Vol. 675 No. 2
44 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Finance if he is satisfied that all material information relating to the risk to the taxpayer arising from the nationalisation of Anglo Irish Bank were fully shared with the Houses of the Oireachtas. [6224/09]
The Government's interventions in the banking system have always been guided by the principle of providing for the stability of the banking system and protecting taxpayer's interests. Indeed, the nationalisation of Anglo Irish Bank was a manifestation of this principle.
As I have indicated previously, the decision to nationalise Anglo was taken following the weakening of its funding position and unacceptable corporate governance practices which caused the bank serious reputational damage.
As Minister for Finance, I am in possession of detailed information on the bank, arising from the original PriceWaterhouseCoopers report commissioned by the Financial Regulator and the Due Diligence exercise carried out on my behalf in early January. Much of this information is commercially sensitive, related to customers of the bank, or is the subject of an investigation by a statutory authority.
The decision to nationalise Anglo Irish Bank was recommended to me by the Central Bank, the Financial Regulator, the NTMA and my legal and financial advisors.
45 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Finance his views on whether bad debts relating to property lending at credit unions could be on the rise; if he will provide information as to the level of asset impairments at Irish credit unions; if he has held meetings with representatives from the credit union sector with respect to this issue in the past three months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6346/09]
The Registrar of Credit Unions is responsible for the regulation and supervision of credit unions under the Credit Union Act, 1997. The Registrar's statutory role under the Act relates to the supervision and oversight of the financial position and activities of credit unions on an ongoing basis. The Registrar reports regularly to the Regulatory Authority in order to ensure that there is an early identification and response to any significant issues relating to the credit union movement or any individual credit union.
As the Deputy will recognise the current economic downturn is adversely affecting the loan books of all financial institutions including credit unions. It is, however, important to make the point that the credit union movement has not been a significant participant in property lending in the economy and the movement, is therefore, not in overall terms significantly exposed to this type of lending. In that context the Registrar of Credit Unions does not collect aggregate data on debts due to credit unions specifically related to property lending.
My Department has, however, been advised by the Registrar of Credit Unions that he is aware from his engagement with some individual credit unions that there is some exposure in this area. In addition, while a proportion of this lending has experienced impairments it is probable that further impairments will occur in this regard during 2009 and beyond on account of the deterioration in the economic environment overall. More generally, the Registrar has informed my Department that loan arrears in credit unions have increased in the year to end-2008. Information extracted from the prudential returns for December 2008 indicates that provision for bad debt was €284 million. Bad debt provisions at 3.9% of total loans at end-2008 show an increase of 0.3% on the December 2007 figure.
The Deputy may wish to note that the Registrar of Credit Unions liaises with my Department on a regular basis in relation to the legislative and policy framework for credit unions. In addition, my Department meets separately with the Credit Union representative bodies on a regular basis. I have not met personally with these representatives in the last three months.
46 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Finance the date and the circumstances in which his attention was first drawn, whether formally or informally, to the inappropriate warehousing of directors loans in advance financial year end at Anglo Irish Bank and facilitated by Irish Nationwide Building Society; if his attention has further been drawn to other such instances of the inappropriate treatment of directors loans by other financial institutions covered by the bank guarantee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6345/09]
In December 2008, I asked the Financial Regulator about the level of director's loans at Anglo compared to other financial institutions. The Financial Regulator informed me following my enquiry of the movement of the former Chairman's loans to the Irish Nationwide Building Society prior to Anglo Irish Bank's year end and the practice in that regard over the previous seven years.
As I have already stated, the practices which took place in relation to these loans were unacceptable. The matter is the subject of investigations by both the Financial Regulator and the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement, and will be dealt with appropriately.
The Financial Regulator is also investigating director's loans at all institutions covered under the Guarantee Scheme, to ensure that any other such instances are identified. I am not aware at this stage of any other instances of inappropriate treatment of director loans by other financial institutions covered by the bank guarantee. Breaches of regulatory or legal requirements in relation to director's loans will be dealt with in accordance with the law.
47 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Finance the amount of the funding given towards the Irish Sports Council and the Arts Council which comes from the National Lottery; if he will express this figure as a percentage of the total funding in respect of the years 2006, 2007 and 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2253/09]
The position in relation to National Lottery funding is that receipts from the sale of National Lottery tickets are deposited in the National Lottery Fund in the Central Bank. A portion of these funds is transferred by my Department into the Exchequer over the course of each year on the basis of the projected surplus for that year. The moneys transferred into the Exchequer are entered as non-tax revenue and, as such, form part of the general pool of revenue out of which expenditure is financed.
Since 2005, the total allocation for subheads which had formerly been funded entirely from the proceeds of the National Lottery has exceeded the funds available from the National Lottery. The total amount of funding is determined in the Estimates process, and is paid out of the general pool of revenue of which National Lottery proceeds form part. Subheads that prior to 2005 were exclusively funded by National Lottery funds are now funded by a combination of National Lottery and Exchequer funding, the total amounts vary from subhead to subhead depending on the outcome of the Estimates process. It is not, therefore, possible to indicate the percentage of Lottery funding which was included in the allocations provided in 2006, 2007 and 2008 for subheads that are partly funded by the National Lottery including the Irish Sports Council and the Arts Council. Funds from the National Lottery as a percentage of the total allocation for all subheads which are part-funded by the proceeds of the National Lottery amounted to 56% in 2006, 52% in 2007 and 57% in 2008.
Under the legislation, the allocation of funding among the categories is a matter for the Government. There is no specific formula for the allocation of funding among categories. The Government decides on an annual basis how the surplus from the National Lottery is to be allocated in the context of the overall Estimates process.
The allocation for the Irish Sports Council in the years 2006, 2007 and 2008 as a percentage of total expenditure on subheads part-funded by the National Lottery is as follows:
|
Year |
% |
|
2006 |
11 |
|
2007 |
12 |
|
2008 |
12 |
The allocation for the Arts Council in the years 2006, 2007 and 2008 as a percentage of total expenditure on subheads part-funded by the National Lottery is as follows:
|
Year |
% |
|
2006 |
20 |
|
2007 |
18 |
|
2008 |
18 |
Funds from the National Lottery as a percentage of the total allocation for all subheads which are part-funded by the proceeds of the National Lottery is as follows:
|
Year |
% |
|
2006 |
56 |
|
2007 |
52 |
|
2008 |
57 |
48 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Finance if he has confidence in the basis of the forecast of tax receipts in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6242/09]
60 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance his views on the January 2009 Exchequer returns and their significance in forecasting tax revenues for the remainder of 2009; the forecast tax revenue for 2009; the forecast expenditure for 2009; the forecast general Government deficit for 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6355/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 48 and 60 together.
In the recent Addendum to the Irish Stability Programme Update, aggregate tax forecasts for 2009 and the following years were set out. Reflecting the weak economic climate that exists, my Department now expects tax revenue for 2009 of about €37 billion. This represents a 9¼ per cent decline in revenue, which would be the second year that taxes have contracted.
The Addendum also forecast Gross Voted expenditure for 2009 of €56.5 billion. On the basis of this forecast the Government last week decided on a package of savings measures to raise €2 billion in a full year basis. The precise details of individual Vote allocations are currently being finalised in consultation with Departments and will be included in the upcoming Revised Estimates Volume 2009, to be published in mid-March. A General Government deficit of approximately 9½ per cent of GDP is forecast for 2009.
The end-January Exchequer Returns showed an Exchequer deficit of just over €747 million and tax receipts, at €3,735 million, down 19% year-on-year. However, it must be taken into account that tax revenue in January 2008 was relatively strong. In this regard, tax receipts for January 2009 represent approximately 10% of the forecast receipts for the year and this is in line with the percentage received in previous years. In addition, the Budget 2009 changes to Income tax (the introduction of the 1% income levy) and VAT (the increase on the standard rate to 21.5%) are not, due to the normal lags in the collection times, fully reflected in these figures. Consequently, the January 2009 figures are generally in line with expectations.
My Department will publish monthly profiles of expected tax revenue receipts by the end of this month. However, it is still too early in the year to draw any firm conclusions regarding the end-year outturn. As is the norm, my Department will closely monitor incoming receipts and I will keep the Government informed of any emerging trends.
49 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Finance if, in view of the fact that banks (details supplied) are effectively nationalised retail banks operating in financial markets here, his attention has been drawn to the details of the take over process undertaken by the British Government; his views on such an option for the Irish banks that he proposes recapitalising; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6304/09]
Of the banks the deputy has listed in the UK, only one has been nationalised, the UK Government have taken significant shareholdings in the others. The Irish Government took the decisive and final step of nationalising Anglo Irish Bank because of concerns about governance issues and the market confidence in Anglo Irish Bank. In light of these concerns the Government felt that recapitalisation was no longer the appropriate and effective means to secure Anglo's continued viability. Anglo was taken into State ownership only as a final step to protect the banks position and the stability of the financial sector generally.
The Deputy is aware, I announced on 11 February the terms to be offered to Allied Irish Bank and Bank of Ireland. This followed from the earlier Government announcement of 21 December 2008. The recapitalisation package was recommended to me by the Governor of the Central Bank, the Financial Regulator, my financial advisors and the National Treasury Management Agency.
The Government has made it clear that the recapitalisation terms announced last week make provision for the Banks to repurchase the shares. The State will receive preference shares with a fixed dividend of 8% payable in cash or ordinary shares in lieu. The State will also get 25% of total ordinary voting rights in respect of change of control and board appointments. Furthermore, the recapitalised banks have reconfirmed their commitment to an extensive credit package which will help to increase lending capacity to small and medium enterprises by 10% and to provide an additional 30% capacity for lending to first time buyers in 2009. The credit package also provides for a €100m environmental and clean energy innovation fund to be established by each bank.
All the steps taken by the Government are to ensure that the public interest is secured so that the financial system in Ireland meets the everyday financial needs of individuals, businesses and the overall economy.
50 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Finance his views on the interaction of the new pension levy with the system of coordinating public service pensions with social welfare entitlements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6265/09]
I will first explain the integration system whereby pensions are calculated for public service employees insured for full PRSI who are members of public service pension schemes.
The Commission on Public Service Pensions made certain recommendations on the treatment of part-time employees and employees on lower levels of pay. With effect from 20 December 2001, the pension system for part-time employees was modified to a pro-rata basis, by reference to the remuneration of whole-time employees.
With effect from 1 January 2004, a new system of calculating pensions for employees insured for full PRSI was introduced. This new system delivers increased pensions to members of public service pension schemes whose full-time salary is less than 3 1/3 times the Contributory State Pension (CSP).
The new integration formula takes into account the value of the Contributory State Pension (CSP) in calculating occupational pensions. The method of calculating a pension for public service employees who qualify for benefits on or after 1 January 2004 is:
(a) For that part of the employee's pensionable remuneration which is less than or equal to 3 1/3 times the current rate of CSP, 1/200th of pensionable remuneration multiplied by the number of years of reckonable service plus
(b) For any part of the employee's Pensionable Remuneration which exceeds 3 1/3 times CSP, 1/80th of pensionable remuneration multiplied by the number of years of reckonable service.
The maximum number of years of reckonable service is 40. The new formula is used in all cases of retirement on or after 1 January 2004. In addition, pensions in course of payment on 1 January 2004 were revised by reference to the new formula in cases where this produced an improvement for the pensioner.
The revised system improved the position for people on lower rates of pay and ensured that every person who meets the requirements of the pension scheme gets an occupational pension, regardless of income.
It is proposed that the new pension related deduction will confer no additional pension benefit and that it will be deducted from gross pay before income tax, PRSI and health levies are calculated. As the new integration system ensures that every person who meets the eligibility criteria of the pension scheme gets an occupational pension, regardless of income, there are no direct consequences to the interaction of the pension related deduction with the integration system.
51 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Finance his views on the feasibility of sub-dividing major public projects in incremental phases. [44924/08]
The possibility, practicality and cost-effectiveness of sub-dividing capital projects or scheduling delivery in successive stages is a matter for the responsible Department and public agency having reference to the Value for Money Framework introduced in recent years. Obviously, the particular type of project will influence the practicality of delivery in several stages. For example, construction of the Major-Inter-Urban routes has taken place over several stages but this may not be feasible for all major capital infrastructure projects.
52 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Finance when he will publish profiles of expected tax revenues and voted expenditure for 2009; the reason for the delay in their publication in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6314/09]
In the context of the normal December Budget day decisions for both expenditure and taxation, monthly profiles of projected receipts and expenditure are generally published by the end of January every year. However, reflecting the fact that the fiscal forecasts were revised at the beginning of January, with a decline in tax revenue this year of 9¼% now anticipated, my Department is still working on finalising the profiles for 2009. I expect these tax profiles to be published before the end of the month.
In relation to projected Exchequer expenditures, the Government has recently announced various measures required to adjust the overall expenditure levels. In this regard, my Department is working with other Departments to produce revised expenditure numbers. It is the intention to produce a monthly profile towards the end of this month, consistent with the revised budgetary projections and with the allocations to be presented in the 2009 Revised Estimates Volume.
The end-January Exchequer Returns showed an Exchequer deficit of just over €747 million and tax receipts, at €3,735 million, down 19% year-on-year. However, it must be taken into account that tax revenue in January 2008 was relatively strong. In this regard, tax receipts for January 2009 represent approximately 10% of the forecast receipts for the year and this is in line with the percentage received in previous years. In addition, the Budget 2009 changes to Income tax (the introduction of the 1% income levy) and VAT (the increase on the standard rate to 21.5%) are not, due to the normal lags in the collection times, fully reflected in these figures. Consequently, the January 2009 figures are generally in line with expectations.
53 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Finance the action he will take to ensure that the Irish banks covered by the bank guarantee accurately report on the true present value of their property loan books; his views on whether the injection of State capital of some €7 billion into Allied Irish Bank and Bank of Ireland may turn out to be insufficient to meet future capital requirements; if he has proposals to introduce a bad bank or impaired asset insurance scheme to help provide certainty as regards asset quality in the banking system here; his views on both of these models; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6320/09]
As the Deputy will be aware the level of impairment of assets in financial institutions has, from the outset, been a key consideration in the assessment of the risks and the appropriate interventions by Government required to address and correct the particular difficulties being faced by financial institutions in Ireland.
The Financial Regulator engaged PriceWaterHouse Coopers to examine the capital position of the institutions covered under the Guarantee Scheme. This examination included an assessment of the level of impairment of assets under various stress scenarios. A further assessment of the market values of land and development assets was carried out by Jones Lang LaSalle to complement this work.
The provision of the Guarantee stabilised the liquidity position for the covered institutions and provided confidence to depositors in the institutions. The recapitalisation of AIB and BOI addresses both the expectations of international markets on the Irish bank's capital levels, and strengthens the ability of institutions to cope with impaired loans in conjunction existing reserves and retained profit from performing loans and other trading activities.
I will continue to examine various proposals, such as risk insurance, for the management and reduction of risks within financial institutions with respect to these specific exposures, having regard to international developments and to the best interests of the taxpayer. Ongoing work at the level of the European Central Bank and in the EU will inform the process.
In the context of the six month review of the guarantee scheme to be completed by mid-April 2009 the Government will examine how the Scheme could be revised subject to European Commission approval and consistent with EU State aid requirements, in ways which include supporting longer-term bond issuance by the covered institutions. This would be in line with international and EU trends where the average term of State cover for bond issues extends beyond 2010. To date the Government's approach is structured and incremental and designed to ensure that the interests of the banks, the financial sector generally and the State are protected.
54 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Finance the changes in personnel which he envisages in order that the public can have confidence that their will be an entirely different approach to the management of risk in Irish banks. [6230/09]
As the deputy is aware, there have been several changes in recent weeks to the Boards and Management of several of the Irish financial institutions. In Anglo Irish Bank, in particular where the State is a shareholder, the Board appointed by me will ensure that every step possible is being taken to develop the highest standards of corporate governance and to protect the taxpayers' interest.
The implementation of the Bank Guarantee Scheme, announced in September 2008, has given rise to detailed engagement with the banks. In the period since September I have, along with my Department, the Central Bank, the Financial Regulator and the NTMA, worked with the covered financial institutions to examine all options to maintain stability and the proper functioning of the banking system. This process has been comprehensive and structured, addressing such issues as the business plans of the banks, potential private investment, financial market expectations, and the role of the banks in supporting the real economy. This process will continue with all of the covered institutions to ensure that the objectives of the Scheme are met, including ensuring financial stability and minimising any potential cost to the Exchequer and taxpayers.
With respect to Anglo, the Board 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, the financial sector generally and the State.
55 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Finance his views on the possible real debt inflation effects that would arise in the event of consumer price deflation or wage deflation; if he proposes to take action to mitigate these effects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6350/09]
99 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Finance if he will estimate the average CPI and HICP measures for price volatility for 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6349/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 55 and 99 together.
My Department's latest inflation forecasts were published on 9 January as part of the Addendum to the Stability Programme Update. These showed that CPI inflation was expected to turn negative in the first quarter of 2009 and average -1.0% for the year as a whole. For HICP inflation, an annual average in the region of ½% was forecast for 2009.
These forecasts pre-dated the ECB announcement of a half percentage point decrease in interest rates on 15 January. Factoring in this rate cut, along with more recent data, would imply an average CPI inflation rate of around -2.0% in 2009. Taking account of the latest data would imply a broadly flat rate of HICP inflation in 2009.
The current and prospective easing in inflation will have both positive and negative effects. It will lead to an increase in households' purchasing power, thus helping those on tighter budgets, and this is to be welcomed. That said, falling prices also means an increase in the real value of debt.
However, to the extent that the latter situation materialises, a number of factors will help to mitigate the effects. These include the substantial interest rate cuts of recent months and the range of measures that the Government has put in place to support households experiencing difficulties in meeting mortgage payments. For example, the Mortgage Interest Supplement provides assistance where the mortgage relates to the sole place of residence, while the Money Advice and Budgeting Service is a national, free, confidential and independent service for people in debt, or, in danger of falling into debt.
The Deputy will also be aware of the new mandatory Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears. This incorporates a requirement for the lender to wait at least six months from the time arrears arise before taking legal action. In terms of the two recapitalised banks, I would point out that these will not commence court proceedings for repossession of a principal private residence until after 12 months of arrears appearing, where the customer maintains contact and cooperates reasonably and honestly with the bank. In addition, the recapitalised banks have assured the Government that in the normal course they will make every effort to avoid repossessions, as evidenced by the low level of repossessions by them to date. So while there are some negative aspects to falling prices, the general easing of price pressures will assist in regaining some of the loss of competitiveness that we have suffered in recent years.
56 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Finance if he has set guidelines in relation to schemes of voluntary redundancy in the public service; the staff reduction numbers planned; and the annual cost savings generated by rationalisation being undertaken in agencies and public services in 2009. [6276/09]
Following consultations with the Minister for Health and Children and the Health Service Executive, my Department is currently preparing proposals for consideration by Government on a targeted Voluntary Early Retirement Scheme (VER) for the health sector. I would envisage that if the VER in the health sector is approved by Government, it would be adopted as a model for the wider public service where surplus staff are identified and an accelerated reduction in employment numbers is required.
In my Budget Statement on 14 October last, I announced that the Government had decided to proceed with the implementation of 30 rationalisation proposals spread across 11 Government Departments. The details of the rationalisations, which will result in a reduction of 41 bodies, were set out in Annex D of the Summary Budget Measures.
Implementation of these rationalisation proposals, which are a matter for the relevant parent Government Departments, is a complex exercise; it involves amalgamating bodies, reassigning legislative and administrative functions, and discontinuing bodies in some cases. To date, ten of the 30 rationalisation decisions have been implemented, covering nine State agencies and the decision to close four Army barracks. I understand that a further 8 decisions will be implemented in full in 2009. While the savings involved continue to emerge, the completed rationalisations of State agencies is expected to deliver savings of at least €2 million and the closure of the Army barracks savings of the order of €2.5 million over three years, with annual savings thereafter of €2.5 million.
While cost-savings and economy are important, I wish to emphasise that alongside major savings in administrative overheads including staff numbers, a key outcome of this process is to deliver a more citizen-friendly system of government with better, more focused delivery of services.
57 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Finance if he will appoint a High Court inspector, or other qualified high-level authority, to investigate affairs at Anglo Irish Bank, particularly in the year leading up to the nationalisation of the bank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6348/09]
As the Deputy is aware both the Financial Regulator and the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement are investigating matters in Anglo Irish Bank. These bodies have extensive powers to investigate and take the matters further as considered appropriate.
58 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Finance the meetings or correspondence he or his officials have had with the chief executives of the six largest retail banks here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6297/09]
I am assuming that the Deputy is referring to the six largest retail banks which are covered by the Government's Bank Guarantee Scheme.
To ensure the effective implementation of the Guarantee Scheme, and to ensure that covered institutions are meeting their obligations under the Scheme, my officials and I are in regular contact with the covered institutions. In addition, the Central Bank and Financial Regulator are consulted on the implementation of the Scheme on an ongoing basis.
Since January, myself and/or my officials have met and corresponded with the chief executive of Bank of Ireland, the chief executive of AIB, the chief executive of EBS and the former chief executive of Irish Life & Permanent.
59 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Finance if he will introduce new taxation or revenue raising measures before Budget 2010; if it is his intention to propose Budget 2010 in early December 2009 or at an earlier date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6352/09]
146 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if further budgetary cutbacks are proposed arising from the ongoing economic trends; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6569/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 59 and 146 together.
The recently published Addendum to the Stability Programme Update set out revised forecasts for the period 2009-2013. On foot of the revised projections, the Government has taken substantive immediate action to address the fiscal and economic situation by setting out the details of the expenditure savings of up to €2 billion in a full year. The Government has also signalled that further fiscal consolidation measures will be necessary in the period 2010-2013 and that these adjustments will, as necessary, include measures to reduce and prioritise expenditure and to adjust taxation levels to reflect the changed realities. The work of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes and that of the Commission on Taxation will inform decisions taken by the Government in this regard.
At this stage the Government's focus is on securing the recently announced expenditure savings which are part of the overall Government fiscal strategy. Regarding the date of next year's Budget, while it is usual practice to have the Budget in early December, this is a decision taken by Government in the context of agreeing the Budget Strategy Memorandum which is usually taken by Government in late June/early July.
61 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance if he has reviewed the figures on the collapse of sales of new and second hand cars and the corresponding loss of jobs in the motor industry; if he has had contact with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment on this matter or drawn up proposals to address the collapsing motor trade; if a scrapage scheme is being considered on economic and environmental grounds to save motor industry jobs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5810/09]
I am conscious of the decline in new car sales both in Ireland and internationally, due to the contraction in economic activity. The condition of the motor industry is the subject of ongoing discussions between my Department and the Society of the Irish Motor Industry.
62 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which Irish financial institutions have been able to access the €30 billion European Investment Bank small and medium enterprise lending programme; when he expects to see the impact of this scheme to filter through to businesses operating here and the extent to which it will impact; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6365/09]
The European Investment Bank (EIB) announced on 3 October 2008 that it was increasing its support for Europe's small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to help mitigate the effects of the current credit crisis, through the establishment of a €30 billion facility to provide loans to SMEs through commercial banks.
Participation in the facility is a commercial decision for individual financial institutions. I understand, however, that a number of Irish financial institutions have submitted applications to access the facility. In mid-January 2009, Bank of Scotland (Ireland) announced that it had concluded an agreement to access €50 million from this fund. It is my understanding that negotiations are ongoing between other Irish financial institutions and the EIB, which hopefully can be finalised shortly. This is an important initiative from the EIB and I would strongly urge the Irish financial institutions to utilise the facility to the maximum extent possible with a view to making the additional funding involved available to SMEs as soon as possible.
63 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance if he is satisfied that businesses are getting satisfactory lines of credit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6278/09]
101 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Finance his views on the establishment of a working capital guarantee scheme to ensure that viable businesses can access the credit they need to survive over the short-term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6364/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 63 and 101 together.
As part of the banks recapitalisation scheme Allied Irish Bank and Bank of Ireland have committed to a range of measures to maintain a flow of credit to small businesses. They have committed to increase lending capacity to small to medium enterprises by 10% and to providing an additional 30% capacity for lending to first time buyers in 2009. If the mortgage lending is not taken up, then the extra capacity will be available to SMEs.
A €100m environmental and clean energy innovation fund is also being established by each bank as well as a further €15m each to new or existing seed capital funds. Much of this funding will flow to small businesses.
In addition, the banks have agreed to engage in a ‘clearing group' chaired by a Government representative and including representation from business interests and State agencies. The purpose of this group will be to identify specific patterns of events or cases where the flow of credit to viable projects appears to be blocked and to seek to identify credit supply solutions.
The recapitalised banks have also agreed to fund and co-operate with an independent review of credit availability which will be managed jointly by the banks, Government and business representatives and will report within five weeks.
A Code of Conduct for Business Lending to Small and Medium Enterprises was published by the Financial Regulator on 13 February. This code applies to all regulated banks and building societies and will ensure that they assist borrowers in meeting their obligations, or otherwise deal with an arrears situation in an orderly and appropriate manner. The Code also requires banks to offer annual review meetings, to inform customers of the basis for decisions made and to have written procedures for the proper handling of complaints.
As part of the recapitalisation banks have promised to actively promote new lending. This has been evidenced by recent press and TV advertisements.
64 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Finance his latest assessment of tax changes in the USA which might adversely affect Irish interests; and the initiatives he has taken to try to pre-empt such moves. [6275/09]
The relationship between Ireland and the United States is unique in terms of our political, economic and cultural links. The Government and I attach the highest importance to strengthening that relationship and in consolidating and growing the economic partnership between our two countries.
That partnership has contributed enormously to the very significant trade and investment ties with the Unites States. These ties benefit us both and generate investment and jobs on both sides of the Atlantic. In that respect it is worth noting that while US companies employ in excess of 95,000 people in Ireland, Irish companies now employ in excess of 80,000 people across the United States.
The Government and I are always mindful of the need to continually update and renew the links between our two countries. This is especially important at this time in terms of the new US Administration. In that respect I want to assure the Deputy that the Minister for Foreign Affairs, through the Embassy in Washington, has been monitoring and responding to all proposals for policy initiatives which could potentially impact on the Irish economy.
My own Department and the IDA also work in close collaboration with the Embassy in seeking to address various policy proposals including those in relation to taxation which could affect foreign direct investment in Ireland. Issues that may have implications for Ireland are subject to focused discussion with US policymakers within the overall framework of a shared commitment to promoting the consolidation and growth of our economic relationship.
There has been a lot of discussion around the potential impact on Ireland of changes in US international taxation policy. The fact of the matter is that the new Administration has not given any real indication of its main focus in terms of international taxation. However, any re-evaluation cannot ignore the substantial real two-way investment between our countries nor indeed the importance of international taxation policy to the competitiveness of US companies seeking to grow their business in Europe and beyond. We will be working to ensure that such considerations feed into the new Administration's deliberations in terms of the development of its international taxation policy.
65 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which he sought or received an audit report in respect of Anglo Irish Bank before committing State and taxpayers’ support; if the full extent of liability and banking practices were thoroughly investigated and by whom prior to or after the commitment to a rescue package or nationalisation; if he, the Central Bank or the regulatory authorities have identified practices or procedures that were not in accordance with guidelines and undertakings issued after the DIRT inquiry; if disciplinary action has been taken or is expected to be taken arising therefrom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6201/09]
Under the terms of the Guarantee Scheme, there are reporting requirements for all covered institutions, including Anglo Irish Bank, to monitor compliance with the objectives of the Scheme, which include maintaining financial stability and minimising the potential cost to the Exchequer and taxpayers.
Also, as the Deputy will be aware, PricewaterhouseCoopers were commissioned by the Financial Regulator to conduct a review of the loan books of all of the covered institutions, including Anglo Irish Bank, the initial assessment of which was received towards the end ofOctober.
In addition, a Due Diligence exercise was conducted at Anglo on my behalf, in late December and early January, as part of the then proposed recapitalisation of Anglo. This Due Diligence covered all aspects of Anglo's business, including the bank's liabilities and its banking practices.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Government made it clear when nationalising Anglo Irish Bank that an important factor in reaching this decision related to concerns over corporate governance issues and market confidence in the bank.
It would not be appropriate for me to comment on or prejudge the outcome of the investigations which are now being conducted by the Financial Regulator and the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement in relation to corporate governance issues at Anglo. However, as Minister for Finance and shareholder, I will ensure where appropriate that any issues identified on foot of these investigations are properly addressed.
Furthermore, the new Board of Anglo is reviewing all the corporate governance practices of the bank and will put arrangements in place to guide the bank in the future. I am confident that the new Board will pursue the necessary changes in this regard.
66 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Finance the information, data or statistics insurance companies operating in the Irish market are required to provide on a weekly, monthly, quarterly or annual basis to the Financial Regulator; if he is satisfied that such information, data or statistics has been provided to the Financial Regulator within the required deadlines by each regulated insurance company in which such deadlines have arisen in each of the past four months; if he will set out which insurance companies, and in what circumstances, have failed to meet these disclosure requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6347/09]
The Financial Regulator has informed me that information on insurance companies operating in Ireland is collected for prudential supervision purposes under legislation. All non-life insurance companies that hold an authorisation and whose head office is in the State must produce to the Financial Regulator an annual account covering the types of operation specified in the Schedule to Statutory Instrument 202 of 1995. For life assurance companies, under Statutory Instrument 360 of 1994, an insurance undertaking whose head office is situated in the State must furnish to the Financial Regulator annually, or more frequently if requested, statistical documents to verify the state of solvency of the undertaking.
The Financial Regulator has further advised that since 30 September 2008 for life companies and 31 December 2008 for non-life companies all insurance companies have been requested to submit quarterly information to the Financial Regulator via a new online reporting system. Companies are given one month in which to submit their quarterly information. These quarterly forms which are less detailed than annual returns focus primarily on the solvency of the companies. Newly authorised companies are required as a condition of authorisation to submit quarterly information. Monthly reporting has only been requested in a limited number of cases where the situation of the firm would merit it. The Financial Regulator has informed me that returns are generally submitted within deadline and in the rare event that the returns are late, an explanation is promptly sought from the company.
Finally, the Financial Regulator has informed me that it is not able to comment on whether individual firms have failed to meet the disclosure requirements as under Section 33AK of the Central Bank and Financial Services Authority of Ireland Act, 2003 (which deals with disclosure of information) it is not permitted to do so.
67 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Finance the steps he is taking to address the summer 2008 flooding in the Shannon Callows; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6097/09]
The Shannon Callows are prone to annual winter flooding and to periodic summer flooding, affecting both farming and environmental interests, including EU protected species. The exceptional rainfall in 2008 exacerbated the flooding in the area, which is caused mainly by the extremely flat gradient of the river. This makes it very difficult to devise a cost-effective solution. I saw the problem at first hand when I visited the area with my officials on 12 September last, in the company of the IFA President, Pádraig Walshe, and local farmers and public representatives.
The Office of Public Works carried out some clearance of vegetation in the area in early summer 2007, which, although not sufficient to prevent the flooding last year, is generally acknowledged to have improved the situation. This work was carried out with the agreement of the National Parks and Wildlife Service, and in consultation with other stakeholders.
There is a proposal to remove silt from the Shannon Cut to try to improve the situation further. Although OPW has some reservations as to how effective this will be, it is prepared to undertake a pilot project to test the efficacy of the measure, provided it is possible to do so in a cost-effective and environmentally acceptable manner. Preliminary discussions with the National Parks and Wildlife Service have raised a number of issues. OPW is endeavouring to arrange a meeting of the various stakeholders at the earliest possible date, with a view to securing agreement to proceed with the pilot project.
The long-term management of summer flooding of the Callows will have to have regard to the availability of resources in addition to environmental constraints, and these issues will be considered in the course of the development of a Flood Risk Management Plan for the Shannon River Basin, which will be prepared in accordance with the EU Floods Directive.
68 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Finance the proposals under development in his Department to establish a new State enterprise agency to provide financial support, whether through equity participation or otherwise, to companies adversely affected by the economic downturn; if there are similar proposals to channel such financial support through an existing State agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6368/09]
There are no plans under development in my Department to establish a new State enterprise agency.
Responsibility for State enterprise is a matter for my colleague, the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Mary Coughlan.
69 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Finance if he will take unilateral steps to cap executive remuneration at a sum equal to the remuneration package accruing annually to the Minister for Finance at credit institutions covered by the bank guarantee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6363/09]
The Government believes that pay restraint is important in the overall context of the economy and the financial supports being provided by the taxpayer to the covered institutions under the Credit Institutions (Financial Support) Scheme 2008 (the Scheme).
Section 47 of the Scheme requires each covered institution to prepare a plan to structure the remuneration packages of directors and executives, including total salary, bonuses, pension payments and any other benefit, so as to take account of the objectives of the Scheme.
The Covered Institutions Remuneration Oversight Committee (CIROC) established by me under the terms of the Scheme will oversee remuneration plans of senior executives of the covered institutions. The relevant plans have been prepared and submitted by the covered institutions, and in line with timeframes set out in the Scheme, CIROC will report to me on or before 5 March 2009, making a recommendation where appropriate, on the compliance by the institution with the terms of the Scheme. The Scheme provides that if I consider, following the advice of CIROC, that the institution has not demonstrated how its remuneration policies for the year ahead will comply with Section 47, I may direct the covered institution to amend its remuneration plan so that compliance is achieved.
I announced on 11 February as part of the recapitalisation of AIB and Bank of Ireland that the total remuneration for all their senior executives will be reduced by at least 33%. No performance bonuses will be paid for these senior executives and no salary increases will be made in relation to 2008 and 2009. The two banks have also accepted that, for non-executive directors, fees will be reduced by 25%. As I announced in the Dáil during the recapitalisation debate, I will be writing to the members of CIROC asking them to examine whether an overall cap on executive remuneration can be introduced for the banking sector.
A covered institution may not enter into any contractual arrangement that provides for termination compensation or equivalent to be payable to any director or executive for the duration of the Scheme.
70 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Finance if he has received the report of the group on remuneration in covered financial institutions; and if he envisages obstacles to imposing rates of pay comparable to those proposed in the USA. [6285/09]
The Government believes that pay restraint is important in the overall context of the economy and the financial supports being provided by the taxpayer to the covered institutions under the Credit Institutions (Financial Support) Scheme 2008 (the Scheme).
Section 47 of the Scheme requires each covered institution to prepare a plan to structure the remuneration packages of directors and executives, including total salary, bonuses, pension payments and any other benefit, so as to take account of the objectives of the Scheme.
The Covered Institutions Remuneration Oversight Committee (CIROC) established by me under the terms of the Scheme will consider the remuneration plans of senior executives of the covered institutions. The relevant plans have been prepared and submitted by the covered institutions, and in line with timeframes set out in the Scheme, CIROC will report to me on or before 5 March 2009, making a recommendation where appropriate, on the compliance by the institution with the terms of the Scheme. The Scheme provides that if I consider, following the advice of CIROC, that the institution has not demonstrated how its remuneration policies for the year ahead will comply with Section 47, I may direct the covered institution to amend its remuneration plan so that compliance is achieved.
I announced on 11 February as part of the recapitalisation of AIB and Bank of Ireland that the total remuneration for each of their senior executives will be reduced by at least 33%. No performance bonuses will be paid for these senior executives and no salary increases will be made in relation to 2008 and 2009. The two banks have also accepted that, for non-executive directors, fees will be reduced by 25%. As I announced in the Dáil during the recapitalisation debate, I will be writing to the members of CIROC asking them to examine whether an overall cap on executive remuneration can be introduced for the banking sector.
A covered institution may not enter into any contractual arrangement that provides for termination compensation or equivalent to be payable to any director or executive for the duration of the Scheme.
71 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Finance if, in view of proposals to finance bank recapitalisation using assets held by the National Pension Reserve Fund, he proposes to introduce other measures to reinforce the fund in order to ensure that a large funding gap does not open with respect to the future cost of public sector and State pension costs after 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6359/09]
The National Pensions Reserve Fund (NPRF) was established on 2 April 2001 under the National Pensions Reserve Fund Act 2000 with the objective of meeting as much as possible of the cost to the Exchequer of social welfare and public service pensions to be paid from the year 2025 until at least 2055. The National Pensions Reserve Fund Commission controls, manages and invests the assets of the Fund, to which the Exchequer contributes an amount equivalent to 1% of GNP each year, in accordance with the Fund's investment policy.
On 11 February 2009, I announced details of a scheme designed to recapitalise the two main Irish banks, Allied Irish Bank and Bank of Ireland. The recapitalisation programme will be funded from the NPRF. €4 billion will come from the Fund's current resources while €3 billion will be provided by means of a frontloading of the Exchequer contributions for 2009 and 2010. The necessary amending legislation to the National Pensions Reserve Fund Act 2000 will be introduced shortly.
As part of this scheme, the NPRF will acquire a significant number of preference shares in the two institutions involved. The shares will pay a fixed dividend of 8% payable in cash or ordinary shares in lieu. These shares can be repurchased at par up to the fifth anniversary of issue and at 125% of face value thereafter. Warrants attached to the preference shares give an option to purchase up to 25% of the existing ordinary shares of each bank calculated on a post-dilution basis.
I expect that this participation by the NPRF in the recapitalisation exercise will yield a satisfactory return for the Fund over time and will assist the Fund in its purpose of meeting as much as possible of the cost to the Exchequer of social welfare pensions and public service pensions, to which the Fund will start to contribute in 2025.
72 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Finance if he will establish a banking commission or similar authority on a time limited basis to oversee the reform, restructuring and recapitalisation of the Irish banking system in order to restore the credibility of the Irish banking system on international financial markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6362/09]
A well functioning financial system is a key ingredient of our economy and the Government has provided decisive action in this regard. The Government is committed to providing a platform for a well regulated, profitable banking industry of high repute in Ireland that operates in a national and international financial services environment. Our vision for the banking sector is that the banks will serve borrowers, small and medium sized enterprises and all stakeholders in an honest way and ensure that customers and consumers in particular are treated in a reputable and respectable way.
The Minister for Finance is advised on banking issues by the Governor of the Central Bank, the Financial Regulator, independent financial advisors, the National Treasury Management Agency and by senior officials in his Department. Taking account of the advice received the Government has proceeded with a comprehensive recapitalisation of Ireland's two main banks and with the nationalisation of Anglo Irish Bank. The Government is also in discussions with the other covered institutions, Irish Life & Permanent, Educational Building Society and Irish National Building Society concerning their respective positions.
The Bank Guarantee Scheme introduced last September and the bank customer package which has accompanied recapitalisation will further reinforce the stability of our financial system and increase confidence in our banks' ability to contribute to the economy.
It is also evident that our financial regulatory regime needs to adjust to the new realities. Work has begun on reforming the system. I have asked the Boards of the Central Bank and the Financial Regulatory Authority for their views on the approach to financial regulation in Ireland.
At EU level, new regulatory proposals currently being discussed are due for adoption early in 2009. The role and mandates of national regulators have also been the subject of in-depth consideration. Further proposals in this area will be introduced during 2009 following the report of the de Larosière Group, on prudential soundness, the orderly functioning of markets and stronger European co-operation on financial stability oversight, early warning mechanisms and crisis management.
The Government considers that the measures to recapitalise and restructure Irish banks and to reform the regulation of the banking industry as outlined above will put the Irish banking system back on a stable footing and provide it with an opportunity to supply the credit necessary to support economic development.
73 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Finance if he plans to extend the cut in the levels of professional fees to other areas of public procurement. [6286/09]
My proposals on cuts in the levels of fees will be set out in detail in legislation to be published within the next few days.
74 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Finance the saving to the Exchequer on a full year basis of the public sector pension levy to be introduced in March 2008; if the proposal to the social partners on 3 February 2008 made explicit mention of the effect that tax relief on the pension contribution would have in reducing the average net impact on take-home pay of those affected below 7.5%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6353/09]
The estimated full year saving from the application of the pension related deduction across the public service is some €1.35bn. When the proposals were submitted for consideration to the social partners on Monday evening, 2 February, it was explained that tax relief would apply.
75 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Finance the reporting arrangements he has put in place to ensure that banks honour commitments in relation to handling distressed loans and providing new lines of credit. [6279/09]
The recapitalised banks have committed to increase lending capacity to small to medium enterprises by 10% and to providing an additional 30% capacity for lending to first time buyers in 2009. In order to monitor these commitments, the banks are required to make quarterly reports to the Financial Regulator and the Department of Finance. The first report covering the period to end March 2009 is to be submitted by end April 2009.
A Code of Conduct for Business Lending to Small and Medium Enterprises was published by the Financial Regulator on the 13th of February. This code will apply to all regulated banks and building societies and will ensure that they assist borrowers in meeting their obligations, or otherwise deal with an arrears situation in an orderly and appropriate manner. Where a customer gets into difficulty the lenders will give the customer reasonable time and seek to agree an approach to resolve problems and to provide appropriate advice. This is a statutory code and compliance with the code is monitored by the Financial Regulator.
A Code of Conduct for Mortgage Arrears was also published by the Financial Regulator on the 13th of February. Under the code where a borrower is in difficulty the bank will make every reasonable effort to agree an alternative repayment schedule and will not commence legal action for repossession until after six months from the time arrears first arise. This is also a statutory code and compliance is also monitored by the Financial Regulator. In addition, the two recapitalised banks will not commence court proceedings for repossession of a principal private residence until after 12 months of arrears appearing, where the customer continues to cooperate reasonably and honestly with the bank.
76 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Finance if he is considering mechanisms by which the impaired assets of financial institutions covered by the bank guarantee could be quarantined; the options being considered; his views on whether such isolation of these impaired assets is essential, if the banking system here is to be put on a sound footing, able to channel credit to credit worthy consumers and viable businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6322/09]
As the Deputy will be aware the level of impairment of assets in financial institutions has, from the outset, been a key consideration in the assessment of the risks and the appropriate interventions by Government required to address and correct the particular difficulties being faced by financial institutions in Ireland. The Financial Regulator engaged PricewaterhouseCoopers to examine the capital position of the institutions covered under the Guarantee Scheme. This examination included an assessment of the level of impairment of assets under various stress scenarios. A further assessment of the market values of land and development assets was carried out by Jones Lang LaSalle to complement this work.
It is clear from international experience and from our knowledge of the issues in the national context, that there is no single solution to the problems faced by financial institutions. The provision of the Guarantee stabilised the liquidity position for the covered institutions and provided confidence to depositors in the institutions. The recapitalisation of AIB and BOI addresses both the expectations of international markets on the Irish bank's capital levels, and strengthens the ability of the institutions to cope with impaired loans in conjunction existing reserves and retained profit from performing loans and other trading activities.
I will examine various proposals, such as risk insurance, for the management and reduction of risks within financial institutions with respect to these specific exposures, having regard to international developments and to the best interest of taxpayers. Ongoing work at the level of the European Central Bank and in the EU will inform the process. I will be carrying forward this work to produce proposals as a matter of priority.
Furthermore, in the context of the six month review of the guarantee Scheme to be completed by mid-April 2009 the Government will examine how the Scheme could be revised subject to European Commission approval and consistent with EU State aid requirements, in ways which include supporting longer-term bond issuance by the covered institutions. This would be in line with international and EU trends where the average term of State cover for bond issues extends beyond 2010.
77 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance if he will report on recent proposals to compel all drivers of non-Irish vehicles to register the vehicle after 42 days in the country; how this scheme will operate; how motorists who do not register will be monitored; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46357/08]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that as a general rule all vehicles imported permanently into the State must register for Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) purposes within one working day of arrival. This rule applies equally to vehicles imported by EU and non EU persons. In practice, Revenue allows latitude of a maximum of seven days for registration. However, Section 135(a) of the Finance Act 1992 permitted a European or other foreign-registered vehicle which was temporarily brought into the State by a person established outside the State, to be exempted from the requirement to register for VRT purposes for a period normally not exceeding 12 months from the date upon which the vehicle concerned was brought into the State.
Section 64 of the Finance (No. 2) Act 2008 amends this section to provide for the registration (without the payment of VRT) of vehicles temporarily brought into the State for a period greater than 42 days. When the new temporary registration system comes into effect, the vehicle owner will be required to register with Revenue and receive a temporary number plate, which will have to be displayed on the vehicle. This will provide a mechanism whereby Revenue can maintain a record of vehicles benefiting from this exemption, quickly identify applicants who are not eligible for a temporary exemption and must immediately pay any VRT due; and identify vehicles coming to the end of a period of temporary exemption (i.e. one year), so that VRT can be collected when it becomes due. In addition the amendment provides that vehicles seeking temporary registration will be required to undergo a pre-registration test as a pre-condition for registration.
78 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Finance if his Department is required to bid for National Lottery funding against other Departments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2251/09]
The Government decides on an annual basis how much funding is to be allocated to subheads which are part-funded by the proceeds of the National Lottery. This occurs in the context of decisions on the Estimates for Public Services for the following year. The proceeds of the National Lottery are treated as an item of non-tax revenue and partly fund such expenditure. Accordingly, no Department is required to bid for National Lottery funding against other Departments.
79 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Finance his views on whether the impact of the proposed public sector pension levy is equitable on those on middle incomes in particular, with those on middle incomes expected to lose a higher proportion of their take-home pay due to the impact of tax relief on pension contributions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6357/09]
I am satisfied that the pension related deduction for the public service is equitable, including for those on middle incomes. The pension related deduction applies generally across the public service, given that public servants enjoy the benefits of a public service pension which provides for greater security and more favourable terms than the generality of private sector pensions. Due to the availability of tax relief at the marginal rate for pension contributions, in certain circumstances an individual on a higher gross income may suffer a lower net loss than an individual on a lower income as a result of the new pension related deduction. However, it must be stated that, across the public service, total deductions (including income tax, PRSI, health levy and the new pension related deduction) will be higher as a percentage of gross pay as pay levels increase.
80 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Finance if he has given consideration to changes in property taxes here; and the measures which will be taken in the future. [6303/09]
Rates on commercial properties are already levied by local authorities in accordance with the Valuation Acts. Furthermore, in Budget 2009, I announced the Government's intention to introduce an annual charge of €200 on non principal private residences. This charge will be levied and collected by local authorities, and will be underpinned by legislation to be introduced by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Any proposals for a more general property tax like all proposals for new tax or expenditure measures, will fall to be considered in the context of the ongoing development of budgetary and economic policy.
81 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Finance the role the Office of Public Works plays in the identification and acquisition of sites for new schools here; the number of such sites which have been located and acquired in the past three years respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6308/09]
The Commissioners of Public Works in Ireland act as agents for the Department of Education & Science in the acquisition of sites for schools and solely on their instruction.
Sites Located and Acquired:
2008
Kill National School, Co Kildare
Powerscourt National School, Enniskerry, Co Wicklow
2007
Rathcroghan National School, Elphin, Co Roscommon
Amalgamation of Secondary Schools, Tramore, Co Waterford
Gaelscoil Thulach na nOg, Dunboyne, Co Meath
Archbishop McQuaid School, Loughlinstown, Co Dublin
Kilimor National School, Kilimor, Co Galway
Gaelscoil Le Cheile, Drogheda, Co Louth,
Athboy Community School, Athboy, Co Meath
Ballinamore Community School, Ballinamore, Co Leitrim
Amalgamation of Thomastown Convent National School & Ladyswell Boys National School, Thomastown, Co Kilkenny
2006
St Brigid's National School, The Coombe, Dublin
Rathcormac National School, Rathcormac, Co Cork
Sandyford National School, Sandyford, Dublin
Cahergal National School, Tuam, Co Galway
Castledermot National School, Castledermot, Co Kildare
St Anne's National School, Straffan, Co Kildare
Gaelscoil Cloich na Coillte, Clonakilty, Co Cork
Blennerville National School, Blennerville, Co Kerry
Gaelscoil na Cruaiche, Westport, Co Mayo
Mell National School, Drogheda, Co Louth
82 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance his views on the increase in forecast expenditure on funding the national debt for 2009 by €544 million since the budget for 2009 was announced on 16 October 2008; the extent to which this is based on the potential impact on Ireland’s sovereign credit rating or market sentiment resulting from either the granting of the bank guarantee or the nationalisation of Anglo Irish Bank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6356/09]
The Addendum to the Stability Programme Update, which was published in early January, presented revised forecasts for the Exchequer Borrowing Requirement which it forecast at €18 billion. This represents an increase of €4,568 million over the Budget day forecast and in terms of financing costs for 2009 the estimate has increased by €544 million.
The National Treasury Management Agency have advised me that the main reasons for the increase in the forecast cost of servicing the national debt for 2009 are the increase in the estimate for the 2009 Exchequer Borrowing Requirement and the higher interest rates currently prevailing on Government bonds. The current elevated yields on Irish Government bonds reflects both global factors which are affecting all euro sovereign borrowers benchmarked to the German bond, and national specific factors. I understand that it is impossible to quantify the specific impact that each of these diverse individual factors have on the borrowing cost.
83 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Finance the schedule of borrowing and repayment activities of the National Treasury Management Agency regarding the management of the national debt over the course of 2008 and 2009; the amount of cash on hand held by NTMA or the Exchequer for the purpose of financing current and capital expenditures; when this cash will be exhausted, assuming no further borrowing or funding activities by the NTMA and static rates of expenditure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6317/09]
The Exchequer Borrowing Requirement in 2008 was €12.7 billion. The NTMA issued two new bonds in 2008 which raised a total of €11 billion. In addition the NTMA issued net short-term debt of €18.4 billion to fund the difference and to build up end year cash balances to well over €20 billion as a prudent measure. The NTMA also successfully issued a 5-year €6 billion bond in January of this year. As a result, Exchequer free cash balances currently stand at over €26 billion. The Exchequer Borrowing Requirement for 2009 as set out in the Addendum to the Stability Programme Update published on the 9th January is €18 billion.
To facilitate the bank recapitalisation programme, the National Pensions Reserve Fund contribution for 2010 will be front-loaded into 2009 — this adds some €1.4 billion to the previously announced funding requirement. In addition a €5 billion government bond matures in April. On this basis, the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) have advised me that Ireland has a net financing need of some €24½ billion in 2009. As is the norm the NTMA will decide on the timing of its longer term debt issuance programme for the remainder of the year in the light of market conditions.
84 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Finance when the Revenue Commissioners report on reforming taxation in Ireland is due for publication. [6306/09]
I take it that the Deputy is referring to the work of the Commission on Taxation which was established in 2008 to review the structure, efficiency and appropriateness of the Irish taxation system. The Commission is requested to report on the results of its examination and consideration and to make such recommendations as, and when, it thinks fit to the Minister for Finance but not later than 30 September 2009.
85 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Finance the recent communications with the EU Commission on the opening of an excessive deficit procedure for Ireland; if the EU Commission has signalled approval, disapproval or otherwise with recent measures to reduce current expenditure for 2009 by €2.1 billion gross; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6354/09]
103 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the forecast Exchequer borrowing requirement for the years 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012; the position regarding discussions he or his Department officials have had with the EU institutions regarding the possible launch of an excessive deficit procedure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6313/09]
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 85 and 103 together.
The forecast Exchequer borrowing requirement (EBR) and the General Government Balance (GGB — the relevant measure for the Stability and Growth Pact), as set out in the Addendum to the Irish Stability Programme Update which was submitted to the European Commission in January 2009 are in the following table:
|
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
|
|
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
|
|
EBR |
-12,714 |
-17,980 |
-16,860 |
-13,769 |
-11,583 |
-8,081 |
|
GGB |
-11,796 |
-17,165 |
-16,271 |
-12,092 |
-9,443 |
-5,537 |
|
%GDP |
-6.3% |
-9.5% |
-9.0% |
-6.4% |
-4.8% |
-.26% |
The Commission is due to adopt a report on Ireland's budgetary position today, under Article 104(3) of the Treaty which governs the operation of the excessive deficit procedure of the Stability and Growth Pact. This is part of the normal operation of the Pact whenever the General Government Deficit of a Member State exceeds or is expected to exceed the reference value of 3% of GDP. The report relates to the deficit for 2008, as anticipated in the regular fiscal returns submitted to the Commission in October last and the estimated outturn for which was provided in the recent update.
Following consideration of the Commission report by the EU's Economic and Financial Committee, the procedure normally results in the issue of a Council recommendation with a view to supporting the Member State(s) concerned in the pursuit of measures to bring the deficit back within the reference value in a timeframe taking account of the economic background. It is anticipated that the question of Council recommendations in the case of Ireland and of certain other Member States will be considered by Ecofin Ministers within the next couple of months. As is normal in these circumstances, I have been in regular contact with the Commission and with my European colleagues with regard to the position of the public finances.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Government adopted updated fiscal projections in January 2009 based on the end-2008 fiscal position and economic developments. The Addendum to the Irish Stability Programme Update which was subsequently submitted to the Commission — in response to a similar invitation to all Member States — sets out the Government's fiscal consolidation plans which envisage reducing the deficit below 3% of GDP by 2013. Given the severity and suddenness of the downturn and in order to avoid possible further damage to the economy, restoring sustainability to the public finances can only realistically be pursued over a period of up to five years. The Commission has taken note of this.
The European Commission has also noted the recent announcement regarding measures planned to improve the position of the public finances by up to € 2 billion or 1% of GDP in 2009 over and above that contained in Budget 2009. I look forward to the support of the Commission and Council for the overall budgetary strategy of restoring stability to the public finances, while taking steps also to maximise short-term economic activity and employment and improve competitiveness.
86 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Finance his views on the introduction of a pension protection scheme for workers in the private sector. [6280/09]
Primary responsibility for pension policy matters rests with my colleague, the Minister for Social and Family Affairs. The views of the Government on pension policy will be set out in the forthcoming proposed white paper on pensions policy generally.
87 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Finance when the additional exhibition space at the National Museum Collins Barracks, Dublin will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2370/09]
Progress on this project is at an advanced stage and the Office of Public Works is currently finalising tender documents which will be ready by April of 2009. However, given the current budgetary situation, it will not be possible to progress this project at the present time. The project will proceed as planned when the overall financial situation improves.
88 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Finance if he will confirm whether a group (details supplied) has met all requirements of the Financial Regulator to provide monthly data on capital adequacy for the past year, and for the months of November 2008, December 2008 and January 2009 in particular; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6319/09]
In my role as the Minister for Finance I have responsibility for the development of the legal framework governing financial regulation. The day-to-day responsibility for the supervision of financial institutions is a matter for the Financial Regulator, which is statutorily independent in the exercise of its regulatory functions. The Financial Regulator is also obliged to treat as confidential the information it holds on regulated entities. In relation to the specific matter raised by the Deputy, the Financial Regulator has informed me that under the provisions of Section 33AK of the Central Bank and Financial Services Authority of Ireland Act, 2003 (which deals with disclosure of information) it is unable to provide information in relation to individual firms.
89 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Finance the recent discussions, negotiations or other activities undertaken by him or his officials regarding the recapitalisation of Irish Nationwide, Irish Life & Permanent and EBS respectively; if he will provide an estimate of the cost to the Exchequer of such recapitalisations; if it is his intention to fund such recapitalisation by utilising assets held in the National Pension Reserve Fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6358/09]
There are ongoing discussions between my Department and the other covered institutions — Irish Life & Permanent, EBS and INBS — concerning their respective capital positions. As I stated in December when I first announced an approach to the recapitalisation of the credit institutions, State investment will be assessed on a case-by-case basis in an objective and non-discriminatory manner, having regard to the systemic importance of the institution, the importance of maintaining the stability of the financial system in the State, and the most effective and economical use of resources available to the State and each credit institution's particular requirement for capital.
90 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Finance if he plans to change the institutional arrangements for financial regulation; and if he will publish an assessment of issues in advance of finalising decisions. [6283/09]
The importance of having a regulatory system that provides financial stability and fosters probity has become all the more clear to us now in a time of severe financial dislocation, both nationally and internationally. A new and better co-ordinated approach to ensuring financial stability and regulation is clearly now required, with a greater degree of focus on areas such as risk management, compliance, corporate governance and general control processes.
As the Deputy will appreciate, steps have already been taken in that regard in the Credit Institutions (Financial Support) Scheme and, as a result of this, the oversight of the banks concerned has been greatly intensified. This new regime provides for a heightened direct engagement with each of the covered institutions and new reporting arrangements including the provision of Scheme compliance certificates by the covered institutions themselves and by their external auditors. The Bank Guarantee Scheme requirements and conditions are the first step in a new system of financial regulation and supervision. The joint Boards of the Central Bank and Irish Financial Services Regulatory Authority are considering further reform measures and I hope to receive their report very shortly.
In addition, regulatory reviews, both domestically and at an international level, are underway including the following:
The Regulatory Authority is reviewing its overall strategic regulatory approach with a view to ensuring that the Authority meets its statutory mandate and responds to EU developments in financial regulation;
The Financial Regulator Business Process Review, designed to improve its effectiveness and value for money, is now close to finalisation;
The Financial Regulator is also processing a strategic plan for 2009, which will address the particular EU and Guarantee Scheme requirements for 2009;
At EU level, new regulatory proposals, including improvements to the Capital Requirements Directive, are due for adoption in early 2009, and more generally
At Ecofin Council, which will incorporate the work being carried out at a wider international level, the role and mandates of national regulators are now the subject of in depth consideration and arising from this it can be expected that proposals will be forthcoming on matters such as prudential soundness, the orderly functioning of markets and stronger European co-operation on financial stability oversight.
I propose to take account of the various reviews that are underway on regulatory reform. As Minister for Finance, I am responsible for the legislative framework within which the Financial Regulator operates. When I have considered the issues fully, I will bring my proposals for reform to Government.
91 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Finance his views on media reports that the Financial Regulator is investigating if Anglo Irish Bank artificially boosted its deposit base around its year end to inflate its financial strength; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6366/09]
As the Deputy will be aware, certain issues at Anglo Irish Bank are under investigation by various regulatory bodies including the Financial Regulator and the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement. It is not appropriate for me to comment in detail on specific issues without the risk of prejudicing the outcome of the investigations. These investigations will be followed up both by the statutory authorities, which have extensive powers, and by Anglo itself.
As Minister for Finance and shareholder, I will ensure where appropriate that any issues identified on foot of these investigations are properly addressed. Furthermore, the new Board of Anglo Irish Bank is reviewing all the corporate governance practices of the bank and will put arrangements in place to guide the bank in the future. I am confident that the new Board will pursue the necessary changes in this regard.
92 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Finance if the December 2008 European Council’s adoption of the EU Commission’s recovery plan will help stabilise the Irish economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2405/09]
In December 2008 the European Council adopted Commission proposals for a European Economic Recovery Plan which envisages a fiscal stimulus to the European Economy of the order of 1.5% of EU GDP. This figure includes actions at the EU as well as at Member State level. The plan involves a range of expenditure and revenue measures, depending on national circumstances, which are designed to stimulate recovery, maximise short-term economic activity and expedite structural reforms to improve the resilience of the economy and support jobs and growth.
As the Irish economy is extremely open and globally oriented, it is strongly affected by the economic circumstances of its main trading partners. However, it is probably too early at this stage to estimate the likely impact of the European Economic Recovery Plan. For Ireland, the budgetary priority is to restore stability to the public finances. In the light of the current difficult international economic environment, the Government's overall budgetary strategy aims at restoring stability to the public finances taking account of economic circumstances, while taking steps also to maximise short-term economic activity and employment, improve competitiveness and protect the position of the least well off.
In line with the call for appropriate stimulus measures by national authorities, we are also maintaining a relatively high level of public investment of the order of 5% of GNP per annum to remedy a historical infrastructure deficit and to support the growth potential of the economy. In addition, a number of specific measures –such as envisaged in the Commission Recovery Plan — have been announced and are being implemented. These include measures to assist those who have recently become unemployed, support for the enterprise and environment sectors, such as the R& D tax credit and capital allowances for energy efficient equipment. Further measures are outlined in "Building Ireland's Smart Economy- A Framework for Sustainable Economic Renewal" which was published in December.
93 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Finance the action taken to date to implement the recommendations of the taskforce on the public service. [6284/09]
The report of the Task Force on the Public Service, Transforming Public Services, sets out a three year framework for what amounts to a radical transformation of the Public Service. It recommends specific actions over set timescales which the Government has agreed to implement. The Government will publish the first Annual Report on the State of the Public Service at the end of the year.
The implementation of this transformation agenda will be driven by the Taoiseach and the Minister for Finance. The Government has established a Cabinet Committee chaired by the Taoiseach and comprising of the Ministers for Finance, Health & Children, Education & Science, Justice, Equality & Law Reform and the Environment, Heritage & Local Government to oversee the transformation effort. A Steering Group comprising of the relevant Secretaries General will support the work of the Cabinet Committee. The Cabinet Committee held its first meeting on 5 February 2009 while the Steering Group has met twice. Further meetings of both groups will take place shortly. A Programme Office, based in the Department of the Taoiseach, is being established to support the work of the Cabinet Committee and Steering Group.
94 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Finance the agreement reached at EU level to tackle the financial crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5274/09]
Last October the European Council agreed a common framework for national rescue schemes to address the intensification of difficulties in financial markets. The objective of the rescue schemes was to deal with the immediate threat to financial stability that had emerged, to promote a return to normal functioning in the wholesale credit markets; and to underpin lending to the private non-financial sectors of the economy. The introduction of the national schemes was successful in averting the immediate threat to financial stability. However, concerns over the tightening of credit constraints on businesses and households remain. The Ecofin meeting last December highlighted this issue, noting that "it is a matter of priority to safeguard that the measures in the common framework function properly, particularly the guarantee schemes which could help bring down the cost of financing for the financial institutions to the benefit of households and companies".
In December the Commission published a paper on recapitalisation which stressed that aid should be limited to the minimum necessary and that safeguards should be taken against undue distortion of competition. This paper noted that the objectives of recapitalisation include restoring financial stability and confidence for interbank lending, ensuring lending to the real economy and/or dealing with the systemic risk of insolvency.
The role and mandates of national regulators have also been the subject of in-depth consideration at Ecofin. Common reporting standards are being introduced to achieve greater EU-wide consistency in supervision. Colleges of supervisors are being introduced for cross-border financial groups. Further proposals in this area will be introduced this year following the report of the de Larosière Group, on prudential soundness, the orderly functioning of markets and stronger European co-operation on financial stability oversight, early warning mechanisms and crisis management.
In December 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. At last week's Ecofin meeting it was agreed that the priority is to fully restore the functioning of credit channels and that to this extent the strategy agreed in October remains fully valid. Member States continue to remain committed to taking all necessary steps, including on capital, liquidity and lending, working together wherever possible. The Council will continue to monitor the implementation of the rescue packages over the coming months and has invited the Commission to make recommendations on how to enhance their effectiveness.
95 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Finance if he will report on his recent meetings with the chairpersons or chief executives of the Irish banks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48114/08]
To ensure the effective implementation of the Bank Guarantee Scheme, and to ensure that covered institutions are meeting their obligations under the Scheme, my officials and I are in regular contact with the covered institutions. Since January, I have met with the Chief Executives and Chairpersons of most of the covered institutions.
96 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Finance if he will estimate the number of people he expects to be on the live register by the end of 2009 and by the end of 2010; the percentage of the workforce he expects to be on the live register by the end of 2009 and by the end of 2010; the average cost to the Exchequer in social welfare costs and tax revenue foregone of each additional person on the live register on a full year basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6351/09]
In the Addendum to the Stability Programme Update, the unemployment rate is forecast to average 9.2% this year and 10.5% next year. The corresponding numbers on the Live Register for this year are for an average of 340,000, reaching 400,000 by the end of the year. In terms of next year, the number on the Live Register was forecast to average 420,000. The end January figures, which have become available since the Addendum was published, show a seasonally-adjusted total of 326,000 people on the Live Register. It is important to note that the Live Register is not designed to measure unemployment as it includes part-time workers (those who work up to three days a week), seasonal and casual workers entitled to Jobseekers Benefit or Allowance. Unemployment is measured by the Quarterly National Household Survey.
Job losses have an impact on the Exchequer finances in two ways — through additional social welfare costs and reduced tax revenue. The exact additional cost depends on individual circumstances; for example, whether the individual is married or single, whether he/she is signing on with the Department of Social and Family Affairs for full benefits or signing on due to reduced working hours, and — crucially, in terms of tax foregone — on the amount of income that they would have previously been earning.
With regard to social welfare payments, it is estimated by the Department of Social and Family Affairs that each 1,000 increase in the Live Register in 2008 added €11.55 million to expenditure on Jobseeker Allowance and Jobseekers Benefit payments and in 2009 will add €11.77 million. Receipt of secondary benefits is linked to the circumstances of individuals and as such it is very difficult to disaggregate jobseekers from other social welfare recipients in receipt of such benefits. With regard to the loss of tax and PRSI revenue, a specific cost is not possible to compute without knowing the specifics of each individual's personal circumstance. However, based on a number of assumptions outlined below, an overall aggregate estimate of the likely tax foregone for every 1,000 people losing employment is approximately €8 million in a full year, based on 2008 figures.
The assumptions underlining this figure are:
The 1,000 workers are made up of workers earning the minimum wage, the average industrial wage and twice the average industrial wage;
There is a 30:55:15 distribution between those earning the minimum wage, average industrial wage and those earning twice the average industrial wage, broadly reflecting the economy wide situation; and
The breakdown by marital status also broadly follows the economy wide breakdown.
No account is taken of the following:
Employees' pension contributions or other salary sacrifice arrangements;
Minor tax credits or income tax reliefs such as health expenses relief, rent relief, trade union subscriptions;
The impact of any redundancy packages;
Whether the employee takes up alternative employment in the tax year; and
The timing of the job losses within the tax year.
The above factors are crucial in determining the actual cost in any one year and could reduce the cost significantly in that year.
97 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Finance if he will review the VAT rate on defibrillators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6098/09]
The Deputy will be aware that in matters relating to the VAT rating of goods and services, I am constrained by the requirements of EU VAT law with which Irish VAT law must comply. In relation to the VAT rate that applies to defibrillators, the position is that under the VAT Directive, Member States may retain the zero rates on goods and services which were in place on 1 January 1991, but cannot extend the zero rate to new goods and services. The zero VAT rate cannot therefore be applied to defibrillators which are subject to the standard rate.
In addition, Member States may only apply the reduced VAT rate to those goods and services which are listed under Annex III of the VAT Directive. While Annex III does include the supply of medical equipment for the exclusive personal use of a disabled person, it does not include defibrillators for general use. The reduced rate cannot be applied to the supply of defibrillators. Therefore the only rate of VAT that can apply to the supply of defibrillators is the standard VAT rate.
98 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Finance the progress that has been made on the building of new Department of Defence offices in Newbridge, County Kildare; the estimated completion date; the progress that has been made on the building of the new Defence Forces headquarters offices at the Curragh, County Kildare; the estimated completion date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3591/09]
In relation to the Department of Defence Headquarters in Newbridge, I am pleased to say that the building contract placed with P. Elliott & Company Ltd. is on programme and construction work should be completed by the end of 2009. The Office of Public Works has commenced the procurement process for the new Defence Forces Headquarters in the Curragh. The Part 9 planning process has already been completed. It is envisaged that construction work will commence on site in the first quarter of 2010 and that the project will be completed in approximately 18 months from that time.
100 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Finance his views on whether the practice of financial institutions lending money for the sole purpose of facilitating the purchase by a third party of shares or securities, or financial instruments derived from such shares or securities, in that same institution is contrary to any provision of law; his further views, in particular, on whether, in his opinion, such practices would contravene Section 60(13)(a) of the Companies Act 1963 or similar legislation; if the relevant legislation is somewhat deficient in this respect; if he proposes to change the legislation in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6344/09]
As the Deputy is aware, investigations by the ODCE and the Financial Regulator are in progress in relation to certain transactions. It would be prejudicial to the investigations for me to comment on the legality of the action of any party. The Companies Act, 1963 is a matter for my colleague, Ms. Mary Coughlan TD, Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
102 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Finance the steps being taken to reform the financial regulatory system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6296/09]
The importance of having a regulatory system that provides financial stability and fosters probity has become all the more clear to us now in a time of severe financial dislocation, both nationally and internationally. A new and better co-ordinated approach to ensuring financial stability and regulation is clearly now required, with a greater degree of focus on areas such as risk management, compliance, corporate governance and general control processes.
As the Deputy will appreciate, steps have already been taken in that regard in the Credit Institutions (Financial Support) Scheme and, as a result of this, the oversight of the banks concerned has been greatly intensified. This new regime provides for a heightened direct engagement with each of the covered institutions and new reporting arrangements including the provision of Scheme compliance certificates by the covered institutions themselves and by their external auditors.
The Bank Guarantee Scheme requirements and conditions are the first step in a new system of financial regulation and supervision. The joint Boards of the Central Bank and Irish Financial Services Regulatory Authority are considering further reform measures and I hope to receive their report very shortly. In addition, regulatory reviews, both domestically and at an international level, are underway including the following:
The Regulatory Authority is reviewing its overall strategic regulatory approach with a view to ensuring that the Authority meets its statutory mandate and responds to EU developments in financial regulation;
The Financial Regulator Business Process Review, designed to improve its effectiveness and value for money, is now close to finalisation;
The Financial Regulator is also processing a strategic plan for 2009, which will address the particular EU and Guarantee Scheme requirements for 2009;
At EU level, new regulatory proposals, including improvements to the Capital Requirements Directive, are due for adoption in early 2009, and more generally
At Ecofin Council, which will incorporate the work being carried out at a wider international level, the role and mandates of national regulators are now the subject of in depth consideration and arising from this it can be expected that proposals will be forthcoming on matters such as prudential soundness, the orderly functioning of markets and stronger European co-operation on financial stability oversight.
I propose to take account of the various reviews that are underway on regulatory reform. As Minister for Finance, I am responsible for the legislative framework within which the Financial Regulator operates. When I have considered the issues fully, I will bring my proposals for reform to Government.
104 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Finance if he is monitoring charges made to bank customers over inter-bank rates set by the European Central Bank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6282/09]
The Deputy may wish to note that the decision whether an institution operating in Ireland passes on ECB interest rate reductions to customers is primarily a commercial decision for the institution concerned. However, as the Deputy will be aware, I have publicly indicated that I expect institutions to pass on funding cost reductions to their customers as appropriate, including in particular to those purchasing properties on variable mortgages and to small and medium-sized enterprises. This is important to help support sustainable growth and employment in line with the objectives of the Government guarantee scheme and the Government's recapitalisation programme.
My Department has been informed by the Financial Regulator that all of the covered institutions, have fully passed on each ECB interest rate cut since the bank guarantee scheme was introduced. The Deputy will appreciate that there are also implications for the deposit rates paid by banks. My Department will continue to work closely with the Financial Regulator to ensure that those institutions covered by the bank guarantee scheme do not pass on the costs of the bank guarantee to their customers in an unwarranted manner. However, it must be borne in mind that credit institutions are not primarily funded from the ECB but from a variety of sources and the cost of much of their funding has been significantly above ECB rates over the last year.
105 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Finance his views on whether one of the biggest mistakes made by the Japanese authorities in the face of their banking crisis in the 1990s was to delay and prevaricate over the identification and write-down of impaired assets on banks balance sheets; if he is committed to avoiding repeating this mistake in the context of the ongoing banking crisis here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6321/09]
I would like to state from the outset that while there are undoubtedly lessons to be learned from the experience of other countries, the situation that Ireland faces today take place against the background of a global financial crisis, which has affected all the major world economies, whereas the Japanese crisis was not part of a global phenomenon. That said, one of the lessons of the Japanese experience is the need to respond in a timely and effective manner and to establish the extent of impaired assets. The Deputy will be aware that the level of impairment of assets in financial institutions has been a key consideration in the assessment of the risks and the appropriate interventions by Government required to address and correct the particular difficulties being faced by financial institutions in Ireland.
The Financial Regulator engaged PricewaterhouseCoopers to examine the capital position of the institutions covered under the Guarantee Scheme. This examination included an assessment of the level of impairment of assets under various stress scenarios. A further assessment of market values of land and development assets was carried out by Jones Lang LaSalle to complement this work. It is clear from international experience, including the Japanese experience, and from our understanding of the issues in the national context, that there is no single solution to the problems faced by financial institutions.
In Ireland the Government moved quickly to provide a guarantee that stabilised the liquidity position for the covered institutions and provided confidence to depositors in the institutions. The recapitalisation of AIB and BOI addresses both the expectations of international markets on the Irish banks' capital levels, and strengthens the ability of institutions to cope with impaired loans in conjunction existing reserves and retained profit from performing loans and other trading activities.
I will continue to examine various proposals, including risk insurance, for the management and reduction of risks within financial institutions with respect to these specific exposures, having regard to international developments and to the best interest of taxpayers. Ongoing work at the level of the European Central Bank and in the EU will inform the process. I will be carrying forward this work to produce proposals as a matter of priority. Furthermore, in the context of the six month review of the guarantee Scheme to be completed by mid-April 2009 the Government will examine how the Scheme could be revised subject to European Commission approval and consistent with EU State aid requirements, in ways which include supporting longer-term bond issuance by the covered institutions. This would be in line with international and EU trends where the average term of State cover for bond issues extends beyond 2010.
106 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Finance the most accurate figure for the amount of deposits guaranteed under the Credit Institutions (Financial Support) Act 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6305/09]
I assume the Deputy when referring to ‘deposits' means the total covered liabilities guaranteed by the Government. Under the terms of the Scheme covered liabilities include: senior unsecured debt; asset covered securities; dated subordinated debt (Lower Tier 2); along with deposits (retail, corporate, and interbank). The estimated total amount of covered liabilities under the scheme for the final quarter of 2008 (an average of the end-month liabilities for October, November and December) amounts to €376bn. The banks are paying significant fees in respect of the Guarantee of some €450m per annum, based on the first two quarterly payments. For the institutions covered by the Government Guarantee, the deposits that are covered by the separate Deposit Protection Scheme (on deposits up to €100,000) amount to €90bn.
107 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance his views on recent write-downs of impaired assets by EBS and National Irish Bank; if these write-downs are consistent with expectations as per the recent PricewaterhouseCoopers report; if it is expected that 2009 write-downs at Allied Irish Banks, Bank of Ireland and Anglo Irish Bank will be of a similar, greater or lesser magnitude, in proportionate rather than nominal terms; the way the write-downs of EBS and NIB compare to the stress-testing carried out by PWC on the loan books of the balance sheets at the institutions covered by the bank guarantee; if he will confirm that this stress-testing implied a 2% write-down of total loans outstanding per institution per annum for three years; if this is the worst case scenario according to the PWC report or if stress-testing had been carried out at a higher level of implied write-downs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6370/09]
The Irish banking system comprises multiple and varied institutions, each of which has a balance sheet with differing degrees of exposure to particular asset classes. Any stress-test, whether by the institutions themselves or otherwise would have to take into account the type of assets on the balance sheet and the risk rating of those assets.
It is a matter for each institution's own Board to decide as to the level of provisions to set aside for future write downs and to deal with that in reporting on their financial accounts. Therefore, it would be inappropriate for me to comment on individual cases. I should however, point out that the PricewaterhouseCoopers report, commissioned by the Financial Regulator, does not cover National Irish Bank which is not a covered institution under the Guarantee Scheme.
All of the covered institutions have maintained capital ratios above the regulatory requirements of the Financial Regulator and Central Bank. Furthermore, the Deputy will be aware that the PWC report on the financial position of the six main covered institutions established that capital levels in the institutions in question would remain above regulatory minimums under various loan impairment stress-scenarios.
Nonetheless, the Government has decided on a comprehensive recapitalisation package for Bank of Ireland and Allied Irish Banks providing them with €3.5bn in core tier 1 capital each. This package will reinforce the stability of our financial system, increase the buffer available for impaired loans and facilitate the banks in lending into the economy. Covered institutions generally have significant reserves as well as substantial ongoing profits from their performing loans and other activities, which will act as the first buffer against impaired loans. The Government is also in discussion with other covered institutions (Irish Life & Permanent, EBS & INBS) concerning their respective positions.
108 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Finance the measures he will introduce to minimise the possibility of families losing their homes as a result of rising unemployment, falling house prices, more frequent incidence of negative equity, the prospect of widespread wage deflation and high levels of personal debt; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6360/09]
Measures are already in place to support those who have recently become unemployed and who may experience difficulties in meeting their mortgage payments. For example FÁS has a specific policy in place to deal with redundancies and/or company closures. It offers a tailored approach as early as possible to the workers affected with a view to assisting them to access alternative employment and/or access to relevant skills training. This applies to workers in all sectors.
In terms of support for payment of mortgages, the Mortgage Interest Supplement, administered by the Community Welfare Service of the Health Service Executive on behalf of the Department of Social and Family Affairs, provides assistance where the mortgage relates to a person's sole place of residence. People in debt or in danger of getting into debt can also avail of the services of the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS). This is a national, free, confidential and independent service.
It is a particular priority of the Government to ensure as much as possible that difficulties in relation to mortgage arrears do not result in legal proceedings for home repossession. Home repossession should be, and generally is, the last resort for the lender and the preferred method of dealing with arrears cases should be early intervention.
The finalised recapitalisation scheme announced on 11 February 2009 includes a new code of conduct for Mortgage Arrears, based on the Irish Banking Federation Code of Practice on Mortgage Arrears which has been issued by the Financial Regulator and will come into force on 27 February 2009. The new Code will apply to mortgage lending activities to consumers in respect of their principal private residence in the State and is mandatory for all mortgage lenders registered with the Financial Regulator. Under the mortgage arrears code where a borrower is in difficulty the lender will make every reasonable effort to agree an alternative repayment schedule and will not commence legal action for repossession until after six months from the time arrears first arise.
In addition as part of their recapitalisation scheme, the two banks concerned, A.I.B. and Bank of Ireland, will not commence court proceedings for repossession of a principal private residence until after 12 months of arrears appearing. This is subject to the customer continuing to co-operate with their bank.
109 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Finance the current value of the National Pensions Reserve Fund; the proportion of its total value consisting of cash or near cash holdings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6318/09]
The National Pensions Reserve Fund was established on 2 April 2001 under the National Pensions Reserve Fund Act 2000 with the objective of meeting as much as possible of the cost to the Exchequer of social welfare pensions and public service pensions to be paid from the year 2025 until at least 2055.
A preliminary 2008 end-year valuation of €16,355 million was published in the National Treasury Management Agency's Preliminary Results for the year 2008. This valuation was, in the case of direct quoted investments, based on valuations as of close of business on 30 December and, in the case of indirect investment vehicles, based on the most recently available valuations.
These preliminary results also indicated that the NPRF held cash balances of €1.7 billion (10.4% of the total Fund) at that time.
110 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if he is satisfied that he, the Central Bank and the regulatory authorities have taken adequate steps to stabilise and restore confidence in the banking system in accordance with best practice and good governance; if he plans or expects a return to traditional banking, borrowing, lending and governance practice and principles; if he has sought or received assurances in this regard; when he expects same to be reflected in the markets; if he has quantified the expected economic benefit accruing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6202/09]
The primary concern of both the Central Bank and the Financial Regulator and the Government is the stability of the financial system. Clearly the markets are still very fragile and the authorities continue to monitor this situation very closely.
With respect to the general regulatory framework, the Credit Institutions (Financial Support) Scheme has provided for a more direct engagement with and a heightened oversight of the covered institutions. This will be further developed as required in the light of the various reviews on regulatory reform that are now underway at national and international levels.
In addition, the recent comprehensive recapitalisation of Ireland's two main banks will reinforce the stability of our financial system and increase confidence in our banks' ability to contribute to the economy. The economic benefits of the Government's measures to stabilise the banking system will flow from an increased availability of credit in the economy. As part of the recapitalisation measures, the recapitalised banks have committed to increase lending capacity to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by 10% and to provide an additional 30% capacity for lending to first time buyers in 2009. If the mortgage lending is not taken up, then the extra capacity will be available to SMEs. Compliance with this commitment will be monitored by the Financial Regulator. The recapitalised banks have also agreed to fund and cooperate with an independent review of credit availability, which will be managed jointly by the banks, Government and business representatives.
The Financial Regulator has also worked closely with my Department to introduce new codes, in particular in relation to lending to small and medium enterprise, in an effort to encourage a return to traditional banking services.
The purpose of the Code on business lending is to facilitate access to credit for SMEs for sustainable and productive business propositions. The Code also aims to promote fairness and transparency in the treatment of SMEs by regulated entities and to ensure that regulated entities endeavour to assist borrowers in arrears to meet their obligations or otherwise deal with the situation in an orderly and appropriate manner. The Code will come into effect from 13 March 2009. Firms are expected to take immediate steps towards implementing the necessary changes to systems, procedures and documents and providing relevant staff training and to have completed these changes by 13 September 2009.
The Financial Regulator has also introduced a Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears. This Code is designed to ensure that mortgage lenders take action to assist householders who are in arrears and will apply to all mortgage lenders, including banks, building societies and retail credit firms.
Under the Code, mortgage lenders may only apply to the courts to commence enforcement of legal action for repossession of a customer's primary residence twelve months from the time arrears first arise. A lender may not seek repossession until every reasonable effort has been made to agree an alternative repayment schedule with the borrower. The Code will come into effect on 27 February 2009.
111 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Finance the number of people who availed of tax relief in respect to trade union subscriptions in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008; the cost to the Exchequer of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6309/09]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the most recent year for which the necessary detailed information is available on tax relief for trade union subscriptions is the income tax year 2005, in respect of which some 272,100 claims for tax relief were allowed at an estimated cost to the Exchequer of approximately €11.8 million.
Corresponding information is not yet available for years following 2005.
112 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance the reports which have been presented to him by the McCarthy Spending Review Group to date; the activities involved; the changes proposed; and when they will be presented to Dáil Éireann for consideration. [6277/09]
Under its Terms of Reference, the Special Group on Public Sector Numbers and Expenditure Programmes is required to report to me by end-June 2009. I have received no reports to date but have been kept advised of the Group's progress. The Group has just commenced its work on individual Votes and is working with expedition so as to be in a position to present its recommendations to me as soon as may be.
113 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Finance if the Financial Regulator has launched an investigation into the facilitation by Irish Nationwide Building Society over a period of some eight years of the temporary warehousing of loans made by Anglo Irish Bank to members of Anglo’s board of directors; the progress of such an investigation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6316/09]
The matters in question are under investigation by the Financial Regulator and the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement. These investigations will be followed up by both the regulatory authorities, which have extensive powers.
It would not be appropriate for me to comment further pending the outcome of these investigations.
114 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Taoiseach the last time the Cabinet Committee on Climate Change met; the timeframe for the next meeting; and the schedule for meetings in 2009. [6523/09]
The Cabinet Committee on Climate Change and Energy Security met six times during 2008, most recently on 5 November 2008.
The date of the next Committee meeting has not yet been confirmed, but it is expected to meet before the end of April, with further meetings as required during the remainder of 2009.
115 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Taoiseach the five highest value contracts entered into or authorised by his Department in 2008 for capital spending; the five highest value contracts entered into or authorised for current spending; the company or body awarded the contracts; the value of the contracts; and the nature of the work. [6402/09]
My Department has not signed any contracts for capital spend in 2008. The five highest value contracts for current spend in 2008 are detailed as follows:
|
Company |
Value (Nett of VAT) |
Nature of Work |
|
€ |
||
|
The Economist Intelligence Unit |
337,500 |
Consultancy — independent Review of the Economic Regulatory Environment; |
|
Ipsos MORI |
57,700 |
Consultancy — Survey of Civil Service customers; |
|
Siemens |
44,860 |
Maintenance Contract — Renewal Agreement for Communication Equipment for ISDC & Hipath Systems, Ringmaster and Repartee voicemail; |
|
Hudson Talent Management |
37,647 |
Consultancy — Survey deployment, analysis and reporting for the Organisational Review programme; |
|
Goodbody Economic Consultants |
33,880 |
Provision of economic assistance with the application of Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA); |
116 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Taoiseach the number of regulators under the control of his Department; the function and responsibility of same; the number of staff employed, their outturn for 2008 and budget for 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6505/09]
There are no regulators or regulatory bodies under the control of my Department.
117 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the efforts she has made or proposes to make to stem the flow of manufacturing and service jobs from Ireland to other European and non-European locations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6571/09]
118 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the fact that some economic analysts have concluded that Ireland can no longer compete for jobs in the manufacturing sector, and that this can be a prelude to conceding ability to compete in the service areas also; if she has taken steps or proposes to take action to make efforts to restore competitiveness in both sectors at an early date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6572/09]
119 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason manufacturing and service jobs are being relocated overseas; if she has taken action or proposes to take action to address the contributory causes with a view to reversing this trend; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6573/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 117 to 119, inclusive, together.
There are a variety of differing and complex factors which might influence decisions to relocate all or part of a firm's functions. These factors include business model changes, declining market share, rationalisation of global sites, lack of new products, consolidation due to excess capacity arising from mergers and acquisitions or cost pressures where Ireland may no longer be competitive for certain activities due to the increasing pace of globalisation and competition from low cost economies.
The Irish economy is now one of the most globalised in the world. As a consequence, the uncertainty created by the current international financial crisis has had a significant impact on our economy. Our comparative advantage will increasingly lie in the production of knowledge-intensive goods and services. With that in mind, a range of policies are being pursued to enhance competitiveness and improve the business environment for both manufacturing and services.
Maintaining the competitiveness of the enterprise sector in Ireland is a priority issue for my Department and our development agencies. In order to sustain and grow the manufacturing sector, Irish based manufacturing enterprises will be encouraged and assisted to continue the progression to high value added sectors and activities, and continue to increase productivity through investments in human capital, technology and innovation.
The "Report of the High Level Group on Manufacturing", launched in 2008, identified the focused actions needed by employers, employees and Government to respond to challenges and take advantage of opportunities to further develop the sector in Ireland. The report sets out a number of recommendations directed at key areas of innovation and productivity leading to transformational change, reskilling and management development for the innovative firm, and increasing awareness and take up of existing supports. The Social Partners agreed, as part of the review of "Towards 2016", that a Manufacturing Forum should be established, in line with the recommendations of the High Level Group on Manufacturing. This matter is currently being progressed by my Department in consultation with the Department of An Taoiseach and the Social Partners.
We continue to be one of the world's leading service exporting countries. Over the next ten years, services will be one of the key drivers of Ireland's economic success and job creation. The report of the Services Strategy Group, "Catching the Wave: A Services Strategy for Ireland", sets out new policy proposals on how we can ensure the continued development and growth of Ireland's services sector and outlines how to maximise the future returns to the country from services activities in all enterprises, both current and potential. Implementation of the recommendations of the Services Strategy Group — some of which are already being acted on by the Enterprise Agencies — will enable Irish service companies to exploit new and exciting opportunities, such as eLearning, business and financial services, professional and consultancy services and others.
I am determined to maintain and improve our focus on developing indigenous industry, where we are working consistently and successfully to build Irish exports in world markets. The newly established €60m Growth Fund is designed to assist Enterprise Ireland's small to medium sized clients achieve greater competitiveness by improving their export potential. This will be achieved by increasing gross output and productivity whilst also maintaining existing employment levels in clients throughout all counties. I recently launched Enterprise Ireland's strategy for the internationalisation of Ireland's services sector, which the agency estimates could yield up to €1.14bn in new export sales for Ireland by 2010, and a doubling of exports sales in this sector to €5.25bn by 2015. I also announced Enterprise Ireland's "Going Global Fund" — a €3m government fund specifically aimed at locally traded companies that have successfully established businesses in Ireland and wish to explore opportunities to sell abroad.
The government is committed to ensuring that we continue to create an environment for enterprise that remains among the most favourable in the world and which will position us for long term economic growth through the adoption of this series of proactive policies and strategies that best serve the interests of the manufacturing and services sectors.
120 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the five highest value contracts entered into or authorised by her Department in 2008 for capital spending; the five highest value contracts entered into or authorised for current spending; the company or body awarded the contracts; the value of the contracts; and the nature of the work. [6395/09]
The information requested by the Deputy in respect of contracts entered into from current spending by my Department (including the Offices of my Department such as the Companies Registration Office, the Patents Office, etc.) in 2008 is as set out in the table below.
|
Company Name |
Contract Value |
Purpose of Contract |
|
Enterprise Registry Solutions |
€3,792,600 over 3 years |
IT systems development, maintenance and support |
|
Mr. Bill Shipsey (High Court-appointed Inspector to DCC) |
€1,200,000 |
Investigation into DCC |
|
G4S |
€560,000 over 3 years |
Static Guarding for the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement’s premises |
|
Sword |
€479,337 |
Maintenance, Development and Onsite Support for Patents Office Information and Communications Technology (ICT) “Administration System”. |
|
KPMG |
€273,460 |
Assessment and Report on a specific company’s restructuring plan |
In so far as capital investments funded through my Department's Vote are concerned, these are undertaken by my Department's Agencies such as IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, Science Foundation Ireland etc. and as such are day-to-day matters for the Agencies themselves and not decided on by me or my Department. My Department does not directly expend capital moneys.
121 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the agencies, offices and bodies within the remit of her Department in respect of which details of foreign travel for 2008 were sought and not furnished in a reply to a parliamentary question reply of 27 January 2009. [6408/09]
In a previous reply to the Deputy on 27th January 2009, I provided a figure for the total amount spent by my Department on foreign travel for the period 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2008.
This figure included foreign travel and subsistence expenses in respect of my Department and the Offices under its remit. It also included the foreign travel costs of staff in the National Consumer Agency, for whom my Department processes travel and subsistence claims.
As I indicated in my earlier reply, I do not have details of amounts spent on foreign travel by other agencies under my Department's remit, as payment of these costs is an operational matter for the agencies concerned. The agencies in question are:
Forfás
IDA Ireland
Enterprise Ireland
County Enterprise Boards
FÁS
InterTradeIreland
Science Foundation Ireland
Shannon Free Airport Development Company
National Standards Authority of Ireland
Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority
Competition Authority
Health and Safety Authority
Labour Relations Commission
122 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if, with reference to the National Employment Rights Authority, she will make a statement on a matter (details supplied). [6421/09]
Inspectors of the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA) derive their powers from the following legislation:
Industrial Relations Acts, 1946-2004
Protection of Young Persons (Employment) Act, 1996
The Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997
Parental Leave Act, 1998
National Minimum Wage Act, 2000
Carers Leave Act, 2001
Redundancy Payments Acts, 1967 to 2003
Employment Agency Act, 1971
Protection of Employment Act, 1977
Protection of Employees (Employers' Insolvency) Acts, 1984 to 1991
Payment of Wages Act, 1991
In general, NERA Inspectors have the power to enter any premises at a reasonable time, require sight of records, take copies of records and interview and request information from any relevant person. These are essential powers for any inspectorate to allow meaningful enquiry.
I am informed that NERA Inspectors undertake both "announced" and "unannounced" inspections.
In the case of ‘announced inspections', I understand that it is the practice for an Inspector to contact the employer by letter or telephone to advise the employer that it is intended to carry out an employment rights compliance inspection on their business and to make the necessary arrangements for undertaking the inspection. To assist employers in making sure that the appropriate records required to demonstrate compliance are available, the employer will be notified of the proposed time and date for the inspection together with a list of the records to be made available on the day.
I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that there are circumstances where advance notice could compromise or undermine the effectiveness of employment law enforcement, such as in relation to inspecting for compliance with the Protection of Young Persons Act. In the case of unannounced inspections, the Inspector presents at the place of business and seeks the production of appropriate records.
Detailed procedures and policies are in place governing the conduct of inspections undertaken by NERA in relation to employment rights compliance and NERA operates to an internal Code of Practice in this regard. NERA has also produced a very useful "Guide to Inspections" which is published on NERA's website and can be accessed at www.employmentrights.ie under "Publications."
Additionally, Inspectors are subject to the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour. Inspectors are required to behave in a courteous manner and treat all persons fairly, lawfully, and with respect.
NERA officers also work within the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment's Customer Service Charter in terms of customer service standards. Service standards are monitored and reviewed on a regular basis to reflect customer and stakeholder feedback and experiences. A NERA specific Customer Service Charter will be drawn up and implemented in line with the enactment of the Employment Law Compliance Bill, which will place the Authority on a statutory footing.
123 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the grants available for a person who wishes to train or access up-skilling as a building energy rating assessor; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6458/09]
A number of Skillnets networks are providing Building Energy Rating training courses to their members. Under the Skillnet's model, Skillnets subsidise member companies training needs provided they meet genuine business needs and they use certified courses. Last year Skillnets provided a total of 100 Building Energy Ratings courses, which benefited 377 participants.
For its part FÁS have developed a Building Energy Assessment training course and they are currently in the process of recruiting an instructor to deliver the course. This training course will then be delivered at the FÁS Training Centre at Bannow Road in Cabra, County Dublin.
Priority for attendance at this training course will be given to the unemployed who meet the entry requirements for the course and the normal FÁS selection procedures. The course will be provided to unemployed participants at no cost. This is the only Building Energy Assessment training course, which is being delivered by FÁS. However, FÁS has been notified of a wide range of Building Energy Ratings Assessor training courses from private providers but individuals participating on these courses do not qualify for financial support from FÁS.
124 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of regulators under the control of her Department; the function and responsibility of same; the number of staff employed, their outturn for 2008 and budget for 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6498/09]
Under the Ministers and Secretaries Act 1924, my Department prepares and administers legislation in areas such as commerce, employment rights, occupational safety, health and welfare, competition and consumer rights, chemicals and intellectual property, trade etc. Naturally, in that regard, my Department exercises many regulatory functions.
In addition, a number of Offices of my Department, as well as Agencies which come within my Department's remit, have significant regulatory powers and the information requested by the Deputy in relation to those bodies is set out in the following table:
|
Name of Regulator |
Function & responsibility of the regulator |
Number of staff employed (as at 31 December 2008) |
2008 Out-turn (€m) (estimate if final figure not available). |
2009 Budget (€m) |
|
The Labour Court |
To assist in the resolution of industrial relations disputes and to act as an adjudicative body in relation to issues arising under a variety of employment rights legislation. |
36 |
€3.084m |
€3.285m |
|
Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement (ODCE) |
The ODCE was established under the Company Law Enforcement Act 2001. The Director is charged with the following general mandate: to encourage compliance with company law and to take appropriate investigative or enforcement action where suspected breaches of the Companies Acts occur. |
35.8 plus 8 members of the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation on secondment to the Office whose costs are met from Vote 20 — Garda Síochána |
€4.34m |
€5.47m |
|
Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority (IAASA) |
IAASA was established on a statutory basis in February, 2006 under the Companies (Auditing and Accounting) Act, 2003, as amended. Its four principal functions are: supervise the prescribed accountancy bodies’ regulation and monitoring of their members; monitor certain listed issuers’ statutory financial reporting under the Transparency (Directive 2004/109/EC) Regulations, 2007; promote adherence to high professional standards in the auditing and accountancy profession; act as a specialist source of advice on auditing and accounting matters to the Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment. |
12 |
€0.903m Under the provisions of Section 14 of the Act, IAASA is part-funded by the Prescribed Accountancy Bodies. Total spend for 2008 €1.953m |
€1.344m Under the provisions of Section 14 of the Act, IAASA is part-funded by the Prescribed Accountancy Bodies. Total budget for 2009 €2.699m |
|
Name of Regulator |
Function & responsibility of the regulator |
Number of staff employed (as at 31 December 2008) |
2008 Out-turn (€m) (estimate if final figure not available). |
2009 Budget (€m) |
|
Companies Registration Office (CRO), including the Registry of Friendly Societies (RFS) |
The main functions of the CRO are: enforcement of the Companies Acts to ensure filing of returns provision of public access to company information issuing of certificates of incorporation in respect of new companies maintenance of the register of mortgages and charges registration of business names and limited partnerships The main functions of the RFS relate to Friendly Societies, Industrial and Provident Societies and Trade Unions, and include: registration of new societies and other transactions of existing societies, such as rule amendments and amalgamations, cancellation of societies, and the maintenance of a public office for inspection of documents by the public. |
CRO — 145 RFS — 7 Total — 152 |
€9.798m |
€9.474m |
|
National Consumer Agency (NCA) |
The Agency’s specific mandate includes advocacy, research, information, enforcement, education and awareness. The Agency enforces a wide range of consumer protection laws, including laws on deceptive trading practices (including unfair, misleading and aggressive), consumer credit, package travel, unfair contract terms, timeshare, consumer safety (mandatory standards), food labelling, textile labelling, unit pricing and price displays. |
54(47 of whom are seconded from the Department) |
€7.587m |
€9m |
|
Name of Regulator |
Function & responsibility of the regulator |
Number of staff employed (as at 31 December 2008) |
2008 Out-turn (€m) (estimate if final figure not available). |
2009 Budget (€m) |
|
The Competition Authority |
The Authority is the independent statutory body responsible for enforcing Irish and European competition law in the State. |
54 |
€5.956m |
€5.918m |
|
The Irish National Accreditation Board (INAB) |
The IINAB is the: national body responsible for accreditation in accordance with the EN 45000 series of European Standards and with the ISO 17000 series of International Standards Organisation (ISO) Standards and Guides; national Competent Body for the Eco Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS); national Monitoring Authority for the EU/OECD Good Laboratory Practice Compliance Monitoring (GLP) scheme; competent Authority for the Accreditation of Inspection Bodies under the Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (S.I. No. 407 of 2006); competent Authority with functions under the Chemicals Act 2008 and in support of the REACH Directive. |
13 |
€2.122m*(of which €0.294m is Exchequer Funding)* INAB operates as a department within Forfas and as such accommodation and support services are provided from within the overall Forfás grant allocation. |
€1.962m*(of which €0.444m is Exchequer Funding) |
|
National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) |
The Legal Metrology Services (LMS) is one of a number of functions of the NSAI, and is responsible for the assurance of the infrastructure of trade measures. |
26.5 (Out of a total of 157.3 NSAI staff) |
Estimated out-turn of €3.88m was attributed to LMS |
LMS Budget is €3.98m |
125 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount of money paid out of the Social Insurance Fund in 2007, 2008 and 2009, for redundancy lump sums to people who lost their jobs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6516/09]
Payment of statutory redundancy is, in the first instance, a matter for the employer. An employer who makes a statutory redundancy payment to an employee is entitled to apply for a rebate of 60% of the total cost from the Social Insurance Fund (SIF). Employees are only paid statutory redundancy lump sums from the Social Insurance Fund where the employer is not, due to insolvency, receivership, or examinership in a position to make the payment directly to them.
Set out as follows are the amount of monies paid out of the Social Insurance Fund in respect of redundancy lump sum claims paid directly to employees in the years 2007, 2008 and up to 13th Feb 2009. It should be noted that the figures provided for 2008 and to date in 2009 are provisional figures.
|
Year |
€m |
|
2007 |
7.2 |
|
2008 |
14.1 |
|
2009 |
1.3 |
126 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance if he will clarify the position in relation to a person (details supplied) in County Cork who has paid DIRT on deposit interest and has had this deposit interest included as income for income tax purposes which would result in a double tax. [6374/09]
127 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance if a person (details supplied) in County Cork is in receipt of all tax credits due to them. [6375/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 126 and 127 together.
I have been informed by the Revenue Commissioners that deposit interest retention tax (DIRT) at the rate of 23%, or 20% up to 31 December 2008, is deducted at source by deposit takers — for example, banks, building societies, credit unions, and post offices — from interest paid or credited on deposits of Irish residents. The gross interest derived from a general deposit account is treated as reckonable income for the purposes of self-employed PRSI and the health contribution.
The most recent tax return received by the Revenue Commissioners from the person in question was for tax year 2007. The DIRT deducted at source from the deposit interest income has been allowed for by way of a tax credit on the notice of assessment that has issued to the person in question for 2007. The net effect of this is that the interest has not been taxed twice.
The person concerned has been allowed all tax credits appropriate to her 2007 tax return, based on the information supplied.
128 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance if he will arrange to have a VAT refund made to a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [6376/09]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the VAT claimed by the person concerned under the Value Added Tax (Refund of Tax) (No 15) Order 1981, in respect of the purchase mentioned, has been repaid. A cheque in the amount of €120.33 issued on 10 February 2009, representing a full refund of the VAT paid.
129 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Finance if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will receive a P21 balancing statement for the year end 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6381/09]
I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the taxpayer is jointly assessed with her spouse for income tax purposes. Her spouse is self-employed and therefore, as a chargeable person, must submit an annual Tax Return. A Tax Return Form 11 for 2008 has issued on 16 February 2009. On receipt of completed form a notice of assessment will issue for 2008.
130 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Finance the number of staff being employed by the Financial Regulator’s Office by grade and profession in 2009. [6386/09]
The approved manpower complement for the Financial Regulator for 2009 is 380. Of this 380, 30.6 (8%) are at senior management level; 225 (59%) at senior officer level and 124.4 (33%) clerical/administrative support. The actual staffing level in the Financial Regulator at 31st January 2009 was 371.6, resulting in 8.4 vacancies.
In November 2008, the Financial Regulator advertised to fill an additional 20 contract posts, to support the Government Guarantee scheme. To date, 9 contract staff have been employed for the Government Guarantee Scheme, and the Financial Regulator advises me that the appointment of the balance of contract is staff progressing well.
81% of the Financial Regulator's staff hold a minimum of a third level qualification or higher. 44% have qualifications at master or primary degree level. 21% hold a professional qualification in accounting, legal or actuary. 16% hold other qualifications, including Certificates and Diplomas, such as the Qualified Financial Advisor Diploma.
131 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Finance the five highest value contracts entered into or authorised by his Department in 2008 for capital spending; the five highest value contracts entered into or authorised for current spending; the company or body awarded the contracts; the value of the contracts; and the nature of the work. [6397/09]
The following tables set out the details requested by the Deputy in relation to the five highest contracts for capital and current spending by my Department for 2008.
|
Company or Body awarded contract |
Value |
Nature of Work |
|
€ |
||
|
Farrell Brothers |
440,309 |
Provision of office furniture for new building to facilitate optimum use of floor space |
|
Storage Systems Ltd. |
69,986 |
Provision of compact mobile shelving for file storage system for new building |
|
Carpet Centre |
63,277 |
Provision of carpet for new building |
|
Detail Furniture |
36,980 |
Provision of chairs for conference rooms and offices for new building |
|
Detail Furniture |
31,308 |
Provision of tables for conference rooms and canteen for new building |
|
Company or Body awarded contract |
Value |
Nature of Work |
|
Tetra Ireland |
€400-500 million |
Total potential value for a 10 year contract to provide digital radio communications services and equipment to all emergency and security services of the State on a drawdown basis. Ultimate value dependent on extent of drawdowns used. No Department of Finance expenditure anticipated. |
|
Arthur Cox |
€1,628,024 |
Advice in relation to the Bank Guarantee Scheme and Recapitalisation. |
|
Club Travel |
€1m estimated |
Provision of air travel and related services. Eventual value of contract is dependent on amount of foreign travel undertaken by officials of the Department. |
|
DQ Networks |
€625,562 |
Total potential value for a 5 year contract to provide independent technical and architectural support services on a 24/7/365 basis for the national Government Network. It requires specialist skills and qualifications. |
|
Version 1 Software Ltd |
196,144 |
Development, ongoing support and hosting(to 31/12/2010) of an electronic solution for the capture, storage, aggregation and reporting of project data, and furthermore to provide an electronic solution for expenditure certification process by providing an electronic audit trail from project expenditure declaration to final payment claim to the EU Commission. This project is part-funded by the European Union Structural Funds under the Technical Assistance Priorities of Ireland’s EU Structural Funds Programmes 2007-13. |
The following tables set out the details requested by the Deputy in relation to the five highest contracts for capital and current spending by the Revenue Commissioners for 2008.
|
Company or Body awarded contract |
Value of Contract (incl. VAT) |
Nature of Work |
|
€ |
||
|
Uudenkaupungin Tyovene Oy, Finland |
2,286,343 |
Marine Cutter — To facilitate Customs costal detection duties |
|
Hibernian Computer Services Ltd. |
746,570 |
PCs × 2 lots |
|
Oracle/BEA |
585,640 |
Software Licence Agreement |
|
Fujitsu |
584,979 |
M5000 Veritas Cluster Servers |
|
Eircom/RSA |
514,526 |
ROS PKI replacement |
|
Company or Body awarded contract |
Value of Contract (incl. VAT) |
Nature of Work |
|
Topaz |
266,200 |
Provision of Fuel for Revenue’s Vehicle Fleet |
|
Ailesbury Contract Cleaning |
227,000 |
Daily Office Cleaning — Revenue Offices, Sarsfield House, Limerick |
|
OCS One Complete Solution Ltd |
216,013 |
Daily Office Cleaning — Revenue Offices, Wexford (Various locations) |
|
D.C Kavanagh |
151,119 |
The Production and Issue of Corporation Tax Return Forms in 2008 & 2009 |
|
Claymon Ltd. |
150,000 |
The Provision of a Staff Health Screening Programme |
I have been informed by the Office of Public Works that they are currently collating the information requested by the Deputy and will forward the information directly to the Deputy when this process is completed.
132 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Finance his views in relation to Section 31 of the Finance Bill 2008; the qualifying criteria in terms of the date of 14 October 2008 for companies who wish to apply for an exemption under the provision; if he has plans to alter the provision to allow companies whose first period of trading either commences or concludes within the 12 months to 31 December 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6450/09]
The provisions of section 31 of Finance (No 2) Act 2008 provide for relief from corporation tax for their first 3 years of operation for companies incorporated on and from 14 October 2008 that commence to carry on a new trade in 2009. The relief is granted by reducing the corporation tax on the profits of the new trade and on the gains from disposal of assets used for the purpose of the new trade to nil. Full relief is available where the corporation tax otherwise payable by the company in respect of any of its first 3 years is €40,000 or less. There is marginal relief where the corporation tax liability is between €40,000 and €60,000.
The intention is that this relief will comply with the EU de minimis Aid Regulations. These Regulations set the level of de minimis aid available, generally, at €200,000 over any three year period. In the case of the road transport sector, the figure is €100,000. Any tax relief under the provisions of section 31 of Finance (No 2) Act 2008 will affect the amount of further State aid that a company can receive. The requirement that the company be newly registered ensures that we are starting at the beginning as regards State aids. In addition, with the new company requirement, the new trade will be easily distinguishable from other businesses run by a promoter and/or other related companies which is important so as to ensure against any abuse of the measure.
For these reasons, I had to choose a date to define a ‘new company' under the legislation and incorporation from the date of Budget 2009 is a reasonable approach. If the date was changed to facilitate some, it would still likely impact on someone else. While there may be some additional cost and inconvenience for a small number of individuals or companies, this has to weighed up against the significant benefits being provided under this incentive. I do not propose to amend this requirement of the legislation.
133 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Finance the amount of tax the VRT system provided to the Government for 2008; the amount he expects to receive from this tax structure for 2009; his views on whether there is a need to examine this system of taxation as together with the 6.5% VAT differential between north and south of the border it is causing difficulties for the motor trade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6466/09]
The Exchequer yield from VRT in 2008 was €1.1bn. Given the sharp decline in car sales internationally and in the State, while it is difficult to estimate, a significant reduction in VRT yield is expected in 2009.
A revised VRT system was introduced with effect from 1 July 2008. The aim of the revised VRT system was to rebalance VRT so that consumers would be rewarded for choosing lower CO2 emission vehicles. I have no plans to change the VRT system at this time.
I am conscious of the difficulties being experienced by the motor industry. The condition of the industry is the subject of ongoing discussions between my Department and the Society of the Irish Motor Industry.
134 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Finance the reason VRT and VAT are charged on new cars coming into the State from elsewhere while the VAT differential is not charged on second hand cars; the further reason VRT is not refundable if a person is bringing their vehicle out of Ireland on a permanent basis or if a garage or an individual wants to sell a car out of the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6467/09]
As the Deputy may be aware the application of VAT in EU member States is governed by the VAT Directive which provides that VAT is chargeable on the acquisition of a new motor vehicle by a purchaser in Ireland. Under the Directive VAT is not chargeable on second hand vehicles acquired by an individual in Ireland from another member State. This is to avoid double imposition of VAT in the EU on the same vehicle. However, second hand cars coming from outside the EU are subject to VAT under customs valuation rules. VRT is applied to both new vehicles and second hand imports being registered in the State.
I have no plans to introduce a scheme whereby a person bringing their vehicle out of the State on a permanent basis or selling a vehicle outside the State will obtain a refund of VRT.
135 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Finance the discussions he has had with the banking sector regarding the introduction of Ijara Islamic mortgages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6479/09]
I have had no specific discussions concerning the introduction of such mortgages. However, I understand that the Irish Banking Federation has been considering the issue of Sharia compliant mortgages and I look forward to the outcome of their examination of this issue in due course.
The Deputy may wish to note that there are various types of Sharia compliant mortgages including the Ijara mortgage referred to in the Deputy's question. An Ijara mortgage involves a lease to buy arrangement. A Musharaka mortgage is a similar arrangement but includes shared ownership of the property throughout the life of the loan. Murabaha mortgages, on the other hand, basically involve the property being purchased by the financial institution and sold on at a profit to the consumer in lieu of interest.
136 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the progress made by the Financial Regulator in filling the additional banking supervisory positions advertised in late 2008, including the names and previous work experience of new staff appointments at the Financial Regulator; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6484/09]
Since the implementation of the Government Guarantee Scheme, the Financial Regulator has set up a dedicated unit to supervise and monitor the institutions covered under the Scheme. The unit has responsibility for the ongoing prudential supervision of the covered institutions as well as addressing the responsibilities of the Financial Regulator under the Scheme.
There are currently 26 people working in this Unit. 17 personnel have been assigned from the Financial Regulator to this unit, 11 of whom were already involved in the prudential supervision of the covered institutions. The Financial Regulator has recruited a further 9 individuals to the Bank Guarantee Unit on a contract basis. These contract staff have specialist banking skills, particularly in the areas of lending and liquidity management.
The Financial Regulator advises me that it is currently completing recruitment procedures to retain a further 6 contract staff and that the recruitment process for the remaining 5 of the 20 contract staff is progressing well.
The contract personnel who have been retained have been selected through an extensive process of interview and review from a population of close to 700 applicants for such positions, as advertised by the Financial Regulator in November 2008. The recruitment was staggered to ensure that an immediate priority was first given to appointing Senior Advisors for the oversight team with the recruitment of support staff to follow. A second set of interviews has concluded and a third is now underway. The remaining places on the oversight team will be filled in the coming weeks.
Among the candidates already selected are senior experts in Credit Risk and Credit approval, Treasury, Investment Management, Equity and Liquidity Risk Management and Property Valuation.
137 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Finance the number of regulators under the control of his Department; the function and responsibility of same; the number of staff employed, their outturn for 2008 and budget for 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6500/09]
There is one regulatory body under the control of my Department, The Irish Financial Regulatory Authority, (Financial Regulator). The functions and powers of the Financial Regulator are specified in Section 33C of the Central Bank Act 1942. The approved manpower complement for the Financial Regulator for 2009 is 380. The actual staffing level in the Financial Regulator at 31st January 2009 was 371.6. The estimated expenditure for 2008 was €55.8 million and the final outturn figures will be published in June 2009 following the completion of the annual audit process. The process for the consideration of the Statement of Estimated Income and Expenditure for 2009 is at an advanced stage and will be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas as soon as possible after it has been approved.
138 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance if, with respect to the proposed new pension levy on public sector incomes, the levy is to be taken from employees irrespective of their entitlement to a pension; if the levy is applicable to overtime payments which are not pensionable; if the levy is applicable to travel allowance; if the levy is applicable to people on the integrated pension scheme, that is, employees who have started their employment post-1995 in the public sector; if, in cases in which employees work less than two years in a public sector job and leave, these employees are entitled to get their contributions to the levy returned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6509/09]
It is proposed that the new pension related deduction will apply to all remuneration including allowances. Sums paid in respect of travel and subsistence allowances will not be subject to the deduction. The deduction will be made from gross pay before income tax, PRSI and health levies are calculated. Thus, pension contributions will be effectively relieved of tax at the marginal rate.
It is intended that the pension deduction will apply to employees in bodies where a public service pension scheme exists or may be made. This includes those who started work in the public service post 1995 and whose pensions are calculated using an integration formula effective from 1 January 2004. This system delivers increased pensions to members of public service pension schemes whose full-time salary is less than 3 1/3 times the Contributory State Pension.
With regard to public service employees working in a body where there is or may be a pension scheme, if the employees are not entitled to be members of that scheme, for whatever reason, then it is intended that those employees will not be subject to the deduction. Deductions will be repaid to those who leave the public service with no preserved pension benefit, i.e. with fewer than two years service.
139 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 240 of 30 September 2008, the number of cases in 2008 in which a tenant’s tax credits were restricted on the basis that their landlord resides outside the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6519/09]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that in 2008, a total of 373 taxpayers notified Revenue that they had paid rent to a non-resident landlord. In such circumstances, a reduction in tax credits is automatically created in order to collect the tax that has/should have been withheld by the tenant. This meets the tenant's liability in relation to the tax withheld.
140 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Finance if he will confirm that the public service pension levy will not apply to an institute of technology employee who has a contract of indefinite duration but is not a member of a public service pension scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6521/09]
153 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will support the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 17. [6621/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 140 and 153 together.
Deputy McGrath has provided details of an individual but he will appreciate that I cannot comment on any particular case. However, with regard to public service employees working in a body where there is or may be a pension scheme, if the employees are not entitled to be members of that scheme, for whatever reason, then it is intended that those employees will not be subject to the deduction.
The pension related deduction will be deducted from gross pay by employers before income tax, PRSI and health levies are calculated. Thus, pension contributions will be effectively relieved of tax at the marginal rate. The net reduction of income for the vast majority of public servants will be less than the gross calculated on the basis of the 3 deduction rates and the relevant income bands. An individual's pension contribution or their net income will be subject to many variables, including marital status, dependent children, statutory deductions, etc.
The approach to the pension related deduction is that it applies generally given the fact that all public servants enjoy the benefits of a public service pension which provides for greater security and more favourable terms than the generality of private sector pensions. The graduated approach to the payment is to ameliorate somewhat the impact on lower paid public servants.
141 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [6524/09]
The details submitted with this question would suggest that the issue relates to Capital Acquisitions Tax (CAT) payable on an inheritance and not Capital Gains Tax.
As the person in question inherited the property from a sister-in-law in 2008 the relevant tax free threshold is €26,060 and any amount in excess of this figure is liable to tax at a rate of 20%.
However, it should be noted that while the CAT is due and payable on the Valuation Date, which is the date on which the market value of the property comprised in the inheritance is established, the Revenue Commissioners allow a period of grace and no interest will be incurred, if the CAT is paid within 4 months of that date. In this regard, the Revenue Commissioners cannot comment on the Valuation Date or the actual liability in this case, as no papers, including the Inheritance Tax return, in relation to her inheritance, have as yet been submitted the taxpayer.
The taxpayer should contact Capital Taxes Section, Limerick Tax District, River House, Charlotte Quay, Limerick for any further assistance in this case.
142 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 173 of 11 February 2009, the certain limited terms and conditions of employment under the Postal and Telecommunication Services Act 1983 and the Postal and Telecommunications Services (Amendment) Act 1999 that derive from Eircom employees previous employment in that Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6529/09]
The Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources has primary responsibility for matters relating to eircom and in relation to the Postal and Telecommunication Services Act 1983 and the Postal and Telecommunications Services (Amendment) Act 1999.
As the Deputy is aware, Telecom Éireann was floated on the Stock Exchange as a private limited company in July 1999 and renamed eircom. It is now in the private sector and employees are employees of eircom. The current terms and conditions of employment of all its employees is a matter between eircom as a private company and the employees and the staff unions concerned.
The Postal and Telecommunications Services Act 1983 made provision for the transfer of staff from the then Department of Posts and Telegraphs to Telecom Eireann. The staff transferred became employees of the company on vesting day. The legislation provided that, until such time as they were varied by the company, following consultation with recognised trade unions and staff associations, the terms and conditions of the staff transferring would be no less favourable than those that applied immediately before vesting day.
Similar provisions in respect of pension arrangements were provided for the transferred staff in that provision was made for no less favourable conditions in respect of persons who, immediately before the vesting day, were members of the staff of the Department of Posts and Telegraphs than those to which they were entitled immediately before vesting day.
143 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance the amount of money a political party (details supplied) received from the State, including grants and subventions, each month in 2008 and to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6565/09]
An annual allowance is payable to the parliamentary leader of qualifying parties including the Progressive Democrat Party. Payments to the Progressive Democrats totalling €185,080.70 were made in 2008 as follows:
|
Month |
€ |
|
January |
14,982.44 |
|
February |
14,982.44 |
|
March |
14,982.44 |
|
April |
29,635.26 |
|
May |
17,230.67 |
|
June |
17,230.67 |
|
July |
15,357.06 |
|
August |
11,828.79 |
|
September |
12,212.73 |
|
October |
12,212.73 |
|
November |
8,684.47 |
|
December |
15,741.00 |
Payment of €15,509.60 has also been made for the month of January 2009; the February 2009 payment is not yet processed.
144 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the main pillars in his plan for economic recovery over the next ten years on an annual basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6567/09]
As the Deputy will be aware, the Government has put in place a plan to restore balance to the public finances by 2013. This includes as a priority the elimination of the current budget deficit and bringing the General Government deficit to below 3 per cent of GDP by 2013. The indicative annual adjustments needed to meet this are set out in the Addendum to the Stability Programme Update published in early January.
Capital investment relative to national income remains high, which in the short-run will stimulate the economy and will over the longer-term enhance the productive capacity of the economy and ensure future improvements in living standards.
In addition, the Government's package of measures for the Irish banking system, including significant steps to maintain the stability of the financial system and those taken under the recently announced recapitalisation initiative, will serve to stimulate credit supply and consequently economic recovery.
The Framework for Sustainable Economic Renewal launched by the Taoiseach last December sets out our agenda over the next few years for how we will re-orientate and reprioritise the business of Government to achieve the goal of building a Smart Economy, which will help underpin our future.
The policies now being pursued are being implemented against a backdrop of economic uncertainty both at home and abroad. The absolute priorities are maintaining stability in our financial system as it is vital to a fully functioning economy and society, the restoration of order to the public finances and improving competitiveness.
145 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the undertakings he sought or received from the banking and financial services sectors to ensure the non-recurrence of the state of imprudent lending which has caused the current economic problems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6568/09]
The Government's Guarantee Scheme comprehensively sets out measures under which the commercial conduct of covered institutions is to be governed.
Section 36 of the Scheme regulates the balance sheet growth of covered institutions to ensure that it is not excessive. This function will be monitored by the Financial Regulator, who has recently confirmed to my Department that all the covered institutions are operating within the defined parameters as at 31 December 2008. The monitoring function has been aided through the allocation of additional staff to the banking supervision side of the Regulator.
Section 37 requires a covered institution to "conduct its affairs in a manner that progressively reduces the risk to the Exchequer under its guarantee" having regard for several criteria in particular, as directed by the Governor of the Central Bank and the Financial Regulator, after consultation with me.
Furthermore, section 39 of the Scheme requires a covered institution to limit its exposure to any sector, customer or connected customers where the Financial Regulator, after consultation with the Minister, considers it to be in the public interest, and in the interest of financial stability and confidence in the banking system.
It is also important to note that section 47 of the Scheme requires bonuses and other benefits deriving from performance to be "measurably linked to reductions in guarantee charges, reduction in excessive risk taking and encouraging the long term sustainability of the covered institution".
However, I would like to remind the Deputy that the objective of the Guarantee Scheme and the recapitalisation initiative was not to prevent banks from lending but to ensure that they continued to lend to individuals and SMEs, which is crucial for growth in the economy. In that regard, the recapitalised banks have committed to increase lending capacity to SMEs by 10% and to provide an additional 30% capacity for lending to first time buyers in 2009. If the mortgage lending is not taken up, then the extra capacity will be available to SMEs. Compliance with this commitment will be monitored by the Financial Regulator.
147 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the way it is intended to improve the competitiveness of the economy by way of imposition of the so-called public sector pensions levy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6570/09]
149 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the degree to which he has quantified the extent to which recent budgetary cutbacks are expected to improve the competitiveness of the economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6578/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 147 and 149 together.
The economy's competitive position has deteriorated in recent times. This deterioration has been driven by a combination of factors including a strong euro, wage increases in excess of productivity and a relatively high inflation rate.
As the Deputy is aware, national competitiveness is a shared responsibility of all in society. Regaining our competitive position — which as a small open economy is critical to our economic success — will require each of us to play our part and work towards this end.
For its part, the Government has put in place a budgetary strategy to restore stability to the public finances. This strategy involves a number of measures including reducing and prioritising current expenditure and in this regard, the introduction of a public sector pension levy is a central element. While it is difficult to quantify the precise effects of such measures on national competitiveness, I am confident that Government action to stabilise the public finances will have a positive impact in terms of restoring wider confidence in the Irish economy, thus boosting our attractiveness as a location for inward investment. In addition, to the extent that the public sector pension levy will serve to promote wage adjustment in the private sector via a demonstration effect, there will be a knock-on effect for competitiveness.
I would also point out that by undertaking the necessary adjustments now, the Government will avoid having to take more injurious action in the future. In this way, Government action is supporting the long-term competitiveness of the economy.
More generally, the Government has, and will continue, to support competitiveness. To this end, the Government is committed to maintaining a pro-enterprise environment, and has implemented policies aimed at improving competition in product markets and flexibility in the labour market. For example, in Budget 2009, I re-affirmed the Government's commitment to the 12½ per cent rate of Corporation Tax. The subsequent Finance Act contained a number of very significant changes to the R&D tax credit scheme aimed at encouraging further R&D activity here. In addition, the Government is continuing to prioritise productivity enhancing investment under the National Development Plan.
148 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which he has identified inflationary tendencies in the economy which have caused the transfer of jobs to more cost effective locations overseas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6577/09]
I would like to reassure the Deputy that my Department monitors inflation developments on an ongoing basis. As measured by the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP), annual inflation in Ireland was 1.1% in January 2009. Using the domestic measure — the Consumer Price Index (CPI) — the annual inflation rate was -0.1%. Factoring in the latest ECB rate cut, along with more recent data since the publication of my Department's forecasts in early January 2009, would imply an average CPI inflation rate of around -2.0 per cent in 2009. Taking account of the latest data would imply a broadly flat rate of HICP inflation in 2009.
This current and prospective easing in inflation will be of benefit in terms of the domestic cost base, thus improving national competitiveness and our attractiveness as a location for inward investment. While this is to be welcomed, it must be remembered that the deterioration in the economy's competitive position in recent times has been driven by a combination of factors, not just a relatively high inflation rate. Other relevant factors include wage increases in excess of productivity and a strong euro.
Of these, exchange rates are outside our control. However, wages are clearly within it. Restoring Ireland's attractiveness as a location for foreign direct investment will also require sensible developments in this regard as we move forward. In addition, we must continue to take steps to improve productivity. The prioritisation of productivity enhancing investment under the National Development Plan will play its part in this regard.
150 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which receipts of all forms of taxation including excise duties to date are in accord with projections and targets set in budget 2009; the extent of shortfalls in any area; the measures proposed or intended to compensate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6579/09]
In light of the unprecedented pace of developments in the global and domestic economic environment since the October Budget, the economic and fiscal forecasts were revised and new macro-economic and fiscal forecasts were published.
Consequently, in early January, revised aggregate tax forecasts for 2009 and the following years to 2013 were set out by my Department in the Addendum to Ireland's Stability Programme Update, which was submitted to the European Commission on 9 January last. My Department now expects that tax revenue for 2009 will decline by 9¼%.
Monthly profiles of projected tax receipts are normally published by the end of January every year. However, this year, reflecting the fact that the tax forecasts were revised at the start of January, the publication of tax revenue profiles has been delayed. I expect my Department to publish these tax profiles shortly.
The end-January Exchequer Returns showed tax receipts, at €3,735 million, which were generally in line with expectations. In this regard, tax receipts for January 2009 represent approximately 10% of the forecast receipts for the year and this is in line with the percentage received in previous years. While tax receipts were down 19% year-on-year, it must be taken into account that tax receipts in January 2008 were relatively strong.
151 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if he has assessed the concerns raised by the Free Legal Advice Centre in respect of the proposed code of practice for people with mortgages, in particular in respect of whether lenders can continue to pursue persons who hand back their houses for balances that they say are outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6582/09]
The Financial Regulator published its Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears on 13th February in keeping with the Government's announcement on recapitalisation arrangements. This code applies only to mortgage lending activities to consumers in respect of their principal residence in the State, by all regulated entities operating in the State.
I understand that the Free Legal Advice Centre referred their concerns to the Financial Regulator.
The Financial Regulator's Code regulates the conduct of mortgage lenders but does not alter contractual arrangements between lender and borrower.
152 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Finance the amount paid out in 2008 in corporate tax rebates due to company liquidations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6585/09]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they are not in a position to provide an answer to this question within the timeframe for issue of a reply. Accordingly, they will contact the Deputy in due course when the requisite information has been sourced.
154 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children when a group (details supplied) will receive promised funding in respect of work carried out; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6522/09]
The National Childcare Investment Programme (NCIP) 2006-2010 is implemented by my Office with the assistance of Pobal, who manage the day to day operation of the programme.
I understand that the group in question was approved capital funding under the NCIP of €825,082 in 2007. The group was then required to enter into a post-approval process so that they could proceed to signing a contract with Pobal which would allow for the draw-down of the approved funding. The group was not in a position to proceed to contract within the required timeframe and consequently a decision has been made to decommit the funding. The group has been advised of the outcome and also of their right to appeal the decision.
155 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Health and Children the five highest value contracts entered into or authorised by her Department in 2008 for capital spending; the five highest value contracts entered into or authorised for current spending; the company or body awarded the contracts; the value of the contracts; and the nature of the work. [6399/09]
The information requested by the Deputy is currently being collated within my Department and will be forwarded as soon as it becomes available.
156 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health and Children the measures being put in place to grant community employment child care facilities supplementary funding, due to increased unemployment figures, and the evolving profiles of parents’ incomes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6414/09]
As the Deputy will be aware, I have responsibility for the National Childcare Investment Programme (NCIP) 2006 -2010 under which the Community Childcare Subvention Scheme (CCSS) is implemented.
The CCSS the NCIP continues to provide support funding to community based not for profit child care providers to enable them to charge reduced child care fees to disadvantaged parents. Under the previous child care support scheme, applicants were assessed for funding on the basis of the levels of service provision and disadvantage which they reported. Services were required to tier their fees according to parental circumstances, however, any change in the profile of parents using a service was not reflected in the level of grant aid provided and grant levels were set for periods of up to 3 years.
A significant improvement under the CCSS, is that funding is adjusted on an annual basis and takes account of changes in parental profiles as well as any changes to the level of service provided. In addition, services may apply during the year for a review of their funding, allowing for an even more rapid response to be made. Details regarding the 2009 review date are currently being finalised by officials in my Office and are expected to be advised shortly to services participating in the CCSS.
157 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children when a suitable long-stay bed will be provided for a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [6428/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
158 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will implement the findings of the Mental Health Commission report, The Economics of Mental Health Care in Ireland, which estimates that poor mental health costs the country €3 billion each year; if she will find the promised €25 million for mental health services to achieve the goals of A Vision for Change; if she will implement the recommendations of the health and children sub-committee’s report on the adverse side effect of pharmaceuticals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6461/09]
The Mental Health Commission report, ‘The Economics of Mental Health Care in Ireland' endorses the recommendations in ‘A Vision for Change'. ‘A Vision for Change', which has been adopted as Government policy for the future development of mental health services acknowledges that the costs associated with mental health issues are far-reaching, impacting on the quality of life of individuals and their families, employment and productivity and on the economy in general. This Government is firmly committed to the implementation of ‘A Vision for Change' so that individuals can achieve and maintain optimum mental health for the benefit, both social and economic, of society as a whole.
Substantial resources are invested in mental health services. Overall spending on mental health services in 2007 amounted to €1 billion, and this level of funding continued into 2008 and 2009. Implementing ‘A Vision for Change' is essentially about the reallocation and remodelling of these resources.
The estimated additional cost of the implementation of ‘A Vision for Change' is €150m over 7 — 10 years. Development funding totalling €51.2m was allocated to the HSE in 2006 and 2007, some of which was diverted because of core budgetary pressures. However, I am advised by the HSE that 94% of the €51.2m will be in place before the end of 2009. Additional funding has been provided in 2009 for the recruitment of 35 therapy posts for the child and adolescent mental health service. Once-off funding of €1.75m has also been provided in 2009 for suicide prevention initiatives and for mental health projects supporting service users and carers.
Following the publication of the Oireachtas sub-committee's Report on the Adverse Side Effects of Pharmaceuticals in April 2007, the Irish Medicines Board (IMB) initiated a process to examine the various items raised. This process involved the appointment of independent external consultants and experts in the field of pharmacovigilance and drug safety who conducted a robust assessment of the proposals which was completed in late 2007.
The outcomes of this assessment were communicated to my Department and proposals made concerning conduct of clinical trials and post authorisation studies are already provided for in legislation and are the subject of a range of initiatives. One such initiative underway at European level is an EMEA (European Medicines Agency) project to establish a European Network of Centres for Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacovigilance (ENCePP) to look at ways of establishing studies in the various member states and enhancing the sharing of study data across the EU. The IMB's intensive involvement with the EMEA and European medicines regulation ensures our full engagement with this initiative and access to all resultant patient safety information.
Regarding the handling of Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR) reporting, a number of items highlighted in the Oireachtas sub-committee's report reflected submissions made by the IMB and the consultant's assessment drew attention to the following opportunities which are currently being progressed by the IMB: further development of stakeholder education strategy to include safety issues across the organisation, expanding the current IMB adverse reaction education and awareness programme to a wider health care professional base, members of the public and to enhance the profile of the topic in the media, targeted campaign focussed on improving awareness of adverse reaction reporting among health professionals and the public,the publication of high level adverse reaction data.
The sub-Committee's report referred to the need to increase the reporting of ADRs. Following on from this, the IMB has developed a website which has the capacity to take on-line reporting of adverse reaction reports. This system became operational in 2008 and reports are being taken from both health care professionals and patients. The website can be accessed at; http://www.imb.ie/EN/Safety--Quality/Online-Forms/Human-Medicine-Adverse-Drug-Reaction.aspx.
159 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will take action in the case of a person (details supplied). [6470/09]
As this is a service matter the question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
160 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to publish national guidelines on identifying and responding to the needs of child victims of sexual exploitation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6480/09]
There are no plans to publish specific national guidelines on identifying and responding to the needs of child victims of sexual exploitation. This issue is addressed throughout Children First — the National Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children which was published in September 1999, and recently reviewed. These guidelines are national over-arching guidelines that apply to all individuals and agencies that are dealing with children. They are intended to support and guide health professionals, teachers, and members of the Garda Síochána and the many people in sporting, cultural, community and voluntary organisations who come into regular contact with children. The objectives of the National Guidelines are: to improve the identification, reporting, assessment, treatment and management of child abuse; to facilitate effective child protection work by emphasising the importance of family support services and the need for clarity of responsibility between various professional disciplines; to maximise the capacity of staff and organisations to protect children effectively; to consolidate inter-agency co-operation based on clarity of responsibility, co-ordination of information, and partnership arrangements between disciplines and agencies; to clarify and promote mutual understanding among statutory and voluntary organisations about the contributions of different disciplines and professions to child protection.
The key message of the Children First Guidelines is that responsibility for protecting children must be shared by all adults. Anyone who works with, has responsibility for, or comes into contact with, children should be aware of the signs of abuse, be alert to the possibility of abuse, and be familiar with the basic procedures to report their concerns. While the Children First Guidelines are not statutory, they still bring with them very clear responsibilities for those who become aware of child protection issues, of which sexual exploitation is one aspect. The consistent application of the Children First Guidelines is being addressed by the HSE through ongoing standardisation of Child Welfare and Protection business processes (this project is expected to be completed in 2009) and the refocusing of social work services through the ongoing Social Work Reform programme. "Sexual exploitation" of a child, as defined in the Children First Guidelines, includes inciting, encouraging, propositioning, requiring or permitting a child to solicit for, or to engage in, prostitution or other sexual acts. Sexual exploitation also occurs when a child is involved in the exhibition, modelling or posing for the purpose of sexual arousal, gratification or sexual act, including its recording (on film, video tape or other media) or the manipulation, for those purposes, of the image by computer or other means. It may also include showing sexually explicit material to children which is often a feature of the "grooming" process by perpetrators of abuse. Sexual exploitation can involve situations of sexual victimisation where the person who is responsible for the exploitation may not have direct sexual contact with the child. Two types of this abuse are child pornography and child prostitution.
All child abuse reports to social work departments are subject to a phased process of initial screening and assessment, aimed at providing appropriate interventions. In addition, there are legislative mechanisms in place which also allow for responses from Gardaí (for example to take a child to safety in emergency situations relating to welfare and protection).
The Criminal Law (Human Trafficking) Act, 2008 was enacted in June, 2008. The Act criminalises trafficking in children and adults for the purposes of sexual and labour exploitation or the removal of their organs. It also makes it an offence to sell or offer for sale or to purchase or offer to purchase any person for any purpose. Penalties of up to life imprisonment apply in respect of these offences. In addition to the Criminal Law provisions, an Interdepartmental High Level Group has been established by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform to recommend the most appropriate and effective responses to trafficking in human beings to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. The HSE and OMCYA are represented on this group. One of the five interdisciplinary groups established by the High Level Group is looking at sexual exploitation issues.
The Anti-Human Trafficking Unit was established in the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform in February 2008 to ensure that the State's response to trafficking in human beings is coordinated, comprehensive and holistic. A key element of this strategy will be the development of a National Action Plan to Prevent and Tackle Trafficking in Human Beings to be approved by the High Level Group for submission to the Minister. This Action Plan will assist the Government in curbing human trafficking and ensure that victims are helped and treated accordingly.
The issue of separated children seeking asylum going missing from care has given rise to concern. A new national protocol regarding all children who go missing from care has been drafted by the HSE and An Garda Síochána and I understand that it is awaiting final sign off by both organisations. Separated children are dealt with specifically in this protocol. The HSE work closely with the Garda Missing Persons Bureau on this matter.
Legislative provisions covering the issue of sexual exploitation of children include Section 176 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006, which deals with sanctions for those not reporting child abuse i.e reckless endangerment of children. Under the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) (Amendment) Act 2007, it is an offence to meet a child for the purpose of sexual exploitation following grooming. The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform is also considering measures to make grooming an offence. Ireland ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1992. The Convention is in essence a "bill of rights" for all children. It contains rights relating to every aspect of children's lives including the right to survival, development, protection and participation. Articles 34 and 35 refer respectively to the protection of children from sexual exploitation and from sale, trafficking and abduction.
A Senior Officials group, comprising the OMCYA, the HSE, An Garda Síochána, Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Department of Education and Science was established in 2008, with a focus to ensure that there is full awareness of child protection policies, guidelines and procedures, to consider how to ensure better knowledge of the Children First Guidelines, better training and education about the Guidelines, to consider processes and protocols for information exchange to ensure full adherence to the Guidelines, and to advise myself accordingly.
161 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the sources of available funding for a play-school project (details supplied). [6490/09]
As the Deputy will be aware, I have responsibility for the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006 -2010 (NCIP).
One of the main elements of the NCIP is the delivery of capital grant assistance to both community based/not for profit and commercial child care providers to build, renovate or equip child care services. The maximum capital grant available under the NCIP for the building or expansion of a community based/not for profit facility is €1.2 million and for a commercial facility the maximum is €100,000.
Childcare providers who wish to apply for funding under the NCIP should, in the first instance, contact their local County Childcare Committee. In the case of the play-school project in question, the contact details for Mayo County Childcare Committee are Chambers House, Ellison Street, Castlebar, tel: 094 9047010 and email: mayochildcare@mayococo.ie.
162 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of regulators under the control of her Department; the function and responsibility of same; the number of staff employed, their outturn for 2008 and budget for 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6502/09]
The twelve agencies under the aegis of my Department discharging regulatory functions can be categorised as follows: six regulators of health care professions; one regulator of health insurance; five agencies, directly funded under the aegis of my Department, whose functions include (amongst other statutory responsibilities) a regulatory role in health related matters such as standards of safety, protection and quality, education and training, medical devices and health care products.
The following table sets out the principal functions of these agencies, the number of staff employed in each of them and, in the case of these agencies which are directly funded by my Department, the final draw down of funding for 2008 and the provisional allocation for 2009.
|
Regulator |
Functions |
Staffing (WTE) |
Final Drawdown 2008 |
Provisional Allocation 2009 |
|
Medical Council |
The principal functions of the Council are to regulate the medical profession in the State including the promotion of high standards in education and professional conduct amongst members and the establishment and maintenance of a register of those engaged in the medical profession. |
47.5 |
Self-funding by way of annual membership fees |
Self-funding by way of annual membership fees |
|
Dental Council |
The principal functions of the Council are to promote high standards of professional education and professional conduct amongst dentists in the State and to establish and maintain a register of dentists and dental specialists. |
5 |
Self-funding by way of annual membership fees |
Self-funding by way of annual membership fees |
|
Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland |
The principal functions of the Society are regulate the profession of pharmacy in the State having regard to the need to protect, maintain and promote the health and safety of the public and to promote and ensure high standards of education and training together with the establishment and maintenance of a register of those engaged in the profession. |
19.5 |
Self-funding by way of annual membership fees |
Self-funding by way of annual membership fees |
|
Opticians Board |
The principal functions of the Board are to act as the regulatory body for optometrists and dispensing opticians in the State and approve the education and training of the profession together with the establishment and maintenance of a register of those practicing in the profession. |
1 |
Self-funding by way of annual membership fees |
Self-funding by way of annual membership fees |
|
An Bord Altranais |
The principal functions of the Bord are to provide for the registration, control and education and training of nurses in the State and to provide for other matters relating to the practice of nursing and the persons engaged in such practice. |
49.5 |
Self-funding by way of annual membership fees |
Self-funding by way of annual membership fees |
|
Health & Social Care Professionals Council |
The principal functions of the Council are to provide for the establishment and functions of the Health and Social Care Professionals Council and of registration boards of certain designated health and social care professions; to provide for the registration of persons qualifying to use the title of a designated profession and for the determination of complaints relating to their fitness to practice; and to provide for related matters. |
2(in start up mode at present) |
€0.315m(Anticipated to be self-funding once fully operational) |
€1.000(Anticipated to be self-funding once fully operational) |
|
Regulator |
Functions |
Staffing (WTE) |
Final Drawdown 2008 |
Provisional Allocation 2009 |
|
Health Insurance Authority |
The principal functions of the Authority are to act as a regulatory body for health insurance in Ireland and to license private health insurers, manage and administer any risk equalisation scheme established under the Health Insurance Acts together with providing information and assistance to consumers of the private health insurance market. |
8.6 |
Self-funding by way of a charge on the industry. |
Self-funding by way of a charge on the industry. |
|
Regulator |
Functions |
Staffing (WTE) |
Final Drawdown 2008 |
Provisional Allocation 2009 |
|
Health Information and Quality Authority |
The principal functions of the Authority are to set standards on safety and quality in relation to services provided by or on behalf of the Health Service Executive, to monitor compliance with standards, to undertake investigation as to the safety, quality and standards of services, to evaluate the clinical and cost effectiveness of health technologies and to evaluate and set standards for health information. |
59 |
€14.800m |
€14.100m |
|
Mental Health Commission |
The principal functions of the Commission are to promote encourage and foster the establishment and maintenance of high standards in the delivery of mental health services and to take all reasonable steps to protect the interests of persons detained in approved centres under the Mental Health Act, 2001. |
47.3 |
€16.600m |
€20.081m |
|
Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council |
The principal functions of the Council are responsibility for standards, education and training in the field of pre-hospital emergency care services and establishement and maintainenance of a register of pre-hospital emergency care practitioners. |
16 |
€3.438m |
€3.377m |
|
Food Safety Authority |
The principal functions of the Authority are to protect consumer’s health and consumers interests by ensuring that food consumed, distributed, marketed or purchased in the State meets the highest standards of food safety and hygiene. |
88.4 |
€18.505m |
€18.489m |
|
Irish Medicines Board |
The principal functions of the Board are to protect and enhance public and animal health through regulation of medicine, medical devices and health care products. |
245.3 |
€4.993m |
€4.957m |
163 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of beds in Sligo General Hospital on 1 January 2007, 1 January 2008 and 1 January 2009; if there is a change in the number of beds available; the way this came about; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6526/09]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
164 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children if medical cardholders are entitled to chiropody services in situations in which these services are essential as a result of their medical condition; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that these services are not available in some parts of the country to people who are under 65 years; if she will address this problem; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6527/09]
There is no statutory obligation on the Health Service Executive (HSE) to provide chiropody services to GMS patients. However, in practice, arrangements have been made in several regions to provide these services. Before the establishment of the HSE the nature of any arrangements for community chiropody services and the level of service provided were a matter for individual health boards and so a degree of variation in practice developed over time. I understand that priority is usually given to certain groups of people, including people who are medical card holders aged 65 years and over. In several regions the service is provided by private chiropodists by arrangement with the HSE.
My Department is currently preparing legislation to clarify and update existing legislation on eligibility for health and personal social services.
165 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that Ireland’s bilateral adoption agreement with Vietnam expires on 1 May 2009; and if discussions have taken place with the relevant Vietnamese authorities to facilitate a new agreement being put in place and applicable as and from 1 May 2009 to facilitate the adoption of Vietnamese children by Irish couples. [6474/09]
The Adoption Bill, 2009, which will give force of law to the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption, was published on Friday 23rd January. Under the new legislation, prospective adoptive parents will be able to adopt from countries which have also ratified the Hague Convention, and countries with which Ireland has a bilateral agreement which meets Hague standards.
While it is true to say that our current Agreement with Vietnam is based on Hague principles, as part of the preparations for our new legislation we need to ensure that our Agreement reflects the Hague Convention as comprehensively as possible. A new Agreement allows the opportunity to elaborate and strengthen some existing provisions to meet the standards which it is anticipated will be set in draft legislation. There have been considerable developments in intercountry adoption in Vietnam since the Agreement was signed 5 years ago. This progress also needs to be reflected in any new Agreement.
In December 2008, the Irish Government issued a formal request to the Vietnamese Authorities stating that we wish to enter into discussions immediately for the purpose of negotiating a new Agreement to follow on from the existing Agreement which will expire on 1 May 2009. The Vietnamese Authorities have responded positively to Ireland's request.
Ireland offered to provide the Vietnamese Authorities with the text of a draft agreement as a basis for negotiations. An initial draft was prepared by my officials and was submitted to colleagues in the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Attorney General's Office for their consideration in December 2008.
At present, the text of the draft is being finalised following the receipt of legal advices. Once the text of the draft has been agreed between the OMCYA, the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Attorney General's Office it will be forwarded to the Vietnamese Authorities for their consideration. It is anticipated that we will be in a position to forward this draft to Vietnam very shortly.
The work to prepare for and advise the Government on this issue and the implementation of Government's decisions is being given the highest priority. These are complex matters which require careful consideration. At all times, the Minister and the Government, and officials advising them, are guided by the need to respect and protect the best interests and rights of the child.
166 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children the action taken by her and by the Minister of State for children since the publication on 31 July 2008 of the national review of compliance with Children First, national guidelines for the protection and welfare of children to ensure the guidelines are fully implemented and uniformly applied throughout the State; and if she is satisfied that upon a report being made to the Health Service Executive of a child at risk, there will, in all cases, be a prompt and comprehensive assessment into the circumstances of the child and all necessary intervention required in accordance with the guidelines and the provisions contained in the Child Care Act of 1991 as amended. [6672/09]
The provision of appropriate robust and responsive child welfare and protection services is a key priority for both myself, as Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, and the Government.
I understand from the Health Service Executive that the consistent application of the Children First Guidelines is being addressed by the HSE through the ongoing standardisation of Child Welfare and Protection business processes (this project is expected to be completed in 2009) and the refocusing of social work services through the ongoing Social Work Reform programme.
A Senior Officials group, comprising the OMCYA, the HSE, An Garda Síochána, Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Department of Education and Science was established in 2008, with a focus to ensure that there is full awareness of child protection policies, guidelines and procedures, to consider how to ensure better knowledge of the Children First Guidelines, better training and education about the Guidelines, to consider processes and protocols for information exchange to ensure full adherence to the Guidelines, and to advise me accordingly.
All child abuse reports to social work departments are subject to a phased process of initial screening and assessment, aimed at providing appropriate interventions. In addition, there are also legislative mechanisms in place which also allow for responses from Gardaí (for example to take a child to safety in emergency situations relating to welfare and protection).
In relation to that part of your question relating to a report being made to the Health Service Executive of a child at risk, as this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
167 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will make a commitment that the young people’s facilities and services fund will maintain its drugs focus in the context of its transfer to the Office of the Minister for Children. [2650/09]
As you may be aware, further to the Taoiseach's announcement in May 2008, arrangements to transfer responsibility for the Young People's Facilities & Services Fund (YPFSF) to the Office of the Minister for Children & Youth Affairs have recently been completed.
Since it was established in 1998, the Government has allocated over €150m under the Young People's Facilities and Services Fund (YPFSF) to assist in the development of youth facilities (including sport and recreational facilities) and services in disadvantaged areas where a significant drug problem exists or has the potential to develop. Approximately €66m has been provided for capital developments, which include the building, upgrading, fit-out and refurbishment of some 220 youth and community facilities in the different target areas.
Over €20m, in capital and current funding has transferred from the Department of Community, Rural, & Gaeltacht Affairs Vote to the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (OMCYA). I am confident that the transfer will assist in ensuring the most strategic use of this Fund and other youth programmes under my overall remit. I can assure the Deputy that my officials are liaising with the existing National Assessment Committee to ensure the focus and objectives of the Fund are protected and promoted in the OMCYA. In 2009, current funding of the order of €17m is provided to support the employment of approximately 408 youth and outreach workers, centre managers, sports development officers and administration staff.
Overall, I believe that the Fund has had a very positive impact on communities since it commenced nearly 10 years ago. Over the years, the areas covered under the Fund had been marked by a serious dearth of facilities and services and many of the clubs and community groups in those areas had traditionally not been able to access funding from other mainstream schemes to the same extent as other more affluent areas.
I am confident that the integration of this Fund into the OMCYA will continue to provide a cohesive and comprehensive response to the needs of all young people, including those at risk of drug use.
168 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Transport the five highest value contracts entered into or authorised by his Department in 2008 for capital spending; the five highest value contracts entered into or authorised for current spending; the companies or bodies awarded the contracts; the value of the contracts; and the nature of the work. [6403/09]
The information requested by the Deputy is being compiled and will be forwarded as soon as possible.
169 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport the agencies, offices and bodies within the remit of his Department in respect of which details of foreign travel for 2008 were sought and not furnished in to a reply to a Parliamentary Question of 27 January 2009. [6412/09]
The details of foreign travel for agencies, offices and other bodies under the remit of the Department is a matter for the agencies themselves and, therefore, they were not requested by my Department to furnish such details.
170 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Transport his proposals for reform of travel trade regulation, with particular reference to the submission of an association (details supplied) to the Commission on Aviation Regulation and the CAR recommendations to him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6446/09]
Statutory responsibility for regulation of the travel trade rests with the Commission for Aviation Regulation. However, as the existing legislative framework for the regulation of the travel trade has been in existence since 1982, in May last year I asked the Commission to undertake a comprehensive review of the travel trade legislation. The purpose of the review was to assess the operation of the current regulatory arrangements and to recommend any reforms that may be warranted.
Following an extensive consultation process, the Commissioner submitted its report to me on 30 December 2008 which I have published on my Department's website www.transport.ie.
On 11 February 2009 I met with representatives of the Irish Travel Agents Association who outlined their proposals for the reform of travel trade regulation.
I am currently examining the findings and recommendations of the Commission's report and I will also consult with my colleague, the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, on the report's findings in the context of consumer protection policy generally.
171 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Transport the number of regulators under the control of his Department; the function and responsibility of same; the number of staff employed, their out-turn for 2008 and budget for 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6506/09]
The information requested by the Deputy is contained in the following table:
|
Name of Regulator |
Responsibility |
No. of staff |
Out-turn (budget for 2008) |
Budget for 2009 |
|
Railway Safety Commission |
The RSC is the independent safety regulator for the railway network in Ireland, including the Irish Rail suburban and mainline railway, the Luas, heritage railways and industrial railways. |
11 |
€1.68m |
€3.44m |
|
Commission for Taxi Regulation |
The Commission for Taxi Regulation is an independent public body established under the Taxi Regulation Act 2003. The principal function of the Commission is the development and maintenance of a regulatory framework for the control and operation of small public service vehicles (SPSVs) and their drivers to ensure a quality, consumer-oriented service for SPSV users. |
22 |
The accounts for 2008 are currently being drafted and following the audit by the Controller and Auditor General they will be forwarded to the Minister. |
The expected outlay for the Commission is €7.5 million |
|
Commission for Aviation Regulation (CAR) |
To regulate airport charges and air traffic control charges at the three State airports. The approval of ground-handling operators at the State airports. Implementation of certain aspects of Community legislation in relation to the allocation of aircraft landing and take-off slots. The licensing of Irish air carriers and the licensing of travel agents and tour operators in Ireland. The enforcement in Ireland of the European Community rules in respect of compensation and assistance to passengers in relation to denied boarding, cancellation and delays. |
21 |
CAR is a self-financing body and does not receive any State funding |
CAR is a self-financing body and does not receive any State funding |
|
Irish Aviation Authority Safety Regulation Division. |
Aeronautical Services Department: Responsible for the licensing and certification of aerodromes, airspace classification, instrument flight procedures and aeronautical charts.Air Navigation Services Department: Responsible for regulating air traffic control service providers.Airworthiness Department: Responsible for regulating aircraft certification and maintenance standards, and ramp inspections of foreign aircraft.Flight Operations Department: Responsible for surveillance and oversight of industry flight training and operating standards. |
76 |
€12.0 million |
€12.5 million |
172 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, further to Parliamentary Question No. 117 of 12 February 2009, the number of cyclists who have been prosecuted and the fines that have been imposed for not being correctly lit up; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6530/09]
173 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of cyclists who have been prosecuted for breaching traffic lights in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6531/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 172 and 173 together.
The Garda Síochána Act 2005 makes provision for the compilation and publication of crime statistics by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose.
I have requested the CSO to provide the statistics sought by the Deputy directly to her.
174 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of people who were committed to prison in the past five years for non-payment of fines following court proceedings initiated by An Post for not having a television licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6380/09]
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table below.
These figures relate to persons committed to prison for breach of the Broadcasting and Wireless Telegraphy Act 1988, where a fine or a prison sentence or indeed both may be imposed for not having a television licence.
|
Year |
Total |
|
2004 |
51 |
|
2005 |
52 |
|
2006 |
31 |
|
2007 |
32 |
|
2008 |
54 |
I can advise the Deputy that such persons held in custody are held for very short periods of time and comprise a tiny fraction of the overall prisoner population. To illustrate this point, figures relating to 16 February, 2009, indicate that there was only 1 person in custody for non-payment of fines in relation to not having a television licence.
175 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the five highest value contracts entered into or authorised for current spending; the companies or bodies awarded the contracts; the value of the contracts; and the nature of the work. [6400/09]
I can inform the Deputy that in 2008, five companies were in receipt of highest value contract expenditure within a range of €5.8 million to €14.1 million from my Department. Four of the companies provide asylum seeker accommodation while the fifth provides IT, risk management and other consultancy services.
176 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the agencies, offices and bodies within the remit of his Department in respect of which details of foreign travel for 2008 were sought and not furnished in to a reply to a Parliamentary Question of 27 January 2009. [6410/09]
I refer the Deputy to my answer of 27 January. As I indicated in that reply, there are in the region of 40 separate agencies and bodies under the remit of my Department. Compilation of the information sought is a significant task complicated by the fact that certain bodies compile their accounts extraneously to the Department's financial system and as such details of their foreign travel and other expenditure will not be available until their accounts are published. When this information is to hand, I will provide it to the Deputy.
177 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of regulators under the control of his Department; the function and responsibility of same; the number of staff employed, their out-turn for 2008 and budget for 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6503/09]
I can inform the Deputy that there is only one body under the aegis of my Department which has a regulatory function and that is the Private Security Authority (PSA), the establishment of which was supported by the Deputy's Party. The PSA, which was established pursuant to the Private Security Services Act, 2004, is the statutory body with responsibility for licensing and regulating the private security industry.
In 2008 the PSA had expenditure of €2.3 million and generated revenue of €2.6 million in licence fees. The PSA's budget for 2009 is €2.3 million. It has 38 members of staff.
178 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the five highest value contracts entered into or authorised by his Department in 2008 for capital spending; the five highest value contracts entered into or authorised for current spending; the companies or bodies awarded the contracts; the value of the contracts; and the nature of the work. [6398/09]
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following tables:
|
Contract /Nature of Work |
Party awarded Contract |
Estimated value (full duration of contract) |
|
Technical support and maintenance of the Automated Passport System |
BearingPoint Ireland Limited |
€5.38 million (excluding VAT) over a maximum duration of 3 years. |
|
On-site technical resources for the Department’s ICT Helpdesk services |
BT Communications Ireland Limited |
€5.022 million (excluding VAT) over a maximum duration of 4 years. |
|
Supply of Passport Application Forms |
Ebrook Limited, trading as DC Kavanagh |
€1.47 million (excluding VAT). This figure represents the value of the maximum volume over two years as provided for in the contract. The actual outturn may be less. |
|
ICT Security analysis and advisory services. These services are required to help ensure the security, integrity of the Department’s ICT systems and in particular the security of data contained in those systems. |
Bianconi Research Limited, trading as RITS Information Security. |
€480,000 (excluding VAT). This is the current estimated value of services that may be drawn down over the maximum four-year duration of the contract. |
|
Evaluation of the International Partnership for Microbicides. |
FSG Special Impact Advisors |
€342,400 (including VAT) |
|
Contract /Nature of Work |
Party awarded Contract |
Estimated value (full duration of contract) |
|
Major refurbishment of official premises, Ottawa. |
Lundy Construction Ltd. |
Work is ongoing and the estimated overall cost of this project is €4 million, including VAT. |
|
Major refurbishment of Chancery premises, The Hague. |
Systobouw B.V. |
Work is ongoing and the estimated overall cost of the refurbishment works is €2 million, including VAT. |
|
Purchase of official premises, Pretoria, Republic of South Africa. |
Veronique Kritzinger |
Cost was €1.3 million |
|
Major refurbishment of official residence, The Hague |
Van Hoogevest |
Cost was €960,000 (including VAT) |
|
Development of computerised Consular Case Management and Crisis Management System to enhance delivery of consular assistance to Irish citizens abroad, particularly in crisis/natural disaster situations |
WorldReach Software Corporation |
Work is nearing completion and the value of the contract is €405,128 (excluding VAT). |
It should be noted that the capital allocation for my Department, all of which is administrative capital, was reduced from €20.647m in 2008 to €13.944m in 2009, a reduction of some 32%. As part of the current round of savings, this allocation will now be reduced a further €878,000.
The refurbishments of the State-owned properties referred to in the table constitute an investment for the future. In relation to works in the Hague, the investment will allow my Department sell the existing Chancery premises, with the proceeds returning to the Exchequer.
179 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has communicated to the new United States administration his opposition to extraordinary rendition, the detention facility at Guantánamo and intensive interrogation techniques such as water-boarding which are internationally considered to constitute torture; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6420/09]
The Government's opposition to extraordinary rendition and to the use of intensive interrogation techniques such as water-boarding, which are internationally considered to constitute torture, and its support for the early closure of the detention facility at Guantánamo Bay, have been made clear on many occasions. This position was communicated by our Embassy in Washington to the incoming US administration during the transition period following last November's election. Since the inauguration of President Obama it has been re-confirmed to the US Embassy here. The issues involved were most recently discussed at a meeting between officials of my Department and of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and a senior State Department representative in Dublin on 9 February.
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. I have warmly welcomed his decision to close the detention facility at Guantánamo Bay within a year. I also welcome provisions in the Executive Order entitled ‘Ensuring Lawful Interrogations' which relate to the prohibition of interrogation methods incompatible with the Geneva Conventions, to the expeditious closure of CIA facilities, and to the need to ensure access to all prisoners by the International Committee of the Red Cross. Taken together, these measures represent an important step towards meeting our concerns regarding Guantánamo.
The President has also established 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'.
While we would prefer to see a clear renunciation of the practice of rendition in any circumstances, the Special Task Force's terms of reference include some clearly very positive elements. 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.
180 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of regulators under the control of his Department; the function and responsibility of same; the number of staff employed, their out-turn for 2008 and budget for 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6501/09]
There are no regulators under the control of my Department. Some of the services provided by the Department of Foreign Affairs have a regulatory element, such as the issuing of passports. However, this relates to a customer service being provided by the Department rather than the regulation of activities by external stakeholders.
181 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the five highest value contracts entered into or authorised by his Department in 2008 for capital spending; the five highest value contracts entered into or authorised for current spending; the companies or bodies awarded the contracts; the value of the contracts; and the nature of the work. [6390/09]
The information sought by the Deputy is being collated and will be forwarded to him shortly.
182 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the agencies, offices and bodies within the remit of his Department in respect of which details of foreign travel for 2008 were sought and not furnished in to a reply to a Parliamentary Question of 27 January 2009. [6405/09]
In the reply referred to by the Deputy information relating to the expenditure by the Department on foreign travel was provided. The management of travel expenses in agencies within the remit of the Department is a matter for the agencies themselves. The agencies are required to implement their travel policy in line with the relevant Department of Finance circulars. The agencies, offices and bodies within the remit of my Department are:
An Chomhairle Ealaíon (The Arts Council);
Bord na gCon (Irish Greyhound Board);
Chester Beatty Library;
Council of the National Cultural Institutions;
Crawford Art Gallery Cork;
Fáilte Ireland;
Horse Racing Ireland;
Irish Film Board;
Irish Manuscripts Commission;
Irish Museum of Modern Art;
Irish Sports Council;
National Concert Hall;
National Gallery (Vote 33);
National Library of Ireland;
National Museum of Ireland;
National Sports Campus Development Authority;
Shannon Free Airport Development Co. Ltd Tourism Development;
Tourism Ireland Ltd (North/South Body)
183 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of regulators under the control of his Department; the function and responsibility of same; the number of staff employed, their out-turn for 2008 and budget for 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6493/09]
There are no dedicated regulators/regulatory offices under the direct control of the Department. However, some agencies under the Department's aegis perform regulatory functions as part of broader organisational functions.
184 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the five highest value contracts entered into or authorised by his Department in 2008 for capital spending; the five highest value contracts entered into or authorised for current spending; the companies or bodies awarded the contracts; the value of the contracts; and the nature of the work. [6392/09]
It has not been possible to compile the information requested by the Deputy in the time available. I will arrange to forward the details to the Deputy as soon as possible.
185 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the agencies, offices and bodies within the remit of his Department in respect of which details of foreign travel for 2008 were sought and not furnished in to a reply to a Parliamentary Question of 27 January 2009. [6406/09]
I refer the Deputy to Question No. 906 of 27 January 2009 and to the revised reply submitted on 4 February 2009, which sets out the relevant information in relation to public bodies funded from my Department's Vote Group.
186 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of regulators under the control of his Department; the function and responsibility of same; the number of staff employed, their out-turn for 2008 and budget for 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6495/09]
The position is that at present there is only one office — Oifig an Choimisinéir Teanga — with what might be termed regulatory functions that is funded from my Department's Vote Group.
Oifig an Choimisinéir Teanga is an independent, statutory office whose role and functions are set out in Part 4 of the Official Languages Act 2003. Essentially, the role of the Office is to monitor compliance by public bodies with the provisions of that Act. A total of 8 staff, including the Coimisinéir, is currently employed. The provisional out-turn for the Office in 2008 was €831,000. An allocation of €968,000 was indicated for the Office in the 2009 Budget Estimates.
187 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount of money allocated to the dial to stop drug dealing programme in 2009; the locations at which this money will be spent; if funding will be extended into 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6517/09]
An indicative allocation in the amount of €300,000 has been approved under the Dormant Accounts Fund for the final two phases of the Dial to Stop Drug Dealing campaign in 2009.
The campaign will be run in a number of Local and Regional Drugs Task Force areas and I expect to have Government approval shortly on the specific proposals involved. These two phases of the campaign will follow on from the earlier phase which was successfully run in 2008 with funding provided by my Department (€100,000) and the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform (€50,000).
With regard to any future funding, as the Dormant Accounts funding is once-off in nature, the €300,000 referred to above is the total that will be allocated. As the allocation for funding for drugs initiatives in my Department in 2009 is fully committed, I regret that there is no scope, at present, for further campaigns. Neither do I envisage any additional campaigns in 2010.
The Deputy should note that the confidential number used in the campaign is open for all to use, regardless of which area they come from. This was highlighted during the national launch.
188 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the five highest value contracts entered into or authorised by her Department in 2008 for capital spending; the five highest value contracts entered into or authorised for current spending; the companies or bodies awarded the contracts; the value of the contracts; and the nature of the work. [6401/09]
The Department has a major programme of business, organisational and technological change underway to enable it to modernise the services that it provides to its customers. Maximising the potential of information technology is a significant aspect of this change programme and external firms are used to assist the Department in undertaking this work.
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the tables appended to this reply.
The Deputy may also wish to note that the contract for the provision of payment services to social welfare customers by An Post was renewed in December 2008 for a further 5 years. The Department intends to advertise its plans to formalise the current arrangements with An Post for the 5 year period up to 31 December 2013 and its plans to undertake a procurement process in the coming years, in accordance with European law, for the future provision of payment delivery services. The contract will be reviewed annually during this period. It is estimated that the cost of the service being provided by An Post will amount to €54m. in 2009.
|
Company |
Nature of Contract |
Overall Value |
|
€ |
||
|
Bearing Point |
Support and Maintenance of Service Delivery Model production system: This is a 3 year contract which commenced in 2008 for external technical support and maintenance of the Business Object Model (new software platform) implementation. It also covers budget-related enhancements. |
12,000,000 |
|
Bearing Point |
Medical Review and Case Management project: This project, which commenced in 2008, will implement new medical and administrative processes and the underlying technology enhancements to the Business Object Model required to support these new processes. |
4,148,690 |
|
Hewlett Packard (Ireland) Ltd. |
Office Systems Modernisation project: This project, which commenced in 2008, will replace the Department’s 20 year old office systems with the implementation of a replacement set of document preparation, management, mailing and publishing products (i.e. roll-out to 4,500 staff over a period of 2 years). |
2,736,312 |
|
Hewlett Packard (Ireland) Ltd. |
Customer Object Development project: This project, which commenced in 2008, aims to migrate the Department’s Central Records System (i.e. its client database) to a modern platform, to provide for new registration processes and to allow for further development. |
2,394,452 |
|
Hewlett Packard (Ireland) Ltd. |
Managed Service Provision for General Register Office IT system: This 3 year contract, which was awarded in 2008, is for the provision of managed services for the hosting and management of system hardware for the operation of the General Register Office’s Civil Registration System. |
2,184,000 |
|
Company |
Nature of Contract |
Overall Value |
|
€ |
||
|
Cable and Wireless (Ireland) Ltd |
Purchase of telecommunications equipment and licences: This is a 2 year “draw down” contract which commenced in 2008. €855,000 was spent during 2008 and further expenditure may be incurred under this contract during 2009, if the need arises. |
855,000 (to date) |
|
Redstone Technology |
Purchase of computer hardware (servers) mainly for the Department’s Intranet, Microsoft Exchange E-mail infrastructure and for general hardware infrastructural upgrades. |
501,632 |
|
Cable and Wireless (Ireland) Ltd. |
Purchase of telecommunications hardware upgrades for Private Branch Exchange (PBX) systems: This contract was awarded in 2008, €275,000 spent in 2008 and the balance being spent in 2009. |
400,000 |
|
Hewlett Packard (Ireland) Ltd. |
Purchase of Personal Computers (PCs) for roll-out to the Department’s nationwide office network: This is an 18-month “draw down” contract which commenced in 2008. €277,289 was spent during 2008 and further expenditure may be incurred under this contract during 2009, if the need arises. |
277,289 (to date) |
|
BT |
Purchase of Telecommunication Network Switches to provide additional capacity on the Department’s telecommunications network. |
106,726 |
189 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the agencies, offices and bodies within the remit of her Department in respect of which details of foreign travel for 2008 were sought and not furnished in to a reply to a Parliamentary Question of 27 January 2009. [6411/09]
Information on foreign travel expenditure for the bodies under the Department's remit has now been compiled and is set out in the following table.
|
Name of Statutory Body |
Total spent on foreign travel in 2008 (including subsistence) |
|
€ |
|
|
Combat Poverty Agency |
*9,268 |
|
The Pensions Board |
*9,000 |
|
Office of the Pensions Ombudsman |
2,200 |
|
Citizens Information Board |
185 |
|
Family Support Agency |
2,270 |
|
Social Welfare Tribunal |
Nil |
*Provisional figures pending completion of 2008 accounts.
191 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will change the requirement that a person who has paid PRSI contributions but has lived abroad must do at least once week’s work before claiming jobseeker’s benefit; if she will explain the purpose of this rule; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6445/09]
The social security rights of people living and working in the EU are governed by EU Regulations 1408/71 and 574/72. The Regulations co-ordinate social security systems and are designed to ensure that people are not disadvantaged by moving within the EU to take up work.
The regulations set out the rules as to which State's social security system a person will pay contributions to when s/he moves from one Member State to another to take up work, or where s/he lives in one State and works in another. The Regulations also set out the rules as to which State will pay benefit in the event of the usual contingencies arising, e.g. unemployment, sickness, old-age etc.
The general rule is that a person is insured in the State in which they are employed. The State of last employment is also generally responsible for paying benefits when, for example, a person becomes unemployed. The Regulations also provide that when entitlement to benefit is being examined account must be taken of insurance paid in any other Member State where the person worked.
In general, an Irish national who has worked in, say, the UK and meets the qualifying conditions for jobseeker's benefit in that country, who then wishes to return to Ireland to seek work, may export and continue to receive that benefit from the UK for up to three months in accordance with EU legislation.
That person would not be entitled to Irish social security benefits, such as jobseeker's benefit, until they become subject to the Irish social security system by re-entering insurable employment here and paying PRSI contributions. In the event of any subsequent period of unemployment they may become entitled to jobseeker's benefit on the basis of their Irish contributions, and any reckonable contributions made under the social insurance system of any other EU Member State. Those who do not qualify for social insurance payments here can apply to have their eligibility for the means-tested jobseeker's allowance assessed.
As a Member State of the European Union, we are bound to apply the regulations governing social security rights of people living and working in the EU, in accordance with the objective of the EC Treaty of the free movement of persons.
193 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of regulators under the control of her Department; the function and responsibility of same; the number of staff employed, their out-turn for 2008 and budget for 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6504/09]
The Pensions Board is the only regulatory body operating under the aegis of the Department of Social and Family Affairs. The statutory role of the Board is to monitor and supervise the operation of the Pensions Act 1990. This involves the regulation of occupational pension schemes and Personal Retirement Savings Accounts and the provision of advice to the Minister for Social and Family Affairs on pension matters generally.
The operations of the Pensions Board are largely financed by annual fees payable to it by occupational pension schemes and by providers of Personal Retirement Savings Accounts. The Board had an average number of 39.5 staff in 2008. Provisional (unaudited) figures for 2008 show income of €7m and expenditure of €6.8m. The budget for 2009 is €8.2m (which does not take into account any recent announcements on public sector pay).
194 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved and granted jobseeker’s benefit. [6513/09]
The person concerned applied for a jobseeker's benefit payment on 15 January, 2009. Despite requests he has not yet provided his P45 or a letter from his employer stating the date of termination of his employment. When all of the required information is received a decision will be made on his claim and he will be notified of the outcome.
Under Social Welfare legislation decisions in relation to claims must be made by Deciding Officers and Appeals Officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in regard to making such decisions.
195 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of claims for jobseeker’s allowance and jobseeker’s benefit being processed; how this compares to the number of applicants being processed in the same week in 2006, 2007 and 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6563/09]
196 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the average waiting time for applicants for jobseeker’s allowance and jobseeker’s benefit to be processed; how this compares to the average waiting time in the same week in 2006, 2007 and in 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6564/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 195 and 196 together.
With the increase in the number of people applying for unemployment payments in particular, staff in social welfare offices have been working extremely hard to process claims as quickly as possible.
Productivity has increased significantly. Nearly 155,000 claims were processed in Local Offices in the last quarter of 2008 (including the One Family Payment). This compares with less than 89,000 in the last quarter of 2007, representing an increase of 74%.
I know that processing times in some areas are still too long and I assure Deputies that we are doing our best to reduce them. I appreciate that becoming unemployed is a very difficult time in a person's life and that they need to get access to financial and other supports as quickly as possible.
The overall performance in any individual office in processing claims can be adversely affected by a wide variety of factors, including increased inflow of claims, staff vacancies and the duration of such vacancies and the turnover of staff in the office.
The Department has put a range of measures in place to deal with the extra workload arising from the increase in the Live Register. These include: — additional posts assigned from other parts of the Department — use of temporary staff to fill vacancies — extension of temporary staff contracts in certain offices — increased overtime — prioritisation of work.
The average time for applications processed in January was 2.47 weeks for jobseeker's benefit claims and 5.92 weeks for jobseeker's allowance claims. This compares to 2 weeks for jobseeker's benefit and 4 weeks for jobseeker's allowance claims in January 2006, January 2007 and January 2008.
The Deputy will be aware that anyone who is under financial pressure while awaiting a decision on their claim for a jobseeker's payment can apply for Supplementary Welfare Allowance which is subject to a means test and other qualifying conditions. These measures are being reviewed on a continuous basis.
A table showing the number of claims processed in January 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 is set out below.
|
Jobseeker’s Benefit |
Jobseeker’s Allowance |
Total |
|
|
Jan 2006 |
15,940 |
7,038 |
22,978 |
|
Jan 2007 |
16,952 |
7,229 |
24,181 |
|
Jan 2008 |
21,285 |
7,916 |
29,201 |
|
Jan 2009 |
25,975 |
10,098 |
36,073 |
197 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when rent support will be reviewed and arrears awarded in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6580/09]
As advised in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 977 of 27 January 2009, the person concerned has indicated to the community welfare officer that she is no longer in receipt of maintenance payments. The Health Service Executive has advised the person concerned that it requires a statement from the solicitor of the father of her child, which indicates what maintenance payments, if any, are being made to her.
Entitlement to rent supplement will be reviewed once the requested documentary evidence has been provided.
198 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Defence the five highest value contracts entered into or authorised by his Department in 2008 for capital spending; the five highest value contracts entered into or authorised for current spending; the companies or bodies awarded the contracts; the value of the contracts; and the nature of the work. [6393/09]
The information sought by the Deputy is as follows:
|
Company |
Value |
Project |
|
€ |
||
|
Pat Moore Builders Ltd., Laois |
1,774,279 |
Alteration and Extension to Block 4 Plunkett Barracks, Curragh Camp, County Kildare. |
|
Allen & Smyth Construction,Wicklow |
1,757,496 |
Refurbishment and Extension to Communications Information Systems, McKee Barracks, Dublin. |
|
John F Supple, Cork |
1,633,194 |
New Accommodation, Kilworth Camp, Fermoy, County Cork. |
|
M & P Construction, Dublin |
1,167,531 |
Refurbishment and Alteration to Block A Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, Dublin. |
|
Frank Burke Roofing Ltd., Kildare |
883,777 |
Re-roofing of Military Medical Facility, Curragh Camp, County Kildare. |
Note: The values above are exclusive of VAT.
|
Company |
Value |
Project |
|
€ |
||
|
BAE Systems Land Systems OMC, South Africa |
16,140,000 |
Light Tactical Armoured Vehicles — Contract duration 2008-2010. €8,070,000 paid in 2008. 16 vehicles for delivery in 2009 and 11 in 2010. |
|
Mitsubishi Motors Ltd, Dublin |
6,247,200 |
4 × 4 Mitsubishi Pajeros — Framework Agreement signed in 2008 for four years. Order placed in the sum of €3,969,219 in 2008. |
|
Ruag Land Systems, Switzerland |
5,349,670 |
120 mm Mortar ammunition — Contract duration 2008/2009. €3,296,015 paid in 2008. Delivery will be completed in 2009. |
|
Air Partner PLC, UK. |
2,296,650 |
Travel and Freight for overseas mission in Chad — Framework Agreement signed by Defence Forces in 2007 for two years. |
|
Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, Norway. |
2,100,452 |
Remote Weapon Station for Light Tactical Armoured Vehicle. €630,135 paid in 2008. For delivery in 2009. |
Note: The values above are exclusive of VAT.
199 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Defence the number of regulators under the control of his Department; the function and responsibility of same; the number of staff employed, their out-turn for 2008 and budget for 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6496/09]
There is no regulator or regulatory authority under the remit of my Department.
200 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the planning permission required for companies wishing to install mobile telephone masts in urban areas; the exemptions available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6378/09]
In general, planning permission must be obtained for the erection of an antenna support structure or mast. Under Article 6 and Schedule 2 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, certain classes of development carried out by a statutory undertaker authorised to provide a telecommunications service are, subject to specified conditions, exempted development for the purposes of the Planning Acts. These include:
the attachment of additional antennae to an existing antenna support structure;
the erection of an antenna support structure in place of an existing antenna support structure, and
the attachment of antennae to certain existing structures, such as lamp posts, flag poles, CCTV poles, electricity pylons and certain public or commercial buildings (other than educational facilities, childcare facilities or hospitals).
The exemptions are conditional on, among other things, the field strength of the non-ionising radiation emissions from the site not exceeding the limits specified by the Commission for Communications Regulation. In addition, in the case of the exemption for the attachment of antennae to certain existing structures, there is a requirement on the statutory undertaker to notify the planning authority, in writing, of the proposed location of any such structure at least 4 weeks before the attachment of the antennae.
201 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the potential health risks stemming from mobile telephone masts in densely populated urban areas; the rules in place to safeguard health and safety surrounding these masts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6379/09]
The issue of potential health effects of mobile telephone masts was comprehensively covered by the Expert Group Report published by Government in March 2007 entitled "Health Effects of Electromagnetic Fields", which is available for download from my Department's website (www.environ.ie/en/publications/).
The Expert Group Report examined a wide range of issues in relation to the potential health effects of electromagnetic fields, including those produced by mobile phone base stations, by electrical appliances in the home and by electricity pylons. It provides a comprehensive review of existing scientific evidence drawing on World Health Organisation (WHO) and other expert studies. It answers many of the questions raised by the public in relation to the potential health effects of electromagnetic fields. Its findings have been accepted by Government.
The Report confirms the majority scientific opinion that to date no adverse short or long term effects have been demonstrated from exposure to electromagnetic fields at levels below the limits recommended by the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection. However, a minority group of scientists believe otherwise and extensive international research continues to be coordinated through bodies such as the WHO. This research is co-funded by the Irish Government.
The Department's current advice to those living in close proximity to mobile phone base stations, based on the findings of the Expert Group Report, is that there is no scientific basis for, or evidence of, adverse health effects in children or adults as a result of exposure to electromagnetic fields. This applies irrespective of the location of the phone mast.
All telecommunications operators in Ireland are required to adhere to internationally established limits for limiting exposure of the public to electromagnetic emissions from their masts by the terms of their licences from the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg).
The internationally established emission limits for non-ionising radiation are set by the International Commission for Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), a body of independent scientists who have expertise in researching the possible adverse health effects of exposure to non-ionising radiation. ICNIRP has published a set of guidelines on limiting human exposure to electromagnetic fields. These guidelines are freely available from their website.
Over the last number of years, ComReg has conducted measurement surveys to verify compliance with these limits by its licensees. The detailed measurement results from 600 sites have been published on their website. All measurements have so far shown total compliance with the ICNIRP limits.
Following the publication of the Expert Group Report, the Government decided that the statutory powers of the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) will be extended to include responsibility for matters relating to the health effects of electromagnetic fields. The details of implementation of the new function for the RPII will be presented to Government for approval in due course. Until the transfer of function to the RPII takes place, my Department will continue to hold responsibility for these matters.
202 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the five highest value contracts entered into or authorised by his Department in 2008 for capital spending; the five highest value contracts entered into or authorised for current spending; the company or body awarded the contracts; the value of the contracts; and the nature of the work. [6396/09]
The information requested in respect of my Department is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
203 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the agencies, offices and bodies within the remit of his Department in respect of which details of foreign travel for 2008 were sought and not furnished in to a reply to a parliamentary question reply of 27 January 2009. [6409/09]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 1077 of 27 January 2009. Details of expenditure incurred by the agencies, offices or bodies under the remit of my Department are a matter for the agencies themselves. The agencies and bodies involved are listed.
In respect of budgetary controls, the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, which my Department has sent to agencies under its aegis, provides that responsibility for ensuring that management operates effective and efficient internal controls rests with the board of directors or a committee of similar status. The code requires each State Body to produce as part of its annual reporting and accounts package a statement on the system of internal financial control which operates within the body. This statement is signed by the Chairperson and is subject to audit review. The Agencies within my Department's remit have been reminded of the ongoing requirement to adhere to Department of Finance guidelines on foreign travel.
Affordable Homes Partnership
An Bord Pleanála
Building Regulations Advisory Body
Comhairle Leabharlanna
Comhar
Designated Area Appeals Advisory Board
Dublin Docklands Development Authority
Environmental Protection Agency
Fire Services Council
Heritage Council
Housing Finance Agency
Irish Water Safety
Limerick Northside Regeneration Agency
Limerick Southside Regeneration Agency
Local Government Computer Services Board
Local Government Management Services Board
National Building Agency
Private Residential Tenancies Board
Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland
Rent Tribunal
204 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the households that are planned to be accommodated by local authorities under the new proposed leasing scheme will be forced to move to alternative accommodation when a landlord or developer offering such accommodation decides to sell the property during the lease period such as when the property market improves; the way the first call on funding for such leasing will affect all the social housing projects that are currently in progress; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6427/09]
Under new leasing arrangements housing authorities may enter into long-term leases of private dwellings to meet housing need. The lease periods entered into will be for between 10-20 years. The arrangements once entered into will apply for the full term of the lease regardless of whether the property owner decides to sell the dwelling. This will ensure that tenants will not be affected in the event of a sale.
€20 million has been set aside to provide for leasing in 2009. This is separate and additional to the general housing allocations provided to housing authorities under the Social Housing Investment Programme. Post 2009, leasing costs will be treated as a commitment carried forward under the social housing investment programme.
205 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the exposure to the taxpayer over the property deal conducted by the Dublin Docklands Development Authority at the former Irish Glass Bottle site in Poolbeg; his further views on the financial position of the DDDA; if he will insist on an independent valuation of the site in order to accurately access the financial position of the DDDA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6431/09]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 401 of 17 February 2009.
The Dublin Docklands Development Authority is self-financing and does not receive Exchequer subvention. Under section 30 of the Dublin Docklands Development Authority Act 1997, the Authority may, with the consent of the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, given with the consent of the Minister for Finance, borrow money and in this regard may incur liabilities not exceeding €127 million. Any moneys borrowed, and any interest accruing thereon, may be secured on the revenue, funds or property of the Authority.
The Authority has made a significant investment in the acquisition of the Irish Glass Bottle (IGB) site in Poolbeg. I understand the Authority considers it likely that the value of the IGB site is some 20% to 30% lower than when it was purchased, and that there will be a professional valuation of the site within the next few weeks.
The IGB site remains an important development asset and, in due course, the Authority's interest in this property will facilitate it in achieving its long-term objectives for the sustainable regeneration and development of the Poolbeg area.
206 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the breakdown by county of the amount of land in hectares set aside as special areas of conservation and the amount of land in hectares that has been covered by a management plan for the SACs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6432/09]
The total area of land, including inshore areas, designated as candidate Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) under the European Union Habitats Directive is 1,100,475 hectares. The breakdown of that area by county is set out in the following table:
|
County |
Total ha SAC |
|
Clare |
85,381 |
|
Cork |
59,748 |
|
Cavan |
11,833 |
|
Carlow |
4,443 |
|
Donegal |
123,412 |
|
Dublin |
7,721 |
|
Galway |
179,109 |
|
Kildare |
1,723 |
|
Kerry |
210,475 |
|
Kilkenny |
5,219 |
|
Laois |
6,437 |
|
Leitrim |
17,877 |
|
Longford |
5,990 |
|
Louth |
9,382 |
|
Limerick |
12,936 |
|
Mayo |
166,838 |
|
Meath |
2,526 |
|
Monaghan |
58 |
|
Offaly |
6,467 |
|
Roscommon |
13,689 |
|
Sligo |
35,618 |
|
Tipperary |
16,671 |
|
Waterford |
14,613 |
|
Wicklow |
34,376 |
|
Westmeath |
9,487 |
|
Wexford |
58,447 |
Management plans have been published for the National Parks in Killarney and the Wicklow Mountains, the lands of which are largely included in SACs. Their combined area is 28,561 hectares. Management plans for Glenveagh and Connemara National Parks will be published in 2009.
Individual site management plans are not a legal requirement under the EU Habitats Directive or the EU (Natural Habitats) Regulations, 1997. However, individual site conservation plans are an important instrument in protecting these sites and 140 such plans have been prepared. There is some form of plan therefore for one third of the 423 Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) in Ireland.
207 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the situation regarding the funding of the Ballymun regeneration programme, Dublin; if he is committed to ensuring that the regeneration programme will proceed as planned; when he will reimburse a company (details supplied) for the outstanding €30 million which has been spent; when he will give approval for the housing schemes which were submitted to his Department in 2008 and for which current tenants in the old flats are eagerly awaiting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6438/09]
As with all Social Housing Investment Programme projects, works and related expenditure and the resulting Exchequer funding requirements must be managed by the commissioning authority in accordance with the allocations available to them. My Department has recouped, and will continue to recoup, qualifying costs in respect of the Ballymun regeneration project in accordance with allocations and agreed profiles.
The Ballymun regeneration project was the subject of a special examination by the Comptroller and Auditor General. The Report prepared on foot of this examination, which was published in March 2008, recommended inter alia that consideration should be given to achieving a workable consensus on how risks to the long-term sustainability of the regeneration can best be managed. Ballymun Regeneration Limited is preparing a strategic review of the remainder of the project and its formal submission to my Department is awaited. This review is timely having regard to the changing economic climate and particularly the need to ensure that the regeneration is repositioned so that it can be sustained and consolidation in these changing circumstances. Future developments within the overall project will be considered in the context of this strategic review.
My Department is actively working with Ballymun Regeneration Ltd and the local authorities involved to progress the regeneration of the Ballymun area, with particular focus on achieving best value for money.
208 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the financial and legal implications of terminating the present storage contracts in view of his stated intention to have another inquiry into the use of the electronic voting machines in storage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6453/09]
My Department engaged consultants with valuation expertise in May 2007, following a competitive tendering process, to examine individual lease arrangements and to make recommendations as to termination of the leases where appropriate. In May 2008, I accepted the recommendations made by the consultants and these recommendations are in the process of being implemented. It is expected that, in certain instances, the termination of lease arrangements will give rise to buy-out costs and these will be dependent upon the outcome of negotiations.
As regards the future of the electronic voting and counting project, I am at present considering the next steps to be taken. In this, I am taking into account the work of the Commission on Electronic Voting, which has examined the system, relevant experiences and developments internationally, the need to maintain public confidence in the electoral process, as well as the provisions in the Programme for Government relating to electoral reform generally.
209 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the levy applying to second homes will be applied to mobile homes in set bays in holiday parks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6454/09]
210 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the levy being applied to second homes will be retained in its entirety by the collecting local authority or if it will in the first instance be remitted to the central Exchequer for redistribution to the local authority through some formula other than that of equity; if the amount collected by each local authority will be retained by that local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6455/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 209 and 210 together.
I intend to bring forward legislation to implement the €200 charge on non-principal private residences as soon as possible, and this will set out the detailed measures necessary to give effect to it. The income from the charge will be retained by the individual local authorities that collect it.
211 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide grants or financial assistance to tenants of local authority accommodation who wish to install insulation (details supplied) in their homes. [6456/09]
As it is the responsibility of housing authorities to maintain and improve their housing stock, I have set aside €50 million of Exchequer funding under the social housing investment programme for 2009 for a comprehensive energy efficiency programme for local authority housing.
This will support a first round of ‘Towards Carbon Neutral' demonstration projects for new dwellings as well specific improvement projects for the adaptation of existing social housing schemes to meet higher energy standards. Exchequer funding is also being provided to assist local authorities to improve the energy rating of dwellings due to be re-let during the year and to advance the overall energy efficiency in apartment complexes.
212 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 220 of 13 November 2008, if he will provide up-to-date figures for the cost of storage of the electronic voting machines both centrally stored and not centrally stored; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6491/09]
Responsibility for the security and safe storage of manual voting electoral materials (such as ballot boxes, stamping instruments and stationery) is a matter for the Returning Officers, who are statutorily responsible for conducting the polls. Accordingly, similar responsibility was assigned to Returning Officers to make the necessary arrangements in relation to the storage of the electronic voting machines and equipment.
The following table sets out information in respect of the cost of local storage arrangements in 2008, based on information received in my Department from Returning Officers.
|
City/County |
Storage Costs 2008 (incl. VAT) |
|
€ |
|
|
Cavan-Monaghan |
21,685.79 |
|
Clare |
3,600 |
|
Donegal |
14,026.20 |
|
Galway |
Nil |
|
Kerry |
31,875.32 |
|
Kildare |
20,748.97 |
|
Laois-Offaly |
27,682.60 |
|
Longford |
16,859.98 |
|
Roscommon |
10,026.82 |
|
Louth |
566.11 |
|
Meath |
26,395.72 |
|
Sligo |
2,500 |
|
Leitrim |
3,200 |
|
Wexford |
25,057.70 |
|
Total |
204,225.21 |
In 2007, over 60% of the electronic voting machines (some 4,762 in total) were moved to a central storage facility located at Gormanston Army Camp. Costs incurred to date in respect of the movement and storage of this equipment are some €328,000. These are largely one-off costs related to the preparation of the facility, transportation of the machines and the acquisition of storage containers.
213 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of regulators under the control of his Department; the function and responsibility of same; the number of staff employed, their out-turn for 2008 and budget for 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6499/09]
In line with the definition of a "regulatory body" set out in the report — Bodies in Ireland with Regulatory Powers — published by the Department of the Taoiseach in February 2007, information in respect of the regulators related to my Department is set out below.
Regulatory functions arising from my Department's mandate are also carried out by local authorities, and staffing numbers associated with the discharge of these functions are included in local authority overall staffing numbers. The costs of discharging regulatory functions by local authorities are provided for in the local authority annual revenue budgets. These totalled just over €5 billion in 2008 and are projected to total in the region of €5 billion in 2009.
In relation to the four regulatory bodies under the aegis of my Department, the table below sets out the regulatory role, staffing numbers, and 2008 funding provided by my Department to each body. These bodies are also funded in part from own resources income such as fees and, in the case of the Environmental Protection Agency, from the Environment Fund. Funding from my Department for 2009 will be finalised in the coming weeks in the context of finalisation of the 2009 estimates.
|
Name of Body |
Regulatory Role |
No. of Staff Employed |
Budget 2008 |
|
An Bord Pleanála |
An Bord Pleanála determines appeals against decisions by planning authorities on applications for permission for development of land. The Board also assesses and determines proposals for major infrastructural developments by local authorities including roads and motorways, and certain types of strategic infrastructure development proposed by other infrastructure providers. |
177.5 |
€15.098m |
|
Environmental Protection Agency |
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a wide range of functions to protect the environment. Its primary activities include: licensing, law enforcement, planning and guidance, monitoring and reporting, research and the implementation of a number of EU Directives. |
340 |
€39.257m |
|
Private Residential Tenancies Board |
The Private Residential Tenancies Board resolves disputes between landlords and tenants, operates a national tenancy registration system and provides information and policy advice on the private rented sector. |
40 |
€3,814,417 |
|
Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland |
The Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland regulates by license the custody, use, manufacture, importation, transportation, distribution, exportation and disposal of radioactive substances, irradiating apparatus and other sources of ionising radiation. It also provides a radioactivity measurement and certification service and prepares codes and regulations for the safe use of ionising radiation. |
52 |
€4.676m |
214 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the date for the introduction of the cap on local election spending in view of his recent announcement; the spending limits; the applicable period and the framework which will be introduced to monitor spending; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6508/09]
I will shortly publish a Bill to introduce spending limits, which will be in force for the local elections that are scheduled to take place on 5 June 2009. For the 34 County and City Councils, a sliding scale with four separate spending limits, based on the population within each individual electoral area, will apply. A top limit of €15,000 will apply in the most populated electoral areas, with a population of 32,501 persons or over. A limit of €13,000 will apply in the county and city council electoral areas where the population is between 22,501 and 32,500 persons. A limit of €11,500 will apply to county and city council electoral areas with a population of between 12,001 and 22,500 persons. The lowest limit of €9,750 will apply to county and city council electoral areas with a population of 12,000 persons, or less. Given their different administrative responsibilities, a standard spending limit will apply to all 80 of the Borough and Town Councils. Candidates standing for election to these local authorities will be subject to a spending limit of €7,500 in all cases.
The spending limits for local elections will apply to individual candidates in the first instance. Candidates nominated by a political party will be deemed to automatically allocate 10% of their limit for use by the party's National Agent. However, there will be scope to vary this figure upwards or downwards by written agreement between the candidate and the party.
It is intended that spending by candidates and political parties on the election campaign in the 60 days leading up to polling day will be covered under the new scheme of spending limits.
While there were previously no limits on local election expenditure, under the Local Elections (Disclosure of Donations and Expenditure) Act 1999, all local election candidates were required to submit a declaration of campaign expenditure, and the source of the funds to meet that expenditure. I propose to build upon these provisions. It is envisaged that candidates will continue to submit spending returns as they have done heretofore, but will be required to comply with the new spending limits.
215 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 8 of 5 February 2009, the local authorities which are to pilot test the new measures in regard to election postering; if participation in the scheme will be on a voluntary basis both for local authorities and for candidates; if the local authorities and the candidates have been notified; if participation in the test scheme will have an impact on the proposed election spending limits; if the proposed options represent the full extent of proposals to regulate election postering; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6510/09]
Details on participating local authorities have yet to be finalised. My Department is liaising with the County & City Managers Association in this regard, and details of participating local authorities and the specific pilot schemes they intend to introduce will be made available when finalised.
Participation in the pilot schemes will be voluntary both for local authorities and for candidates and it is not intended that participation will have any impact on the proposed spending limits. The proposed options outlined are some of those identified through the public consultation process, and pilot testing of these options is viewed as the most suitable means of identifying any potential problems in regard to implementation or enforcement, prior to legislation being introduced in order to ensure that the final legislation is as effective as possible.
216 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when funding (details supplied) will be approved for a local authority. [6512/09]
Local authorities will be notified of their capital allocations for 2009 in respect of the Housing Adaptation Grant Schemes for Older People and People with a Disability, following the publication of the Revised Estimates for Public Services 2009.
217 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the regulations governing telephone masts in urban areas; the rules with which companies must comply when installing mobile telephone masts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6378/09]
In general, planning permission must be obtained for the erection of an antenna support structure or mast. Under Article 6 and Schedule 2 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, certain classes of development carried out by a statutory undertaker authorised to provide a telecommunications service are, subject to specified conditions, exempted development for the purposes of the Planning Acts. These include:
the attachment of additional antennae to an existing antenna support structure;
the erection of an antenna support structure in place of an existing antenna support structure, and
the attachment of antennae to certain existing structures, such as lamp posts, flag poles, CCTV poles, electricity pylons and certain public or commercial buildings (other than educational facilities, childcare facilities or hospitals).
The above exemptions are conditional on, among other things, the field strength of the non-ionising radiation emissions from the site not exceeding the limits specified by the Commission for Communications Regulation. In addition, in the case of the exemption for the attachment of antennae to certain existing structures, there is a requirement on the statutory undertaker to notify the planning authority, in writing, of the proposed location of any such structure at least 4 weeks before the attachment of the antennae.
218 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the five highest value contracts entered into or authorised by his Department in 2008 for capital spending; the five highest value contracts entered into or authorised for current spending; the company or body awarded the contracts; the value of the contracts; and the nature of the work. [6391/09]
In the time available, it has not been possible to identify and assemble the information requested. My Department is in the process of identifying and assembling the information and I will revert to the Deputy as soon as possible.
219 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the date applications will be accepted under the national insulation programme; the qualifying conditions for these grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6425/09]
224 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when application forms for the home energy saving scheme will be available to house owners to apply for the scheme; if it is mandatory that home owners must employ building energy rating assessors; the person who will validate the completed job to enable grant payment to be made; if contractors such as plasterers, plumbers and electricians who have tax clearance certificates will be eligible to carry out work on this scheme; if there is a minimum expenditure by the home owners below which grant aid will not be awarded; if home owners can apply for grant aid on more than one house; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6620/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 219 and 224 together.
On the 8th of February last, together with the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, I launched the National Insulation Programme for Economic Recovery. The Programme entails a three pronged approach to addressing the legacy of older housing with poor energy efficiency standards.
The Home Energy Saving (HES) Scheme is the largest element of the Programme with a budget of €50 million in 2009. This scheme has the potential to support the upgrade of in excess of 27,500 homes in 2009. Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) estimates that demand for this scheme could ultimately exceed 100,000 homes.
Homeowners can expect to save up to €700 per year on their energy bills if they install the full suite of measures available under the scheme. The scheme offers grants of up to 40% of the typical cost of energy efficiency upgrade measures, with the minimum grant level set at €500. Homeowners can apply for grant aid on more than one house. A list of eligible measures and fixed grant rates is set out in the following table:
|
Measure |
Fixed grant rate |
|
€ |
|
|
Roof Insulation |
250 |
|
Cavity Wall Insulation |
400 |
|
Internal Wall Insulation |
2,500 |
|
External Wall Insulation |
4,000 |
|
High Efficiency Boiler with Heating Controls Upgrade |
700 |
|
Heating Controls Upgrade Only |
500 |
|
Building Energy Rating Assessment |
200 |
The HES Scheme has been launched now in order to allow installers who wish to participate in the scheme, to register with SEI. Registered contractors will be required to sign up to a code of conduct and comply with a range of terms and conditions to ensure the quality of work carried out under the scheme. They will also have to carry a specified level of insurance and be fully tax compliant. SEI will be implementing a quality assurance and inspection programme to ensure compliance with these requirements. Contractors wishing to register with the scheme may contact SEI at 1850 927000 or at hescontractor@sei.ie.
The scheme is open to anybody owning a house that was built prior to 2006. Homeowners and landlords will be able to apply under the scheme from next month. In the meantime, homeowners can register their interest with SEI on 1850 927000 or at hes@sei.ie. Homeowners may arrange to have a building energy rating carried out immediately, if they wish, but this is not a requirement for participation in the scheme. However, homeowners should not take any action on the other measures until they have received grant approval from SEI.
Following completion of any work carried out under the scheme, the homeowner and contractor must sign a "declaration of work completed", which must then be furnished to SEI in order to receive payment of the grant.
The second element of the National Insulation Programme for Economic Recovery, the Warmer Homes Scheme (WHS), is designed to assist private households on low incomes, such as those in receipt of Fuel Allowance, Invalidity or Disability Benefit. The scheme provides for the installation of a range of energy efficiency measures, including cavity wall insulation, attic insulation, a boiler lagging jacket, draught proofing measures and Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs). Advice is also provided to householders on minimising energy use. The WHS provides these measures free or at a nominal cost to the householder.
I have made available some €20 million to the WHS in 2009. This greatly increased level of funding is expected to support energy efficiency interventions in up to 15,000 low income homes in this year alone. The scheme is now open for applications and there are 20 community based organisations (CBOs) currently delivering the WHS, and this represents just over two-thirds of the country. Under our initiative to extend the scheme nationwide in 2009, SEI plans to commence the introduction of new CBOs to the scheme from the end of March 2009.
A number of improvements to the WHS are gradually being introduced this quarter, including a new free-phone service designed to assist eligible homeowners in identifying their nearest provider. If outside of current coverage, their details will be recorded and notified as soon as the service becomes available in their area. In addition, a new website will be launched to allow homeowners, neighbours or relatives find out more information about the WHS and other grant schemes available in their area.
Further information on the WHS is available by calling 1800-250204, by emailing warmerhomes@sei.ie or at www.sei.ie/Grants/Warmer_Homes_Scheme.
The third element of the National Insulation Programme for Economic Recovery will involve providing similar energy efficiency upgrade measures in social housing. The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government will be making further announcements on this element of the programme in due course. The National Insulation Programme has the potential to contribute to the creation of 4,000 direct and indirect jobs thus contributing to the Government's priority objective of maintaining and creating employment as part of economic renewal.
220 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the grants available under the greener homes scheme; if there has been change in the qualifying conditions of this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6426/09]
The Greener Homes Scheme, since its launch in March 2006, has provided support for home owners investing in renewable energy heating technologies. The scheme has evolved over that period, supported by appropriate budgetary allocations year on year. Phase III was launched in July 2008 and continues to support the installation of a variety of technologies in existing homes.
Any support scheme such as Greener Homes must evolve over time to a point where the industry is self sufficient and this overall approach has been reflected in the adjustments made to this scheme at appropriate junctures to date. The scheme has stimulated the development of a new sector, improving the supply chain for the products, services and fuels. The application of product standards, installer training and the quality framework has ensured that consumers are both informed and confident in their choices.
The Building Regulations, which came into force on July 1st 2008, make the inclusion of renewable energy regulations in new homes mandatory. It is therefore no longer appropriate to grant aid installation of renewable technologies in new homes, with consequent impact on the budgetary requirement for the scheme. Also, the Building Regulations mandatory requirement will of itself significantly stimulate demand for renewable energy products and services. The installation of renewable heating systems in existing homes, which is typically more complex and more expensive, warrants continued support in the short to medium term while the market reaches maturity.
The scheme is administered by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) and further information, including how to apply for a grant is available on its website at www.sei.ie. The current levels of grants available are:
|
Technology |
GHS* I |
GHS II |
|
€ |
€ |
|
|
Biomass — Boiler |
4,200 |
3,000 |
|
Biomass — Stove |
1,100 |
1,100 |
|
Biomass — Stove w/Back boiler |
1,800 |
1,800 |
|
Heat Pump — Vert’l ground |
6,500 |
3,500 |
|
Heat Pump — Horiz’l ground |
4,300 |
2,500 |
|
Heat Pump — Water to water |
4,300 |
2,500 |
|
Heat Pump — Air Source |
4,000 |
2,000 |
|
Solar — Flat Plate |
300/m2 |
250/m2 |
|
Solar — Evacuated Tube |
300/m2 |
300/m2 |
221 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the speeds that mobile broadband can provide to customers in comparison to standard broadband; if speeds have been agreed with a company (details supplied) as part of their service level agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6440/09]
As part of the National Broadband Scheme (NBS) contract, 3 will deliver the following minimum speeds at launch at the edge of cell:
Minimum download speed will be 1.2 Mbps while the maximum download speed is 5Mbps and
Minimum upload speed is 200Kbps while the maximum upload speed will be 1.8Mbps.
These speeds are comparable to what is currently available in the marketplace in urban areas. Additionally, the service will have a contention ratio of 36:1, a latency of 120 milliseconds and a 15 gigabit (12 down, 3 up) inclusive monthly allowance limit.
Under the terms of the contract, the NBS broadband products will be upgraded to higher specifications (speeds, contention and data caps) in July 2010 and October 2012 without any increase in the monthly recurring charge.
In recognition of the fact that some areas will be very difficult to reach using standard infrastructure, 3 will make available a satellite product, which is expected to cover around 5% of the NBS areas. The satellite product will have a minimum download speed of 1Mbps, a minimum upload speed of 128kbps, a maximum contention ratio of 48:1, latency of 800 milliseconds and an 11 gigabit (10 down, 1 up) inclusive monthly allowance limit.
I am satisfied that the NBS will provide speeds comparable with products available in the market for urban areas and greatly assist in bridging the digital divide.
222 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of regulators under the control of his Department; the function and responsibility of same; the number of staff employed, their out-turn for 2008 and budget for 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6494/09]
There are three regulators operating under the aegis of my Department and their details are as follows:
Broadcasting Commission of Ireland:
Staff: 36
2008 Outturn: €5m
2009 Budget: €4.738m
Functions and responsibility:
The Broadcasting Commission of Ireland (BCI) is responsible for a number of key areas of activity with regard to television and radio services in Ireland, further to the provisions of the Radio and Television Act, 1988, the Broadcasting Act, 2001, the Broadcasting (Funding) Act, 2003 and the Broadcasting (Amendment) Act, 2007.
These include:
The licensing of independent broadcasting services including the additional licensing of television services on digital, cable, MMDS and satellite systems and for licensing DTT multiplex operators;
The development of codes and rules in relation to programming and advertising standards;
The monitoring of all licensed services to ensure that license holders comply with their statutory obligations and terms of their contracts.
The development and administration of funding scheme(s) to support new television and radio programmes. The current scheme is known as the Broadcasting Funding Scheme.
Commission for Energy Regulation (CER):
Staff 71
2008 Outturn Not applicable
2009 Budget Not applicable
The CER does not receive any Exchequer funding and I have no function in setting its budget. Income and expenditure details are published in their annual reports.
Functions and responsibility:
The CER was established under the Electricity Regulation Act 1999, as the independent body responsible for regulating and overseeing the liberalisation of Ireland's electricity sector. Under the Gas (Interim) (Regulation) Act 2002, the CER's jurisdiction was expanded to include both gas and electricity.
The role and functions of the CER have continued to evolve and expand in line with EU and national requirements. The delivery of the all-island Energy Framework is now a key task for the CER, in collaboration with the Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Regulation. The CER's key functions include the following:
Promote competition in the generation and supply of electricity and in the supply of natural gas;
Make determination in relation to ESB's electricity tariffs and BGÉ's natural gas tariffs for the regulated sectors;
Ensure that all reasonable demands by final customers of electricity for electricity are satisfied;
Ensure that there is sufficient capacity in the natural gas system to enable reasonable expectations of demand to be met;
Promote the continuity, security and quality of supplies of electricity;
Secure the continuity, security and quality of supplies of natural gas;
Promote safety and efficiency on the part of electricity and natural gas undertakings;
Secure that licence holders are capable of financing the undertaking of the activities which they are licensed to undertake; and
Promote the use of renewable, sustainable or alternative forms of energy.
Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg):
Staff: 120
2008 Outturn: Not applicable
2009 Budget: Not applicable
ComReg does not receive Exchequer funding and I have no function in setting its budget. Income and expenditure details are published in its annual reports. Functions and responsibility: ComReg is the statutory body responsible for the regulation of electronic communications networks and services, the postal sector and spectrum management. ComReg's functions, in accordance with Section 10 of the Communications Regulation Act 2002, as amended, include:
To ensure compliance with obligations;
To promote competition;
To contribute to the development of the internal market;
To promote the interests of users within the European Community;
To ensure efficient management and use of the radio frequency spectrum and numbers from the national numbering scheme;
To promote the development of the postal sector and in particular the availability of a universal service within, to and from the State at an affordable price for the benefit of all users, including disabled users.
223 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources further to Parliamentary Question No. 492 of 10 February 2009 his plans to provide broadband to areas not currently able to avail of a service and not covered by the national broadband scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6586/09]
EU State Aid and competition rules govern how States can intervene in areas that are already substantially served by broadband. While recognising that some premises within substantially served areas may have difficulties for a variety of reasons in receiving a broadband service, the National Broadband Scheme cannot cater for such limited instances as to do so would give rise to an unacceptable level of market distortion.
225 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when payment of a decoupling grant will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [6373/09]
An application under the 2008 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 12 May 2008. Following initial validation of the application, two of the land parcels declared were identified as having also been claimed by another scheme applicant. In keeping with standard practice both parties were written to and requested to submit evidence of their right to claim the parcels in question. A reply was received from the person named on 16 October 2008 stating that he did not have the right to claim for the land. As a result of these discrepancies the claimed area of 45.33 hectares was reduced to 40.03 hectares, which was insufficient to support the number of entitlements held (45 SPS entitlements).
In this situation, the EU regulations required the area eligible for payment to be reduced by 9.94 hectares. Therefore, the area on which payment was made was 30.09 hectares and full payment on the reduced area has issued.
226 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when applicants will be awarded the first 40% payment of their farm waste management grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6384/09]
The arrangements for payment of grants under the Farm Waste Management Scheme on a phased basis have 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.
227 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be awarded their farm waste management grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6385/09]
The arrangements for payment of grants under the Farm Waste Management Scheme on a phased basis have 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.
228 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the five highest value contracts entered into or authorised by his Department in 2008 for capital spending; the five highest value contracts entered into or authorised for current spending; the company or body awarded the contracts; the value of the contracts; and the nature of the work. [6389/09]
The following are the top five contracts during 2008 for capital and current expenditure by my Department:
|
Company |
Details of Contract |
Value |
|
€ |
||
|
L&M Keating Ltd |
Marine Civil Engineering; Construction at Rossaveel Fishery Harbour Centre |
8,686,482.53 |
|
College Proteins/Dublin Proteins/Waterford Proteins/Premier Proteins |
Rendering and destruction services to the pig meat recall scheme and the pig and cattle disposal scheme |
5,800,000.00 |
|
Business & Scientific Services Ltd |
Purchase of Microsoft software licences |
1,995,275.56 |
|
Dell |
Purchase of PCs and Servers |
1,197,725.62 |
|
McSherry Electrical Ltd |
Electrical Installations at Castletownbere Fishery Harbour Centre |
729, 595.00 |
|
Company |
Detail of Contract |
Value |
|
€ |
||
|
South West Services BPO Ltd, |
Cattle Tagging & Registration Service |
5,540,950.00 |
|
Langanbach Services |
Supply of TB testing Bloodkits for 2008-2010 |
5,388,000.00 |
|
ID/Lelystad Institute for Animal Health |
The supply of liquid bovine and avian Tuberculin |
3,576,000.00 |
|
Tipperary Rural & Business Institute Ltd |
Delivery and running of the National Rural Network for Ireland’s Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 |
3 million over 5 years 2008 to 2013 |
|
Eircom |
Telephony — voice and data communications costs |
2,925,262.00 |
229 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the agencies, offices and bodies within the remit of his Department in respect of which details of foreign travel for 2008 were sought and not furnished in to a reply to a parliamentary question reply of 27 January 2009. [6404/09]
The State Bodies that come under the aegis of my Department are Teagasc, An Bord Bia, the Irish National Stud Company, the National Milk Agency, Coillte Teoranta, COFORD, the Veterinary Council of Ireland, Bord Iascaigh Mhara, the Marine Institute, the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority and the Aquaculture Licences Appeals Board. Expenditure on foreign travel is a matter for the State Bodies themselves as part of their day-to-day activities. In this regard they are required to adhere to guidelines set down by the Department of Finance.
230 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Cork who is an applicant under REP scheme four will receive their first REP scheme payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6415/09]
The first 75% of his payment issued to the person named on 13 February 2009. The balance will follow in due course.
231 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason the poultry sector was not included in the list of specific sectors in need of assistance which were allowed receive unspent CAP funds in view of the fact that there have been closures in the industry due to unfair competition and high feed costs; his views on the future of the poultry industry here; and if he will make a representation to the EU to include this industry as in serious need of assistance. [6417/09]
The availability of unspent CAP funds within national Single Payment Scheme (SPS) ceilings, results from an agreement, reached in the CAP Health Check, that such funds could be used by Member States for specific sectors and in clearly defined cases. As the poultry sector was not one of the sectors in receipt of direct aid under the SPS, it was not included in the list of sectors (in Article 68.1(b) of Regulation 73/2009) identified as eligible for the unspent SPS fund.
The primary outlet for Irish-produced poultry is the fresh retail trade. In that market the main challenge facing the indigenous Irish poultry industry is competition from imports of fresh poultry from other EU countries. Under single market rules unrestricted volumes can be traded between Member States and they are very competitively priced. The Bord Bia Poultry Quality Assurance Scheme quality mark is of great assistance to the indigenous poultry producer in the area of retail sales and the Bord has been very active in nurturing the Scheme over the years.
The Poultry Expert Group will reconvene shortly to review its recommendations in the light of developments over the last year and consider what further issues warrant consideration. The Group's 2007 report focused on a range of issues including labelling, environmental protection, welfare legislation and feeding stuffs.
The outlook for the EU poultry industry is quite favourable with modest growth likely over the coming years. The challenge will be for Irish producers to remain sufficiently competitive to retain current market share.
232 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason he considered it necessary to cut the installation aid to young farmers so abruptly in view of the increase in modulation funds. [6418/09]
Against the background of the deterioration in public finances, my approach in preparing the 2009 Estimates for my Department was to focus available resources on the measures that allow us to maintain and grow the productive capacity of the agrifood sector. In protecting expenditure in certain areas, expenditure in other areas had to be curtailed. In relation to the Young Farmers' Installation Scheme, I have made provision of over €9 million to meet current commitments but it has been necessary to close the Scheme to new applications. The use of the modulation funds is currently under consideration within my Department.
233 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is requesting the pigmeat processors for a commitment to implement tracking systems to distinguish local and imported pork in their processing lines before receipt of compensation funds. [6419/09]
The pigmeat recall scheme provides assistance in respect of eligible product manufactured from pigs slaughtered in Ireland between 1 September and 6 December 2008. The scheme includes the conditions to be met regarding the storage, transportation and destination of eligible product.
A case has been made for other products manufactured in Ireland and that were affected by the product recall to be considered for assistance. These would include products containing both Irish and imported pigmeat and products made here using solely imported pigmeat that, at the time of the recall, could not be segregated satisfactorily to facilitate its sale. My Department is currently considering the position of such products. My Department is in discussion with the industry about possible improved traceability. This will undoubtedly be a key issue for the Group that I have set up under the Chairmanship of Professor Patrick Wall to examine all aspects of the dioxin issue.
234 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when an installation grant will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6436/09]
I presume the Deputy is referring to an application for grant-aid by the person concerned under the Farm Waste Management Scheme. The arrangements for payment of grants under the Farm Waste Management Scheme on a phased basis have 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.
235 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when payment will be made on an application under the farm waste management scheme to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6441/09]
The arrangements for payment of grants under the Farm Waste Management Scheme on a phased basis have 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.
236 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to introduce country of origin labelling in the white meat sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6477/09]
The Minister for Health & Children has overall responsibility for the general food labelling legislation. Under the general labelling Directive (2000/13/EC), the place of origin of the foodstuff must be given only if its absence might mislead the consumer to a material degree. The European Commission is currently undertaking a major review of all food labelling legislation. In this context the Commission has prepared draft revised labelling regulations and these are being discussed at Council Working Party level in Brussels. These draft regulations will be submitted to the EU Council of Health Ministers during 2009. Notwithstanding the outcome of the current review on origin labelling my Department has taken steps to try to introduce origin labelling for meats other than beef, which is already subject to specific legislation since September 2000.
Regarding the labelling of poultry meat, there are EU Regulations, which provide for the labelling of unprocessed poultry meat at retail level. The Regulations require such poultry meat to be labelled with the information regarding class, price, condition, registered number of slaughterhouse or cutting plant and, where imported from a Third Country, an indication of country of origin.
My Department, in conjunction with the Department of Health and Children, drafted regulations that would require the country of origin to be indicated on pigmeat, poultry and sheepmeat. This was notified to the EU Commission in December 2007 as required by legislation. The Commission was not prepared to adopt the draft regulations in their present format on the grounds that the proposed legislation is not in compliance with EU food labelling regulations. The Commission's main contention is that only harmonised rules with EU-wide applicability may be applied to food labelling other than in exceptional circumstances. In March, the EU Commission delivered a negative opinion on the regulations but afforded Ireland an opportunity to provide further information in support of them. In the meantime, the Department provided additional details including the current misleading labelling practices and evidence of consumers' desire for country of origin labelling. However the EU Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health formally adopted the negative opinion in December 2008.
We will continue to pursue this issue at EU in the context of the current review. I would point out that products carrying the Bord Bia quality assurance label provide consumers with assurance on product origin.
237 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he will introduce legislation regarding the non-payment of his liabilities under the farm waste management grant; the provisions to be included in this legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6478/09]
My colleague, the Minister for Finance, is introducing legislation which will permit the deferral of payments under the revised Farm Waste Management Scheme introduced by my Department in March 2006. It is my intention, when the legislation has been enacted, to phase payments under that Scheme on the basis of 40 per cent this year as claims are approved, with a further 40 per cent being 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.
238 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of applicants in County Galway who will have payment of their farm waste management grants put on delayed instalment from 2009 to 2011; if, as a result of this delay, his attention has been drawn to the hardship caused due to the commitment entered with bank loans and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6486/09]
The information requested by the Deputy will be forwarded to him as soon as possible.
239 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive payment under the farm waste management scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6487/09]
The arrangements for payment of grants under the Farm Waste Management Scheme on a phased basis have 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.
240 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a grant under the farm waste management scheme will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6488/09]
The arrangements for payment of grants under the Farm Waste Management Scheme on a phased basis have 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.
241 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of regulators under the control of his Department; the function and responsibility of same; the number of staff employed, their outturn for 2008 and budget for 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6492/09]
No Regulators come under the control of my Department.
242 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a REP scheme payment will be made in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6520/09]
The first 75% of his payment issued to the person named on 2nd February 2009. The balance will follow in due course.
243 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when payment will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6562/09]
The arrangements for payment of grants under the Farm Waste Management Scheme on a phased basis have 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.
244 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a REP scheme payment will issue to persons (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6583/09]
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.
245 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a slatted house grant will issue to persons (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6588/09]
The arrangements for payment of grants under the Farm Waste Management Scheme on a phased basis have 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.
246 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Science when a grant due to a school (details supplied) under the dormant accounts scheme will be awarded. [6423/09]
The school to which the Deputy refers was approved for a grant of €13,000 under the Outdoor Play measure, €3,000 under the ICT Equipment measure and €110,000 under the Parent Room and Library combined measure of the Dormant Accounts Fund for Educational Disadvantage. The grant of €13,000 for Outdoor Play facilities was paid in full on 30 January 2008 and the grant of €3,000 for ICT Equipment was paid in full on 19 March 2008. The grant for the Parent Room and Library combined measure is paid in two instalments, i.e., 70% commencement grant of €77,000 was paid on 11 February 2009 and 30% completion grant of €33,000 is currently being processed in my Department and should be in the school's bank account in the next few days.
247 Deputy Seán Connick asked the Minister for Education and Science if a new diesel rebate scheme has been negotiated for private bus operators who provide school transport services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6507/09]
I announced in the budget that the allocation for school transport in 2009 allows for a compensatory allowance to be paid to private operators on contract to Bus Éireann, under the school transport scheme. Bus Éireann requested these private operators to provide specific documentation relating to previous fuel rebate claims submitted to the Revenue Commissioners by Friday 19th December. Bus Éireann is currently compiling the considerable volume of detailed information submitted and this is awaited by the Department. When this documentation is received from Bus Éireann, this matter can then be further considered.
248 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science the budgeted cost of the current special needs assistant audit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6387/09]
I have assumed that the Deputy is referring to the Value for Money and Policy Review of the Special Needs Assistant scheme being undertaken by my Department. The Value for Money and Policy Review Initiative is part of a framework introduced to secure improved value for money from public expenditure. The objectives of the review are to analyse Exchequer spending in a systematic manner and to provide a basis on which more informed policy decisions can be made. It is one of a range of modernisation initiatives aimed at moving public sector management away from the traditional focus on inputs to concentrate on the achievement of outcomes. To support the overall process, the review will include engagement with parent representatives, schools, education partners and other representative groups.
There was no predetermined budgetary cost for this review as cost is dependent on many elements such as the location of the schools to be reviewed, the number of visits per school and the number of meetings which will be required to complete the review and write up the report. The review is being carried out by officials within my Department as well as officials from the Department of Finance and the National Council for Special Education.
A Quality Analyst has been engaged to support the process as stipulated in Department of Finance guidelines in carrying out such reviews. This person has been engaged on a fixed-price basis of €4,185 excluding VAT. My Department is in the process of recruiting an external researcher to the review and discussions are ongoing in relation to a number of issues for this contract. It is expected that the review will be completed by the end of 2009.
249 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Education and Science the five highest value contracts entered into or authorised by his Department in 2008 for capital spending; the five highest value contracts entered into or authorised for current spending; the company or body awarded the contracts; the value of the contracts; and the nature of the work. [6394/09]
The information requested by the Deputy is being compiled and will be forwarded to him as soon as possible.
250 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science the agencies, offices and bodies within the remit of his Department in respect of which details of foreign travel for 2008 were sought and not furnished in to a reply to a parliamentary question reply of 27 January 2009. [6407/09]
The information requested by the Deputy is being compiled and will be forwarded to him shortly.
251 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Science if a decision in respect of an application for the change of status of a school (details supplied) has been arrived at; and if not, when a decision will be made. [6422/09]
My Department has received a request for a change of status from the school referred to by the Deputy. The views of the Patron and the other schools in the area have been sought and will be taken into account in considering this application. My Department will revert to the school in due course.
252 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the implications of his decision to cut special needs classes for a school (details supplied) in County Clare; if he will rescind this decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6449/09]
255 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Education and Science the schools in Dublin south west covered by the announcement in respect of mild general learning disability classes; if he will provide assurances on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6481/09]
258 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools in County Galway which will be affected by his decision to withdraw or curtail special needs classes; the number of teachers involved; the number of pupils who will lose access to these classes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6485/09]
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 252, 255 and 258 together.
I wish to advise the deputies that all primary schools have been allocated additional teaching resources to enable them support pupils with high incidence special educational needs including mild general learning disability (MGLD). All primary schools were given these additional teaching resources under the General Allocation Model of learning support/resource teaching introduced in 2005. Schools can decide how best to use this allocation based on the needs of the pupils. Most pupils with a MGLD are included in ordinary classes with their peers and are supported by their class teacher. The curriculum is flexible so that teachers can cater for the needs of children of different abilities.
The Deputies will be aware that allocations to schools typically increase or decrease depending on pupil enrolment. In the case of classes for MGLD the normal pupil teacher ratio that applies is 11:1. My Department however allows for a small reduction in this number and permits schools to retain a teaching post where it has a minimum of 9 pupils in the class. In the schools in question, the number of pupils dropped below this minimum. These schools therefore are no longer entitled to the teaching posts in these classes.
In 2005 when the General Allocation Model was introduced, schools with additional teachers in classes for MGLD were allowed to retain the teachers for these classes. Effectively, these schools received a double allocation. The number of these special classes has decreased over the years and schools have integrated the children into age-appropriate mainstream classes. All of the other primary schools in the country who do not have classes for children with MGLD cater for these pupils from within the General Allocation Model. The number of teachers involved in MGLD classes in County Galway is 4 and the number of pupils is 22. The schools details as requested by the Deputies are contained in the following table.
|
School Name |
Address |
|
S N Bride Naofa |
Sean Tallamh, Gaillimh |
|
S N Caitriona Sois |
Renmore, Galway |
|
Sn Caitriona Sinsear |
Renmore, Galway |
|
Scoil An Chroi Naofa |
Ballinasloe, Co Galway |
|
Clochar San Dominic |
Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin* |
|
Scoil Colmcille Senior |
Wyattville, Ballybrack, Co Dublin |
|
Archbishop Mcquaid National School |
Loughinstown, Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin |
|
Sn Louise De Marillac C |
Drumfin Rd, Ballyfermot, Dublin 10 |
|
Sn Louise De Marillac |
Ballyfermot, Dublin 10 |
|
Sn Banrion Na Naingeal1 |
Ballyfermot, Dublin 10* |
|
Bainrion Na N-Aingal 2 |
Ballyfermot Upper, Dublin 10* |
|
St Gabriels Ns |
Dominican Convent, Ballyfermot, Dublin 10 |
|
St Michaels Ns |
Dominican Convent, Ballyfermot, Dublin 10 |
|
St Raphaels Ns |
Dominican Convent, Ballyfermot, Dublin 10 |
|
Scoil Iosagain/Mhuire |
Mount La Salle, Ballyfermot, Dublin 10 |
|
Scoil Mhuire/Seosamh |
Mount La Salle, Ballyfermot, Dublin 10 |
|
Scoil Mhuire Ogh 1 |
Loreto College, Crumlin Rd, Dublin 12 |
|
Muire Na Dea Coirle G |
Mourne Rd, Drimnagh, Dublin 12 |
|
Muire Na Dea Coirle Inf |
Mourne Rd, Drimnagh, Dublin 12 |
|
Muire Og 2 Loreto Con |
Crumlin Rd, Dublin 12* |
|
St Peters B N S |
Limekiln Rd, Greenhills, Dublin 12 |
|
St Pauls G N S |
Greenhills, Kimmage West, Dublin 12 |
|
Lady Of Good Counsel Ns |
Mourne Rd, Drimnagh, Dublin 12 |
|
Holy Cross N S |
Upper Kilmacud Road, Dundrum, Dublin 14 |
|
Scoil Mhuire |
Ballyboden, Dublin 16 |
|
Scoil Caitriona Na Mbraithre |
Baggot Street, Dublin 2 |
|
Scoil Nano Nagle |
Bawnoge, Clondalkin, Dublin 22 |
|
Talbot Senior Ns |
Bawnoge, Clondalkin, Dublin 22 |
|
Neillstown N S |
St Peter Apostle N.S, Neillstown, Clondalkin, Dublin 22 |
|
St Marys Junior N S |
Rowlagh, Clondalkin, Dublin 22 |
|
St Peter Apostle Sen Ns |
Neillstown, Clondalkin, Dublin 22 |
|
St Ronans N S |
Deansrath, Clondalkin, Dublin 22 |
|
St Bernadettes Senior N S |
Quarryvale, Clondalkin, Dublin 22 |
|
Sacred Heart N S |
Sruleen, Clondalkin, Dublin 22 |
|
St Marys School |
Greenhills Rd, Tallaght, Dublin 24 |
|
Scoil N An Croi Ro Naofa |
Killinarden, Tallaght, Dublin 24 |
|
S N Aenghusa |
Scoil N Aenghusa Sin, Balrothery, Tallaght, Dublin 24 |
|
Scoil Cnoc Mhuire Sin |
Knockmore Ave, Killinarden, Tallaght, Dublin 24* |
|
An Chroi Ro Naofa Sois |
Killinarden, Tallaght, Dublin 24 |
|
Scoil Cnoc Mhuire Junior |
Knockmore Ave, Killinarden, Tallaght, Dublin 24 |
|
St Brigids N S |
St. Brigid's N.S., Brookfield, Tallaght, Dublin 24 |
|
St Aidans Ns |
Brookfield, Tallaght, Dublin 24 |
|
Scoil Chaitlin Maude |
Cnoc Mhuire, Tamhlacht, Baile Atha Cliath 24 |
|
Holy Rosary Primary School |
Old Court Avenue, Tallaght, Dublin 24 |
|
St Dominics N S |
Tallaght, Dublin 24* |
|
St Annes Primary School |
Fettercairn, Tallaght, Dublin 24 |
|
St Marks Sen Ns |
Springfield, Tallaght, Dublin24 |
|
Mater Dei Primary School |
Basin Lane, James St, Dublin 8 |
|
Goldenbridge Convent |
Goldenbridge, Inchicore , Dublin 8* |
|
Presentation Primary School |
Blackpitts, Dublin 8* |
|
St Catherines West N S |
Donore Ave, South Circular Rd, Dublin 8 |
|
S N Muire Gan Smal B |
Inchicore, Dublin 8* |
|
Sancta Maria C B S |
Synge St, Dublin 8 |
|
Scoil Na Mbrathar |
Francis St, Dublin 8 |
|
Scoil Seamus C B S |
James St, Dublin 8 |
|
St Audoens Ns |
Cook Street, Dublin 8 |
|
Scoil Treasa Naofa |
Petrie Road, Donroe Avenue, Dublin 8 |
* Schools due an additional post because of their disadvantaged categorisation.
253 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science when she expects to recognise Educate Together as a patron of second level schools; and the steps that must be taken to allow this to occur. [6468/09]
I am currently considering a number of issues relating to the patronage of second-level schools and the matter raised by the Deputy will be considered in this context.
254 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will support a matter (details supplied). [6469/09]
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that the parent's fears, as outlined in his letter, are unfounded. I note from the parent's letter that the pupil was not attending a special class and was mainstreamed with access to the school's learning support/resource teacher and that the pupil thrived with this level of support. Pupils, such as the pupil in question, will continue to receive additional teaching support in schools through the General Allocation Model of resource teaching which is available to all primary schools. There has been no change in this policy. These resources are available to schools in addition to the school's allocation of classroom teachers, based on a school's overall pupil enrolment.
256 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will review the teacher allocation in respect of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 24; his views on the anxiety of the school community in this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6482/09]
The 2009 Budget required difficult choices to be made across all areas of public expenditure. These decisions were made to control public expenditure and to ensure sustainability in the long run. In this respect Education, while protected to a much greater extent than most other areas of public expenditure, could not be totally spared. The various impacts at school level were included in the Budget day announcements. Even with the budget measures in place there will still be a significantly increased borrowing requirement in 2009.
The staffing schedule for the 2009/2010 school year, Primary Circular 0002/2009, has been published on my Department's website at www.education.ie and my officials have written to all schools to notify them in this regard. The number of mainstream class teachers appropriate to a school for 2009/10 school year is determined by reference to the school’s valid enrolment on 30 September, 2008. The schedule is a transparent and clear way of ensuring that schools are treated consistently and fairly and know where they stand.
The staffing schedule also makes provision for schools that are projecting significantly increased enrolments for September 2009 through the allocation of what are known as "developing posts". These classroom teaching posts are allocated to schools based on projected enrolments for September 2009 rather than on past enrolments for September 2008 which is the case for most schools. This allocation process for developing posts takes places during the Spring and Summer period when schools apply to the Department based on their projected enrolments for September 2009. The developing posts are allocated on a provisional basis initially and are confirmed following receipt from the school of actual enrolments in September 2009.
The staffing allocation to schools will also be impacted by any changes in the levels of support teachers such as for language support, special needs and social inclusion. The allocation process for some of these posts is currently underway. Language support posts are allocated during the Spring/Summer period on a provisional basis initially and are confirmed following receipt from the schools in September 2009 of actual enrolments of pupils requiring language support.
The allocation process includes appellate mechanisms under which schools can appeal against the allocation due to them under the staffing schedules. The final allocation to a school is also a function of the operation of the redeployment panels which provide for the retention of a teacher in an existing school if a new post is not available within the agreed terms of the scheme.
At this time the priority for my Department within the resources available to it is to carry out those processes in a timely manner. Diverting resources in order to create a staffing profile for the individual school as requested by the Deputy could not be justified and would in fact impede the process. I have already put it on record that I have no difficulty in setting out for this House or for the public generally what the final impact is on the overall changes in aggregate teacher numbers in schools for the 2009/10 school year. I will set out the final position when the allocation processes have been completed.
257 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will confirm that there will be no loss of language teacher posts in respect of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 24; his views on the challenges faced by the schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6483/09]
I have consistently said that the 2009 Budget required difficult choices to be made across all areas of public expenditure. These decisions were made to control public expenditure and to ensure sustainability in the long run. In this respect Education, while protected to a much greater extent than most other areas of public expenditure, could not be totally spared. The various impacts at school level were included in the Budget day announcements. Even with the budget measures in place there will still be a significantly increased borrowing requirement in 2009.
In light of the Budget 2009 decision a new circular will be issued to schools in the Spring setting out how the new arrangements will operate for the allocation of language support teachers. The budget measures will mean that the level of language support will be reduced from a maximum of six extra teachers per school to a maximum of two teachers per school, as was the case before 2007. However, there will be some alleviation for the position of those schools where there is a significant concentration of newcomer pupils as a proportion of the overall enrolment. Language support posts are allocated during the Spring/Summer period on a provisional basis initially and are confirmed following receipt from the schools in September 2009 of actual enrolments of pupils requiring language support.
We still envisage having over 1,400 language support teaching posts in our schools in September 2009 and up to about 500 other teachers in part-time posts. By any standards this is a very significant resource and the challenge will be to ensure that it is used to maximum effect.
259 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of regulators under the control of his Department; the function and responsibility of same; the number of staff employed, their outturn for 2008 and budget for 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6497/09]
The following is a list of bodies under the aegis of my Department that were classified as a "regulatory body" in the report entitled "Bodies in Ireland with Regulatory Powers" which was produced in 2007. A "regulatory body" is defined as one that has functions in at least two of the following three areas of activities:
The formulation of goals; the making of rules and/or the setting of standards.
Monitoring; gathering information; scrutiny; inspection; audit and evaluation.
Enforcement; modifying behaviour; applying rewards and sanctions.
Staffing levels and approximate 2008 budget allocation figures are included for the Deputy's information. The 2008 outturn figures are not readily available. Additional material requested by the Deputy will be provided as soon as possible.
1. Further Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC)
FETAC gives people the opportunity to gain recognition for learning in education or training centres, in the work place and in the community. FETAC's functions include: making and promoting awards, validating programmes, monitoring and ensuring the quality of programmes and determining standards. FETAC has a staff complement of 53 and its 2008 budget was approximately €7 million.
2. Higher Education Authority (HEA)
The HEA is the statutory planning and development body for higher education and research in Ireland. The HEA has wide advisory powers throughout the whole of the third-level education sector. In addition it is the funding authority for the universities and a number of designated higher education institutions. The Institute of Technology Act 2006 provided for the designation of the Institutes of Technology as institutions of higher education under the HEA. Upon commencement of the Act on 1st February 2007, the HEA took over the role of funding authority for the Institutes of Technology. The principal functions of the HEA are to further the development of higher education; to maintain a continuous review of the demand and need for higher education; to assist in the coordination of state investment in higher education and to prepare proposals for such investment; to allocate among universities and designated institutions the grants voted by the Oireachtas; to promote the attainment of equality of opportunity in higher education and democratisation of higher education. The HEA has a staff complement of 72.5 and its 2008 administrative budget was approximately €6 million. The HEA administers funding for the Universities and Institutes of Technology and the provision for this purpose in 2008 was approximately €1.54 billion.
3. Higher Education and Training Awards Council (HETAC)
HETAC was established by the Government in 2001, under the Qualifications (Education and Training) Act 1999. HETAC is the qualifications awarding body for third-level educational and training institutions outside the university sector and the Dublin Institute of Technology. It is the successor to the National Council for Educational Awards (NCEA). HETAC may delegate authority to make awards to Recognised Institutions under the Act. Recognised Institutions currently comprise the Institutes of Technology. HETAC awards qualifications at all levels of higher education and training up to PhD level. HETAC's main functions include: setting standards for higher education and training awards; validation of higher education and training programmes; monitoring of institutional quality assurance procedures; delegation of awarding powers to recognised institutions; ensuring that student assessment procedures are fair and consistent; ensuring that arrangements are in place in commercial education and training institutions to protect learners where programmes validated by HETAC cease to be provided. HETAC has a staff complement of 34 and its 2008 budget was approximately €4.6 million.
4. National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB)
The NEWB is the national agency with responsibility for encouraging and supporting regular school attendance. This body has functions in the area of enforcement/taking legal action and also has monitoring and inspection functions as regards school attendance patterns. The NEWB has a staff complement of 104 (this includes 84 Educational Welfare Officers) and its 2008 budget was approximately €10.1 million.
5. National Qualifications Authority of Ireland (NQAI)
The NQAI has three principal objectives, which are set out in the Qualifications (Education & Training) Act 1999: (a) the establishment and maintenance of a framework of qualifications for the development, recognition and award of qualifications based on standards of knowledge, skill or competence to be acquired by learners; (b) the establishment and promotion of the maintenance and improvement of the standards of awards of the further and higher education and training sector, other than in the existing universities; and (c) the promotion and facilitation of access, transfer and progression throughout the span of education and training provision. The NQAI has a staff complement of 25 and its 2008 budget was approximately €3.2 million.
6. State Examinations Commission (SEC)
The SEC is responsible for the operation of all aspects of the established Leaving Certificate, Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme, Leaving Certificate Applied and Junior Certificate Examinations. The individual functions involved in the operation of the examinations include: preparing examination papers and other examination materials; determining procedures for the conduct and supervision of examinations; recruiting contract staff to draft and mark examination components and to superintend at the examinations; arranging for marking of work presented for assessment and examinations; issuing the results of examinations; determining procedures to enable the review and appeal of results of examinations at the request of candidates; charging and collecting fees for examinations; designating places where examinations may be held. The SEC has a staff complement of 176 and its 2008 budget was approximately €66.2 million.
7. The Teaching Council
The Council establishes, publishes, reviews and maintains codes of professional conduct for teachers: these include standards of teaching, knowledge, skill and competence; establishes and maintains a register of teachers; and will, when the appropriate section of the Teaching Council Act, 2001, is commenced, conduct inquiries into and, where appropriate, impose sanctions in relation to fitness to teach, of any registered teacher. The Council has a staff complement of 40.5 (including 12 temporary) and its 2008 budget was approximately €4.8 million. The Teaching Council has operated as a self funding body since March 2008.
260 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will confirm that his Department’s prior written approval for job sharing or a career break from post-primary schools is required in order that a vacancy arising from a job sharing arrangement can be funded by his Department in excess of the authorised teaching allocation as determined by the pupil teacher ratio and that as a result of the change in the staffing schedule, this will effectively mean for schools who are on or over the quota, that the teachers within that school who are job sharing or have approved career breaks will be forced back into the classroom from 1 September 2009; if he has estimated the potential costs that this will have on his Department in view of the fact that substitute or replacement teachers are frequently paid a lower rate than existing permanent teachers who may be job sharing or on a career break; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6511/09]
The decision to approve job-sharing and career-break applications is a matter for the authorities of the employing school. In the case of schools that have over-quota teachers, vacancies do not arise as a result of teachers approved for job-sharing or career break. This position is no different from that pertaining in previous years.
In these schools that have over-quota teachers, applications for job-sharing and a career break may be considered by the authorities of the schools concerned in the normal way. Because the school is over its allocation of teachers my department will not give automatic replacements. It is, of course, open to the school authority to apply to my Department for additional teaching hours by way of curricular concessions to cover part or all of the hours in respect of an approved job-sharer/career break teacher. Each such application is considered on its merits.
