be reviewed before 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3999/09]
All matters related to taxation, which would include the income levy, are reviewed regularly, in particular in the context of the annual Budget and Finance Bill.
79 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Finance the costs involved in the new departmental headquarters in respect of the Department of Defence; the date when the contract for the new building was finally signed; the length of time between the signing and the announcement of cutbacks in mid 2008; if he plans to review the commitment to build a new departmental headquarters in view of the budgetary situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4093/09]
On 21 May 2008, following a competitive tendering process, the Office of Public Works awarded a Fixed Price Contract to P. Elliott & Co. Ltd. in the sum of €24,894,842, including VAT, to construct a new Headquarters for the Department of Defence at Station Road, Newbridge, Co. Kildare. Work on site is well underway and is expected to be completed by the end of 2009. A separate contract will be placed for fitting out the canteen.
80 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if it is his intention in conjunction with other Departments to address the issue of flooding at various locations throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4143/09]
The Commissioners of Public Works are already addressing the issue of flooding at various locations throughout the country. Following a Government Decision in September 2004, the Commissioners have responsibility as lead agency for implementing Government policy in relation to flooding, now including coastal flooding, which was previously the responsibility of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
The Commissioners have already completed a number of schemes to defend areas at risk from flooding. Major projects completed include, the River Nore [Kilkenny], the River Suir [Carrick-on-Suir] the River Tolka in Counties Meath, Fingal and Dublin City. Other areas where schemes are completed are Dunmanway, Sixmilebridge, Duleek, the River Mulkear at Newport and Cappamore, Lacken [Ardrahan], Kinvara and Maam Valley Co. Galway, Bridgend, Co Donegal, Shinkeen Stream [Hazelhatch], Morrel River and Lyreen Meadowbrook Rivers, Co Kildare, Drumcollogher, Co. Limerick, Clancy's Strand and Harry's Mall in Limerick City, Avoca, Aughrim and Baltinglass, Co Wicklow, Athlone Co Westmeath, Freemount Co. Cork, Scotch Quay, Waterford City, and Mullinahone, Co Tipperary.
Flood Relief Schemes are currently underway in Ennis, Clonmel, Leixlip Lower Dodder and Mallow. I expect schemes to commence within the next few months in Carlow, Fermoy Tullamore, Mornington and Waterford. A scheme to protect Templemore has just been put on statutory public display, and, subject to successful completion of the confirmation process, I expect work to commence on that scheme later this year. The statutory public exhibition of a scheme for Enniscorthy will commence on 17 February.
A scheme has been designed in co-operation with Bray Town Council, to protect Bray and I expect tenders for that scheme will be invited this year. OPW is working with Arklow Town Council to prepare a scheme to protect the town. A scheme has also been designed for Portarlington and OPW is in consultation with Laois and Offaly County Councils with a view to advancing that scheme.
OPW is also working with a number of Local Authorities with a view to identifying solutions to local flooding problems in their areas. OPW will support the implementation of protective measures that are economically, socially and environmentally sustainable.
In addition to the provision of structural defences for towns, that have existing flood risk, OPW is also working with other Departments and Agencies, where appropriate, to address flood risk and prevent the creation of future risk.
A Flood Hazard maps website, which records available historic data on areas which have flooded or are known to be at risk, has been established. A programme of Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management Studies has commenced, which will produce predictive flood hazard and risk maps and risk management plans for areas which are considered on the basis of available or readily derivable information to have a significant flood risk. Studies are currently in progress for the rivers Lee, Suir and Dodder catchments and the Fingal/East Meath Hydrometric Area. Studies of all river catchments will be completed over the next five to six years. Information generated as the studies proceed, including hazard maps and risk maps will be made available to the public as it comes to hand. The Commissioners of Public Works will as far as possible prioritise the studies in the areas where development plans are due for review, in order to ensure the best possible flow of relevant information to planners. These studies will meet the requirements of the EU Floods Directive. OPW represented Ireland at the negotiation of the Directive.
OPW in co-operation with the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government have prepared Guidelines on the Management of Flood Risk in the Planning and Development System. The guidelines were published for consultation last September. It is intended that, when the consultation process is complete the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government will issue directions on their application to Local Authorities.
OPW has also taken steps to raise public awareness of flood risk as an important issue, through media campaigns and the establishment of a website which gives advice on mitigating some of the impact of flooding through preparation and planning, and also contains information on flood protection products. OPW is also considering the possibility of improving the quality of warnings of coastal and river flooding, in conjunction with other agencies.
81 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if a draft legislative proposal for the nationalisation of Anglo Irish Bank was prepared by officials in his Department in September 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3940/09]
In the context of the difficulties in international financial markets which developed in August 2007 and continued thereafter it was prudent to prepare contingency legislative provisions to address scenarios that might develop. The preparation of contingency legislative provisions to nationalise a credit institution consequently formed an important part of the planning work undertaken by my Department. Financial stability contingency planning intensified during September 2008 when the extent and intensity of the upheavals in international financial markets deepened. The contingency legislative provisions available to the Government when the guarantee was announced did not relate to any specific credit institution.
82 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the tier 2 capital securities on Anglo Irish Bank’s balance sheet; if, following nationalisation of the Anglo Irish Bank, these securities are available to absorb future losses in the event of a wind-up of the bank, thereby minimising the taxpayer’s exposure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3941/09]
As I have previously indicated, the Government will ensure Anglo's continued viability. Anglo is a going concern and all securities will remain as obligations of the bank.
Tier 2 capital consists of Lower Tier II and Upper Tier II. All of Anglo's Lower Tier II securities are dated subordinated debt and are covered by the current Bank Guarantee Scheme. Anglo does however have Upper Tier II perpetual bonds and in the event of a wind up of Anglo, these perpetual bonds are available to absorb future losses as they are outside the Government Guarantee and they rank junior to senior creditors but senior to equity.
I would also refer the Deputy to Anglo's Annual Accounts which provide a more detailed breakdown of the various securities in issue by Anglo. These Accounts are available on Anglo's website.
83 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Finance the company allocated responsibility for the management of the www.etenders.gov.ie website; the location at which this company is based; if it is based outside of Ireland; the reason it was felt that no companies located here provide the same service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3952/09]
The company awarded the current contract for the website, www.etenders.gov.ie is Millstream Associates Ltd., based in Aberdeen, Scotland.
The contract was openly advertised in 2003; 10 companies bid for the contract, seven with an office in Ireland (including Northern Ireland). The contract covered provision/development of the website as well as end-user and technical support.
The contract was awarded on the basis of an open, transparent and non-discriminatory process as required under public procurement law. The winner was selected on the basis of the most economically advantageous tender submitted, offering best value for money having regard to criteria such as cost and technical merit.
84 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Finance the percentage of contracts tendered for on the www.etenders.gov.ie website which have been awarded to companies based outside of Ireland since the introduction of said website; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3953/09]
Full and precise data on country of origin of companies winning public contracts since the establishment of the etenders website in 2001 is not available as this type of information is not published for all contracts. However, an analysis of the available data indicates the following:
83.5% of high-value contracts (i.e., those advertised in the European Journal) were awarded to Irish companies;
91.8% of lower-value contracts (those advertised on the etenders website only) were awarded to Irish companies.
The key principles of Public Procurement Regulations (both EU and national) are based on openness, transparency and objectivity while achieving value for money. Essential principles to be observed include non-discrimination, equal treatment, freedom to provide service and freedom of establishment. The public procurement Directives impose legal obligations on public bodies with regard to advertising and the use of objective tendering procedures. Any such discrimination could lead to sanctions by the EU. My Department's guide to the competitive process Public Procurement Guidelines, Competitive Process
(http://www.etenders.gov.ie/guides/Guidesshow.aspx?id=2425) sets out the requirements for all contracting authorities and for all contract values.
85 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Finance the implications for small businesses who elect to forgo VAT rebates as a philanthropy to the national Exchequer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3956/09]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that there are no specific provisions in the VAT code which would allow a business to elect to forgo a VAT rebate in the manner suggested by the Deputy. Where a valid claim for a VAT repayment is made, Revenue would have no authority under VAT law to withhold any amount lawfully due under the claim.
86 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Finance if he will respond to a query (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3962/09]
87 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the building of a new garda station in Wexford town; when he expects construction to get under way; the reason for delays at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3963/09]
88 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Finance if documents for a building project (details supplied) are ready to go to tender; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3964/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 86 to 88, inclusive, together.
A site has been acquired for the new Garda Divisional Headquarters in Wexford and the design process is being advanced. Construction of the new HQ is dependent on the availability of capital funding. In the meantime, arrangements are underway to provide additional temporary accommodation at Wexford Garda Station to alleviate the accommodation difficulties at this location.
89 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Finance if laptops, art works, paintings, sculptures, computers, mobile telephones, blackberries or other equipment has been lost or stolen from his Department or its agencies since 2007 to date in 2009; the circumstances surrounding the items’ disappearance; if action has been taken to recover the item or items; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4018/09]
The details requested by the Deputy in relation to my Department are contained in the following table.
|
Year |
Item |
Circumstances |
|
2007 |
UBS Memory Stick |
Lost — No Departmental data was on the device at the time |
|
2008 |
UBS Memory Stick |
Stolen — No Departmental data was on the device at the time |
|
2008 |
Mobile Phone |
Lost — phone was cancelled |
|
2008 |
Mobile Phone |
Stolen — phone was cancelled |
The details in relation to the bodies under the remit of my Department are listed in the following tables.
|
Year |
Item |
Circumstances |
|
2007 |
One Computer |
Stolen — This PC was used for presentations only and did not contain any confidential Information. The Laboratory are currently putting in place a system of securing all computers. |
|
Year |
Item |
Circumstances |
|
2007/2008 |
3 laptops |
Stolen or lost in various circumstances. Each of the laptops had full disk encryption and was used for intermittent training and presentation purposes and contained no personal or corporate data. Investigations are continuing in each case as to how the items were mislaid or stolen. All laptops are now secured to furniture whenever practical and possible. |
|
Year |
Item |
Circumstances |
|
2007 |
HP Laptop |
The Laptop was stolen from the Revenue Training Branch in D’Olier House. The theft was reported to the Gardaí. |
|
2008 |
A Dell Laptop |
The Laptop was stolen during a break-in to the Revenue Offices in Castlebar in June 2008. The theft was reported to the Gardaí. |
|
2008 |
A Dell Latitude Notebook |
This was stolen from St.John’s House Tallaght in November 2008. This item was recovered by the Gardaí |
It should be noted that the Office of the Revenue Commissioners have advised that while a small number of laptops/notebooks were stolen from Revenue, this did not result in the compromising of the confidential, personal information of members of the public. As a further security measure, Revenue has rolled out security encryption software on all of its laptops and similar devices. This measure prevents any data held from being extracted in the event of theft or loss.
|
Year |
Item |
Circumstances |
|
2007/08 |
Three Blackberry Devices |
One was stolen and reported to the Gardaí and two were reported lost. When the Organisation Unit in the Office of Public Works (OPW) was notified of the fact, the information held on these devices was wiped remotely. |
|
2007/08 |
Ten mobile Phones |
Reported lost or stolen. Eight were lost, two were stolen outside of work hours and reported to the Gardaí. The SIM cards on these devices were blocked. |
|
2007/08 |
Two laptops |
Reported stolen from OPW offices, one in Dublin and one in Brú na Boinne. Both of these cases were reported to the Gardaí. It should be noted that all of these laptops were password protected and any information contained on them would not have been readily accessible. None of these devices have been recovered. |
|
2008 |
One painting |
In regard to art works, paintings and sculptures one painting has been listed as officially stolen since 2007. The painting is by Peter Knuttel. It is an oil on canvas. The painting went missing from the reception of the offices of the Pensions Ombudsman on Mount Street between the dates of 15 to 29 September 2008. The loss was reported to An Garda Síochána by the office of the Pensions Ombudsman. Its current market value is c. €1,500. CCTV footage was examined but did not lead to any evidence of the theft. An image of the painting has been circulated to city centre galleries by An Garda Síochána. |
|
Year |
Item |
Circumstances |
|
2007/08 |
Four Blackberries |
Two lost and two stolen. All items were fully secured in line with best practice with no loss of data. All NTMA BlackBerry devices are password protected — the devices will erase all data and restore to factory default settings if a password is entered incorrectly. |
90 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Finance if his Department has a contract with a taxi firm; if so, the amount of money spend by officials in 2007 and 2008; the changes he will bring about; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4032/09]
My Department currently has accounts with two taxi firms in Dublin. The amount of money paid out on these accounts in 2007 was €76,960 and in 2008 was €54,950.
Procedures are in place for the use of taxis, which are to be used only where it is demonstrably necessary for business purposes.
91 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Finance if external storage is utilised by his Department; if so, if he will state what is being stored; the length of time it has been stored; the cost of such storage; the details of the contract; his plans in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4046/09]
My Department has made use of an external storage company for some of its storage requirements since 2000.The items stored in this facility include pension files, accounts information and a small number of Departmental files.
The cost per month for storage will vary from month to month as it is based on the number of boxes in storage during the month. The charge per cubic meter of space occupied by each box stored is €0.357. During the month of January 2009, my Department had 7,843 boxes in external storage. The cost of storing these boxes amounted to €2,800 exclusive of VAT. As is the case with other Departments, the storage costs are paid on behalf of my Department by the Office of Public Works.
In addition, my Department has an off-site storage facility operated by my Department, with an annual rental cost of €72,500, which is paid by the Office of Public Works.
92 Deputy Áine Brady asked the Minister for Finance if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare is liable for the car parking levy announced in Budget 2009 in view of the fact that their car is required to be at their place of work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4055/09]
Full details of the car parking levy are made available by the Office of the Revenue Commissioners on their website, however I would point out that an employee will be liable to the levy where:
he or she has an entitlement to use a parking space for the parking of a vehicle covered by the levy (this would include a company car);
the parking space is provided directly or indirectly by the employer, and
the parking space is located in an area designated as being covered by the levy. Designated areas will be decided after an appropriate consultation process but will be within the administrative areas of the relevant City Councils.
93 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance if he will clarify it is correct that the 1% income levy is applied to a person who is not resident here but receives a pension payment from an insurance company based here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4081/09]
The general position is that non-governmental pensions and other similar remuneration paid in consideration of past employment to a resident of a country with which we have a double taxation agreement would be taxable in that country only. If the Deputy wishes to provide further details on an individual case, I will arrange for my officials to examine the matter.
94 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide an interpretation of the rules regarding income levy as they apply to persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4089/09]
The position is that there is an exemption from the income levy for any person who is aged 65 years or over whose income for a year does not exceed €20,000. Where the individual is married and the joint income of the couple for the year is less than €40,000, then a joint exemption of up to €40,000 applies. In addition, an exemption from the income levy also applies for persons who are in receipt of a full medical card. It would appear from the information available to Revenue that one of the individuals whose details have been supplied is aged over 65 years and as such may be able to avail of the exemption provided for in legislation, subject to their personal income being less than the exemption threshold of €20,000, or where the individual is married, to the joint exemption of €40,000.
If no exemption applies, the income levy is charged, on an individual basis, where an individual's aggregate income exceeds €18,304, at the rate of 1 per cent in respect of aggregate income up to a limit of €100,100, with a rate of 2 per cent applying to income in excess of that ceiling but not greater than €250,120, and a rate of 3 per cent applying on the balance.
95 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance when a P21 will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4099/09]
I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a P21 for 2007 was processed on 23 January 2009. As it appears that this review was not received by the taxpayer a review was again initiated on 2 February 2009. Due to the number of reviews being carried out at present there is a delay of a few days in processing and a P21 will issue shortly.
In relation to the year 2008 I have been advised that Revenue wrote to the person concerned on 3 February 2009 requesting a P60 in relation to the issue of Form P21.
96 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if and when a P45 will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4100/09]
I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that it is the responsibility of the Employer to issue Form P45 on cessation of an employment. On 3rd February 2009, Revenue issued to the taxpayer details of pay, tax deducted etc from the Form P35, which was submitted by the employer for the year 2008.
97 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Finance the element of funds which it was intended would be used for the promotion of sporting activities when allocating funds collected by the National Lottery; the purposes to which such funds will be put in view of the announcement from the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism of the suspension of sports grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4155/09]
The total allocation for sport in the subheads part-funded by the National Lottery in the Vote for the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism in 2009 is €109.026m. The National Lottery contribution to the funding of all subheads (including sports subheads) part-funded from the Lottery amounted to €265m or 56.8% of the allocations in those subheads in 2008. The 2009 contribution will be included in the Revised Estimates for Public Services 2009. As the Lottery funds are treated as an item of general non-tax revenue, it is not possible to indicate the percentage of Lottery funding contained in any individual subhead.
Budget 2009 includes an amount of €56m for the Sports Capital Programme to meet the cost of grants to those applicants who have already been awarded grants under previous rounds of the Sports Capital Programme.
98 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the estimated cost of each property based tax relief (details supplied) for each year from 2005 to 2008; the number of people availing of each relief; the average value of the relief to claimants; and the highest individual relief and the lowest for each of the above years. [4161/09]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the relevant information available on the cost to the Exchequer of each of the property based tax reliefs is based on personal income tax returns filed by non-PAYE taxpayers and corporation tax returns filed by companies for the years 2005 and 2006, the latest years for which this information is available. These are as set out in the following tables.
|
Scheme |
Tax Cost |
Number of Claimants |
Average Tax Cost |
Highest Tax Relief |
Lowest Tax Relief |
|
€m |
€ |
€ |
€ |
||
|
Urban Renewal |
137.3 |
3,197 |
42,947 |
See Note |
1 |
|
Town Renewal |
27.3 |
882 |
30,952 |
785,292 |
62 |
|
Seaside Resorts |
7.3 |
1,190 |
6,134 |
477,636 |
22 |
|
Rural Renewal |
24.7 |
1,534 |
16,102 |
315,000 |
16 |
|
Multi-storey car parks |
26.2 |
104 |
251,923 |
See Note |
9 |
|
Living over the shop |
1.3 |
71 |
18,310 |
168,000 |
74 |
|
Enterprise Areas |
3.2 |
128 |
25,000 |
229,802 |
394 |
|
Park and Ride |
2.7 |
27 |
100,000 |
400,209 |
2997 |
|
Holiday Cottages |
6.1 |
488 |
12,500 |
398,160 |
81 |
|
Hotels |
67.0 |
1,038 |
64,547 |
See Note |
12 |
|
Nursing Homes |
12.4 |
498 |
24,900 |
330,750 |
173 |
|
Housing for the Elderly/Infirm |
0.9 |
57 |
15,789 |
115,395 |
420 |
|
Hostels |
0.15 |
9 |
16,667 |
116,844 |
1,050 |
|
Guest houses |
0.06 |
7 |
8,571 |
26,670 |
1,530 |
|
Convalescent Homes |
0.2 |
12 |
16,667 |
88,845 |
6,531 |
|
Qualifying (Private) Hospitals |
3.2 |
60 |
53,333 |
311,267 |
4,564 |
|
Qualifying sports injury clinics |
0.0 |
0 |
0.0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Buildings used for Childcare Purposes |
5.4 |
232 |
23,276 |
693,307 |
296 |
|
Student Accommodation |
58.0 |
1,060 |
54,717 |
See Note |
21 |
|
Total |
383.4 |
10,594 |
|
Scheme |
Tax Cost |
Number of Claimants |
Average Tax Cost |
Highest Tax Relief |
Lowest Tax Relief |
|
€m |
€ |
€ |
€ |
||
|
Urban Renewal |
140.5 |
3,436 |
40,890 |
See Note |
1 |
|
Town Renewal |
38.7 |
1,149 |
33,681 |
See Note |
12 |
|
Seaside Resorts |
6.4 |
1,167 |
5,484 |
214,200 |
80 |
|
Rural Renewal |
38.0 |
2,137 |
17,781 |
See Note |
21 |
|
Multi-storey car parks |
16.6 |
119 |
139,495 |
See Note |
4 |
|
Living over the shop |
2.7 |
82 |
32,927 |
342,612 |
29 |
|
Enterprise Areas |
3.0 |
129 |
23,256 |
347,086 |
420 |
|
Park and Ride |
2.8 |
32 |
87,500 |
409,516 |
420 |
|
Holiday Cottages |
9.5 |
660 |
14,394 |
See Note |
2 |
|
Hotels |
106.6 |
1,515 |
70,363 |
See Note |
64 |
|
Nursing Homes |
14.7 |
538 |
27,323 |
See Note |
223 |
|
Housing for the Elderly/Infirm |
1.4 |
95 |
14,737 |
137,655 |
97 |
|
Hostels |
0.82 |
23 |
35,652 |
204,848 |
420 |
|
Guest houses |
0.08 |
7 |
11,429 |
55,650 |
433 |
|
Convalescent Homes |
1.7 |
18 |
94,444 |
See Note |
160 |
|
Qualifying (Private) Hospitals |
10.6 |
284 |
37,324 |
344,376 |
485 |
|
Qualifying sports injury clinics |
Neg. |
3 |
Neg. |
16,854 |
420 |
|
Buildings used for Childcare Purposes |
6.0 |
304 |
19,737 |
See Note |
369 |
|
Student Accommodation |
64.3 |
1,059 |
60,718 |
See Note |
7 |
|
Total |
464.4 |
12,757 |
Note:
Because of the Revenue Commissioners' obligation to observe confidentiality in relation to the taxation affairs of individual taxpayers, a figure for the highest amount of relief claimed under the various property based schemes is not provided in relation to individual amounts exceeding €1 million. This is due to the small numbers of returns with amounts exceeding that level.
I am advised by Revenue that they are not in a position to provide data for 2007 and 2008 as the tax returns for those years are either being processed currently or are not yet due. The estimated relief claimed has assumed tax foregone at the 42% rate in the case of individuals and 12.5% in the case of companies. The figures shown correspond to the maximum Exchequer cost in terms of income tax and corporation tax. The highest and lowest tax reliefs shown have also been calculated on this basis.
As regards the mid-Shannon scheme which commenced in June 2008, complete data will not be available until all of the relevant tax returns for 2009 are filed and processed.
It should be noted that any corresponding data returned by PAYE taxpayers in the income tax return form 12 is not captured in the Revenue computer system. However, any PAYE taxpayer with non-PAYE income greater than €3,174 is required to complete an income tax return form 11. The non inclusion of form 12 data for the schemes which provide relief for residential owner occupiers such as the Rural Renewal, Urban Renewal, Town Renewal, Park and Ride and the Living over the Shop Schemes may well mean that the actual number of claimants in each of these schemes could exceed the numbers indicated with a consequential lowering of the actual average tax cost per claimant.
99 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons receiving tax reliefs in bands of €25,000 upwards and in bands of €25,000 for example €25,000, €50,000, €75,000 by way of contributions to private pension schemes, in particular self-administered pension schemes for each year from 2005 to 2008; the cost for each year; the number of such people who receive tax relief in excess of €100,000 per annum; and the cost of such relief for each of the years 2005 to 2008. [4162/09]
104 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the number of schemes available in respect of tax relief on private pensions; the number of self-administered pension schemes; the number of persons availing of such schemes; the cost of each type of scheme for each year from 2005 to 2008; the average value of the relief to each claimant in each category; and the highest relief and the lowest relief. [4167/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 99 and 104 together.
As part of the work on the Green Paper on Pensions, a review was carried out into the current regime of tax incentives for supplementary pension provision. This was done with a view to developing more comprehensive and reliable estimates of the cost of reliefs in this area. Arising from the review, the following revised and up-to-date estimates of the cost of tax and other reliefs for private pension provision for 2006 have been made.
Corresponding estimates are also provided for 2005 to the extent that it has been possible to update them on a consistent basis. I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they are not in a position to provide data for 2007 and 2008 as the tax returns for those years are either being processed currently or not yet due.
|
Estimated costs |
Numbers* |
|
|
€ million |
||
|
Employees’ Contributions to approved Superannuation Schemes |
540 |
680,000 |
|
Employers’ Contributions to approved Superannuation Schemes |
120 |
**362,000 |
|
Estimated cost of exemption of employers’ contributions from employee BIK |
510 |
362,000 |
|
Exemption of investment income and gains of approved Superannuation Funds |
1,200 |
Not available |
|
Retirement Annuity Contracts (RACs) |
380 |
2006 data not available |
|
Personal Retirement Savings Accounts (PRSAs) |
120 |
71,500 |
|
Estimated cost of tax relief on “tax-free” lump sum payments |
130 |
|
|
Estimated cost of PRSI and Health Levy relief on employee and employer contributions |
220 |
Not available |
|
Gross cost of tax relief |
3,220 |
|
|
Estimated tax yield from payment of pension benefits |
320 |
|
|
Net cost of tax relief |
2,900 |
*Numbers as included in P35 returns from employers to Revenue for 2006.
**Numbers of employees for whom employers are contributing to occupational pension funds as included in P35 returns to Revenue for 2006.
|
Estimated costs |
Numbers* |
|
|
€ million |
||
|
Employees’ Contributions to approved Superannuation Schemes |
430 |
569,200 |
|
Employers’ Contributions to approved Superannuation Schemes |
90 |
**296,700 |
|
Estimated cost of exemption of employers’ contributions from employee BIK |
370 |
296,700 |
|
Exemption of investment income and gains of approved Superannuation Funds |
1,050 |
Not available |
|
Retirement Annuity Contracts (RACs) |
358 |
121,200 |
|
Personal Retirement Savings Accounts (PRSAs) |
42 |
32,900 |
|
Estimated cost of tax relief on “tax-free” lump sum payments |
120 |
*Numbers as included in P35 returns from employers to Revenue for 2005.
**Numbers of employees for whom employers are contributing to occupational pension funds as included in P35 returns to Revenue for 2005.
Tax Relief — Different Income Categories
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that it is not possible to provide disaggregated figures in regard to the take-up of the tax relief for all pension contributions across different income categories because the relevant data in regard to contributions is not captured in such a way as to make this possible. The latest relevant information available in this area is in respect of income tax relief allowed for contributions to Retirement Annuity Contracts (RACs) and Personal Retirement Savings Accounts (PRSAs) for the income tax year 2005, as returned for that year by individuals in personal income tax returns. This information is set out in the following tables which provide the number of cases as well as amount of deduction and reduction in tax for tax relief for RACs and PRSAs for the various contribution ranges. A married couple who has elected or has deemed to have elected for joint assessment is counted as one tax unit.
|
Retirement Annuity — by range of Gross Income. |
|||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Range of gross income |
Totals |
||||||
|
From |
To |
Number of cases |
Amount of deduction |
Reduction in tax |
Tax due for payment |
Gross Tax* |
Reduction in tax as % of Gross Tax |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
% |
|
|
— |
25,000 |
12,885 |
23,775,472 |
3,840,169 |
7,813,935 |
11,654,104 |
33.0 |
|
25,000 |
50,000 |
36,990 |
99,906,735 |
28,235,608 |
117,467,294 |
145,702,902 |
19.4 |
|
50,000 |
75,000 |
26,455 |
119,126,817 |
41,183,052 |
209,407,932 |
250,590,984 |
16.4 |
|
75,000 |
100,000 |
13,615 |
99,961,110 |
40,744,562 |
194,639,337 |
235,383,899 |
17.3 |
|
Over |
100,000 |
21,369 |
552,863,461 |
231,782,327 |
1,233,941,679 |
1,465,724,006 |
15.8 |
|
Totals |
111,314 |
895,633,596 |
345,785,718 |
1,763,270,177 |
2,109,055,895 |
16.4 |
*"Gross tax" means the tax that would be due before relief is allowed for retirement annuity deductions.
The lower aggregate figures for cost and numbers availing of RACs in this table (compared to the slightly higher figures for RACs in the preceding table for 2005) are taken directly from filed income tax returns which represent about 98.5% of all income tax returns expected for 2005. The higher figures in the initial table have, in accordance with normal practice, been grossed-up.
|
Personal Retirement Savings Accounts — by range of Gross Income. |
|||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Range of gross income |
Totals |
||||||
|
From |
To |
Number of cases |
Amount of deduction |
Reduction in tax |
Tax due for payment |
Gross Tax* |
Reduction in tax as % of Gross Tax |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
% |
|
|
— |
25,000 |
1,474 |
2,449,512 |
415,049 |
1,015,733 |
1,430,782 |
29.0 |
|
25,000 |
50,000 |
3,572 |
9,367,938 |
2,861,181 |
12,852,267 |
15,713,448 |
18.2 |
|
50,000 |
75,000 |
2,162 |
10,090,575 |
3,684,956 |
18,938,475 |
22,623,431 |
16.3 |
|
75,000 |
100,000 |
1,143 |
8,357,350 |
3,448,342 |
17,283,452 |
20,731,794 |
16.6 |
|
Over |
100,000 |
1,655 |
28,327,818 |
11,889,911 |
82,178,033 |
94,067,944 |
12.6 |
|
Totals |
10,006 |
58,593,193 |
22,299,439 |
132,267,960 |
154,567,399 |
14.4 |
*"Gross tax" means the tax that would be due before relief is allowed for PRSA deductions.
The figures for PRSAs in this table do not include contributions made by employees through employers' payroll systems and in respect of which tax relief is provided on the net pay basis. Information on such contributions is not captured in such a way as to make it possible to provide disaggregated figures. Contributions to RACs are generally not made through employers payroll systems. I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that there are approximately 6,500 small self- administered pension schemes in existence.
Employer contributions to small self-administered pension schemes are treated as a trading expense. Employee contributions are netted off as deductions from an individual's income before arriving at the definition of income for tax purposes. Figures of pension contributions by employers and employees are not captured in such a way as to provide a dedicated basis for compiling estimates of the number of persons availing of such schemes, the cost of each type of scheme, the average value of the relief to each claimant in each category or figures of the highest relief and the lowest relief.
100 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the way, following the nationalisation of Anglo Irish Bank, the salaries, emoluments, pensions and other compensation of directors and staff will be set; if they will be subject to review in the same manner as executives and directors of other publicly owned enterprises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4163/09]
Under the provisions of Section 20 of the Anglo Irish Bank Corporation Act 2009, I as Minister for Finance or my nominee appointed under the Act, may with the consent of the Central Bank appoint directors, other officers and employees to Anglo Irish Bank. Any such appointees shall hold office for such duration and upon such terms and conditions as I or my nominee may determine. My functions under this section of the Act may be exercised only in the public interest and subject to regulatory requirements.
As I announced on 20th January in my speech on the Anglo Irish Bank Corporation Bill, the day-to-day running of Anglo Irish Bank will continue as normal and will be managed on a commercial basis at arms length from the Government. Therefore matters in relation to remuneration of directors and staff at Anglo Irish Bank will continue to be determined in the normal way at the bank unless I decide to exercise my functions under Section 20 of the Act and in which case terms and conditions including remuneration will be set in accordance with advice from my officials, and having consulted with the Financial Regulator and the Central Bank.
The Deputy will be aware of the existence of the Covered Institutions Remuneration Oversight Committee (CIROC) established by me under the terms of the Credit Institutions (Financial Support) Scheme 2008 (Scheme), to oversee remuneration plans of senior executives of the covered institutions, including Anglo Irish Bank. The Scheme requires each covered institution to prepare and submit a plan to structure the remuneration packages of directors and executives so as to take account the objectives of the Scheme.
The relevant plans have been prepared and submitted by the covered institutions, including Anglo Irish Bank, and in line with timeframes set out in the Scheme, CIROC will report to me on or before 5th March 2009, making a recommendation where appropriate, on the compliance by the institution with the terms of the Scheme. The Scheme provides that if required, I may direct the institution to amend the remuneration plan to comply with the Scheme.
The Taoiseach announced in the House yesterday that in the context of recapitalisation of the banks, that he would expect director's fees to be cut by 25% and when they appoint their top executives there would be an upper limit on remuneration and that he would expect whatever it is at the moment would be cut by at least 25% as well. I will consider, in consultation with the Financial Regulator and the Central Bank, whether it is appropriate to apply similar rules to Anglo Irish Bank.
101 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the expected rise in the cost of financing Government debt in 2009; the extra cost on financing such debt since the end of September 2008; the additional volume of debt since September 2008; the projected extra volume of debt to the end of 2009; and the cost thereof. [4164/09]
The National Treasury Management Agency have advised me that the expected cost of financing the national debt in 2009 is estimated at €4,500 million, which represents an increase of €2,401 million on that for 2008. The reasons for this increase are: the costs of funding the now larger Exchequer deficits for 2008 and 2009; higher interest rates on Government bonds; and timing differences arising from interest accrued in 2008 but payable in 2009.
At Budget time in October last an Exchequer Borrowing Requirement of €13,412 million in 2009 was forecast. The expected cost of financing the national debt in 2009, based on the Budget day forecast for borrowing, was €3,956 million. The Addendum to the Stability Programme Update, which was published in early January, presented revised forecasts for the Exchequer Borrowing Requirement. The 2009 requirement is now forecast at €17,980 million. This represents an increase of €4,568 million over the Budget day forecast and in terms of financing costs the estimate has increased by €544 million. The main reasons for this are: the increase in the estimate for the 2009 Exchequer Borrowing Requirement, as referred to above; and the higher interest rates currently prevailing on Government bonds.
102 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the number of public servants with pension entitlements, that is, civil servants above assistant principal, civil servants below assistant principal and other public servants; the number of each category pre April 1995 and their contributions to PRSI and category, and pension and superannuation payments for example widows and orphans and so on; the number of each category post 1995; the required PRSI, pension and superannuations payments for each category; the contribution of public servants to PRSI, pension and superannuation; the average contribution per each category referred to; the highest and the lowest contribution for each year from 2002 to 2008; and if he will provide the information in tabular form. [4165/09]
As Minister for Finance I have statutory responsibility for civil service pensions. Statutory responsibility for public service pension schemes outside the civil service rests with relevant Ministers in other Departments as appropriate. My colleague, the Minister for Social and Family Affairs is responsible for the PRSI categories of specific groups of public servants and for the aggregate PRSI receipts generated by the contributions of these groups.
It is estimated that there are 316,855 whole time equivalent (WTE) staff in the public service, including local authorities, virtually all of whom are members of public service pension schemes. This is the 2008 estimate taken from the "Analysis of Exchequer Pay and Pensions Bill 2003-2008", which is available at www.finance.gov.ie in the "Policy Areas and Publications" section.
|
Public Service Numbers Employed |
Whole Time Equivalents |
|
Health |
112,500 |
|
Education |
92,480 |
|
Civil Service |
38,572 |
|
Security |
26,202 |
|
Non-Commercial Semi-State Bodies |
12,175 |
|
Local Authorities |
34,926 |
With regard to the civil service staffing, my Department's information indicates WTE employment levels of 32,171 for staff below Assistant Principal level and 5,699 for staff at or above Assistant Principal level. These are based on headcount figures from September 2008.
With regard to the number of civil servants recruited since April 1995, approximately 61% of current civil servants have less than 15 years' service, indicating for the great majority of such persons that they entered the civil service since April 1995. However, some may have retained modified PRSI status due to working in the civil or public service prior to April 1995 and have had breaks in their service, for example due to unpaid leave or career breaks.
The contribution rates in the main public service schemes are set out in the table.
|
Pre-1995 |
Post-1995 |
||
|
Civil Service Main Scheme |
Established |
No explicit contribution |
1.5% of gross pensionable remuneration + 3.5% of co-ordinated remuneration (gross pensionable remuneration less twice the State Pension) |
|
Unestablished |
No explicit contribution |
No explicit contribution |
|
|
Civil Service Spouses and Children’s |
Established |
1.5% of basic pay |
1.5% of gross pensionable remuneration |
|
Unestablished |
1.5% of co-ordinated remuneration |
1.5% of co-ordinated remuneration |
|
|
Garda Síochána |
1.75% of gross pensionable remuneration |
1.5% of gross pensionable remuneration + 3.5% of co-ordinated remuneration |
|
|
Garda Síochána Spouses and Children’s |
1.5% of gross pensionable remuneration |
1.5% of gross pensionable remuneration |
|
|
Defence Forces |
Enlisted Personnel |
No explicit contribution |
No explicit contribution |
|
Commissioned Officers |
No explicit contribution |
1.5% of gross pensionable remuneration + 3.5% of co-ordinated remuneration |
|
|
Defences Forces Spouses and Children’s |
Enlisted Personnel |
1.5% of four times the amount of Spouses pension (somewhat less than 1.5% of gross pensionable remuneration) |
1.5% of four times the amount of Spouses pension (somewhat less than 1.5% of gross pensionable remuneration) |
|
Commissioned Officers |
1.5% of gross pensionable remuneration |
1.5% of gross pensionable remuneration |
|
|
Local Authorities |
Full PRSI |
1.5% of gross pensionable remuneration + 3.5% of co-ordinated remuneration |
1.5% of gross pensionable remuneration + 3.5% of co-ordinated remuneration |
|
Modified |
5% of gross pensionable remuneration |
5% of gross pensionable remuneration |
|
|
Local Authority Spouses and Children’s |
Full PRSI |
1.5% of co-ordinated remuneration |
1.5% of co-ordinated remuneration and 1.5% of gross remuneration in certain cases. |
|
Modified |
1.5% of gross pensionable remuneration |
1.5% of gross pensionable remuneration |
Department of Finance Circular 33/2007, "Be Pensions Aware", which is available atwww.finance.gov.ie in the "Civil/Public Service Information" section, contains tables which set out the details of the position vis-à-vis the pension contributions of different categories of civil servants. The average contribution and the highest and lowest contributions sought are not compiled.
103 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance further to the nationalisation of Anglo Irish Bank, the salary, bonus entitlement and the pension entitlements in summary of the chief executive of the bank, the current and two most recent CEO’s, the deputy chief executive and heads of function and departments, current and most recent, the bank chairman, current and most recent, and the directors, current and most recent; if he will provide the information in tabular and summary form for each year from 2006 to 2008; and the compensation entitlements for 2009 as set out for each category of officer, employee and director. [4166/09]
The salaries, bonuses and pension arrangements for the Chairman, Chief Executive, non-executive and executive Directors of Anglo Irish Bank for the years 2006 and 2007 are available in Anglo Irish Bank's Annual Reports, which are available on the bank's website. I expect the Annual Report for 2008 to be posted on the website before the end of this month.
As I announced on 20th January in my speech on the Anglo Irish Bank Corporation Bill, the day-to-day running of Anglo Irish Bank will continue as normal and will be managed on a commercial basis at arms length from the Government. Therefore matters in relation to remuneration of directors and executives at Anglo Irish Bank will continue to be determined in the normal way at the bank unless I decide to exercise my functions under Section 20 of the Anglo Irish Bank Corporation Act 2009 and in which case terms and conditions including remuneration will be set in accordance with advice from my officials, and having consulted with the Financial Regulator and the Central Bank.
Section 47 of the Guarantee Scheme requires each covered institution to prepare a plan to structure the remuneration packages of directors and executives, including total salary, bonuses, pension payments and any other benefits, so as to take account the objectives of the Act.
The three member, independent committee CIROC (the Covered Institutions Remuneration Oversight Committee), will oversee all remuneration plans of senior executives of the covered institutions, including Anglo Irish Bank. Anglo Irish Bank has submitted its report to CIROC, which will report to me in March.
The Scheme provides that if I consider, following the advice of CIROC, that the institution has not demonstrated how its remuneration policies for the year ahead will comply with Section 47, I may direct the covered institution to amend its remuneration plan so that compliance is achieved.
It is important to emphasise that one of the key features of this part of the Scheme is the requirement to orient the system of bonuses to create the appropriate incentives that point toward reduction in excessive risk-taking and that promote long-term sustainability. A covered institution may not enter into any contractual arrangements that provides for termination compensation or equivalent to be payable to any director or executive for the duration of the Bank Guarantee Scheme. The Taoiseach announced in the House yesterday that in the context of recapitalisation of the banks, that he would expect director's fees to be cut by 25% and when they appoint their top executives there would be an upper limit on remuneration and that he would expect whatever it is at the moment would be cut by at least 25% as well. I will consider, in consultation with the Financial Regulator and the Central Bank, whether it is appropriate to apply similar rules to Anglo Irish Bank.
105 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children if there are proposals to dispose of St. Loman’s Hospital, Mullingar, County Westmeath; if so, the plans for finance raised as a result of such sale; if the moneys will be reinvested in the provision of additional mental health facilities in County Westmeath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4085/09]
124 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children if, in the context of recent reports, it is proposed to sell St. Loman’s Hospital, Mullingar; if so, the plans in this regard and in particular as to the way in which the moneys raised will be expended; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4084/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 105 and 124 together.
‘A Vision for Change' the Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy 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 Government has accepted the Report as the basis for the future development of our mental health services.
Responsibility for the implementation of ‘A Vision for Change' including the recommendations relating to the disposal of psychiatric hospital buildings and lands, is a matter for the HSE. However, 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. A submission detailing the priority projects to be funded from disposals to date 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.
106 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons with medical cards in January 2008; and the number in January 2009. [3926/09]
Details of the numbers of medical card holders are provided to my Department each month by the Health Service Executive (HSE). The most recent figures provided reflect the position as at the 1st January, 2009.
|
Date |
No. of Medical Card Holders |
|
1st January 2009 |
1,352,120 |
|
1st January 2008 |
1,276,178 |
107 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm that emergency ambulances are used to transport non-urgent cases for investigative and other procedures at Cork University Maternity Hospital and Mercy University Hospital, Cork. [3927/09]
108 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm that the Health Service Executive south has a fleet of transport vehicles; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3928/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 107 and 108 together.
As these are service matters, they have been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
109 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm that children from the Health Service Executive south area have to travel to Dublin or Limerick for orthopaedic surgery; the reason this has been necessary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3929/09]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
110 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of locum consultants employed in the Health Service Executive south; the number of locum consultants replacing consultants who have retired or resigned; the number of permanent orthopaedic surgeons employed in HSE south; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3930/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
111 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the situation with respect to people who hold medical cards who are over 70 years of age and their spouses are under 70 and depending on their income; and if they will automatically be awarded a medical card or if they will be means tested. [3937/09]
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 or 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. Where the spouse/partner is under 70 years of age, he/she can qualify under the over 70s medical card scheme if the combined gross incomes of the applicant and dependant spouse/partner are within the income threshold limit of €1,400 (gross) per week.
112 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3. [3976/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
113 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of staff in the Health Service Executive who are entitled to consideration for receipt of performance related bonus payments; the number of these staff who did not receive such payments in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3981/09]
The Performance Related Awards Scheme was introduced following a decision by the Government on the implementation of recommendations of the Review Body on Higher Remuneration in the Public Sector. The primary function of the Review Body is to advise the Government from time to time on the general levels of remuneration appropriate to certain public sector posts, including higher management grades in the health service not covered by the Public Service Benchmarking Body process.
A number of senior management grades in the HSE are eligible to participate in the Performance Related Award Scheme. Specifically, the grades included are those of National Director, Assistant National Director and Hospital Network Manager.
The level of awards made to individuals are solely a matter for the Board of the HSE which implements the principles set out by the Review Body.
My Department has therefore, referred the matter to the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the HSE for direct reply to the deputy.
114 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 236 of 16 December 2008, the number of staff engaged in the processing of medical card applications and renewals in a local office (details supplied) in Dublin 7; the numbers of such staff at the end of June 2008; the steps she will take to ensure that this work is completed within a reasonable timescale; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3992/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
115 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the funding available to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare to allow them remain in nursing home care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3996/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
116 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will expedite the orthodontic clinical treatment of a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4000/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
117 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children if laptops, art works, paintings, sculptures, computers, mobile telephones, blackberries or other equipment has been lost or stolen from her Department or its agencies since 2007 to date in 2009; the circumstances surrounding the items’ disappearance; if action has been taken to recover the item or items; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4020/09]
The following table outlines reported lost or stolen items from my Department since 2007 to date in 2009.
|
Equipment |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 to date |
|
Laptops |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Computers |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Mobile telephones |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
Blackberries |
0 |
3 |
0 |
|
Other equipment (Memory Keys) |
1 |
0 |
0 |
The laptop reported stolen in 2007 was taken from the Department's headquarters and the incident was reported to An Garda Síochána. The three Blackberries were stolen in 2008 from staff in separate incidents. When notified of these thefts, the Blackberry accounts were locked, remote instructions were issued to delete all device data and the SIMS were cancelled at the earliest opportunity. With regard to mobile phones, the network provider was notified and they rendered the devices incapable of use. The memory key was reported as being mislaid. I understand no personal or sensitive data were compromised in any of the above. In relation to artworks, paintings, sculptures or other equipment there were no reported losses or stolen items in the period outlined.
As provision of laptops, art works, paintings, sculptures, computers, mobile telephones, blackberries or other equipment in the HSE and its agencies is a service matter the question has been referred to the HSE for a direct reply. In relation to other health agencies which are directly funded through my Department, arrangements are being made to have the required details collated. The information will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as this exercise is completed.
118 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children if her Department has a contract with a taxi firm; if so, the amount of money spent by officials in 2007 and 2008; the changes she will bring about; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4034/09]
There are no formal contracts in place for the provision of taxi services to the Department of Health and Children. Taxi services are obtained by departmental staff as required and expenses submitted on an individual basis. The total cost for taxi services is included with other miscellaneous costs and is not readily separately quantified. However, it is the Department's policy that taxis should only be used when other more economical options are not available.
119 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children if external storage is utilised by her Department; if so, if she will state what is being stored; the length of time it has been stored; the cost of such storage; the details of the contract; her plans in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4048/09]
External storage facilities have been used since 2000 by the Department of Health and Children to store inactive files and computer backup disks. The annual cost is approximately €62,000. The contract is currently in place with Glenbeigh Records Management and involves general storage, the provision of a high security vault as well as collection and return services. The storage element of the cost is borne by the Office of Public Works. It is planned to continue with the utilisation of such off site storage services in the future.
120 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the action which can be taken to assist a patient who is receiving the maximum rate of subvention from the Health Service Executive for a nursing home place, who has sold their home and used the proceeds to fund their nursing home costs, but nonetheless has now entered a situation in which they have no assets and an arrears is building up owed to the nursing home; if the introduction of the Fair Deal proposals will make special provision for cases in which the family home has been sold and exhausted but an arrear has still arisen; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4053/09]
An individual in the position outlined by the Deputy may apply to the HSE for enhanced subvention or an increased rate of enhanced subvention. There is no maximum rate of enhanced subvention stipulate in the relevant legislation. The amount paid is at the discretion of the HSE and will vary depending on the following criteria: the assessed means of the applicant; the cost of care in the individual case compared to the level of fees in the locality; the amount of basic subvention payable; the amount of resources available for the scheme; the need for the HSE to ensure that the available resources are distributed in a way that supports applicants as evenly as possible across the country.
The Nursing Homes Support Scheme will be available to all nursing home residents, regardless of whether they have assets. However, the Bill does not make provision for payment of arrears that have accumulated prior to the Scheme commencing.
121 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health and Children the additional number of persons under 70 years who will qualify for a medical card due to having a spouse over 70 and in which their joint income is less than €1,400 a week; and if her attention has been drawn to the concerns by older single persons under 70 years including widows and widowers that this new rule may discriminate against them and should be amended to include widows and other older single persons. [4074/09]
It is not possible to estimate how many spouses less than 70 years old will be awarded a medical card on the basis of the new thresholds specified in the Health Act 2008.
The Government is satisfied that the new arrangements are equitable and there are no plans to amend the legislation.
122 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children the way a person (details supplied) in County Dublin can continue to afford the cost of their nursing home fees prior to the introduction of the fair deal scheme; the way this scheme will be of assistance to them; and if assistance will be put in place in the interim. [4078/09]
Under the Nursing Homes Support Scheme, A Fair Deal, individuals who require long-term residential care will contribute a maximum of 80% of their net assessable income whether for public or private nursing home care. In calculating an individual's net assessable income, it is proposed that account can be taken of specified items of expenditure.
Depending on the amount of a person's assessable income, there may also be a contribution of up to 5% of a person's assets in excess of the asset disregard per annum. The asset disregard is €36,000 for an individual or €72,000 for a couple. The State will meet the balance of cost thereafter in public or private nursing homes and an individual's family and/or friends will not have to contribute towards the cost of their care. An individual can choose any nursing home subject to a) its ability to meet their care needs and b) availability.
Contributions based on Irish land-based assets may be deferred for the duration of a person's lifetime and repaid from their estate. If an individual opts to defer this portion of the contribution, the Revenue Commissioners will collect it upon settlement of their estate. However, this deferred contribution element of the scheme is voluntary. Individuals may choose to pay as they go in which case no money would be repayable from their estate.
Where the contribution is based on the principal private residence, it will be capped at a maximum of 15%, or 7.5% in the case of one spouse going into long-term residential care while the other remains in the home. This means that after three years in care, an individual will not be liable for any further deferred contribution based on the principal residence.
Where a spouse or certain dependants are living in the principal residence, the contribution may be further deferred until after the death of that spouse or dependant, or until such time as a person previously qualifying as a dependant ceases to qualify as such. With regard to the current situation, the person in question should apply to the HSE for subvention or enhanced subvention, As that is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
123 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure that a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon who was approved for transport to clinics for six months following a kidney and pancreas transplant will have same continued for a further period due to the fact they have to continue attending Beaumont Hospital, Dublin every two weeks for the foreseeable future. [4080/09]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
125 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a medical card will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4101/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
126 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the entitlement to a medical card in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4102/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
127 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children if it is her policy to close long stay public residential beds for senior citizens and transfer patients from existing public hospitals to private hospitals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4153/09]
Government policy is to support older people to live in dignity and independence in their own homes and communities for as long as possible and, where this is not possible, to support access to quality long-term residential care. The overall emphasis is on promoting a high quality service, delivered to those who require it, in the most appropriate setting. A critical concern is to ensure that the needs of patients and clients are met as much as possible in a community setting and, where this is not possible, through residential services. Home care packages, home helps, day and respite care together with meals and wheels form an integral component of the Government's strategy of supporting older people to live at home and in their communities for as long as possible.
The present standards for nursing homes are set out in the 1993 Care and Welfare Regulations and the HSE inspects private nursing homes on the basis of these standards. Under the Health Act, 2007, statutory responsibility is given to the Chief Inspector of Social Services for inspecting and registering all residential centres for older people, including private nursing homes. Once this part of the 2007 Act is commenced, the Chief Inspector will inspect centres against the regulations governing these centres and standards set by HIQA. Formal standards are a key requirement for inspection and registration. An important function of HIQA is the setting of standards on safety and quality in relation to services provided by the HSE and service providers and to monitor their compliance in an open and transparent way. The Chief Inspector will inspect centres against the regulations governing these centres and standards set by the Authority with a view to promoting safety and quality in the provision of health and personal social services.
The Executive is working on an Action Plan to prioritise a phased programme of refurbishment and replacement of existing nursing homes where necessary, to meet the proposed new standards. Where existing residents have to be relocated, the HSE works closely with the residents and their families to ensure that they are relocated to other facilities which will best meet their needs. The Deputy will appreciate that ongoing reviews are essential to ensuring that resources are appropriately channelled, that the changing needs of older people are suitably addressed and that the HSE continue to address infrastructural deficits to meet new standards, health & safety and fire requirements.
128 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork is not entitled to a pension from the Health Service Executive in respect of their long number of years service. [4158/09]
I understand that this person was an employee of the HSE and therefore the HSE is the appropriate body to consider the matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested that Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued to the Deputy.
129 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the difficulties in respect of funding by current or proposed private hospitals; if she has given such hospitals, their management or investors letters of comfort or other form of assurance regarding State support, funding through the National Treatment Purchase Fund, confirmation of business through the National Treatment Purchase Fund or purchase of services by the Health Service Executive from such hospitals; the details of these discussions, agreements or support indications; the financial commitments and the hospitals to which they were made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4160/09]
Both the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) and the Health Service Executive (HSE), as appropriate, contract with private hospitals for the provision of acute hospital services for public patients. The HSE has made arrangements with private hospitals for the provision of, for example, radiotherapy services.
The NTPF is funded from the Vote for my Department. The Fund receives an annual allocation from which it arranges a quantum of in-patient treatments and out-patient appointments for the year, in line with an agreed service plan. The Fund is obliged to adhere to a direction to source at least 90% of the treatments it arranges from the private hospital system. The NTPF may purchase a maximum of 10% of its overall capacity from the public hospital system where this does not adversely affect core services. The purchasing of such capacity is necessary in order not to exclude patients whose surgical needs are best met within the public hospital system.
The NTPF negotiates overall prices for procedures with individual private hospitals which includes pre and post operative consultations, consultant fees and hospital costs, etc. The fund is continuing in 2009 to deal with private hospitals on the same basis as in previous years.
The HSE and the NTPF have confirmed to me that no letters of comfort or analogous commitments have been issued by them to private hospital providers.
130 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 267 of 28 January 2009; the position regarding the development of Doolin Pier, County Clare and the provision of a new building for the Doolin coastguard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3949/09]
The Office of Public Works have advised my Department that they are in the process of purchasing a suitable site close to Doolin Pier for a Coast Guard Station House. Survey work in connection with this process is underway.
Subject to the successful conclusion of this process by OPW and in consultation with the Coast Guard, OPW architectural staff will produce plans for the Station House taking account of operational and planning requirements prior to submission of a planning application to Clare County Council.
The position regarding the development of Doolin Pier is a matter for Clare County Council.
131 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Transport his views on the three airports at Dublin, Cork and Shannon following his decision to postpone separation; his plans going forward; if changes are required in terms of corporate governance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3965/09]
When I considered the business plans of the three airports and the views of the boards, I accepted their overall conclusion that it would be best to defer the separation of the three airports (under the State Airports Act 2004) given the current very difficult aviation market. I took the view that it would be best to provide a reasonable period of time to enable the boards and management to address the very significant challenges facing the aviation market and decided to defer separation to 2011.
Discussions are taking place between the chairpersons of the three airport authorities to ensure that appropriate governance arrangements are in place in the period before eventual separation. The aim is to put in place structures that will allow Cork and Shannon airports to be operated under a commercial mandate at local level while ensuring appropriate safeguards for accountability to the DAA. I should add that these governance arrangements will provide an opportunity for Cork Airport to realise the potential provided by the very substantial investment in the airport in recent years. Shannon Airport will also be in a strong position to reap the benefits of US preclearance facilities, due for introduction at the airport in the summer.
132 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Transport if he and his ministerial colleague at the North-South Ministerial Council will provide funding for ferry services (details supplied) that link the north Atlantic tourism corridor in north Ulster; his views on whether the ferry services are an essential part of the corridor; his further views on whether the ferry services can continue without increased funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3986/09]
The Minister for Transport has no function in this matter.
I understand from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government that Donegal County Council does provide funding for ferry services on Lough Swilly.
My Department also understands from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government that some funding for Lough Foyle was provided from the UK authorities with the balance from Donegal County Council in the past.
133 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Transport if laptops, art works, paintings, sculptures, computers, mobile telephones, blackberries or other equipment has been lost or stolen from his Department or its agencies since 2007 to date in 2009; the circumstances surrounding the items’ disappearance; if action has been taken to recover the item or items; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4023/09]
The following table gives details of computers, mobile telephones, blackberries and Irish Coast Guard equipment lost or stolen from my Department since 2007 to date in 2009 and the circumstances surrounding their disappearances.
My Department has implemented mechanisms to help locate Departmental laptops which have been stolen and which are subsequently used to access the Internet. This has assisted Gardaí in recovering a stolen laptop as recently as last month. Additionally, my Department has the facility to remotely wipe data from laptops and blackberries, if required.
Items that have been lost or stolen from agencies under the remit of my Department constitute a day-to-day matter for the agencies themselves.
|
Item |
Lost/Stolen |
Year |
Circumstances |
Recovered |
|
Laptop |
Stolen |
2008 |
Lost in grounds of All Hallows College Reported to Gardai. |
Yes |
|
4 Laptops |
Stolen |
2008 |
Four Laptops as a result of a break into one of the Department’s offices. Gardai apprehended persons involved |
Yes |
|
Blackberry |
Lost |
2007 |
Lost while on holidays and subsequently found |
Yes |
|
Blackberry |
Lost |
2008 |
Lost in Officer’s house and subsequently found |
Yes |
|
Blackberry |
Lost |
2008 |
Lost while on official business. |
No |
|
Blackberry |
Lost |
2008 |
Lost while on official business. |
No |
|
Blackberry |
Lost |
2008 |
Lost while on official business |
No |
|
Blackberry |
Stolen |
2009 |
Stolen as a result of a break-in in the Officer’s private residence |
No |
|
Quad/Trailer |
Stolen |
2007 |
Stolen in a break-in; reported to Gardai |
No |
|
Two Engines |
Stolen |
2008 |
Stolen in break-ins; reported to Gardai |
No |
|
Engine |
Stolen |
2008 |
Stolen in a break-in; Reported to Gardai |
Yes |
|
3 Hand Held VHF radios |
Stolen |
2007 |
Stolen in a break-in; Reported to Gardai |
No |
|
3 Hand Held VHF radios |
Stolen |
2008 |
Stolen in a break-in; Reported to Gardai |
No |
|
Departmental Van |
Stolen |
2008 |
Stolen from outside an Officer’s private residence. |
Yes |
134 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has a contract with a taxi firm; if so, the amount of money spend by officials in 2007 and 2008; the changes he will bring about; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4037/09]
The Department has a contractual arrangement for taxi services with National Radio Cabs. The amount of money spent by officials was € 41,331.18 in 2007 and €23,736.96 in 2008.
The use of taxis by officials is kept under scrutiny to ensure that we receive the best value for money.
135 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Transport if external storage is utilised by his Department; if so, if he will state what is being stored; the length of time it has been stored; the cost of such storage; the details of the contract; his plans in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4051/09]
The Department has two contractual arrangements in place for the provision of external storage facilities which is taken to refer to commercial non-Departmental facilities.
Firstly, there is an external storage facility in Dublin that is utilized by my Department to store surplus office furniture and which my Department considers to have value and can be used again. Such storage is temporary in nature and is drawn upon as circumstances require in any of the Department's fifteen locations countrywide. The bulk of the furniture currently in storage was stored in late 2007 and it is planned to use it again later this year in the context of an office refurbishment project in the Department's Leeson Lane offices. This contractual arrangement provides for the availability of storage as and when required by the Department. Costs are determined on the basis of the volume of space utilized. In 2008 this amounted to €17,322 and a similar provision is envisaged for this year.
The second external storage facility, located in Limerick, stores documents from the Driver and Vehicle Computer Services Division based in Shannon. Costs are also based on volume of space utilized and in 2008 the cost involved amounted to €19,600.
136 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Transport if he is in a position to provide the finance required to the National Roads Authority and Kildare County Council for a major road project (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4063/09]
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 is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Act, 1993 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
137 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the Garda districts and sub-districts which are without a car as a result of the boundary revisions; the steps which are being taken to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3959/09]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the information requested is currently being compiled. I will be in contact with the Deputy when the information is to hand.
138 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will confirm if there is funding available for new Garda juvenile diversion programmes in 2009; if so, when this programme will be implemented in a town (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3966/09]
Garda Youth Diversion Projects (GYDPs) are funded by the Irish Youth Justice Service, through An Garda Síochána. These projects are community-based, multi-agency crime prevention initiatives which seek to divert young people from becoming involved (or further involved) in anti-social and/or criminal behaviour by providing suitable activities to facilitate personal development, and promote civic responsibility and improve long-term employability prospects. By doing so, the projects also contribute to improving the quality of life within communities and enhancing Garda/community relations. There are 100 GYDPs throughout the country, of which 11 are operating in Co. Cork.
I can confirm that an application to establish a Garda Youth Diversion Project in Carrigaline, Co. Cork is one of over thirty similar applications from across the country which were received by the Garda Commissioner in 2008. However, the planned expansion in the number of projects beyond the existing 100 is currently being assessed in the light of the changed economic climate and, in this context, the focus will be on ensuring the quality and effectiveness of the services provided. The Irish Youth Justice Service and the Garda Síochána are reviewing the effectiveness of the diversionary measures as set out under the National Youth Justice Strategy 2008-2010. In view of the circumstances, I do not, at this stage, expect to announce any new projects in 2009.
139 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will support a matter (details supplied). [3998/09]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the location referred to is in Clontarf Garda Sub-District. Local Garda management is aware of difficulties being experienced by residents in the area concerned caused by anti-social behaviour.
Persons engaging in such behaviour are dealt with appropriately, in accordance with the law. The behaviour is being addressed under the provisions of the Criminal Justice Acts, including by the issue of formal anti-social behaviour warnings, and the issue of fines on the spot for public drinking, under local authority by-laws.
A member of the local Community Policing Unit is allocated to this area and liaises with the local community. An active Neighbourhood Watch Scheme is in place, and the community Garda attends its meetings. Any issues raised are addressed by local Garda management.
The area is regularly patrolled by uniform and plain-clothes members of An Garda Síochána, including the Community Policing Unit and the Garda Mountain Bike Unit. Patrols are supplemented by the Divisional Crime Task Force and Traffic Corps personnel.
Current policing policy in the area is predicated on the prevention of crime, including crimes of violence against persons and property, the prevention of public order offences and the maintenance of an environment conducive to the improvement of the quality of life of the residents. This strategy is, and will continue to be, central to the delivery of the policing service in this area.
140 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be made regarding a visa application by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4004/09]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the visa application referred to has been approved.
141 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be made regarding a visa application by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4005/09]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the visa application referred to has been approved.
142 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if laptops, art works, paintings, sculptures, computers, mobile telephones, blackberries or other equipment has been lost or stolen from his Department or its agencies since 2007 to date in 2009; the circumstances surrounding the items’ disappearance; if action has been taken to recover the item or items; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4021/09]
I can inform the Deputy that no art works, paintings or sculptures have been lost or stolen from my Department since 2007 to date in 2009.
As regards IT and Telecommunications equipment, I would refer the Deputy to PQ No. 309 of 17 December 2008. The position remains unchanged.
143 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his Department has a contract with a taxi firm; if so, the amount of money spend by officials in 2007 and 2008; the changes he will bring about; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4035/09]
I wish to inform the Deputy that my Department does not have a formal contract in place for the provision of taxi services but the practice in recent years has been to use the services of a particular company. Following a review of expenditure in this area in 2008, the Department is currently in the process of issuing a public tender for the provision of a taxi service. Moreover, in the light of budgetary constraints the circumstances in which taxi services can be availed of has been significantly curtailed.
The recording of expenditure on taxi services does not allow for the precise identification of the spend under this heading. However, this spend is in the order of €85,000 for both years in question.
144 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if external storage is utilised by his Department; if so, if he will state what is being stored; the length of time it has been stored; the cost of such storage; the details of the contract; his plans in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4049/09]
I can inform the Deputy that my Department has the use of storage facilities in Santry and Clondalkin which are leased by the Office of Public Works. They are used, primarily, for the storage of my Department's archive material.
My Department also has file storage facilities in Bow Lane, Kilmainham which are used by the Irish Nationalisation and Immigration Service (INIS). As the Deputy will appreciate, due to the nature of INIS's operations, in particular, case processing, it is necessary to retain a substantial amount of paper based records. The cost for this facility in 2008 was €24,000.
145 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí stationed at each garda station in the Kildare Garda division following its recent reconstruction; the number of traffic gardaí stationed at each station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4062/09]
I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that the establishment of Kildare as a distinct Garda Division in An Garda Síochána has been postponed pending the completion of preparatory works. It is expected that these will be completed in the second quarter of 2009.
I am further informed that the personnel strength of the Carlow/Kildare Division as of 31 December 2008, the latest date for which figures are readily available was as set out in the table. Traffic Units are assigned on a Divisional basis and the strength of the Carlow/Kildare Traffic Unit on the same date was 58.
|
District/Station |
Strength |
|
Naas |
|
|
Naas |
107 |
|
Celbridge |
20 |
|
Clane |
8 |
|
Kill |
3 |
|
Maynooth |
16 |
|
Ballymore Eustace |
1 |
|
Kildare |
|
|
Kildare |
32 |
|
Robertstown |
2 |
|
Kilcock |
8 |
|
Kilcullen |
4 |
|
Monasterevin |
6 |
|
Newbridge |
35 |
|
Rathangan |
4 |
|
Carbury |
4 |
|
Ballytore |
2 |
|
Carlow |
|
|
Carlow |
70 |
|
Leighlinbridge |
1 |
|
Ballon |
1 |
|
Myshall |
1 |
|
Muinebheag |
10 |
|
Athy |
25 |
|
Castledermot |
2 |
|
Hacketstown |
1 |
|
Rathvilly |
1 |
|
Tullow |
12 |
|
Total |
376 |
146 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a residency extension will be offered to a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4103/09]
I wish to inform the Deputy that the person concerned was granted permission to remain in the State in January of 1999 under the arrangements then in place for the parents of Irish citizen children. The most recent permission to remain expired on 31 January 2008, and the person concerned is advised to contact the Garda National Immigration Bureau, 13/14 Burgh Quay, in order to have that permission extended.
147 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a person (details supplied) is due for release; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4104/09]
I wish to inform the Deputy that the person referred to is currently serving a one year prison sentence for assault causing harm in Saint Patrick's Institution. With normal remission, he is due for release in June 2009.
148 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when stamp four will be upgraded in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4105/09]
I wish to inform the Deputy that the person concerned was granted permission to remain in the State in November of 2004, which has recently expired. This permission was granted on the basis of the person concerned being the dependant family member of a person granted permission to remain under the arrangements then in place for the parents of Irish citizen children.
I am informed that the mother of the person in question has since been granted naturalization. As regards renewing his permission to remain (on Stamp 4) the person concerned is advised to apply to my Department, in writing, to; Dependants Section, INIS PO Box 10003, Dublin 2.
149 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to an application for citizenship in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4106/09]
Officials in the Citizenship Division of my Department inform me that there is no record of an application for a certificate of naturalisation from either person referred to in the Deputy's Question.
150 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4107/09]
I refer the Deputy to Replies given to Parliamentary Questions No. 150 of Thursday 9 October 2008, No. 844 of Tuesday 17 June 2008, No. 602 of Thursday 17 April 2008, No. 467 of Tuesday 26 February 2008 and No. 247 of Thursday 31 January 2008.
The person concerned applied for asylum on 11 May 2005. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 12 June 2006, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of submitting written representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. Representations have been submitted on behalf of the person concerned.
The person concerned was subsequently notified of his entitlement to submit an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006). The person concerned submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State and this application is under consideration at present. When consideration of this application has been completed, the person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome.
In the event that the Subsidiary Protection application is refused, the case file of the person concerned, including all representations submitted, will then be considered under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. When this latter consideration has been completed, the case file of the person concerned is passed to me for decision.
151 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or outstanding position in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4108/09]
An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in November, 2008.
The average processing time from application to decision is now at 23 months. The Citizenship Division is currently commencing further processing of applications received in mid 2007. More complicated cases can at times take more than the current average while an element of straight forward cases are now being dealt with in less than that time scale.
There is a limit to the reduction in the processing time that can be achieved as applications for naturalisation must be processed in a way which preserves the necessary checks and balances to ensure that it is not undervalued and is only given to persons who genuinely satisfy the necessary qualifying criteria.
However, I understand that the person concerned is a refugee and in accordance with the Government's obligations under the United Nations Convention relating to the Status of Refugees every effort is made to ensure that applications from persons with refugee status are dealt with as quickly as possible.
152 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will revoke or review the deportation order in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4109/09]
I refer the Deputy to the Reply given to his Parliamentary Question No. 233 on Thursday 18 December 2008. The status of the person concerned remains as set out in that Reply.
153 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4110/09]
The person concerned applied for asylum on 29 December 2004 on her own behalf and on behalf of her three children. A further child, born in the State in mid-2005, was subsequently included in her mother's asylum application. The asylum application was refused following consideration of the case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 30 June 2008, that the Minister proposed to make Deportation Orders in respect of her and her children. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of Deportation Orders or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why she and her children should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. In addition, she was notified of her entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006). The person concerned did not submit an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State.
The case file of the person concerned, including all representations submitted, now falls to be considered in accordance with the provisions of Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. When this consideration has been completed, the file is passed to me for decision.
154 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to the renewal of residency documentation or citizenship in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4111/09]
The person concerned was granted Leave to Remain in the State for a one year period, to 30 April 2008. This permission to remain in the State was subsequently extended for a further one year period, to 11 March 2009.
The person concerned is required to apply at least one month before the end of this expiry period if he wishes to renew this permission. My Department has no record of any such application having been received to date.
155 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when eligibility for citizenship will arise in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4112/09]
Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 1956, as amended, provides that the Minister may, in his absolute discretion, grant an application for a certificate of naturalisation provided certain statutory conditions are fulfilled. These conditions are that the applicant must be of full age, be of good character, have had a period of one year's continuous residency in the State immediately before the date of application and, during the eight years immediately preceding that period, have had a total residence in the State amounting to four years, intend in good faith to continue to reside in the State after naturalisation, have made, either before a Judge of the District Court in open court or in such a manner as the Minister for special reasons allows, a declaration in the prescribed manner, of fidelity to the nation and loyalty to the State.
In the context of naturalisation, certain periods of residence in the State are excluded. These include periods of residence in respect of which an applicant does not have permission to remain in the State, periods granted for the purposes of study, periods granted for the purposes of seeking recognition as a refugee within the meaning of the Refugee Act, 1996.
It is open to the person concerned to lodge an application if and when they are in a position to meet the statutory requirements applicable at that time.
156 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency and citizenship status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4113/09]
An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in November, 2007.
The average processing time from application to decision is now at 23 months. The Citizenship Division is currently commencing further processing of applications received in mid 2007. More complicated cases can at times take more than the current average while an element of straight forward cases are now being dealt with in less than that time scale.
There is a limit to the reduction in the processing time that can be achieved as applications for naturalisation must be processed in a way which preserves the necessary checks and balances to ensure that it is not undervalued and is only given to persons who genuinely satisfy the necessary qualifying criteria.
I am informed that there is a discrepancy between the address the Deputy has provided and the address my Department holds on file. It is the responsibility of the applicant to keep the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) informed of any change of address in writing.
I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that the person in question has not made an application for Long Term Residency.
157 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency and citizenship status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4114/09]
I wish to inform the Deputy that the person concerned was granted permission to remain in the State in March 2002 under the arrangements then in place for the parents of Irish citizen children. The permission granted is currently valid until 26 March, 2009.
An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in November 2007.
The average processing time from application to decision is now at 23 months. The Citizenship Division is currently commencing further processing of applications received in mid 2007. More complex cases can at times take more than the current average while an element of straight forward cases are now being dealt with in less than that time scale.
There is a limit to the reduction in the processing time that can be achieved as applications for naturalisation must be processed in a way which preserves the necessary checks and balances to ensure that it is not undervalued. This is to ensure that naturalisation is only given to persons who genuinely satisfy the necessary qualifying criteria.
158 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4115/09]
There is currently no application pending in my Department for residency in the case of the person whose details were supplied.
If an application for asylum has been made by the person concerned the Deputy will of course be aware that it is not the practice to comment in detail on individual asylum applications.
159 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4116/09]
The person concerned applied for asylum on 9 February 2004. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 29 August 2005, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. Representations were received from the person concerned at that time.
The person concerned was subsequently notified of his entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006). The person concerned submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with these Regulations and this application is under consideration at present. When consideration of this application has been completed, the person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome.
In the event that the Subsidiary Protection application is refused, the case file of the person concerned, including all representations submitted, will then be considered under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. When this latter consideration has been completed, the case file of the person concerned is passed to me for decision.
160 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4117/09]
There is currently no application pending in my Department for residency in the case of the person whose details were supplied.
If an application for asylum has been made by the person concerned the Deputy will of course be aware that it is not the practice to comment in detail on individual asylum applications.
161 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4118/09]
The person concerned applied for asylum on 4 January 2006. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 31 August 2006, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State.
Representations have been submitted on behalf of the person concerned and these representations will be fully considered, under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement, before the file is passed to me for decision.
162 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the procedure to be followed in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 1; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4119/09]
It is open to all persons who are resident outside the State, and who are visa required to apply to their nearest Irish Embassy or Consulate for the appropriate visa. Each visa application is considered on its individual merits the onus resting with the applicant to satisfy the Visa Officer as to why the visa should be granted. Comprehensive information when making a visa application is available on the website of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (www.inis.gov.ie).
163 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will review the proposed deportation order in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare in view of the change in circumstances since the original order was made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4120/09]
I refer the Deputy to the Reply given to his Parliamentary Question No. 56 on Thursday 16 October 2008. The status of the person concerned is as set out in that Reply. However since that Reply was made, my officials became aware of two asylum applications made on 28 October 2008 in respect of two children of the person concerned. In view of this, a request was made by my officials to the Garda National Immigration Bureau on 14 November 2008 not to enforce the Deportation Order in respect of the person concerned until such time as the asylum applications of his two children have been considered.
As stated in my earlier Reply, the person concerned was due to present with the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) on Thursday 6 November 2008. He failed, however, to keep that appointment for medical reasons. He is not currently subject to any presentation requirements with the GNIB due to his medical condition.
The enforcement of the Deportation Order is, and remains, an operational matter for the GNIB.
164 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will review the proposed deportation order in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare in view of the change in circumstances since the original order was made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4121/09]
I refer the Deputy to the Reply given to his Parliamentary Question No. 57 on Thursday 16 October 2008. The status of the person concerned is as set out in that Reply. However since that Reply was made, my officials became aware of two asylum applications made on 28 October 2008 in respect of two children of the person concerned. In view of this, a request was made by my officials to the Garda National Immigration Bureau on 14 November 2008 not to enforce the Deportation Order in respect of the person concerned until such time as the asylum applications of her two children have been considered.
In the meantime, the person concerned has continued to meet her presentation requirements with the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) and is due to present again on Friday 27 February 2009.
The enforcement of the Deportation Order is, and remains, an operational matter for the GNIB.
165 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4122/09]
There is currently no application pending in my Department for residency in the case of the person whose details were supplied.
If an application for asylum has been made by the person concerned the Deputy will of course be aware that it is not the practice to comment in detail on individual asylum applications.
166 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress in respect of residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4123/09]
I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question No. 400 of Tuesday, 26 February 2008, and the written Reply to that Question.
The person concerned arrived in the State on 21 December 2003 and made an application for asylum the following day. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 29 October 2004, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. Representations were submitted on behalf of the person concerned at that time.
On 10 October 2006 the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006), came into force. The person concerned submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with these Regulations and this application is under consideration at present. When consideration of this application has been completed, the person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome.
In the event that the Subsidiary Protection application is refused, the case file of the person concerned, including all representations submitted, will then be considered under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. When this latter consideration has been completed, the case file of the person concerned is passed to me for decision.
167 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress in respect of residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4124/09]
I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question No. 172 of Thursday 29 May 2008 and the written Reply to that Question.
The person concerned applied for asylum on 4 February 2005. Her application was refused following consideration of her case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 30 April 2008, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of her. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why she should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. In addition, she was notified of her entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006). The person concerned submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with these Regulations and this application is under consideration at present. When consideration of this application has been completed, the person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome.
In the event that the Subsidiary Protection application is refused, the case file of the person concerned, including all representations submitted, will then be considered under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. When this latter consideration has been completed, the case file of the person concerned is passed to me for decision.
168 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected position in regard to eligibility for citizenship and residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4125/09]
Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 1956, as amended, provides that the Minister may, in his absolute discretion, grant an application for a certificate of naturalisation provided certain statutory conditions are fulfilled. These conditions are that the applicant must:
be of full age;
be of good character;
have had a period of one year's continuous residency in the State immediately before the date of application and, during the eight years immediately preceding that period, have had a total residence in the State amounting to four years;
intend in good faith to continue to reside in the State after naturalisation;
have made, either before a Judge of the District Court in open court or in such a manner as the Minister for special reasons allows, a declaration in the prescribed manner, of fidelity to the nation and loyalty to the State.
In the context of naturalisation, certain periods of residence in the State are excluded. These include:
periods of residence in respect of which an applicant does not have permission to remain in the State;
periods granted for the purposes of study;
periods granted for the purposes of seeking recognition as a refugee within the meaning of the Refugee Act, 1996;
It is open to the person concerned to lodge an application if and when they are in a position to meet the statutory requirements applicable at that time.
I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that the person in question has not made an application for Long Term Residency.
169 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected position in regard to eligibility for residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4126/09]
I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that a decision in relation to the application for residence in the State based on EU Treaty Rights issued to the legal representative for the person in question by registered post on 14 January 2009.
170 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected position in regard to determination of residency or citizenship status in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4127/09]
I refer the Deputy to my detailed Reply to his recent Parliamentary Question, No. 366 of Tuesday, 21 October 2008, in this matter. The position in the State of the person concerned is as set out in that Reply.
171 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to an application for citizenship in the case of persons (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4128/09]
An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in September, 2006 and I decided to refuse the application. The reason for refusal was disclosed to the person concerned in a letter issued on 2 February, 2009.
It is open to the person in question to lodge a new application if and when they are in a position to meet the statutory requirements applicable at that time. However, in doing so he should bear in mind the reason for refusal of his previous application.
172 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to an application for residency in the case of persons (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4129/09]
I wish to inform the Deputy that the second named person has been granted renewal of the permission to remain granted under the revised arrangements for the non-EEA parents of children born in Ireland prior to 1 January 2005, known as the IBC/05 Scheme. The permission granted is currently valid until 8 December 2010.
Further to my reply to Parliamentary Question 1029 of 26 September 2007, I wish to inform the Deputy that the first named person's case is being considered in the context of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999. When that consideration has been completed within my Department the person in question will be contacted directly and notified of any decisions made regarding his status in the State.
173 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the aspects of the upgrading of the fingerprinting system used by the Garda Síochána that were put out to tender; the company which was awarded the tender; the estimated cost of the outsourced work will cost; when it will be completed; if he received legal advice on the tendering process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4159/09]
Following advertisement in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) and on the Government E-Tenders website, a contract was awarded on 17th November 2006 for the replacement of the existing Garda Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) together with extension of the system to cater for Immigration and Asylum requirements and its integration with existing Garda and Immigration Systems.
The competition was conducted under EU Restricted Tendering procedures and the successful bidder was a consortium led by Accenture and included Motorola and Daon. The contract value was €18.585m providing for the development cost of the system, required hardware and software and 3 years post implementation support. The project is jointly funded from the Garda Síochána and the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service budgets.
The system has been delivered over a number of phases. The first phase — which involved the replacement of the ageing existing AFIS system and the provision of new AFIS services to the Office of the Refugee Applications Commission (ORAC) — went live in October 2007. Subsequent phases of the project which included provision of AFIS services to the Garda National Immigration Bureau, preparation of the system for integration with PULSE and provision of access to the Garda International Liaison Office were completed by the end of 2008.
Legal advice throughout the process, including during contract negotiations, was provided as appropriate by the Chief State Solicitor's Office and the Office of the Attorney General. The project was also subjected to the peer review process operated by the Department of Finance.
I understand that the system is operating very satisfactorily with significant increases in matches since live operation.
174 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has had meetings with the new administration in America in relation to the undocumented Irish in America. [3990/09]
175 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if meetings have taken place between the Irish Ambassador in America and the new administration in relation to the undocumented Irish in America. [3991/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 174 and 175 together.
The Government is strongly committed to trying to resolve the plight of the undocumented Irish in the United States.
President Obama, Secretary of State Clinton and other senior members of the new Administration have for some time been strong supporters of comprehensive immigration reform. Since the new year, there have also been helpful public indications that Senate Majority Leader, Senator Harry Reid, and Senator John McCain intend to support action in this area. However, as the Deputy will appreciate, the issue remains politically divisive in the US Congress and making progress will be challenging.
The members of the new Administration and Congress are currently taking up office in Washington, and the Government is in the process of establishing substantive contact with them. In doing so, we are building on the extensive work on behalf of the undocumented that the Government has carried out over recent years with many of those now within the Administration.
The Taoiseach, I and other members of Government will use the unique opportunity afforded by the St. Patrick's Day celebrations in the US to engage the new Administration at the very highest level on the situation of the undocumented.
Our Ambassador in Washington will continue to attach the highest priority to this issue in his ongoing contacts with the Obama Administration.
More broadly, the Government is actively seeking to reform our overall migration arrangements with the United States. In addition to our work on behalf of the undocumented, the Government recently concluded a new Working Holiday Agreement with the United States and is working to secure the passage of legislation which would enable Irish citizens to avail of the E3 working visa currently open to Australians.
176 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if laptops, art works, paintings, sculptures, computers, mobile telephones, blackberries or other equipment has been lost or stolen from his Department or its agencies since 2007 to date in 2009; the circumstances surrounding the items’ disappearance; if action has been taken to recover the item or items; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4019/09]
In the period 2007 to 2009 to date, no art works, paintings or sculptures were lost or stolen from my Department.
In the same period, one encrypted USB memory stick and six mobile phones were reported as lost. In addition, five mobile phones and two Department owned laptops, both of which were encrypted, were reported as stolen.
Appropriate follow-up action was taken in each case. Lost or stolen mobile phones were reported to the service provider to prevent unauthorised use. In the case of a laptop stolen from an officer's home, the Gardaí were alerted.
177 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department has a contract with a taxi firm; if so, the amount of money spend by officials in 2007 and 2008; the changes he will bring about; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4033/09]
Following a competitive tender process, the Department currently has contracts with two Dublin taxi firms. Both companies fully comply with the Taxi Regulator guidelines. The amounts expended by this Department on official taxi fares for the period 2007 and 2008 are outlined in tabular form.
|
Year |
Firm 1 |
Firm 2 |
Total |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
2007 |
67,958 |
8,878 |
76,836 |
|
2008 |
25,496 |
10,069 |
35,565 |
Officers in my Department use taxis only where it is absolutely necessary and for the conduct of official business, often outside of regular office hours. The costs related to taxi use are monitored on a monthly basis.
As can be seen from the table above my Department achieved significant savings in 2008 over 2007 through ongoing monitoring and regulation of this expenditure. This strict supervision will be maintained in 2009.
Following a competitive tender process, the Department currently has contracts with two Dublin taxi firms. Both companies fully comply with the Taxi Regulator guidelines.
The amounts expended by this Department on official taxi fares with these firms for the years 2007 and 2008 are outlined below in tabular form.
|
Firm 1 |
Firm 2 |
Total |
|
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
Total |
119,350 |
24,306 |
143,656 |
|
Firm 1 |
Firm 2 |
Total |
|
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
Total |
128,849 |
23,605 |
152,454 |
Officers in my Department use taxis only where it is absolutely necessary and for the conduct of official business, often outside of regular office hours. The costs related to taxi use are monitored on a monthly basis.
In addition to the figures for taxi usage given above, officers travelling on official business may also use taxis, for example, when travelling outside Ireland, and may be reimbursed for these costs. These costs would be reimbursed with their travelling expenses in the normal way.
I have initiated a review of taxi expenditure by my Department, to ensure that best value for money is being achieved and that there is full accountability in respect of this expenditure.
178 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if external storage is utilised by his Department; if so, if he will state what is being stored; the length of time it has it been stored; the cost of such storage; the details of the contract; his plans in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4047/09]
External storage is utilized by the Department of Foreign Affairs as required for business purposes. The stored materials comprise stockpiles of passport application forms and personal effects and property of officers serving at diplomatic missions abroad. In exceptional circumstances, such as renovation of premises, storage will also be used temporarily to keep items that may hinder or delay ongoing construction work.
The total storage costs incurred in 2008 were of the order of €380,000. Various contracts exist to cover the storage required, and the matter is kept under review to ensure value for money is achieved.
179 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the plans there are to cut the ODA budget in percentage or real terms; the budget for 2008, estimate and outturn; the estimate for 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4060/09]
Most of Ireland's expenditure on Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) is provided under Vote 29, International Co-operation. The programme is administered by the Development Co-operation Division of the Department of Foreign Affairs, also known as Irish Aid. Further contributions to ODA are made by other Government Departments and through Ireland's allocation to the EU Development Cooperation Budget.
Ireland is the sixth most generous aid donor internationally in per capita terms. The Government's development programme is central to our foreign policy. This year, as in previous years, Ireland will have one of the strongest aid programmes in the world, with a particular focus on the poorest people in the developing world, especially in the least developed countries in Africa. We are taking a leadership role internationally on the global hunger crisis, and the aid programme will continue to reflect this priority.
The total ODA budget allocation for 2008 was €899 million. €769 million of this total was allocated under Vote 29 with an additional estimated €130 million to be contributed by other Government Departments. The Vote 29 allocation was fully utilised and, while the outturn figure for other ODA has not yet been finalised, it is expected that it will be close to the estimated €130 million.
Under the Budget for 2009, the Government last October allocated a total of €891 million to ODA. Of this, €754 million was provided under Vote 29 with a further €137 million being contributed by other Government Departments and through the EU Development Cooperation Budget.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Government this week took the difficult decision to reduce the total ODA budget for 2009 to €796 million. The decision was taken as part of the determined effort to curb public expenditure in order to establish a platform for the resumption of strong economic growth, and further expansion of the Government's development programme in years to come.
180 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if laptops, art works, paintings, sculptures, computers, mobile telephones, blackberries or other equipment has been lost or stolen from his Department or its agencies since 2007 to date in 2009; the circumstances surrounding the items’ disappearance; if action has been taken to recover the item or items; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4011/09]
In both 2007 and 2008 official Blackberry's were lost. The two devices were immediately disabled. Efforts to find or recover them were unsuccessful.
In 2008, a laptop computer used by Culture Ireland was lost or stolen on a flight from the USA to Ireland on official business. Culture Ireland sought unsuccessfully to locate the missing device through the airport authorities and the airline involved.
Neither the laptop nor the Blackberries contained any confidential or sensitive information. No mobile phones were lost or stolen in the period in question. The issue and control of artworks used in Government Departments is the responsibility of the OPW.
181 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if his Department has a contract with a taxi firm; if so, the amount of money spend by officials in 2007 and 2008; the changes he will bring about; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4025/09]
The Department currently has accounts with separate taxi firms for each of its three locations in Dublin and Killarney. The total expenditure on the use of taxis in Ireland by officials in the Department for 2007 and 2008 is €22,890 and €19,630 respectively.
Expenditure on taxis is kept under constant review in the Department and officials are directed to only avail of taxis in urgent situations or in circumstances where no other form of transport is available.
182 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if external storage is utilised by his Department; if so, if he will state what is being stored; the length of time it has it been stored; the cost of such storage; the details of the contract; his plans in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4039/09]
The Department currently has a contract with Glenbeigh Records Management for the off site storage of Departmental files and documents, which was placed in June 2007. Files and documents have been placed in storage with that company as required since that date.
Rental costs associated with this service are determined by the amount of storage being used. The current rental cost is €335 per month plus VAT. Some additional expenditure is incurred on an occasional basis in respect of associated delivery costs and the purchase of boxes and labels.
The National Archives has utilised an off site facility for the storage of Department of Foreign Affairs records since October 2008. Any associated costs or contract issues are a matter for the OPW, who arranged for the storage of the records in question.
The Department is currently reviewing its off site storage requirements in the context of its recent move to a new purpose built building in Killarney as part of the decentralisation process.
183 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if laptops, art works, paintings, sculptures, computers, mobile telephones, blackberries or other equipment has been lost or stolen from his Department or its agencies since 2007 to date in 2009; the circumstances surrounding the items’ disappearance; if action has been taken to recover the item or items; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4013/09]
In relation to my Department, the position is that 1 mobile phone was lost in 2008 due to a flood and the value of the mobile phone was recovered from the employee. The SIM card was cancelled with the service provider at no extra cost to the Department.
In relation to Waterways Ireland, a North-South body, I am advised that 7 mobile phones were stolen and 1 lost in 2007; 9 mobile phones were lost in 2008; and 1 has been lost to date in 2009. All SIM cards and phones were cancelled with the service provider at no extra cost to Waterways Ireland. In addition, I understand from Waterways Ireland that certain other equipment was stolen during 2007 and 2008 and that all such incidents were reported to An Garda Síochána. None of the items concerned have been recovered to date.
For the safe of completeness, I am also advised that Oifig an Choimisinéir Teanga, which is an independent statutory office, has informed my Department that 1 mobile phone was lost at an information seminar in 2008. The mobile phone was reported lost to the service provider and was replaced at no extra cost to the office.
184 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his Department has a contract with a taxi firm; if so, the amount of money spend by officials in 2007 and 2008; the changes he will bring about; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4027/09]
While my Department does not hold a contract with any individual taxi firm, it does have an account arrangement with one particular firm. Expenditure on taxis in respect of Departmental officials amounted to €25,341 in 2007 and €23,672 in 2008.
Officers are required to have full regard to value for money considerations in all aspects of official travel and to ensure that only essential travel is undertaken.
185 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if external storage is utilised by his Department; if so, if he will state what is being stored; the length of time it has it been stored; the cost of such storage; the details of the contract; his plans in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4041/09]
As the Deputy will be aware, the Office of Public Works (OPW) has responsibility for State property matters, including the renting and leasing of premises on behalf of Departments, and the provision of storage facilities for official records for Departments.
My Department currently stores official records and documents in two locations at Dublin and Tullamore. The details requested by the Deputy in relation to the two facilities are a matter for the OPW.
186 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the fact that there are currently 4,000 claims awaiting decision at the Cork local office; when a manager will be appointed to the office; the number of the recently recruited extra staff who have been allocated to the Cork local office; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3950/09]
Because of the increased number of claims for jobseeker payments, the Department undertook a review of staffing levels in Local Offices in May and June of last year. This resulted in the assignment of an additional 31 staff to some 15 Local Offices. Following the most recent review of the staffing levels in Local Offices late last year, an additional 115 staff are being assigned.
In addition, a separate exercise was undertaken for the Cork Local Office which identified the need for an additional 12 staff. Arrangements are in train to assign the additional resources required. It was decided to recruit 6 temporary staff pending the appointment of the permanent staff. 3 of these staff are already in place and a further 2 are due to start employment on 9th February 2009.
A new manager has recently been appointed and she will take up duty on 9th February 2009.
187 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if it would be possible to continue to pay rent supplement to a person (details supplied) in County Dublin who has recently been offered full-time employment and will be marginally over the automatic cut-off rate for rent and mortgage interest supplement while their application for the rental accommodation scheme to Fingal County Council is completed by the local county council; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4009/09]
The supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) scheme provides for the payment of rent supplement to eligible people whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs. Rent supplement is administered on behalf of the department by the community welfare service of the Health Service Executive.
The Executive has advised that it was not aware that the person concerned had commenced full-time employment in October 2008. The person concerned should contact the community welfare officer immediately at his local health centre to discuss his entitlement to rent supplement.
People in full-time employment are normally excluded from payment of rent supplement. People on rent supplement and returning to full-time employment are also excluded from payment of the supplement, unless they have been accepted by a local authority as being eligible for accommodation under the Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS).
188 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if laptops, art works, paintings, sculptures, computers, mobile telephones, blackberries or other equipment has been lost or stolen from her Department or its agencies since 2007 to date in 2009; the circumstances surrounding the items’ disappearance; if action has been taken to recover the item or items; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4022/09]
The information requested is currently being compiled within the Department and will be made available to the Deputy as soon as possible.
189 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if her Department has a contract with a taxi firm; if so, the amount of money spend by officials in 2007 and 2008; the changes she will bring about; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4036/09]
Taxi services are availed of by the Department only where it is considered to be absolutely necessary and the use of such services is monitored closely within the Department.
The Department has a contract for taxi services, with National Radio Cabs.Expenditure incurred in 2007 and 2008 amounted to €47,372 and €46,468, respectively
190 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if external storage is utilised by her Department; if so, if she will state what is being stored; the length of time it has it been stored; the cost of such storage; the details of the contract; her plans in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4050/09]
The information requested is currently being compiled within the Department and will be made available to the Deputy as soon as possible.
191 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will ensure that a community service (details supplied) in Dublin 17 will receive the full grant aid requested for 2009 under the grants for the development of information and welfare rights; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4075/09]
The Department of Social and Family Affairs has supported the organisation in question over a period of many years. An application for funding under the "Grants for the Development and Promotion of Information and Welfare Rights" scheme in respect of 2009 has been received and is currently being considered having regard to the current budgetary circumstances. A decision will be made shortly in this regard.
192 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a review of social welfare calculations will be undertaken in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4130/09]
The person concerned is in receipt of jobseeker's allowance, in respect of himself, his spouse and 2 dependent children, plus a fuel allowance at this time. There is a weekly deduction of €10.00 being made to recover an overpayment.
The overpayment being recovered accrued in the period 9 November 2006 to 28 December 2006 when the person concerned was concurrently working and claiming Jobseeker's Allowance. The total amount overpaid was €2,217.37 of which €1,753.80 is still outstanding.
193 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the full extent of all pension contributions and entitlement including self employment and PAYE in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4131/09]
The person concerned is in receipt of a partial State Pension (Contributory), payable at 50% of the maximum rate, having first paid social insurance contributions prior to 1953, and having at least 260 full-rate contributions paid. There are no self-employed contributions recorded in respect of the person concerned.
I have today arranged for a copy of this individual's full contribution history record to be issued to the Deputy, as requested.
194 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when traditional unemployment allowance or benefit will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4132/09]
The person concerned is a part-time fireman. He made an application for Jobseeker's Benefit on 8 December 2008. Following a full investigation, the application was disallowed by a Deciding Officer on the grounds that he failed to establish that he was genuinely seeking employment. Notification of the disallowance and of his right to appeal issued on 17 December 08. No appeal has been received to date.
It is not sufficient for an unemployed person to hold him/herself available only for employment within a restricted distance or for a particular type of work. Such action would be taken as placing an unreasonable restriction on his efforts to secure employment.
The person concerned has not demonstrated that he is genuinely seeking employment as required under social welfare legislation.
195 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare on one-parent family allowance and in receipt of rent support will qualify for CE or other schemes while retaining their rent support; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4133/09]
It is taken that the Deputy is referring to CE (Community Employment). The person concerned is in receipt of One Parent Family Payment (OPFP) from 28 February 2008 and Rent Allowance from January 2008.
Earnings from CE are assessable as means and, therefore, her entitlement to both OPFP and Rent Allowance would need to be re-examined on commencement of employment.
In the absence of details of "other schemes" which the person may be interested in it is not possible to give details as rent support can vary from scheme to scheme.
However, if she wishes to seek further information on this area she should contact the Facilitator at Ballyfermot Local Office.
196 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a free travel card to accompany their son will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare whose child has special needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4135/09]
According to the records of the Department, neither the person concerned nor her son has made an application for the Free Travel scheme. An application form has now issued to both her and her son as a result of this representation.
On receipt of the completed application forms, decisions will be made and they will be notified of the outcome.
197 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when social welfare payment entitlement arrears will be granted in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4136/09]
The Family Income Supplement (FIS) is designed to provide support for people with families who are on low earnings. This preserves the incentive for them to remain in employment in circumstances where they might only be marginally better off than if they were claiming other social welfare payments.
The person concerned made a claim for FIS in December 2008. The claim was awarded from 18/12/2008 at a rate of €203 per week and first payment issued on 22nd Jan 2009. Arrears of FIS were due from 18/12/2008 to 21/1/ 2009. However, as the person concerned had been paid Supplementary Welfare Allowance for that period, the arrears were paid to the HSE to offset the payments made.
198 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position in regard to an appeal against the decision to refuse rent support in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4137/09]
Rent supplement is administered on behalf of the department by the Health Service Executive as part of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme.
The position remains as advised in question number 130 which I answered for the Deputy on 29 January 2009. The person concerned has been refused rent supplement as total household income is deemed to be sufficient to meet his accommodation costs. He has recently appealed against this decision to the HSE Appeals Office. He will be contacted directly by that office when a decision has been made on his appeal.
199 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Defence if laptops, art works, paintings, sculptures, computers, mobile telephones, blackberries or other equipment has been lost or stolen from his Department or its agencies since 2007 to date in 2009; the circumstances surrounding the items’ disappearance; if action has been taken to recover the item or items; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4014/09]
Insofar as my Department is concerned no laptops, artworks, paintings, sculptures, computers, mobile telephones, blackberries or other equipment has been reported lost or stolen since 2007 or to date in 2009. In relation to the Defence Forces, no artwork as described has been reported lost or stolen in the same period. Regarding ICT equipment, one laptop was reported stolen from a private residence of a member of the Defence Forces on 26th June 2008. The laptop was encrypted and sensitive or private data was not compromised. The burglary is being investigated by the Garda Síochána and the laptop has not yet been recovered.
A mobile phone issued to a member of the Defence Forces was lost at sea and not recovered.
200 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Defence if his Department has a contract with a taxi firm; if so, the amount of money spend by officials in 2007 and 2008; the changes he will bring about; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4028/09]
My Department does not have a contract with any taxi firm. The amounts expended by my officials on taxi fares in 2007 and 2008 are set out in the table.
|
Year |
Amount |
|
€ |
|
|
2007 |
26,689.65 |
|
2008 |
33,583.31 |
201 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Defence if external storage is utilised by his Department; if so, if he will state what is being stored; the length of time it has it been stored; the cost of such storage; the details of the contract; his plans in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4042/09]
My Department utilises external facilities for the storage of files. The storage space involved was sourced through the Office of Public Works (OPW) and the cost is borne on the OPW Vote.
The contract has been in place since September 2006 and is due for review in September 2009. The review will be conducted in the context of the decentralisation of my Department's Dublin-based Offices to Newbridge Co Kildare, which is expected to take place towards the end of the year.
The cost of the contract for the three-year period in question is €35,000.
202 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence the costs involved or expected in 2009 in maintaining the barracks closed in January 2009; the costs involved in renovating other barracks to accommodate Defence Force personnel and equipment moved from the closed barracks; the calculated additional costs to the Exchequer of the financial supports to members of the Defence Forces necessitated by the move, and all other ancillary costs involved in the closure of barracks in January 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4090/09]
The military authorities conducted a detailed review of the immediate requirements to enable the closure of Monaghan, Lifford, Rockhill and Longford Barracks. In addition to some immediate renovation work, medium term capital works to provide more permanent arrangements for the transferring personnel, have also been identified. These works will be completed as part of the ongoing Capital programme.
There were significant facilities already available in the new locations and this facilitated the smooth and successful implementation of the current consolidation programme. Some additional facilities and some renovations were required across the various barracks. The immediate costs involved in providing the necessary additional facilities at all three locations was less than €500,000.
The cost arising from the barracks closures over 15 months, including the initial renovation works, is estimated at €3.2 million, against annual recurring savings of approximately €2.7 million. Most of these costs are once off and short-term costs arising from payment of Change of Station Allowance and the provision of transport on a temporary basis. In the medium term, based on current estimates, the total cost to the Department of closing the proposed barracks (including initial costs, allowances, transport, immediate works and capital works) should amount to approximately €5.9 million while total receipts/savings, including receipts from the disposal of the relevant properties, should amount to around €29.5 million, a net gain of €23.6 million. The above figures do not take account of the qualitative benefits accruing to the Defence Forces from improvements in collective training, savings on administration and management of the barracks being closed or the costs of currently transporting troops from the barracks being closed for training etc.
The closure of the four barracks was completed on the 30th January 2009 and private security firms have been employed to provide security at the barracks in the short term with effect from the 30th January 2009. As the appointment of these contractors is temporary, for commercial reasons it would be inappropriate to state the cost per week at this stage. It is not anticipated that Private Security firms will need to be employed in the long term. However, my Department will continue to monitor the situation.
The matter of the disposal of this property will be considered in the context of the current property market. It is my intention that the funding and savings from this initiative will, in accordance with current Government policy, again be reinvested in the Defence Forces. My Department will consider all of the options open to it in that regard.
203 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence when he aims to sell the barracks closed in January 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4091/09]
It is anticipated that the barracks closed in January 2009 will be disposed of, taking account of market conditions, so as to maximise the return to the Defence Forces and generate funding for reinvestment in Defence Forces equipment and infrastructure in accordance with Government policy.
204 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence the funding provided by his Department for the use of Defence Forces personnel to aid civilian authorities in dealing with weather emergencies during 2007, 2008 and 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4092/09]
The role of the Defence Forces in relation to civil emergencies is to provide assistance as aid to the civil authority in response to requests from the principal response agency.
The level of support that can be provided by the Defence Forces is demand led and provided on an "as available basis", having regard to both current and contingent Defence Forces operational commitments.
There is no specific funding allocated for this role.
205 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence the expected recruitment levels within the Defence Forces in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4094/09]
206 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence if recruitment levels will be, or have been, adversely affected, by current and planned cutbacks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4095/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 205 and 206 together.
I have been advised by the Military Authorities that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force as of 31 December 2008, the most recent date for which figures are available, was 10,408. A total of 507 recruits were enlisted into the Permanent Defence Forces during 2008. 441 were recruited to the Army and 66 to the Naval Service. In addition, 41 Cadets commenced their cadet training in September 2008.
In common with other areas of the public service a reduction of 3% in payroll costs has been applied to the Defence Forces. Recruitment was suspended in late 2008 pending a review of the best means by which to achieve this reduction. My officials and the military authorities are keeping the situation under close review on an ongoing basis. The review and any subsequent recruitment in 2009 will prioritise the operational requirements of the Defence Forces.
207 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason car dealers with legitimate trade plates are charged up to €300 at the Border and are deemed to be illegal by the authorities within Northern Ireland; the further reason the plates are legal in continental Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4001/09]
The law relating to trade plates, for which my Department has responsibility, is provided in section 21 of the Finance (No. 2) Act 1992 and the Road Vehicles (Registration and Licensing) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 1992. This law does not extend to the use of trade plates outside the State.
208 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the system of monitoring performance indicators he has in place regarding the reporting by local authorities of the taking in charge of estates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3948/09]
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 residential estates for which the planning permission has expired, in respect of which formal written requests for taking in charge were on hands at the beginning of the year in question;
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 their data, which will be available in mid 2009, I intend to keep the issue of taking in charge under review.
209 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason the Private Residential Tenancies Board has been given a four-year period of grace on rented properties before an energy ratings certificate is required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3954/09]
The Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB), an independent statutory body established under the terms of the Residential Tenancies Act 2004, has no function with regard to the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2008 or the European Communities (Energy Performance of Buildings) Regulations 2006-2008. The Board's principal functions include the resolution of disputes between tenants and landlords, the registration of tenancies, and the provision of policy advice to me in relation to the private rented sector.
The Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2008 prescribe minimum standards for rented accommodation and came into effect generally on 1 February 2009. These regulations specify requirements in relation to a range of matters, such as structural repair, sanitary facilities, heating, ventilation, natural light and safety of gas and electrical supply. Certain elements of the new Regulations will not come into effect for existing rental accommodation until 1 February 2013 to allow time for the carrying out of the significant remedial work that may be involved in achieving compliance. The aspects covered by these provisions — sanitary facilities, heating facilities and food preparation and storage and laundry — will therefore continue to be subject to the relevant provisions of the Housing (Standards for Rented Housing) Regulations 1993 until then, in so far as existing rental accommodation is concerned. However, any rental properties being let for the first time after 1 February 2009 will have to comply with all the requirements of the new Regulations.
The provision of a Building Energy Rating Certificate for all houses offered for sale or letting is mandatory since 1 January 2009, on foot of the European Communities (Energy Performance of Buildings) Regulations 2006-2008. This Certificate is unconnected to the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2008.
210 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has made a decision on the date the local and European elections are to be held; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3957/09]
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.
Polling at the European Parliament and local elections will take place in Ireland on Friday 5 June 2009.
211 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when funding will be allocated to Clare County Council for schemes (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3969/09]
Local authorities will be notified of their combined capital allocations for the operation of the schemes in question in 2009, following the publication of the Revised Estimates for Public Services 2009.
As in previous years, it will be a matter for each local authority to decide on the specific level of funding to be directed towards each of the schemes, from within the combined allocation notified to them by my Department, and to manage the operation of the schemes in their areas from within this allocation.
In line with my objective of prioritising the needs of the most vulnerable households, the financial provision secured for housing in 2009 will allow for the level of funding allocated towards housing supports for older people and people with a disability this year to be increased by 8% over the initial estimate for 2008. This provision will enable local authorities to continue to effectively respond to the housing needs of these target groups through the payment of increased numbers of grants.
212 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of staff in each local authority who are eligible for consideration for bonus performance-related payments on an annual basis; the number of those staff in each local authority who did not receive payments in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3980/09]
All County and City Managers, Dublin Assistant City Managers and other posts at that grade in Dublin City Council, and Director of Services and other posts at that grade in all local authorities are free to participate in the Performance Awards Scheme on a voluntary basis. Those who do choose to participate are eligible for consideration for performance related payments. Members of staff who are appointed in the second half of the year are regarded as coming within the awards cycle at the start of the following year. At the 31 December 2008 there was a total of 302 members of staff in the relevant grades.
In 2005, 278 participants received awards. In 2006, 274 participants received awards, and in 2007 awards were granted to 270 participants. The number of staff in relevant grades in each local authority who did not receive payments is not available in my Department.
214 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on making funding available for work at a historical building (details supplied) in County Donegal; when the national monuments Bill will be put to Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4006/09]
My Department has no record of any request for funding for works to Kilmacrennan Abbey. Any such request would be considered by my Department having regard to the available funds under the built heritage capital grant schemes, the overall demand for funding and the relative importance of the works as compared to other project proposals; it should be noted, in this regard, that Kilmacrennan Abbey is not contained in the Record of Protected Structures for Donegal.
In September 2007, I initiated a major Review of Archaeological Policy and Practice in Ireland. The aim of the review was to make policy and practice in protecting Ireland's archaeological heritage the best there could be and to draw from the experience and advice of experts both at home and abroad to achieve this. A number of seminars were held in October and November 2007 in order to get initial views on the scope of the review. These seminars involved stakeholders from all areas working in, or with an interest in, archaeological heritage, including academics, commercial archaeologists, local authorities, infrastructure providers, local history groups and activists.
To ensure that every effort was made to properly define the nature and scope of the review, I established an Expert Advisory Committee to advise me on how best to respond to the issues that emerged in the consultation process. At my request, the Expert Advisory Committee concentrated initially on legislative provisions to up-date and replace the National Monuments Acts. In that regard, the Expert Advisory Committee made its recommendations to me in January and draft Heads of a Bill are now being prepared by my Department.
215 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if laptops, art works, paintings, sculptures, computers, mobile telephones, Blackberries or other equipment have been lost or stolen from his Department or its agencies since 2007 to date in 2009; the circumstances surrounding the items’ disappearance; if action has been taken to recover the item or items; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4017/09]
During 2007, twelve Department owned laptops were stolen as a result of burglary from the Custom House and one was stolen in transit between Department offices. Ten of these were recovered almost immediately. Nine of these laptops were obsolete and had already been prepared for recycling. Of the three laptops not recovered, one was new and unused. One also contained a 3G card. Two Blackberry devices and six mobile phones -were reported lost in 2007.
In 2008, three laptops and one external hard drive were reported stolen and have not been recovered. One laptop was stolen from the Department's offices in Ely Place, another laptop and external hard drive was stolen on a train and one was stolen during a home burglary. Two Blackberry devices and three mobile phones were reported lost during 2008. One mobile phone was reported stolen in 2008.
To date in 2009 no equipment has been reported lost or stolen. No sensitive or personal data was stored on any of these devices. All cases of theft were reported to An Garda Síochána. No artworks, paintings or sculptures have been lost or stolen from the Department from 2007 to date. The management of ICT equipment and art works in any of the agencies under the aegis of my Department is a matter for each agency concerned.
216 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department has a contract with a taxi firm; if so, the amount of money spent by officials in 2007 and 2008; the changes he will bring about; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4031/09]
My Department has an account with a taxi company. Expenditure for the Department on taxis amounted to €69,016 in 2007, of which €32,186 was paid to the company in question. The corresponding figure for expenditure on taxis in 2008 was €73,459, €37,307 of which was paid to the taxi company.
It is Departmental policy that public transport should be used wherever possible for travel in the course of official business. Departmental staff have been directed that taxis should only be hired where no suitable public transport is available. Budgets for travel have been reduced for 2009 and expenditure is being closely monitored.
The Department also launched a Workplace Travel Plan in October 2008 to encourage greater use of sustainable transport options in the conduct of official business. The Plan aims to ensure: that use is made of public transport, to the greatest possible extent, in the course of official business; that walking/cycling to meetings within reasonable distance is encouraged and that taxis are used only where absolutely necessary; the further development and promotion of the use of video-conferencing and other IT supports to reduce the amount of travel to attend meetings in different Department locations; that the operation and timing of internal meetings is reviewed in order to reduce the amount of travel between Departmental offices.
217 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if external storage is utilised by his Department; if so, if he will state what is being stored; the length of time it has it been stored; the cost of such storage; the details of the contract; his plans in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4045/09]
The Department uses external facilities for long-term storage of files, pending their transmission to the National Archives, and for storage of artefacts held by the National Monuments Service. The Department does not hold information on the terms of the contract or on the cost of storage as the contract was effected by the Office of Public Works, which also meets the cost of the storage.
Additionally, some 4,762 electronic voting machines were moved to a central storage facility located at Gormanston Army Camp in 2007. Costs incurred to date in respect of the movement and storage of this equipment are some €328,000. These are largely one-off costs related to the preparation of the facility, transportation of the machines and the acquisition of storage containers. There are no ongoing rental costs.
219 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when, with reference to the Green Paper on Local Government Reform published in April 2008, he will publish a White Paper on same in view of the fact that the public consultation was completed by 31 July 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4065/09]
I am currently finalising the White Paper on local government, which I expect to publish shortly following Government consideration.
220 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the concerns raised by an association (details supplied) that chimney fires associated with multi-fuel and wood burning stoves are being caused by poor installations by persons who are not qualified or trained to carry out such installations and the safety issues associated with poor installation; the steps he will take to ensure that this issue of training and safety is addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4072/09]
I have no function in relation to the training of persons for the installation of multi-fuel and wood burning stoves. Part J of the Building Regulations deals with Heat Producing Appliances and requires that any flue pipe or chimney be designed and constructed so as to reduce to a reasonable level the risk of the building catching fire in consequence of their use. The risk of chimney fires can also be mitigated by prevention measures. In this connection, a Community Fire Safety Programme is promoted by my Department in conjunction with local fire authorities. The aim is to enhance fire safety generally. Educational and promotional campaigns which highlight the importance of fire safety in the home have been prioritised. Chimney fire prevention is an important part of this programme.
222 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he proposes to take to provide adequate funding to Kildare County Council in view of the ongoing and increasing demands in a developing area; if his attention has been drawn to staff reductions in the local authorities and the expected impact on delivery of services to the consumer; his proposals for the future in respect of these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4139/09]
General purpose grants from the Local Government Fund are provided to supplement the income available to local authorities from local sources and from specific grants to enable them to provide an acceptable level of day to day services. It is a matter for each local authority to determine its own spending priorities in the context of the annual budgetary process having regard to locally identified needs. I am satisfied that the level of funding provided through general purpose grants makes a significant contribution towards enabling all local authorities to provide a reasonable level of services to the public. Under section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, each County and City Manager is responsible for staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authorities for which he or she is responsible. Kildare County Council's general purpose grant allocation for 2009 is €26,610,812. General purpose grants to Kildare County Council have increased by some 206% since 1997, which is higher than the average increase to local authorities over that period.
223 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of housing starts to be funded from his recently announced capital allocation to the various local authorities in County Kildare in respect of the public housing programme; the number of persons expected to be facilitated under this heading in 2009; the extent to which the numbers on the housing lists are to be reduced; if a specific reduction has been planned or anticipated; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some housing applicants have been on such lists for up to 12 years; when he expects such needs to be met in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4140/09]
229 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of persons on local authority waiting lists; the extent to which it is expected to reduce such numbers in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4147/09]
231 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of local authority housing starts expected to accrue from his recently announced public housing programme; the extent to which this is expected to affect the number of people on local authority housing waiting lists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4149/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 223, 229 and 231 together.
The number of households on a local authority's waiting list continuously fluctuates as households on the list are allocated housing and new households apply for housing support. My Department does not hold information on waiting lists. A statutory assessment of housing need is carried out every three years by all housing authorities in accordance with the terms of the Housing Act 1988. The last assessment took place in March 2008 and indicated that there were 56,249 households in need of social housing support, an increase of some 30% on the corresponding figure in 2005. Further information regarding the assessments is available on my Department's website at www.environ.ie, including a breakdown of the net need figure by housing authority.
With regard to the expected impact of the social housing investment programme on waiting lists, it is up to individual housing authorities, including the authorities in Kildare, to plan the composition, management and delivery of their programmes having regard to the specific social housing priorities in their areas and to the Exchequer funding allocations available to them, which are based on their identified 2008 needs. These programmes will be considered by my Department as part of the annual Housing Action Plan Review process which is due to commence shortly. It is expected that through the social housing investment programme in 2009 and, having regard to the availability of suitable housing in the current housing market, including through the recently announced long-term leasing initiative, good progress will be made this year in meeting NDP social housing supply targets.
224 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he has taken or proposes to take to incentivise the prevention of pollution of rivers, lakes and streams; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4141/09]
Primary responsibility for the protection and improvement of water quality is assigned to local authorities under the Local Government (Water Pollution) Acts and related legislation. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) exercises general supervision in relation to the performance of these functions by local authorities.
The Government is committed to the protection and improvement of our water resources and to this end has provided substantially increased funding for the Water Services Investment Programme in 2009. Implementation of the EU Water Framework Directive is being brought forward through River Basin Districts, with funding being provided by my Department. Draft River Basin Management Plans were published on 22 December 2008 for each of the eight River Basin Districts on the island of Ireland. These draft plans include proposed programmes of measures for the protection and improvement of water quality. The draft plans are subject to public consultation for a period of six months until 22 June 2009.
The European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations 2006 and 2007 provide an incentive for farmers to protect waters from agricultural run-off, one of the main threats to water quality. Farmers who do not farm in accordance with good agricultural practice face a penalty under the Single Payment or other schemes where they are found, on inspection, to have breached a statutory requirement or may face prosecution by local authorities, who are the designated control authorities under the Regulations.
Discharges from municipal wastewater treatment have also been identified as a key threat to water quality. A Water Services Authority who commits an offence under the Waste Water Discharge (Authorisation) Regulations 2007 may face prosecution by the EPA which is the designated control authority for these Regulations.
225 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he is satisfied with the level of investment in the provision of adequate domestic drinking water supplies; his proposals for the future in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4142/09]
232 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he has taken or proposes to take to prevent the possible recurrence of contamination of the domestic water supply in the future; the precise action in this regard in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4150/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 225 and 232 together.
Some €560 million has been provided for my Department's Water Services Investment Programme in 2009, the highest ever such allocation and an increase of 19% over the 2008 provision. This is a clear statement of the priority assigned by Government to the preservation and protection of our water resources, to meeting EU standards for drinking water and wastewater treatment and to providing critical water and wastewater infrastructure. It is the responsibility of the relevant local authority to deliver quality public water supplies to meet current and future needs. The quality of individual supplies is monitored by the EPA and its most recent report "The Quality of Drinking Water in Ireland — A Report for the Years 2006 and 2007" is available in the Oireachtas Library.
I have put in place a rigorous supervisory framework to ensure good quality drinking water is provided and that effective mechanisms are available to deal quickly and effectively with problems where they arise. Under the European Communities (Drinking Water) (No. 2) Regulations, 2007, local authority drinking water supplies are subject to supervision by the EPA and I have given the Agency the necessary resources to back up its new enforcement powers.
Under the drinking water regulations, local authorities are obliged to ensure that any failure to meet quality standards in a water supply is investigated immediately to determine the cause. The authority is also obliged to inform the EPA promptly and to consult with the Health Service Executive. Where incidences of contamination occur, the EPA can issue such directions to the local authority as necessary to prevent or remove any health risk. Failure to comply with such a direction is an indictable offence and subject to heavy penalties.
I am satisfied that the policies and resources in place will ensure that our water supplies are capable of meeting the required quality standards and current and anticipated demands.
226 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the full extent of grant aid being made available by his Department to the various local authorities in 2009; the various headings under which such allocations are to be made; the extent to which this represents an increase or decrease on previous years whether in respect of new or ongoing expenditure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4144/09]
Pending publication of the Revised Estimates Volume for 2009 full details of all grants to local authorities are not yet available.
227 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his proposals for the funding and development of the part-time fire services in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4145/09]
The provision of a fire service, including equipment and personnel, is a statutory function of the individual fire authorities. The Department supports the local fire authorities through the setting of general policy, the provision of capital funding, the issue of guidance to fire authorities in relation to fire prevention, training support and operational matters and other such initiatives.
Over the past 25 years, almost €0.25 billion has been provided to local fire authorities under the fire services capital programme for the provision of new and refurbished fire stations and the purchase of fire appliances and other equipment. In addition, since 2001, the Department has provided in excess of €5.2 billion in general purpose grants to assist the local authorities in carrying out their statutory functions, including the provision of fire services.
230 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number and location of sewerage schemes expected to benefit from the capital programme in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4148/09]
Details of all major sewerage schemes approved for funding by my Department are set out in the Water Services Investment Programme 2007 — 2009 which is available in the Oireachtas Library. Additional information in relation to progress on individual contracts under this Programme, or in relation to activity generally under the small public schemes measure of the devolved Rural Water Programme, may be obtained from the relevant local authority.
233 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if it is his intention to continue indefinitely with the use of landfill as a means of waste disposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4151/09]
234 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his preferred options for the future management of all forms of waste with particular reference to the continued use and development of landfills; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4152/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 233 and 234 together.
The Programme for Government contains a commitment to establish new ambitious waste management targets for maximum prevention, re-use, recycling and modern waste treatment to ensure that we match the best performance in the EU for recycling with the objective that only 10% of waste or less is consigned to landfill and to ensure that the landfills currently provided for under regional waste management plans should be the last to be constructed for a generation. In addition, the Programme contains a commitment to carry out an international review of waste management plans, practices and procedures and act on its conclusions. This review is currently underway and will inform the development of waste policy upon completion. Ireland must also meet challenging targets under the EU Landfill Directive for the diversion of biodegradable municipal 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. Following extensive consultation, the National Strategy on Biodegradable Waste was published in April 2006 and is aimed at diverting 80% of biodegradable municipal waste from landfill through segregated collection and the generation of compost. The Programme for Government contains a commitment to implementation of the National Strategy.
I have also indicated my intention to introduce primary legislation to allow significant increases in the landfill levy and a Regulatory Impact Analysis for this purpose has been completed. My Department, in addition, is working with industry towards the development of a Statutory Instrument for the segregation of commercial biodegradable waste.
Last year, I issued a circular to all local authorities to drive forward the roll out of brown bins and promote the use of home composting and the report indicates progress in relation to home composting. I am confident that all of the above measures will contribute significantly to the achievement of the targets for the diversion of biodegradable waste from landfill and a reduction in our overall use of landfill.
235 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when funding will be provided for the Limerick regeneration project in 2009; the amount of that funding; the areas of allocation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4156/09]
My Department continues to provide strong support for the regeneration project across Limerick City, through ongoing liaison with the Limerick Northside and Southside Regeneration Agencies and with the local authorities in the area. In 2008 alone, some €16 million was provided under the national regeneration programme and the Department's sustainable communities fund to support the development of the city's integrated regeneration programme and area masterplans, to fund an ambitious schedule of demolition and enabling works, as well as to implement the associated regeneration relocation strategy. In addition, funding was provided for an array of social inclusion and community development initiatives including neighbourhood safety and environmental improvement works. Within the overall funding available to my Department for the provision and improvement of social housing for 2009, I intend to increase the level of support to ensure that the Limerick regeneration project continues to progress, to meet the costs of the Regeneration Agencies, to facilitate a number of households wishing to move in line with the overall regeneration strategy, and for related matters. While authorities have received provisional notification of their 2009 allocation of some €28 million, this has yet to be finalised within the context of the overall national regeneration programme and the wider estimates process. It is expected that final allocations will be confirmed by the beginning of April.
236 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if laptops, art works, paintings, sculptures, computers, mobile telephones, blackberries or other equipment has been lost or stolen from his Department or its agencies since 2007 to date in 2009; the circumstances surrounding the items’ disappearance; if action has been taken to recover the item or items; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4012/09]
Details of the items which were lost or stolen from my Department from 2007 to date in 2009 are contained in the following table.
Items lost or stolen from 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.
|
Year |
Lost/Stolen item |
Circumstances of Loss |
Recovery Action |
|
2007 |
1 Laptop computer |
Lost while travelling July 2007 |
Matter reported to relevant authorities and airport and airline authorities contacted in an effort to recover the item. Not recovered |
|
2008 |
1 Mobile Phone |
Mislaid/lost |
Reported to Corporate Services Division Cavan. Not recovered |
|
2008 |
1 Blackberry |
The Blackberry was lost whilst travelling out of Dublin Airport |
Enquiries were made with Dublin Airport’s Authority on arrival at their destination, and later on return to Ireland. Not recovered |
|
2008 |
1 Blackberry |
A Blackberry was in checked-in luggage that was delayed in a transit airport. When the luggage was delivered the following day the device was missing. |
Enquiries were made with Airport’s Authority. Not recovered |
|
2009 |
1 Blackberry |
Official was speaking on phone when a male approached her on a bicycle and grabbed the mobile phone out of her hand. |
Matter reported to An Garda Síochána. Not recovered |
237 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his Department has a contract with a taxi firm; if so, the amount of money spend by officials in 2007 and 2008; the changes he will bring about; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4026/09]
My Department has a credit account with one taxi firm. The expenditure on this account for the years in question is as follows:
|
Year |
Spend |
|
€ |
|
|
2007 |
36,798.05 |
|
2008 |
27,712.05 |
There is a new draft taxi usage policy document under preparation in my Department with a view to reducing taxi costs going forward.
Also, in 2008, my Department implemented a scheme whereby a number of bicycles have been provided, with the appropriate safety equipment, for official use. I am very pleased to report that the uptake on the use of these bicycles has been very good. This scheme also reduces the dependency on use of taxis, particularly for city centre travel.
238 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if external storage is utilised by his Department; if so, if he will state what is being stored; the length of time it has it been stored; the cost of such storage; the details of the contract; his plans in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4040/09]
The Office of Public Works (OPW), through a contract with a service provider, provides dedicated file storage facilities for the public sector. The cost of this storage is met by OPW. My Department uses one of these facilities in Dublin for storage of files relating to the work of all functions of the Department that are Dublin based.
My Department uses a file storage facility in Collonney, County Sligo for storage of files relating to the former Accounts function of the Department. OPW also manage this facility through a service provider and meets the associated file storage costs.
With many thousands of files in storage at these dedicated centres the administrative burden and cost of identifying the length of time each individual item has been in storage cannot be justified.
My Department also rents a file storage facility located at Belturbet, County Cavan that serves the Department's office in Cavan town. This facility costs €800 per month. This storage facility has been in use since May 2008.
Drilling equipment used by the Geological Survey of Ireland is stored at OPW's Central Engineering Workshops (CEW) at Inchicore, Dublin. It has been stored there in excess of ten years. As the facility is State owned there is no cost incurred or contract required.
239 Deputy Áine Brady asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the policies he and the energy regulator are pursuing to ensure a more competitive supply of energy here in view of the recent announcement that Ireland will receive €100 million to invest in an east-west interconnector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4054/09]
The Energy Policy Framework and the Programme for Government set out the Government's commitment to delivering a reliable and competitively priced energy supply in support of economic growth and competitiveness. The introduction of the all-island Single Electricity Market (SEM) in November 2007 marked an important milestone in the development of competition in the Irish electricity sector. The SEM is a wholesale electricity market supplying some 2.5 million electricity customers. It represents a significant step towards the All-Island Energy Market, which will encourage open and transparent competition in electricity and gas and a more stable and attractive investment location for independent players.
In this context, the Government has also ensured a reduction in ESB's market share in power generation through the recent sale to Endesa of approximately 1,300 megawatts of generation capacity. This has introduced a major new international player into the Irish market.
The Government will continue to implement the opening of the electricity and gas markets in line with EU Internal Energy Market Directives. This commitment to liberalise the gas and electricity sectors will take place in the context of EU developments, including the development of Regional Energy markets, as well as the all-island energy framework and the interests of the economy and consumers north and south.
In addition to these measures, the Government has given the go-ahead for the construction of a 500 megawatt electricity interconnector between Wales and Ireland by 2012. The interconnector will further promote competition in the electricity market and will allow third-party access in a fair, consistent and transparent manner. This in turn will assert downward pressure on electricity prices. The new interconnector will also enhance our security of supply, reduce our dependency on electricity generated from gas and allow us to accelerate our development of renewable energy, providing potential opportunities for the export of wind-generated electricity. The European Commission has included the Interconnector on the list of energy projects under the European Economic Recovery Package, which is currently being negotiated in Brussels.
I welcome the Commission's recognition of the strategic importance of the project and will continue to work intensively in the negotiations with Member States and the European Parliament to secure the funding.
240 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if there are grants available for the establishment of an animal feed plant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3943/09]
There are no grants available from my Department for the setting up of animal feed plants. Please note that all operators involved in the animal feed business, be they importers, manufacturers, retailers, storekeepers, etc, must be registered with my Department before they commence business.
241 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a decision will be made on an application for the single payment scheme on behalf of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary. [3944/09]
An application under the 2008 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 7 May 2008. Following initial validation of the application, one of the land parcels declared was identified as having also been claimed by another scheme applicant. In keeping with standard practice, both parties were written to and requested to submit evidence of their right to claim the parcel in question. A reply was received on 17 September 2008 from the person named stating that he did not have the right to claim for the land, as a result of which the person named proved to have been overpaid under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme. The overpayment was subsequently recouped from the Single Payment balancing payment, which issued to the person named dated 1 December 2008.
242 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a decision will be made in respect of an application for installation aid to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3958/09]
My Department has no record of having received an application under the Installation Aid Scheme from the person concerned.
243 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the farmers and the counties they are from who have received REP scheme 4 payments to date; if a county has been excluded totally from payment; and if some farmers in every county received REP scheme 4 payments. [3961/09]
REPS 4 payments have been made to participants in every county and the details are set out in the following table.
|
Number paid |
|
|
Carlow |
7 |
|
Cavan |
84 |
|
Clare |
160 |
|
Cork |
139 |
|
Donegal |
151 |
|
Dublin |
1 |
|
Galway |
95 |
|
Kildare |
32 |
|
Kilkenny |
7 |
|
Laois |
98 |
|
Leitrim |
28 |
|
Limerick |
104 |
|
Longford |
52 |
|
Louth |
66 |
|
Mayo |
50 |
|
Meath |
43 |
|
Monaghan |
59 |
|
Offaly |
55 |
|
Roscommon |
77 |
|
Sligo |
34 |
|
Tipperary |
109 |
|
Kerry |
7 |
|
Waterford |
39 |
|
Westmeath |
88 |
|
Wexford |
24 |
|
Wicklow |
8 |
|
Total |
1,617 |
244 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the financial assistance he will provide to Waterford County Council in regard to the proposal of the extension and realignment of the slipway for Helvick Harbour lifeboat; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3970/09]
The pier at Helvick is the property of Waterford 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 Waterford County Council for funding under my Department's 2009 Fishery Harbours and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme for improvements at the pier. This application together with all other applications for funding under the 2009 Fishery Harbours and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme will be given consideration subject to available exchequer funding and overall national priorities.
245 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when payment will be made available to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry following application under the farm waste management scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3972/09]
The person concerned is an applicant under the Farm Waste Management Scheme. A decision will be made in respect of the application as soon as possible.
246 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath will be awarded their REP scheme 4 entitlements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3975/09]
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 to be completed before the first payments issue. If their applications require no correction following the necessary administrative checks, those who applied for REPS 4 in late 2007, like the person named, will have their full 2007 payment and 75% of the 2008 payment processed within the next six weeks.
247 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason for the delay in REP scheme 4 payments; the position regarding negotiations between his Department and the European Commission arising from a court of auditors report into the administration by his Department of the REP scheme; if he will confirm if a monitory fine has been sanctioned against his Department by the Commission on this matter; if so the size of the fine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3979/09]
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 to be completed before the first payments issue. The first payments for 2008 REPS 4 applications issued last week to those whose applications required no correction following the administrative checks. However queries arose 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 more applications are cleared.
The European Court of Auditors and the European Commission both carried out audits on REPS in early 2008. The conclusions of the audit by the Court have been published but I am still awaiting the outcome of the audit by the Commission.
248 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will grant a greater number of licences to fishermen on a peninsula (details supplied) in County Donegal in view of the fact that the collapse of the construction industry has eliminated all other types, excluding marine, of employment on the peninsula; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3984/09]
I understand that the Deputy is referring to aquaculture licences.
The Fisheries (Amendment) Act, 1997, as amended, governs the granting, renewal, amendment or revocation of aquaculture licences. In accordance with section 10 of the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 1997 it is open to any individual or legal entity to apply for an aquaculture licence within the meaning and in accordance with the terms of the Act and any Regulations made thereunder. In considering an application for an aquaculture licence, including an application to renew an aquaculture licence, the licensing authority must consider: the potential impacts on safety and navigation; the ecological impacts on wild fisheries, natural habitats, flora and fauna; the suitability of the waters; the other beneficial uses of the place or waters; the likely effects on the economy of the area; and the statutory status under European legal frameworks of the area under application. All valid applications are processed by my Department having regard to the statutory requirements.
249 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be granted REPS scheme 4. [3988/09]
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 to be completed before the first payments issue. If their applications require no correction following the necessary administrative checks, those who applied for REPS 4 in late 2007, like the person named, will have their full 2007 payment and 75% of the 2008 payment processed within the next six weeks.
250 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if the single farm payment will be reviewed before 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3999/09]
In the course of the recently concluded Health Check negotiations, the Council of Ministers agreed as part of the compromise that the future of the CAP post 2013 will be open for review and discussion, based on proposals to be brought forward by the Commission. The compromise provided that these discussions will afford the opportunity to discuss different future models for direct payments. The Council and the Commission issued a joint declaration in which they committed themselves to a thorough examination of the possibilities for development of the direct payment system in the Community and addressing the differing level of the direct payments between Member States.
251 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if laptops, art works, paintings, sculptures, computers, mobile telephones, blackberries or other equipment has been lost or stolen from his Department or its agencies since 2007 to date in 2009; the circumstances surrounding the items’ disappearance; if action has been taken to recover the item or items; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4010/09]
The number of Department owned laptops or other data devices, such as Blackberries, mobile phones and memory keys, reported lost or stolen from my Department since 2007 are set out in the table:
|
Year |
Item(s) |
Lost/Stolen |
|
2007 |
Laptop Blackberry Mobile |
1 Laptop reported stolen (car break in) 2 Blackberry devices lost 1 mobile reported stolen, 1 lost overboard on board a vessel |
|
2008 |
Laptop Memory Stick Mobile |
6 Laptops reported stolen (5 in burglaries, 1 stolen from luggage on plane) 1 Memory Stick lost 2 mobiles reported stolen |
|
2009 (to date) |
Mobile |
1 Mobile reported stolen |
When a device, such as a laptop or Blackberry, is reported lost or stolen, access by that device to the Department's computer network is immediately suspended and use of the device is blocked. In all cases where devices were reported stolen the theft was reported to the Gardaí. There are no recorded incidents of art works, paintings or sculptures having been lost or reported stolen during the time in question.
In relation to agencies under the aegis of my Department, the matter of lost or stolen mobile phones, laptops or memory storage devices etc. is an operational matter for the bodies themselves.
252 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his Department has a contract with a taxi firm; if so, the amount of money spend by officials in 2007 and 2008; the changes he will bring about; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4024/09]
Given the wide geographic location of offices, my Department currently has six accounts with taxi companies. In 2007, expenditure to these six companies totalled €16,379.24 while in 2008, the figure was €17,706.16.
253 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if external storage is utilised by his Department; if so, if he will state what is being stored; the length of time it has it been stored; the cost of such storage; the details of the contract; his plans in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4038/09]
External file storage facilities are used by my Department and are mainly used to store currently inactive files that cannot be stored on-site in the Departments Office accommodation. The cost involved for my Department in off site storage of files amounts to .078 cents plus vat per week per storage box. The contract was organised by the Office of Public Works.
254 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway has not received payments to date; and when they can expect to receive same. [4067/09]
There is a form to be signed by the next of kin of deceased REPS participants and my officials have sent this form to the solicitors representing the person named. When the form is returned, a payment for the period from 1 February 2007 to 21 August 2007 will issue to her without delay.
255 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the REP scheme 3 grant will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4069/09]
A REPS 3 payment will issue to the person named within the next 10 days.
256 Deputy Michael Noonan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will establish a review of the system for entry to secondary schools in Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3942/09]
The Deputy will be aware that a Common Application System (CAS) was agreed between the principals of the post-primary schools in Limerick City. This system has been facilitated through the Limerick Education Centre (LEC) with support from my Department. This administrative system ensures that a coordinated approach can be taken to enrolments in the area.
My Department is aware of the call for a review of the CAS contained in the Vision Documents for the Limerick Regeneration Project. The responsibility for conducting such a review rests with the post primary Trustees and Patrons. The current understanding of my Department is that it was agreed the CAS would continue for 2009/2010.
257 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will support the case of a person (details supplied). [3977/09]
It is a matter for each school's Board of Management to have an enrolment policy and to then operate that policy in a fair and consistent manner having regard to the overall physical capacity of a school. Section 29 of the Education Act 1998, provides parents with an appeal process where a Board of Management of a school or a person acting on behalf of the Board refuses enrolment to a student. Where a school refuses to enrol a pupil, the school is obliged to inform parents of their right under Section 29 of the Education Act 1998 to appeal that decision to either the relevant Vocational Educational Committee or to the Secretary General of my Department.
The National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) is the statutory agency which can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child. The NEWB advises parents to apply to more than one school in order to assist in securing a school placement. The Board can be contacted at National Educational Welfare Board, National Headquarters, 16-22 Green Street, Dublin 7 or by telephone at 01-8738700.
My Department's responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking places. This may result, however, in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice. That is no more than a normal feature of the enrolment process in any community. What is not acceptable is that any school authority would in the coming year alter its approach to enrolment simply because it wants to pressurise the government or to give support to a campaign being conducted by a teacher union.
As I have previously pointed out in the House, the changes to the classroom staffing of primary schools reverts schools to the position that applied just over one school year ago. Schools are given teaching resources commensurate with their enrolment and under the staffing schedule schools with like enrolments are treated in the same way. In terms of accommodating pupils I believe it is totally reasonable to expect schools to operate from next September no less favourably than they did in 2006/2007. Any school acting dishonourably in this regard must ultimately answer to its local community and to the parents and children in that community in particular.
My Department will be advising individual schools in the normal way in relation to their staffing allocations. The preparatory work for this has commenced with the processing of enrolment data that has been received from schools. The staffing allocation processes including notification to schools will commence shortly. The allocation process includes appellate mechanisms under which schools can appeal against the allocation due to them under the staffing schedules. In addition to the mainstream classroom teachers my Department also allocates teaching resources to schools for special needs and language support. The final allocation to a school is also a function of the operation of the redeployment panels which provide for the retention of a teacher in an existing school if a new post is not available within the agreed terms of the scheme.
I am confident that as the global economy improves it will be possible to build again on the significant achievements of recent years and do so in a manner consistent with overall prudent management of the Irish economy.
258 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been made for the provision of a new school at a location (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3982/09]
The project to which the Deputies refer 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.
259 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Science if a full maintenance grant will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3987/09]
The decision on eligibility for student grants is a matter for the relevant assessing authority — i.e. the Local Authority or VEC. These bodies do not refer individual applications to my Department except, in exceptional cases, where, for example, advice or instruction regarding a particular clause in the relevant scheme is required. If an individual applicant considers that she/he has been unjustly refused a maintenance grant, or that the rate of grant awarded is not the correct one, she/he may appeal, in the first instance, to the relevant local authority or VEC.
Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down, in writing, by the assessing authority, and remains of the view that the body has not interpreted the schemes correctly in his/her case, an appeal form outlining the position may be submitted by the applicant to my Department.
260 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding an application for a new primary school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3993/09]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the school building project to which he refers has been sanctioned to go to tender and construction. The school authority has been informed of this approval and it is currently engaged in the tendering process.
261 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding an application for a new primary school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3994/09]
An application for grant aid for major capital works was received from the school to which the Deputy refers on 1st May 2007. The current position is that planning permission for the new school was lodged on 23rd December 2008.
The progression of all large scale building projects from initial design stage through to tender and construction, including this project, will be considered on an on-going basis in the context of my Department's Multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
262 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding an application for a primary school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3995/09]
The project to which the Deputy refers is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning. The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.
263 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on whether assessing student fee applications with reference to their parents’ incomes should be reconsidered in view of the fact that most students are adults in the eyes of the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4003/09]
I do not consider the present arrangements to be unreasonable. Under the terms of my Department's student grant schemes, students who are entering approved courses for the first time are eligible for grants where they satisfy the prescribed conditions with regard to age, residence, means, nationality and previous academic attainment.
Students are categorised according to their circumstances either as independent mature students, mature students dependent on parents or guardians, or as students other than mature students. In accordance with the Local Authorities (Higher Education Grants) Act 1992, a mature student is defined as a candidate who is at least 23 years of age on the 1st January of the year of entry or re-entry to an approved course.
Where the applicant is not an independent mature student, the reckonable income to be determined for the purposes of the award of the maintenance grant is income from all sources of the candidate and his/her parents or guardians where applicable. The means test arrangements of the Student Maintenance Grant Schemes are long standing and are applied nationally. In the case of both the employed and self-employed gross income is assessed with certain specified social welfare and Health Service Executive payments excluded.
264 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if laptops, art works, paintings, sculptures, computers, mobile telephones, blackberries or other equipment has been lost or stolen from his Department or its agencies since 2007 to date in 2009; the circumstances surrounding the items’ disappearance; if action has been taken to recover the item or items; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4015/09]
From 2007 to date in 2009 no artwork, paintings or sculptures have been lost or stolen from my Department. Five Mobile phones have been lost and two have been stolen. Three laptop computers owned by my Department have been stolen. Two laptops were stolen in 2007, one from my Department's offices in Marlborough Street and one from an Inspector's car. The third laptop was stolen during a break in to the home of a Visiting Teacher in December 2008. One USB memory card was reported lost.
When mobile phones are reported missing the number is immediately blocked. All thefts were reported to the Gardaí. With regard to bodies under the aegis of my Department the loss or theft of items is a matter for each agency and this information is not available centrally.
265 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department has a contract with a taxi firm; if so, the amount of money spend by officials in 2007 and 2008; the changes he will bring about; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4029/09]
My Department has credit accounts with three taxi firms. The total amount spent on taxis with these firms in 2007 and 2008 is €30,184.37 and €26,996.34 respectively. Taxis used by my Department's officials are for strictly for business purposes and staff are required to ensure that every effort is made to minimise the use of taxis The Deputy will note that there was a 10% reduction in the cost of taxis in 2008.
266 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if external storage is utilised by his Department; and, if so, if he will state what is being stored; the length of time it has it been stored; the cost of such storage; the details of the contract; his plans in this regard and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4043/09]
My Department uses external storage facilities to store non-current records and a limited stock of publications. The contract details and the costs involved in renting off site storage for my Department is a matter for the Property Management Section of the Office of Public Works (OPW), who act on behalf of my Department in relation to the rental of off-site storage. The figures shown below were supplied by the OPW in November 2008. Figures are for rental of storage per square metre per annum:
1. Tullamore Gov Warehouse 2, Cappincur, Tullamore, Co Offaly 557.42 sq m @ total cost of €26,664.50.
2. Tullamore Gov Warehouse 5, Cappincur, Tullamore, Co Offaly 250.84 sq m @ total cost of €11,988.
3. Mullingar Gov Warehouse 2, Unit 23, Clonmore Industrial Estate, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath 339.84 sq m @ total cost of €16,278.12.
4. Athlone Education Warehouse, Garrycastle, Athlone, Co Westmeath 566.69 sq m @ total cost of €27,870.75.
Retention periods for Departmental records are determined by their administrative, legal, fiscal, or historical values. Records of historical value are transferred from off-site storage to the National Archives 30 years from the closing date of the particular file. In line with the National Archives Act 1986, no Departmental records may be destroyed without permission from the National Archives Office. My Department is liaising with the National Archives to obtain Disposal Certificates for files which are not of archival value. Once these certificates have been acquired, such files will be confidentially disposed of.
267 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science if construction will commence on a school (details supplied) in County Waterford in 2009 and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4052/09]
The progression of all large scale building projects, including the school to which the Deputy refers, 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.
268 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary schools that have more than two English language support teachers. [4057/09]
There are currently 258 primary schools with more than two language support teachers. The budget measures will mean that the level of language support will be reduced from a maximum of six extra teachers per school to a maximum of two teachers per school, as was the case before 2007. However, there will be some alleviation for the position of those schools where there is a significant concentration of newcomer pupils as a proportion of the overall enrolment.
269 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if a full compliment of teachers has been found to date in order that all practical, oral and aural exams in connection with State examinations in 2009 can take place. [4058/09]
The State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations, including organising the holding of examinations, making arrangements for the marking of work presented for examination and issuing the results of examinations. In view of this, I have forwarded your query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to you.
270 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount his Department will spend in 2009 on in-service training. [4059/09]
Based on the October 2008 budget figures, the estimated provision for in service training for teachers in 2009 is €41.5m. This includes a range of supports across DEIS, Special Needs and Curricular areas.
271 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to an application for a higher education grant in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4096/09]
The decision on eligibility for student grants is a matter for the relevant assessing authority — i.e. the Local Authority or VEC. These bodies do not refer individual applications to my Department except, in exceptional cases, where, for example, advice or instruction regarding a particular clause in the relevant scheme is required. If an individual applicant considers that she/he has been unjustly refused a maintenance grant, or that the rate of grant awarded is not the correct one, she/he may appeal, in the first instance, to the relevant local authority or VEC.
Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down, in writing, by the assessing authority, and remains of the view that the body has not interpreted the schemes correctly in his/her case, an appeal form outlining the position may be submitted by the applicant to my Department.
