Vol. 674 No. 3
9 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the savings he proposes in the context of the cut in the overseas development aid budget; the details of the savings it is proposed to make; the programmes to be scaled back, cut or discontinued; and the areas within his Department’s spend these are located. [5193/09]
24 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the reduction of €95 million in the overseas aid budget will result in a change in the commitment to spend 0.7% of GNP on overseas development aid by 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5231/09]
41 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the consultation process he has had with authorities in recipient countries regarding the implementation of cuts in the overseas aid budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5229/09]
44 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount of the reduction of €95 million in the overseas aid budget which will be taken from funds channelled through Irish and other development non-governmental organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5230/09]
57 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the impact and effects of the €95 million reduction in overseas aid. [4749/09]
68 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when the cuts resulting from the reduction of €95 million in the overseas aid budget will be initiated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5337/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 9, 24, 41, 44, 57 and 68 together.
I have already addressed the issues raised in these Questions in some detail in my replies to two Priority Questions. For the record, I will outline the situation further.
Last week the Government took the difficult decision to reduce the total Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget for 2009 from €891 million to €796 million — a saving of €95 million. This 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, which will lead to further expansion of the Government's development programme in years to come.
On current GNP projections for 2009, this revised allocation means Ireland will spend approximately 0.54% of its GNP on ODA. It is also likely that with this level of funding Ireland will maintain its position as the sixth most generous donor per capita in the world. This is a significant achievement in the current economic circumstances.
The Government continues to work towards reaching a target of 0.7% of GNP on ODA by 2012, although it must be pointed out the overall EU target is to reach this UN target by 2015. Currently Ireland remains significantly closer to achieving the target than most of the other EU Member States, with only a handful of other EU countries ahead of Ireland.
The Government's priority will now be to ensure that the budget provided for ODA is implemented effectively and in line with our priorities as outlined in the White Paper on Irish Aid. All aspects of the ODA programme will continue to be rigorously examined to ensure effectiveness and impact in the fight against poverty and hunger. A number of adjustments will need to be made in relation to programme and project time-lines. These adjustments will be made in a way which minimises and mitigates impact on those most in need. We will communicate with prospective recipients following completion of this review.
I am determined that Ireland's aid programme will continue to focus on assistance to the poorest countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, and to place the needs of the most vulnerable people in these countries at the heart of the programme. Poverty reduction is at the core of our aid programme. We will continue to invest in basic services, including primary education and primary health. In response to the report of the Government's Hunger Task Force, we will continue our leading role internationally in the fight against the scourge of hunger. Sectors such as good governance, HIV and AIDS, gender equality and economic development will also remain important aspects of our aid programme.
10 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the contacts he, or his officials, have had with the new administration in the USA regarding the recovery and reinvestment plan and the impact it might have on Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5313/09]
I refer the Deputy to the answer I gave earlier in response to the Priority PQ on this subject, which is set out below.
Ireland and the United States enjoy close political, economic and cultural relations. Successive Presidents and their Administrations, and Ireland's many friends on Capitol Hill from both sides of the aisle, have made an enormous contribution to bringing peace and economic prosperity to this island. The Government attaches the highest importance to strengthening the unique relationship between the two countries.
I welcome the commitment of the Obama Administration to overcoming the manifold challenges posed by the current economic climate worldwide. President Obama has made it clear that the recovery and re-investment plan is his top priority. The legislation, as currently developing, is focused on stimulating the domestic U.S. economy, an undertaking which is central in restoring wider confidence with global implications, and as such of particular significance for an open trading economy such as Ireland.
The legislation is currently before the U.S. Congress, with the Senate and House versions due shortly to be brought to convergence. The Government will continue to follow its progress and assess its possible implications for this country. The aim is to promote the consolidation and growth of the economic partnership between the United States and Ireland.
This partnership has been enormously valuable in the development of the very significant trade and investment ties between our two countries. It is worth noting that the US was Ireland's second largest merchandise trade partner in 2007 with bilateral trade valued at $31.5billion. Trade in services between Ireland and the US was worth US36.9 billion in 2006. These ties are mutually beneficial: just as US companies employ 95,000 people in Ireland, Irish companies in the US now employ over 80,000 people across the United States. A strong US economy serves all our interests. The need constantly to update and renew these links will be a central theme of our contacts with members of the Administration and other key figures in the United States in the period ahead.
11 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the consideration he has given to housing, land and human rights in Luanda and the representations made to him by non-governmental organisations working in Angola. [5221/09]
After one of the longest-running civil wars in Africa drew to a close in 2002, Angola has begun a period of major transition — economically, politically and socially — fuelled by a boom in oil production and high oil prices. Hopes that the end of the civil war in 2002 would lead to more political openness have only partially been fulfilled.
Angola's first parliamentary election since 1992, and only the second since 1975, took place in September 2008. The ruling MPLA party won by a landslide. An EU election observation mission said that the elections represented a ‘positive step towards strengthening democracy', despite some organisational weaknesses and the state's control of the media. The mission welcomed the peaceful conduct of the elections but did not, however, go as far as describing them as free and fair. Space for NGOs to operate remains limited, and in 2008 the government closed a local office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, following the publication in 2007 of a report criticising Angola's human rights record.
Angola's current production levels make it Africa's largest oil producer, and economic development associated with the energy sector has been very rapid. However, the fruits of this new prosperity have not been equally shared. Real estate in the Angolan capital, Luanda, now ranks among the most expensive in the world, and the land occupied by the informal settlements of the poor, many of whom migrated to Luanda during the civil war, is now very valuable.
The government has carried out a number of forced evictions in Luanda's poorer neighbourhoods to make way for rapid redevelopment. These evictions do not seem to have been politically motivated. Rather, the poorest Angolans were suffering the effects of the economic up-turn in Angola, combined with poor urban planning and a lack of accountable governance.
EU Heads of Mission based in Luanda have followed this issue, and some have raised it with the authorities in recent years. EU Heads of Mission have also pursued concerns over the use of force by Angolan authorities when carrying out evictions.
Ireland-Angola relations are limited, and there have been few opportunities for political dialogue in recent years. However, conscious that the country's rapid economic growth masks huge in equalities and great hardship, Irish Aid does provide some funding to the Angolan people, amounting to almost €6.8 million since 2006. This funding is channelled through Irish and international NGOs including Trócaire and Concern and through Irish missionaries.
This assistance covers a number of areas — basic education and health support, de-mining and rehabilitation of mine victims, HIV/AIDS programmes and food security. One of Irish Aid's partner organisations in Angola, Christian Aid, supports work on community strengthening and land rights under its accountability and governance programme.
Other than contacts which my Department has had with the NGOs funded by Irish Aid, no representations have been made to me by NGOs in relation to Angola since my appointment as Minister for Foreign Affairs.
12 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the action he proposes to take on a national basis to incorporate the findings and recommendations of the EU Sub-Committee on the Future of Ireland in Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5258/09]
When the report of the Sub-Committee on Ireland's future in the European Union was published at the end of November, I acknowledged the excellent analysis contained in the report and saluted the Chairman and all the members for their hard work.
The report represents a significant contribution by the Oireachtas to our national debate on EU issues at a challenging time for Ireland in the European Union. The report correctly recognises that Ireland's ability to defend its interests at EU level has been badly affected by our referendum result and that serious, long-term damage will arise if we fail to find a way forward.
The central, strategic policy recommendation is that a solution be found that keeps Ireland at the heart of Europe, while respecting the democratic will of the Irish people by ensuring that their concerns are met.
The report made an important contribution to the Government's strategy for the December European Council at which important progress was made in the form of a commitment to provide Ireland with legal guarantees on key issues. The European Council also agreed that, if the Lisbon Treaty is ratified, the European Commission will continue to include a nominee from each Member State. This was one of the Sub-Committee's key policy recommendations.
During the Oireachtas debate on the report in December, I made a commitment to give positive consideration to the report's proposals for action at national level. I intend to bring proposals to Government shortly in respect of the report's key recommendations on the role of the Oireachtas and on public information initiatives. Before doing so, I will be consulting with the Chairmen and the members of the Joint Committees on European Affairs and European Scrutiny in order to obtain their views on how best to advance the Sub-Committee's recommendations.
I agree with the Report's findings that there is work to be done to strengthen the role of the Oireachtas in EU affairs. Effective Oireachtas scrutiny is central to the task of bringing EU issues closer to ordinary people. The report favours the introduction of a formal scrutiny reserve system. This is an important proposal which requires serious consideration so that we can arrive at arrangements for the scrutiny of EU measures that will meet our particular national needs.
Since the Millward Brown research was published last September, I have been working on ways to improve the way we communicate with the public about European issues. I would like to see the Sub-Committee's recommendations taken forward in cooperation with the Oireachtas, the European Commission and the European Parliament, all of whom have a stake in more effective public communication on EU affairs.
13 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding work towards meeting the Millennium Development Goals. [5217/09]
The eight Millennium Development Goals, adopted by Heads of Government at the Millennium Summit in 2000, provide the framework for international economic and social development over fifteen years, to 2015. Most importantly, they represent a series of commitments on development by the international community together with a set of specific targets against which to measure progress in the reduction of global poverty. The Government's aid programme, implemented by Irish Aid, is centrally based on the commitment to the reduction of poverty and hunger in the developing world.
The Taoiseach, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and I attended the high-level event at the UN in New York last September, at which leaders from national Governments, civil society and the private sector recommitted themselves to this ambitious set of targets. We recognised then that further international efforts were required if the Goals were to be achieved in full. Since then, the scale of the challenge has increased in the face of the global economic crisis. This was recognised at the Review Conference on Financing For Development, which I attended in Doha in November. We are working closely with our EU partners on a strengthened international response to the serious impact of the crisis on the developing countries.
The Government remains determined that Ireland will continue to play an important role in the global effort to combat poverty and hunger. Ireland's aid programme is the sixth most generous in per capita terms internationally. We are taking a lead internationally on the global hunger crisis, highlighting the over-riding importance of the first Millennium Development Goal, to halve the proportion of people living in poverty and hunger by 2015. The Report of the Government's Hunger Task Force was launched at the high level event in New York in September, and was formally presented to the UN Secretary General and to the Taoiseach.
Last month, I responded to and endorsed the recommendations of the Report and stated that the hunger crisis will be a cornerstone of Ireland's development policy. I also announced the appointment of a Special Envoy for Hunger to oversee Ireland's response to the hunger crisis, promoting and assisting efforts at national and international level to reduce hunger and food insecurity.
14 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the geopolitical situation in Central Asia in view of the decision by the authorities in Kyrgyzstan to no longer host a US military base on its territory reportedly as a result of pressure from the Government of the Russian Federation. [5215/09]
With the collapse of the Soviet Union the five ex-Soviet Central Asian Republics (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan) had to adapt to a changed economic system and establish themselves as independent states. The Deputy will be aware that some countries of the region are rich in energy and mineral resources, but all face problems in the economic and social sphere. Many outside powers are keen to expand their influence in the region or have a presence there because of its resources and strategic location.
On 3 February, Kyrgyz President Bakiyev announced the closure of the Manas air-base operated by the United States. If the decision is confirmed by the Kyrgyz parliament, which delayed a vote scheduled for earlier this week, the US would have a six-month period to wind down its activities at the base. The loss of Manas, the only US base in Central Asia and a key transit point for supplies, would present a significant challenge for US and NATO activities in Afghanistan. The US can be expected to make every effort to convince the Kyrgyz government to reconsider its decision.
While the timing of the current announcement was a surprise, there have been question marks over the base's long-term survival since July 2005, when the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), which includes among its members the countries of Central Asia along with Russia and China, passed a resolution calling for all non-SCO bases to be removed from Central Asia. Kyrgyzstan is also host to a Russian airforce base located a few miles from that operated by the US. The Russian Federation has made it clear that it does not favour a long-term US presence in Central Asia. The possible closure of the US base has been raised on several occasions, and the US has had to re-negotiate its arrangement with the Kyrgyz Government previously to enable the base to continue to operate.
15 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on having the new referendum on the Lisbon treaty at the same time as the local and European elections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5266/09]
73 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his proposals for the ratification of the Lisbon treaty with particular reference to the need to maintain Ireland’s position as a core participant in the development of the European Union now and in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5279/09]
149 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when he expects the next vote on the Lisbon treaty to be held; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5480/09]
155 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when he expects to receive confirmation regarding the issues of concern to the electorate relating to the Lisbon treaty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5488/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 15, 73, 149 and 155 together.
Ireland's position as a core member of the European Union and the Eurozone have been key elements in attracting foreign investment to Ireland and were therefore fundamental to the extraordinary period of economic growth which Ireland enjoyed up until last year. Today, they are critical to the maintenance of stability and liquidity in our economy and financial system at a time of extraordinary global turmoil.
The rejection of the Lisbon Treaty in last year's referendum has cast doubt about Ireland's European vocation in the minds of the international investment and financial community. This is particularly damaging in the current economic climate. The Government is absolutely convinced that it is in the national interest that these uncertainties be removed.
The Government has taken the concerns of the Irish people with regard to the Lisbon Treaty extremely seriously. We commissioned detailed research into why the Irish people rejected the Treaty last year. We took the results of this research to our EU partners and persuaded them that these concerns had to be addressed in legally binding guarantees before the Irish people could be asked to reconsider their position on the Lisbon Treaty.
Over the period ahead, the Government will be working with our EU partners and the EU institutions, to give legal form to the decisions taken by the European Council in December. These include the right of each Member State to nominate a Commissioner and guarantees of Ireland's right to take its own decisions and make its own laws in relation to taxation, defence and certain provisions of our Constitution in relation to the right to life, education and family. The European Council also agreed to confirm the high importance the EU attaches to issues including workers' rights and social services.
These elements, when finalised, will represent a comprehensive package of measures specifically designed to address the key concerns of the Irish electorate in relation to the Lisbon Treaty.
The conclusions of the December European Council state that work on the guarantees should be concluded no later than mid-2009. If the Government are fully satisfied with the outcome of this work, we will seek ratification of the Lisbon Treaty, by way of a further referendum, before the end of the term of the current Commission, which is due to leave office at the end of October.
No decision can be taken on the timing of any referendum until the commitments made by the European Council have been delivered upon to our full satisfaction.
Let there be no doubt that the Government will spare no effort in ensuring that the concerns of the Irish people in regard to the Lisbon Treaty are fully addressed. Our aim is to provide a basis for the people to be asked to approve the Lisbon Treaty and thereby remove any doubt about our position at the heart of the European Union. I believe such a decision to be vital for the wellbeing of our economy, for the future of Europe and for the sake of our children and future generations.
16 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his recent visit to the Middle East; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5318/09]
50 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the details of his visit to Syria and Lebanon; the discussions which were held and the persons with whom they were held; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5207/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 16 and 50 together.
I refer Deputies to my earlier reply to Priority Question number 4.
I completed a very constructive visit to Syria, Lebanon and the United Arab Emirates between 1 — 5 February, my second visit to the Middle East as Minister for Foreign Affairs. The visit was timely given the recent conflict in Gaza and the prospects for efforts to revive an overall peace process in the region. The primary focus of the visit to the UAE, where I accompanied the President on her official visit, was on the promotion of trade and investment, although we had important discussions on political issues.
In Damascus I held extensive discussions on regional political issues with President Assad and with Foreign Minister Muallem. I also met with Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Al-Dardari to discuss bilateral economic issues, and with the Grand Mufti of Syria, Dr. Hassoun. I also briefly met with Irish officers serving with the UN Truce Supervisory Organisation.
In Lebanon I held meetings with President Suleiman as well as Prime Minister Siniora, Foreign Minister Salloukh and Parliament Speaker Berri. At Naqoura in southern Lebanon I was briefed by the UNIFIL Commander General Graziani and met with Irish Defence Forces and other personnel serving with UNIFIL.
In addition to accompanying the President in the UAE, I also met with the Deputy Foreign Minister, Dr. Al-Gargash, to whom I formally communicated the Government's decision to establish a resident Embassy in the country.
Discussions with President Assad covered the recent Gaza crisis and the role of Hamas, the Turkish-mediated Syria-Israel dialogue, relations with Lebanon, Iran, human rights and bilateral relations. President Assad expressed optimism that a durable ceasefire in Gaza was in prospect and offered assurances that Syria was working to encourage Hamas towards greater political engagement and to accept a process leading to a negotiated, two-State solution.
President Assad was also quite positive about the prospects for increased engagement between Syria and the United States, with the change of Administration in Washington DC.
Strong appreciation was expressed by Lebanese leaders for the Irish contribution to UNIFIL and also for the Irish role in the negotiation of the Cluster Munitions Convention, agreed in Dublin last May. Prime Minister Siniora urged greater EU engagement in the Middle East Peace Process, while warmly welcoming the appointment of Senator George Mitchell as US Middle East Envoy. Confirmation was offered by all leaders I met that relations between Lebanon and Syria were now improving. At the same time, there remains considerable inter-communal tension in advance of the general election scheduled for June. This emergency contribution is in addition to a comprehensive programme of support to the Palestinian people, which includes core funding to the UN Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA). This funding totalled €3.8 million in 2007 and 2008, with the same amount already allocated for 2009. Following a Resolution of the UN General Assembly, Ireland is now a member of UNRWA's Advisory Commission and will be represented at an emergency meeting of the Commission on 17 February.
A decision on further funding in response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza will be informed by the Advisory Commission meeting, and will respond to priority needs identified in the Flash Appeal.
17 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the position regarding the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic. [5220/09]
59 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the holding of a referendum which would resolve the conflict in the Sahara between the Saharaoui and Morocco. [5225/09]
60 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the granting by the EU of licences for exploration activity in the territories formerly known as the Spanish Sahara. [5226/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 17, 59 and 60 together.
The Government has consistently supported the right to self-determination of the people of the Western Sahara. Ireland has not taken a position on the future of the Territory, be it full independence, autonomy, or integration under Moroccan sovereignty, so long as it is decided in a genuine exercise of self-determination.
We strongly support the continuing engagement of the United Nations in the search for a political solution in the Western Sahara based on the principle of self-determination. UN Secretary General Ban has recently appointed former US Ambassador Christopher Ross as his new Personal Envoy for Western Sahara. I wish Mr. Ross well in his new role, and we will give him our full support.
Under the auspices of the United Nations, representatives of the Government of Morocco and of the Polisario Front have held a series of four direct meetings in Manhasset, New York, to discuss the future of the Territory of the Western Sahara. The most recent meeting was held in March 2008. There has unfortunately been no substantive progress at these talks so far. Morocco has set out its vision of an autonomous Government in the Territory, operating under Moroccan sovereignty. In response the Polisario Front has set out its position in favour of the creation of an independent State in close association with Morocco, and with protection for Moroccan vital interests. Morocco has refused, however, to discuss any proposals which include independence as one of the possibilities for the Territory.
This is the same impasse on which previous UN plans to organise a referendum in the Territory foundered. It is difficult to see how genuine self-determination can be exercised without a referendum in which the people can freely choose between all of the possible options, ranging from full integration with Morocco to full independence. Such a referendum was also recommended in the Baker Plan.
Although there is clearly a broad gap between these two competing visions of the parties, I regard it as a positive and helpful development that both sides have set out their proposals for the future, and the measures they can envisage to accommodate the concerns of the other side. The most recent round also agreed some extension of confidence-building measures in relation to family links between Saharawi people in the Territory and in the refugee camps in Algeria. The parties have agreed to meet again, at a date to be decided.
Finally, any exploration and exploitation activities that proceed in disregard of the interests and wishes of the indigenous people would be in violation of the principles of international law applicable to natural resource activities in Non-Self-Governing Territories. It would not be for the EU to issue any licenses relating to exploration activities in the Western Sahara but I am aware that Morocco has done so.
18 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the details of discussions which have been held between the European Union and the Southern African Development Community regarding ongoing efforts to restore normality to Zimbabwe; if, in this context, it is expected that a power sharing government will be able to govern in that country; and the offers to assist such a transition which have been made by the EU. [5197/09]
35 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps he has taken to deal with the crisis in Zimbabwe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5334/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 18 and 35 together.
The situation in Zimbabwe remains extremely grave. Since March 2008 the country has effectively not been governed, and infrastructure and social services are in a state of collapse. Rampant inflation, the result of disastrous economic mismanagement, has led to the effective abandonment of Zimbabwe's currency. Millions of Zimbabweans — more than half the population — are dependent on food aid, and many more rely on what friends and relatives can send from abroad. The ongoing cholera epidemic is now estimated by the World Health Organisation to have caused the deaths of more than 3,300 people. Those who protest against the appalling situation in the country and against the abuse of human rights have been subject to arrest and imprisonment.
The political process in Zimbabwe had effectively been at a standstill since the broad agreement on the principles of power-sharing reached by Robert Mugabe and Morgan Tsvangirai in September 2008, essentially due to the refusal of ZANU-PF to relinquish its grip on power. However, an Extraordinary Summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) on 26 January set out a sequence for the formation of a government of national unity between ZANU-PF and the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC). The terms agreed fell short of what the MDC had held out for since September 2008, but, in part because of the gravity of the humanitarian situation, the MDC has decided to accept them.
Morgan Tsvangirai was sworn in yesterday as Prime Minister, and I wish him well in his new role. Already, in choosing his cabinet team, Mr. Tsvangirai is showing his determination to make the most of this opportunity to bring real reform. However, past experience advises caution as to whether the arrangement will provide a sound basis for sustainable government, which must involve a real change in decision-making processes — effectively, the transfer of some power from Mr. Mugabe to the MDC. In particular, I would hope to see positive developments on the situation of political prisoners very soon.
Despite these doubts, my EU colleagues and I have repeatedly stated our willingness to support the economic and social recovery of Zimbabwe once a government is formed which reflects the will of the Zimbabwean people, and which returns to respect for human rights, the rule of law and responsible macroeconomic management. We will be waiting for tangible signs of reform before there is any change in policy, or any relaxation of the EU restrictive measures against individuals and companies linked to the Mugabe regime. Of course, this may require some leap of faith, since we will not be able to wait for absolute certainty before supporting reform.
Ireland and the EU will be monitoring the situation closely in the coming weeks, and maintaining contacts with key African partners, as it is Zimbabwe's neighbours who can bring the greatest influence to bear on the situation. SADC and its members are among these partners, and regular political dialogue between the EU and SADC has consistently addressed the question of Zimbabwe, most recently at the last EU-SADC Ministerial Troika meeting in November 2008.
Ireland has made its views on the situation abundantly clear to the Zimbabwean authorities, and to our partners in the region. Irish Ambassadors have conveyed our position directly to the governments of our key partner countries in Africa, and African Embassies based in Dublin have been made aware of Ireland's views. Ireland continues to offer significant humanitarian aid to alleviate the suffering of the Zimbabwean people. In 2008, Irish Aid provided almost €8 million in funding for Zimbabwe, channelled through non-governmental organisations and UN agencies. We have also made specific funding available in response to the current cholera emergency.
The appalling humanitarian situation in Zimbabwe has continued for too long, and the country urgently needs a responsible government which can take the measures necessary to end the suffering of the Zimbabwean people. I very much hope that rapid progress can be made towards this goal. Ireland will continue to press for the crisis in Zimbabwe to remain high on the international agenda.
19 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the recent elections in Iraq; and his further views on the future progress there. [5212/09]
The local elections held in Iraq on 31 January have given perhaps the most positive indication yet of the significant improvement of the situation in Iraq in the last two years. There are a number of aspects which I find particularly hopeful.
Only a few months ago there was still real doubt that the elections could be held at all. In the event they took place almost completely peacefully, including in the provinces which have been most racked by violence.
Secondly, and in contrast to the previous general elections in 2005, Iraq's formerly dominant Sunni community have taken part fully in these elections, reflecting their improved re-integration in the political process and their large-scale turning away from violence.
There had been concern that the local elections might worsen inter-communal rivalries in contested areas, and threaten such fragile political understandings as existed. Instead, Iraq has shown greater political maturity and robustness than perhaps many expected. Not only the election but also the announcement of the results passed off peacefully.
There have been significant shifts in the distribution of power between the parties and the communities, without any attempt to contest the outcome. To take one instance, the city of Mosul, which has been a flashpoint for ethnic tensions during the past year, has switched from overall Kurdish control to a local Sunni majority, without so far sparking any evident negative reaction.
Overall, there has been a perceptible shift within both Shi'a and Sunni communities away from the more radical and more strongly religious parties, while campaigning was more secular in tone than formerly. A clear strengthening of support for the coalition of parties around Prime Minister Al-Maliki's government can perhaps also be taken as support for the direction it has been taking. Commentators have suggested that voters have rewarded parties they feel have been delivering, and reduced support for others, and that the elections have thus helped contribute to a very important sense among the electorate that they can actively influence the political life and future of Iraq.
As I have made clear to the House on other occasions, there nonetheless remain very significant problems to be overcome in Iraq, which will require the continued support of the international community. Ireland and the EU will continue to offer that support.
20 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the funding that will be provided by Irish Aid in 2009 to support small holder and women farmers to intensify their agricultural productivity and produce more food; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5235/09]
43 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the pressure being placed on countries with food scarcity to adopt genetically modified food strategies. [5218/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 20 and 43 together.
The use of genetically modified (GM) food to feed the growing population in the developing world is a matter for the government of each developing country and we respect their decision. Ireland's support to the agriculture strategies of partner countries is provided within the context of the national policies of each country and in accordance with Ireland's aid policy of promoting local ownership of the development process.
I am fully supportive of helping small-holder farmers in developing countries to intensify their agricultural productivity and produce more food. Small-holder farmers are the backbone of the national economies of many of these poor countries and up to 80% of small-holder farmers in Africa are women. They have unequal access to land, little or no access to input and output markets, or to agricultural support services such as financial services and access to credit.
I am happy to report that Irish Aid is currently supporting, and will continue to support, small-holder and women farmers in our Programme Countries.
In Malawi, we help provide high yield varieties of potato and maize seed to small-holder farmers to help them become food sufficient throughout the year. We also promote conservation agriculture and crop diversification. This year we will provide financial assistance in support of the Government led agriculture inputs subsidy programme.
We support the Ministries of Agriculture in Tanzania and Mozambique in their efforts to promote intensification of small-holder agriculture through programmes designed to maximise access by women and the poor to land and other critical inputs and services including better access to seed, fertiliser, financial services and credit. We take the donor lead in the agriculture and rural development sector in Tanzania.
It is estimated that approximately €40 million will be allocated this year to the development of agriculture and to increasing agricultural productivity and long-term food security in developing countries. In addition to this direct investment in agriculture, significant resources are, and will continue to be, allocated to supporting programmes or projects which are indirectly related to increasing small-holder agricultural production. These include funding improvements in rural infrastructure such as roads, so as to provide better market access to farmers, and the provision of clean and reliable water sources.
21 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the assistance he and the EU propose to offer to the hundreds of thousands of civilians caught between warring groups in Sri Lanka. [5196/09]
40 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the efforts being made to broker an end to violence in Sri Lanka; his views on the possible use of cluster bombs in the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5286/09]
42 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps he is taking to support the efforts of the UN and the EU to address the difficult political and humanitarian situation in Sri Lanka. [4750/09]
46 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his response and that of the EU to the position in Sri Lanka; and the assistance Ireland has offered in terms of mediation between the government there and the Tamil movement. [5194/09]
66 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the role of the EU, as one of the four co-chairs of the 2003 Tokyo Conference on the Reconstruction and Development of Sri Lanka, in efforts to resolve conflict in the country; and the initiatives which have recently been adopted to that end. [5195/09]
67 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the action he proposes to take on foot of the expressed concern of international human rights groups, including the International Commission of Jurists, and the special appeal made by priests in the province of Wanni, at the abuse of human rights and general breaches of international law taking place in Sri Lanka. [5198/09]
77 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the situation in Sri Lanka; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5335/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 21, 40, 42, 46, 66, 67 and 77 together.
In a statement issued on 8 February, and in reply to Parliamentary Questions on 10 February, I made clear my deep concern at the plight of the war-ravaged Tamil population in the north of Sri Lanka, who are the innocent victims of the conflict between the Government of Sri Lanka and the rebel LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam). Large numbers of men, women and children have been subjected to indiscriminate bombardment by government forces, while there is clear evidence that the LTTE has been blocking their escape and using them as human shields. I am particularly shocked by reports of the repeated shelling last week of the PTK hospital, which has resulted in the deaths of 12 people. Claims have been made that cluster bombs have been used by one or other side but, to date, these have not been confirmed. Such blatant disregard for the lives of innocent civilians is indefensible and constitutes a serious breach of international humanitarian law, as has been made clear by the International Commission of Jurists and others.
I fully endorse the call made jointly by the ‘Tokyo Co-Chairs' of the former Sri Lankan peace process [Norway, Japan, the EU and the USA] for both sides to declare at least a temporary cessation of hostilities to allow for the evacuation of the sick and wounded and the provision of aid to civilians.
I also support the call by the Co-Chairs for the LTTE to discuss with the Government of Sri Lanka the modalities for ending hostilities, including the laying down of arms, the renunciation of violence, the acceptance of the Government of Sri Lanka's offer of amnesty, and for its participation as a political party in a process to achieve a just and lasting political solution. I also support the call by the Co-Chairs for the LTTE to discuss with the Government of Sri Lanka the modalities for ending hostilities, including the laying down of arms, the renunciation of violence, the acceptance of the Government of Sri Lanka's offer of amnesty, and for its participation as a political party in a process to achieve a just and lasting political solution.
As one of the four Tokyo co-chairs, the EU has been anxious to maintain an active role in assisting the country to resolve its internal conflicts, work on national reconciliation and move forward on the development agenda.
At my proposal, the situation in Sri Lanka will be discussed at the next meeting of the EU's General Affairs and External Relations Council on 23 February. In response to pressure from Ireland and some other partners, I am hopeful that an EU Troika visit to Sri Lanka at Ministerial level will take place shortly. The EU has also initiated a formal examination of whether the Government of Sri Lanka has breached the terms of the human rights provisions in the EU's GSP+ trade agreement with Sri Lanka.
In 2008, the European Commission allocated €19 million for humanitarian and food aid programmes to assist people affected by conflict and natural disasters in Sri Lanka.
At the national level, Ireland has consistently taken every opportunity call for meaningful peace talks and an end to all violence and human rights violations. We continue to take the firm view that there can be no lasting military solution to Sri Lanka's political difficulties. Should the relevant parties seek our advice in relation to a negotiated peace process, we would give consideration as to how we could best help.
Since 2005, the Government has provided, through Irish Aid, more than €5.3 million for humanitarian and development activities in Sri Lanka, including significant emergency assistance provided in the aftermath of the tsunami in 2004. In addition, over US$12 million was allocated from the UN's Central Emergency Response Fund to Sri Lanka during 2008. Ireland is currently the seventh largest donor to this Fund.
Irish Aid recently provided €7 million in un-earmarked funding to the ICRC, one of the key organisations at the centre of the response to the current humanitarian crisis in the north of Sri Lanka.
22 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the details of the stated aims as regards foreign policy and diplomacy of the Czech Presidency of the EU. [5205/09]
The Czech Presidency identified a number of themes as priorities in the external relations area. These include the Eastern Partnership aimed at deepening the European Neighbourhood Policy in respect of six Eastern States, the continuation of dialogue between the European Union and Russia, further development of transatlantic cooperation and the development of relations with the non- EU Mediterranean countries.
In addition, the Presidency will work on areas of traditional concern to the Union such as non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, human rights and development. The Presidency also attaches importance to a successful conclusion of the Doha Development Round of talks within the World Trade Organisation.
The Czech Presidency attaches considerable importance to the gradual integration of the Western Balkan States into the EU. To this end, it will encourage completion of the negotiations with Croatia, work to improve relations with the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, while continuing ongoing negotiations with Turkey.
The Government is broadly supportive of the priorities identified by the Czech Presidency, which reflect our shared concerns. We will work closely with the Presidency and our other partners to secure progress in these areas.
Of course, no Presidency can predict with certainty the course of international events. The early weeks of the Czech Presidency were dominated in the external relations field by the Gaza incursion and its humanitarian consequences and by the Russia-Ukraine gas transit dispute. Czech diplomacy played an important role in resolving the dispute between Russia and Ukraine and was also active in the Gaza conflict.
23 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the imprisonment of the main opposition leader in Ethiopia and on the curtailment of political rights in a country that is a bilateral partner of the Irish Aid programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5238/09]
As a long-standing development partner of Ethiopia, Ireland greatly regrets the narrowing of the political space for opposition parties, the press and civil society, which we have observed in the country since 2005. We believe that the strengthening of democracy is a key element in the economic development process, and we regularly communicate this to our Ethiopian partners.
As a vice-president of the now-defunct Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD), Ms. Birtukan Medeksa was among the opposition activists who were imprisoned in the aftermath of the 2005 elections in Ethiopia and the ensuing violence. Almost all of these detainees were pardoned and released in 2007, on condition that they admitted to errors in the post-election period. However, in December 2008, Birtukan Medeksa, now the leader of a new opposition party called Unity for Democracy and Justice (UDJ), was re-arrested. It is believed that the Government of Ethiopia considers that statements which she made about the 2007 pardon process violated the terms of her pardon. I am concerned about the implications of the re-arrest of such a prominent opposition figure, particularly in view of the fact that national elections are due to take place next year. I have asked our Embassy in Addis Ababa to continue to monitor the situation closely with a view to clarifying the circumstances of Ms. Medeksa's re-arrest.
Our concerns about the curtailment of democratic rights go beyond one individual. Ireland and the EU argued last year against certain provisions of the Charities and Societies Law, and we were deeply disappointed when, in January 2009, it was passed in its current form. We are concerned about the potential impact on NGOs and we will continue to make our views known, as we monitor how the law is implemented. Ireland has also been to the fore in voicing concerns about the troubled Ogaden region of Ethiopia, where we believe that efforts to restore order should take better account of the need to minimise the impact of the conflict on ordinary people. Forthright expression of our views, where necessary, is an essential element of our partnership with Ethiopia.
As regards development assistance, Ethiopia remains one of the poorest countries in the world — last year, it was ranked 169th out of 177 countries on the UNDP Human Development Index. It has been one of Ireland's Programme Countries since 1994. It is a difficult environment in which to work, although it has made remarkable progress in recent years. I believe that Irish funding in Ethiopia makes a real and tangible difference to the lives of the poorest and most vulnerable people there.
Irish Aid provided over €47 million to development programmes in Ethiopia in 2008, of which approximately €23 million was allocated to a social ‘safety net' programme targeting the poorest Ethiopians, €5 million to addressing the humanitarian crisis and €1.8 million on HIV/AIDS programmes. In addition NGOs including Concern, GOAL, Trócaire and Self Help Development International received over €10 million to support their development efforts in Ethiopia.
Our aid programmes are carefully monitored by our Embassy and are externally evaluated in accordance with established practice. Where assistance is channelled through Government ministries and regional authorities, it is ring-fenced for spending on basic needs programmes such as the building of schools, the training of health workers and teacher training. I believe it is right to remain engaged in Ethiopia, where food security will remain a vital issue in the period ahead, and to do so in close cooperation with our donor partners. The reality is that every day our support is saving lives, helping to rebuild livelihoods and giving hope to some of the most vulnerable people in the world.
25 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount of aid given to Ethiopia in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5309/09]
Ethiopia is one of the poorest countries in the world and has been one of Ireland's Programme Countries since 1994. Through Irish Aid, the Government provided over €47 million for development programmes and projects in Ethiopia in 2008. Assistance addressed a wide range of basic needs, with an emphasis on health, education, food security and governance. For example, some €23 million was allocated to a social safety net programme designed to ensure that over seven million desperately poor Ethiopians were provided with cash or food in exchange for labour.
Ethiopia been particularly hard hit in recent years as a result of the persistent drought across the Horn of Africa. The lives of millions have been placed in danger. In 2008, Irish Aid allocated €5 million under the country programme to help tackle the humanitarian crisis in Ethiopia . A further €1.8 million was provided to improve services for people affected by HIV and AIDS. Over €3 million was allocated to a capacity building programme designed to reduce poverty in the Tigray region of the country. In addition to this funding, some €2.2 million was allocated to Non Governmental Organisations including Concern, Goal and Trócaire to provide emergency responses to vulnerable communities.
The Government also provided €8.4 million to Irish missionaries and Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs), including Concern, Goal, Self Help Development International and Trócaire, in support of their longer term development work in Ethiopia.
26 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the funding that will be provided by Irish Aid in 2009 for pro-poor agricultural research which helps farmers increase productivity and become food sufficient; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5236/09]
An estimated 125 million people in developing countries were driven into extreme poverty because of the surge in global food prices since 2006; the number of hungry now stands at almost one billion. Agricultural research and innovation are critical in order to increase yields and form essential components of the longer term response to the global food security crisis. This was highlighted in the report of Ireland's Hunger Task Force, which recommended support for "an explicit research agenda that contributes significantly to the elimination of hunger and the development of resilient food systems."
I have welcomed this recommendation. Irish Aid's support for pro-poor agricultural research is provided primarily through the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). CGIAR is an alliance of international agricultural research centres, partners and donors, which together mobilise top-quality agricultural research for the benefit of the poor.
In 2009, we have allocated €5 million in core support for the CGIAR system, focused primarily on eight centres which conduct research on crops, livestock, water management, agro-forestry and food policy. In addition, Irish Aid supports specific initiatives by CGIAR partners in our Programme Countries. CGIAR research is practical and results focused and I witnessed some of its benefits when I visited Malawi last year. It is making a real difference in the lives of the rural poor.
Support to CGIAR centres in 2009 will be complemented by a contribution of €1 million to the Global Crop Diversity Trust, the objective of which is to ensure the conservation and availability of crop diversity for food security worldwide. Conserving the vast diversity of crop varieties is essential if farmers and plant breeders are to have the raw materials needed to improve and adapt their crops to meet future challenges, including climate change and a growing world population.
27 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will raise the case of the Miami Five with the new Administration in the United States to urge it in the short term to issue visas in order that the families of the wrongly detained men can visit them in prison and ultimately make provision for a re-trial in view of the moves made by President Obama regarding political prisoners in the form of the announced closure of Guantanamo Bay. [5244/09]
The case to which the Deputy refers relates to five Cuban men, known as the Miami Five, who were convicted in the US in 2001 on charges ranging from espionage to first degree murder. On 4 June 2008, the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta, Georgia, issued its judgement on appeals lodged on behalf of the five.
The Circuit Court concluded that the appellants' arguments, which centred on the suppression of evidence, sovereign immunity, discovery, jury selection, and the trial itself, were without merit and that there was sufficient evidence to support each conviction. The sentences of two of the defendants were affirmed, while the remaining three men have been sent for re-sentencing.
It is my understanding that the defendants' legal counsel lodged a petition to the US Supreme Court on 30 January requesting that the Court hear an appeal to the cases against these five individuals. As I have previously stated, the Government has no standing in this matter, which is a bilateral consular question between the US and the Cuban authorities and, consequently, I do not intend to pursue this matter with the US administration.
With regard to the question of family visits, as I have previously stated to the House, I am aware that visas have been issues to a number of family members in past years but that visas have not been granted to the wives of the two of the convicted men on the stated grounds of US national security. Again, I do not believe that this is a matter in which I have any standing and I do not intend, therefore, to raise it with the US authorities.
28 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the situation in Burma-Myanmar in particular in view of the testimony provided by boat people who have sought refuge in Indonesia. [5211/09]
I am deeply concerned by the situation in Burma. There has been no political progress since the events of September 2007, and harassment and repression of monks, political activists and others by the military junta has continued unabated since that time. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is also still under arrest.
Meantime, the junta appears intent on holding elections in 2010, based on the new Constitution which it forced through by means of a fundamentally flawed referendum in May 2008. In spite of the recent visit of the UN Secretary General's Special Representative, Dr Ibrahim Gambari, which I welcome, the régime has not responded to the demands of the international community for the unconditional release of all political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi, and the initiation of a political process on the basis of an inclusive long-term dialogue in which the opposition and ethnic groups can participate fully.
The ongoing repressive policies of the Burmese junta have caused great suffering to the ethnic groups in Burma. Many have been forced to leave their homes and seek refuge in other countries. The plight of Rohingya refugees in both Indonesia and Thailand is of particular concern. According to interviews given to international news agencies, the 400 Rohingya boat people, to whom the Deputy refers, were subjected to violence by the Burmese military junta and were then driven from their country. There are also allegations of ill-treatment against some of them on arrival in Thailand, before they were cast adrift once again, only to wash up in Indonesia.
I very much appreciate the fact that Burma's neighbours have had to accommodate large numbers of refugees over many years. In this context, I call on the governments of both Indonesia and Thailand to comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law with regard to the Rohingya refugees and to support fully the work of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) in assisting them. Officials in my Department have already communicated my concerns on this issue to the Governments of Indonesia and Thailand.
Ireland remains committed to helping the Burmese people in their struggle for justice, democracy and development. We have also sought to aid refugees from Burma through our support since 1998 for the UNHCR-led resettlement programme. Among the nationalities resettled to date are 97 Burmese Karen refugees who arrived in Ireland in 2007 and were resettled in County Mayo. A further 78 Burmese Rohingya refugees currently in Bangladesh have also been accepted for resettlement in Ireland under our 2008 quota and are due to arrive in early to mid March.
Ultimately, I believe that the only solution to the plight of Burmese refugees is the creation of a safe and secure environment in their own country. This requires serious engagement on the part of the Burmese regime with representatives of ethnic minorities and the opposition on political reform and a return to democracy and justice for all in that country.
29 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has received the needs assessment of priority humanitarian aid in Gaza carried out by the United Nations inter-agency mission; if he plans to respond to the needs assessment by providing additional humanitarian aid to Gaza; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5232/09]
On 2 February, the UN presented its consolidated "Flash Appeal" in response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which included an analysis of humanitarian need, as well as an outline of funding requirements. The analysis focuses on the most immediate requirements, with more detailed needs and damage assessments still underway.
Among the priority needs highlighted in the UN-coordinated Flash Appeal are food security and nutrition; health; protection; education; agriculture; humanitarian coordination and psychosocial support. The Appeal seeks a total of US$613 million to cover the identified and estimated needs of 1.4 million people over a period of nine months.
The UN analysis highlights the fact that the closure of Gaza's borders during the 18 months prior to the conflict had already left much of the population in a situation of poverty and vulnerability. Addressing the current crisis is not just a matter of financial resources. The effective delivery of humanitarian assistance to those who most need it — and the longer term recovery of the territory — depend on the sustained reopening of Gaza's border crossings.
Irish Aid provided an initial emergency contribution of €500,000 to the Humanitarian Response Fund administered by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. This Fund has already supported a range of Non-Governmental Organisations and UN agencies in responding to the current crisis.
This emergency contribution is in addition to a comprehensive programme of support to the Palestinian people, which includes core funding to the UN Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA). This funding totalled €3.8 million in 2007 and 2008, with the same amount already allocated for 2009. Following a Resolution of the UN General Assembly, Ireland is now a member of UNRWA's Advisory Commission and will be represented at an emergency meeting of the Commission on 17 February.
A decision on further funding in response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza will be informed by the Advisory Commission meeting, and will respond to priority needs identified in the Flash Appeal.
30 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the countries in which the conflict resolution unit of his Department is currently operating; the nature of the work being carried out by the unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5237/09]
31 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the events organised by the conflict resolution centre in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5322/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 30 and 31 together.
The Government is committed to seeking to increase Irish engagement in international conflict resolution as a dimension of our foreign policy. The role of the Conflict Resolution Unit in the Department of Foreign Affairs is to offer support for conflict resolution efforts internationally while also seeking to develop our national capacity in this area. It aims to draw from our own experience of peacemaking and peacebuilding and from the work of Irish Aid, while also developing a range of partnerships with relevant international organisations and NGOs.
The Unit currently has two initiatives in the field, one in Timor Leste and the other a cross-learning exercise involving Liberia, Timor Leste and Northern Ireland on how best to advance the role of women in conflict resolution and peacebuilding.
As one of the most fragile of the nine Irish Aid programme countries, Timor Leste was identified as an appropriate country for initial engagement. The CRU engagement there is headed by Dame Nuala O'Loan, our first Roving Ambassador for Conflict Resolution and Special Envoy to Timor Leste.
Our engagement in Timor Leste, in close cooperation with Irish Aid's development programme there, is designed to address key issues directly related to the risk of renewed internal conflict. Initiatives taken so far include support for an early warning and response system based in civil society, a programme on peace, remembrance and reconciliation, advice on security sector reform, and support for structured high level dialogue amongst rival leaders. Our Special Envoy and the Conflict Resolution Unit consult closely with key bi-lateral partners in the region and with the United Nations.
The cross-learning process on UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on ‘Women, Peace and Security' is designed to facilitate the sharing of experiences between Liberia, Timor Leste and Northern Ireland with a view to encouraging best practice. In addition to a meeting of representatives from these areas organised last November, a Conflict Resolution Unit project team has recently carried out missions to Monrovia and Dili. The outcome of this process will also feed into the development of Ireland's own National Action Plan on Resolution 1325.
Following approaches from some other quarters, the possibility of further engagements in the field is being explored. These must of necessity remain confidential for now.
Conflict resolution is complex and sensitive work and can only be carried out effectively in close coordination with other key agencies and governments. The Conflict Resolution Unit has broadened its network of contacts in the UN, EU and the OECD's Development Assistance Committee. It has a close working relationship with a number of international NGOs, particularly the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, Interpeace, International Alert and the International Security Sector Advisory Team.
As outlined in the White Paper on Irish Aid, we have also planned to work with academics and civil society in Ireland to develop and draw from our overall national capacity in this area. I am glad that a system of fourth-level scholarships has already been put in place. Two three-year scholarships were awarded last year and up to five will be awarded this year, in conjunction with the Irish Council for Research in the Humanities and Social Sciences.
In terms of working with academic institutions, we have examined a number of models to see how best to capture the diverse range of research across all institutions and how to encourage collaboration between them. I am anxious to avoid the creation of unnecessarily elaborate structures.
32 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the recent discussions he has had with the Presidency of the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5333/09]
I have regular contacts with the Czech Presidency, including at the monthly meetings of the General Affairs and External Relations Council, the most recent of which took place on 26 January. On that occasion, I had a bilateral meeting with the Czech Deputy Prime Minister Alexandr Vondra and Foreign Minister, Karel Schwarzenberg.
At that meeting, we discussed the follow-up to the conclusions of the December European Council on the Lisbon Treaty in which the Council committed itself to providing Ireland with legal guarantees in three areas where concerns surfaced during our referendum campaign — taxation, Ireland's traditional policy of neutrality, as well as the right to life, education and the family — and to confirming the high importance the European Union attaches to social issues, including workers' rights.
As provided for in the conclusions of the European Council, work on these guarantees now needs to be completed to our full satisfaction and, to that end, I look forward to working closely with the Czech Presidency in the coming months.
33 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position in Nepal; the amount to be allocated in 2009 in view of the recent announcement of cuts in the budget for overseas development and recalling that more than €1 million was provided through Irish Aid in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5208/09]
Since 2004, through Irish Aid, the Government has provided over €4.2 million for development organisations operating in Nepal. In 2008, this support amounted to €1.27 million. In 2008 Irish Aid also funded and organised the participation of two Irish members of the EU election observation mission in Nepal.
Irish Aid funding for Nepal is provided under a number of schemes, including long term development funding from the Civil Society Fund, funding for missionary organisations, and volunteer programmes. Sectors supported include human rights, health, education and livelihood support. Emergency funding was also provided in 2008 to address humanitarian needs following serious flooding in Nepal.
Irish Aid will continue to work with and support NGO partners in Nepal in 2009. The precise details of the funding arrangements have not yet been finalised. In addition, Irish Aid will fund a United Nations Volunteer who will work in basic education in Nepal under the UN Volunteer programme organised by the United Nations Development Programme.
34 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his proposals to bring an end to the siege of Gaza in order to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid and reconstruction material. [5228/09]
37 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on reports of the attacks on the integrity of United Nations storage areas with regard to its UNWRA warehouses in the Gaza Strip. [5203/09]
48 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if there is an agreed EU response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza following the ceasefire; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5233/09]
53 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps he is requesting that the EU take to ensure that all the crossings to Gaza are fully open to enable humanitarian aid and reconstruction materials to enter unimpeded. [5241/09]
61 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the guarantees secured with regard to border crossings in order to secure the safe passage of goods and materials essential for the reconstruction of Gaza. [5201/09]
69 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the action he has taken, alone or together with his EU and UN colleagues, to bring about an improvement in the situation in Gaza with particular reference to the humanitarian needs of the people there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5280/09]
70 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is satisfied that the present EU structure of which he is part has sufficient involvement in the recent Gaza conflict; his views on whether a more permanent structure within the EU dealing with foreign affairs would have had a more meaningful response to this tragic crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4751/09]
76 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has inquired into or can confirm that during the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas beginning on 19 June 2008 there was a diminution of mortar and rocket firing out of Gaza into Israel and Hamas itself fired no rockets or mortars at all until Israel broke the ceasefire on 4 November 2008 by entering Gaza and killing six members of Hamas. [5240/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 34, 37, 48, 53, 61, 69, 70 and 76 together.
While I welcome the fact that the unilateral ceasefires announced by Israel and Hamas on 18 January continue to hold, I am deeply concerned that the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains extremely serious and that no durable ceasefire has yet been put in place. The immediate priority continues to be the opening of all border crossings into Gaza to enable urgently needed humanitarian supplies as well as materials for reconstruction to transit.
While there was an initial increase in the flow of humanitarian aid passing into Gaza after the ceasefire went into effect, it is clear that the volume of such aid remains inadequate and it is imperative that Israel does everything possible to facilitate the UN-led relief and rehabilitation operation underway. This is a point which I have emphasised in all recent contacts with the Israeli Government, including with Israeli Education Minister, Yuli Tamir, whom I met in Dublin on 20 January. The EU Presidency, Commission and HR/SG Solana have jointly written to the Israeli government along the same lines.
The EU remains the largest collective donor to the Palestinian people, with some €90 million alone having been contributed by the European Commission and Member States since the start of the crisis. Ireland has already contributed €500,000 in humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza and, together with other donors, is anxious to continue assisting the humanitarian and reconstruction effort in any way we can. I understand that the Egyptian Government is planning to hold a Gaza donors' conference in Cairo next month. Ireland will obviously be represented at any such conference.
There was a most unwelcome development on 3 and 5 February when armed Hamas policemen broke into UN warehouses in Gaza city at gunpoint and stole humanitarian aid, including several thousand blankets and several hundred food packages. I am glad that these aid supplies have since been returned to the UN and that UNRWA has resumed its aid distribution as before. I wholeheartedly support the demand by John Ging, the Irishman who is Director of UN operations in Gaza, that the integrity of the international aid effort be secured.
Looking further ahead, Israel must move to end its economic blockade and reopen the crossings into Gaza on a regular and predictable basis. The EU stands ready to reactivate its border monitoring mission at the Rafah crossing point and has discussed extending this mission to facilitate the reopening of Gaza. It is also clear that concerted international efforts will be required to end the smuggling of arms and components of arms into Gaza.
The EU, under both the former French and current Czech Presidencies, has played an effective role throughout the Gaza crisis in leading efforts to secure a permanent ceasefire and address the serious humanitarian situation. There is, I believe, a growing willingness within the Union to enhance the EU's already constructive role to date through exercising its political influence — as the largest trading partner of Israel, and the largest aid donor to the Palestinian people — and assume a more prominent role in Middle East peace efforts. The desire for such a stronger engagement by the EU was clearly communicated to me during my recent visit to the region, when I visited Syria, Lebanon and the UAE from 1-5 February.
It is a matter of record that during the period from 18 June up until 4 November 2008, when the Israeli army killed six Hamas militants just inside Gaza, there was a dramatic reduction in rockets and mortars being fired by Palestinian militants from Gaza into Israel. Furthermore, it would appear that groups other than Hamas may have been responsible for shelling during this period of relative calm. Large-scale and indiscriminate launching of rockets by Palestinian militants against Israeli civilians resumed following the Israeli military action on 4 November, and intensified after the final breakdown of the ceasefire on 19 December. The breakdown of the ceasefire after 19 December led to appalling consequences for the people of Gaza.
36 Deputy Shane McEntee asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the possibility of Turkey joining the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5327/09]
Turkey has had a perspective towards membership of the European Union since the conclusion of the Association Agreement of 1963, although negotiations on accession did not open until 2005.
Negotiations with Turkey are proceeding, albeit at a slow pace. Of the thirty five negotiating chapters, ten are now open, of which one has been provisionally closed. In its 2008 assessment of Turkey's preparations for accession, the Commission calls on Turkey to reinvigorate the process of political reform. It states that significant further reforms are needed, in particular on amending the rules governing political parties; freedom of expression and freedom of religion; and to establish an ombudsman function. In the Commission's view, further progress is also needed in other areas such as judicial reform, the fight against corruption, gender equality, minority rights and the civilian control of the military and to bring the legislation on trade unions into line with ILO and EU standards. The Progress Report makes it clear that the pace of the accession negotiations will reflect the pace of reform as well as Turkey's fulfilment of the necessary conditions for membership.
38 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position that obtains in the Democratic Republic of Congo in view of the announcement by the authorities in Kin-shasa that 2,000 Hutu refugees are to return to Rwanda from the Democratic Republic of Congo; and if progress has been made in the reported difficulties being experienced by the United Nations in obtaining peacekeepers. [5209/09]
152 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if adequate pressure is being brought on those responsible for atrocities in the Democratic Republic of Congo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5485/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 38 and 152 together.
I remain deeply concerned by the situation in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Even after the end of the civil war in 2006, sporadic fighting continued in the Kivu provinces of eastern DRC between ethnic Tutsi militias, principally the CNDP, and ethnic Hutu militias, including the FDLR. The FDLR includes many Rwandan Hutu fighters who fled Rwanda to escape punishment for crimes they committed during the 1994 genocide. There is broad international agreement that tackling the FDLR is the key to ending the persistent instability in the region, since their presence helps the CNDP to build support.
Renewed heavy fighting broke out in North Kivu in August 2008 between the CNDP and the armed forces of DRC. An unknown number of civilians were killed by both sides, many women were raped, and 250,000 people were forced to flee their homes, bringing to over 1 million the number displaced in North Kivu. The CNDP declared a ceasefire in October 2008, and talks began in Nairobi in December between representatives of the DRC government and the CNDP, under UN and African Union facilitation.
Although these talks are continuing, they have been somewhat overtaken by events on the ground. In January 2009, the Rwandan and DRC governments agreed to put aside the mutual hostility which has persisted since previous Rwandan incursions into DRC in support of ethnic Tutsis, and their armed forces began joint operations against the FDLR. Almost simultaneously, the leader of the CNDP, Laurent Nkunda, was arrested in Rwanda on foot of a joint Rwanda-DRC operation. Previous to this development, Rwanda's Tutsi leadership had been widely accused of tacitly supporting Nkunda in his struggle against the FDLR in eastern DRC.
Under the terms of this new phase of Rwanda-DRC cooperation, it was agreed to repatriate FDLR fighters to Rwanda. According to the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), many former FDLR combatants are presenting themselves to MONUC, the UN peacekeeping mission in DRC, for voluntary repatriation. A growing number of Rwandan civilians, many of whom fled after the genocide of 1994, are also emerging from remote areas of eastern DRC seeking to repatriate, and the UNHCR is stepping up its transit operations to accommodate this increased demand.
We will continue to monitor closely the impact of the joint-Rwanda DRC operations, particularly from a humanitarian perspective. I strongly urge the Rwandan and DRC authorities to ensure that the protection of civilians is paramount, and that the work of humanitarian agencies and the UN can continue without impediment.
January 2009 marked an historic development in international law, when Thomas Lubanga, a former Congolese militia leader who is charged with the use of child soldiers, became the first person ever to face trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC). However, I am troubled by reports that the Rwandan and DRC armed forces are working with Bosco Ntaganda, a CNDP commander wanted for war crimes by the ICC. Ntaganda must face justice, and I urge the DRC authorities to enforce the arrest warrant against him. Similarly, Joseph Kony, the commander the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA), a Ugandan rebel group, is also wanted by the ICC, and must be held accountable for the atrocities he has visited on the people of the region, including the recent massacres of an estimated 900 people in eastern DRC. I note that the governments of Uganda, DRC and Southern Sudan are currently engaged in a joint military operation with the aim of apprehending Kony.
Ireland and our EU partners strongly support MONUC, and we have welcomed the unanimous adoption by the UN Security Council in November last of a resolution which authorised the reinforcement of MONUC to allow it to better protect the civilian populations. Ireland contributes three members of the Defence Forces to MONUC as Military Liaison Officers. The issue of the deployment of troops to reinforce MONUC is still under consideration by the UN. To date, offers of additional resources to the mission have been received from a number of countries, and a decision on their deployment will be taken by the UN.
The Government has responded rapidly to the humanitarian dimension of the crisis in DRC, providing over €8.5 million in funding to DRC in 2008. Our total support to the country since 2006 comes to over €31 million.
39 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the recent riots in some EU member states were discussed at the recent General Affairs and External Relations Council meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5325/09]
63 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the details of the most recent meeting of the General Affairs and External Relations Council; and if he is satisfied with the statement issued in the final conclusions. [5200/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 39 and 63 together.
I attended the General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) in Brussels on 26 January 2009. This was the first such meeting under the Czech Presidency and provided an opportunity for the Presidency to outline its priorities for the months ahead, which are the economy, energy and Europe in the World.
This meeting of the Council focused on energy security, the Middle East Peace Process, Ukraine/Russia and Guantanamo. There was no discussion of recent riots in EU Member States. As our meeting took place against the background of severe storms in Southern Europe, my colleagues and I took stock of the situation in Italy, Spain and France and of the arrangements for the provision of assistance.
Speaking at the Council, I highlighted the importance of energy security for geographically peripheral regions such as Ireland and the need to promote energy interconnections as part of the development on an integrated EU energy market. I stressed the need for the Commission to propose a geographically-balanced set of energy projects for funding under the European Economic Recovery Plan (EERP). I am pleased to say that the Commission subsequently included the electricity interconnector between Ireland and Britain in its package of proposals for EU funding.
During the External Relations session my colleagues and I discussed the situation in Gaza, in the light of meetings during the previous days with the Foreign Ministers of Israel, Egypt, Turkey, Jordan and the Palestinian Authority. The following priorities were identified:
immediate humanitarian relief for the population of Gaza;
prevention of illicit trafficking in arms and ammunition;
sustained re-opening of crossing points on the basis of the 2005 Agreement on Movement and Access;
rehabilitation and reconstruction; and
the resumption of the peace process.
To this end, it was agreed that the European Union would develop a Work Plan in close cooperation with its Quartet partners and regional actors and in a manner consistent with our shared wider approach to the region.
The Council also availed of the opportunity to welcome the decision by US President Barack Obama to close the Guantanamo detention centre within a year. While the primary responsibility for closing Guantanamo rests with the US, my colleagues and I discussed whether there were ways in which we could assist the US in accommodating former detainees, given our common interest in upholding human rights and the rule of law, and combating terrorism.
45 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make available those reports which have been prepared by agencies for presentation to the interdepartmental committee on development. [5216/09]
The Government's 2006 White Paper on Irish Aid included the commitment to establish an Inter-Departmental Committee on Development, to be chaired at Ministerial level. The Committee was launched in April 2007 with the objective of strengthening coherence in the Government's approach to development and making best use of the expertise and skills available across the public service.
From the outset, the Committee recognised the importance of transparency in its work and established a webpage on the Irish Aid website, (http://www.irishaid.gov.ie/partnersirish.asp). Once agreed, minutes of Inter-Departmental Committee on Development meetings are placed on the webpage along with reports and presentations made to the Committee by guest agencies. These have included presentations on the views of Non-Governmental Organisations on improving policy coherence for development, the Dutch experience in developing a more integrated approach to development issues and the work of the Institute for International Integration Studies at Trinity College Dublin on its Framework Research Project on policy coherence for development.
The first Annual Report of the Inter-Departmental Committee on Development, which is also published on the webpage, was presented to the Minister for Foreign Affairs in June 2008 and has been placed in the Oireachtas Library for the information of Members.
47 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on reports that Iran has successfully launched a satellite and on the geopolitical implications of this launch. [5213/09]
Iran reported on 3 February that it had successfully launched a small satellite into orbit, using its own Safir-2 rocket. Iran had previously put a satellite into space in 2005, using a Russian launch vehicle.
There is of course no reason why Iran should not place satellites into space for peaceful purposes and, in an ideal world, no reason why Iran should not choose to launch them itself, if it so wished. Unfortunately, however, the development of this rocket, taken together with Iran's other actions and policies, can only heighten concerns about the nature of Iran's nuclear programme, which as Deputies know has been an issue of serious concern for some years.
In over 50 years since the launch of the first satellite, very few nations have thought it necessary or practicable to incur the huge financial and other outlays required to develop their own launch capability. Iran becomes only the ninth country to do so. Most countries choose to launch their satellites via one of the existing programmes, and it is difficult to see why Iran's requirements should be different.
The Iranian capability is a by-product of a long-running and extensive programme of developing longer range military missiles. The Safir-2 rocket is an adaptation of the military Shahab-3, which itself is based on a North Korean design. The Shahab-3 is believed to have a range of almost 1,000 miles.
Iran has invested a huge amount in the development of these military missiles, at a time when the oil industry on which its entire economy depends is suffering serious problems due to under-investment. The value of these missiles against military targets is minimal — they can only really be aimed at cities, and would be most effective only if equipped with non-conventional warheads. The IAEA is at the same time seeking an explanation for evidence that Iran has bought designs for a nuclear warhead to fit these missiles; evidence Iran has so far refused to address. There is the additional concern that Iran is now believed to have supplied shorter range military missiles to the Hamas and Hezbollah militant groups, who have used them to attack Israeli civilians.
These factors, taken together with the nature of Iran's nuclear programme itself, have led to grave concerns among Iran's neighbours and the wider international community about Iran's intentions. Ireland shares those concerns.
These reports underline the urgency of continuing efforts, including those of the EU3 (France, Germany and the UK) + 3 (U.S., Russia and China) to persuade Iran to turn aside from this course. I very much hope that Iran's leaders will respond positively to those efforts.
49 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the situation in Iceland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5332/09]
I have followed recent developments in Iceland very closely. Iceland is a country with which Ireland has always had close and friendly relations. The country has been particularly badly hit in the current international financial crisis and this has led to pressure on its currency and severe problems for people and businesses there.
Iceland is also one of the European Union's closest partners. It participates fully in the EU's internal market through its membership of the European Economic Area and its citizens enjoy freedom of movement throughout the EU.
Following the resignation of Prime Ministers Haarde's Government on 26 January, a new Government, led by Ms. Johanna Sigurdardottir, took office and will govern until general elections are held. I wish Prime Minister Sigurdardottir and her colleagues in Government every success in dealing with the severe economic crisis with which they are now faced.
There has been speculation about the possibility of Iceland applying for membership of the European Union. The new Icelandic government has indicated that the Icelandic Committee on Europe would be mandated to complete its work on the attitudes of Icelandic interest groups to the European Union. This Committee is a cross-party grouping which also includes representatives of interest groups such as the Employers' Union, the Labour Unions, the Chambers of Commerce and the Association of Civil Servants and Municipalities.
The Committee is due to deliver a report on 15 April 2009 which will include an assessment of the prospects for cooperation with the European Union and Iceland's future options on currency issues.
In the event of Iceland deciding to apply for membership of the EU, the application would be considered in accordance with established procedures by the Union.
Iceland's recent experience with its currency brings home the advantages to Ireland in terms of monetary stability and economic security of belonging to the eurozone.
51 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the details of the report by the OECD peer group review on foreign aid. [5222/09]
The Development Assistance Committee of the OECD carries out a Peer Review of member states' aid programmes, at approximately five year intervals. The Peer Review assists donors in benchmarking their aid programmes against best international practice and examines performance on the ground. Ireland's programme received a very positive Peer Review in 2003. A new Review commenced in the latter part of 2008 and is due to be completed and published in the first half of 2009.
52 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if Irish Aid has included rule of law initiatives, similar to that in Bosnia-Herzegovina, in agreed programmes with partner countries; the countries in which such initiatives are planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5234/09]
Through Irish Aid, the Government has provided significant assistance to a number of initiatives with the objective of building the rule of law in Bosnia and Herzegovina following the tragic conflicts in Western Balkans during the 1990s. Since 2003, Irish Aid has provided funding of almost €1 million towards the development of institutions in the justice sector in Bosnia, in partnership with Government, international organisations and Non Governmental Organisations.
Support to good governance is a priority across the Government's aid programme, both through our strategic assistance to Programme Countries and support provided through NGOs. Irish Aid will continue to support rule of law initiatives, as appropriate, in the context of programmes agreed with our partner countries and in our partnerships with NGOs and international organisations throughout the developing world.
Existing programmes include supporting and strengthening the legal and justice systems in Uganda for which Irish Aid has taken the lead role. The emphasis is on building institutions, policy and legislation, the provision of accessible legal aid, access to justice and the protection and promotion of human rights.
In Ethiopia, support is being provided to the offices of the Human Rights Commission, the Ombudsman and other institutions which support conflict resolution. Support has also been provided to a legal education project in the areas of administration of justice and human rights.
In Lesotho, Irish Aid is supporting a joint programme with the British development programme and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Funding is being provided to the Office of the Ombudsman and to the Independent Electoral Commission. We are also supporting the establishment of the National Human Rights Commission.
In Timor Leste, we are supporting the UNDP Justice Sector Strengthening Programme. The objectives are to increase access to justice through training of personnel and improving the efficiency with which court cases are processed.
Irish Aid is also supporting the International Development Law Organisation, an intergovernmental body which is working to strengthen the rule of law in the developing world.
These are just some examples of Irish Aid's support for rule of law initiatives in different regions. I can assure the Deputy that the commitment to promoting good governance in the developing world will remain one of the pillars of our aid programme.
54 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps he is taking to promote a US bilateral deal on the undocumented Irish; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4752/09]
The Government attaches the highest importance to resolving the plight of our undocumented citizens in the United States. In the absence, to date, of comprehensive immigration reform in the US, we have actively pursued a bilateral approach in this area, aimed at reforming our overall immigration arrangements with the United States and facilitating greater legal migration between the two countries. The approach has had three core objectives; a reciprocal Working Holiday Agreement (now operational); new bilateral arrangements to provide reciprocal long term working visas (known as E3s); and a solution for our undocumented.
The second objective, the provision of long term working visas similar to the E3 Visas available to Australian citizens, has already formed the basis for detailed discussions with senior Member of Congress over the past twelve months. A bilateral programme for long term visas would represent a very significant step in the reform of our immigration arrangements with the US. The Deputy may wish to be aware, however, that the E3 visa arrangements for Australian citizens are not open to their undocumented in the US.
The third objective, finding a solution for the undocumented, remains an important priority for the Government. Ideally, the undocumented would be able to avail of the proposed E3 bilateral visa. However, if that is not possible — as many of our key contacts have already advised — then their best prospect for a solution lies with comprehensive immigration reform.
Immigration remains a divisive issue in the US Congress, and making progress in this area will continue to be challenging. In taking up the issue with the new US Administration and Congress, however, 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, and in cooperation with the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform, to which we have provided funding of $235,000 since 2006. 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 this issue.
55 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on reports that North Korea has cancelled a nonaggression pact with South Korea and is preparing to test a long-range missile capable of reaching the state of Alaska, USA, in March 2009; and his further views on the potential impact of such an event on ongoing talks with North Korea. [5214/09]
On 5 November last, in response to a Parliamentary Question in relation to the situation in North Korea, I was pleased to report on the resumption of the Six Party Talks Process, following a period in which this process had been stalled and was at risk of being reversed. Satisfactory progress continued into December when a further session of the Six Party Talks took place but, shortly afterwards, North Korea halted the process once again.
As the Deputy notes in his Question, the weeks since then have seen a serious deterioration in North Korea's relationship with South Korea, including the scrapping of all cooperation agreements and arrangements with the South, in response to the toughening policies of South Korean President, Lee Myung-Bak. Even more troubling is the announcement by North Korea that it is in the process of developing a long-range missile with the capacity to strike Alaska. I am deeply concerned by these developments.
China has played a highly constructive role in chairing the Six Party Talks and it is hoped that, following the recent meeting between North Korean leader, Kim Jong-Il, and senior Chinese envoy, Wang Jiarui, North Korea will be persuaded to return to the negotiating process. It is possible that the North Korean regime is putting on a show of strength, and testing the waters, in relation to the new Administration in the United States but such tactics are unhelpful and potentially very dangerous. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is visiting East Asia this week, including South Korea, China and Japan, and it can be expected that the stalemate in the Six Party Talks and in North Korean denuclearisation will be important points of discussion.
Apart from the issue of its nuclear armaments programme, many other issues in relation to North Korea remain of concern. While the North Korean regime continues to invest precious resources in its nuclear and military programmes, the country is suffering chronic food insecurity and high malnutrition rates, and remains reliant on external food assistance to meet the needs of its 23 million people. The problem is a long-term, structural one and it has been estimated by some international aid agencies that up to two million people may have died of hunger and associated complications over the last decade or so. The human rights situation is also deeply troubling, reflective of one of the most repressive regimes in the world. Also of concern are issues of transnational crime, including trafficking in people, especially women.
56 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will express condemnation of President Obama’s decision to continue to permit the CIA to engage in extraordinary renditions as reported (details supplied); if he will raise the matter with the US Embassy here; and the steps he will take to ensure Shannon Airport is not used by CIA flights. [5243/09]
The Government's total opposition to the practice of extraordinary rendition has been made clear on many occasions, including to the new US Administration. On 22 January, President Obama signed three Executive Orders and one Presidential Memorandum in relation to the detention policy of the US and related matters, including the closure of the Guantanamo Bay detention centre. The Executive Order entitled "Ensuring Lawful Interrogations" establishes a Special Task Force which as part of its remit will "study and evaluate the practices of transferring individuals to other nations in order to ensure that such practices comply with the domestic law, international obligations and policies of the United States and do not result in the transfer of individuals to other nations to face torture or otherwise for the purpose, or with the effect, of undermining or circumventing the commitments or obligations of the United States to ensure the humane treatment of individuals in its custody or control." The Order also included provisions relating to the prohibition of interrogation methods incompatible with the Geneva Conventions, to the expeditious closure of CIA facilities and to ICRC access to prisoners.
The Government will continue to make clear its total opposition to the practice of extraordinary rendition in contacts with the new Administration at both political and official level. This position was repeated at a meeting in Dublin between my officials and US officials to discuss the closing of Guantanamo which took place earlier this week. While we would prefer to see a clear renunciation of the practice of rendition in any circumstances, the measures announced by President Obama are nevertheless welcome and important. We will continue to follow developments, including the eventual findings of the Special Task Force, carefully and will convey any further views to the Administration as necessary.
58 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the issue of proposed US missile defence bases in Poland and the Czech Republic was discussed at the recent General Affairs and External Relations Council meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5331/09]
The issue of proposed missile defence bases in Poland and the Czech Republic was not discussed at the recent General Affairs and External Relations Council. The Council, and the European Union itself, have no competence in this matter.
From a national perspective, however, Ireland's position in relation to missile defence systems is clear. We believe that the development and deployment of such systems can have many negative consequences, including creating or aggravating missile arms races. In our view, the most effective way to tackle missile proliferation and the attendant threats is to engage in serious work in the area of disarmament and non-proliferation. Ireland has consistently played a very active role in such efforts, particularly in the promotion of nuclear disarmament within the framework of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
We believe that further reductions in nuclear arsenals, with the aim of their total elimination, offers the best approach to addressing security concerns in this area. There is a risk that development of missile defence systems could induce some countries to expand their missile arsenals or to develop new missiles that might better penetrate defences.
I note US Vice President Biden's indication, at the Munich Security Conference last weekend, of American intentions to consult with Russia on this issue and hope that such consultations will be productive in leading to a reduction of tension concerning it.
62 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has had discussions with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform in the wake of the impending closure of Guantanamo Bay announced by President Obama in regard to Ireland offering residence to a number of the innocent detainees who can not safely return home; and his views on making this offer. [5242/09]
President Obama's decision to close the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay within a year represents an important step towards upholding and promoting human rights and will be welcomed by all friends of the United States. The relevant Executive Order states that appropriate arrangements will need to be made to deal with the remaining detainees, either by prosecuting them, returning them to their home countries, releasing them or transferring them to a third country. The Executive Order directs the Secretary of State to seek international co-operation aimed at achieving the transfers of detainees.
Ireland, with our EU partners, has consistently called for the closure of Guantanamo and the bringing to trial or release of detainees held there. I have stated that Ireland is ready in this new context to examine how we may be supportive of the United States Government as it proceeds towards the closure of Guantanamo. An initial discussion among EU Foreign Ministers on 26 January revealed a general desire to be helpful to the US Government, but also made clear that there is a range of complex legal, practical and political issues to be worked through, primarily on the US side. There is to be a further discussion among Justice Ministers at the end of this month.
My Department and I are in close touch on the matter with the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and his Department, which has responsibility for the reception and integration of citizens of third countries. Officials of the two Departments had a useful meeting with a senior State Department official last Monday, 9 February. I will keep the matter under careful review, and, as necessary, will bring any specific proposals to Government.
65 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs, further to a previous parliamentary question in the answer to which he made reference to the proposed establishment of a Middle East peace process secretariat, the progress made on this initiative during the previous French Presidency of the European Union; and the further progress being made under the Czech stewardship. [5204/09]
As I have said previously, depending on developments in the Middle East Peace Process, the establishment of a permanent secretariat could be considered, in order to add focus to the work of the Quartet and the various international envoys active in the region. However, at present I am not aware of any specific proposals under consideration by the parties to the process.
Separate from the issue of a permanent Quartet Secretariat, the office of the Quartet Special Representative, Tony Blair, already provides a degree of institutional support to the negotiating process. Mr. Blair and his advisers are active in helping to mobilise international assistance to the Palestinian people, securing support for addressing the institutional needs of the Palestinian Authority, and developing plans to promote Palestinian economic development. Provision has also been made, under the arrangements agreed at the Annapolis Conference in November 2007, for regular ongoing meetings of Palestinian and Israeli officials at various levels.
71 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the high level of arms sales by European Union members to the Middle East over the past five years. [5227/09]
The Programme for Government commits us to support a binding and comprehensive global treaty on the arms trade, covering all weapons and ammunition and Ireland will be actively engaged in the negotiations to this end at the United Nations. The Government therefore strongly supports the process of developing strict controls on arms and works actively to promote the objective of strengthening arms controls globally, particularly to areas of concern such as the Middle East. In this regard, I welcome the significant downward trend in the volume and value of arms exports from the EU to the Middle East, which declined almost 65% in the period 2004 to 2007, the latest year for which statistics are available.
EU Member States have consistently committed to promoting the "highest possible standards of conduct and enhanced export control practices" when selling weapons. Member States have pledged to base their arms exports on the "shared principles of responsibility, transparency and restraint" and actively encourage other States that export weapons to do the same. On 8 December 2008, the Council adopted Common Position 2008/944/CFSP defining common rules governing control of exports of military technology and equipment. This Common Position, which is legally binding on Member States, provides that every application for a licence to export items on the EU Common Military List shall be assessed against eight criteria.
These criteria cover matters such as respect for the international obligations and commitments of Member States, in particular the sanctions adopted by the UN Security Council or the European Union; respect for human rights in the country of final destination as well as respect by that country of international humanitarian law; the internal situation in the country of final destination — existence of tension or armed conflict; preservation of regional peace, security and stability; national security of Member States and of friendly and allied countries; terrorism and respect for international law; the risk of diversion, either within the buyer country or by re-export; the compatibility of the particular equipment with the level of development of the country in question. There is provision for liaison and consultation among Member States in assessing licence applications, and of course denials are notified to all Member States in the interests of transparency and consistency.
72 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if it is proposed that, as has become customary, the Taoiseach is to travel to the United States over the St Patrick’s Day 2009 period; if it is envisioned that he will meet the new US President on such a trip; if it is further proposed to discuss the issue of the undocumented Irish in the USA at that time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5206/09]
While the Taoiseach's programme has not yet been finalised, the Government welcomes the fact that President Obama has indicated that he will continue the tradition of receiving the Taoiseach on St. Patrick's Day. I know that the Taoiseach will take this unique opportunity to strengthen and underpin the close economic and political ties between our two countries. Over the St. Patrick's Day period, the Taoiseach and other Government Ministers will promote trade and business opportunities. We will engage with and seek to harness the support of the Irish community, including by addressing the situation of the undocumented.
The Government continues to attach the highest importance to resolving the plight of our undocumented citizens in the United States. We will use the opportunity afforded by the St. Patrick's Day celebrations in the US to engage the new Administration at the very highest levels on this issue. In doing so, we will be building on the extensive work on behalf of the undocumented that the Government has carried out over recent years with our friends and supporters on Capitol Hill, with the previous Administration and, importantly, with many of those who are now members of the new Administration.
74 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps he is taking to protect Irish interests in the context of proposals to change US taxation rules for multinational companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4753/09]
Throughout the US Presidential election campaign and into the new Administration and Congress, the Embassy in Washington, in close coordination with the IDA, has been monitoring all proposals for policy initiatives which could potentially impact on the Irish economy. This includes proposals in relation to taxation which could affect foreign direct investment in Ireland.
Where an issue is identified as having specific implications for Ireland, it is subject to focused discussion with U.S. policymakers during which the US side are made fully aware of Irish concerns. My Department works closely with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Department of Finance in this regard and our Embassy in Washington engages on an ongoing basis with the US Congress and its relevant Committees as well as the US Treasury Department. These exchanges take place within the overall framework of a shared commitment to promoting the consolidation and growth of the economic partnership between the United States and Ireland. This partnership will be a strong theme in the upcoming visit of the Taoiseach to the United States over the St. Patrick's Day period.
75 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position as it pertains in Zimbabwe; the position regarding a person (details supplied) and those imprisoned with them; the assistance offered by the European Union in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5199/09]
I have set out the Government's approach to the general situation in Zimbabwe in my reply to questions 18 and 35.
The continuing detention in Zimbabwe of human rights activists, including Ms. Jestina Mukoko and her colleagues, is extremely troubling. Ms. Mukoko and two colleagues were abducted from their homes by an unidentified group in early December. Zimbabwean authorities initially denied any involvement in their abductions, but they were located in police custody on Christmas Eve. Despite the implausible nature of the allegations made against them in order to justify their detention — a plan to bomb Harare's central police station and a "plot" to train militants in Botswana to topple Mr. Mugabe — those detained remain in custody. I am extremely disturbed by reports that they have been tortured, and the refusal of prison authorities to allow Ms. Mukoko access to medical treatment outside prison — despite a Supreme Court order — is entirely unacceptable.
The Government has made its position on these abductions extremely clear. The Embassy of Ireland in Pretoria, which is accredited to Zimbabwe, has repeatedly communicated our deep concern in relation to the disappearance of Ms. Mukoko to the Zimbabwean Ministry of Foreign Affairs, most recently in late January. The Embassy has urged the Zimbabwean government to do everything possible to ensure her safety.
Ireland has also worked with our partners in the European Union to seek the release of Ms. Mukoko and her colleagues. On 8 December last, EU Ambassadors in Harare conveyed their strong concerns about Ms. Mukoko's case to the Zimbabwean authorities. The European Council of 11 and 12 December issued a declaration demanding the immediate release of people held incommunicado in Zimbabwe, specifically including Ms. Mukoko. At the last meeting of the General Affairs and External Relations Council, my EU colleagues and I expressly condemned the abduction and detention of those exercising a democratic right to express opposition to the regime and of those defending human rights in Zimbabwe.
I sincerely hope that the formation of the national unity government will result in the prompt release of these prisoners. Ireland will continue to work to ensure that the issue remains a priority for the EU, and that the Zimbabwean authorities are aware of our strong views on the matter.
78 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the position in Somalia. [5219/09]
The situation in Somalia remains appalling, and the suffering of its people immense. Somalia has been without effective government for close to 20 years, and repeated efforts by the international community to restore peace, stability, and legitimate government have been unavailing. Violence in Somalia escalated during 2008, with regular clashes between Ethiopian and UN-backed Transitional Federal Government (TFG) forces on the one hand, and Islamists and clan militias on the other. Civilians suffered greatly as a result of the violence, and hundreds of thousands of people were forced to flee their homes. In January 2009, Ethiopia began a phased withdrawal of its troops from Somalia, leaving the TFG in a very precarious position.
Fears that Ethiopia's withdrawal would lead to a security vacuum appear to have been well-founded. The departure of Ethiopian troops from Mogadishu was initially greeted with jubilation by local residents, but within days serious fighting had broken out. Al-Shabaab, a radical Islamist group which already controls much of southern Somalia, has seized control of Baidoa, the seat of the TFG institutions.
In addition to the provision of significant humanitarian aid to the Somali people, the EU and the UN have been to the fore in supporting efforts to bring about a political solution in Somalia. The Special Representative for the UN Secretary-General for Somalia, Ahmedou Ould Abdallah, has been tireless in his efforts to bring parties together. On 30 January, Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed was elected President of Somalia by the transitional parliament, with the support of many MPs who had opposed the previous President. The new President was one of the leading figures of the United Islamic Courts, which brought a certain stability to southern Somalia under Sharia law in 2006. As a moderate Islamist, he has not received support from the more extreme Al-Shabaab group. He will face an uphill task in consolidating his support and building up the TFG's credibility on the ground.
The African Union's UN-authorised peacekeeping force in Somalia, AMISOM, has never reached full strength since it deployed in March 2007. In recent months, the UN Secretary General has sought, and failed, to obtain additional commitments of troops for a new multinational force. UN Security Council Resolution 1863 of 16 January 2009 suggests that a UN force could be deployed later this year, but this seems extremely unlikely, given the dim prospects for a truce in the ongoing conflict, and the country's notoriety as a graveyard for international peacemaking efforts. Any new force would face the same problem which has dogged AMISOM: that there is no peace to keep.
Humanitarian workers in Somalia face serious security problems, including random violence, extortion, kidnapping, landmines and banditry. Warlords frequently extort money from humanitarian agencies in return for allowing them to assist hungry and helpless people. Piracy off the Somali coast also threatens the delivery of assistance, with many people dependent on the World Food Programme's maritime supply line for food aid. The EU's first ever naval mission, EUNAVCO, is playing its part in international efforts to combat piracy, including facilitating the escort of WFP ships into Mogadishu.
Ireland's commitment to the Somali people is demonstrated by our contribution to humanitarian assistance, amounting to over €20 million since 2006. Additionally, members of the Irish Aid Rapid Response Corps have been deployed to assist the office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees in its work on Somalia. Ireland will continue to extend every possible assistance both to ease the humanitarian situation and to support the promotion of internal dialogue and national reconciliation within Somalia.
79 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she expects unexpected developments in the World Trade Organisation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5482/09]
In the declaration issued by the G20 last November, there was a commitment to get an agreement on the Doha Development Agenda (DDA) of trade talks at the World Trade Organisation (WTO). This commitment was to agree, before the end of 2008, on a framework for reducing tariffs on and supports for industrial goods and agricultural produce. If successful this commitment would have been an important milestone on the road to concluding all aspects of the DDA, including services and trade facilitation. As it turned out, however, it was not possible at that time to get agreement between some of the parties on a few key issues.
Since then, the Director General of the World Trade Organisation, Mr. Pascal Lamy, has been working with delegations to renew the commitment to reach agreement on holding a further Ministerial. There is another meeting of the G20 scheduled for April in London and I expect that the trade talks will feature on the agenda for that meeting. In the meantime, the WTO talks in Geneva are proceeding at a technical level.
80 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of social employment schemes and community employment schemes in the years 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005 and 2009 in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5367/09]
The Social Employment Scheme, Teamwork, Enterprise and Community Enterprise Programmes were replaced by the Community Employment Programme.
During 1996, 103,300 (6.9%) persons were classified as long-term unemployed. This figure reduced substantially to 20,200 (1.2%) in March-April 2001. The numbers participating on CE were adjusted to take into account the changing labour market environment existing at the time. Numbers on CE have remained static since 2005.
The Social Economy Programme was launched in September 2000, however, no Social Economy enterprises commenced in that year. On 1 January 2006 the Social Economy Programme transferred to the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, where it was subsequently renamed the Community Services Programme. The programme is managed by Pobal on behalf of Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.
The information sought by the Deputy is contained in the following table. Details of the number of schemes for the years 1985, 1990, 1995 and 2000 are unavailable as FÁS did not maintain records the relevant records for those years. However, for these particular years, the number of participants on the various schemes are available and have been provided. Information on the number of schemes for the years 2005 and 2009 are shown in bold text.
|
No. of Projects in Bold Text (where available) |
||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Year End |
Social Employment Scheme |
Employment Incentive Scheme |
Teamwork |
Enterprise |
Community Enterprise Programme |
Community Employment (inc Superv) |
Job Initiative |
Social Economy |
|
1985 |
Launched 1985 |
Launched 1985 |
No Info |
No Info |
No Info |
|||
|
1990 |
11,852 |
1,522 |
758 |
1,173 |
141 |
|||
|
1995 |
148 |
40,304 |
||||||
|
2000 |
33,549 |
2,582 |
Launched 18/09/00 |
|||||
|
2005 |
22,635(1,270) |
1,791(approx 85) |
2,063(311) |
|||||
|
2009 |
22,427(1,209) |
1,441(77) |
Transferred to DCRAGA 01/01/06 as Community Services Programme |
|||||
2009 Figures as at 09/02/09.
81 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the members of the public who can apply to go on community employment schemes; the length of time a person can participate in a scheme; the amount paid to participants per week; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5368/09]
Community Employment (CE) is an active labour market programme designed to provide eligible long term unemployed people and other disadvantaged persons with an opportunity to engage in useful work within their communities on a fixed term basis. CE helps unemployed people to re-enter the active workforce by breaking their experience of unemployment through a return to a work routine and to assist them to enhance/develop both their technical and personal skills.
The criteria for participating on the Community Employment programme are based on age and length of time in receipt of various social welfare payments. In general, the Part-time Integration Option is for people of 25 or over who are receiving social welfare payments for 1 year or more, and people of 18 years or over in receipt of disability-related payments. The Part-time Job Option is for people who are 35 or over and in receipt of social welfare payments for three years or longer.
Certain groups such as travellers and refugees aged 18 or over are eligible for both options. If a person qualifies under the criteria but does not wish to take up the option themselves, there are certain conditions under which a spousal swap can take place.
The maximum duration that individuals can remain on CE is dependent on the participant' eligibility status. Typically, participants can avail of periods of between one and six years. To cater for older workers in particular, in November 2004 the standard three year CE cap was revised to allow those of 55 years of age and over to avail of a six-year period on CE (based on participation since 3 April 2000). Subsequently, the participation limit for persons eligible for CE based on a Social Welfare disability linked payment (including those under 55) was increased by one year. These measures were introduced in recognition of the fact that older participants and participants with a disability may find it more difficult to progress into the open labour market.
FÁS provides financial support in the form of Allowances and Funding to assist with the Community Employment programme, for example participant wages, supervisor grants, materials grants, and specific skills training grants. With effect from 1 January 2009 participants (temporary/part-time) receive the following payments:
|
Payments |
€ |
|
Participant without Dependants |
228.70 |
|
Participant with Adult Dependant |
364.30 |
|
Each Child Dependant (Full Rate) |
26.00 |
|
Each Child Dependant (Half Rate) |
13.00 |
Payments are made weekly by the Sponsor and are liable to tax and PRSI deductions. Participants rates are based on a 19.5 week or a 39 hours every two weeks (this is determined by the Sponsor in conjunction with FÁS). Further information on the Community Employment Programme is available from the FÁS website www.fás.ie.
82 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of freedom of information requests received by her Department each month in 2007 and 2008 in tabular format; the number acceded to; the number refused; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5399/09]
There are eight separate prescribed bodies within my Department and its Offices subject to the Freedom of Information (FOI) Acts. In the following table, I have set out the total number of FOI requests received, and completed, by these bodies, for each month in 2007 and 2008. The table also outlines the decision taken.
My Department takes a proactive approach to FOI and to openness and transparency in general. Much information is released outside FOI and would not be reflected in the table. Indeed, in many cases where requests were withdrawn, the information was provided in this way.
In relation to the processing of FOI requests by the agencies under the remit of my Department, this is a day to day matter for each agency and one in which I have no function.
|
2007 |
2008 |
||||
|
Month |
No. of Requests Received |
No. of Requests Completed* |
Month |
No. of Requests Received |
No. of Requests Completed* |
|
January |
10 |
13 (R-1, W-12) |
January |
4 |
1 (G-1) |
|
February |
8 |
12 (G-3, PG-5, W-4) |
February |
3 |
5 (G-2, PG-1, R2) |
|
March |
6 |
11 (G-2, PG-3, R-3, W3) |
March |
3 |
3 (PG-1, R-1, W-1) |
|
April |
0 |
1 (PG-1) |
April |
12 |
5 (G-2, PG-2, W-1) |
|
May |
1 |
2 (G-2) |
May |
13 |
14 (G-3, PG-4, R-4, W-3) |
|
June |
4 |
3 (G-1, PG-2) |
June |
3 |
11 (G-2, PG-8, R-1) |
|
July |
3 |
4 (G-1, PG-3) |
July |
8 |
2 (G-1, PG-1) |
|
August |
7 |
6 (G-1, PG-3, R-2) |
August |
2 |
4 (G-1, PG-3) |
|
September |
8 |
2 (R-2) |
September |
9 |
3 (PG-2, R-1) |
|
October |
2 |
5 (PG-3, R-1, W-1) |
October |
6 |
4 (G-1, PG-2, W-1) |
|
November |
6 |
3 (R-2, W-1) |
November |
8 |
5 (G-3, PG-2) |
|
December |
7 |
10 (G-5, PG-2, R-2, W-1) |
December |
19 |
22 (G-9, PG-3, R-4, W-6) |
*No. of Requests Completed — Legend
G — Granted.
PG — Part Granted.
R — Refused.
W — Withdrawn.
83 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her proposals to redress the consequences of mistakes made by FÁS in regard to the community employment scheme contracts of persons (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5413/09]
Community Employment (CE) is an active labour market programme designed to provide eligible long term unemployed people and other disadvantaged persons (including those with a disability) with an opportunity to engage in useful work within their communities on a fixed term basis.
To cater for older workers in particular, in November 2004 the three year CE capping was revised to allow those of 55 years of age and over to avail of a six-year period on CE (based on participation since 3 April, 2000). These measures were introduced in recognition of the fact that older participants may find it more difficult to progress into the open labour market.
Participation on Community Employment has an upper age limit of 65 years of age, i.e. a CE participant/Supervisor can remain on CE until the day before their 66th birthday, provided they meet all other eligibility requirements. FÁS cannot make funding available to a Sponsor for any participant or Supervisor aged 66 years or over. To do so would mean that the state would effectively be double-funding both the CE place and the participant's state pension simultaneously.
I understand that both people are currently on the Community Employment Project with Waterford City Council. The FÁS database showed one persons date of birth as being 3 February, 1946, and it was not until after the award of the contract that the error was discovered. With regard to the other person, the fact that he would reach retirement age in December 2008 was also overlooked.
Arrangements have, however, been made by FÁS representatives to meet with both participants on Friday, 13 February, 2009, to discuss the situation further and see how the matter can be resolved.
Any inconvenience caused is very much regretted.
84 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her plans to redesign the community employment scheme to respond to the new economic situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5433/09]
Community Employment (CE) is an active labour market programme designed to provide eligible long term unemployed people and other disadvantaged persons with an opportunity to engage in useful work within their communities on a fixed term basis. CE helps unemployed people to re-enter the active workforce by breaking their experience of unemployment through a return to a work routine and to assist them to enhance/develop both their technical and personal skills.
The aim of CE still remains as an active labour market programme with the emphasis on progression into employment. The programme is managed within this context, with consideration to the availability of resources and the needs of participants and the community. FÁS makes every effort to ensure that differing levels of demand between neighbouring schemes are equalised. FÁS also operates the programme flexibly as far as possible to ensure the continuation of community projects.
This Government will continue to support the positive role of CE in meeting the needs of long-term unemployed persons while at the same time providing essential services to communities. The Community Employment Scheme will be kept under constant review in the context of the current difficult unemployment situation.
85 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the detail of the 51,000 new FÁS courses that have been announced by her; the type of courses that will be offered and their duration; if people taking these courses will be taken off the live register while they are on these courses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5473/09]
I recently announced the availability of 51,000 new training places under the FÁS Training Initiatives Strategy. These places are in addition to the 27,000 previously planned for 2009 under the Bridging Foundation Training, Specific Skills Training and Traineeships Programmes. These programmes will provide short training courses for those who are recently unemployed.
The Training Initiative Strategy enhances the traditional mix of course offerings and will be delivered through three core-training initiatives, Short Courses, Night Courses and Online Courses. The courses are for highly employable persons who wish to add to their existing skills level and improve their prospects of re-entering the labour market. The night courses offer further flexibility and the online courses provide an excellent option for those who need a fast flexible intervention and who prefer a self directed E learning and blended learning environment.
Maintenance of the Live Register is a responsibility of my colleague, the Minister for Social and Family Affairs.
86 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her plans to review the work permit system in view of rising unemployment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5474/09]
Since 2004, Irish labour market policy has been to ensure that general labour and skills needs are met from within the workforce of the European Union. For strategic skills/labour shortages in designated occupations in key economic sectors such as healthcare, information technology and financial services, Government policy is to issue employment permits for the employment of non-EEA nationals for specific vacancies and in response to employer demand. The various schemes that give effect to such policies were introduced under the Employment Permits Act 2006.
Currently employment permit holders constitute approximately 1.5% of the total labour force. Given that our current employment permit arrangements were designed to be vacancy-driven, the numbers of permit applications and consequent numbers of permits issued over the last six months have been showing a consistent downward trend.
I am currently having our employment permit arrangements reviewed to ensure their ongoing relevance to the needs of the Irish labour market.
87 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the report of a company (details supplied) declares that the submission of below cost tenders for construction contracts in the north west is widespread; his views on whether this is unsustainable; his further views on whether the weakness of sterling and the higher cost base here puts contractors from Border areas at a competitive disadvantage against Northern contractors in the tendering process; and if he will examine the possibility of correcting this competitive imbalance, with due regard for competition law. [5452/09]
I have had the reference drawn to my attention.
EU Procurement rules mean that public contracts are open to firms in all other Member States on an equal basis. In that context, exchange rate movements outside the eurozone can place Irish firms at a disadvantage. However, the current recessionary situation which has entailed a fall in tender prices should also lead to a reduction in contractors' costs, thus allowing lower tender prices to be sustainable over the medium term.
88 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which he and his EU colleagues can influence and improve the economic climate through the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5489/09]
In December 2008 the European Council endorsed Commission proposals for a European Economic Recovery Plan (EERP) involving a fiscal stimulus equivalent to approximately 1.5% of EU GDP, as part of the Community response to the economic and financial crisis. Depending on national circumstances, the support measures involve targeted, timely and temporary measures in the areas of public expenditure and taxation. It is acknowledged under the Plan that some Member States might not have any scope for additional action in view of their budget deficit levels and potential tax shortfalls. Finance Ministers will have a crucial role to play in implementing the Plan.
From the outset of the financial market difficulties in August 2007, EU Finance Ministers have taken a number of steps to address the difficulties in financial markets and Ireland has of course been a full participant in that work.
At the meeting of EU Finance Ministers on 7 October 2008 we agreed common principles to guide the actions of Member States aimed at preserving confidence and stability in financial markets. On 2 December 2008 European Finance Ministers reached political agreement on a number of legislative dossiers that will contribute to greater stability and improved supervision of the financial sector. Since then, EU Finance Ministers have been monitoring the position on a regular basis.
The actions in both these fiscal and financial areas should help improve the economic climate in the EU.
89 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance if, for each Secretary General in each Government Department who has retired since 1 January 1997 to date in 2009, he will provide the date of each retirement and actual salary at that date and the current pension of each retiree. [5364/09]
Forty-two Secretaries General (or equivalent) retired in the period 1 January 1997 to date. Their salaries at the date of retirement ranged from €105,026.38 to €253,635. Their current pensions range from €70,506 to €142,670. Specific dates of retirement and associated pensions and salaries are not provided as individuals could be identified from such information. This would not be appropriate.
90 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Finance if third level college registration fees are liable to tax relief; the projected financial cost for 2008 in view of the increase in such fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5379/09]
Tax relief is not available in respect of third level college registration fees. There is therefore no financial cost in this area, in terms of tax foregone by the Exchequer, for 2008.
I would like to inform the Deputy that tax relief is however available in respect of third level tuition fees. This relief is given in respect of tuition fees for approved undergraduate and postgraduate courses, in approved third level colleges, up to a maximum limit of €5,000 per annum at the standard rate of tax.
Relief in respect of qualifying tuition fees cost €14.3 million in 2005, the latest year for which figures are available.
91 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if he has issued instruction to Anglo Irish Bank in relation to its terms of employment, use of outside public relation agencies and consultants and so on in line with the general orders that he is making in order to secure savings in public spending; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5392/09]
Anglo Irish Bank is being run on an arms length commercial basis. Accordingly, normal commercial decisions, which include decisions on use of outside public relation agencies and consultants, are matters for the Board of Anglo.
The Board of Anglo is preparing a comprehensive business plan which will be required to demonstrate how the board will oversee the continued commercial operation of the bank in the best interests of the bank, its customers and the State.
92 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Finance the number of freedom of information requests received by his Department each month in 2007 and 2008 in tabular format; the number acceded to; the number refused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5401/09]
My Department received 66 FOI requests in 2007 and 180 requests in 2008. As well as "the number acceded to" and "the number refused", there were a number of requests which were "part granted" and others which were "withdrawn". (In general, those withdrawn requests were either transferred to other Departments or were handled outside the FOI Act). All are included on a month-by-month basis in the following tables:
|
Month |
Received |
Acceded to |
Part Granted |
Refused |
Withdrawn |
|
January |
5 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
|
|
February |
3 |
3 |
|||
|
March |
6 |
4 |
2 |
||
|
April |
6 |
1 |
3 |
2 |
|
|
May |
4 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
|
|
June |
7 |
1 |
4 |
1 |
1 |
|
July |
4 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
|
August |
6 |
2 |
4 |
||
|
September |
3 |
1 |
2 |
||
|
October |
2 |
2 |
|||
|
November |
15 |
1 |
8 |
1 |
5 |
|
December |
5 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
|
|
Totals |
66 |
12 |
27 |
6 |
21 |
|
Month |
Received |
Accededto |
Part Granted |
Refused |
Withdrawn |
|
January |
6 |
1 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
|
February |
14 |
1 |
8 |
5 |
|
|
March |
12 |
3 |
5 |
3 |
1 |
|
April |
18 |
3 |
7 |
4 |
4 |
|
May |
20 |
5 |
9 |
1 |
5 |
|
June |
7 |
2 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
|
July |
14 |
2 |
7 |
2 |
3 |
|
August |
14 |
3 |
8 |
1 |
2 |
|
September |
14 |
3 |
5 |
2 |
4 |
|
October |
27 |
5 |
16 |
4 |
2 |
|
November |
24 |
6 |
13 |
2 |
3 |
|
December |
10 |
2 |
5 |
2 |
1 |
|
Totals |
180 |
36 |
89 |
23 |
32 |
93 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Finance if the pension levy is mandatory for a person who has taken early retirement from their public service job and had agreed their pension when 60 years and who are now back in employment part time within the public sector. [5446/09]
The pension related deduction applies to public servants, that is those who are employed in a public service body whether on a full time or part time basis and the deduction will apply to all remuneration including allowances and overtime. It will not apply to occupational or State pension income received by retired public servants. It is not being applied to the commercial semi state sector.
94 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Finance the reason the income tax details in respect of a person (details supplied) and subsequent PRSI contribution payments for 1993/1994, 1994/1995 and in 1995/1996 have not been passed to the Department of Social and Family Affairs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5451/09]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the taxpayer received a letter containing a breakdown of Income Tax and PRSI charged for 1993/94, 1994/95 and 1995/96 on 6th July 2007, as requested by the taxpayer's accountant, to assist in negotiations with the Department of Social and Family Affairs. A copy of this letter was reissued to the taxpayer on 11 February 2009. This information was previously relayed in PQ 30648/08.
If the taxpayer requires further assistance, she should contact Mr. Michael O'Connor, Revenue East South-East Region, Wexford District, Government Buildings, Wexford, telephone 053-9149397.
95 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. [5468/09]
My reply of 27 January to the Deputy sets out the position that a person carrying on a business that includes the erection of buildings or the development of land is required to operate RCT on making payments to subcontractors.
At all times Revenue officials are obliged to act in a fair and impartial manner, consistent with the instructions issued from time to time. Most taxpayers operate in compliance with the legislation, and, for Revenue to subsequently set aside the legislation where it was not operated, in whatever circumstances, would discriminate against compliant taxpayers, and could undermine the RCT system. Revenue's interpretation of how the system of RCT should operate has been consistent. Over time, some contractors began to make mistakes in the handling of RCT — in particular, an important Revenue form (Form RCT 47) creating an audit trail between principal contractors and sub-contractors began to fall into disuse in a minority of cases.
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the eBrief No. 10/2007 and subsequent reminders was a response to this situation. In effect, having re-examined the operation of RCT, Revenue gave anyone who was not operating the system correctly a chance to sort out their RCT. Indeed, in the case instanced by the Deputy, it appears from the tax settlement details supplied that a measure of relief from the tax was given.
Most affected contractors took advantage of the eBrief. Where someone failed to correct their handling of the tax, Revenue has no choice (in fairness to all taxpayers) but to operate the tax according to the legislation. Given these circumstances, it is clear that the re-examination of RCT by Revenue, sought by the Deputy, has already taken place.
96 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance the cost to the Exchequer of the artists’ exemption in 2007 and 2008. [5478/09]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the cost to the Exchequer of the artists' exemption scheme is estimated at €34.8 million, based on income tax returns filed for the income tax year 2005, the most recent year for which the necessary detailed information is available. Corresponding information is not yet available for years following 2005.
97 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance the amount which would be raised by increasing the income levy from 1% to 5%, 10%, 15% or 20%. [5479/09]
The existing income levy is a three-rate structure based on rates of 1%, 2% and 3%. Assuming that all three existing rates are meant to be replaced by each rate mentioned by the Deputy, I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the full year yield to the Exchequer from increasing the existing income levy rates to5%, 10%, 15% or 20% is estimated to be of the order of €3.3 billion, €7.6 billion, €11.8 billion and €16.0 billion respectively.
The figures are estimates from the Revenue tax-forecasting model using actual data for the year 2005 adjusted as necessary for income and employment growth for 2009. They are therefore provisional and likely to be revised. The figures for income and employment growth used are based on macro-economic indicators, which have been recently revised in the light of the latest economic outlook for 2009.
98 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Health and Children the extent to which budget 2009 proposals are expected to impact on the number of training places for undergraduates nurses in the health care system; her views on whether a reduction in the number of nurses employed by the Health Service Executive is commensurate with delivery of a quality health service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5352/09]
The O.E.C.D. Public Management Review: IRELAND — Towards an Integrated Public Service (2008) in its case study: Reconfiguration of the Health Services notes—
"One statistical characteristic of Ireland is its very large number of practising nurses (15.2 per 1,000), which is twice the OECD average, just below Norway (15.4) but much higher than UK (9.1) or France (7.7). The number of nurses graduating every year is also high (14.4), above Norway (10.1), UK (8.6) or France (5.9). This contradicts the universal perception of a "shortage" of nurses, held by health actors in Ireland who were interviewed by the OECD. Partial explanations come from the fact that some 40% of nurses in Ireland work part-time (as compared for example with 26% in France for nurses working in hospitals)."
The Deputy will be aware that in arriving at the 2009 Estimates, all Departments were required to deliver economy savings as part of Budget 2008. I announced that the HSE is to deliver economy savings of €115 million in this context. Among other matters this includes a reduction in nurse training expenditure in 2009. The total cost of nurse education to the health services, both undergraduate and post-registration, is currently in excess of €117 million per annum.
The number of places on the undergraduate nursing degree programmes will be reduced by 310 places from next year. This reduction was finalised following consultation between my Department and the Department of Education and Science.
From next year we will be providing 1,570 undergraduate places in the following courses:
|
Places |
|
|
General Nursing |
860 places |
|
Intellectual Disability Nursing |
180 places |
|
Psychiatric Nursing |
290 places |
|
Midwifery |
140 places (no reduction) |
|
Children’s and General Nursing Integrated |
100 places (no reduction) |
|
Total |
1,570 places |
The reduction in places will result in savings of €1.65 million approximately in 2009 and €3.3 million from 2010 onwards.
Nurses trained under the apprenticeship and diploma models undertaking part-time degree courses have been able to apply to their employer to have their course fees paid in return for a service commitment to the public health service. This initiative has been in operation since 2001 and was due for completion before now. It will no longer be available for new entrants from 1 January 2009, resulting in a saving of €2m next year and about €3.8m per annum from 2010 onwards.
Mobility, career breaks, maternity leave and other lifestyle choices all impact on the fluctuations in nurse/midwife numbers employed by the Health Service Executive. However, I am satisfied that the Budget 2009 measures outlined above will not impact significantly on nursing numbers and particularly on the delivery of a quality health service.
99 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9. [5359/09]
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
100 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the structure that applies in relation to a person seeking medical attention after normal general practitioner hours as in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; if circumstances change in relation to some cases; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5361/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
101 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding a request to the Health Service Executive to provide financial assistance to a person (details supplied) in County Cork towards surgery performed abroad. [5384/09]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services, including the treatment of patients under the Treatment Abroad scheme, is a matter for the Health Service Executive. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
102 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on extending the rule under which the Health Service Executive gives persons in nursing homes a period of six months during which they can prepare property for rent or sale before subvention would be curtailed, bearing in mind the imminent introduction of the new scheme, fair deal, which does require a patient to sell their home, and the difficulty at present in placing properties for rent; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5391/09]
Both my colleague, the Minister for Health and Children, and I are conscious of the financial burden being faced by individuals in private nursing homes. However, the rule referred to by the Deputy is in fact a statutory period provided for in the Health (Nursing Homes) (Amendment) Act 2007. To amend it would require primary legislation and could take longer than the introduction of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme.
103 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of freedom of information requests received by her Department each month in 2007 and 2008 in tabular format; the number acceded to; the number refused; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5403/09]
The number of Freedom of Information cases received in my Department per month, for the years 2007 and 2008, are set out below:
|
2007 |
2008 |
|
|
Jan |
16 |
11 |
|
Feb |
14 |
24 |
|
March |
12 |
19 |
|
April |
9 |
19 |
|
May |
5 |
20 |
|
June |
12 |
17 |
|
July |
17 |
12 |
|
Aug |
10 |
10 |
|
Sept |
11 |
20 |
|
Oct |
9 |
20 |
|
Nov |
20 |
31 |
|
Dec |
12 |
24 |
|
Total |
147 |
227 |
The following table shows the outcomes of these requests:
|
2007 |
2008 |
|
|
Acceded to fully or partially |
76 |
95 |
|
Refused |
30 |
34 |
|
Other |
41 |
98 |
"Other" in this table relates to cases that have been resolved outside the scope of the Freedom of Information Acts, cases withdrawn, cases excluded in accordance with the Acts and cases that require further action by the requesters before they can be processed.
104 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 408 and 409 of 8 July 2008, the outturn for 2008 in each facility and the 2009 allocation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5408/09]
As the Deputy is aware, I have responsibility for the National Childcare Investment Programme (NCIP), under which the Community Childcare Subvention Scheme (CCSS) is being implemented.
In this regard, I assume the Deputy is referring to the CCSS funding received by each community child care facility in Roscommon and Leitrim during 2008, and the CCSS allocation to each facility for 2009. The information requested is set out in the following tables.
|
2008 |
2009 |
|||||
|
Approved |
Paid |
Approved |
Paid |
|||
|
Applicant Name |
Current |
Current |
Current |
Current |
||
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
|||
|
Jack & Jill Playgroup |
22,434 |
16,530 |
€5,904 paid in December 2007 |
JD9 |
20,072 |
* |
|
Cam Community Playgroup |
16,408 |
16,408 |
JD9 |
20,000 |
3,886 |
|
|
Kilronan Parent & Toddler Playschool Group |
34,960 |
34,960 |
JDP |
8,280 |
* |
|
|
Tulsk Community Childcare Ltd. |
46,933 |
46,933 |
JDP |
8,014 |
8,014 |
|
|
Ardcarne Community Childcare Limited |
49,163 |
36,225 |
€12,938 paid in December 2007 |
JDP |
11,644 |
11,644 |
|
Buttercups Tarmonbary/Clondra Community Playschool |
17,324 |
11,162 |
Balance paid in January 2009 |
JDP |
6,162 |
6,162 |
|
Frenchpark and District Childcare Ltd. (formerly Frenchpark Community Playschool) |
114,713 |
84,526 |
€30,187 paid in December 2007 |
JDP |
27,169 |
27,169 |
|
Ballaghaderreen Childcare Centre Ltd. |
71,013 |
71,013 |
JDP |
16,819 |
16,819 |
|
|
Cloonfad Pre-school-Nursery Thymes Playschool |
22,560 |
16,623 |
€5,937 paid in December 2007 |
JDP |
5,343 |
10,686 |
|
Loughglynn Parish Community Childcare Ltd. |
49,163 |
49,163 |
JDP |
11,644 |
11,644 |
|
|
Croghan Fairy Bush Limited |
71,013 |
71,013 |
JDP |
16,819 |
16,819 |
|
|
Arigna Community Playschool |
28,804 |
28,804 |
JDP |
6,822 |
6,822 |
|
|
Castlerea Community Playschool Ltd. |
27,979 |
27,979 |
JDP |
7,740 |
* |
|
|
Elphin Preschool Community Playgroup |
34,960 |
34,960 |
JDP |
8,280 |
* |
|
|
Roscommon Community Playgroup Ltd. |
41,650 |
41,650 |
JDP |
9,865 |
9,865 |
|
|
Four-Mile House Community Playgroup Limited |
100,666 |
100,666 |
JDP |
23,842 |
23,842 |
|
|
Strokestown Community Playschool |
35,129 |
35,129 |
JDP |
8,320 |
* |
|
|
Hopes & Dreams Limited |
21,036 |
21,036 |
JD9 |
32,370 |
* |
|
|
Lisnamult Residents Association Ltd. |
79,582 |
79,582 |
JD9 |
54,600 |
21,104 |
|
|
Bright Sparks Playgroup (Lisacul Childcare Ltd.) |
21,848 |
21,848 |
JD9 |
20,000 |
5,000 |
|
2008 |
2009 |
|||||
|
Approved |
Paid |
Approved |
Paid |
|||
|
Applicant Name |
Current |
Current |
Current |
Current |
||
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
|||
|
Gortletteragh Community Playgroup Ltd. |
27,319 |
27,319 |
JDP |
6,471 |
6,471 |
|
|
Breffni Community Development Company Ltd. |
92,502 |
92,502 |
JDP |
21,909 |
21,909 |
|
|
Cloone Aughavas Community Childcare Ltd |
41,814 |
41,814 |
JDP |
9,904 |
9,904 |
|
|
Leitrim Integrated Development Company Ltd. (Mohill) |
60,299 |
60,299 |
JD9 |
53,951 |
13,488 |
|
|
Leitrim Integrated Development Company Limited (Carrick-on-Shannon) |
85,465 |
85,465 |
JDP |
27,079 |
27,079 |
|
|
Kinlough Childcare Limited |
49,163 |
49,163 |
JDP |
11,644 |
11,644 |
|
|
Drumkeerin Childcare Services Company Limited |
57,799 |
57,799 |
JDP |
13,690 |
13,690 |
|
|
Ballinamore Childcare Ltd. |
80,994 |
80,994 |
JDP |
18,236 |
18,236 |
|
|
Kiltyclogher Community Playgroup Ltd. |
20,972 |
20,972 |
JDP |
5,000 |
5,000 |
|
|
Mohill Resources Limited |
32,775 |
32,775 |
Facility closed pending development of a larger service through NCIP capital funding |
|||
|
Annaduff Community Childcare Ltd. |
21,864 |
21,864 |
JDP |
5,179 |
5,179 |
|
|
Carrigallen Childcare Facility Ltd. |
61,750 |
61,750 |
JD9 |
60,493 |
15,123 |
|
|
Little Learners Limited |
42,560 |
31,360 |
€11,200 paid in December 2007 |
JD9 |
38,080 |
9,520 |
|
Childhood Days for Children with Learning Disabilities Ltd. |
7,731 |
7,731 |
||||
|
Manorhamilton Childcare Services Limited |
71,250 |
71,250 |
JD9 |
82,585 |
20,646 |
|
|
Fenagh Community Playgroup & Afterschool Ltd. |
27,982 |
27,982 |
JDP |
6,628 |
6,628 |
|
|
Dromahair Community Playschool Limited |
34,680 |
34,680 |
JDP |
8,214 |
8,214 |
|
|
Aughnasheelin Childcare Group Limited |
27,313 |
27,313 |
JDP |
6,469 |
6,469 |
|
|
Kiltubrid Playgroup |
31,555 |
31,555 |
JD9 |
28,234 |
* |
|
|
Drumshanbo Community Childcare Facilities Ltd. |
90,182 |
66,450 |
€23,732 paid in December 2007 |
JDP |
21,359 |
21,359 |
|
Tullaghan Community Playgroup Ltd. |
34,965 |
25,764 |
€9,201 paid December 2007 |
JD9 |
31,283 |
7,821 |
|
Totals |
1,000,934 |
956,801 |
456,408 |
228,380 |
105 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children who are on the waiting list for the BCG vaccination in each primary community and continuing care area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5410/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
106 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of newborn babies who have been vaccinated with the BCG vaccine in each primary, community and continuing care area since October 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5411/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
107 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon is on a waiting list for a routine MRI scan at University College Hospital Galway since August 2008; if her attention has further been drawn to this crisis in the health service in which elderly people are so adversely affected; if she will take responsibility if this person dies; and if she will ensure arrangements will be made for this person to have their MRI scan at the earliest opportunity at UCHG or at Portiuncla Hospital, Ballinasloe. [5419/09]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. The National Treatment Purchase Fund arranges treatment for patients who have been on a waiting list for more than three months. It is open to the person in question or anyone acting on their behalf to contact the Fund directly in relation to their case.
108 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children if she received a request for funding in respect of a new cystic fibrosis unit at Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin, Dublin; the consideration this request was given; her views on the necessity for such a unit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5424/09]
The Deputy will appreciate that a proposal of this nature would be appropriate to the Health Service Executive and accordingly my Department has asked the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the HSE to respond to him on the issue.
109 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Health and Children when a decision will be made on an application for domiciliary care allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5439/09]
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
110 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Health and Children if private nursing home owners have the right to increase the weekly in-patient fee for elderly patients whenever they wish; and if her attention has been drawn to the fact that some families can not meet these increases. [5445/09]
The cost of private nursing homes is set by the nursing home and is not determined by the Department. The Health Service Executive can pay an approved subvention to the nursing home of the applicants' choice and the payment of the balance of the nursing home fee is a matter between the applicant and the nursing home under the contract of care agreed between these parties. The existing subvention scheme is governed by the Health (Nursing Homes) (Amendment) Act 2007. Under the Act, the maximum amount for basic subvention is €300 per week. The Act also provides for an enhanced subvention to be paid. However, there is no maximum amount set for enhanced subvention. The amount paid is at the discretion of the HSE. It varies according to the cost of care and is subject to the HSE's resources.
In order to qualify for a subvention, an individual must be:
(a) sufficiently dependent to require maintenance in a nursing home, and
(b) unable to pay any or part of the cost of maintenance in the home.
In order to determine this, they must undergo a means assessment which takes account of their income and assets. Persons who are already in receipt of subvention may re-apply to the HSE as they may now be eligible for an increased payment.
When the new Nursing Home Support Scheme (Fair Deal) is introduced, the National Treatment Purchase Fund will negotiate an annual price with each private nursing home who participates in the scheme. This price will hold until renegotiated.
111 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for non-payment of a claim in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Leitrim under the health repayment scheme despite payment having been agreed in 2007. [5465/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
112 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will respond to correspondence from a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5469/09]
The correspondence referred to by the Deputy was forwarded to the Health Service Executive by my Department in 2005. As this is a service matter, the HSE has been asked to look into the position in the case and to respond directly to the person in question.
113 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will assist in the transfer of a person (details supplied). [5501/09]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
114 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding cancer services at Sligo General Hospital. [5522/09]
115 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Health and Children the travel arrangements which will be put in place for elderly sick patients from Sligo and the north west if she proceeds with moving services to University College Hospital Galway; and if travel arrangements will be available to these patients at all times when they have to travel to Galway for follow up appointments with their consultants. [5523/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 114 and 115 together.
As these are service matters they have been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
116 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Transport the number of freedom of information requests received by his Department each month in 2007 and 2008 in tabular format; the number acceded to; the number refused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5406/09]
The information requested by the Deputy is contained in the following table:
|
Requests Received |
Requests Granted |
Requests Part-Granted |
Requests Refused |
|
|
2007 |
||||
|
January |
3 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
|
February |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
March |
8 |
2 |
3 |
1 |
|
April |
8 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
|
May |
11 |
1 |
3 |
3 |
|
June |
6 |
0 |
2 |
7 |
|
July |
8 |
2 |
6 |
0 |
|
August |
5 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
|
September |
6 |
0 |
4 |
3 |
|
October |
3 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
November |
26 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
|
December |
5 |
1 |
5 |
3 |
|
2008 |
||||
|
January |
11 |
1 |
8 |
3 |
|
February |
7 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
|
March |
13 |
4 |
3 |
6 |
|
April |
13 |
0 |
7 |
3 |
|
May |
12 |
2 |
2 |
3 |
|
June |
10 |
6 |
2 |
4 |
|
July |
11 |
0 |
6 |
0 |
|
August |
8 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
|
September |
20 |
1 |
7 |
3 |
|
October |
12 |
3 |
0 |
5 |
|
November |
10 |
3 |
5 |
5 |
|
December |
11 |
1 |
2 |
6 |
The balance of outstanding requests refers to requests that were transferred to an appropriate body or that were withdrawn or handled outside FOI. The Deputy may wish to note that my Department publishes information in relation to Freedom of Information requests in its Annual Report.
117 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Transport if the road traffic legislation currently requires for cyclists to be adequately lit up at night; if this legislation exists; if it is not legislation, his plans to introduce such legislation with penalties to act as an incentive to ensure all cyclists are lit up; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5417/09]
The regulations governing the requirement for cyclists to be adequately lit up at night are the Road Traffic (Lighting of Vehicles) Regulations, 1963.
Where a person is guilty of an offence under these regulations, the penalties are set out in the Road Traffic Act 2006, the penalty for a first offence is a fine not exceeding €1,000, for a second offence a fine not exceeding €2,000 and for a third or subsequent offence a fine not exceeding €2,000 and/or a term of imprisonment not exceeding 3 months.
I have no plans to review these penalties at present.
118 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on the proposed extension of the Luas line from Tallaght through the Tallaght west area to Saggart, County Dublin; the schedule being followed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5432/09]
The Luas extension to Saggart will be 4.2km long and will provide five new stops at Fettercairn, Cheeverstown, Citywest Campus, Fortunestown and Saggart. A new Park and Ride facility with 300 spaces will also be provided at Cheeverstown. Significant progress has been made in advancing this key Transport 21 project.
The Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) secured a Railway Order (i.e. planning permission) for this project from An Bord Pleanála last year.
Following the grant of the Railway Order, the RPA finalised an agreement with a consortium of private developers under which the consortium is responsible for delivery of a substantial part of the works for this extension as well as providing land and making a capital contribution to the RPA in respect of the project.
On Monday of this week, 9 February, An Taoiseach visited the new RUA Red Arts Centre in Tallaght to announce the signing of contracts for the civil and track works with BAM Contractors and these works are expected to commence shortly. Construction of the new extension is expected to be completed by end 2010 with Luas services operating on the line in early 2011.
119 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if it is possible for the Australian spouse of an Irish national, who lives with their spouse in Australia, to become a naturalised citizen of Ireland without residing here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5353/09]
The 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. In the case of a non-national applicant who is the spouse of an Irish citizen those conditions are that the applicant must be of full age; be of good character; be married to the Irish citizen for a period of not less than three years; be in a marriage recognised under the laws of the State as subsisting; be living together as husband and wife with the Irish spouse; have had a period of one year's continuous residency in the island of Ireland immediately before the date of the application and, during the four years immediately preceding that period, have had a total residence in the island of Ireland amounting to two years; intend in good faith to continue to reside in the island of Ireland 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.
It is open to the person concerned to lodge an application for a certificate of naturalisation with my Department if and when they are in a position to meet the statutory requirements applicable at that time.
120 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps he will take to ensure An Garda Síochána traffic corps are involved in improved traffic management the next time there is such bad weather conditions in view of the length of time it took many motorists to travel from the city centre to their homes in parts of Dublin on 2 and 3 February 2009, with reports of five hour journeys in some cases following snow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5365/09]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that in anticipation of bad driving conditions, such as those recently experienced in the Garda Dublin Metropolitan Region, An Garda Síochána contacted all relevant agencies to ensure that provision was being made to provide towing services, road gritting and other emergency measures. Members of An Garda Síochána responded to all emergencies as they arose and attempted to alleviate difficulties arising from such incidents resulting from the weather conditions.
I am further informed that the Dublin Metropolitan Region Traffic Division liaises with local authorities in the Region and the National Roads Authority on an ongoing basis on a wide range of issues, including the difficulties resulting from the recent inclement weather conditions. Discussions will take place with the agencies responsible for road traffic issues to discuss how improvements in traffic flow might be made in the event of a reoccurrence of such weather conditions.
121 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of naturalisation applications ongoing at present; the waiting time from application to decision; and the reason the waiting period is comparatively much longer than the time it takes in other European countries. [5372/09]
There are currently 16,929 applications for naturalisation with the Citizenship Division of my Department that are still awaiting a decision.
Following the decentralisation of the Citizenship Division to Tipperary Town, substantial resources have been made available to it in order to reduce backlogs and provide a better quality service to all applicants. This has had a positive impact on processing times and the average time from application to decision for the generality of valid applications is now at 22 months. It is expected that this will progressively improve over the coming year and the Division is currently commencing further processing of applications received in mid 2007. A significant number of applications are initially found to be invalid for a variety of reasons and these are now being dealt with and returned to the applicant within a week. 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.
The Deputy will appreciate that 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 the status of citizenship is not undervalued and is only given to persons who genuinely satisfy the necessary qualifying criteria.
122 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of freedom of information requests received by his Department each month in 2007 and 2008 in tabular format; the number acceded to; the number refused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5404/09]
The total number of Freedom of Information Requests received for the years 2007 and 2008 was 445 and 718 respectively.
The breakdown for 2007 was as follows: Granted — 143, Part Granted — 131, Refused — 87, Withdrawn — 56. The remaining figure relates to outstanding requests.
The breakdown for 2008 was as follows: Granted — 158, Part Granted — 191, Refused 130, Withdrawn — 230 with the remaining figure relating to outstanding requests.
The average monthly overall figure for requests received in 2007 was 37, and in 2008 it was 60.
123 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a person (details supplied) will receive their first interview with the office of the Refugee Application Commissioner. [5499/09]
The Deputy should note that it is not the practice to comment in detail on individual asylum applications.
124 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency status in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5502/09]
I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question No. 215 of Thursday, 3 July 2008, and the written Reply to that Question.
The person concerned applied for asylum on 7 March 2002. 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 15 May 2003, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of her. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why she should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. Representations were submitted on behalf of the person concerned at that time.
On 21 March 2005 the person concerned submitted an application under the revised arrangements for non-national parents of Irish born children, born in the State before 1 January 2005, commonly referred to as the IBC/05 scheme. This application was refused as the child referred to in the application of the person concerned was born in February 2005 and, as such, did not have an automatic entitlement to Irish citizenship. The decision to refuse this application was conveyed in writing to the person concerned by letter dated 7 September 2005.
On 19 April 2007 an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State was submitted on behalf of the person concerned. This application is under consideration at present and when a decision has been made on this application, this will be conveyed in writing to the person concerned.
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.
125 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to an application for residency and citizenship in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5503/09]
I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question No. 186 of Thursday, 1 May 2008, and No. 216 of Thursday, 6 March 2008 and the written Replies to those Questions.
The person concerned applied for asylum on 16 April 2003. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 30 September 2005, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of 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.
On 28 April 2008, the legal representative of the person concerned was advised of his client's 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). To date no such application has been submitted by, or on behalf of, the person concerned although the legal representative of the person concerned has reserved the right to do so in the event that the representations for temporary Leave to Remain in the State are unsuccessful.
The case file of the person concerned, including all representations submitted, will now 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, before the file is passed to me for decision.
126 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to residency and citizenship in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5504/09]
I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question No. 832 of Thursday 10 July 2008 and the written Reply to that Question.
The first named person concerned arrived in the State on 22 January 2003 and applied for asylum. 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 first named person concerned was informed, by letter dated 9 December 2004, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. Representations have been submitted on behalf of the first named 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.
The second named person concerned arrived in the State on 20 May 2005 and applied for asylum. 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 second named person concerned was informed, by letter dated 26 April 2006, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of her. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why she should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. Representations were submitted by the second named person concerned at that time.
The second named person concerned has also submitted 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) and this application is under consideration at present. When consideration of this application has been completed, the second named 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 second named 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 second named person concerned is passed to me for decision.
In accordance with the instructions of the legal representative of the persons concerned, the couple's child, born in the State in 2008, will be included in the consideration given to her parents' cases.
127 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision regarding an application for residency and citizenship will be made in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5505/09]
Officials in the Citizenship Division of my Department inform me that there is no record of an application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question.
I am informed by the Immigration Division that the person in question has not made an application for Long Term Residency.
128 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision regarding an application for residency will be made in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5506/09]
The person concerned applied for asylum on 25 July 2003. Her application was refused following consideration of her case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 21 March 2005, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of her. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why she should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State.
Representations 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.
129 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision regarding an application for residency and citizenship will be made in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5507/09]
An application for post nuptial citizenship for the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Section of my Department on 27 June 2005.
Processing of this application is still ongoing and it is anticipated that the file will be completed in the near future. The legal representatives of the individual concerned recently contacted the Department to state that they no longer represent the individual and this has resulted in delays in processing. Officials in the Citizenship (post-nuptial) Section will be in contact with the individual concerned as soon as the application is completed.
I am informed by the Immigration Division that the person in question has not made an application for Long Term Residency.
130 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason cash in the sum of €1305.00 and an Angolan passport in the name of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare has been retained by the gardaí in view of the fact that the courts dismissed the case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5508/09]
I have requested a report from the Garda authorities in relation to the matter referred to by the Deputy. I will contact the Deputy again when the report is to hand.
131 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to an application for citizenship in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5509/09]
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 July 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 the status of citizenship 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.
132 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, further to his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 95 of 29 January 2009, if he will use his discretion to extend the visa in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5510/09]
I have been informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that the case of the person referred to by the Deputy has been reviewed and has been deemed not to include any exceptional circumstances which would warrant an extension of his permission to remain in the State.
133 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to an application for leave to remain here and residency in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5511/09]
There is currently no application pending in my Department for leave to remain or 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.
134 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if offences under the Road Traffic Act 2003 continue to prevent qualification for citizenship in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5512/09]
143 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to an application for citizenship and naturalisation in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5521/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 134 and 143 together.
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question 171 on 5 February, 2009. The position remains unchanged.
The 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. One such condition is that the applicant must be of good character.
It is open to the person concerned to lodge a new application for a certificate of naturalisation if and when he is in a position to meet the statutory requirements.
135 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress in respect of an application for residency and citizenship in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5513/09]
Officials in the Citizenship Division of my Department inform me that there is no record of an application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question.
I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that the person in question has not made an application for Long Term Residency.
136 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if it is possible to contact the authorities in Angola to determine the background in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin regarding their application for residency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5514/09]
I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question No. 143 of Thursday 13 November 2008 and my detailed Reply to Parliamentary Question No. 845 of Wednesday 24 September 2008 in this matter. The position in the State of the person concerned is as set out in my earlier Reply.
The Deputy can be assured that all determinations and decisions reached in relation to the person concerned during the course of his asylum application and appeal, and his subsequent application for permission to remain in the State, took account of the political and human rights conditions prevailing in that country at the time that each determination or decision was arrived at. Specifically, each decision maker would have relied upon the most up to date, reliable, objective information available pertaining to the situation in Angola at the relevant point in time. This being the case, I am satisfied that all determinations and decisions reached were properly arrived at.
The Deputy also refers to documentation submitted by the person concerned. I can assure the Deputy that the documentation referred to has been received in my Department and is under consideration in the context of the application submitted by the person concerned for revocation of his Deportation Order in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 (11) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended). As indicated previously, when a decision has been made on this application, this decision and the consequences of the decision will be conveyed in writing to the person concerned.
137 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the application for citizenship in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5515/09]
An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the first person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in April 2007.
Officials in that section inform me that the application is at an advanced stage of processing and the file will be forwarded to me for a decision in due course.
Officials inform me that there is no record of an application for a certificate of naturalisation from the second person referred to in the Deputy's Question. It is open to the person concerned to lodge an application for a certificate of naturalisation if and when they are in a position to meet the statutory requirements applicable at that time.
138 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the application for residency in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5516/09]
The person concerned applied for asylum on 3 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 29 November 2005, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of her. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why she should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State.
Representations 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.
139 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the application for citizenship will be concluded in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5517/09]
Officials in the Citizenship Division of my Department inform me that there is no record of an application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question.
140 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to an application for family reunification in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5518/09]
I refer the Deputy to my answer to his previous Parliamentary Question No 858 put down for answer on 10th July 2008. The person in question made a Family Reunification application on behalf of his wife, daughters and son in January 2008. The application was forwarded to the Refugee Applications Commissioner for investigation as required under Section 18 of the Refugee Act 1996. This investigation is completed and the Commissioner has forwarded a report to my Department. This application will be considered by my Department and a decision will issue in due course. Applications are currently taking approximately 24 months to process.
141 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when stamp four will issue in respect of persons (details supplied) in Dublin 22; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5519/09]
Applications for certificates of naturalisation from the persons referred to in the Deputy's Question were received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in January 2006 and September 2006. Officials in that Section inform me that processing of both applications is at an advanced stage and the files will be submitted to me for decisions in due course.
142 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a review will be undertaken regarding a deportation order in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5520/09]
I refer the Deputy to the reply given to his Parliamentary Question Nos. 620 and 639 on Tuesday 27 January 2009. The status of the person concerned remains as set out in that Reply.
However since that Reply was made, my officials became aware that the minor child of the person concerned had been re-admitted to the asylum process by the Ministerial Decisions Unit. In view of this development, a request was made by my officials to the Garda National Immigration Bureau on 9 February 2009 not to enforce the Deportation Order in respect of the person concerned until such time as the asylum application of her child has 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 Monday 9 March 2009. The enforcement of the Deportation Order is, and remains, an operational matter for the GNIB.
144 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of the equality for women measure; if a change is proposed in relation to the funding of this measure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5534/09]
The first Strand of the Equality for Women Measure (Access to Employment) was launched in Summer 2008 and it attracted a high level of interest, with over 150 applications being received. All the project proposals have now been appraised. However, the extremely difficult Exchequer position makes it difficult to commit funding at this precise time. The matter continues to be kept under review.
145 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the projected amount of overseas development aid to be allocated in 2009. [5342/09]
As the Deputy is aware 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.
In framing Budget 2009 last October, the Government allocated a total of €891 million for ODA. €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.
Last week the Government took the decision to reduce the total Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget for 2009 from €891 million to €796 million — a saving of €95 million. This 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, which will lead to further expansion of the Government's development programme in years to come. While the final allocation of the €95 million reduction has not yet been decided, it is likely it will have to be largely absorbed by Vote 29.
On current GNP projections for 2009, this revised allocation means Ireland will spend approximately 0.54% of its GNP on ODA. It is also likely that with this level of funding Ireland will maintain its position as the sixth most generous donor per capita in the world.
146 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of freedom of information requests received by his Department each month in 2007 and 2008 in tabular format; the number acceded to; the number refused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5402/09]
Below in tabular format is a statistical breakdown of the Freedom of Information Requests processed by my Department in 2007 and 2008. It is the policy of my Department to make all requests and replies made under the Freedom of Information Act, which are not of a personal nature, publicly available. The Freedom of Information Requests Database is available on the website of my Department and contains copies of the non-personal requests made since April 2004 to date. The website of the Department of Foreign Affairs is www.dfa.ie .
In addition to requests for information under the Freedom of Information Act, my Department responds to requests for information, outside of the Acts, on a regular basis. My Department also assists members of the public to formulate their requests in order to ensure that accurate information in a user friendly format is provided to the requesting party.
|
Received |
Granted / Part-Granted |
Refused |
Withdrawn |
Withdrawn & handled outside FoI |
|
|
January |
9 |
4 |
1 |
3 |
1 |
|
February |
1 |
1 |
|||
|
March |
3 |
2 |
1 |
||
|
April |
2 |
2 |
|||
|
May |
1 |
1 |
|||
|
June |
5 |
5 |
|||
|
July |
6 |
3 |
3 |
||
|
August |
4 |
2 |
2 |
||
|
September |
3 |
2 |
1 |
||
|
October |
3 |
3 |
|||
|
November |
5 |
2 |
3 |
||
|
December |
2 |
2 |
|
Received |
Granted / Part-Granted |
Refused |
Withdrawn |
Withdrawn & handled outside FoI |
|
|
January |
5 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
|
February |
9 |
3 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
|
March |
5 |
3 |
2 |
||
|
April |
4 |
2 |
2 |
||
|
May |
12 |
8 |
3 |
1 |
|
|
June |
7 |
6 |
1 |
||
|
July |
7 |
5 |
1 |
1 |
|
|
August |
6 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
|
September |
10 |
6 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
|
October |
9 |
6 |
2 |
1 |
|
|
November |
*12 |
4 |
2 |
3 |
1 |
|
December |
*2 |
1 |
*A number of requests are still pending either clarification or deposits from requesters.
147 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the contact he has had with the Nigerian Embassy regarding the practice of female genital mutilation in that country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5407/09]
The practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) regrettably occurs in many countries throughout the world. Irish Aid is a member of the Joint Consortium on Gender Based Violence, which aims to promote a more coherent and co-ordinated response to gender-based violence, including female genital mutilation, amongst its members, who include Irish human rights, humanitarian and development organisations, as well as government departments. In the White Paper on Irish Aid, the Government has made a commitment to working against gender-based violence as a matter of priority.
FGM has been prohibited by law in a number of Nigerian states and the Government of Nigeria publicly opposes the practice. Neither I nor my Department have discussed this issue with the Embassy of Nigeria. However, I note that the Nigerian Ambassador to Ireland has been very clear in communicating the position of her government in regard to FGM. Moreover, in January 2009 the Ambassador of Ireland to Nigeria met with the Nigerian Federal Minister for Justice and Attorney General to discuss FGM, and the Minister stressed that his Government strongly opposed and vehemently condemned the practice.
When the human rights situation in Nigeria was reviewed under the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva earlier this month, Ireland took the opportunity to raise the issue of FGM, among a number of other issues, with the Nigerian Government. In our statement, we welcomed the steps taken by Nigeria to combat FGM, notably through the adoption of the Child Rights Act (2003). We also asked the Nigerian Government what further legal, administrative and educational measures it intended to implement, at federal and at state level, to eliminate FGM. Finally, we encouraged the Nigerian Government to undertake an awareness raising campaign about the practice.
148 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on a policy (details supplied) in view of expenditure on staffing for foreign aid. [5423/09]
I welcome suggestions in relation to overseas volunteering in support of the work of the Ireland's aid programme and of the development work of Irish NGOs and individuals. The interest in volunteering demonstrated by the Irish people in recent years is impressive, and encouraging. Currently, more than 3,000 Irish volunteers and development workers are working with development agencies and missionaries with the support of Irish Aid. Information and advice on volunteering opportunities is available through the Irish Aid Volunteering and Information Centre, which last year hosted 64 events related to volunteering. The website for the Centre is www.irishaid.gov.ie/centre .
It is important to recognise that volunteering in an overseas development context can be both challenging and demanding for all concerned. The challenges involved in establishing a volunteering scheme that simultaneously promotes local development and provides the volunteer with an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution should not be underestimated. In order to help organisations develop the capacity to address these issues, Irish Aid has supported the establishment of a Code of Practice for volunteering organisations, which promotes best practice in volunteering. It addresses training and induction needs as well as issues relating to cultural awareness, appropriate assignments, logistical support, transport and accommodation, health and safety, and monitoring, reporting and evaluation.
The Government is strongly committed to continuing to promote the development of the volunteering sector. In the current difficult economic context, all aspects of the aid programme are being examined in order to ensure that they contribute effectively to the overarching objective of poverty and hunger reduction in the developing world, and represent value for money. I can assure the Deputy that any new funding proposals will be fully assessed against these criteria.
150 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which genocide has been reported throughout the continent of Africa in the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5483/09]
The crime of genocide, as defined in international law, involves the committing of acts with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group, as such. These acts may include killing members of the group; causing serious bodily or mental harm; deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part; imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group; or forcibly transferring children of the group to another group. Situations which fully meet this definition are thankfully extremely rare.
Nevertheless, there are a number of current situations in Africa which give rise to extreme concern. These include situations which have given rise to allegations of genocide, war crimes or crimes against humanity.
I am particularly concerned by the current situation in Darfur, where serious human rights abuses, in particular against women and children, have been a constant feature of the conflict. In July 2008, the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) requested that a warrant be issued for the arrest of Sudanese President Al-Bashir on charges of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes in Darfur. It is now up to the appropriate bodies of the ICC and, where appropriate, the UN to determine what action they intend to take in response to the Prosecutor's request. International efforts to end this violence include support for African Union and United Nations mediation, and the presence of a joint AU-UN peacekeeping force.
The situation in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has also been a cause of much unease. Fighting involving DRC government forces and a range of rebel groups has had a devastating effect on the civilian population of the region, and more than 1 million people are currently displaced. Of particular concern are the continued atrocities committed by the Ugandan Rebel group, the Lord's Resistance Army, in north-eastern DRC. This group, notorious for its use of child soldiers, has killed up to 900 civilians in the past few months, and caused the displacement of an estimated 150,000. Here too, the international community is working to bring about a negotiated end to the conflict in the Kivu provinces, and the UN is working to protect the civilian population through MONUC, its largest peacekeeping operation.
The international community recognises its responsibility to work to prevent genocide, and it is notable that the Constitutive Act of the African Union expressly endorses the right of the AU to intervene in a member state in respect of grave circumstances, including genocide. In addition, the 2005 World Summit of the United Nations acknowledged that the international community has a responsibility to protect against genocide, while nonetheless recognising that each State bears the most fundamental responsibility to protect its own population against serious crimes of this nature. This was reaffirmed in 2006 by UN Security Council Resolution 1674.
The international community also has a responsibility to ensure that serious crimes, including genocide, do not go unpunished. It was for the purpose of ending impunity for such crimes that the international community, by adopting the Rome Statute, created the International Criminal Court. Ireland has been a consistent and strong supporter of the ICC, recognising it as an essential means for bringing to justice those responsible for the most serious international crimes.
151 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the locations in Africa to which aid is being directed in 2009; the action taken to ensure that all such aid arrives to those for whom it was intended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5484/09]
153 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is satisfied that aid intended for African countries goes to those for whom it was intended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5486/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 151 and 153 together.
It is a matter of particular importance to the Government that the funding provided for our aid programme benefits the poorest and most vulnerable people of the countries in which we operate. The Government's development cooperation programme, which is implemented by Irish Aid, provides assistance to over ninety developing countries. The overarching objective of the programme is the reduction of global poverty and hunger. It has a particular focus on Africa, which has 34 of the world's least developed countries. Seven of the nine countries designated as Programme Countries for Irish Aid are in Africa: Ethiopia, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. We are committed to long term strategic assistance in partnership with the Governments and people of these countries.
Irish Aid funding is protected by rigorous monitoring, accounting and audit controls, which are in place in all countries where we provide development assistance. The objective is to ensure that funding is directed effectively to those areas most in need.
In the Programme Countries, strategies are developed in consultation with national Governments in support of their own poverty reduction strategies. These agreed strategies outline the programmes and projects which Irish Aid will support over a three to five year period. They contain monitoring frameworks with indicators and targets against which to measure improvements in basic services. The promotion of good governance is an essential element of all country strategies. Irish Aid works in cooperation with other international donors to strengthen public financial management systems and institutions of Government, such as the Auditor General function.
The monitoring of national programmes and projects is carried out in the first instance by national Auditors General, and, on an annual basis, by donors and civil society groups. In this process, particular attention is paid to progress on the numbers of people living below the poverty line and on improvements in access to basic health, education and water and sanitation.
In addition, Irish Aid has put in place rigorous accounting and audit controls. Programmes are regularly audited and evaluated by independent audit firms, by Irish Aid's own Evaluation and Audit Unit and by the independent Audit Committee of the Department of Foreign Affairs, in order to ensure that funds are used for the purposes intended and in respect of clear outcomes, and that they represent value for money.
The results from our aid programme and from our cooperation with partners can be clearly demonstrated, in Africa and elsewhere. The incidence of extreme poverty is falling in a number of Programme Countries. In recent years, economic growth in Africa has been the highest in a generation. More children are at school than ever before. The context remains challenging, especially in the face of the international economic crisis, but real progress is being made.
154 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is satisfied that various African countries are likely to receive adequate aid to combat hunger in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5487/09]
Hunger is one of the critical issues facing the world today as almost one billion people go to bed each evening without adequate food. This number is continuing to rise, as the impact of hunger is compounded by the global economic crisis. The first Millennium Development Goal, to reduce by half the proportion of those suffering from hunger, is not on target to be reached in Africa.
The eradication of hunger is a cornerstone of Ireland's development aid programme and a key component of the Government's foreign policy, as indicated by our establishment of the Hunger Task Force and acceptance of the thrust of its excellent Report. We are committed to combating hunger in Africa and throughout the world. I firmly believe that the seriousness of the hunger crisis behoves all of us in the developed and the developing world to increase our commitment to combating hunger, with both immediate and longer-term initiatives.
The UN Secretary General last April established a High-Level Task Force on the Global Food Crisis to address longer term food security issues. Ireland is committed to playing an active role in supporting the UN High Level Task Force in developing a future global partnership for agriculture and food security, and is providing financial support and expertise to the Task Force. In addition to this cooperation at an international level, in 2009, we will also allocate approximately €40 million towards increased agricultural productivity and long-term food-security measures in developing countries.
To address the immediate needs of the hungry, food assistance will comprise a significant element of Ireland's funding for hunger in 2009. Some €2.5 million has already been approved for the World Food Programme's activities in West Africa, Chad, Zimbabwe and Somalia. This is in addition to a total of €7 million disbursed to Common Humanitarian Funds in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic and Sudan. At the global level, Ireland is the seventh largest contributor to the UN's Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), with an initial 2009 contribution of €10 million already disbursed.
We will also continue to support our NGO partners in emergency food assistance interventions. To date in 2009, over €3.5 million has been allocated for NGO projects and programmes dealing specifically with food and nutrition assistance, or the promotion of food security in Africa. There are six years left to achieve the global goal of halving poverty and hunger by 2015. Ireland will continue to play an important role in seeking to meet this challenge.
156 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he will assist in the context of influencing the EU and UN toward resumption of peace negotiations and address the human rights situation in Gaza; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5490/09]
157 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the initiatives he has taken to encourage engagement in a peace process in the Middle East; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5491/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 156 and 157 together.
The priority right now, for all sides, remains the consolidation of the existing fragile ceasefire arrangements in Gaza through the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1860. Only when peace and security are fully restored to Gaza and southern Israel will the parties be able to fully focus on reviving the peace process. With that in mind, I am encouraged by recent reports that an Egyptian-brokered permanent ceasefire deal may be imminent. Any such permanent ceasefire also needs to be coupled with full re-opening of border crossings into Gaza to end the unjustified economic isolation of the people of Gaza which has existed over the past eighteen months.
Beyond the immediate crisis in Gaza, the international community must work to restore momentum and credibility to the Middle East peace process. For a renewed political process to be credible, it must not only address the core issues of the conflict but must also aim to improve the daily lives of the people most affected. For a start, the parties must be encouraged to implement their obligations under the Quartet Roadmap. This must involve an end to all violence in and from the Occupied Territories, the lifting of checkpoints, the easing of restrictions on movement for Palestinians, and the end of the confiscation of Palestinian land. Prisoner releases would also make a significant contribution to the reduction of tensions.
I am particularly alarmed, however, by yet more reports of increased Israeli settlement construction in the West Bank. As I have stated repeatedly, continued settlement construction has a direct, negative impact on the political process. It also prejudges the outcome of final status negotiations and threatens the viability of an agreed two-State solution. If Israel is serious about reaching a political settlement, it must impose a genuine freeze on settlement expansion and I hope that this is an undertaking which is pursued by the new Israeli government. I have made this point directly to the Israeli Ambassador, to the Israeli Minister of Education when I met with her in January, and indeed to Foreign Minister Livni during my visit to Israel in July 2008.
Ireland will continue to work closely with our EU partners to ensure that the European Union continues to play a leading role in promoting a comprehensive settlement in the region. It remains a strategic priority, both for Ireland and for the EU, to contribute to the achievement of a negotiated two-State solution. I believe that there is now a clear opportunity, in light of the recent Gaza crisis and the election of a new Administration in the United States, for the European Union to step up its engagement in search of a comprehensive settlement in the Middle East and to play a more active role in its own right and alongside the other members of the Quartet (US, UN, Russia). The desire to see such a stronger EU engagement was clearly communicated to me during my recent visit to Syria, Lebanon and the United Arab Emirates.
One particular way in which the EU could increase its engagement in the region is through increased cooperation between the EU and the Palestinian Authority. In December, my Cypriot colleague and I sent a joint letter to all members of the EU External Relations Council urging that we explore ways in which we might further enhance our relationship with the Palestinian Authority. I believe the earliest and full implementation of the EU-PLO Interim Association Agreement, as well as the initiation of a more structured dialogue with the Palestinian Authority, would serve to increase the EU's capacity to influence events on the ground.
158 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of freedom of information requests received by his Department each month in 2007 and 2008 in tabular format; the number acceded to; the number refused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5394/09]
The tables below set out the number of Freedom of Information requests received in the Department each month for the years 2007 and 2008. The Deputy should note that at the end of each year a number of requests will be carried forward into the coming year.
|
Month |
No. of Requests Received |
No. of Requests Granted |
No. of Requests Part-granted |
No. of Requests Refused |
|
January |
4 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
February |
2 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
March |
3 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
|
April |
5 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
|
May |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
June |
5 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
|
July |
2 |
0 |
5 |
0 |
|
August |
2 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
September |
3 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
October |
4 |
1 |
3 |
0 |
|
November |
6 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
December |
0 |
0 |
3 |
2 |
|
Total |
38 |
12 |
18 |
4 |
|
Month |
No. of Requests Received |
No. of Requests Granted |
No. of Requests Part-granted |
No. of Requests Refused |
|
January |
4 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
|
February |
6 |
0 |
4 |
0 |
|
March |
2 |
1 |
3 |
1 |
|
April |
5 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
May |
10 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
|
June |
3 |
3 |
8 |
1 |
|
July |
3 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
August |
3 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
|
September |
9 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
October |
4 |
5 |
3 |
0 |
|
November |
4 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
December |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Total |
54 |
14 |
24 |
8 |
159 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when application forms will be available for community and voluntary organisations to make submissions for National Lottery funding in 2009; the level of funding which will be available for such organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5529/09]
Under the Sports Capital Programme, which is administered by my Department, funding is allocated towards the provision of sports facilities at national, regional and local level. Over 7,400 projects providing a range of essential sports facilities have now benefited from sports capital funding since 1998 bringing the total allocation in that time to over €725 million. In 2008 over €50m was allocated towards 685 separate sports facility and equipment projects. As I announced in the House recently, no decision has been taken about the timing of future rounds of the Programme.
160 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if, in relation to previous parliamentary questions (details supplied) regarding towns which are excluded from the LEADER programme, he will provide an alternative provision for these towns. [5387/09]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Questions Nos. 301 and 302 of the 3rd February 2009 in which I outlined the reasons behind the exemption of certain urban areas from the Rural Development Programme.
As the Deputy is aware, my Department administers, delivers and funds a wide range of measures, programmes and schemes including those supportive of urban communities and urban areas.
A detailed description of each of the programmes and schemes operated by my Department, including relevant guidelines and eligibility criteria, are available on the Department's website at www.pobail.ie
161 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of freedom of information requests received by his Department each month in 2007 and 2008 in tabular format; the number acceded to; the number refused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5396/09]
The number of Freedom of Information requests received by my Department on a monthly basis in 2007 and 2008 are reflected in tabular format below.
In 2007, a total of 12 requests were granted, 5 requests were part granted, 6 requests were refused and 2 requests were handled outside of the Freedom of Information Act. In 2008, a total of 20 requests were granted, 14 requests were part granted, 9 requests were refused, 1 request was withdrawn and 2 requests were handled outside of the Freedom of Information Act.
|
Month |
Freedom of Information requests received in 2007 |
Freedom of Information requests received in 2008 |
|
January |
4 |
9 |
|
February |
1 |
2 |
|
March |
4 |
5 |
|
April |
2 |
3 |
|
May |
0 |
5 |
|
June |
2 |
3 |
|
July |
2 |
2 |
|
August |
3 |
0 |
|
September |
1 |
8 |
|
October |
0 |
4 |
|
November |
8 |
7 |
|
December |
0 |
5 |
|
Total |
27 |
53 |
162 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the action he, or agencies of his Department will take to address the problem of bogus charities collecting old clothes and household items by means of door to door collections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5472/09]
The practice of collecting goods, and particularly clothing, door-to-door, supposedly for charitable purposes, is an issue of concern.
I am particularly concerned in relation to certain collectors of clothing and bric-a-brac who convey the impression in their promotional literature that they are a charity, when this may not actually be the case. This may lead some people to donate to such collections in the belief that they are supporting a charity and helping to alleviate hardship. I consider that this is unfair both to donors, whose intention in donating such items is to help those in need, and to bona fide charities that are losing out on donations as a consequence.
However, measures in the Charities Bill 2007 will help to address this situation. The Bill, when enacted and commenced, will make it an offence for an organisation that is not on the register of charities, which is to be established, to describe itself or its activities in such a way as to cause the public to reasonably believe that the organisation is a registered charity, irrespective of the terminology used by the organisation in leaflets etc. This will limit the scope for non-charities to suggest to the public that they are charitable in nature. This will in turn help the public to distinguish between genuine charitable and non-charitable collections, and to make more informed decisions about which collections they choose to support.
163 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position regarding his plans to extend the Glasson Canal in towards the village at Glasson, County Westmeath; if a feasibility study has been completed in this regard, as was promised in earlier replies to parliamentary questions; his plans in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5525/09]
I am informed by Waterways Ireland that, in order to develop the Strategic Environmental Assessment of the Glasson Village Plan and at the request of Westmeath County Council, it has recently commissioned an assessment of the Extension of Navigation to Glasson under Article 6 of the EU Habitats Directive to ensure that the proposal is in compliance with the Habitats Directive. It is anticipated that this assessment will be completed by the end of June 2009.
I am further informed that Waterways Ireland, in accordance with Department of Finance requirements, will also be updating the economic appraisal of this project over the summer and would expect to be in a position to consider submission of a planning application by the end of the year.
164 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the correspondence she has received from the European Commission regarding possible infringement of Article 8 of Directive 2008/94/EC, as interpreted by the European Court of Justice; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5526/09]
172 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the measures she has put in place regarding measures to protect workers who have lost their pensions and defined benefit security; the minimum level of protection which exist for employees’ pensions which are required under the EU insolvency directive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5500/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 164 and 172 together.
The pension rights of scheme members are protected through trust law and by provision in the Pensions Act 1990 as amended. Defined benefit pension schemes are required to comply with the funding standard provision set out in the Pensions Act. This funding standard requires defined benefit pension schemes to maintain sufficient assets to enable them discharge accrued liabilities. Where schemes do not satisfy the Funding Standard, the sponsors/trustees must submit a funding proposal to the Pensions Board to restore full funding within three years. The Pensions Board can allow a scheme up to ten years to meet the standard in certain circumstances.
In recognition of the current market difficulties and the difficult decisions that pension schemes will face, the Government has put the following short-term measures in place to ease the pressure on defined benefit schemes: granting additional time for the preparation of funding proposals, as a temporary measure; dealing as flexibly as possible with applications for approval of funding plans; allowing longer periods for recovery plans (i.e., greater than ten years), in appropriate circumstances; allowing the term of a replacement recovery plan to extend beyond the end date of the original plan where the scheme is part-way through a previous recovery plan but is off track due to investment losses; taking into account voluntary employer guarantees in approving recovery plans; ensuring that these extensions are not seen as a weakening of supervision, the recovery plans which fail to demonstrate an appropriate investment approach will be rejected.
The EU insolvency directive 80/987/EEC requires member States to put certain measures in place to protect the pension rights of employees in the event of the insolvency of their employer. In this regard, I should point out that, in its review of the transposition of that Directive, the Commission gave an assurance that Ireland had adequately transposed the provision in that Directive.
The ruling by the European Court of Justice in the Robins case in relation to Article 8 of this directive is being considered in the context of the issues relating to the security of defined benefit schemes. I can confirm that the Department has recently received correspondence from the European Commission in relation to this ruling.
Proposals to address overall security of pensions will be considered as part of the development of a long term framework for pensions which the Government plans to announce shortly.
165 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her views on introducing a system whereby all people who have a significant disability could be recognised and provided with a smart card which could act as a passport to different entitlements across the tax, health, social welfare and other service systems and would facilitate easy access and make it simple for private sector agencies to offer concessions; if she will arrange to study systems in other countries where this type of recognition has been provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5378/09]
In line with the provisions of the Disability Act 2005, the National Disability Strategy and Towards 2016, and as reflected in the various Departmental Sectoral Plans published in 2006, the continued development of services for people with disabilities to ensure their financial security as well as their maximum participation in society is a key goal for the Government.
Given that the suggestion advanced by the Deputy extends beyond the realm of social welfare and would cover all age categories, any such development would appear to be contingent, in the first instance, on the availability of a comprehensive assessment of needs process for people with disabilities. This process is in course of being undertaken by the Department of Health and Children in the context of the implementation of Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005. In light of the outcomes of that process, further consideration could then be given to the issue raised by the Deputy.
166 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of freedom of information requests received by her Department each month in 2007 and 2008 in tabular format; the number acceded to; the number refused; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5405/09]
The Department received 370 requests in 2007 and 485 requests in 2008, under the Freedom of Information Acts, 1997 and 2003. A monthly breakdown for these years is contained in the accompanying tables.
The majority of refusals involve cases where the records requested do not exist, the records relate to a third party, or the requestor sought the identity of a person who reported suspected abuse of a social welfare scheme.
The figures for the Social Welfare Appeals Office are returned separately to the Office of the Information Commissioner, and are not included in the first two tables.
|
Month/Year |
Granted |
Partial |
Refused |
Withdrawn |
Total |
|
Jan-07 |
28 |
10 |
3 |
1 |
42 |
|
Feb-07 |
34 |
2 |
5 |
0 |
41 |
|
Mar-07 |
26 |
7 |
5 |
3 |
41 |
|
Apr-07 |
21 |
6 |
5 |
0 |
32 |
|
May-07 |
20 |
7 |
4 |
3 |
34 |
|
Jun-07 |
24 |
9 |
6 |
2 |
41 |
|
Jul-07 |
23 |
7 |
5 |
0 |
35 |
|
Aug-07 |
33 |
5 |
3 |
0 |
41 |
|
Sep-07 |
19 |
3 |
3 |
0 |
25 |
|
Oct-07 |
24 |
6 |
2 |
0 |
32 |
|
Nov-07 |
21 |
9 |
4 |
2 |
36 |
|
Dec-07 |
30 |
7 |
1 |
0 |
38 |
|
Total |
303 |
78 |
46 |
11 |
438 |
|
Jan-08 |
35 |
5 |
5 |
1 |
46 |
|
Feb-08 |
37 |
10 |
3 |
0 |
50 |
|
Mar-08 |
27 |
7 |
2 |
1 |
37 |
|
Apr-08 |
30 |
7 |
2 |
1 |
40 |
|
May-08 |
31 |
9 |
2 |
1 |
43 |
|
Jun-08 |
34 |
5 |
3 |
1 |
43 |
|
Jul-08 |
35 |
13 |
3 |
1 |
52 |
|
Aug-08 |
23 |
5 |
3 |
1 |
32 |
|
Sep-08 |
40 |
8 |
2 |
2 |
52 |
|
Oct-08 |
51 |
12 |
1 |
2 |
66 |
|
Nov-08 |
38 |
12 |
1 |
0 |
51 |
|
Dec-08 |
34 |
6 |
7 |
1 |
48 |
|
Total |
415 |
99 |
34 |
12 |
560 |
Note: The Information Commissioner has instructed that where a request deals with records held in several areas of the Department, it is counted as one request. The end of year figures returned to the office of the Information Commissioner are amended to reflect this. The above reflect the figures before this reduction.
|
Month/Year |
Granted |
Partial |
Refused |
Withdrawn |
Total |
|
Jan-07 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
|
Feb-07 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
|
Mar-07 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
|
Apr-07 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
|
May-07 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
|
Jun-07 |
4 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
5 |
|
Jul-07 |
5 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
8 |
|
Aug-07 |
4 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
5 |
|
Sep-07 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
|
Oct-07 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
|
Nov-07 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
|
Dec-07 |
5 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
7 |
|
Total |
35 |
14 |
1 |
0 |
50 |
|
Jan-08 |
1 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
5 |
|
Feb-08 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
|
Mar-08 |
6 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
6 |
|
Apr-08 |
4 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
5 |
|
May-08 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
|
Jun-08 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
3 |
|
Jul-08 |
5 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
7 |
|
Aug-08 |
5 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
5 |
|
Sep-08 |
5 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
6 |
|
Oct-08 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
|
Nov-08 |
6 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
7 |
|
Dec-08 |
12 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
13 |
|
Total |
52 |
12 |
2 |
0 |
66 |
The figures for the Social Welfare Appeals Office are returned separately to the Office of the Information Commissioner, and are not included in the first two tables.
167 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason persons (details supplied) in County Galway have had their rent allowance reduced to €35 per week; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that they applied to Galway County Council over five years ago for housing; if the rent allowance will be increased; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5440/09]
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.
Rent supplement is normally calculated to ensure that a person, after the payment of rent, has an income equal to the rate of supplementary welfare allowance appropriate to their family circumstances less a minimum contribution of €18 which recipients are required to pay from their own resources. Many recipients pay more than €18 because recipients are also required, subject to income disregards, to contribute any additional assessable means that they have, over and above the appropriate rate of supplementary welfare allowance, towards their accommodation costs. The minimum contribution payable towards rent was increased from €13 to €18 a week with effect from January 2009 as part of Budget 2009.
The Executive has advised that the person concerned had been in receipt of rent supplement of €114 per week based on household income from his jobseekers allowance. The weekly household contribution towards rent was €26, consisting of the rent supplement recipient's minimum contribution of €13 and a contribution of €13 from a non-dependent member of the household.
The Executive has advised that as the spouse of the person concerned was awarded disability allowance in December 2008, entitlement to rent supplement had to be recalculated. The supplement is being reduced to €35 per week to take account of current household income comprised of the recipient's jobseeker's allowance, his spouse's disability allowance, the increase in the minimum contribution to rent from €13 to €18 a week for the applicant and the non dependent member of the household.
Local Authority housing is allocated in accordance with each council's scheme of letting priorities. Queries relating to housing applications should be directed to the relevant local authority.
168 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the steps which she is taking to deal with eligibility difficulties facing the self-employed applying for jobseekers allowance due to the fact that the means assessment is based on the previous tax year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5453/09]
Jobseekers allowance is a means tested payment made to those who fulfill certain conditions which includes that the person is available for work, looking for work and satisfies a means test.
The means of a self-employed person would be taken as the net profit that they will earn in the coming 12 months. While their income from the previous twelve months is used as an indication in estimating their likely future earnings, it is not simply assumed that the previous year's earnings will be received in the coming year. Instead, account is taken of the potential for significant upward or downward variations in income from one year to the next.
For example, if a self-employed person lost a contract and was unlikely to find a substitute contract in the coming year, this would be factored into the assessment of future income. The implications of the present downturn in the economy would of course be taken into account.
If a self-employed person's situation changes after they have made an initial claim for jobseeker's allowance, they can apply to have their means reviewed in the light of their changed circumstances. In addition, if a person is dissatisfied with the means assessed, it is open to them to appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals office.
The Department will continue to ensure that the mechanisms used for assessing means for the jobseekers allowance are sufficiently adaptable to meet the challenges presented by the current economic situation.
169 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the amount paid in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 in employers PRSI. [5475/09]
170 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the amount paid in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 in employees PRSI. [5476/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 169 and 170 together.
The amounts received in Employer's and Employee's PRSI in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 are laid out in the following table. The figures for 2008 are provisional at this time. People who are self-employed also pay PRSI contributions. The relevant total amounts received are also included in the table, for completeness.
|
Year |
2008 Provisional |
2007 |
2006 |
2005 |
|
€ million |
€ million |
€ million |
€ million |
|
|
Employers PRSI |
5,944 |
5,762 |
5,167 |
4,512 |
|
Employee’s PRSI |
1,634 |
1,539 |
1,380 |
1,218 |
|
Self-Employed PRSI |
406 |
421 |
374 |
380 |
171 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the savings which would be made in 2009 if social welfare rates were maintained at their 2008 levels. [5477/09]
Budget 2009 provided for improvements in all weekly personal, qualified adult and qualified child rates of payment as well as improvements in family income supplement, back to school clothing and footwear allowance and the national fuel scheme. The amount provided in Budget 2009 for these improvements was €503 million.
173 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will reconsider the refusal of disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5535/09]
Disability Allowance is a weekly Allowance paid to people with a specified disability who are aged over 16 and under 66. The disability must be expected to last for at least one year and the allowance is subject to a medical assessment, a means test and a habitual residency test.
Habitual Residency is intended to convey a degree of permanence of residing in a country, evidence by a regular physical presence enduring for some time, beginning at a date usually in the past and intended to continue for a period into the foreseeable future. It implies a close association between the applicant and the country from which payment is claimed and relies heavily on fact. The legislation underpinning Habitually Residency for Disability Allowance is contained in Sections 210(9) and 246 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005, as amended by Section 30 of the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2007, EEC Regulations and Directives and EC Case Law.
In deciding if a person is Habitually Resident a Deciding Officer takes into consideration all circumstances of the case and in particular the following:
(a) The length and continuity of residence in the state or in any other particular country
(b) The length and purpose of any absence from the State
(c) The nature and pattern of the person's employment
(d) The person's main centre of interest and
(e) The future intentions of the person concerned as they appear from all the circumstances.
Habitual Residency took effect from the 1 May 2004 and applies to certain Social Welfare Assistance Payments and Child Benefits and affects all applicants regardless of nationality.
The person concerned applied for Disability Allowance on 27 November 2008. His application was refused with effect from 3 December 2008 on the grounds that he is not habitually resident in the state. A letter issued to the person concerned on 29 January 2009 notifying him of this decision and giving him the option of sending in more documentary evidence or information he thinks is relevant to his case within 21 days and the decision will be reviewed by a Deciding Officer. It is also open to the person concerned to appeal directly to the Independent Social Welfare Appeals Office.
The Department of Social and Family Affairs is not obliged to concur with the decision made by other organisations such as the HSE with regard to Habitual Residency. On foot of new information supplied on behalf of the person concerned the Social Welfare Appeals Office has agreed to open an appeal in this case. The Social Welfare Appeals Office will be in direct contact with the person concerned.
174 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a PPS number will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5536/09]
There is no record of an application for a PPS number having been made by the person concerned. Applications for PPS numbers are generally dealt with on the day the person attends the particular PPS Centre.
175 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the grounds on which the habitual residence clause is used to refuse unemployment allowance or benefit in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5537/09]
The person concerned was refused jobseeker's allowance on 3 February 2009. The deciding officer, having examined all the circumstances, considered that the person concerned did not satisfy the habitual residence condition as her centre of interest within Ireland and future intentions to remain in Ireland have not been clearly established, in view of her employment record here or any alternative means of support while living here.
The person concerned was notified of the decision in writing on 3 February 2009 and informed of the right of appeal against the decision.
The requirement to be habitually resident in Ireland was introduced as a qualifying condition for certain social assistance schemes and child benefit with effect from 1 May 2004. It was introduced in the context of the Government's decision to open the Irish labour market to workers from the 10 new EU Member States, without the transitional limitations which were imposed at that time by most of the other Member States. The effect of the condition is that a person whose habitual residence is elsewhere would not normally be entitled to social welfare assistance or child benefit payments on arrival in Ireland.
Under Social Welfare legislation, decisions in relation to all aspects of claims are made by statutorily appointed Deciding Officers. Each case received for a determination on the Habitual Residence Condition is dealt with in its own right and a decision is based on application of the legislation and guidelines to the particular individual circumstances of each case. The habitual residence condition requires the applicant to satisfy the Deciding Officer that they meet certain conditions, including that their centre of interest is in Ireland and that their future intentions, as demonstrated, are to remain in Ireland.
EEA nationals who have been employed since arriving in Ireland may be entitled to Supplementary Welfare Allowance, even if they do not satisfy the HRC condition for Jobseeker's Allowance. Such persons should enquire with their local Community Welfare Officer as to their possible entitlement to Supplementary Welfare Allowance as a migrant EU worker.
176 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when persons (details supplied) in County Galway will qualify for child benefit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5540/09]
In order to qualify for a range of Social Welfare payments, including Child Benefit, applicants are required to satisfy the Habitual Residence condition (HRC) which was introduced on 1 May 2004. The HRC requires the applicant to satisfy the deciding officer that they meet certain conditions, including that their centre of interest is in Ireland and that their future intentions, as demonstrated, are to remain in Ireland.
A Child Benefit application was received from the person concerned on 19 September 2008. The Child Benefit section sent a Habitual Residence form (HRC1) to her on 9 February 2009 for completion. A decision on her entitlement to Child Benefit will be made when the completed HRC1 form is returned.
177 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if widow’s pension or disability allowance is more beneficial in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5541/09]
Disability Allowance is a weekly Allowance paid to people with a specified disability who are aged over 16 and under 66. The disability must be expected to last for at least one year and the allowance is subject to a medical assessment, a means test and a habitual residency test.
The person concerned was awarded Disability Allowance on 2 October 1996 and is currently receiving the weekly basic rate of €204.30 plus €23.90 Free Fuel Allowance. She is also in receipt of a travel pass and Free Schemes i.e. Electricity, Television & Telephone. If the person concerned satisfies the conditions for Widows Contributory Pension, she may be entitled to the basic rate of €209.80 Widows Contributory Pension and Free Fuel Allowance of €23.90. However, she would not qualify for a travel pass or Free Schemes until she is 66 years.
178 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare qualifies for invalidity pension on medical and contribution grounds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5542/09]
Invalidity pension is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of an illness or incapacity and who satisfy certain social insurance (PRSI) contributions. To qualify for an invalidity pension a person must have a total of 260 weeks' PRSI contributions paid and 48 weeks PRSI paid or credited in the last complete tax year prior to application.
The Department records show that the person concerned has only a total of 250 PRSI contributions paid and only 40 credited in 2008. On this basis, the person does not currently qualify for an invalidity pension.
Social insurance paid in a county covered by EU regulations or in a country with which Ireland has a bilateral social security agreement can be used to qualify for an invalidity pension. An invalidity pension application form has been issued to the person in case extra social insurance that would help her to qualify was paid outside Ireland. Medical eligibility is assessed after the PRSI contribution conditions are satisfied.
179 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when outstanding payments of unemployment allowance or benefit or supplementary welfare will be made in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5548/09]
The person concerned was in receipt of Jobseekers Allowance at the weekly rate of €197.80 up to 19th August, 2008. Payment was suspended on that date on receipt of information that the person was no longer living at his stated address. He failed to make contact with the office and the claim was subsequently closed. The person made a new application for Jobseekers Allowance on 21st October, 2008 and despite a number of calls to his stated address, a social welfare inspector was unable to contact him. Furthermore, the house owner has confirmed to the Department that he is not resident at this address. In the circumstances his application for Jobseekers Allowance was closed on 3rd February, 2009. If the person concerned is still unemployed he should make immediate contact with his nearest local office.
180 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Defence the number of freedom of information requests received by his Department each month in 2007 and 2008 in tabular format; the number acceded to; the number refused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5397/09]
The information as requested by the Deputy in relation to the number of Freedom of Information requests received by my Department is as follows.
|
Month |
Month Total |
Granted |
Part Granted |
Refused |
Handled outside FOI / Withdrawn |
Transferred |
|
January |
3 |
1 |
2 |
|||
|
February |
2 |
1 |
1 |
|||
|
March |
3 |
1 |
2 |
|||
|
April |
1 |
1 |
||||
|
May |
1 |
1 |
||||
|
June |
2 |
2 |
||||
|
July |
6 |
1 |
1 |
4 |
||
|
August |
1 |
1 |
||||
|
September |
0 |
0 |
||||
|
October |
2 |
1 |
1 |
|||
|
November |
6 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
||
|
December |
1 |
1 |
||||
|
Total |
28 |
13 |
3 |
2 |
3 |
7 |
|
Month |
Month Total |
Granted |
Part Granted |
Refused |
Handled outside FOI / Withdrawn |
Transferred |
|
January |
2 |
1 |
1 |
|||
|
February |
5 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
|
March |
3 |
1 |
2 |
|||
|
April |
4 |
1 |
3 |
|||
|
May |
3 |
3 |
||||
|
June |
7 |
2 |
4 |
1 |
||
|
July |
5 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
||
|
August |
4 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
|
September |
6 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
||
|
October |
9 |
2 |
3 |
1 |
3 |
|
|
November |
4 |
2 |
2 |
|||
|
December |
8 |
4 |
2 |
2 |
||
|
Total |
60 |
23 |
13 |
4 |
4 |
16 |
181 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Defence if he has received the recommendation of Coiste an Asgard regarding the proposed salvaging of the Asgard II (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5414/09]
I have received the recommendation of the Board of Coiste an Asgard regarding the proposed salvage of Asgard II and I will be announcing my decision in the matter in the coming days.
182 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Defence if he has agreed to a decision on an issue (details supplied). [5434/09]
The property in question is surplus to military requirements and consideration is being given to its disposal. In this connection, Department officials met with the stakeholders in December 2008 to ascertain if they would have an interest in acquiring the portion of the property that they currently occupy. The matter remains under consideration in my Department with a view to making a formal offer to each of the parties based on valuations, which will be obtained in the coming weeks.
183 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Defence his views on the reason the number of hoax call outs to suspect explosive devices increased from 11 in 2007 to 58 in 2009; the action he will take to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5435/09]
The primary responsibility for the maintenance of law and order rests with An Garda Síochána. The Defence Forces, pursuant to their role of rendering aid to the civil power (ATCP) assist the Gardaí as required. The Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team respond when a request is made by An Garda Síochána, to the relevant Brigade, for assistance in dealing with a suspect device or for the removal of old ordnance. EOD teams operating in ATCP provide a unique response capability within the State to deal with EOD incidents. This capability has been developed over many years in operational environments, both at home and overseas. The determination as to whether a suspect device is viable or hoax can only be made following detailed inspection by the EOD Officer.
184 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if persons (details supplied) in Dublin 5 will be supported. [5360/09]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 1038 of 27 January 2009. The position is unchanged.
185 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the status with regard to the proposed new sewerage scheme for Courtmacsherry and Timoleague, County Cork; when he expects work to commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5369/09]
The Courtmacsherry/Timoleague Sewerage Scheme is included for funding in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007 — 2009.
My Department is examining Cork County Council's Preliminary Report and cost estimate for the scheme and they are being dealt with as quickly as possible.
186 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he is taking to ensure that those responsible for the errors in the capacity and operation issues at Ringsend water treatment plant are held accountable for their mistakes; the steps he will take in this matter together with Dublin City Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5375/09]
I refer to the reply to Question Nos. 8, 18 and 33 of 27 November, 2008.
In addition, in writing to the City Council following receipt of the Report, my Department asked, in relation to the odour limit prescribed in the tender document, that the City Council urgently examine the extent to which there may be any consequent liability on the part of any relevant parties and whether such liabilities may be amenable to a claim by the Council against their professional indemnity insurances. I understand that this issue is being examined by the City Council.
187 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of freedom of information requests received by his Department each month in 2007 and 2008 in tabular format; the number acceded to; the number refused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5400/09]
My Department received 105 Freedom of Information requests in 2007 and 135 such requests in 2008. A monthly breakdown of the requests along with the number of requests granted, refused, withdrawn and part granted, is in tabular format as follows.
|
January |
February |
March |
April |
May |
June |
July |
August |
September |
October |
November |
December |
|
|
Applications Received |
11 |
5 |
10 |
5 |
3 |
12 |
7 |
16 |
4 |
12 |
12 |
8 |
|
Granted |
5 |
0 |
3 |
4 |
0 |
4 |
1 |
5 |
1 |
6 |
3 |
5 |
|
Part Granted |
1 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
4 |
3 |
6 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
|
Withdrawn |
1 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
1 |
3 |
6 |
0 |
|
Refused |
4 |
3 |
5 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
|
Totals |
105 |
|
January |
February |
March |
April |
May |
June |
July |
August |
September |
October |
November |
December |
|
|
Applications Received |
15 |
17 |
3 |
11 |
13 |
3 |
12 |
6 |
13 |
15 |
9 |
7 |
|
Granted |
5 |
12 |
3 |
7 |
7 |
3 |
5 |
3 |
6 |
4 |
2 |
5 |
|
Part Granted |
3 |
3 |
0 |
1 |
4 |
0 |
4 |
2 |
3 |
9 |
4 |
1 |
|
Withdrawn |
3 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Refused |
4 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
1 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
|
Sub-Totals |
124 |
|||||||||||
|
Cases where decision made but pending fees |
10 |
|||||||||||
|
Case where initial fee sought |
1 |
|||||||||||
|
Total |
135 |
188 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will establish an authoritative property index to properly inform housing policy particularly relating to State intervention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5431/09]
189 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when work on the new Athenry treatment plant, County Galway will commence; if the money is available for same; if the contract documents have been signed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5443/09]
The Athenry Sewerage Scheme is included for funding in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-09. Galway County Council's Design Review Report for the scheme is being examined in my Department and is being dealt with as quickly as possible.
190 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he will take to ensure local authorities are not imposing rates on businesses that in view of the economic downturn are not sustainable for businesses to pay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5459/09]
Rates are local property taxes that are levied by local authorities on commercial properties that are rateable under the Valuation Act 2001. The determination of the annual rate on valuation which is applied to property valuation to calculate rates is a decision taken locally by the elected members of a local authority in their annual budget and I have no function in this matter.
For 2009, I have allocated €935 million in General-Purpose Grants to local authorities from the Local Government Fund. These grants are a significant contribution to the current funding of local authorities. In allocating these grants, I specifically requested that local authorities again exercise restraint in setting any increases in commercial rates in their 2009 Budgets, in order to support competitiveness in the economy, nationally and locally, and to protect the interests of communities. Local authorities have responded positively to previous requests for restraint and, in light of the current, challenging environment for business, I strongly urged that they continue this restraint. This year, local authorities have again responded positively to this request and the national average increase in annual rates on valuation is 1.15%.
Many initiatives have also been undertaken in recent years to support efficiency and value for money in the local government sector, including the new financial management systems, multi-annual capital investment programmes, value for money auditing, expanding e-enablement and the new costing system which will facilitate authorities in assessing their unit costs over time and in comparing costs, on an appropriate basis, with other local authorities. In addition, the establishment of audit committees with a wide remit and financial expertise will, over time, further improve efficiency and value for money in local authority operations.
I have also asked elected members and management of local authorities as part of the 2009 budgetary process to continue to widen and deepen their examination of the scope for efficiencies and rationalisation of expenditure arrangements in all service areas in 2009.
The sources of funding for local authorities are being broadened with the introduction of a new charge to be levied on the owners of non-principal private residences. The new charge will come into effect during 2009. I will bring forward legislation at an early date to give effect to the new charge.
191 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will clarify his role in ensuring that all city council and town council offices are accessible for people with a disability (details supplied). [5467/09]
My Department's Sectoral Plan, as provided for in section 36 of the Disability Act 2005, was developed in consultation with people with disabilities to assist the Department and local authorities in supporting an inclusive society with accessible buildings, facilities, services and information. There are statutory provisions, codes of practice and guidelines available to assist local authorities in addressing the requirements of the Sectoral Plan.
Local authorities are required, firstly, to carry out access audits to identify what remedial action is necessary to make public buildings and facilities accessible to people with disabilities, and secondly, in light of the access audits to draw up implementation plans setting out a programme of works to address deficits identified during the access audits.
Each implementation plan, when adopted, is published and placed on the authority's website with targets and timeframes for carrying out the required works. Priority is given to local authority buildings and other facilities to which people with disabilities most frequently require access, including footpaths, public amenity areas, information and other services. To date, 33 implementation plans have been received in the Department. One more local authority has yet to submit an implementation plan. Local authorities are required to publish their plans and forward a copy to the Department.
My Department has provided €58 million since 2005 to local authorities to assist them in carrying out actions identified in their implementation plans. The Department is monitoring progress on the implementation of the plans and seeks reports, as appropriate, as required by the Sectoral Plan.
192 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if it is through the mobile network that a company (details supplied) will provide the broadband signals; his views on whether this network has the capacity to supply a service to every customer here who needs it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5385/09]
Following the conclusion of a technology neutral procurement process, which was open to all broadband service providers from across all platforms, my Department has entered into a contract with "3", a Hutchison Whampoa company, for the delivery of the National Broadband Scheme (NBS).
3 will extend its network to provide mobile broadband services into the NBS area. The mobile broadband service will be delivered using Internet High Speed Packet Access (I-HSPA) technology and will cover up to 95% of the NBS coverage areas. It is an industry leading technology which allows operators to offer high quality broadband services. In recognition of the fact that some areas will be very difficult and costly to reach using standard infrastructure, 3 will make available a satellite product which is expected to cover around 5% of the NBS coverage areas.
My Department has assessed the technical solution and the design proposed by 3 with regard to the technology that will be used, the number of base stations that will be deployed and the traffic that the network is expected to carry. I am satisfied that this network has been designed from the ground up to provide a quality service to meet the broadband needs of the NBS coverage areas.
The quality of the broadband service will be monitored for the duration of the NBS contract. Upgrades of the network and its capacity are automatically triggered at contractually agreed levels of traffic to ensure that the quality of the broadband service is maintained.
193 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when the exchange at Urlaur, County Mayo will be enabled to provide broadband; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5386/09]
I have no function in the matter of the enabling of exchanges owned by private companies for the provision of broadband services. It is anticipated that the facilitation of greater competition via the introduction of broadband from different technology platforms should encourage the more rapid enabling of exchanges for broadband.
194 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of freedom of information requests received by his Department each month in 2007 and 2008 in tabular format; the number acceded to; the number refused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5395/09]
The following tables show the details of Freedom of Information (FOI) requests handled by my Department during 2007 and 2008, in the format requested.
During 2007, 9 of the requests received were transferred to other Departments for response and 8 applicants withdrew their requests. During 2008, 6 requests were transferred to other Departments for response and 10 applicants withdrew their requests.
Details of FOI requests dealt with by my Department are available on the Department's website.
|
Month |
Number of Requests Received |
Number of requests Granted or Part Granted |
Number of Decisions to Refuse Request |
|
January |
10 |
8 |
2 |
|
February |
13 |
5 |
7 |
|
March |
5 |
4 |
4 |
|
April |
10 |
5 |
1 |
|
May |
2 |
5 |
3 |
|
June |
7 |
0 |
1 |
|
July |
6 |
0 |
0 |
|
August |
2 |
9 |
1 |
|
September |
4 |
4 |
1 |
|
October |
8 |
0 |
2 |
|
November |
8 |
5 |
3 |
|
December |
2 |
1 |
2 |
|
Totals |
77 |
46 |
27 |
|
Month |
Number of Requests Received |
Number of requests Granted or Part Granted |
Number of Decisions to Refuse Request |
|
January |
6 |
2 |
2 |
|
February |
9 |
6 |
1 |
|
March |
5 |
4 |
0 |
|
April |
8 |
6 |
1 |
|
May |
9 |
3 |
3 |
|
June |
0 |
5 |
2 |
|
July |
3 |
2 |
0 |
|
August |
5 |
1 |
0 |
|
September |
9 |
4 |
1 |
|
October |
6 |
2 |
2 |
|
November |
4 |
3 |
2 |
|
December |
8 |
2 |
2 |
|
Totals |
72 |
40 |
16 |
The data in the tables reflect the numbers of requests received and granted or refused in each calendar month as requested. Those granted and those refused within a particular month may, due to statutory deadlines under the FOI Acts, have been received in previous months.
195 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress his Department has made in ensuring that when the new Tuam town drainage scheme which commences in summer 2009, that all the stakeholders, such as the ESB, Telecom Éireann and broadband services will be co-ordinated to use the open trenches to provide their services without having the streets of Tuam dug up a second and perhaps a third time; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Galway County Council does not have the €750,000 needed to carry out this function; the progress his Department has made on this matter since he met a deputation of Deputies from the area a few months ago on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5442/09]
The position in relation to the provision of funding for the installation of broadband ducting in Tuam in tandem with the main drainage scheme remains as stated in my reply to the Deputy's Question No. 221 of 11th December 2008.
196 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the efforts expected to ensure adequacy and security of food supply throughout the EU having particular regard to the World Trade Organisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5481/09]
According to the European Commission's latest statistics, the EU's overall trade in agricultural produce is fairly close to balance with its total trade of almost €153 billion in 2007, split between imports of €77.4 billion and exports of €75.1 billion. Broadly speaking, the EU is a net importer of raw products such as tropical products, certain fruit and vegetables and oils/oilseeds while it is a net exporter of more processed products such as food preparations and beverages. It currently has a surplus of dairy products, whilst trade in livestock and cereal products is in balance.
European food security and agricultural production issues are dealt with through the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), which is constantly evolving to meet the demands of increased globalisation, including our responsibilities under the WTO, and the need to remain competitive on EU and world commodity markets. The CAP has responded to change through a series of reforms in recent decades. For example, the 2003 reforms of the CAP, with the introduction of the decoupling of direct payments under the Single Payment Scheme, allowed farmers to respond to the demands of the market and effectively meet consumers' needs.
In the initial discussions on the shape of the CAP after 2013, I and other Ministers, have emphasised the crucial importance of ensuring the security of supply of safe, high quality food for European consumers.
197 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when farmers in the County Galway area can expect to receive their payments under the farm waste management scheme in respect of applications submitted by the closing date of 31 December 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5346/09]
The arrangements for payment of grants under the Farm Waste Management Scheme on a phased basis have now been confirmed with 40 per cent being paid this year as claims are approved. A further 40 per cent will be paid in early January 2010 and the remaining 20 per cent in January 2011. Payment of the initial 40 per cent to farmers will be made as expeditiously as possible.
198 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on the fact that some indigenous food suppliers (details supplied) are experiencing financial difficulty due to unfair trading conditions and currency challenges; the measures he will take to assist businesses here in facing such difficulties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5347/09]
Many suppliers of fruit and vegetables are experiencing trading difficulties in the current economic turmoil. Some of the difficulties are due to currency developments but they are mainly due to decisions made by the market outlets. These are commercial decisions made by private organisations and not something in which I would be entitled to intervene.
I understand that the enterprise to which the Deputy refers is currently trading reduced volumes and that its staff are on protective notice because its contracts with one of the multiples have been wound down. However, the enterprise in question apparently intends to continue in business. This enterprise has received substantial support from my Department, including under the NDP schemes, and if it continues in business it will be entitled to apply for assistance under future schemes.
199 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their payment under the farm waste management scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5356/09]
The person concerned is an applicant for grant-aid under the Farm Waste Management Scheme. My Department is currently examining the application and a decision will be made as soon as possible.
200 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views, in relation to the suspension of a scheme (details supplied), on making a special provision whereby applicants who had been deemed eligible and had the legal transfer carried out could be accommodated under the scheme. [5388/09]
Only fully completed applications made under the Young Farmers' Installation Scheme and received by my Department up to and including 14 October 2008 are being processed. I have no proposals to re-open the Scheme.
201 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of freedom of information requests received by his Department each month in 2007 and 2008 in tabular format; the number acceded to; the number refused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5393/09]
The following tables set out, by month as requested by the Deputy, the number of FOI requests received, the number of requests granted, refused, part refused or withdrawn in the years 2007 and 2008. The monthly breakdown does not facilitate a direct co-relation between the requests received and the replies to those requests.
|
Month |
No. of requests received |
Requests Granted |
Requests Refused |
Requests Part-granted |
Other (transferred, withdrawn, etc.)* |
|
January |
11 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
February |
15 |
3 |
2 |
3 |
2 |
|
March |
19 |
8 |
8 |
1 |
1 |
|
April |
13 |
5 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
May |
16 |
6 |
1 |
4 |
9 |
|
June |
10 |
5 |
1 |
6 |
2 |
|
July |
18 |
2 |
5 |
1 |
3 |
|
August |
16 |
4 |
3 |
8 |
0 |
|
September |
11 |
2 |
4 |
5 |
1 |
|
October |
11 |
0 |
6 |
3 |
2 |
|
November |
10 |
4 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
December |
6 |
7 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
|
Totals |
156 |
49 |
33 |
32 |
25 |
*These figures represent the number of requests where records were transferred to another Department/Agency, withdrawn or information was supplied outside of the Freedom of Information Acts. Agreement was reached with the requester in each case.
|
Month |
No. of requests received |
RequestsGranted |
Requests Refused |
Requests Part-granted |
Other (transferred, withdrawn, etc.) |
|
January |
10 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
February |
17 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
4 |
|
March |
16 |
8 |
2 |
3 |
0 |
|
April |
15 |
10 |
1 |
7 |
2 |
|
May |
28 |
0 |
3 |
8 |
1 |
|
June |
13 |
4 |
1 |
7 |
1 |
|
July |
25 |
6 |
4 |
12 |
5 |
|
August |
21 |
3 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
|
September |
16 |
9 |
2 |
5 |
1 |
|
October |
24 |
15 |
10 |
14 |
6 |
|
November |
14 |
11 |
1 |
4 |
5 |
|
December |
18 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
4 |
|
Totals |
217 |
69 |
30 |
70 |
32 |
*These figures represent the number of requests where records were transferred to another Department/Agency, withdrawn or information was supplied outside of the Freedom of Information Acts. Agreement was reached with the requester in each case.
202 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a farm waste management grant for a slatted house will be awarded in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5436/09]
The person concerned is an applicant for grant-aid under the Farm Waste Management Scheme. My Department is currently examining the application and a decision will be made as soon as possible.
203 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a grant under the farm waste management scheme will be awarded in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5438/09]
The person concerned is an applicant for grant-aid under the Farm Waste Management Scheme. A decision will be made in respect of the application as soon as possible.
204 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a grant for a slatted house has not issued in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5441/09]
The person concerned is an applicant for grant-aid under the Farm Waste Management Scheme. A decision will be made in respect of the application as soon as possible.
205 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be granted the farm waste management grant. [5455/09]
The person concerned is an applicant for grant-aid under the Farm Waste Management Scheme. My Department is currently examining the application and a decision will be made as soon as possible.
206 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be awarded a REP scheme four. [5456/09]
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 in the last week of January to those whose applications required no correction following the administrative checks. Further payments continue to be made as applications are cleared. Queries have arisen during the administrative checks on the plan of the person named and it is currently under further examination.
207 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when persons (details supplied) in County Mayo will be awarded a REP scheme four. [5457/09]
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 in the last week of January to those whose applications required no correction following the administrative checks. Further payments continue to be made as applications are cleared. Queries have arisen during the administrative checks on the plan of the persons named and it is currently under further examination.
208 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be awarded a REP scheme four. [5458/09]
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 in the last week of January to those whose applications required no correction following the administrative checks. Further payments continue to be made as applications are cleared. Queries have arisen during the administrative checks on the plan of the person named and it is currently under further examination.
209 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be awarded the farm waste management grant. [5460/09]
The person concerned is an applicant for grant-aid under the Farm Waste Management Scheme. My Department is currently examining the application and a decision will be made as soon as possible.
210 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive payment under the suckler cow welfare scheme. [5461/09]
Payment of €80 in respect of one animal was issued to the person named on 14 November 2008. One other calf will not qualify for payment as it was registered outside the statutory requirement of 27 days from the date of birth. A letter in the matter issued on 10 February 2009.
Eight other calves showed errors on the animal event dates. These have now been resolved and payment will issue shortly in respect of these eight animals. The remaining seven calves were born in December 2008 and will become eligible for payment in due course if all the measures are carried out.
211 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be awarded a REP scheme four. [5462/09]
My Department has no record of an application for REPS 4 from the person named. A REPS 3 payment application was received from him and it will be processed within the period set out in the current Charter of Rights for Farmers.
212 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he will provide funding to his staff in order that approved applications under the waste management scheme for payments since December 2008 can be awarded; and if his attention has been drawn to the fact that farmers under financial pressure are forced to wait months for payments while they are paying high interest in banks on outstanding loans. [5524/09]
The arrangements for payment of grants under the Farm Waste Management Scheme on a phased basis have now been confirmed with 40 per cent being paid this year as claims are approved. A further 40 per cent will be paid in early January 2010 and the remaining 20 per cent in January 2011. Payment of the initial 40 per cent to farmers will be made as expeditiously as possible.
213 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be awarded a REP scheme four. [5531/09]
REPS 4 is a measure under the current Rural Development Programme 2007-13 and is subject to EU Regulations which require the completion of detailed administrative checks on all applications. Payments are currently issuing to REPS 4 applicants whose applications required no correction following the administrative checks. Further payments will be made as applications are cleared.
214 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will make funding available for the support of physical education facilities at a school (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5345/09]
The project referred to by the Deputy is at an advanced stage of architectural planning.
The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction 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.
215 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding a school (details supplied) in County Cork; if sanction will be granted for the commencement of the project; and if he proposes to accept the invitation extended by the management of the school to visit it. [5350/09]
The School to which the Deputy refers applied for a large scale extension project. The long term accommodation needs of the school have been determined as an 8 classroom school.
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.
It is my intention to visit the school in the near future.
216 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Science, further to Parliamentary Question No. 404 of 20 May 2008, the number of complaints, both formal and informal, in respect of bullying, harassment and intimidation which have been lodged to date with the human resources section of a college (details supplied) each year since 1 January 2000; the number of persons who have lodged complaints of bullying, harassment or intimidation, both formal and informal, broken down by year; the expenditure on investigating such complaints, broken down by year; and the cost to date of such investigations to include the expenditure on legal fees in respect of dealing with such complaints, or defending the educational institution against litigation brought. [5354/09]
The Institutes of Technology are statutory bodies established under the Institutes of Technology Acts 1992 to 2006. Under the terms of these Acts, the governance and day-to-day management of the Institutes, including procedures for dealing with allegations of bullying and harassment, are matters for which the Governing Bodies and the Management of the Institutes are responsible.
All Institutes of Technology have in place formal procedures for dealing with allegations of bullying and harassment which provide for investigation of such matters by a third party. These procedures have been endorsed by the Governing Bodies of the Institutes and neither I nor my Department have any role in relation to such matters.
217 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Science the criteria applying to a grant under the Higher Education Access Route; the way it would apply to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5355/09]
The Higher Education Access Route (HEAR) is a third-level admissions scheme for students from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The scheme is operated by eight Higher Education Institutions — UCD, UCC, NUIM, NUIG, TCD, UL, DCU and DIT. These institutions provide third-level places on reduced
Leaving Certificate points to students who meet specified socio-economic criteria and attend schools that are linked to the institution's access programmes.
I understand that there is no specific HEAR grant associated with the scheme. However, the institutions involved may, resources permitting, provide students with some post-entry financial and/or academic supports from the institution. The provision of such supports is purely a matter for the institutions involved.
218 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress in relation to the proposed new school building for a school (details supplied) in County Cork; when he expects work to commence on the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5370/09]
The second Schools PPP bundle, which consists of six schools including the school referred to by the Deputy, was handed over to the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) in May 2008. The NDFA advertised the bundle in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEC) on 20th May 2008.
This tender competition is being procured using the competitive dialogue procedure as provided for under Community Directive 2004/EC/18 and three Shortlisted Candidates were invited by the NDFA to commence the dialogue process on the 18th September 2008. During this process, the Candidates will develop their design and construction solutions as well as commercial proposals for each of the six schools.
A number of formal meetings are underway with each of the Candidates to assess the developing solutions during the dialogue, at the end of which process the NDFA will then invite final, fixed price tenders. The expected timeframe for these final tenders is summer 2009.
Following evaluation of the tenders received, an announcement on the appointment of the Preferred Tenderer, being the most economically advantageous tender, is anticipated in early autumn 2009. Construction is expected to commence, subject to the planning process, in early 2010.
219 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to the proposed new school building for a school (details supplied) in County Cork; when he expects work to commence on this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5371/09]
The school to which the Deputy refers have applied for a new School Building. 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.
220 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of freedom of information requests received by his Department each month in 2007 and 2008 in tabular format; the number acceded to; the number refused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5398/09]
The following tables provide the information requested by the Deputy on statistics regarding Freedom of Information (FOI) requests received by my Department in the years 2007 and 2008. All FOI requests received by my Department are processed in accordance with the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 1997, as amended in 2003, and are either granted or refused on that basis.
Over 70% of the requests which were refused during 2007 and 2008 were personal requests seeking the records of former residents of Industrial and Reformatory schools. The Residential Institutions Redress Unit at my Department refuses many FOI requests under Section 10(1)(a) of the FOI Act on the grounds that records do not exist in the Department. My Department maintains records relating solely to children who were committed to some 59 Industrial and Reformatory Schools over varying periods of time following a court hearing. Many children were placed in schools by alternative means, e.g. Health Board referrals, voluntary placement, etc. and in such instances, the Department generally does not hold any records.
|
Month |
Total Received |
Granted |
Part-Granted |
Refused |
Withdrawn or Dealt with Outside of FOI |
Transferred |
|
January |
42 |
5 |
15 |
12 |
4 |
6 |
|
February |
67 |
4 |
33 |
18 |
2 |
10 |
|
March |
54 |
7 |
21 |
14 |
5 |
7 |
|
April |
36 |
3 |
17 |
11 |
0 |
5 |
|
May |
29 |
0 |
15 |
9 |
2 |
3 |
|
June |
40 |
8 |
21 |
6 |
0 |
5 |
|
July |
48 |
6 |
20 |
16 |
3 |
3 |
|
August |
37 |
4 |
16 |
9 |
2 |
6 |
|
September |
37 |
6 |
15 |
11 |
3 |
2 |
|
October |
36 |
6 |
15 |
14 |
1 |
0 |
|
November |
30 |
8 |
12 |
7 |
3 |
0 |
|
December |
13 |
1 |
4 |
8 |
0 |
0 |
|
Total |
469 |
58 |
204 |
135 |
25 |
47 |
|
Month |
Total Received |
Granted |
Part-Granted |
Refused |
Withdrawn or Dealt with Outside of FOI |
Transferred |
|
January |
38 |
5 |
19 |
11 |
3 |
0 |
|
February |
46 |
8 |
20 |
16 |
2 |
0 |
|
March |
34 |
4 |
9 |
14 |
7 |
0 |
|
April |
42 |
8 |
22 |
8 |
4 |
0 |
|
May |
37 |
5 |
16 |
11 |
3 |
1 |
|
June |
30 |
5 |
15 |
9 |
1 |
0 |
|
July |
33 |
6 |
11 |
14 |
2 |
0 |
|
August |
27 |
4 |
9 |
13 |
0 |
0 |
|
September |
38 |
8 |
13 |
12 |
4 |
0 |
|
October |
43 |
6 |
17 |
16 |
3 |
0 |
|
November |
55 |
6 |
15 |
17 |
13 |
1 |
|
December |
34 |
7 |
10 |
9 |
6 |
0 |
|
Total |
*457 |
72 |
176 |
150 |
48 |
2 |
*9 cases from 2008 remain live.
221 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science, further to parliamentary Question No. 666 of 8 July 2008, the steps he is taking to deliver on the commitment to preschool children with a special educational need; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5409/09]
As I indicated to the Deputy in my response to Parliamentary Question 666 on 8 July 2008, the commitment to ensuring early intervention for preschool children with special educational needs is being addressed in the context of the implementation of the EPSEN Act 2004 and Disability Act 2005.
In the light of the current financial circumstances, it is not possible to proceed with the full implementation of EPSEN in 2010 as originally envisaged. However, the Government will keep the matter under review and is committed to the full implementation of EPSEN at the earliest possible date.
Meanwhile, my Department is providing supports to certain preschool children with special educational needs. Approval for 36 early intervention classes attached to primary schools, for children with autism, have now been approved around the country. The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) will continue to establish more classes as required. The classes operate at a PTR of 6:1 with a minimum of two special needs assistants. Where a school place is not available, a home tuition grant may be provided for a child with autism while a school place is being sourced. My Department operates a visiting teacher service for deaf or hard of hearing children and children with visual impairments. Specially trained teachers, based in regions throughout Ireland provide the service. Visiting teachers aim to be a support to both the parents/guardian and the child. The support service can begin shortly following the birth of the child and follow through to third-level education where appropriate.
As announced on Budget day, an additional €20m has been provided — €10m for education services and €10m for health services — to strengthen and enhance services and continue the preparation for the full implementation of the Act at a later date.
The additional funding being allocated to my Department will provide for an expansion of the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) so that all schools in the country will be covered by the service. The additional funding available to NEPS, which represents a 33% increase over the 2008 allocation, will facilitate the recruitment of up to 50 further psychologists. It is envisaged that this will bring the number of NEPS psychologists by the end of 2009 above the proposed 200 incorporated in the Programme for Government.
This investment will significantly enhance the capacity of our educational psychologists to directly support schools in the development and delivery of appropriate interventions for children with special educational needs.
Additional funding is also being provided to the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) in 2009 to increase the Council's capacity in the move towards the full implementation of EPSEN. The additional funding will enable the Council to continue to improve, plan and co-ordinate the delivery of services for children with special needs.
I have also provided for further investment in teacher training in this area. This will ensure that teachers are provided with opportunities to access continuing professional development so that the learning and teaching needs of all pupils with special educational needs continue to be met. The provision of high quality training ensures that pupils learning opportunities are enriched and learning outcomes are optimised.
An integrated approach is being adopted by the education and health sectors to target these additional resources to the areas of greatest need. Progress in both sectors will be kept under review by the Office for Disability and Mental Health and the Cross-Sectoral Team of the Departments of Education and Science, and Health and Children during 2009.
I want to take this opportunity to emphasise that priority will continue to be given to provision for children with special educational needs. I intend to build on the progress that has been achieved in recent years which has seen a huge increase in resources for special needs. The NCSE will continue to support schools, parents, children and teachers. Along with all other areas of expenditure provision is dependent on the resources available to the Government.
222 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science, further to Parliamentary Question No. 267 of 5 February 2009, if there is a realistic prospect of construction starting in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5412/09]
The Deputy will be aware that earlier today I announced 43 major building projects to proceed to tender and construction. The project to which the Deputy refers was not included in this announcement therefore, it is unlikely that this project will be progressed to construction in 2009.
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.
223 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will announce his decision on the application of Waterford Institute of Technology for upgrading to university status before the Easter 2009 recess; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5415/09]
The position is that applications have been received from three higher education institutions for designation as Universities; Waterford Institute of Technology, Dublin Institute of Technology and Cork Institute of Technology.
The issue of university designation does not just affect the institutions and the regions from which applications have been received; it will also have a major impact on the future structure of the higher education system throughout the country. The Government wants to build on our strengths and to provide an environment where all our higher education institutions can develop in a way that best serves the country as a whole as well as the regions where they are based. Consideration of the three applications will be finalised as soon as possible.
224 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will prioritise the building of a new school (details supplied) in County Cork which was recently flooded and is awaiting formal planning approval and tendering; when this project will be given the go ahead; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5430/09]
A project for a new 12-classroom generic repeat design building for the school to which the Deputy refers is at the early stage of architectural planning. In this regard, a revised stage 2a submission (developed sketch scheme) is being examined in my Department. The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage 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.
225 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount it costs to run the administration of the National Education Welfare Board; the number of local officers in place to follow up on reports made by local schools; the number of cases against parents that have been taken by the NEWB since its establishment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5447/09]
The Education (Welfare) Act, 2000 established the National Educational Welfare Board as the statutory body with responsibility for school attendance. The general functions of the board are to ensure that each child attends a recognised school or otherwise receives a certain minimum education. The board's service has developed incrementally and the board now has a total of 109 sanctioned posts. Some 90 posts are allocated in the direct service delivery, of which 85 are currently filled. The board operates through five regional teams at 30 locations nationwide. The budget allocation to the board has also followed an incremental trend, as follows: 2003; €4.310 million; 2004, €6.514 million; 2005, €7.838 million; 2006, €8.150 million; 2007, €9.808 million; and 2008, €10.085 million.
The board's network of educational welfare officers is the key means by which the board delivers on its statutory remit to ensure that each child attends and benefits from education. The officers deal with approximately 10,000 cases, involving children with reported school attendance difficulties, per annum. They work closely with the family, the school and other support services to address the particular issues for each child. In line with Government policy, the board prioritises its resources to support the most disadvantaged areas and schools participating in DEIS, the action plan for educational inclusion. The officers provide an intensive service in those areas. Outside of those areas, priority is given to children who are out of school or have significant difficulties with school attendance. The many reasons for non-attendance are complex. For example, some parents fail to enrol their child in a school or ensure that their child attends school regularly.
I have been advised by the National Educational Welfare Board that legal action for non-attendance at school is only taken when all other steps have failed and following consultation with the school and other services. Court action must ultimately be in the best interests of the child. A school attendance notice is the first step in enforcing the law. When a notice is issued, the situation is monitored and the parent is given every opportunity to address the underlying issues. Occasionally, the involvement of other services with the family may be sufficient to bring about change. In exceptional cases, if there is no change and the child remains out of school, the board will consider taking a prosecution. The first notices for non-attendance at school issued in 2005. A total of 460 notices issued between 2005 and the end of 2007. The provisional data available for 2008 indicate that approximately 315 notices issued during 2008. When a notice is issued, the board monitors the situation and gives the parent an opportunity to address the underlying causes of poor attendance. Occasionally, the involvement of other services with the family may be sufficient to bring about a change. The first legal cases for non-attendance under the Education (Welfare) Act 2000 were heard in the District Courts in 2006. In 2006 and 2007, some 89 summonses were issued against parents in respect of 53 children. Provisional data for 2008 indicate that 51 summonses were issued in 2008 in respect of 34 children. This brings the number of summonses issued against parents by the board since its establishment to 140, relating to 87 children.
226 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science his proposals in respect of amending the legislation which established the National Educational Welfare Board to include in the scope of the act school going children under the age of six years. [5449/09]
The Education (Welfare) Act, 2000 established the National Educational Welfare Board as the statutory body with responsibility for school attendance. The general functions of the board are to ensure that each child attends a recognised school or otherwise receives a certain minimum education. The board's network of educational welfare officers is the key means by which the board delivers on its statutory remit to ensure that each child attends and benefits from education. The officers deal with approximately 10,000 cases, involving children with reported school attendance difficulties, per annum. Under the 2000 Act, parents are required to ensure that children aged between six and 16 attend school regularly. The Act increased the compulsory school leaving age from 15 to 16. In addition, a student must have reached the age of 16, or completed three years of post-primary school, whichever is the later.
The 2000 Act requires the principal of a recognised school to maintain a register in respect of all students attending that school. It is mandatory under the Act to report on attendance. The Act requires certain categories of absence to be reported to the board, including a student with more than 20 days of absence during a school year, a student who is suspended for more than six days cumulatively, a student whose name is removed from the register by the principal, a student who is not attending school on a regular basis or where the school has a concern for the student. In addition, the principal is also required to maintain, in respect of each school year, a record of the attendance or non-attendance on each school day of each student registered at the school. On receipt of such a report, the educational welfare officer must consult the student concerned, his or her parents, the principal and any other appropriate person and make all reasonable efforts to ensure that provision is made for the continued education of the child and his or her full participation in school.
The work of the welfare board is one aspect of the comprehensive framework the Government has put in place to improve school attendance and encourage more young people to finish school. Home-school community liaison co-ordinators work with parents to promote school attendance and emphasise its importance for success in school. School attendance is a central objective of the school completion programme, with attendance tracking a core feature and one of its preventative strategies. Access to these services is available to all schools participating in DEIS. In keeping with Department policy on closer integration of support services, the board is working with these programmes to improve the delivery of service to address school attendance. This approach aims to ensure that optimum use is made of the resources deployed. There are no proposals to amend the existing legislation in relation to children under six years of age.
227 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the banding/Departmental rating of each of the schools announced by him recently in respect of allowing the respective schools building project advance to the construction stage. [5450/09]
Information on the band rating of the ten major school building projects I announced in January for retender and construction is contained in the table that follows this reply. The projects will create almost 2,500 new school places at primary and post-primary levels. The projects, all of which were previously tendered, are to be offered to the market again to get better value for money. These school building projects will provide permanent primary school places for over 1,850 pupils in three new schools and in six extended and modernised schools. In addition, 600 students will benefit from a new post-primary school. The following nine primary school projects and one post-primary school project are to be re-tendered with a view to going on site as soon as possible:
|
School Details |
Project Details |
Band Rating |
|
Scoil Náisiúnta Tulach a Mhíle, Corlough, Co Cavan. (RN 06998Q) |
New three-classroom school and GP room. |
2.2 |
|
Scoil Náisiúnta an Bráthair M. Ó Cléirigh, Creevy, Ballyshannon, Co Donegal. (RN 17268N) |
Three-classroom extension, GP room, alterations, demolition work, refurbishment and associated works. |
2.3 |
|
Scoil Mhuire Og 1, Loreto College, Crumlin Road, Dublin 12. (RN 16964F) |
Five-classroom extension, GP room, library and associated works. |
2.5 |
|
Scoil Bríde C, Palmerstown, Dublin 20. (RN 18324C) |
Two-classroom extension and major refurbishment to 14 classrooms. Temporary accommodation project in place to facilitate building work. |
2.3 |
|
Marymount National School, The Rower, Inistioge, Co Kilkenny. (RN 15160G) |
Extension of 667sq/m and alterations. |
2.4 |
|
Convent of Mercy National School, Borris-in-Ossory, Co Laois. (RN 07442U) |
New eight-classroom generic repeat design school. |
2.1 |
|
Kilfinane National School, Co Limerick. (RN 13026P) |
New six-classroom school, GP hall and associated works. |
2.2 |
|
Scoil Náisiúnta Cronáin Naofa, Dromakeenan, Co Offaly. (RN 17523D) |
Three-classroom extension, GP room, refurbishment and associated works. |
2.4 |
|
Scoil Náisiúnta Cor Na Fola, Co Roscommon. (RN 01607T) |
Five-classroom extension, GP room, refurbishment and associated works. |
2.2 |
|
Presentation College, Bray, Co Wicklow. (RN 61800D) |
New three-storey school and PE hall for 600 pupils. |
2.2 |
228 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will take steps to allow a refurbishment project at a school (details supplied) in County Longford to proceed to tender; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5530/09]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that a refurbishment project for the school to which he refers is included among the list of major school building projects which I announced today to go to tender and construction this year. My officials will shortly be contacting each school on the list about the next steps they should take to progress their projects.
