Vol. 679 No. 4
1 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the operation of the cycle to work scheme in his Department; if all agencies under the remit of his Department will be included in the scheme; if not, the reason for same; the State agencies under the remit of his Department currently offering this scheme to employees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14158/09]
Tax relief was provided in the Finance (No 2) Act, 2008 where an employer provides a bicycle for an employee. The implementation of the scheme for the Civil Service is being dealt with by the Department of Finance. It is understood that implementing the scheme in the Civil Service has given rise to a number of issues, particularly in relation to procurement, warranty and insurance. The Department of Finance has, it is understood, raised these issues with the State Claims Agency, Chief State Solicitors Office and the Office of the Attorney General. Once these issues have been clarified, the Department of Finance will issue a circular providing for a scheme in the Civil Service. This scheme can provide a framework for a similar scheme in the wider Public Service.
My Department and the agencies under it will address the implementation of the scheme when the relevant circular has issued.
2 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Taoiseach the payments made to senior officials in his Department under the performance related pay scheme for each of the years 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008; if he will confirm if he has approved the payments for 2008; if so, the date of this approval; the date of the approval of payments relating to 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14202/09]
The scheme of awards which, in the civil service, applies at the levels of Deputy and Assistant Secretary is based on performance by reference to demanding targets. The pool for performance awards is 10% of the pay bill in the relevant year for the group concerned. Within that overall limit individuals can receive payments of up to 20% of pay. Decisions on awards are made by the Committee for Performance Awards (CPA), which includes a majority of private sector members. The main roles of the committee are to monitor the application of the scheme of performance-related awards and to bring independent judgement to bear in approving objectives for the persons covered by the scheme and in approving recommendations for awards.
The total payments made to senior officials in my Department under the performance related pay scheme for each of the years 2005, 2006, 2007 is detailed as follows:
|
Year 2005 Paid in 2006 |
Year 2006 Paid in 2007 |
Year 2007 Paid in 2008 |
|
Awards totalling €46,750 were made to 4 officers. |
Awards totalling €51,200 were made to 4 officers. |
Awards totalling €62,400 were made to 6 officers. |
Approval from the Committee for Performance Awards was received on 18th March, 2008 in respect of the year 2007. As the Deputy may be aware, on 5 February last, the Minister for Finance announced in the Dáil the discontinuation of the scheme for Assistant Secretaries, Deputy Secretary and related grades subject to consultation with the relevant Staff Associations. Therefore no assessments or payments have been made in respect of performances in 2008.
3 Deputy David Stanton asked the Taoiseach further to Parliamentary Question No. 120 of 24 February 2009, the number of times the Government working group on Dáil reform has met; when he expects to receive a report from the group; the action he will take in relation to Dáil reform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14486/09]
The Government Working Group on Dáil Reform has met once to date. Its members are the Government Chief Whip, Minister Dempsey, Minister Ahern and Senator Dan Boyle.
Various options as regards the operation of the Dáil, timetabling of business etc are being considered and the Group will meet again in the coming weeks to discuss proposals. They will then be submitted to the Government for consideration. If approved, they will be brought to the sub-Committee on Dáil Reform of the Committee of Privilege and Procedures for consideration with a view to their being agreed and implemented.
4 Deputy David Stanton asked the Taoiseach the action he has taken to implement the recommendations of the task force report on active citizenship; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14487/09]
The Steering Group on Active Citizenship, chaired by Mary Davis was appointed by me in October, 2008, to oversee the implementation of the recommendations of the Taskforce on Active Citizenship. In addition, the Active Citizenship Office was established under my Department to co-ordinate the implementation process.
An Active Citizenship Progress Report outlining the position in relation to implementing the public policy recommendations of the Taskforce on Active Citizenship was presented to Government in December, 2008 and will be published shortly. The Report outlines what has been achieved up to the end of last year and the status of those recommendations which will take more time to implement, subject to resources.
In addition, the Report outlines many active citizenship initiatives being pursued by universities, businesses, volunteer organisations and others which underpin the Taskforce on Active Citizenship's call to everyone- not just to Government — to encourage greater connectivity with the community and maximise the potential we all have to generate positive engagement for the greater good.
Copies of the Report are available in the Library of the House.
5 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Taoiseach the cost of providing mobile telephony and PDA services for him in each of the years since 2002, broken down by handset purchase costs, rental and call costs, and other costs; the amount of money which was refunded by him in connection with personal use of these phones, PDAs and Blackberries in each year since 2002 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14537/09]
The following table details the cost to my Department of mobile telephony provided to me since May 2008. I have not been provided with PDA services during this period.
|
Year |
Handset Costs |
Rental Costs |
Call Costs |
Other |
Total |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
2008 |
Nil |
114.49 |
1,368.31 |
Nil |
1,482.80 |
|
2009 to end March |
Nil |
46.17 |
99.12 |
Nil |
145.29 |
All mobile telephony costs which I incurred related to official business.
6 Deputy David Stanton asked the Taoiseach the number of staff with fewer than two years service on 1 March 2009 who gave notice to terminate their employment before 1 April 2009 under section 5 of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act, 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14589/09]
Under the terms of Section 5 of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act, 2009, no members of staff in my Department with less than two years service on 1 March 2009 gave notice to terminate their employment before 1 April 2009.
7 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Taoiseach the number of people working in the public service under temporary employment contracts on a fixed term basis who will lose their jobs as a consequence of the non-renewal of those contracts due to the moratorium decision announced by the Minister for Finance on 27 March 2009; the organisations in which such terminations will occur; the number of individuals who will lose their jobs as a consequence of this decision; the annual saving that will accrue to the Exchequer as a consequence of the non-renewal of these contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15048/09]
There are no staff in my Department under temporary employment contracts on a fixed term basis. There are a number of persons in the National Economic and Social Development Office employed under contract. The expiry of a fixed term contract is determined by the terms of that contract. The decision as to whether to renew such a contract depends on a number of grounds, including the existence of objective reasons for renewing the contract on a fixed term basis. In the context of the moratorium, the renewal of fixed term contracts is treated in the same way as all employment in the public service. In relation to all public service posts including fixed term positions, no such posts can be filled without the prior sanction of the Minister for Finance.
8 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the percentage of GDP spent on scientific research; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14612/09]
Table 1 sets out the percentage of GDP spent on Research and Development for each year from 2000-2008. However, it should be noted that, in Ireland's case, it is regarded that the level of R&D performed as a percentage of GNP is a more relevant measurement as these figures exclude the profit repatriations from multinationals. Table 1 also outlines the level of R&D as a percentage of GNP. It should be noted that the figures for 2007 and 2008 are estimates.
The background to these figures is that gross expenditure on R&D in the Irish economy has almost trebled in the ten years from 1998-2008, growing to an estimated €2.6 billion in 2008. The continuous growth in R&D performance reflects the Government's commitment to investing in Ireland's science base as one of the key cornerstones underpinning future jobs in Ireland and the lynchpin of our transformation to the Smart Economy. The significant infrastructure investment underpinning the Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation over the 2007-2013 period, and the return on that investment, are central to the robustness of our economic future. During the last decade the government has instituted a number of measures designed to enhance the level of R&D performed in Ireland in both the Business and Higher Education sectors. The Programme for Research in Third Level Institutions (PRTLI) is ten years in place and continues to transform the research landscape in Ireland by investing in human and physical infrastructure to strengthen national research capabilities. Biotechnology and ICT were identified as key areas of opportunity for Ireland and in response the Government created the Technology Foresight Fund in 2000 and subsequently established Science Foundation Ireland to invest in academic researchers and research teams who are most likely to generate new knowledge, leading edge technologies and competitive enterprises in these areas. The Government also continues to support the performance of R&D in the business sector through the R&D tax credit and a variety of supports and programmes run by Enterprise Ireland and the IDA.
|
Total % of GDP spent on R&D |
Total % of GNP spent on R&D |
|
|
% |
% |
|
|
2000 |
1.12 |
1.32 |
|
2001 |
1.10 |
1.32 |
|
2002 |
1.12 |
1.36 |
|
2003 |
1.17 |
1.39 |
|
2004 |
1.23 |
1.46 |
|
2005 |
1.25 |
1.48 |
|
2006 |
1.24 |
1.45 |
|
2007 (e) |
1.28 |
1.51 |
|
2008 (e) |
1.41 |
1.67 |
9 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views in regard to a submission (details supplied); the actions she is proposing to address the matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14712/09]
The reply to Question No. 64 of 2nd April 2009 refers. The changed economic and employment market situation has meant that many of the workers who would have benefited from training programmes for those in employment are now unemployed. It is against this background that we must adjust our training programmes to the new reality. That is why my Department is implementing a number of initiatives to increase training for the unemployed. Accordingly, the finite budgetary resources for training are increasingly being deployed towards activation measures to support training for greater numbers of unemployed persons. It is in this context that the Skillnets Training Network Programme allocation for 2009 has been reviewed and the allocations committed to individual projects have been adjusted.
Proposals made to my Department from Skillnets as to how the enterprise-led skillnets training network model might potentially assist in the training and upskilling of the unemployed and of part-time workers have already been the subject of joint discussions.
10 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the remuneration package of each of the chief executive officers of State agencies reporting to her Department, including pay, pension and ancillary benefits; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14041/09]
The basic salary and emoluments granted to the chief executive officer of all of the public agencies under the aegis of my Department are sanctioned by the Department of Finance.
In addition to the above, the CEO of Science Foundation Ireland is paid an allowance in the nature of pay on a personal basis (as approved by the Department of Finance) in recognition of his international research experience and expertise.
The CEO's of all agencies under the aegis of my Department participate in a Performance Related Award Scheme approved by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, with the consent of the Minister for Finance. The Schemes, which are based on the Department of Finance's Guidelines on Performance Related Awards in non-commercial state bodies, provide for a maximum award of 20% of total remuneration.
CEOs of the following agencies under the aegis of my Department have the use of a car for official business:
Forfás,
IDA Ireland Enterprise Ireland
Science Foundation Ireland
Shannon Free Airport Development Co.
Each CEO with the exception of FÁS is a member of the superannuation scheme of their respective agency. The DG of FÁS is a retired senior civil servant and is already in receipt of a pension having retired from his last position as a Secretary General in the Department of Finance. Therefore his salary is abated.
11 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views, in view of the current high unemployment rates in the construction industry, on whether there is a need to amend the construction federation operatives pension scheme to encourage employment in this sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14060/09]
The Construction Industry (Pension Assurance and Sick Pay) Registered Employment Agreement (REA) is an agreement reached between employers and trade unions representative of workers in the sector. The REA requires employers in the construction sector to become and remain a party to a contributory pension scheme approved by the Revenue Commissioners and sets out the conditions upon which pension and mortality payments are payable and the associated minimum amounts and benefits. The REA does not specify any particular pension scheme to apply but rather sets out the general criteria within which any such scheme should operate.
I have no function in relation to the negotiation of, or changes to, this REA or any other Registered Employment Agreement.
The Construction Workers Pension Scheme (generally referred to as CWPS) has been established on foot of the Registered Employment Agreement. The conditions upon which such pension, mortality and sick pay benefits are payable and the amounts thereof must not be less favourable than those which are set out in the REA.
The Construction Workers Pension Scheme is an independently run occupational scheme and I have no function in relation to its operation.
12 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount set aside for community enterprise schemes in 2008 and 2009; the amount spent on wages; the amount spent on administration; the amount spent on any use not related to wages; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14098/09]
FÁS as an agency of my Department operates the Community Employment (CE) and Job Initiative (JI) schemes. Community Employment (CE) is an active labour market programme designed to provide eligible long-term unemployed people and other disadvantaged persons (including those with a disability) with an opportunity to engage in useful work within their communities on a fixed term basis.
The Job Initiative Programme (JI) was launched in July 1996 and provides full time employment for people who are 35 years of age or over, unemployed for 5 years or more, and in receipt of Social Welfare payments over that period.
The main purpose of the programme is to assist long-term unemployed people to prepare for work opportunities by providing participants with work experience, training and development opportunities. The programme is sponsored by voluntary organisations and public bodies involved in not-for-profit activities.
Following changes introduced on 10 November 2004 by Minister Micheál Martin there have been no compulsory lay-offs on the Job Initiative Schemes. Contracts for existing participants are renewed and CE participants to support the service being provided replace those who leave voluntarily.
This Government will continue to support the positive role of FÁS Employment Schemes in meeting the needs of long-term unemployed persons while at the same time providing essential services to communities. I am keeping the operation of the Schemes under constant review in the context of the current difficult unemployment situation. The information requested by the Deputy is contained in the following table. As the 2009 budget has not yet been finalised, the amounts stated are subject to change.
|
Programme |
Description |
2008 |
2009 |
||
|
€m |
% |
€m |
% |
||
|
Community Employment |
Direct Allowances |
342.620 |
90.8 |
349.583 |
90.7 |
|
Admin |
20.489 |
5.4 |
20.999 |
5.5 |
|
|
Training |
13.626 |
3.6 |
13.742 |
3.6 |
|
|
Other |
0.777 |
0.2 |
0.721 |
0.2 |
|
|
Total |
377.512 |
100 |
385.000 |
100 |
|
|
Job Initiative |
Direct Allowances |
34.258 |
90.8 |
34.864 |
89.4 |
|
Admin |
2.787 |
7.4 |
2.865 |
7.3 |
|
|
Training |
0.689 |
1.8 |
1.271 |
3.3 |
|
|
Other |
|||||
|
Total |
37.734 |
100 |
39.000 |
100 |
13 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason for the delay in paying redundancy rebate to a company (details supplied). [14105/09]
28 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when a refund of redundancy payments will be made in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14715/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 13 and 28 together.
I can confirm that the Redundancy Payments Section of my Department has received a number of applications from the company concerned. Owing to a very significant influx in the number of redundancy applications filed with the Department in the latter part of 2008 and, to date in 2009, there is a considerable backlog of applications waiting to be processed in the Section. I am conscious that many employers who have paid the due entitlements to workers are genuinely waiting on rebates for cash flow purposes and my Department is trying to process these claims as quickly as possible in the circumstances. I have taken a number of measures, including the provision of additional staff resources in the Redundancy Payments Section, to deal with the increased workload and I expect that given some time, these measures will assist in making significant inroads into the backlog of applications.
As it stands, the Section is currently processing applications for rebate payments submitted online by employers dating from very early November 2008. I understand that, in the case of the company referred to, there are a number of applications filed spanning the period from early November 2008 and into the early months of 2009. I expect that the applications in question will be examined very shortly given that the Section is currently processing applications filed since early November 2008.
14 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her most recent estimates for receipts and expenditure to the national training fund in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14115/09]
The National Training Fund forms part of the supplementary budget process and the most recent estimates for the receipts and expenditure of the Fund in 2009 will be published as part of the Revised Estimates Volume.
15 Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of Romanian nationals living here; and if Romanian nationals may be fully entitled to work in this State without a work permit. [14159/09]
In 2006, the Irish Government decided that, following their accession to the EU, nationals of Romania and Bulgaria would still have to apply for work permits in order to work in Ireland. Following a review of the situation in 2008, Government decided to maintain this requirement. The considerable challenges now posed as a result of the downturn in the global economic environment and its direct impact on the labour market have been factors influencing this decision.
While nationals of Romania have to apply for work permits in order to work in Ireland, they are given preferential access to our labour market, ahead of non-EEA nationals. In addition, Romanians who have been in the State on a valid employment permit for an uninterrupted period of 12 months or longer are not required to renew their employment permit in order to remain in the workplace.
16 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when a redundancy payment will be made in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary. [14163/09]
The Redundancy Payments Section of my Department has checked to see if a redundancy payments claim has been lodged for the individual in question but currently there is no record of a claim having been submitted. However, given the huge increase in the volume of claims and the current backlog which is being tackled by staff, not all claims have been logged on to the system as yet. In the circumstances, if the Deputy wishes to provide me with further information which would help to clarify the application, I would be happy to renew enquiries.
17 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the payments made to senior officials in her Department under the performance related pay scheme for each of the years 2005 to 2008, inclusive; if she has approved the payments for 2008; if so, the date of this approval; the date of the approval of payments relating to 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14218/09]
The scheme of performance-related awards in the civil service applies to Deputy and Assistant Secretaries and equivalent grades. The pool for performance awards is 10% of the pay bill for the group concerned. Details of awards made to individual officers under the performance-related scheme are not disclosed on the basis that they are confidential to the officer concerned.
Details of the operation of the scheme are available in the report of the Committee for Performance Awards which can be accessed on the website of the Department of Finance www.finance.gov.ie.
The table outlines the total cost of payments made to senior officials and other office holders in my Department under the scheme for performance-related awards for each of the years 2005 to 2008.
Payments relating to 2007 were approved by the Committee for Performance Awards in May 2008. No awards have been approved for officers of my Department under the scheme in respect of 2008. The Deputy will be aware that my colleague the Minister for Finance recently announced the discontinuation of the scheme for performance-related awards. I am currently awaiting clarification from the Minister on the matter.
|
Number |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
|
7 Assistant Secretaries and 7 Office holders |
€160,000 |
€168,000 |
€196,000 |
Nil |
18 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the problems created for small and medium-sized enterprises which have been forced to make employees redundant as a result of the recession because of the delays in processing applications for the rebate of 60% of the statutory redundancy payments to which they are entitled; if she will confirm that applications made in October 2008 have not been dealt with; the steps she is taking to ensure that applications for rebates are dealt with promptly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14231/09]
The Tánaiste and I are acutely aware of the difficulties which the inability to deliver an acceptable turnaround of redundancy rebate payments is giving rise to for both individual employees and the business community and together, we are taking steps to address the issues.
The huge increase in the number of Redundancy Payment claims lodged with the Redundancy Payments Section of my Department in the latter part of 2008 and, to date in 2009 is unprecedented and is giving rise to delays in the processing of redundancy payments for individuals and companies within a reasonable timeframe. The scale of the challenge is evident from the statistics which indicate that, as at 1 April 2009, the number of new claims lodged with my Department was 20,798 which is more than 50% of the entire level of applications lodged for the whole of 2008 i.e. 40, 607. The number of claims received is averaging 1,600 per week.
Because of the huge surge in the number of claims received in Redundancy Payments in 2008, customer service targets have slipped as existing staff levels are insufficient to cope with such a massive increase in claim numbers. I can confirm that applications made online for rebate payments dating from early November 2008 are being processed and from October 2008 in respect of claims filed manually.
Since the start of the year, I have re-allocated an additional 15 persons to the Redundancy Payments Section and a further re-allocation of staff is due to be made in the next couple of weeks.
In addition, I have just introduced a new temporary arrangement so that the dedicated information centre of the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA) will be able to give out better and more up-to-date information to callers about the status of their applications. This will ensure that staff in the Redundancy Payments area of operation will be able to focus fully on and prioritise the most important aspect of the task, the actual processing of claims.
I can assure the Deputy that this matter is under constant review in my Department and that every effort is being made to deal with an increasing backlog in an attempt to ensure that claimants get the best possible service at, what is for them, a very difficult time.
19 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will make a statement on the geographical areas used in the compilation of her Department’s statistics. [14281/09]
With regard to the industrial development agencies, the Forfás Annual Employment Survey reports on job numbers in companies that are clients of the industrial development agencies. Information is aggregated on an annualised basis at county level. The information is provided by companies on a confidential basis for statistical purposes only. In the circumstances we do not publish information equating to companies.
20 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her Department provides multi-annual funding to community or voluntary sector organisations; and if so, the organisations receiving this funding since 2006 to date in 2009. [14479/09]
The only Voluntary or Community organisations which receive funding directly from my Department are the Irish National Organisation for the Unemployed (the INOU) and "The Wheel" (a national support and representative network for the Community and Voluntary Sector). The amount of funding each received from 2006 to date is as follows.
The Deputy might also wish to be aware that while FÁS, an Agency which comes under the remit of my Department, does not provide "direct multi-annual funding" to Community and Voluntary Organisations, it does provide funding for community based employment and training programmes to make learning accessible in local areas. Such programmes are organised in conjunction with community, voluntary and public organisations. In this way, local organisations help to develop their area by sponsoring programmes, typically in the areas of social services, healthcare, heritage, arts, culture, tourism, sport, environment and education.
In 2008, over 30,000 people benefited through training and work-experience programmes, with approximately 1,400 voluntary and community sponsors involved. Each of the sponsor groups are contracted on an annual basis taking into account the overall budget available, sponsors business plans, any past history of the project including progression and certification. The project work must respond to an identified community need and offer valuable work experience to the project workers. Local Partnership Area groups would also be involved in this process.
|
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
|
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
The INOU |
50,000 |
51,000 |
52,000 |
52,000 |
|
The Wheel |
500,000 |
367,000 |
375,000 |
Not yet agreed but expected to be similar to that of 2008. |
21 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the cost of providing mobile telephony and PDA services for her in each of the years since 2002, broken down by handset purchase costs, rental and call costs, and other costs; the amount of money which was refunded by her in connection with personal use of these phones, PDAs and Blackberries in each year since 2002 in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14530/09]
I was appointed as Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment on 7 May, 2008. My predecessors in the Department were Micheál Martin who was the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment from September 2004 until 7 May 2008 and Mary Harney who was the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment during 2002 and until September, 2004.
Since 2002 the annual costs incurred by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment on mobile telephony services for the various Ministers for Enterprise, Trade and Employment were as follows:
|
Year |
€ |
|
2002 |
Not available |
|
2003 |
Not available |
|
2004 |
6,144.54 |
|
2005 |
4,131.31 |
|
2006 |
3,609.26 |
|
2007 |
4,641.63 |
|
2008 |
4,786.34 |
Of the amount expended in 2008, €2,184.73 relates to Minister Martin and the balance of €2,601.61 relates to me. It is not possible to provide a breakdown for each year according to handset purchase costs, rental costs, call costs and other costs. Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) were not used by me or the previous Ministers for Enterprise, Trade and Employment. No refunds were made for personal use of the mobile telephony services by Ministers during 2008, 2007, 2006; such information for 2005, 2004, 2003 and 2002 is not readily available.
In the time available, it has only been possible to provide the information requested by the Deputy insofar as the records of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment are concerned. If the above information is not exactly what the Deputy wanted, I would be happy to supply any additional information on hearing from the Deputy.
22 Deputy David Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of staff with less than two years service on 1 March 2009 who gave notice to terminate their employment before 1 April 2009 under section 5 of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14582/09]
No staff member in my Department with less than two years service on 1 March 2009 gave notice to terminate their employment before 1 April 2009 under Section 5 of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act, 2009.
23 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount of moneys allocated from the €500 million venture capital fund to specific companies; the breakdown of said companies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14611/09]
Negotiations are continuing between officials of my Department, other Government Departments, Enterprise Ireland and the various parties whose cooperation and participation will be required before this Fund becomes operational.
24 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amounts allocated to Science Foundation Ireland’s centres for science and engineering, technology in 2008 and 2009; the amount allocated to academic industrial partnerships; the amount allocated to specific projects and the projects in relation to same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14613/09]
As outlined in the Government's "Building Ireland's Smart Economy — A Framework for Sustainable Economic Renewal" Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) is playing a central role in Ireland's sustainable economic renewal. SFI has a number of programmes, which are specifically designed to promote strong industry/academic collaborations. The awards and 2008 funding provision for the most significant of these programmes, SFI Centres for Science, Engineering and Technology (CSETs) and the Strategic Research Clusters (SRCs) are set out in Tables 1 and 2.
The financial allocation to SFI for the full range of programmes for 2009 will be set out in the Revised Book of Estimates following the Budget announcement on 7th April.
To date, SFI has made awards to 9 CSETs and 17 SRCs in total. These industry-embedded research groups are formally linked to over 150 multinational and small to medium high-tech enterprises that employ over 60,000 people in high value jobs in Ireland. These groups have been integral to IDA Ireland's strategy of attracting more R&D-based foreign direct investment to Ireland. In recent years SFI has gradually shifted the focus of investments from individually-led investigator groups to groups within enterprise clusters with over double the number of SFI funded world-class Principal Investigators now being located within the CSETs and SRCs when compared to the 2004 position.
These SFI funded activities are consistent with promoting research and development as a key part of the enterprise agenda, assisting as they do the retention and attraction of quality employment in Ireland, and thereby increasing the value of Irish industry.
In addition, SFI also operates an industry supplement to SFI funded researchers and the 2008 expenditure associated with this programme amounted to €701,864. Therefore total payments made by SFI in 2008 for all the industry / academic collaborative programmes it supports (CSETs, SRCs and Industrial Supplements) amounted to €39.19m.
|
Recipient |
Institute |
SFI funding in 2008 |
|
€m |
||
|
Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre (APC) |
University College Cork |
6.28 |
|
Biomedical Diagnostics Institute (BDI) |
Dublin City University |
4.39 |
|
Centre for Research on Adaptive Nanostructures and Nanodevices (CRANN) |
Trinity College Dublin |
3.92 |
|
Centre for Telecommunications Value Chain Driven Research (CTVR) |
Trinity College Dublin |
4.34 |
|
CLARITY Bringing Information to Life |
University College Dublin |
1.36 |
|
Digital Enterprise Research Centre (DERI) |
NUI Galway |
3.87 |
|
LERO |
University of Limerick |
1.96 |
|
Next Generation Localisation (CNGL) |
Dublin City University |
1.48 |
|
Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI) |
NUI Galway |
3.55 |
|
CSET Total |
31.19 |
|
Recipient |
Institution |
2008 SFI funding |
|
€m |
||
|
Advanced Biomimetic Materials for Solar Energy Conversion |
UCC |
0.25 |
|
BioNanoInteract |
UCD |
— |
|
Clique: Graph & Network Analysis Cluster |
UCD |
0.38 |
|
EEDSP: Efficient Embedded Digital Signal Processing for Mobile Digital Health |
UCC |
0.08 |
|
Federated, Autonomic Management of End-To-End Communications Services (FAME) |
Waterford IT |
0.69 |
|
FORME-Functional Oxides and Related Materials for Electronics |
Tyndall National Institute |
0.04 |
|
Glycoscience Research Cluster |
NUI Galway |
0.75 |
|
Immunology Research Cluster |
TCD |
1.26 |
|
Irish Drug Delivery Research Network (IDDN) |
UCD |
— |
|
Irish Separation Science Cluster-Comprehensive multi-dimensional and multi-modal separation science for complex biological systems |
DCU |
1.07 |
|
ITOBO: Information and Communication Technology for Sustainable and Optimised Building Operation |
UCC |
0.13 |
|
Network of Excellence for Functional Biomaterials (NFB) |
NUI Galway |
0.05 |
|
Photonics — Integration ‘From Atoms to Systems’ (PiFAS) |
Tyndall National Institute |
0.14 |
|
PRECISION-Plasma Technology for Nano Manufacturing |
Dublin City University |
1.09 |
|
Reproductive Biology Research Cluster |
NUI Galway |
0.23 |
|
Solid State Pharmaceuticals Cluster (SSPC) |
University of Limerick |
— |
|
Strategic Research Cluster In Advanced Geotechnologies |
NUI Maynooth |
1.07 |
|
Totals |
7.23 |
25 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the practices from which retailers are prohibited from engaging in under the Competition Acts in their dealings with suppliers; the number of such prohibited practices which have come to light in each of the past three years; and the response of the Competition Authority thereto. [14660/09]
Retailers, like all other undertakings, are subject to the provisions of sections 4 and 5 of the Competition Act 2002. They are therefore prohibited from engaging in a variety anti-competitive practices such as price-fixing, market sharing abusing dominance etc.
In addition, the Competition (Amendment) Act 2006 inserts a new Part 2A immediately after section 15 of the 2002 Act. The Part deals specifically with competition in the grocery goods trade and prohibits certain practices by grocery goods undertakings (defined as an undertaking that is engaged for gain in the production, supply or distribution of grocery goods). Breaches of the prohibitions are civil only.
Section 15B(1) prohibits a grocery goods undertaking, directly or indirectly, attempting to compel or coerce another grocery goods undertaking, whether by threat, promise or any like means, to resell or advertise for resale any grocery goods at:
a price fixed directly or indirectly by the first mentioned grocery goods undertaking, or
a price above a minimum price fixed directly or indirectly by the first mentioned grocery goods undertaking.
This prohibits, not retail price maintenance itself (which is already prohibited by section 4 of the 2002 Act, and which is a criminal offence) but any attempt to force retail price maintenance.
Section 15B(2) prohibits a grocery goods undertaking from applying dissimilar conditions to equivalent transactions with any other grocery goods undertaking. This is meant to catch unilateral behaviour by a non-dominant undertaking. If the undertaking was dominant, the behaviour would be caught by section 5 of the 2002 Act. A typical case might be a large supplier who gives better discounts or rebates to a supermarket than to a smaller store. However, it should be noted that the provision prohibits discrimination where the transactions are equivalent: it does not, for example, prohibit a supplier from providing volume discounts to retailers based on the size of purchases, or from providing better terms to those who pay cash rather than on credit or wait to pay per the terms of an invoice period.
Section 15B(3) prohibits a grocery goods undertaking from directly or indirectly compelling or coercing, whether by threat, promise or any like means, another grocery goods undertaking to make any payment or grant any allowance for the advertising or display of grocery goods. This is intended to prevent large supermarkets refusing to specially advertise or display new products unless they are paid to do so.
Section 15B(4) prohibits a retailer from directly or indirectly compelling or coercing, whether by threat, promise or any like means, another grocery goods undertaking to make any payment or grant any allowance to the retailer in consideration of any of the following matters:
providing space for grocery goods within a new retail outlet on or within the first 60 days after its opening to the public;
providing space for grocery goods within a newly expanded or extended retail outlet on or within the first 60 days after the opening to the public of the expanded or extended part of the outlet;
providing space for grocery goods within a retail outlet on or within the first 60 days after its opening to the public under new ownership.
All the prohibitions of section 15B are subject to subsection (5) of the section. This provides that the conduct described in the section will not be prohibited unless it has the object or effect of preventing, restricting or distorting competition. The reason for this proviso is that some of the behaviour referred to is capable of having a pro-competitive effect in certain cases.
The Competition Authority is the statutory independent agency responsible for the enforcement of competition law in Ireland. The Competition Authority's role in relation to alleged breaches of the legislation is to investigate those alleged breaches. The Competition Authority investigates alleged breaches of the legislation either on its own initiative or on receipt of complaints from the public. If, having conducted an investigation, the Competition Authority believes that there is evidence that a breach of the legislation has occurred, it brings the matter to the Courts, either directly itself or through the Director of Public Prosecutions, depending on the nature of the alleged breach.
It is the Courts alone that decide whether a breach of the Acts has occurred or not. There is also a right of private action to the Courts for any person aggrieved in consequence of a breach of the Competition Acts. I am not aware of any decisions by the Courts in the last three years relating to breaches of the Acts in the grocery goods trade.
26 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when her attention was first drawn to the impending closure of a company (details supplied) in County Dublin; the steps she took to inform the employees and the Cabinet; and if discussions were held to set up an emergency employment task force to address the future employment needs of the workforce who are to be laid off; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14665/09]
27 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason no consideration was given to a proposal to nationalise a company (details supplied) in view of its vital national economic strategic interest, the fact that Ireland is an island nation, that the State holds a key shareholding in both Aer Lingus and Údarás Aerfort Átha Cliath and other airports here, the number of employees facing unemployment with no prospect of employment again in their field, and the fact that it was a profitable company prior to the development company closing it to relocate. [14680/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 26 and 27 together.
The formal decision by SR Technics to close the Dublin facility was first conveyed at a meeting on 11 February 2009. However, I had been aware for some months before that date that the company was engaged in a major review of group operations which would have consequences for the Dublin facility. IDA had intensified its engagement with the company with a view to assisting the Irish subsidiary to achieve the optimal outcome in the circumstances.
The Government is anxious that as many jobs as possible are secured at Dublin Airport. We would like to see the SR Technics Group do what it can to assist and I have conveyed this and the widespread concern in Ireland that every effort be made to maintain the maximum number of jobs at the facility at Dublin Airport, to SR Technics at Group level.
IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland have formed a project team to promote the operation through the IDA overseas network of offices and to meet with and assess expressions of interest in the operation.
There are a number of expressions of interest from different parties in acquiring at least elements of the business and both IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland are actively exploring options with interested parties. Time is needed to assess these proposals by IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland. Actual involvement by IDA Ireland or Enterprise Ireland in providing financial or other supports will be dependent on a company or companies submitting proposals for consideration and seeking approval for State support in the normal way. It is not proposed to take the Irish operation into public ownership. The sector operates on the basis of a competitive market and the Dublin operation, whether publicly or privately owned, will have to compete on a level playing field with other companies in the same market.
The State Agencies will continue to engage with all groups, indigenous and overseas, interested in building commercially viable and sustainable operations to secure as many of the jobs as possible at Dublin Airport.
29 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of people working in the public service under temporary employment contracts on a fixed term basis who will lose their jobs as a consequence of the non-renewal of those contracts due to the moratorium decision announced by the Minister for Finance on 27 March 2009; the organisations in which such terminations will occur; the number of individuals who will lose their jobs as a consequence of this decision; the annual saving that will accrue to the Exchequer as a consequence of the non-renewal of these contracts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15042/09]
The moratorium is effective from 27 March 2009 to end 2010. Currently this Department employs 10 people on temporary contracts, which are due to expire on dates between 1 May and end 2009. It had not been anticipated that any of these contracts would be extended but this would have been considered in the context of the Department's business needs, prior to the expiry of each contract. Therefore, none of the people concerned will lose their jobs specifically due to the moratorium. The saving in salaries that would accrue to the Exchequer as a consequence of the non-renewal of these contracts would be €249,592 on a full-year basis.
IDA Ireland
IDA Ireland currently employs 21 people on fixed term contract, all of these posts are affected by the decision. The estimated saving in salaries would amount to €221,897 in 2009 in respect of 6 posts and €773,605 in 2010 in respect of 15 posts.
Shannon Development
Shannon Development has a total of 9 people on fixed term contract, which will be affected by the decision before the end of 2010. There is an estimated saving of €253,264, however, as Shannon Development meets its pay and administration costs from own resource income, the savings involved here will not accrue to the Exchequer.
Forfás
Forfás has 9 staff engaged on a fixed term contract basis. The terms of these contracts will expire over the period 2009-2011. Those contracts due to expire in 2009 would result in savings in that year of €52,000; annual or full-year savings would amount to €201,000. The contracts due to expire in 2010 would result in a saving of €117,000; the annual or full year savings on these contracts would amount to €234,000. Savings in 2011 on contracts due to expire would be €69,000, with annual or full-year savings amounting to €75,000.
National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI)
There are 10 staff employed in NSAI under a fixed term contract of employment. The salary cost of these 10 individuals and eventual savings in the period in question amounts to €550,500.
County and City Enterprise Boards (CEBs)
It is understood that 2 people across the CEB Network will be affected by this instruction. The salaries for these positions range from €20,001 to €50,000. Enterprise Ireland Enterprise Ireland has 29 staff on fixed term contracts in permanent posts, mainly overseas, where contracts will expire before 31 December 2010. It is estimate that the non-replacement of these posts could save up to €1.2 million. Personal Injuries Assessment Board The Personal Injuries Assessment Board has 6 fixed term contractors employed whose contracts are due to expire at varying dates by mid 2010. The savings made will not accrue to the Exchequer.
FÁS
FÁS currently has 52 staff on fixed term contracts. Forty-one of these staff are due to finish their contracts in 2009 and eleven in 2010. The renewal or otherwise of these contracts would normally be dependent on the prevailing operational requirements. If all contracts were renewed it would represent an additional cost to the organisation of €940,000 in 2009 and €1,800,000 in 2010.
Science Foundation Ireland
Science Foundation Ireland has 1 member of staff currently serving on contract, this contract will expire before the end of 2010. There will be no savings accruing in 2009 and minimal related savings in 2010.
Health & Safety Authority
There is one person in the Health and Safety Authority employed on a fixed term contract due to expire in June 2010. Based on the recent decisions from the Department of Finance this contract will not be renewed. No savings will accrue to the Authority in 2009.
30 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Finance if funding has been set aside for flood protection in Bray, County Wicklow; when the scheme will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14229/09]
The Office of Public Works is working with Bray Town Council to develop and implement a Flood Relief Scheme for the town.
Funding is being provided to the Town Council from the provision in the National Development Plan for Flood Risk Management measures.
The Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed scheme and the necessary Compulsory Purchase Orders have been approved by An Bord Pleanála and I anticipate that construction of the scheme will commence next year.
31 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Finance the State owned and State partially owned companies here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14893/09]
61 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Finance if he will list all State owned and State partially owned companies here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14569/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 31 and 61 together.
I assume that the Deputy's question refers to bodies with a commercial mandate: a list of such bodies is set out as follows. The list refers to bodies in which the State has a direct holding. Some bodies may have subsidiaries or holdings in other companies or may have entered into joint-ventures with other companies.
|
Parent Department |
Body |
|
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Food. |
Irish National Stud Company Ltd |
|
Coillte (The Irish Forestry Company) |
|
|
Fastnet Mussels Ltd |
|
|
Kush Seafarms Ltd |
|
|
Department of Arts, Sports & Tourism |
Bord na gCon |
|
Horse Racing Ireland |
|
|
Department of Communications, Energy & Natural Resources |
Bord na Móna |
|
Bord Gáis Éireann |
|
|
ESB |
|
|
An Post |
|
|
EirGrid |
|
|
RTE |
|
|
TG4 |
|
|
Ordnance Survey Ireland |
|
|
Department of Finance |
Anglo Irish Bank |
|
An Post National Lottery Company |
|
|
Department of Health and Children |
Voluntary Health Insurance Board |
|
Department of Transport |
Irish Aviation Authority |
|
Dublin Airport Authority |
|
|
Cork Airport Authority |
|
|
Shannon Airport Authority |
|
|
Córas Iompair Éireann (CIE) (Iarnród Eireann, Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus) |
|
|
Railway Procurement Agency |
|
|
Port Companies: Port of Cork Company, |
|
|
Drogheda Port Company, |
|
|
Dublin Port Company, |
|
|
Dundalk Port Company, |
|
|
Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company, |
|
|
Galway Harbour Company, |
|
|
New Ross Port Company, |
|
|
Shannon/Foynes Port Company, |
|
|
Port of Waterford Company, |
|
|
Wicklow Port Company |
32 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Finance if he had knowledge, discussions or meetings with persons pertaining to the stockbroking division of a bank (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14035/09]
33 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Finance if he received a copy or correspondence relating to an audit report (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14047/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 32 and 33 together.
The Financial Regulator has informed me that on 19 October 2001 AIB Capital Markets plc in accordance with the obligations imposed in the Central Bank's Handbook for Investment and Stockbroking firms, submitted a copy of an AIB Group Internal Report entitled "Special Investigation Goodbody Stockbrokers — Trading in AIB Shares" and a copy of a management letter addressed to the Internal Audit Committee of the Board of AIB to the Central Bank. The work related to this report had been undertaken from May to September 2001.
The report articulated that the arrangements that Goodbody Stockbrokers (Goodbody) had put in place to allow them to trade in AIB shares had not operated in accordance with those previously communicated to the Central Bank and the Irish Stock Exchange. The original arrangements presented were designed to allow Goodbody, as a stockbroker, to trade in AIB shares in compliance with the provisions of the Companies Act, 1990 which restricted trading by a company in its own shares. The Companies Acts were subsequently amended with effect from 4 August 2001 enabling Goodbody, as stockbroking subsidiary of AIB, to trade AIB shares.
Subsequent to the submission of the report the Central Bank met with senior personnel in AIB, as part of its examination of this matter. I understand that under confidentiality legislation at the time the Central Bank was precluded from passing on information to other parties, including the Minister for Finance. Ultimately significant personnel changes took place in Goodbody.
The Financial Regulator has also informed me that the procedure at the time, in accordance with the provisions of the Criminal Justice Act, 1994, was for suspicions of money laundering identified by the Bank to be reported to the Garda and I can confirm that all reporting obligations were met by the Central Bank.
I have not received a copy of the Report or had discussions with the Financial Regulator regarding the Report.
34 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Finance his views on reducing the €250 donation threshold above which charities can claim tax back in an effort to address the shortfall in funding experienced by charities involved in overseas development. [14075/09]
Section 848A of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 allows tax relief on donations made by either individuals or corporate bodies to eligible charities and other approved bodies, including first and second level schools and third level institutions. The minimum qualifying donation for relief purposes to an eligible charity or approved body is €250 per annum.
Reducing the threshold to allow tax relief on smaller donations, as the Deputy has proposed, could significantly increase the current cost of the scheme to the Exchequer. The relief is already very generous. There is no upper limit on the amount that can be donated generally and relief is granted at the donor's marginal rate of income tax. Donations can be cumulative, so that a donation of just €5 per week over the course of a year would qualify.
The donations scheme was one of the tax reliefs examined as part of the 2005 overall review of tax reliefs and exemptions. The review concluded that the €250 minimum threshold is serving its purpose and should be retained at its current level, subject to ongoing review. The Deputy may wish to note that the full text of the review can be found on my Department's website at www.finance.gov.ie/documents/publications/other/revtaxreliefsvol3.pdf.
The Commission on Taxation, as part of its remit, is reviewing all existing tax reliefs, including relief under section 848A. It is expected that the Commission will furnish its report to me at the end of July 2009.
35 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will support a matter (details supplied). [14085/09]
I have noted the proposal regarding the Global Disaster Funding Bank Corporation, however I cannot support it. At this time of unprecedented economic and financial crisis, it is imperative that we respond quickly in an effective, cooperative and coordinated manner to bring about a resolution to this crisis and restore economic and financial stability as soon as possible. Ireland is committed to the G20 process and we welcome the discussions that took place at last week's London Summit and the resulting pledges to:
restore confidence, growth, and jobs;
repair the financial system to restore lending;
strengthen financial regulation to rebuild trust;
fund and reform our international financial institutions to overcome this crisis and prevent future ones;
promote global trade and investment and reject protectionism, to underpin prosperity; and
build an inclusive, green, and sustainable recovery.
36 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Finance his proposals to exempt from the pension levy persons who have paid 40 years constant contribution to their pension scheme but because they are not yet 65 years are required to make pension contributions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14090/09]
The pension related deduction has been introduced as one of a range of measures required to help address the economic crisis, including the serious imbalance in the Exchequer finances. The deduction applies generally given the fact 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. The deduction is a reasonable means of reconciling the need to achieve the necessary savings while seeking to ameliorate the impact on lower paid staff.
On the point raised by the Deputy I would point out that public servants who have paid 40 years contributions continue to enjoy the considerable benefits which are reflected in the pension and lump sum payable on retirement. In the circumstances I am satisfied that it is fair and appropriate that such public servants pay the pension related deduction.
37 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Finance when the Revenue Commissioners on-line service will provide an on-line facility for payment of the new income levy for businesses and individuals who make their returns to the Revenue Commissioners through the on-line system; the system used at present by Revenue for calculating the amount of income levy received since its introduction on 1 January 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14095/09]
As the Deputy will be aware the income levy is effective from 1 January 2009. I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the arrangements for the introduction of the Income Levy were focused on limiting administrative and compliance costs for employers. Employers incorporate the payment of the Income Levy into the existing monthly form P30 and the Income Levy is included with PAYE tax payments. This mirrors the current arrangements for payment of the Health Levy (and previously the Employment Levy), which is also incorporated in the form P30 and is included with PRSI payments. The monthly apportionment by Revenue between payments of PAYE tax and Income Levy for the 2009 tax year is determined by applying a breakdown formula derived from a tax-forecasting model maintained by Revenue. The precise breakdown between PAYE tax and the Income Levy will be available in the first quarter of 2010 on receipt of the forms P35 from employers. Facilities already exist for businesses to file both the P30 and P35 on-line.
A similar approach will be taken in respect of payments of Income Tax and Income Levy for self-assessed individuals for 2009. In calculating their Preliminary Income Tax for 2009, due no later than 31 October 2009, the self-assessed individual will be required to add the income levy to the amount of their income tax payment due. Such taxpayers will pay a single amount and Revenue will apportion the payment between Income tax and Income levy.
The 2009 tax return for self-assessed taxpayers is not due until 2010. In this context the on-line service for self-assessed individuals to file returns for 2009, providing for a separate calculation of tax and levies due, is expected to be available by 1 January 2010.
38 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance his views on the recent downgrade of Irish sovereign debt from AAA to AA+ by a company (details supplied); if he will provide an estimate as to the expected effect this will have on funding costs for Irish sovereign debt for 2009; if the company had communicated to him or his officials at any point over the previous three months certain targets, criteria or benchmarks against which Irish sovereign debt would be considered in the context of a revision of the sovereign rating; the date on which Irish sovereign debt last had a rating lower than AAA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14099/09]
The National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) have advised me that it is not possible at this stage to quantify the effect of the downgrade on funding costs. Yields have been falling recently from the levels reached in late January and, at this point, the NTMA are of the view that it appears that the effect of the downgrade had already been priced in by the market.
All the rating agencies are in regular contact with my officials, along with officials of the NTMA, the Central Bank and many other public and private bodies in Ireland. While the rating methodology is public, the agencies do not set targets or criteria for individual countries. Finally, while losing the AAA rating is disappointing, I would remind the Deputy that prior to October 2001, Ireland was rated AA+ by at least one rating agency.
39 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Finance his views in regard to a submission by a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; if there are plans to address the issue as stated; if so, the timescale of such plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14107/09]
43 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide an exemption from the pension levy for research staff who are employed on fixed term non-permanent contracts dependent on external funding; his views on whether staff who are without job security and an incremental payscale and who do not accumulate sufficient years of service to adequately benefit from a public service pension should not be subject to the pension levy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14135/09]
46 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Finance if he will clarify the position of a large number of university research staff who must pay the pension levy although they are employed on fixed term or non-permanent contracts which are contingent on external funding sources and, as such, are non-renewable; his views on the fact that these people will never accumulate the years of service needed to receive a meaningful benefit from a public service pension, and will therefore not benefit from the pension levy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14160/09]
55 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance if, with respect to the public sector pension levy, public sector workers, such as researchers, for instance, employed on fixed term or short term contracts are excluded from paying the public sector pension levy; if he will exclude such workers from paying the levy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14232/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 39, 43, 46 and 55 together.
Public servants who are members of public service pension schemes are liable to pay the pension-related deduction legislated for in the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009. On this basis, third-level researchers on fixed-term and temporary contracts must pay the deduction, since they are members of the relevant occupational pension schemes. They are just one of many groups of non-permanent public servants paying the deduction.
Distinctions between public servants on the basis of whether they are permanent or temporary, and if temporary what contract duration applies, are irrelevant insofar as liability to pay the deduction is concerned. The pay of the post, in terms of whether it features incremental progression, is likewise irrelevant.
In recent years fixed-term researchers in third-level institutions have been made pensionable, and this has significantly improved the attractiveness of a research career. These researchers accrue pensionable service even for short-duration appointments and that service can be aggregated with past and future service in other pensionable public service employment.
Section 6 of the Act provides for a refund of the deduction in certain circumstances, and should reassure third-level researchers on short-term non-renewable contracts who have no prior public service employment history and who may be concerned about accruing no pension benefit at the expiry of their contract due to insufficient service. A deduction refund may be payable provided that the departing employee has accrued no benefits under any public service pension scheme, has not received a payment in lieu of scheme membership and has not transferred the service to another public service pension scheme.
Section 8 of the Act grants the Minister for Finance a limited special discretion to exempt groups of public servants from payment of the deduction. Specifically, where he is satisfied that due to exceptional circumstances, a particular class or group of public servants are materially distinguished from other classes or groups who are subject to the deduction, then the Minister may fully or partly exempt this group from paying some or all of the deduction, if he believes it would be fair and equitable to do so.
The deduction is required at a time of great pressure on the public finances and takes account of the valuable pension benefits available to public servants.
In light of all the above factors, I am satisfied that it is fair and appropriate that public servants on fixed-term and temporary contracts, including third-level researchers, are subject to the pension-related deduction. In the event that any class or group of public servants makes an appeal for exemption from the deduction under section 8 of the Act then such an appeal will be considered.
40 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance if he has received representations with regard to tax relief for trade union subscriptions in the past three years; the source of the representation; the approximate date of representation; the details of the case made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14118/09]
Section 472C of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 provides for tax relief in respect of trade union subscriptions. The tax relief is currently capped at €350. This is the equivalent of a tax credit to the value of €70.
In its pre-budget submission for Budget 2007, the Irish Congress of Trades Unions (ICTU) called for an increase in the tax credit to €100.
A similar request was made prior to Budget 2008, seeking an increase to €120.
Copies of the pre-budget submissions are available from the ICTU website at www.ictu.ie.
41 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 97 of 12 February 2009 if he will estimate the amount that would be raised by an income levy applied as 20% on all income up to €40,000, 30% on income from €40,000 to €80,000, 40% on all income between €80,000 and €120,000 and 50% on all income above €120,000 assuming that the current general and age exemption are not retained; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14130/09]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the full year yield to the Exchequer, estimated by reference to 2009, from the changes mentioned by the Deputy is estimated to be of the order of €22.4 billion.
The figures are estimates from the Revenue tax-forecasting model using actual data for the year 2005 adjusted as necessary for income and employment growth for 2009. They are therefore provisional and likely to be revised.
42 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 97 of 12 February 2009, if he will estimate the amount that would be raised by an income levy applied as 20% on all income up to €50,000, 30% on income from €50,000 to €100,000 and 40% on all income above €100,000 assuming that the current general and age exemption are not retained; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14131/09]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the full year yield to the Exchequer, estimated by reference to 2009, from the changes mentioned by the Deputy is estimated to be of the order of €20.7 billion.
The figures are estimates from the Revenue tax-forecasting model using actual data for the year 2005 adjusted as necessary for income and employment growth for 2009. They are therefore provisional and likely to be revised.
44 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the time-line for the transposition of the Payments Services Directive into law here; the person who is the competent authority for the management of this process; if the process of drafting the relevant legislation has commenced; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that private sector operators based here who might be put at a competitive disadvantage should the transposition of the directive be delayed, that such operators would be in a position to move their operations to another jurisdiction where transposition of the directive is at a more advanced stage and that this is being actively considered for reasons of maintaining competitiveness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14141/09]
45 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Finance when the payment services directive will be transposed here; the reason there has been a delay; if he is confident he will have the necessary legislation in place before November 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14145/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 44 and 45 together.
I refer the Deputies to the answer to Question No. 158 of 31 March 2009. The Payment Services Directive (PSD) provides the necessary legal framework to support the development of the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), a major payments industry initiative aimed at eliminating any remaining difference between domestic and cross-border payments within the eurozone. The Directive introduces standard rules for payment execution in all Member States, seeks to ensure fair market access to new payment services providers and introduces harmonised standards of consumer protection.
The Directive comes into effect on 1 November 2009 and my Department is currently preparing legislation to enable Ireland to apply the Directive provisions by that date. A set of draft regulations was submitted to the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel in February 2009 for formal drafting and work is now progressing to produce a final set of regulations, which will give effect to the Directive by the required transposition date. It is anticipated that the relevant regulations will be published in Summer 2009 and be given effect from 1 November 2009.
As regards the competent authority for the management of the transposition of the Directive into law in Ireland, Section 3 of the European Communities Act 1972 allows me, as Minister, to make Regulations in order to fulfil Ireland's obligations which arise by virtue of our membership of the EU. In this case, the Directive will be transposed through a Statutory Instrument. The Statutory Instrument will designate a competent authority for the authorisation and prudential supervision of payment institutions, as required by Article 20 of the Directive.
My Department consulted relevant stakeholders on two occasions in 2008. In February 2008, it held a public consultation on the national discretions available within the PSD and in October 2008, it held a further consultation on the draft text of the transposing regulations. My Department plans to hold another consultation when the text of the regulations is more advanced.
I am aware generally that industry participants have sought and received assurances from my Department that the Directive would be transposed in time and officials from my Department and the Central Bank and Financial Services Authority of Ireland continue to be available to meet relevant stakeholders as necessary.
47 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance if further consideration has been given to the possible transfer to the Exchequer of the assets and liabilities of pension funds from State agencies or other public or semi-public bodies; if he views this as a possibility; if actuarial studies have been carried out as to the expected financial impact this would have on the Exchequer over both the short and long term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14170/09]
Discussions have been progressing satisfactorily with the trustees and administrators of the funded pension schemes of the five older universities and certain non-commercial semi-State bodies (IDA, SFADCo, FÁS, Bord Bia, Irish Goods Council, Arts Council, CERT and a number of regional tourism organisations) which have funded schemes, with a view to providing consistency and clarity for the future in terms of meeting the liabilities of these schemes. This follows consideration some time ago of the pensions difficulties facing those universities by a working group under the Higher Education Authority which recommended such discussions. The liabilities of the funds at the end of 2008 are estimated to be approximately €3bn with the assets valued at €1.7bn at that time. As regards the impact on the public finances, the current classification of these funds under the EUROSTAT rules is such that the transfer of the assets of the universities' funds and the SSB funds established under Trusts would impact positively on the General Government Balance (GGB) when received. The initial revenue and subsequent investment return would be offset in the future by the payment of pension benefits which would be recorded as Government expenditure at the time of payment.
The background to this is that all funded schemes must now meet minimum funding standards under EU law unless they are covered by the State. This has presented problems for the universities and non-commercial SSBs with funded pension schemes where the State ultimately carries the liability but where this is not clear enough to warrant exemption under EU law. In that context, it is proposed that the assets of those schemes would be transferred to the State along with the liabilities which would then be met, effectively, by the State on a pay as you go basis in the future. The terms and conditions of the schemes would be no better nor worse than the members would be entitled to anyway. If agreement is reached, legislation to give effect to all this would be required.
48 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the amount the income levy has raised in each month since its introduction; the measures that have been taken to track the volume of revenue raised by the levy specifically, as opposed to the amount of income tax inclusive of the levy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14171/09]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the monthly apportionment between payments of PAYE tax and Income Levy for the 2009 tax year is determined by applying a breakdown formula derived from a tax-forecasting model maintained by the Revenue Commissioners. The precise breakdown between PAYE tax and the Income Levy will be available in the first quarter of 2010 on receipt of the forms P35 from employers.
On this basis, it is estimated that approximately €55m per month has been collected in Income Levy in February and March 2009.
A similar approach will be taken in respect of payments of Income Tax and Income Levy that will be made by the self-employed for 2009 (preliminary tax) which is due for payment by 31 October 2009.
49 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Finance if he, as the sole member and shareholder of Anglo Irish Bank, has sought assurances from the bank or from individuals and entities involved in loan transactions of an amount greater than €250 million that were sanctioned in the period of 15 November to 31 December 2008 from the bank, that these amounts will be repaid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14200/09]
As the Deputy will be aware, Anglo Irish Bank is being run on an arms length commercial basis. Consequently, normal commercial matters, which include those relating to credit management and control, are a matter for the Board of Anglo.
I would point out that the terms applying to debtors of Anglo Irish Bank were unaffected by the decision to take Anglo into public ownership. As with any commercial bank, Anglo will pursue all loan agreements to their full extent, to maximise the return from the bank's loan book.
50 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Finance if there were unusual transactions of a significant amount involving Anglo Irish Bank in the period from 1 to 21 January 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14201/09]
As the Deputy will be aware, the Government took the decision to take Anglo Irish Bank into public ownership with effect from 21 January 2009, in order to stabilise the bank and ensure financial stability. This took place in a context where Anglo's funding position had weakened and unacceptable practices in the bank had caused serious reputational damage at a time when overall market sentiment towards Anglo was negative. The Government's decision to take Anglo into public ownership was taken as a final step only after the alternatives for stabilising the position of the bank had been pursued.
Certain matters relating to corporate governance at Anglo prior to its being taken into public ownership, are now the subject of ongoing investigations, including by the Financial Regulator and the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement.
As I have stated previously, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on or in any way prejudge the outcome of these investigations. However, if the Deputy has information in relation to particular transactions at Anglo Irish Bank which may give cause for concern, I am of course disposed to referring such matters to the Board of Anglo, or the relevant statutory authority, as appropriate, for review.
51 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Finance if he will confirm that the proposed pension levy for public servants will be paid directly into the National Pensions Reserve Fund; the expected yield from this levy; and if this levy is not to be paid into the reserve fund, his proposals for this money. [14204/09]
The pension related deduction element of the payroll saving will be €1.35 billion in a full-year and €1.12 billion in 2009 based on the provisions of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009. These savings will be applied to the benefit of the Exchequer and are not earmarked for the National Pensions Reserve Fund.
52 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Finance the schedule and amounts of payments which he proposes to make into the National Pensions Reserve Fund during 2009. [14210/09]
The National Pensions Reserve Fund Act 2000 provides for an annual contribution from the Exchequer to the National Pensions Reserve Fund equivalent to 1% of GNP. The amount to be paid in respect of 2009 is €1.584 billion. The contribution is normally paid quarterly and the payment in respect of the first quarter of 2009 was made in March.
The Government announced on 11 February 2009 that the recapitalisation of Allied Irish Bank and Bank of Ireland through the purchase of preference shares to the value of €3.5 billion in each bank would be funded through the National Pensions Reserve Fund, with €4 billion coming from the Fund's resources and €3 billion to be provided by frontloading the Exchequer contributions for 2009 and 2010. The recapitalisation of Bank of Ireland was effected on Tuesday, 31 March 2009 from the Fund's resources. The balance of this year's contribution and the further payment of €1.416 billion will be paid to the Fund for the recapitalisation of Allied Irish Bank when that bank has completed the necessary internal procedures to approve the issuance of preference shares. This is expected to be in early May.
53 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Finance the Exchequer returns for each of the years 2000 to 2008; the percentage increase or decrease as appropriate; the expenditure for those same years; and the percentage increase or decrease in tabular form. [14211/09]
The audited Exchequer Account is published each year in the Finance Accounts, the most recent of which covers the year 2007. Monthly Exchequer Statements are published on the Department's website and the December 2008 Exchequer Statement provides details on the end-year outturn for 2008. On this basis, the information the Deputy requests is detailed in the table.
|
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
|
|
Exchequer Surplus/Deficit (€m) |
3,177 |
653 |
93 |
-979 |
33 |
-499 |
2,264 |
-1,619 |
-12,714 |
|
Current Expenditure (€m) |
20,634 |
24,009 |
26,126 |
28,747 |
30,764 |
33,496 |
37,090 |
40,896 |
44,693 |
|
Percentage Change |
16% |
9% |
10% |
7% |
9% |
11% |
10% |
9% |
|
|
Capital Expenditure (€m) |
6,527 |
6,020 |
6,868 |
6,678 |
6,729 |
7,847 |
8,662 |
10,019 |
11,043 |
|
Percentage Change |
-8% |
14% |
-3% |
1% |
17% |
10% |
16% |
10% |
54 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Finance the payments made to senior officials in his Department under the performance related pay scheme for each of the years 2005 to 2008, inclusive; if he has approved the payments for 2008; if so, the date of this approval; the date of the approval of payments relating to 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14220/09]
I presume that the Deputy is referring to the scheme which, in the civil service, applies at the levels of Deputy and Assistant Secretary. The scheme of awards is based on performance by reference to demanding targets. The pool for performance awards is 10% of the pay bill in the relevant year for the group concerned. Within that overall limit individuals can receive payments of up to 20% of pay.
Decisions on awards are made by the Committee for Performance Awards (CPA), which includes a majority of private sector members. The main roles of the committee are to monitor the application of the scheme of performance-related awards and to bring independent judgement to bear in approving objectives for the persons covered by the scheme and in approving recommendations for awards.
Details of the procedures, the numbers covered by the schemes, the range of awards and the total amounts paid in Departments — including the Department of Finance — are outlined in the annual reports of the committee. The Committee's Annual Reports 2006-2008 covering the operation of the scheme in 2005-2007, are available on the Department of Finance website www.finance.gov.ie. The committee does not identify the amount paid to individuals as this is regarded as personal information. I, as Minister, have no role in either the assessment of performances under the scheme or the allocation of individual awards.
As the Deputy may be aware, on 5 February last I announced in the Dáil the discontinuation of the scheme for Assistant Secretaries, Deputy Secretary and related grades subject to consultation with the relevant Staff Associations. Therefore no assessments or payments have been made in respect of performances in 2008.
56 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance if, with respect to his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 143 of 31 March 2009, he will set out the interpretation of the Valuation Act 2001 in circumstances in which a sports club has more than one premises, not all of which are licensed; if for the purpose of this Act, one or more properties belonging to the club could be exempted from rates when those properties do not operate a licensed premises; if this is not the case, if he proposes to amend the Act to that effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14238/09]
At the outset, I might mention that the Commissioner of Valuation is independent in the exercise of his duties under the Valuation Act, 2001 and the making of valuations for rating purposes is his sole prerogative. The statute does not accord me, as Minister for Finance, any function in this regard.
The position is that the Valuation Act, 2001 provides for the exemption from rates of "Community Halls". To be a classified as a Community Hall, the premises need to be used for purposes which are not for profit or gain and involve participation by inhabitants of the locality generally and are used for purposes which are of a recreational or otherwise of a social nature. Many sports clubs achieve exemption from rates under this provision. However, the Valuation Act, 2001 specifically excludes premises of a club registered under the Registration of Clubs (Ireland) Act, 1904 from this provision. Therefore, the premises of such a registered club is rateable. Essentially, this means that clubs licensed to sell alcohol are rateable. It is important to point out that this exclusion, whereby ‘Registered Clubs' cannot be treated as exempt under the Community Hall provision, has the effect of excluding all premises occupied by the club and not just those premises used for the sale of alcohol.
The sale of alcohol is a commercial activity and a licensed sports club is competing with other commercial licensed premises, all of which are rateable. Therefore, in equity, exemption from rates can only be achieved by the cessation of the club's registration under the 1904 Act. I have no plans to provide for special treatment of licensed clubs under the Valuation Act, which maintains the long-standing principle that all properties are valued in a fair and equitable manner.
I trust that the foregoing explains the position in relation to registered clubs, which form part of the rateable valuation base. Should a club have concerns regarding the valuation of their property or any part of thereof, including its rateability, they may, on payment of the statutory fee of €250, apply to the Commissioner of Valuation for a revision of the valuation. If dissatisfied with the outcome, they may appeal to the Commissioner of Valuation in the first instance and subsequently to the independent Valuation Tribunal. There is a further right of appeal to the High Court and ultimately to the Supreme Court on a point of law.
57 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Finance if, in view of the fact that the 60% statutory redundancy rebates to employers who made staff redundant in the economic downturn are running four months overdue and jeopardising small businesses, such employers could offset the 60% rebate against any tax liability due to the Revenue Commissioners with immediate effect, and with any resulting refund balances to be refunded by the Revenue Commissioners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14491/09]
I presume that the Deputy is referring to the 60% statutory redundancy rebates that the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment administer.
Taxes paid by employers include tax levied directly on the employer such as income Tax or Corporation Tax but also fiduciary taxes such as PAYE Income Tax, Income Levy or VAT levied on the employees or customers of that employer. Also relevant would be levies and contributions collected from employees such as PRSI and Health Levy.
In the circumstances and given that there is no provision in taxation, social welfare or health legislation to offset tax liabilities in the manner suggested, it is not possible to offset the 60% statutory redundancy rebates against a tax liability due to Revenue.
58 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Finance the cost of providing mobile telephony and PDA services for him in each of the years since 2002, broken down by handset purchase costs, rental and call costs, and other costs; the amount of money which was refunded by him in connection with personal use of these phones, PDAs and Blackberries in each year since 2002 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14532/09]
The table sets out the details requested by the Deputy in respect of handset purchase and rental and call costs. There were no other costs. Since mid 2008, my Department pays a fixed monthly sum for all voice and data calls, including roaming charges in respect of my phone usage and a number of staff of my Department, where this provides a more economic charging option. For such bills, individual calls costs are not identified separately.
|
Year |
Handset Purchase |
Rental and Call costs |
Refunds |
|
€ |
€ |
||
|
2002 |
1,41.20 |
181.50 |
Nil |
|
2003 |
Nil |
1,402.12 |
Nil |
|
2004 |
Nil |
2,369.57 |
Nil |
|
2005 |
Nil |
1,891.86 |
Nil |
|
2006 |
Nil |
1,677.89 |
Nil |
|
2007 |
Nil |
2,179.98 |
Nil |
|
2008 |
Nil |
1,637.46 |
Nil |
59 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if the cap on executive pay in the banking sector will apply to the position of chief executive of the National Treasury Management Agency, which is reported to carry a remuneration package of €980,000; the remuneration package for this position in 2008; and his views on whether it is appropriate that the salary of some individual public servants such as those in the NTMA who earned an average of €115,000 in 2008 should be kept secret from the public. [14541/09]
The remuneration packages of all National Treasury Management Agency staff, including that of its CEO, are negotiated on an individual contract basis and are confidential. According to the National Treasury Management Agency's 2007 Annual Report — their most recent Annual Report — total salaries and bonuses amounted to €16.4 million in 2007.
The administration accounts (including pay and pensions, etc.) of the NTMA are audited by the Comptroller & Auditor General each year.
60 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will confirm if any Government Minister has had loans written off by a building society (details supplied); and if a Government Minister has received fast track loans from the building society. [14542/09]
The building society referred to by the Deputy is an independent financial institution operating on a commercial basis. I have no role in the lending or credit policy of this Society.
62 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Finance the number of staff with fewer than two years service on 1 March 2009 who gave notice to terminate their employment before 1 April 2009 under section 5 of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act, 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14584/09]
No staff in my Department or Offices under the aegis of my Department gave notice to terminate their employment before 1 April 2009 under Section 5 of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act, 2009.
63 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Finance the number of people working in the public service under temporary employment contracts on a fixed term basis who will lose their jobs as a consequence of the non-renewal of those contracts due to the moratorium decision announced by his Department on 27 March 2009; the organisations and Departments in which such terminations will occur; the number of individuals who will lose their jobs as a consequence of this decision; the annual saving that will accrue to the Exchequer as a consequence of the non-renewal of these contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14617/09]
The expiry of a fixed term contract is determined by the terms of that contract. The decision as to whether to renew such a contract depends on a number of grounds, including the existence of objective reasons for renewing the contract on a fixed term basis. In the context of the moratorium, the renewal of fixed term contracts is treated in the same way as all employment in the public service. In relation to all public service posts including fixed term positions, no such posts can be filled without the prior sanction of the Minister for Finance.
64 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Finance if office holders, including Ministers, who have a State car and drivers at their disposal pay benefit-in-kind as a consequence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14618/09]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the law governing benefit-in-kind in respect of company cars is set out in Section 121 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997. The section provides that the benefit-in-kind percentage charge is applied to the original market value of the car.
Office holders, including Ministers, who are provided with State cars and drivers, are not subject to a charge for benefit-in-kind on the private usage element of the car and driver provided. The reason for this is because the State cars provided by the Department of Justice are primarily supplied for security reasons, as evidenced by the use of Garda drivers.
65 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Finance the reason public service staff were deducted a days pay in respect of industrial action yet had to pay the pension levy for five days; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14676/09]
The pension related deduction applies to income earned by public servants on or after 1 March 2009. Should any over-deductions have been made in individual cases in respect of industrial action taken prior to that date, such deductions would fall to be restored in line with normal practice.
66 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Finance the contribution of payment made by the State to the European Community under the Community own resource provisions in each year from 1993 to date in 2009, including the proposed payment for 2009, with the breakdown of each element of the payment including CCT payment, VAT payment and GNI payment. [14677/09]
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table.
|
Year |
VAT |
GNI |
Other2 |
Total |
|
€ m |
€ m |
€ m |
€ m |
|
|
1993 |
289.9 |
97.0 |
188.9 |
575.8 |
|
1994 |
301.2 |
121.6 |
219.1 |
641.9 |
|
1995 |
350.8 |
108.0 |
230.4 |
689.2 |
|
1996 |
364.8 |
172.8 |
149.4 |
687.1 |
|
1997 |
265.7 |
177.1 |
209.2 |
652.0 |
|
1998 |
444.7 |
348.5 |
196.2 |
989.4 |
|
1999 |
454.7 |
429.5 |
166.8 |
1,051.0 |
|
2000 |
461.9 |
413.9 |
199.2 |
1,075.0 |
|
2001 |
578.3 |
481.6 |
160.1 |
1,220.0 |
|
2002 |
281.6 |
653.1 |
76.5 |
1,011.3 |
|
2003 |
291.4 |
794.5 |
104.5 |
1,190.4 |
|
2004 |
181.7 |
875.5 |
128.4 |
1,185.5 |
|
2005 |
229.7 |
1,084.8 |
182.3 |
1,496.8 |
|
2006 |
245.1 |
1,082.4 |
202.3 |
1,529.7 |
|
2007 |
276.0 |
1,076.0 |
218.0 |
1,570.0 |
|
2008 |
260.0 |
1,125.0 |
201.0 |
1,586.0 |
|
Q1 20093 |
116.3 |
382.1 |
48.8 |
547.2 |
|
Total |
5,393.7 |
9,423.4 |
2,881.3 |
17,698.4 |
1 Rounding may effect totals.
2 The category "Other" includes customs duties, agricultural and sugar levies, as well as any refunds received from the EU.
3 The aggregate total for 2009 is currently forecast to be of the order of €1,690 million.
67 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Finance the gross expenditure by the State each year from 1993 to date in 2009 including the proposed expenditure for 2009. [14678/09]
The table shows gross total Voted and non-Voted expenditure. The gross Voted expenditure figures between 1993 and 2007 are taken from the Appropriation Account for the relevant years. Non-Voted expenditure is derived from the appropriate Finance Accounts for the relevant years. The gross Voted expenditure figure for 2008 is a provisional outturn estimate, while the post-Budget expenditure figures are as published in Supplementary Budget April 2009 on Tuesday 7 April 2009.
|
Gross Voted Total Expenditure |
Non-Voted Total Expenditure* |
Gross Total Expenditure |
|
|
€m |
€m |
€m |
|
|
1993 Outturn |
14,148 |
3,983 |
18,131 |
|
1994 Outturn |
15,367 |
3,997 |
19,364 |
|
1995 Outturn |
16,702 |
3,894 |
20,596 |
|
1996 Outturn |
17,442 |
4,119 |
21,561 |
|
1997 Outturn |
18,857 |
4,841 |
23,698 |
|
1998 Outturn |
20,512 |
4,843 |
25,355 |
|
1999 Outturn |
22,811 |
9,946 |
32,757 |
|
2000 Outturn |
25,925 |
6,578 |
32,503 |
|
2001 Outturn |
31,303 |
4,722 |
36,025 |
|
2002 Outturn |
35,808 |
4,171 |
39,979 |
|
2003 Outturn |
38,364 |
4,683 |
43,047 |
|
2004 Outturn |
40,751 |
4,945 |
45,696 |
|
2005 Outturn |
45,095 |
5,875 |
50,970 |
|
2006 Outturn |
50,016 |
6,360 |
56,376 |
|
2007 Outturn |
56,426 |
6,305 |
62,731 |
|
2008 Provisional Outturn |
62,395 |
6,423 |
68,818 |
|
2009 Post-Budget |
63,916 |
9,726 |
73,642 |
*Includes payments to the NPRF.
68 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Finance the payments by the EC to the State in each year from 1993 to date in 2009 including the proposed payments for 2009, with the breakdown of these payments into different categories and sectors. [14679/09]
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table.
|
€ million |
|||||||||
|
FEOGA FUNDS |
EAGF |
EAFRD |
ESF |
ERDF |
Cohesion |
Other |
Total |
||
|
Year |
Guarantee |
Guidance |
European Agriculture Guarantee Fund |
European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development |
European Social Fund |
European Regional Development Fund |
Cohesion Fund |
Including FIFG EEA/TENS EFF |
|
|
1993 |
1,627.6 |
159.9 |
— |
— |
395.7 |
589.7 |
51.7 |
25.4 |
2,849.8 |
|
1994 |
1,490.3 |
166.2 |
— |
— |
351.8 |
223.0 |
86.6 |
20.1 |
2,338.0 |
|
1995 |
1,460.5 |
181.5 |
— |
— |
325.3 |
454.7 |
127.1 |
17.5 |
2,566.5 |
|
1996 |
1,732.6 |
191.2 |
— |
— |
321.1 |
377.2 |
176.4 |
21.8 |
2,820.4 |
|
1997 |
1,929.8 |
210.7 |
— |
— |
344.1 |
452.3 |
216.6 |
36.6 |
3,190.0 |
|
1998 |
1,618.7 |
235.7 |
— |
— |
397.6 |
596.8 |
142.6 |
23.9 |
3,015.1 |
|
1999 |
1,723.0 |
106.3 |
— |
— |
265.5 |
265.0 |
290.0 |
29.1 |
2,678.9 |
|
2000 |
1,681.4 |
34.7 |
— |
— |
220.6 |
513.1 |
152.2 |
0.0 |
2,601.9 |
|
2001 |
1,584.3 |
20.7 |
— |
— |
135.0 |
359.5 |
297.1 |
11.5 |
2,408.1 |
|
2002 |
1,709.3 |
11.4 |
— |
— |
109.9 |
444.3 |
206.0 |
29.9 |
2,510.7 |
|
2003 |
1,945.2 |
16.6 |
— |
— |
111.4 |
294.5 |
172.6 |
35.5 |
2,575.8 |
|
2004 |
1,829.7 |
61.9 |
— |
— |
208.3 |
439.7 |
25.8 |
36.5 |
2,602.0 |
|
2005 |
1,806.0 |
33.0 |
— |
— |
211.2 |
255.6 |
15.6 |
61.1 |
2,382.6 |
|
2006 |
1,723.3 |
41.4 |
— |
— |
160.9 |
192.3 |
39.5 |
43.4 |
2,200.8 |
|
2007 |
— |
50.2 |
1,387.8 |
373.7 |
136.1 |
105.4 |
0.0 |
30.0 |
2,083.2 |
|
20082 |
— |
9.0 |
1,450.3 |
355.0 |
79.9 |
126.5 |
0.0 |
38.7 |
2,059.4 |
|
Q1 20092 |
— |
0.0 |
1,234.6 |
170.6 |
0.0 |
0.6 |
22.9 |
0.8 |
1,429.5 |
|
Total |
23,861.5 |
1,530.2 |
4,072.7 |
899.3 |
3,774.4 |
5,690.1 |
2,022.8 |
517.8 |
42,312.6 |
|
20093 |
— |
0.0 |
1,355.1 |
329.2 |
55.3 |
40.0 |
50.2 |
53.2 |
1,883.0 |
69 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Finance if, in the context of correspondence (details supplied), he will ensure that small businesses do not suffer additional burdens in the forthcoming budget, such as increasing the price of diesel, which could be extremely damaging to such small and medium-sized businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14708/09]
As this question relates to potential Budgetary measures, I do not propose to comment in advance of the Supplementary Budget.
70 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Finance his views in relation to a submission (details supplied); the actions proposed to address the concerns expressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14710/09]
The Irish Tobacco Manufacturers' Advisory Committee (ITMAC) is already in ongoing contact with the Office of the Revenue Commissioners in relation to this matter; and a meeting with Revenue was held in January 2009. Direct ongoing contact between Revenue, my Department and the tobacco industry is the appropriate forum to address this issue. Indeed officials from my Department and Revenue again met with representatives from the tobacco industry last month.
71 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare qualifies for a tax refund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14716/09]
I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the taxpayer is jointly assessed with her spouse for income tax purposes. A review of their joint liability for 2008 has been carried out and P21 balancing statement was issued on 16 March 2009.
72 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the full allowances and tax credits in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14717/09]
I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the taxpayer has the following tax credits; Personal Tax credit €1,830, PAYE Tax credit €1,830 and Trade Union Subscriptions Tax credit €70 making a total of €3,730 per annum with Standard Rate Cut Off Point of €36,400. A certificate of tax credits for the tax year 2009, with breakdown of the above, issued to the taxpayer on 18th November 2008.
If any adjustments are required the taxpayer can contact Lo-Call: 1890 44 44 25.
73 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 534 of 5 February 2008, if the review of the Youth Work Development Plan 2003 to 2007 has been completed; if a new plan has been drawn up; if not, the reason for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14038/09]
As part of its work programme for 2009, the National Youth Work Advisory Committee is currently reviewing the progress made on the implementation of the 2003-2007 Plan in the general context of youth work policy and practice in Ireland and the next steps which might be taken with regard to future planning development. When this work is completed, the Committee will submit its comments and advice for my consideration.
74 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that according to UNICEF 8,000 young girls every day are subject to female genital mutilation; the action she will take to ensure this practice is not carried out here; if she will strengthen the law in this area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14307/09]
103 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if a study has been done or any attempt made to quantify the number of women in this State who have undergone the practice of female genital mutilation prior to coming here or since being here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14308/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 74 and 103 together.
In 2008 the Women's Health Council published a report on Female Genital Mutilation. The Council's research found no evidence that Female Genital Mutilation is being carried out in Ireland among migrant ethnic communities now living here.
A National Action Plan to Address Female Genital Mutilation, drawn up by non-governmental organisations and statutory agencies including the HSE, was launched on 25th November 2008. The Report indicated that there are 2,585 women living in Ireland who have undergone Female Genital Mutilation. I understand that since then the HSE has had a number of meetings with AkiDwa, the African and Migrant Women's Health Network in Ireland with a view to establishing a National Working Group to implement the recommendations of the National Action Plan, including the recommendation that a uniform data collection system be established to record incidence/prevalence of FGM in Ireland.
My Department is currently working with the National Office for the Prevention of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence (COSC) and other relevant agencies in the preparation of a National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence. The Strategy will set out the general vision, objectives and actions to tackle these issues. Female Genital Mutilation will be among the gender-based violence issues which the Strategy will address.
Legal advice which I obtained in 2004 strongly indicated that Female Genital Mutilation would constitute an offence under the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997.
In September 2006, the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) in its concluding observations on Ireland's second period report urged Ireland to continue its efforts to end the practice of Female Genital Mutilation through, inter alia, prohibiting it by law. I am currently examining the question of introducing specific legislation to ban the practice in the content of the UNCRC's recommendations.
75 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children when she will make a decision on funding and if she will provide funding for applications (details supplied). [14539/09]
As the Deputy will be aware, with the economic downturn, a review of capital expenditure programmes has been undertaken. While existing capital commitments will continue to be processed during 2009 and 2010, it is not possible at this point to approve additional capital grant applications under the National Childcare Investment Programme (NCIP) 2006 — 2010.
I understand that the position is currently being communicated to capital grant applicants, including those referred to by the Deputy, who are affected by this decision.
76 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon is being subjected to the public service pension levy despite the fact that they have no pension entitlement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14561/09]
All employees, including full time and part time employees on the payroll, who are, or are entitled to be members of a public service occupational pension scheme or pension arrangement are subject to the deduction provided for under the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act, 2009.
I can confirm that the levy applies to all employees of Brothers of Charity as this employer is deemed to be a public sector employer for the purposes of the legislation (Sections 1(i), 2(1)(b)(i) and 2(1)(b)(iii) refer).
The individual referred to opted out of the occupational pension scheme and will be entitled to a non pensionable gratuity on reaching retirement age as provided for under the scheme rules.
77 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children the position with regard to the introduction of a proper food labelling system within the EU; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14662/09]
Food labelling is currently governed by Council Directive 2000/13/EC, transposed in 2002, with several amendments since. This applies to the labelling of prepackaged foodstuffs for sale to the ultimate consumer or for supply to mass caterers. The principle underlying this Directive is that the purchaser must not be misled and it has helped to ensure that the consumer is provided with the information required to make healthy consumption choices.
In January 2008, the European Commission presented its proposals on updating and harmonising this legislation. The proposal is still under discussion. This proposal consolidates existing legislation in the area of food labelling and introduces, inter alia, new provisions for Country of Origin Labelling, a mandatory nutrition declaration and allergen labelling.
In November 2008, Ireland submitted its position paper on the proposal. This paper was informed by submissions made to the FSAI by many of the key stakeholders. Ireland's position will be further informed by the outcome of an FSAI Consumer Survey, to be completed in June 2009. In its position paper, Ireland supports mandatory Country of Origin Labelling; shares the concerns of a significant number of other member states with regard to National Schemes; welcomes the proposal for mandatory allergen labelling and supports the highlighting of allergens on labels; supports the equal treatment of all alcohol products; asks that consideration should be given to bringing alcohol products into the scope of the legislation; supports the retention of the Commission's proposal with regard to the use of "per portion" expression alone in certain cases, and does not support the proposal for a minimum font size of 3mm for display of mandatory particulars and suggests that other aids to legibility, such as contrasting background, be explored.
Since January 2008 a number of meetings have taken place at European Union Working Group level, attended by officials from Department of Health and Children and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland. The next meeting is due to take place on 27 April 2009. On 16th March 2009, the European Parliament examined the proposal. Parliament has indicated, however, that it will not be in a position to conduct the first reading of the document until after the May European Parliament elections.
At this stage, it is likely that the proposal will not be finalised until end of 2009 at the earliest.
78 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children the position on the bilateral adoption agreement signed with Vietnam in 2004; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14782/09]
86 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children if direct contact has been made with the Vietnamese authorities since the draft new bilateral agreement on adoption was forwarded to them; and if there has been progress in allowing the current agreement to continue without interruption pending the full sign off of the new agreement. [14106/09]
92 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the bilateral agreement for adoptions from Vietnam; when a new bilateral agreement will be agreed; her views on the couples who have completed the Health Service Executive assessment for foreign adoption, and more who are being assessed by the HSE and who are hoping to adopt a child from Vietnam; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14162/09]
104 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 72 of 31 March 2009, if she will provide a categorical assurance that there will be no gap between the expiry of the current bilateral agreement between Ireland and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in regard to inter-country adoptions and the introduction of the new one; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14314/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 78, 86, 92 and 104 together.
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 Inter-country 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 have been set in draft legislation. There have been considerable developments in inter-country 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. A draft bilateral agreement for inter-country adoption was delivered on 6 March, through the Department of Foreign Affairs, to the Vietnamese Authorities for their consideration. I am pleased to inform the House that the Vietnamese Government have invited a delegation from Ireland to discuss the provisions of the draft agreement provided. The delegation will travel in the coming weeks for an intensive round of discussions on the draft agreement.
I would like to again reiterate my personal commitment and the commitment of the Government to conclude an agreement with Vietnam.
As the Deputy will be aware, Ireland has a long and positive relationship with the Socialist Republic of Vietnam but I must also emphasise the need to respect the authority of that jurisdiction, having regard to the sensitive nature of discussions regarding inter-country adoption.
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.
79 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Health and Children if, with the movement of cancer care services from Sligo to the position at the Galway regional centre, she will reconsider same in view of the evidence of Galway’s incapacity to cope and the existing services set up in Sligo. [14033/09]
The matter raised by the Deputy relates to the provision of health care services and accordingly, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on the matter.
80 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will be given an appointment for surgery at St. Mary’s Orthopaedic Hospital, Cork. [14039/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. The National Treatment Purchase Fund arranges treatment for patients who have been on a surgical waiting list for more than three months. It is open to the person in question or anyone acting on their behalf to contact the Fund directly in relation to their case.
81 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health and Children the waiting lists for St. Columcille’s Hospital, Dublin 1; the steps being taken by her to aid St. Columcille’s Hospital; the measures being taken to combat obesity here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14045/09]
An intersectoral group has been established by the Department of Health and Children to oversee the implementation of the recommendations of the report of the National Taskforce on Obesity. The Group comprises representatives of all key stakeholders, including experts from Government Departments and agencies, the food industry, and relevant NGOs.
The inaugural meeting of the group was held in January 2009, chaired by Ms Mary Wallace, Minister of State at the Department with special responsibility for Health Promotion and Food Safety.
The first task of the group was to examine the recommendations contained in the Taskforce report and prepare a report on progress to date on their implementation. It is clear that much work has taken place and that many of the recommendations have been, or are partially implemented. The report is being finalised and should be available shortly.
My Department has asked the HSE to reply directly to the Deputy on the other issue raised.
82 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will publish the report of the vaccine damage steering group; the reason for the delay in its publication; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14056/09]
I have recently received the report of the Vaccine Damage Steering Group and I am currently considering its recommendations.
83 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3. [14059/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
84 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason she has chosen to use gross income as the basis of the means test for medical cards in respect of persons aged 70 years and over whereas net income is used in all other medical card eligibility tests; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14063/09]
Under the new arrangements effected by the Health Act 2008, a much simplified system of assessment for eligibility was introduced in respect of persons aged 70 or over, based on the significantly higher gross income thresholds rather than the standard net income limits. The gross income thresholds are €700 per week for a single person and €1,400 for a couple, as against net income limits of €201.50 for a single person and €298 for a couple. Under the net income assessment system, allowance may be made for rent/mortgage, travel to work and child care costs. However, these would not be a factor for the vast majority of older people.
Where a person aged 70 or over does not qualify for a medical card by virtue of their gross income being over the specified thresholds, the person may apply to the HSE for a medical card or GP visit card under the existing net income thresholds.
Notwithstanding the above, the HSE may issue a medical card on a discretionary basis, if the applicant would otherwise be caused undue hardship in providing general medical and surgical services for himself/herself and any dependants.
85 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [14088/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Question No. 86 answered with Question No. 78.
87 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children when the Health Service Executive proposes to publish a report (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14113/09]
I have been informed that the independent investigation committee appointed by the Health Service Executive to investigate the circumstances of the case referred to by the Deputy continues to meet. The chairperson has indicated that its report will be submitted to the Executive by the end of April 2009. The question of its dissemination will then be a matter for the HSE.
88 Deputy Mary Alexandra White asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the provision of new day places at a service (details supplied); and if the Health Service Executive will provide the necessary funding for new day places. [14114/09]
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
89 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made on the introduction of nurse prescribing as provided for in the Irish Medicines Board Act 1995; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14121/09]
Since the enactment of legislation and regulations giving prescriptive authority to nurses and midwives in May 2007, the Health Service Executive has funded 248 nurses and midwives to undertake the six-month education programme provided in the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and University College Cork. These nurses and midwives are from 61 clinical areas and 83 health service providers across the country.
The regulation of prescribing is twin track. In addition to provisions set out in the 2007 regulations An Bord Altranais, whose key functions include registration and regulation of nurses and midwives in Ireland, has devised a registration and notification process and has introduced practice standards for nurses and midwives with prescriptive authority. In order to prescribe a registered nurse or midwife must have successfully completed the approved education programme, have the appropriate clinical experience, be registered with An Bord Altranais as a Registered Nurse Prescriber, and have authority from the employing health service provider to prescribe a range of medicinal products within her/his scope of practice. To date a total of 70 nurses and midwives throughout the Health Service Executive have registered with An Bord Altranais and have the authority to prescribe medicinal products. This group are from a diversity of health service providers and clinical areas.
I am satisfied that significant progress has been made in relation to the introduction of nurse/midwife prescribing. Improving patient care is at the heart of this initiative with patients receiving earlier interventions and therefore a better service. Since the first Registered Nurse Prescriber wrote the first prescription in January 2008, Registered Nurse Prescribers in 20 health service providers in the Health Service Executive reported writing 2962 prescriptions for 2485 patients involving 4300 individual medicinal products.
I would also like to announce that following a comprehensive tendering process the Health Service Executive has engaged a team from University College Dublin to conduct an independent external review of nurse prescribing. The team commenced its work in January 2009 and is expected to report by the end of June 2009.
90 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children when she will introduce legislation regarding consent for the retention of human tissue by hospitals and other institutions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14122/09]
My Department plans to circulate its draft Proposal for the General Scheme of the Human Tissue Bill 2009 for public consultation shortly. A central element of the draft Proposal will be the implementation of the key recommendations of the report by Dr Deirdre Madden into Post-mortem Practice and Procedures. In line with the report, the legislation will provide that no hospital post-mortem examination should be carried out and no tissue retained for any purpose whatsoever without authorisation. Consent/authorisation will be the defining principle underpinning any of the specified activities involving human tissue in the draft Proposal, including hospital post-mortems.
My Department will analyse all submissions received from the consultation process and aims to present the final General Scheme to Government for its approval in the Autumn.
91 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on whether the recent decision to postpone the building of new, dedicated cystic fibrosis facilities at St Vincent’s Hospital, Dublin, will have a devastating effect on cystic fibrosis patients; if she will underline her commitment to cystic fibrosis patients across the country and guarantee that these rooms for cystic fibrosis patients will be built without further delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14161/09]
I have consistently emphasised the need to improve facilities and services to persons with cystic fibrosis and we have made considerable progress in this regard over recent years. On the staffing side, some 48 additional staff ( 19 at St Vincent's), including consultant, nursing and allied health professionals, have been appointed.
There have also been significant improvements to the physical infrastructure at St. Vincent's Hospital as the national adult tertiary referral centre for patients with cystic fibrosis. These include the refurbishment last year of accommodation to provide eight single en-suite rooms for the exclusive use of people with cystic fibrosis.
In addition a new ward block, which is to replace existing accommodation, will include appropriate isolation facilities and accommodation for cystic fibrosis patients as required. It has been agreed that the project will proceed to tender and be operational as early as possible in 2011.
The project will proceed on the basis that payment to the contractor will be made at the end of the construction phase. This is a different way of funding the project as it involves the construction company financing the development up to the final phase of construction. The method previously envisaged for this project would have involved staged payments throughout the construction period.
I am very pleased that an innovative way has been found to deliver this project. In the current challenging environment we need to find new solutions and devise new ways of progressing important projects such as this. This is one of them. The project has always been a priority and never ceased to be so. I want to see it progressing now with urgency.
93 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children when final decisions will be made on the operation of the programme for the funding of youth cafes in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14167/09]
Final decisions on the operation in 2009 of the structured programme of youth cafes in are still under consideration. At this stage, the focus of my Office is to bring greater coherence to the approach taken to date, retaining the strong inter-agency element and identifying appropriate models for the future development of youth cafés. Since September 2007 my Office has undertaken a small survey of some of the existing cafés looking at mission/objectives, management and organisation, service levels and the role of young people. Following that survey the National Children's Advisory Council (NCAC) was requested to advise on the development of a youth café model. Research was carried out by the National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG) and a draft report has been forwarded to me for my consideration. This work will ensure that funding is targeted and co-ordinated most effectively on a model or models of youth cafés which meet the needs of young people themselves. It will also ensure that any funding that may be available will augment without displacing existing inter-agency resources. The NUIG has also been requested to prepare a toolkit and guide to support groups setting up youth cafés. This will be a "how to" guide which will deal with issues such as guiding principles, practical operational matters and provide advice and tips on the day to day management and ongoing development of a café as well as setting up cafes. A draft of the ‘toolkit' is currently being finalised. I intend to launch the NUI Galway Youth Café report and the toolkit along with the announcement on the advancing the youth café programme in the near future.
94 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason persons (details supplied) are having problems getting moneys repaid under the Health (Repayment Scheme) Act 2006, commonly known as the nursing home repayment scheme. [14184/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
95 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the payments made to senior officials in her Department under the performance related pay scheme for each of the years 2005 to 2008, inclusive; if she has approved the payments for 2008; if so, the date of this approval; the date of the approval of payments relating to 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14222/09]
The Performance Related Awards Scheme (PRA) was introduced following a decision by the Government on the implementation of the Review Body on Higher Remuneration in the Public Sector. The operation of the scheme is overseen by the Committee for Performance Awards (CPA) and its reports, detailing the background and operation of the scheme and providing information on payments made in respect of performance in 2005, 2006 and 2007 are available at http://www.finance.gov.ie. The Committee does not identify the amount paid to individuals as this is regarded as personal information. The following table details the amount paid to eligible officers in my Department for the years stated.
|
Year |
Amount |
|
€ |
|
|
2005 |
96,000 |
|
2006 |
100,000 |
|
2007 |
123,000 |
As the Deputy may be aware, on 5 February 2009 the Minister for Finance announced in the Dáil the discontinuation of the scheme for Assistant Secretaries, Deputy Secretary and related grades subject to consultation with the relevant Staff Associations. Therefore, no payments have been made to eligible officers in my Department in respect of performance in 2008.
96 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Health and Children the percentage of eligible women who have been screened by BreastCheck as of 31 January 2009, broken down by county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14230/09]
The matter raised by the Deputy is the responsibility of the National Cancer Screening Service. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Chief Executive Officer of the Service to respond directly to the Deputy in relation to the matter raised.
97 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Cork who is employed by the Health Service Executive is exempt from the pension levy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14237/09]
The Health Services Executive administers the pension scheme in question and therefore is the appropriate organisation to address the Deputy's query. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issue to the Deputy.
98 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of limited companies, established as sole trader ventures, with agreements for the provision of services on a full-time basis and a part-time basis to her, her Department or to a public body under the aegis of her Department, indicating the nature of the services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14278/09]
My Department has no agreements with limited companies on the basis indicated by the Deputy.
Service agreements made with bodies under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for the bodies in question and my Department does not routinely compile or hold this information. My Department has referred the Deputy's question to the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Health Service Executive for its attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
99 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of hospice beds in counties Wicklow, Wexford, Kildare, Carlow, Kilkenny, Meath, Laois and Offaly; the number of palliative home care nurses in each county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14282/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
100 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children the cost of setting up the lung transplant unit at the Mater Hospital, Dublin; the cost of maintaining the unit, on an annual basis; the length of time this unit has been in place; the number of patients who have received single lung transplants; the number of patients who have received double lung transplants; the number of cystic fibrosis patients who have received lung transplants there; the number of cystic fibrosis patients currently on the transplant list for the Mater Hospital; the number of cystic fibrosis patients who are currently on the Newcastle list for transplant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14287/09]
The Lung Transplant Unit at the Mater Hospital was formally opened in March 2004. My Department has requested the Health Service Executive to reply directly to the Deputy on the specific service issues raised.
101 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children when the commitment that a health campus would be built in Tuam, County Galway, will be implemented; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14289/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
102 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Mayo qualifies for the health repayment scheme. [14292/09]
The Health (Repayment Scheme) Act 2006 provides the framework for the repayment of recoverable health charges to those who were incorrectly charged for publicly funded long stay care. The Act only provides for prescribed repayments to be made in respect of recoverable health charges. Recoverable health charges are charges for in-patient services, imposed on persons with full eligibility, under the Health (Charges for In-Patient Services) Regulations 1976, as amended, and the Institutional Assistance Regulations 1954. For the purpose of the scheme both medical card holders and those entitled to medical cards are deemed to be persons with full eligibility.
The estates of all those fully eligible persons who were incorrectly charged and who died since 9 December 1998 are eligible for repayment under the scheme provided a valid application form was submitted prior to the closing date.
105 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children the out of hours social worker services available in the Cork area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14470/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
106 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that three quarters of the 650,000 calls to a help-line (details supplied) in 2008 were made outside the hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; her views on making funding available to subvent the setting up of a 24-hour service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14471/09]
I presume the Deputy is referring to a 24 hour social work service for children. The Government and the HSE remain committed to the development of a comprehensive needs-based service for children at risk. I personally chair regular meetings between officials from my Office and senior child welfare and protection managers in the HSE aimed at improving the provision of services to children at risk. A key component of these discussions has been the provision of out of hours care.
In this context, the HSE is now putting in place a standardised national system whereby Gardaí can access an appropriate place of safety for children found to be at risk out of hours under Section 12 of the Child Care Act 1991. This service will conform with Child Care Regulations and with the National Foster Care Standards. The provision of this service aims to ensure that children presenting as ‘at risk' outside of normal working hours are provided with an appropriate emergency place of safety thereby reducing or eliminating social admissions of children in an acute hospital setting. Foster families are currently being recruited with a view to commencing the service on or before 1 June 2009.
In addition, and instead of developing a stand alone social work out of hours service, it has been agreed to develop alternative proposals based on a more integrated approach which builds on the HSE's existing out of hours services including GPs, acute hospital services and mental health services. This should provide a more effective and integrated service by using existing resources and strengthening the links between services such as mental health and social work to appropriately address incidents occurring outside usual working hours. The aim is to ensure that persons seeking personal social services outside normal working hours can be provided with appropriate advice, information, support and, in emergency situations, access to specialist staff, such as staff working in the areas of mental health and suicide prevention.
107 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if her Department provides multi-annual funding to community or voluntary sector organisations; and if so, the organisations receiving this funding since 2006 to date in 2009. [14481/09]
My Department does not provide multi-annual funding to community or voluntary sector organisations. However, my Department does provide funding each year to community and voluntary organisations through its National Lottery allocation.
108 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if the Health Service Executive provides multi-annual funding to community or voluntary sector organisations; and if so, the organisations receiving this funding since 2006 to date in 2009. [14483/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
109 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of proposed new ambulance bases in towns (details supplied) in County Tipperary; the reason for the delay in progressing the projects; the timeframe for completion of the new amenities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14492/09]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
110 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide a numerical county by county permanent residential breakdown of patients with a diagnosis of diabetes who had full or partial lower limb amputations here in each of the years 2005, 2006 and 2007; if she will further provide a numerical permanent residential breakdown of these patients by Health Service Executive area in each of the years 2005, 2006 and 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14508/09]
The information as requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table.
|
HSE Area of Residence |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
|
Dublin Mid Leinster |
74 |
78 |
75 |
|
Dublin North-East |
50 |
49 |
55 |
|
South |
114 |
68 |
117 |
|
West |
79 |
89 |
86 |
|
Total |
317 |
284 |
333 |
|
County of Residence |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
|
Dublin |
57 |
60 |
57 |
|
Cork |
51 |
23 |
45 |
|
Galway |
13 |
21 |
17 |
|
Limerick |
13 |
16 |
19 |
|
Kerry |
11 |
13 |
19 |
|
Wexford |
17 |
9 |
13 |
|
Mayo |
13 |
15 |
10 |
|
Kildare |
10 |
11 |
17 |
|
Waterford |
12 |
10 |
8 |
|
Tipperary South |
9 |
10 |
11 |
|
Clare |
6 |
9 |
14 |
|
Tipperary North |
9 |
10 |
9 |
|
Louth |
9 |
7 |
12 |
|
Westmeath |
8 |
7 |
5 |
|
Donegal |
7 |
7 |
5 |
|
Laois |
5 |
6 |
7 |
|
Longford |
6 |
6 |
5 |
|
All Other Counties |
61 |
44 |
60 |
|
Total |
317 |
284 |
333 |
Source: Hospital In-Patient Enquiry.
Notes:
Data refer to discharges from publicly funded acute hospitals with a principal or secondary diagnosis of diabetes, and a procedure code for full or partial lower limb amputation.
Data for counties with less than 5 observations in any year are not shown separately above to protect confidentiality. These cases have been aggregated and are reported in the ‘All Other Counties' category.
There was one case in 2005 and one case in 2007 with area of residence outside of Ireland. These cases have been excluded from the data reported above.
Private hospitals are not included.
111 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the cost of providing mobile telephony and PDA services for her in each of the years since 2002, broken down by handset purchase costs, rental and call costs, and other costs; the amount of money which was refunded by her in connection with personal use of these phones, PDAs and Blackberries in each year since 2002 in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14534/09]
The following table gives the total costs involved ( including VAT ) from the time I took office in September 2004. My official phone is used primarily for official purposes. No special instruments were purchased on my behalf and any new handsets provided, were by way of free upgrades. I do not have the use of a Blackberry or PDA.
The Deputy will be aware that following a competitive tendering process my Department has negotiated a new contract for the provision of mobile phone telephony. This will result in significant savings being achieved.
|
Year |
Total |
|
€ |
|
|
2005 |
5,749.07 |
|
2006 |
5,845.13 |
|
2007 |
5,409.73 |
|
2008 |
6,288.3 |
|
Overall Total |
23,292.23 |
112 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if there are plans in place to move rheumatology services from Our Lady’s Hospital, Manorhamilton, County Leitrim to Sligo General Hospital (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14546/09]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
113 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the Health Service Executive have moved the processing of medical cards from Roselawn Health Centre in Blanchardstown Dublin 15 to Rathdown Road-Grangegorman Road; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14550/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
114 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on a proposal (details supplied) in view of its importance to the community; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14552/09]
As the Deputy will be aware, I have responsibility for the National Childcare Investment Programme (NCIP) 2006 — 2010.
I understand that the person in question received approval in 2008, for capital grant funding under the National Childcare Investment Programme (NCIP) 2006 -2010, to develop a childcare service in Castledermot, Co Kildare. I also understand that the applicant does not wish to proceed with the grant application and is proposing that consideration is given to transferring the grant approval to a community childcare provider, presumably with a view to enabling the community provider to purchase the premises.
Each grant application is considered on its merits and it would not be normal practice to transfer approval for funding in the manner proposed. However, I understand that the matter has been referred to Pobal, who are responsible for the day to day operation of the NCIP on behalf of my Office, for examination and report. When a report is received from Pobal, a decision will be taken in regard to the applicant's request and he will be informed of the outcome as soon as possible thereafter.
115 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a psychological and behavioural assessment will be offered to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14553/09]
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
116 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the saving that will be made from the return of 19,445 over 70 years medical cards; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14564/09]
Following enactment of the Health Act 2008, the Health Service Executive (HSE) wrote to all medical card holders aged 70 years and over in January 2009. Persons who were in receipt of a medical card on a non means tested basis were requested, if over the income limits set out in the Act, to make a declaration to the Executive, on or before the 2nd March 2009. To-date, 19,954 medical cards for persons aged 70 and over have been returned or removed from the medical card register as part of an ongoing data quality exercise. The HSE has estimated that the removal of these 19,954 cards will produce savings in excess of €20 million.
117 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health and Children the details of the decision not to renew temporary contracts for nursing staff; the way this applies to nurses currently under contract; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14566/09]
In order to implement savings measures on public service numbers, the Government has decided that, with effect from 27 March 2009 to end 2010, no post in the public sector, however arising, may be filled by recruitment, promotion, or payment of an allowance for the performance of duties at a higher grade. Therefore when vacancies arise, each agency must reallocate or reorganise work or staff accordingly. In the case of the Health Services, any exceptions to this principle, which will arise in very limited circumstances only, require the prior sanction of the Minister for Finance and myself. The decision also applies to temporary appointments on a fixed-term basis and to the renewal of such contracts.
The way in which the Government decision will be applied to nursing staff on temporary contracts is a matter for the Health Service Executive, and I have accordingly referred that part of the Deputy's question to the Executive for attention and direct reply.
118 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of medical personnel who applied for early retirement every month for the past 12 months; the number of applications for early retirement which are currently being processed; the number expected to apply for early retirement in the next 12 months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14575/09]
The Health Service Executive is responsible for HR matters in relation to medical personnel and therefore is the appropriate organisation to address the Deputy's query. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issue to the Deputy.
119 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of staff with fewer than two years service on 1 March 2009 who gave notice to terminate their employment before 1 April 2009 under section 5 of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act, 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14586/09]
I can confirm that no officer of my Department, with less than two years service on 1st March 2009, has given notice to terminate their employment, under Section 5 of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act, 2009.
120 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children if an application for referral of a person (details supplied) in County Cork was received; if so, if an appointment will be expedited in respect of the person. [14595/09]
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
121 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will investigate a situation regarding a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [14614/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
122 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding a date for a hip replacement operation in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare in view of the fact that two earlier appointments have been cancelled; if this person is entitled to have the operation carried out under the National Treatment Purchase Fund scheme; if so, if this aspect will be investigated and be favourably resolved in view of the fact that the applicant has serious problems in accessing any sector of their home or having a normal social life outside of it, due to their condition; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14622/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply. The National Treatment Purchase Fund arranges treatment for patients who have been on a surgical waiting list for more than three months. It is open to the person in question or anyone acting on their behalf to contact the Fund directly in relation to their case.
123 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children if it is an offence for anyone over 70 years with gross income over €700 single or €1,400 couple to retain their medical card; if so, the way they can make a case for keeping the card on medical or hardship grounds if they are only marginally over the limit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14645/09]
Under the new arrangements effected by the Health Act 2008, a much simplified system of assessment for eligibility was introduced in respect of persons aged 70 and over, based on gross income rather than net income, as applies otherwise for means-testing of eligibility for medical cards.
The simplified approach taken for persons aged 70 and over who held a medical card prior to 31st December 2008 is close to a self-assessment system. In introducing the measures, I emphasised my belief in the honesty and integrity of the vast majority of older persons in our society.
Long-standing provisions of the Health Act 1970, as amended, continue to apply. For instance, under Section 49(1) there is a requirement for a person to notify the HSE of any change in his/her circumstances which would render him/her ineligible for services. In addition, under Section 50, when a person has obtained a service and it is later ascertained that he/she was not entitled to the service, the HSE may charge the individual for any services provided to him/her for the period for which he/she had no entitlement. Failure to notify the HSE or the use of a service one is not entitled to is an offence on summary conviction.
Where a person aged 70 or over does not qualify for a medical card by virtue of their gross income being over the specified thresholds, he/she may apply to the HSE for a medical card or GP visit card under the existing net income thresholds, which allow for medical, nursing and other relevant expenses to be taken into account (The net weekly income thresholds for a medical card are €201.50 (single person) and €298 (couple) and for a GP visit card are €302 (single person) and €447 (couple).
Notwithstanding the above, the HSE may issue a medical card on a discretionary basis, if the applicant would otherwise be caused undue hardship in providing general medical and surgical services for himself/herself and any dependants.
Persons who are in any way confused by the new scheme are encouraged to seek advice from their local health office which will continue to provide any necessary support, and which along with the HSE National Helpline (1850 24 1850), will handle enquiries from clients in respect of their medical card entitlements.
124 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children if new clinical directors are being appointed in the area of psychiatry; if so, the way they will relate to the clinical directors already in existence in that discipline; if the posts will be duplicated and filled by different persons; if clinical directors in both categories receive the extra salary for the post; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14646/09]
As the appointment of Clinical Directors is a matter for the Health Service Executive, I have asked the Executive to examine the issues raised by the Deputy and reply to her directly.
125 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the basis on which a person over 70 years who has surrendered their medical card and subsequently re-applies for a card, is means tested; if the €700 cut-off point is used or if they are assessed on the income limit for a single person under 70 years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14647/09]
Under the new arrangements effected by the Health Act 2008, a much simplified system of assessment for eligibility was introduced in respect of persons aged 70 and over, based on gross income rather than net income, as applies otherwise for means-testing of eligibility for medical cards.
The simplified approach taken for persons aged 70 and over who held a medical card prior to 31st December 2008 is close to a self-assessment system. In introducing the measures, I emphasised my belief in the honesty and integrity of the vast majority of older persons in our society.
Long-standing provisions of the Health Act 1970, as amended, continue to apply. For instance, under Section 49(1) there is a requirement for a person to notify the HSE of any change in his/her circumstances which would render him/her ineligible for services. In addition, under Section 50, when a person has obtained a service and it is later ascertained that he/she was not entitled to the service, the HSE may charge the individual for any services provided to him/her for the period for which he/she had no entitlement. Failure to notify the HSE or the use of a service one is not entitled to is an offence on summary conviction.
Where a person aged 70 or over does not qualify for a medical card by virtue of their gross income being over the specified thresholds, he/she may apply to the HSE for a medical card or GP visit card under the existing net income thresholds, which allow for medical, nursing and other relevant expenses to be taken into account (The net weekly income thresholds for a medical card are €201.50 (single person) and €298 (couple) and for a GP visit card are €302 (single person) and €447 (couple).
Notwithstanding the above, the HSE may issue a medical card on a discretionary basis, if the applicant would otherwise be caused undue hardship in providing general medical and surgical services for himself/herself and any dependants.
Persons who are in any way confused by the new scheme are encouraged to seek advice from their local health office which will continue to provide any necessary support, and which along with the HSE National Helpline (1850 24 1850), will handle enquiries from clients in respect of their medical card entitlements.
126 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children if certain people over 70 years have been removed from the list of people approved for medical cards which is used by pharmacists; if so, the basis for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14648/09]
Following enactment of the Health Act 2008, the Health Service Executive (HSE) wrote to all medical card holders aged 70 years and over in January 2009. Persons who were in receipt of a medical card on a non means tested basis were requested, if over the income limits set out in the Act, to make a declaration to the Executive, on or before the 2nd March 2009.
To-date, 19,954 medical cards for persons aged 70 and over have been returned or removed from the medical card register. 10,690 of these cards were returned to the HSE by persons aged 70 or over whose weekly income was in excess of the specified thresholds and a further 9,264 medical cards were removed from the medical card register as part of a data quality exercise, where for example, the HSE had been advised that the card holder is deceased or the card holder was not known at the address, etc.
If card holders have been removed from the HSE's medical card register where they have not declared to the HSE that they are in excess of the specified thresholds, they should contact their Local Health Office immediately and as soon as the details can be confirmed, their General Medical Services eligibility will be restored. Local Health Offices will continue to deal with queries of a general nature about the medical card scheme and will provide any assistance needed with the application process, and along with the National Helpline (1850 24 1850), will deal with enquiries from clients in respect of their medical card entitlements and completion of application forms.
127 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children if there has been reconsideration of the practice of not returning aids such as crutches, walking frames and wheelchairs for re-use; if this practice will be changed in the context of the need to save money without hurting patient services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14649/09]
The Deputy will be aware from the reply received from the Health Service Executive (HSE) dated 20th October 2008, that the policy of Primary, Community and Continuing Care offices is to recycle aids and appliances to the greatest extent possible. I understand that some items, such as crutches and Zimmer frames, are considered single use items and the manufacturers will not guarantee them if they are recycled.
However, I have referred this question to the HSE for an update on the position and a direct reply to you.
128 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the stage of the planning of a new building for St. Mary’s Hospital, Mullingar, County Westmeath; if the finance to build the project is secure; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14656/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
129 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children when phase 2B of Mullingar General Hospital will open; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14657/09]
The Midland Regional Hospital at Mullingar forms part of the Dublin/Midlands Hospital Group and provides an extensive range of acute services to the population of Dublin/Midlands and in particular the Longford/Westmeath area.
Stage I of the Phase 2B Capital Development at Mullingar commenced in 2006 and is scheduled for completion shortly at a cost of €23m.
This Phase of the Project includes:
Fit out of the existing ward shells to provide a new paediatric ward, a new day surgery/gynaecology ward, a new obstetric ward and a new medical ward, incorporating an acute stroke unit.
Refurbishment of the existing paediatric and obstetric wards to provide surgical and medical wards and a Palliative Care Unit.
An extension of the existing facilities to accommodate an interim Special Care Baby Unit adjacent to the new paediatric ward.
I understand that these works are completed and that the ward areas are now fully occupied.
In addition, approval was granted for the refurbishment of two further wards in the existing hospital — a Medical/Surgical and a Delivery/Gynaecology ward. This work is due to be completed shortly.
Completion of this Phase of the project will see the bed complement increase from 215 to 244 and will enhance the range and level of services provided.
130 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the primary, community and continuing care here which are not in any circumstances paying enhanced nursing home subvention; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14674/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
131 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children if a review of nursing home subventions has taken place in view of the reduced value of capital assets; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14675/09]
The Nursing Home Subvention Scheme is governed by the Health (Nursing Homes) (Amendment) Act 2007. The Health Service Executive (HSE) has also produced National Guidelines for the Standardised Implementation of the Nursing Home Subvention Scheme.
The legislation provides for an individual's means to be reviewed. In addition, the Guidelines state that an individual's means should be reviewed at least on an annual basis. This would take account of declines in the housing market as well as reduced levels of rental income. However, the Guidelines further state that reviews of means can be undertaken at any time, when the means of the client warrant a review.
Finally, the legislation also provides for certain decisions of the HSE, including the result of a review of an individual's means, to be appealed.
132 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will intervene in order to prevent the planned closure of 24 hour accident and emergency services at Ennis General Hospital, County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14702/09]
133 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children the additional resources which have been put in place in view of the plans to close the 24 hour accident and emergency at Ennis General Hospital, County Clare going ahead from 6 April 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14704/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 132 and 133 together.
The Government is committed to ensuring the delivery of the best quality health services possible, in an effective and efficient way. Ensuring patient safety is of paramount importance, so that people can have confidence in the services and the best possible patient outcomes can be achieved.
The HSE has commissioned a number of reviews in relation to how acute hospital services should be organised, including the Teamwork/Horwath Report in relation to the Mid-West region, which the Executive has recently published. The Report highlights the need for changes to be made in the provision and organisation of acute hospital services across the region, particularly in relation to accident and emergency services, critical care, acute surgery and medicine. The Report found that the services were too fragmented, carried increased risks for patients and staff and were not sustainable in the future.
The HSE has indicated that certain changes to the present arrangements for the provision of some acute services, including accident and emergency services, must be made, in the interests of patient safety and also to make best use of the clinical resources available within the Mid West region. The HSE has been engaged in a consultation process with key stakeholders as it formulates detailed plans in relation to emergency care, critical care and surgical services in the region.
The HSE plans involve the reorganisation of the arrangements in Ennis and Nenagh so that these hospitals provide an urgent care/minor injuries service for 12 hours a day as part of a regional Accident and Emergency structure. These hospitals will also continue to admit appropriate medical cases. Protocols are in place to ensure that all trauma, paediatric and obstetric emergency cases will be brought directly to the major tertiary centre rather than the local hospital. As part of the new arrangements the ambulance services in North Tipperary and Clare have been enhanced and an advanced 24-hour paramedic service is in operation.
The plans also involve the reconfiguration of Acute Hospital services into a network and their better integration with primary care services across the region, with a regional centre at the Regional Hospital Limerick that will deal with complex and specialist cases. The changing nature of health service delivery is such that smaller hospitals can meet much of the demand for less complex services, especially those that are increasingly done on a day case basis. Day surgery and diagnostic service activity at Nenagh and Ennis will also be significantly enhanced.
I am satisfied that the measures being taken by the HSE are necessary and appropriate in order to ensure the provision of safe and effective health services to the people of the Mid West region. My Department has asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy in relation to the detailed operational issues raised.
134 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a medical card will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Laois; the card number; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14727/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
135 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if funding will be put in place for day placement in September 2009 with a service for a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14728/09]
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
136 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a medical card renewal will issue to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14729/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
137 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people working in the public service under temporary employment contracts on a fixed-term basis who will lose their jobs as a consequence of the non-renewal of those contracts due to the moratorium decision announced by the Minister for Finance on 27 March 2009; the organisations in which such terminations will occur; the number of individuals who will lose their jobs as a consequence of this decision; the annual saving that will accrue to the Exchequer as a consequence of the non-renewal of these contracts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15045/09]
In order to implement savings measures on public service numbers, the Government has decided that, with effect from 27 March 2009 to end 2010, no post in the public sector, however arising, may be filled by recruitment, promotion, or the payment of an allowance for the performance of duties at a higher grade. The decision also applies to temporary appointments on a fixed-term basis and to the renewal of such contracts.
Arrangements have been put in place for the health sector that aim to ensure that key services are maintained insofar as possible and there will be flexibility in relation to the filling of key front-line posts for the following grades; Hospital Consultants, Speech and Language Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist, Clinical Psychologist, Behavioural Therapist, Counsellor, Social workers and Emergency Medical Technicians to allow for the continued development of integrated health care, particularly primary and community care, care of the elderly and people with disabilities.
The way in which the Government decision will be applied is a matter for the Health Service Executive, and I have accordingly referred that part of the Deputy's question to the Executive for attention and direct reply.
138 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Transport the contract price tendered for a project (details supplied) in County Mayo; the final outturn and the final cost of the project. [14518/09]
The provision and improvement of regional and local roads, including bridges, in its area is a matter for Mayo County Council to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State grants.
In May 2007, approval was conveyed to Mayo County Council to award a contract for the construction of a new bridge at Achill Sound at a tender price of €4,392,846.14 inclusive of VAT@ 13.5%. State road grants are being provided to Mayo County Council by my Department towards the cost of the project, subject to maximum grant aid of €2,046,423.
Any cost incurred above the maximum grant aid is a matter for Mayo County Council.
139 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Transport the payments made to senior officials in his Department under the performance related pay scheme for each of the years 2005 to 2008, inclusive; if he has approved the payments for 2008; if so, the date of this approval; the date of the approval of payments relating to 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14225/09]
The scheme for performance-related awards in the Civil Service applies to Deputy and Assistant Secretaries and equivalent grades. Details of awards to individual officers under the performance-related scheme are not disclosed on the basis that they are confidential to the officer concerned.
However I can say that during 2006, awards totalling €46,800 (averaging €11,700) were made to 4 officers in my Department in respect of 2005; in 2007, awards totalling €64,000 (averaging €12,800) were made to 5 officers in my Department in respect of 2006 and in 2008, awards totalling €63,500 (averaging €12,700) were made to 5 officers in my Department in respect of 2007.
No approval has been given for payments for 2008. Regarding payments for 2007, approval was conveyed in a letter dated 18th March 2008 from the Department of Finance.
Details of the operation of the scheme, the numbers covered by the scheme and the total amounts paid in Departments, are available in the annual reports of the Committee for Performance Awards which can be accessed on the website of the Department of Finance www.finance.gov.ie.
140 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Transport the cost of providing mobile telephony and PDA services for him in each of the years since 2002, broken down by handset purchase costs, rental and call costs, and other costs; the amount of money which was refunded by him in connection with personal use of these phones, PDAs and Blackberries in each year since 2002 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14538/09]
A breakdown of individual items of expenditure is not readily available from my Department's records.
There have been no monies refunded to the Department by me in respect of personal use of phones, PDAs and Blackberries since 2002.
141 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Transport the number of staff with less than two years service on 1 March 2009 who gave notice to terminate their employment before 1 April 2009 under section 5 of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14590/09]
No staff in my Department with less than two years service on 1 March 2009 gave notice to terminate their employment before 1 April 2009 under Section 5 of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act, 2009.
142 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport when his attention was first drawn to the impending closure of a company (details supplied) in County Dublin; the steps he took to inform the employees and the Cabinet; and if he will make a statement on the matter [14664/09]
143 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport if, as a stakeholder in Údarás Aerfort Átha Cliath, his attention has been drawn to the amount it is paying a company (details supplied) for the leases of the hangars at Dublin Airport. [14669/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 142 and 143 together.
I wish to refer the Deputy to my reply to Dáil question numbers 53, 56, 112 and 125 of 2 April 2009 in which, among other things, I gave details of when I was informed about the difficulties at SR Technics and when I informed the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment who has cabinet responsibility for the matter.
As to the closure decision by SR Technics, the responsibility of informing employees is a matter for their employer and I have no function in the matter.
144 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if he provides funding to Bus Átha Cliath for the provision or subvention of services to meet the requirements of commuters using the rail stations at Kilcock, Maynooth, Leixlip Confey, Hazelhatch, Newbridge, Kildare, Monasterevin and Athy, County Kildare; if an assessment has been carried out to determine the extent to which road traffic congestion could be alleviated as a result of such measures; if he proposes to take initiatives in this regard having particular regard to his recent announcements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14752/09]
This is a day-to-day operational matter for the relevant transport provider and not one in which I have any role.
145 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Transport the number of people working in the public service under temporary employment contracts on a fixed-term basis who will lose their jobs as a consequence of the non-renewal of those contracts due to the moratorium decision announced by the Minister for Finance on 27 March 2009; the organisations in which such terminations will occur; the number of individuals who will lose their jobs as a consequence of this decision; the annual saving that will accrue to the Exchequer as a consequence of the non-renewal of these contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15049/09]
There is 1 person in my Department who is working on a temporary fixed-term contract covered by the decision referred to by the Deputy.
That Decision provides for consideration by the Minister for Finance of whether such temporary fixed-term contracts should be renewed upon their expiry. The full-year savings that would arise in the event of non-renewal are of the order of €100,000
The terms of employment contracts in State bodies under the auspices of my Department are matters for the bodies concerned.
146 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of training places and courses available to gardaí in Templemore and Garda headquarters; the number who have attended courses; the capacity for each year from 2002 to date in 2009; the Garda budget allocated to fund ongoing training courses for gardaí for each year from 2002 to date in 2009; the duration of each course; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14043/09]
I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda Commissioner and I will write to him directly when this information is to hand.
147 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of an application for long-term residency by a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary which was lodged on 16 April 2008; if a decision will be made soon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14051/09]
I would refer the Deputy to my response to Parliamentary Question No. 533 of 24th March, 2009. Officials in the Long-Term Residency section of my Department advise me that applications from July 2007 are now being considered. Otherwise, the position remains the same.
148 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of days spent in prison in 2008 for the non-payment of fines. [14058/09]
It has not been possible to retrieve the required statistical information in the timeframe available. This will be forwarded to the Deputy in due course.
149 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps necessary to acquire a visa or immigration clearance letter for a non-Irish national child who has been adopted from a country (details supplied) by an Irish parent without prior clearance by the Adoption Board of Ireland, and when the child currently resides in another country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14078/09]
The immigration clearance letter allows a child from a specified country safe passage through immigration controls into the State in lieu of a visa.
However this letter will only issue on verification of proof that all the criteria set by the Adoption Board of Ireland have been fully met. This requires receipt by the Foreign Adoption Unit of my Department of the original declaration of eligibility and suitability from the Adoption Board attesting to the prospective parents.
150 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to outlaw upward rent review only clauses in contracts for commercial properties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14117/09]
I have already announced that, as a first step, I have written to a number of relevant bodies highlighting my concerns about current practice in relation to upward only rent reviews, and urging that a more flexible and innovative approach be taken in relation to this issue. I am keeping this matter of legislative intervention under active consideration.
151 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his Department has engaged in discussions with the Garda and the Defence Forces with regard to a management plan to deal with civil unrest or rioting in Dublin city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14132/09]
The Deputy will appreciate that it is not my function as Minister to issue operational policing advice to the Garda Commissioner or his senior management.
152 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of handgun licences that have issued nationally each month in 2008 and each month to date in 2009. [14134/09]
The information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
153 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will review the case of persons (details supplied) in County Westmeath who seek leave to remain here. [14165/09]
The first named person concerned applied for asylum on 10 May 2006. Her asylum application was refused following consideration of her case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
The person concerned has initiated Judicial Review proceedings, challenging the decision of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal in her case. As these proceedings are ongoing, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this time.
In relation to the position in the State of the second named person concerned, in the event that an application for asylum has been made by that person the Deputy will be aware that is not the practice to comment on asylum applications where a final decision has not been made.
154 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the payments made to senior officials in his Department under the performance related pay scheme for each of the years 2005 to 2008, inclusive; if he has approved the payments for 2008; if so, the date of this approval; the date of the approval of payments relating to 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14223/09]
I refer the Deputy to my answers to Parliamentary Question number 367 of 30th September 2008 and Parliamentary Question number 369 of 10th February 2009 which deal with the information sought by him.
Approval for the payment of awards in respect of 2007 under the high level performance awards scheme was given by the Committee for Performance Awards in the Department of Finance on 13 May 2008.
155 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of citizenship applications received each year for each of the past ten years; the number processed in each of those years; the average waiting time for applicants; and the countries which applicants are from originally. [14233/09]
The information is as follows.
|
Year |
Applications received |
Certificates issued |
No of apps refused/ deemed ineligible |
|
1999 |
739 |
416 |
79 |
|
2000 |
1,004 |
125 |
57 |
|
2001 |
1,431 |
1,048 |
8 |
|
2002 |
3,574 |
1,332 |
135 |
|
2003 |
3,580 |
1,664 |
179 |
|
2004 |
4,074 |
1,335 |
779 |
|
2005 |
4,527 |
1,451 |
2428 |
|
2006 |
6,813 |
1,390 |
2,191 |
|
2007 |
7,616 |
1,501 |
1,612 |
|
2008 |
10,885 |
3,117 |
2,795 |
|
2009 |
2,179 to date |
1,054 to date |
613 to date |
Following the decentralisation of the Citizenship Division to Tipperary Town, substantially increased resources have been made available to it in order to reduce backlogs and provide a better quality service to all applicants. This has also had a positive impact on processing times. The average processing time from application to decision for the generality of valid applications for certificates of naturalisation is now at 23 months. The Citizenship Division is currently commencing further processing of applications received in mid 2007. Applications for certificates of naturalisation have been received from nationals of 181 countries.
The Deputy will appreciate that a certificate of naturalisation is an exceptional and important document that facilitates a non-national becoming a citizen of Ireland. Therefore, there is a limit to the reduction in the processing time that can be achieved as applications for naturalisation must be processed in a way which preserves the necessary checks and balances to ensure that the status of Citizenship is not undervalued and is only given to persons who genuinely satisfy the necessary qualifying criteria. The procedures involved have been developed and refined over a number of years and I am satisfied that they are necessary to maintain the integrity of the naturalisation process.
156 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the longest length of time an applicant for citizenship is currently waiting for their application to be dealt with; and the reason for the delays in the citizenship process. [14234/09]
Further processing of applications for naturalisation currently commences after 18 months on average. The average processing time from application to decision is now at 23 months. This is primarily due to the significant increase in the volume of applications received in the last number of years. In 1999 there were 739 applications whereas in 2008, the number of such applications was 10,885. An element of cases are now being dealt with in less than that time scale and more complicated cases can at times take more than the current average. In many cases outside the average timescale, delays can be due to the non-return of important information by the applicant themselves or can be due to outside agencies with which we liaise being required to conduct more intensive investigations to resolve the merits of an application.
In a very small number of cases this process can take significantly longer than the average timeframe.
The Deputy will appreciate that a certificate of naturalisation is an exceptional and important document that facilitates a non-national becoming a citizen of Ireland. Therefore, there is a limit to the reduction in the processing time that can be achieved as applications for naturalisation must be processed in a way which preserves the necessary checks and balances to ensure that the status of Citizenship is not undervalued and is only given to persons who genuinely satisfy the necessary qualifying criteria. The procedures involved have been developed and refined over a number of years and I am satisfied that they are necessary to maintain the integrity of the naturalisation process.
157 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of limited companies, established as sole trader ventures, with agreements for the provision of services on a full-time basis and a part-time basis to him, his Department or to a public body under the aegis of his Department, indicating the nature of the services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14279/09]
My Department and the public bodies under its aegis do not keep information as to whether their service providers are limited companies, established specifically as sole trader ventures. Because of the level and wide range of services provided by and to my Department and its agencies, I am afraid that the information sought by the Deputy cannot be compiled without the application of a disproportionate amount of staff time and resources.
158 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of people who have left Ireland under a scheme (details supplied) in 2007 and in 2008; the countries which they have gone to; and the cost in each case to get a person reintegrated in their own country. [14288/09]
In 2007, a total of 231 people voluntarily returned to their home country under the Voluntary Assisted Return & Reintegration Programme (VARRP), with a further 436 being assisted under the Programme in 2008. The average cost of each return under the VARRP during the 2007/2008 period was €3,047. The countries of return were Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Belarus, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Cameroon, Chile, China, Croatia, DR Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Georgia, Ghana, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Israel, Ivory Coast, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Lesotho, Libya, Malawi, Malaysia, Mali, Mauritius, Moldova, Mongolia, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Russia, Serbia, South Africa, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Syria, Tanzania, Uganda, Ukraine, Venezuela and Zimbabwe.
159 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the person who is responsible for monitoring sex offenders here; if the local gardaí are made aware of the number and location of sex offenders within their area; if such offenders are monitored on a regular basis; if a sex offenders register exists; if sex offenders have to report to a Garda station in the area in which they reside on a regular basis; the course of action normally taken if a sex offender is identified or recognised, particularly if protests are organised by members of the public; if they are relocated for their own safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14300/09]
The Sex Offenders Act, 2001 contains a comprehensive series of provisions aimed at protecting children and other persons against sexual abuse and attack.
The Act makes persons convicted of a range of sexual offences subject to notification requirements under Part 2 of the Act. The provisions of the Act also extend to any sex offenders who enter the State.
An Garda Síochána has a system in place for the monitoring of persons subject to these requirements. The Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Investigation Unit monitors and manages the notification provisions. The Unit maintains all information relating to persons who have obligations under the Act. There is a nominated Garda Inspector in each Garda Division who has responsibility for the monitoring of persons subject to the requirements of the Act in their Division. As soon as the Domestic Violence and Assault Investigation Unit is advised by a relevant authority, such as the Irish Prison Service, the Courts Service or a foreign law enforcement agency, of the impending release or movement of sex offenders into their area this information is immediately passed to the nominated Inspectors, who are advised of information relevant to their Division. Should they arise, child protection issues are raised with the health authorities, as set out in the Children First guidelines.
Section 10 of the Sex Offenders Act, 2001 requires offenders to notify the Garda Síochána of their name and home address within seven days of becoming subject to the notification requirement. Notification is made at any Garda Divisional or District headquarters and may be done so in person or by post. Thereafter offenders must, within seven days of the event, notify the Garda of any subsequent changes to their name or address. Offenders who leave the State for an intended continuous period of seven days or more must inform the Garda in advance of their leaving.
The identity of, or other information relating to, such offenders is not made public. If An Garda Síochána becomes aware that such an offender has been identified, he or she is informed and appropriate advice is provided.
160 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if an Internet site (details supplied) is being used as a source or reference when making decision on asylum applications. [14302/09]
Under the Refugee Act 1996, two independent statutory offices were established to consider applications and appeals in respect of refugee status and to make recommendations to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on whether such status should be granted. These offices are the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
I am informed by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner that the guidelines for staff dealing with the investigation of applications for asylum regarding the use of Wikipedia are that it should not be used as a primary or reliable information source and the information available on Wikipedia cannot be relied upon.
I am informed by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal that Members of the Tribunal take account of best international practice and the jurisprudence of the High Court when assessing country of origin information and that Members have been advised that Wikipedia should not be used as a primary or reliable source of country of origin information. In this regard the Deputy should be aware that an appellant is entitled to provide to the Tribunal any country of origin information he/she so wishes to support his/her own case and the Tribunal must consider it.
161 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the action to be taken on admitted fraud and leaking of documents surrounding the asylum appeal case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14303/09]
162 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the details of an investigation into documents related to an appeal for asylum by a person (details supplied) were selectively disclosed to two media outlets, while their case was still in the legal process, creating trial by media; the person who was responsible for briefing these two newspapers; and the person who authorised them to do so. [14304/09]
163 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the cost of investigating an appeal for asylum by a person (details supplied) by sending a senior detective and a representative of the Irish embassy to Nigeria; if it was in the region of the €10,000 reported recently; if it was fully accounted for; and if that cost included the pursuit of documents to support the State’s case against the person’s appeal. [14305/09]
164 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason it has taken his Department more than three years to fully investigate an asylum application by a person (details supplied); and if it is coincidence that the renewed investigations seem to have begun following the decision of the European Court of Human Rights to hear the person’s case. [14306/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 161 to 164, inclusive, together.
The persons to whom the Deputy refers are failed asylum seekers. This applicant and her daughters applied for asylum on 21 January 2005. Following a full and detailed consideration of their applications by the Refugee Applications Commissioner and an unsuccessful appeal to the Refugee Appeals Tribunal, they were refused declarations of refugee status on 2 September 2005. Following a full and detailed examination of her and her daughters' files, pursuant to section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 and section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996, Deportation Orders were signed in respect of the applicant and her daughters on 23 November 2005.
The Refugee Act, 1996 (Section 19) makes provision for the protection of the identity of asylum seekers throughout the period during which the asylum application is being investigated. Under this particular provision, the Refugee Applications Commissioner, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal, the Minister, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and their respective officers must take all practicable steps to ensure that the identity of asylum applicants is kept confidential.
This clearly prevents any enquiries or investigations being made in the country of origin of asylum applicants. The legislation also states that no matter likely to lead members of the public to identify a person as an applicant under the Act can be published without the consent of the person.
The validity of the Deportation Orders was challenged by way of judicial review. Following a full hearing in the High Court, Mr. Justice Feeney refused all relief sought and upheld the validity of the Deportation Orders.
The applicant and her daughters made an application pursuant to Regulation 4(2) of the European Communities (eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006, S.I no. 518 of 2006, requesting my predecessor to exercise discretion to accept and consider an application for subsidiary protection applications from them. This application was refused. The applicant then challenged by way of judicial review the decision of my predecessor to refuse to exercise discretion under Regulation 4(2) of the European Communities (eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006, S.I no. 518 of 2006.
Following a full hearing in the High Court, all reliefs sought were refused by Mr. Justice McGovern and the validity of the decision was upheld. The applicant has appealed the judgement of Mr. Justice McGovern to the Supreme Court.
The applicants lodged an application to the European Court of Human Rights under Article 34 of the European Convention of Human Rights and Rules 45 and 47 of the Rules of the Court. The applicants sought a declaration that their rights under Articles 3, 6, 13 and 14 of the European Convention on Human Rights had been violated.
The total costs of the enquiry referred to by the Deputy are subject to the normal civil service travel and subsistence rates and have not yet been fully invoiced.
As the other matters raised are either sub judice or speculative, I do not propose to comment any further.
165 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the common European Missing Children’s Helpline number which is currently operational in five member states and will shortly be operational in a further two will be formally launched on 25 May 2009, Missing Children’s Day; if he will take steps to ensure that the helpline which complements existing statutory mechanisms and can be utilised to raise an alert, to support parents and guardians and missing children themselves in the context of free movement across Europe becomes operational here if not by this date then without delay thereafter; and if he will make the necessary funding available to a society (details supplied) who are ideally placed to operate the service. [14473/09]
The telephone number to which the Deputy refers is made available by national telecoms regulators. This is therefore a matter primarily for the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg). I should mention that I have asked the Garda Inspectorate to undertake a study of the handling by An Garda Síochána of missing persons reports.
166 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will review the case of persons (details supplied) in County Westmeath. [14474/09]
The first, second and third named persons, a husband, wife and dependant child, applied for asylum in the State on 5 September 2005. The third named person was included in her mother's asylum application. The fourth named person was born in the State in late 2005 and was subsequently included in her mother's asylum application. As the immigration case histories and up to date positions of the two adult asylum applications are almost identical, for the purposes of the Deputy's Question, I will deal with the two cases as one.
The applications for asylum of the persons concerned were refused following individual consideration of their cases by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended), the first and second named persons concerned were informed, by separate letters dated 19 March 2009, that the Minister proposed to make Deportation Orders in respect of them and their two children. They were given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of Deportation Orders or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why they and their children should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. In addition, they were notified of their entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006).
The 15 working day period referred to in my Department's letter of 19 March 2009 expires on 16 April 2009. It is open to the persons concerned to submit written representations and/or apply for Subsidiary Protection within that period. In any event, final decisions on their cases will not be made prior to the expiry of the 15 working day period referred to above.
167 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on introducing legislation whereby for certain categories of crimes a convicted person found guilty of anti-social behaviour, criminal damage, assault and so on will have a financial penalty imposed on them determined by law whereby they pay on a monthly basis an amount determined in Court to the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14505/09]
I expect to publish the Fines Bill very shortly. It will include a provision under which the courts will be able to direct that fines, imposed on conviction for criminal offences, be paid in instalments over a 12 month period, or in exceptional circumstances, over a 24 month period.
168 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will review the case of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath who seeks leave to remain here on humanitarian grounds. [14511/09]
I refer the Deputy to my detailed Reply to her recent Parliamentary Question, No. 84 of Thursday 29 January 2009, in this matter. The position in the State of the person concerned is as set out in that Reply.
169 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will review the case of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath who has applied for leave to remain here. [14513/09]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 337 of 21 October 2008. I wish to add that the person concerned was subsequently informed, by letter dated 28 January 2009, of her entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection. Representations have been received from the person concerned and are being considered by the relevant officials. The person concerned will be contacted directly and notified of any decisions made regarding her status in the State in due course.
170 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will review the case of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath who has applied for leave to remain here on humanitarian grounds. [14514/09]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 19 December 2005 and applied for asylum on 20 December 2005. Her application was refused following consideration of her case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner, and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended, the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 20 May 2008, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of her. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why she should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State i.e. why she should not be deported.
By correspondence dated 10 June 2008, an application for Subsidiary Protection was made on behalf of the person concerned by her legal representative. Following consideration of the information submitted, the application was refused. The person concerned and her legal representative were notified of this decision by letter dated 3 March 2009.
Her case was then examined under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended, and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996, as amended, on the Prohibition of Refoulement. Consideration was given to representations submitted on her behalf by her legal representative for permission to remain in the State. On 12 March 2009, I refused permission to remain temporarily in the State and instead signed a Deportation Order in respect of her. Notice of this order was served by registered post which obliges the person concerned to leave the State. To this end, the person concerned is required to present herself at the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2 on Tuesday 14 April 2009 in order to make travel arrangements for her removal from the State.
I am satisfied that the applications made by the person concerned for asylum, for temporary leave to remain in the State and for Subsidiary Protection, together with all refoulement issues, were fairly and comprehensively examined and, as such, the decision to deport her is justified. The effect of the Deportation Order is that the person concerned must leave the State and remain thereafter out of the State. The enforcement of the Deportation Order is an operational matter for the GNIB.
171 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the cost of providing mobile telephony and PDA services for him in each of the years since 2002, broken down by handset purchase costs, rental and call costs, and other costs; the amount of money which was refunded by him in connection with personal use of these phones, PDAs and Blackberries in each year since 2002 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14535/09]
It has not been possible, given the timeframe involved, to collate the information required by the Deputy going back to 2002. However, I can inform the Deputy that my Department's records for the period 7 May, 2008 (the date of my appointment) to 31 December, 2008 — the latest period for which records are available — show that the cost of providing me with my official mobile telephony and PDA services amounted to approximately €340 per month.
172 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will support a matter (details supplied). [14540/09]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the location referred to by the Deputy is in Clontarf Garda Sub-District. While local Garda management is aware of incidents of public disorder and anti-social behaviour in the area, they are not aware of any specific incidents at the location referred to by the Deputy. However, arrangements have been made for Garda personnel from the Neighbourhood Policing Unit to visit staff and students at the third level institution referred to by the Deputy and make them aware of the difficulties being experienced by local residents.
The area is subject to regular patrols by uniform and plain-clothes personnel, including the local Community Policing Unit and the Garda Mountain Bike Unit, who have been directed to pay particular attention to any incidents of public disorder and anti-social behaviour in the area.
Current policing policy in the area is predicated on the prevention of crime, including crimes of violence against persons and crimes against property, the prevention of public order offences and the maintenance of an environment conducive to the improvement of the quality of life of the residents. This strategy is, and will continue to be, central to the delivery of the policing service in this area.
173 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the timeframe for the examination of the competency legislation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14544/09]
The issue raised in the Question is the competency of persons with an intellectual disability to give evidence in court, in particular in cases of alleged sexual offences. This is a sensitive and complex subject, and following an examination of the issues involved, I have concluded that a more detailed review of the matter is warranted. Projects included in the Law Reform Commission's Third Programme include the laws on evidence, the criminal law on sexual offences and the law concerning vulnerable persons and the criminal justice system. I would consider the matter raised by the Deputy as suitable for consideration by the Commission.
174 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will review the case of persons (details supplied) in County Cork. [14548/09]
The first named person concerned arrived in the State on 20 May 2005 and applied for asylum. Her application was refused following consideration of her case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended), the first named person concerned was informed, by letter dated 26 April 2006, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of her. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why she should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. Representations were submitted by the first named person concerned at that time.
The first named person concerned has also submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006) and this application is under consideration at present. When consideration of this application has been completed, the first named person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome.
In the event that the Subsidiary Protection application is refused, the case file of the first named person concerned, including all representations submitted, will then be considered under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. When this latter consideration has been completed, the case file of the first named person concerned is passed to me for decision.
The second named person concerned arrived in the State on 22 January 2003 and applied for asylum. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended), the second named person concerned was informed, by letter dated 9 December 2004, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. Representations have been submitted on behalf of the second named person concerned and these representations will be fully considered, under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement, before the file is passed to me for decision.
175 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will review the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin who has applied for leave to remain here on humanitarian grounds. [14565/09]
The person concerned applied for asylum on 25 July 2003. Her application was refused following consideration of her case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 21 March 2005, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of her. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why she should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State.
Representations have been submitted on behalf of the person concerned and these representations will be fully considered, under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement, before the file is passed to me for decision.
176 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of the Garda Síochána who applied for early retirement every month for the past 12 months; the number of applications for early retirement which are currently being processed; the number expected to apply for early retirement in the next 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14571/09]
I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that the number of his Members who have applied for early retirement in the year since April 2008 and the numbers being processed are as set out in the following table.
|
2008 |
2009 |
||||||||||||
|
April |
May |
June |
July |
August |
Sept |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
Jan |
Feb |
March |
April |
May |
|
25 |
18 |
34 |
11 |
9 |
61 |
41 |
21 |
34 |
23 |
16 |
86 |
64 |
52 |
It is not possible to provide a detailed breakdown of how many other members may leave the force for different reasons. However the figures for previous years may be helpful to the Deputy and these are shown in the following table.
|
Year |
Total |
|
2004 |
478 |
|
2005 |
462 |
|
2006 |
403 |
|
2007 |
289 |
177 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of prisoner officers who applied for early retirement every month for the past 12 months; the number of applications for early retirement which are currently being processed; the number expected to apply for early retirement in the next 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14572/09]
The Deputy may be aware that the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2004 made significant changes to the Civil Service Superannuation Scheme. That Act increased to 55 the minimum age at which superannuation benefits may be paid to ‘new entrants' to the Prison Service. Whilst the compulsory retirement age for members of the Prison Service remains unchanged at 60 years, staff who entered the Irish Prison Service prior to 2004, can retire with full pension entitlements at age 50 provided they have 30 years actual prison service.
Having set out the current provisions I am assuming that the Deputy is seeking information on Prison Officers who applied to retire before reaching 50 years and, accordingly, details of officers who may have retired early on grounds of ill health have not been incorporated in the reply. The Director General of the Prison Service informs me that there have been no applications for early retirement in the last 12 months and no early retirement applications are being processed at the current time.
I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that it is not possible for the Irish Prison Service to predict, with any degree of certainty, what level of application(s) may or may not be made for early retirement over the next 12 months.
178 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of staff with less than two years service on 1 March 2009 who gave notice to terminate their employment before 1 April 2009 under Section 5 of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14587/09]
No staff in my Department terminated their employment under the circumstances set out by the Deputy.
179 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of applications for naturalisation in each of the past four years; the numbers approved in each of the past four years; the typical period between application and granting for applications granted in each of the past four years; and his proposals to streamline the procedures. [14606/09]
The number of applications for naturalisation is contained in the following tables.
|
Year |
Applications Received |
Certificates Issued |
|
2005 |
4,527 |
1,451 |
|
2006 |
6,813 |
1,390 |
|
2007 |
7,616 |
1,501 |
|
2008 |
10,885 |
3,117 |
|
2009 |
2,179 to date |
1,054 to date |
Following the decentralisation of the Citizenship Division to Tipperary Town, substantially increased resources have been made available to it in order to reduce backlogs and provide a better quality service to all applicants. This has also had a positive impact on processing times. The average processing time from application to decision for the generality of valid applications for certificates of naturalisation is now at 23 months. The Citizenship Division is currently commencing further processing of applications received in mid 2007.
The Deputy will appreciate that a certificate of naturalisation is an exceptional and important document that facilitates a non-national becoming a citizen of Ireland. Therefore, there is a limit to the reduction in the processing time that can be achieved as applications for naturalisation must be processed in a way which preserves the necessary checks and balances to ensure that the status of Citizenship is not undervalued and is only given to persons who genuinely satisfy the necessary qualifying criteria. The procedures involved have been developed and refined over a number of years and I am satisfied that they are necessary to maintain the integrity of the naturalisation process.
180 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will revive the Privacy Bill 2006; his plans in respect of its enactment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14608/09]
I refer the Deputy to my response to Question No. 59 of 25 February, 2009, in which I indicated that the Privacy Bill 2006, which is before the Seanad, having been restored to the Seanad Order Paper in late 2007 by the Leader of the Seanad, represents Government policy in the area of privacy. My Department continues to review the provisions in the Bill taking into account developments in the interpretation of the law of privacy in our courts and elsewhere, with a view to possible amendments of the Bill.
181 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans for the future of St. Patrick’s Institution; and his policy in regard to youth offenders. [14615/09]
As the Deputy will be aware the Irish Youth Justice Service was established as an executive office within my Department to develop an integrated response to youth offending. That Office has published a National Youth Justice Strategy for the period 2008-2010 in which the vision for managing youth offending is clearly set out.
In relation to St Patrick's Institution I would point out that whilst it is currently the designated detention centre for young male offenders aged between 16 and 21 years of age, the Irish Youth Justice Service will ultimately take responsibility for the detention facilities for all boys under 18 years. In that regard construction of the new National Children Detention Facilities is scheduled to take place on a phased basis so as to ensure the continued operation of the existing children detention facilities. It is anticipated that phase 1 should be completed by end 2012 and phase 2 by end 2014. The Deputy will be aware, however, that tendering for the construction of the new facilities will be subject to Government approval and to the necessary funding being made available.
In the interim, the separation of children and young adults in St. Patrick's Institution has taken place in so far as is possible, given the physical limitations of the St. Patrick's site. The Special School (B Division) was opened in April 2007 specifically for this purpose. It has a bed capacity of 44 and is self contained. Inmates aged 16 and 17 now have a residential area, communal dining area, and education, work training and recreational areas that are separate from young adults. This has created a separate and enhanced regime for them.
When the number of such prisoners exceeds 44, priority is given to the 16-year-olds, and those 17-year-olds who cannot be accommodated in the Special School are accommodated in the drug-free D Division of the main institution. A small number of 17-year-olds with specific individual needs are kept in the young adult part of the institution. These include sex offenders and vulnerable inmates who, for their own protection, are accommodated separately.
The new prison facilities at Thornton will have a separate, self-contained, stand alone accommodation unit for 16/17 year old male offenders. The accommodation is being provided as an interim measure pending the provision of the additional accommodation by the Irish Youth Justice Service.
182 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the State positions that require an oath of office to be taken prior to assuming office; if such an oath involves a religious reference; if he has plans to implement changes in this area. [14616/09]
There is a form of oath or solemn declaration provided for in the appointment of members of the Judiciary and An Garda Síochána. The Government has no proposals to amend these provisions at present.
183 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has made representations to the British authorities for a retrial of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14658/09]
Proceedings under the European Arrest Warrant Act 2003 in relation to the case raised by the Deputy are currently before the courts. As the Deputy will be aware, subject to the Constitution and the law, the courts are independent in the exercise of their functions. As Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, I have no function in relation to the determination of the proceedings.
184 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has proposals to provide for liability or responsibility on the part of parents for the wrongdoing of their children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14661/09]
The Children Act 2001, as amended, provides for a number of measures in relation to parental responsibility in respect of children involved in anti-social behaviour and children found guilty of offences.
Section 111 of the Act provides that in any proceedings in which a child is found guilty of an offence, the court may make an order for the supervision of the child's parents where it is satisfied that a wilful failure of the child's parents to take care of or control the child contributed to the child's criminal behaviour.
Section 113 of the Act provides that where a court is satisfied of the guilt of a child and that the appropriate way of dealing with the case is to make a compensation order, it may order that the compensation be paid by the parent or guardian of the child instead of the child. Section 114 of the Act provides that a parent or guardian may be ordered by the court to enter into a recognisance to exercise proper and adequate control over their child. If the child is found guilty of another offence as a result of said parent or guardian failing to exercise such control, the parent or guardian would forfeit the recognisance. It should be noted, however, that the imposition of any particular sanction referred to above on the parents or guardians of an offending child is a matter for the courts.
There are, currently, no proposals for additional measures in this regard.
185 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the ministerial council on integration will be established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14673/09]
I am currently reviewing the structure of the proposed Ministerial Council on Integration and I will make an announcement as soon as possible.
186 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the new national child detention facility planned for Lusk, County Dublin will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14701/09]
Construction of the new National Children Detention Facilities is scheduled to take place on a phased basis so as to ensure the continued operation of the existing facilities. It is anticipated that phase 1 should be completed by end 2012 and phase 2 by end 2014. The Deputy will be aware, however, that tendering for the construction of the new facilities will be subject to Government approval and to the necessary funding being made available.
187 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a further appointment with the Refugee Appeals Tribunal will be arranged for a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14730/09]
As the Deputy will be aware, it is not the practice to comment on asylum applications.
188 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to an application for citizenship in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14731/09]
An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in December 2007. On examination of the application submitted it was determined that the person in question did not meet the statutory residency requirements as set out in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 1956, as amended. The person concerned was informed of this in a letter issued on 16 May, 2008 and again on 1 September, 2008.
It is open to the person in question to lodge a new application with the Citizenship Division of my Department if and when he is in a position to meet the statutory requirements
189 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to the application for residency or family reunification in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14732/09]
The person concerned applied for asylum on 13 July 2006. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 19 June 2008, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. In addition, he was notified of his entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006). The person concerned submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with these Regulations and this application is under consideration at present. When consideration of this application has been completed, the person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome.
In the event that the Subsidiary Protection application is refused, the case file of the person concerned, including all representations submitted, will then be considered under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. When this latter consideration has been completed, the case file is passed to me for decision.
190 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the average time taken to serve a warrant for arrest; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14733/09]
191 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of arrest warrants in respect of criminal activity currently awaiting service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14734/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 190 and 191 together.
In the time available it has not been possible for the Garda authorities to supply the details requested by the Deputy. I will be in contact with the Deputy when the information is to hand.
192 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the value of goods and property seized by the Criminal Assets Bureau in each of the past five years to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14735/09]
I have been informed by the Garda Authorities that the table below sets out the value of property/monies secured by the Criminal Assets Bureau pursuant to the Proceeds of Crime Act on a year by year basis from 2003 to 2007.
|
Section 2 Interim Orders |
Section 3 Interlocutory Orders |
Section 4 and 4A |
Section 16(B) POC Act as amended |
|
|
1996 |
£2,101,000.00 |
£2,048,000.00 |
||
|
1997 |
£2,334,680.00 |
£1,496,180.00 |
||
|
1998 |
£1,682,544.65 |
£1,091,412.62 |
||
|
1999 |
£1,500,000.00 |
£813,659.00 |
||
|
2000 |
£838,536.00 |
£1,641,215.00 |
||
|
Stg£52,230.00 |
||||
|
2001 |
£1,872,654.72 |
£1,342,951.10 |
||
|
(€2,377,781.00) |
(€1,705,196.15) |
|||
|
Stg£491,114.09 |
Stg£279,635.70 |
|||
|
Total 1996 – 2001 |
IR£10,329,415.37 |
IR£ 8,433,417.72 |
— |
— |
|
Euro Equivalent |
€13,115,652.02 |
€10,708,231.61 |
— |
— |
|
2002 |
€3,709,086.00 |
€2,504,669.00 |
||
|
Stg£17,802,004.00 |
Stg£1,993,094.00 |
|||
|
US$5,558,377.00 |
US$5,247,821.00 |
|||
|
2003 |
€3,045,842.00 |
€71,699.00 |
||
|
Stg£12,150.00 |
Stg£557,070.00 |
|||
|
2004 |
€1,027,152.18 |
€1,688,651.63 |
€275,875.43 |
|
|
Stg£6,115 |
Stg£375.00 |
|||
|
2005 |
€5,860,335.00 |
€1,200,525.57 |
€2,002,738.41 |
|
|
US$314,619.54 |
Stg£26,760 |
|||
|
US$130,000 |
||||
|
2006 |
€2,836,479.97 |
€726,350.94 |
€2,459,864.79 |
€53,000,000.00 |
|
Stg£294, 289.39 |
||||
|
2007 |
€9,804,193.14 |
€9,848,432.84 |
€1,435,340.59 |
|
|
Stg30,690.00 |
||||
|
Totals 1996 – 2007 |
€39,398,740.31 |
€26,748,560.59 |
€6,173,819.22 |
€53,000,000.00 |
|
Stg£18,688,592.48 |
Stg£2,856,934.70 |
|||
|
US$5,872,996.54 |
US$5,377,821.00 |
It should be noted that these figures are available in the CAB Annual Reports. The figures for 2008 are being prepared and will be published as part of the Annual Report later this year.
193 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of sex offenders released from prison having served a sentence during each of the past five years; the number who have re-offended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14736/09]
The table sets out the information sought by the Deputy:
|
Year |
Number of persons released |
|
2004 |
133 |
|
2005 |
124 |
|
2006 |
112 |
|
2007 |
105 |
|
2008 |
92 |
It is not possible to establish how many of those persons have been re-committed to custody without going into each individual record and I am informed that the gathering of the information requested would require a disproportionate and inordinate amount of staff time and effort and could not be justified in current circumstances where there are other significant demands on resources.
The Irish Prison Service is introducing a number of new initiatives aimed at increasing the range and availability of therapeutic interventions for sex offenders in prison with the aim of increasing participation rates and enhancing the effectiveness of interventions. I will be making a detailed announcement on this matter in the near future.
I should also tell the Deputy that the whole are of the management of sex offenders was the subject of a comprehensive review by my Department last year. I published the resultant Discussion Document back in January and hosted a Discussion Forum last month to foster informed debate on this issue. In tandem with this work my officials are also looking at the whole issue of electronic monitoring and specifically at the introduction of a statutory scheme of GPS electronic monitoring of sex offenders during the first six months after their release. I expect to receive the recommendations of the Project Board, led by the Probation Service, later this year.
194 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of prisoners serving sentences in respect of serious crime currently on bail; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14737/09]
The Garda Síochána Act 2005 makes provision for the compilation and publication of crime statistics by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose. I have requested the CSO to provide the statistics sought by the Deputy directly to him.
195 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his office receives information from the courts service setting out the number of community service orders made in each of the past five years to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14738/09]
The information sought by the Deputy is set out in the annual reports of the Courts Service and is reproduced in the table:
|
Year |
Number of Orders |
|
2003 |
2,883 |
|
2004 |
2,026 |
|
2005 |
2,010 |
|
2006 |
2,492 |
|
2007* |
2,500 |
*Note: The 2008 Report has not yet been published therefore figures for this year are not available.
I should also tell the Deputy that the Probation Service of my Department has responsibility for the supervision and management of Community Service Orders in accordance with the Criminal Justice (Community Service) Act, 1983. The Probation Service provides assessment reports to the Courts and manages the completion of the Orders by offenders. This Scheme is also the subject of a value for money and policy review which is nearing completion.
196 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of so called successful crimes committed in each of the past five years to date where grievous bodily harm, homicide or robbery took place and where no prosecution has been initiated, is pending or is expected and where no goods or moneys have been recovered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14739/09]
The Garda Síochána Act 2005 makes provision for the compilation and publication of crime statistics by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose. I have requested the CSO to provide the statistics sought by the Deputy directly to him.
197 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of reported or recorded incidents of witness intimidation in each of the past five years to date; the action taken to address the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14740/09]
The intimidation of witnesses is an offence pursuant to Section 41 of the Criminal Justice Act 1999, which specifies the offence as harming, threatening or menacing or in any other way intimidating or putting in fear another person who is assisting in the investigation of an offence by the Garda Síochána, with the intention of causing the investigation or course of justice to be obstructed, perverted or interfered with.
The Garda Síochána rigorously enforces the provisions relating to witness intimidation and protection contained in the Criminal Justice Act 1999. In circumstances where the Senior Investigation Officer in a case has identified a witness who is crucial to the case and the evidence to be preferred is not available elsewhere, and there is a serious threat to the life of the witness or his/her family an application can be made, with the consent of the witness, to have him/her included in the Witness Security Programme. Where a threat to or intimidation of a witness or a potential witness arises during the course of criminal proceedings, the matter may be addressed through the trial judge, who has discretion to revoke bail or place other sanctions on the accused/suspect.
The table sets out the figures received from the Garda Síochána on the number of proceedings commenced and convictions for the offences of harming, threatening to harm, menacing, intimidating and the putting in fear of another person, who (a) was assisting in the investigation by An Garda Síochána of an offence or (b) is a witness / potential witness / juror / potential juror in proceedings for an offence with the intention of causing the investigation / the course of justice to be obstructed, perverted or interfered with, for the years 2005 to 3 April 2009.
|
Year |
Proceedings commenced |
|
2009* |
2 |
|
2008* |
14 |
|
2007* |
16 |
|
2006 |
44 |
|
2005 |
22 |
*Figures provided are provisional.
198 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of crimes committed by persons in County Kildare while on bail in each of the past five years to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14741/09]
199 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of crimes committed by persons while on bail in each of the past five years to date; if any or many committed more than one offence while on bail; the number of those that were serious offences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14742/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 198 and 199 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 him.
200 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of break-ins to private houses, commercial premises or banks reported to the various garda stations in County Kildare in each of the past three years to date; the number of cases in respect of which successful prosecutions or recovery of money or goods has taken place; the number of cases pending; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14743/09]
The Garda Síochána Act 2005 makes provision for the compilation and publication of crime statistics by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose. I have requested the CSO to provide the statistics sought by the Deputy directly to him.
201 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the action he proposes to take to protect the public from the activities of armed criminal gangs in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14744/09]
One of the priorities I have set for An Garda Síochána in 2009 is the targeting of serious crime, in particular organised, gun and drug related crime. The Garda Policing Plan for 2009 contains a series of measures aimed at reducing the impact of crime and criminal behaviour. These goals are backed up by strategic actions which include a commitment to continue and intensify intelligence-led operations against groups and individuals engaged in criminality.
Operation Anvil commenced in the Dublin Metropolitan Region in 2005 to deal with serious crime, including murder and other violent crime, and was extended nationwide in 2006. The primary focus of the Operation is the targeting of active criminals and their associates involved in serious crime by preventing and disrupting their criminal activity through extensive additional overt patrolling and static checkpoints by uniform, mobile and foot patrols, supported by armed plain clothes patrols.
Under Operation Anvil, up to 22 March, 2009, 2,400 firearms have been recovered. There have also been over 7,000 arrests for serious crimes such as murder, serious assault, robbery and burglary and over 70,000 searches for weapons, drugs and stolen goods. An Garda Síochána will continue to address the issue of illegal guns relentlessly through Operation Anvil.
I am determined that the highest priority will continue to be given to frontline policing. Funding for Operation Anvil will increase in 2009 to €21 million from €20 million in 2008. Other key operations will be maintained through 2009, and I am determined that any savings that have to be made will not be allowed to diminish frontline policing.
Since my appointment as Minister, I have expressed concern at the number of handguns which have been licensed here in recent years. Some time ago, I directed my Department and An Garda Síochána to carry out an urgent and intensive review of the firearms law. Following that review, I have brought forward proposals for strengthening the law. These include no new licences being issued for handguns, subject to limited exceptions in relation to Olympic sports. Existing licences will not be renewed unless applicants fully meet the requirements of a radically tightened licensing procedure where the safety of the community will be paramount. While a de facto ban on new handgun licences is already in place, my proposals will also be given legislative form in the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill.
Work is also underway in my Department on other legislation which will assist in tackling criminal gangs, including legislation on covert surveillance, retention of telecommunications data and forensic sampling.
A significant element of the fight against organised crime by An Garda Síochána is the use of specialist units. Units with expertise in specific areas operate under the direction of the Assistant Commissioner in charge of the National Support Services, who has overall responsibility for the coordination of measures designed to address organised crime throughout the State. Specialist units include: the Criminal Assets Bureau which identifies and targets funds accumulated by criminals in order to seize such assets and deprive them of the profits of their criminal activity; the Organised Crime Unit which has a specific remit of targeting those suspected of involvement in organised crime, including the trafficking, importation, sale and supply of drugs; the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation which is responsible for the investigation of individuals and organisations involved in Money Laundering; and the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation which is responsible for investigating the activities of organised criminal networks; and the National Drugs Unit and dedicated Divisional and District Drugs Unit. These units are also supported by the Garda Security and Intelligence Section which assists with the provision of intelligence briefings and timely information.
An Garda Síochána also maintains close liaison with other law enforcement agencies throughout Europe and elsewhere, exchanging information and intelligence, which has led to a number of successful joint operations. An Garda Síochána currently has a number of liaison officers on secondment to other jurisdictions and to other international bodies such as Interpol and Europol. Through these officers information is passed between law enforcement agencies to ensure that national borders are not, and cannot, be used by criminals as a means of frustrating law enforcement agencies.
An Garda Síochána follows an integrated approach involving the coordinated use of Garda resources and using criminal legislation to its fullest extent. Developments are kept under constant review by senior Garda management.
202 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of complaints of anti-social behaviour received by the Garda from residents of various housing estates throughout County Kildare in the past 12 months; the extent to which action has been taken or is expected to be taken in response; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14745/09]
204 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of incidents of anti-social behaviour reported to each Garda station in County Kildare in the 12 months to date; the number of prosecutions taken; the number pending; the number in respect of which no action has been taken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14747/09]
208 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of anti-social behaviour incidents reported to the Garda in each Garda division here in each of the past five years to date; the number of persons charged arising therefrom; the number of successful prosecutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14751/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 202, 204 and 208 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 him.
203 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of up and coming young criminals who have come to the attention of the Garda in the various Garda divisions here in the past 12 months; the number of those who have shown a potential for serious criminal activity in the future; the number who have been prosecuted or in respect of whom prosecutions are pending; the number who have to date been before the courts more than once; the number who have committed one or several offences or have served more than one prison sentence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14746/09]
I presume the Deputy is referring to young persons under 18 years of age who have come into conflict with the law when he mentions "young criminals". The Children Act 2001, as amended, provides the framework for dealing with children who come into conflict with the law. Comprehensive statistics on the number of children who have come into conflict with the law in 2008 are not readily available. However much of the detail requested by the Deputy is available for 2007 and earlier years in the annual reports of the Committee Appointed to Monitor the effectiveness of the Diversion Programme as set out in Part 4 of the Children Act 2001, as amended. The Report for 2007 was laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas on 18 December 2008. The reports for the years 2004 to 2007 are also readily available on the Irish Youth Justice Service website (www.iyjs.ie).
In February this year, the Central Statistics Office published a report on Garda Recorded Crime Statistics 2003-2007. This report gives a breakdown, by age, of the number of persons convicted of offences in 2007, including those under 18 years of age. This report is available on the Central Statistics Office website (www.cso.ie).In the time available it has not been possible to collate the balance of the information requested by the Deputy. I will communicate further with the Deputy when the information sought is to hand.
205 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if criminal gangs here are supplying weapons for criminal purposes to persons in other jurisdictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14748/09]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that they have no reason to believe that organised criminal gangs in Ireland are supplying firearms for criminal purposes to persons in other jurisdictions.
One of the priorities I have set for An Garda Síochána in 2009 is the targeting of serious crime, in particular organised, gun and drug related crime. The Garda Policing Plan for 2009 consequently contains a series of measures aimed at reducing the impact of crime and criminal behaviour. These goals are backed up by strategic actions which include a commitment to continue and intensify intelligence-led operations against groups and individuals engaged in criminality.
An Garda Síochána maintains close liaison with other law enforcement agencies throughout Europe and elsewhere, exchanging information and intelligence, including on Irish criminals living abroad. This ongoing liaison has led to a number of successful joint operations, targeting attempted importations of drugs and firearms and resulting in a number of significant arrests here and in other jurisdictions.
Where intelligence, supported by evidence, is available, law enforcement agencies in other jurisdictions put operations in place, as appropriate, to prevent and detect such criminality. Where information exists that a person who is wanted in relation to a particular crime in this jurisdiction is living abroad and the relevant legal requirements are met, a European Arrest Warrant is applied for or extradition is sought.
Operations against organised criminal gangs operating in this jurisdiction are undertaken on an ongoing basis. The members of such gangs and their operating methods, criminal interests and financial assets are the subject of such operations, which are primarily undertaken by specialist units of An Garda Síochána, including the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Garda National Drugs Unit, the Organised Crime Unit and the Criminal Assets Bureau.
In particular, Operation Anvil commenced in the Dublin Metropolitan Region in 2005 to deal with serious crime, including murder and other violent crime, and was extended nationwide in 2006. The primary focus of the Operation is the targeting of active criminals and their associates involved in serious crime by preventing and disrupting their criminal activity through extensive additional overt patrolling and static checkpoints by uniform, mobile and foot patrols, supported by armed plain clothes patrols.
Under Operation Anvil, up to 22 March, 2009, 2,400 firearms have been recovered. There have also been over 7,000 arrests for serious crimes such as murder, serious assault, robbery and burglary and over 70,000 searches for weapons, drugs and stolen goods. In this way, the Gardaí will continue to address the issue of illegal guns relentlessly.
206 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of persons in each of the Garda divisions here who have come to the attention of the Garda for suspected criminal activity; the extent to which prosecution has been initiated or is pending; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14749/09]
The Garda Síochána Act 2005 makes provision for the compilation and publication of crime statistics by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose. I have requested the CSO to provide the statistics sought by the Deputy directly to him.
207 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of recognised criminal gangs currently operating here; the number who are known to have retired, emigrated or are in prison; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14750/09]
I am informed by the Garda Authorities that membership of organised crime gangs tends to be fluid and the nature of criminal activity is such that offences committed by members of gangs may or may not be connected with the individual's membership of such gangs. The identification of offenders as members of a criminal gang is not an essential factor in the prosecution of offences. It is not therefore possible to ascertain the precise number of criminals who are also members of criminal gangs operating in this country.
With regard to criminal gangs, I am further informed by the Garda Authorities that currently there are two categories of organised crime groups operating within this jurisdiction. The first category consists of individuals/groups that are well established and tightly structured and are involved in drug trafficking, armed robbery and firearms offences. The second category involves groups whose activities are characterised by less cohesive group structures, and criminal activities which are mainly confined to Ireland. Organised criminal gangs operating in Ireland are targeted by the Gardaí on an ongoing basis using Intelligence-led operations undertaken by specialist units of An Garda Síochána, under the remit of the Assistant Commissioner, National Support Services. These units include the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Garda National Drugs Unit, the Organised Crime Unit, and the Criminal Assets Bureau.
The Gardaí also use a multi-agency approach, whereby all of the National Units from National Support Services act in a coordinated manner. These units are also supported by the Security and Intelligence Section who assist with intelligence briefings and the provision of timely information.
I am further advised that information on organised crime groups is disseminated to Europol on a regular basis. An Garda Síochána liaises with other law enforcement agencies throughout Europe and elsewhere, exchanging information and intelligence on Irish criminals living abroad. This has led to a number of successful joint operations targeting attempted importation of drugs and firearms resulting in a number of significant arrests here and in other jurisdictions.
An Garda Síochána adopts best practice by coordinating Garda resources and using the available criminal legislation to its fullest extent. This approach is being closely monitored and kept under constant review by senior Garda management in conjunction with Regional Assistant Commissioners and heads of units.
209 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of community gardaí here; the number of community gardaí deployed in Athlone, Mullingar and Longford, and in total throughout this Garda division; and if he will make a statement on the issue of this voluntary force. [14756/09]
I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that as of 28 February 2009, the latest date for which figures are readily available, the total number of Gardaí assigned to the Community Policing Unit was 736. The areas referred to by the Deputy are covered by Roscommon /Longford and Westmeath divisions. A breakdown of the Community Policing strength of the two Divisions by station was as follows:
|
Number |
|
|
Roscommon/Longford |
|
|
Roscommon |
1 |
|
Boyle |
1 |
|
Longford |
5 |
|
Westmeath |
|
|
Athlone |
7 |
|
Mullingar |
5 |
The Commissioner recently launched a new National Model of Community Policing for An Garda Síochána. This new model will build on the success of existing good community policing practice and I look forward to the implementation of this plan. A National Community Policing Office will be established within Garda Community Relations Section and every district officer throughout the country will take ownership of community policing within their area of responsibility.
210 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of people working in the public service under temporary employment contracts on a fixed term basis who will lose their jobs as a consequence of the non-renewal of those contracts due to the moratorium decision announced by the Minister for Finance on 27 March 2009; the organisations in which such terminations will occur; the number of individuals who will lose their jobs as a consequence of this decision; the annual saving that will accrue to the Exchequer as a consequence of the non-renewal of these contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15046/09]
This Department has a small number of employees (less than 35 in total) on fixed term contracts whose employment in the Public Service ceases on the expiry of their contract. In accordance with the Protection of Employees (Fixed Term Work) Act 2003, each of these employees' contracts has an end date which is determined by an objective condition, such as arriving at a specific date; completing a specific task; or the occurrence of a specific event.
I am advised by my officials that the moratorium on recruitment will have little, if any, impact on those currently retained by the Department on contract, as very few of their contracts would have been extended in any event.
211 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his plans to meet the Australian Foreign Affairs Minister, Mr. Stephen Smith MP, to help strengthen ties between Australia and Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14044/09]
Relations between Ireland and Australia are excellent. Visits and contacts take place on a regular basis.
The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Dermot Ahern T.D., acting on my behalf, met with Australian Foreign Minister, Stephen Smith M.P., on 3 December 2008, while both Ministers were in Oslo for the signing of the Convention on Cluster Munitions. A range of bilateral and international issues were discussed at that meeting.
More recently the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Eamon Ó Cuív T.D., met with Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd on 16 March in Australia and both bilateral and international issues were discussed. Although there are no firm plans at the moment, I would hope to have an opportunity to meet Minister Smith in the near future.
212 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied) who became ill while on holiday in Turkey and died shortly after their return to Ireland and of the difficulties experienced by their family in terms of inadequacy of consular assistance that they received while in Turkey at the time; the training in place to ensure all staff are familiar with and deliver on his Department’s Consular Service Charter; and the steps he will take in order that no family is left without the necessary supports and assistance in the future. [14076/09]
I would like to take this opportunity to express again my deepest sympathy to the family of the person mentioned by the Deputy.
I can assure the Deputy that our Embassy in Ankara and the Consular Division in Dublin provided extensive consular assistance to the family involved. Embassy staff were available at all times to support the family concerned from their arrival in Turkey. Embassy staff remained in regular telephone contact with and spoke regularly to members of the family party for the duration of their stay. They also spoke regularly on behalf of the family to the doctors treating the woman.
I am assured that at no point did the family express to the Embassy any dissatisfaction about the assistance that they were providing. I am sorry, therefore, to learn that the family have since expressed unhappiness at the level of support which they received.
I understand that this is a very difficult time for the family concerned. On my instructions, officials from my Department have been in direct contact with the family to arrange for us to meet to discuss the issues of concern to them. I can assure the Deputy that I place considerable importance on our Embassies and Consulates, around the world, providing the best possible consular service to Irish citizens. This is a core policy of my Department, and I can confirm that extensive training is provided to diplomatic and consular officials prior to overseas posting to assure that they are ready and able to assist Irish citizens in distress and their families. I would confirm that my Department remains available to provide any feasible assistance to the family concerned.
213 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the process by which election observers are appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14120/09]
The Government believes that international election monitoring missions have an important role to play in the promotion of human rights and democracy. We therefore aim to ensure that, when requested, Ireland is appropriately represented in international observation missions for elections and constitutional referendums. Over the past three years, Ireland has been represented in 62 election observation missions, involving more than 270 Irish observers. The missions have been organised primarily by the European Union and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe. We have also been represented in missions organised by the Council of Europe, the United Nations and the Carter Centre.
Irish Aid, the Development Cooperation Division of the Department of Foreign Affairs maintains a roster of volunteers for election monitoring missions. There are currently some 280 volunteers on the roster. They all have either overseas or domestic experience in the administration of elections, or have significant overseas development expertise. Their place on the roster is based on the date of their last participation in a mission.
When a request for electoral observation is received, suitably qualified volunteers are contacted, taking into account their place on the roster and any specific criteria for the mission, including relevant language proficiency. Following completion of the internal selection process, a draft list of nominees is submitted for Ministerial approval. The roster is updated as each mission is completed, to ensure that all registered volunteers have an opportunity to participate in a mission.
In the case of European Union election observation missions, all candidate observers must register with the European Commission as well as with Irish Aid. The final selection of observers rests with the Commission, based on an approved list submitted by the Department of Foreign Affairs.
214 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the payments made to senior officials in his Department under the performance related pay scheme for each of the years 2005 to 2008, inclusive; if he has approved the payments for 2008; if so, the date of this approval; the date of the approval of payments relating to 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14221/09]
The Scheme of Performance-Related Pay Awards in the Civil Service applies to Deputy and Assistant Secretaries and equivalent grades. It does not apply to Secretaries General.
The following table sets out the amounts paid for the years 2005 to 2007, inclusive.
|
Year |
Total Amount |
Number of staff to whom awards were made |
|
€ |
||
|
2005 |
532,000 |
46 |
|
2006 |
609,000 |
45 |
|
2007 |
656,000 |
48 |
These payments were subject to tax and PRSI.
The awards were made by the Committee for Performance Awards, chaired by the Secretary General for Public Service Management and Development in the Department of Finance, following recommendations by the Secretary General of the Department of Foreign Affairs. The Minister for Foreign Affairs has no role in the approval of these awards.
Details of the operation of the Performance-Related Pay Awards scheme are available in the annual reports of the Committee for Performance Awards. The Committee's reports for 2005, 2006 and 2007 can be accessed on the website of the Department of Finance at the following links:
http://www.finance.gov.ie/documents/civilservice/civilservice/CPA2005.pdf
http://www.finance.gov.ie/documents/publications/reports/CPArep2006.pdf
http://www.finance.gov.ie/documents/publications/reports/2008/cpareport07final.pdf
Payments in respect of 2007 were approved by the Committee for Performance Awards in April 2008. No payments have been made in respect of performance in 2008.
215 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the fact that according to UNICEF 8,000 young girls every day are subject to female genital mutilation; the action he will take to outlaw this practice worldwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14309/09]
The practice of female genital mutilation is a clear violation of the human rights of women and girls. Furthermore, it infringes on children's rights to special protections, it has serious social, health and psychological consequences, and it perpetuates negative gender-based stereotypes. The World Health Organisation estimates that between 100 million and 140 million girls and women worldwide are currently living with the consequences of female genital mutilation. In Africa alone, three million girls are at risk annually.
The Government is active in global policy development, funding and research to address this appalling practice. We recognise that it is a form of gender-based violence, and that it is an important element in our comprehensive approach to tackling such violence, through our aid programme. The Government's 2006 White Paper on Irish Aid includes a firm commitment that Ireland will build its support for measures focused on preventing and responding to gender-based violence.
Through Irish Aid, the Development Cooperation Division of the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Government was a co-founder of the Joint Consortium on Gender Based Violence, in which we remain an active member. It brings together representatives from Irish Aid, the Defences Forces, and Irish development, humanitarian and human rights Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in order to promote a coherent and coordinated response to all forms of gender based violence, including female genital mutilation. The Government has increased its funding in this area in recent years, from €110,000 in 2005 to €2.6 million in 2007. Irish Aid's funding guidelines for NGOs have been revised to highlight gender-based violence as a priority for the aid programme. In addition, the Government's agreements with a number of United Nations Funds, Programmes and other agencies include specific commitments to addressing gender-based violence. The Government engages with a number of organisations working to achieve the ending of the practice of female genital mutilation and supporting victims, including a range of UN agencies and Irish NGOs.
The Government has also provided funding for an important joint programme on female genital mutilation undertaken by the UN Population Fund and the UN Children's Fund, with the aim of achieving the ending of the practice in seventeen countries by 2012. While this programme focuses on promoting social change, it also includes support for victims of the practice through the integration of its implications into reproductive health strategies.
We recognise that the achievement of significant progress on gender-based violence is integral to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. This includes progress on the ending of the practice of female genital mutilation, which will have direct implications for the empowerment of women, the improvement of maternal health, the reduction of child mortality, and ultimately the reduction of poverty, which remains the overarching priority of our aid programme.
216 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department provides multi-annual funding to community or voluntary sector organisations; and if so, the organisations receiving this funding since 2006 to date in 2009. [14480/09]
A number of programmes operating in my Department provide funding to community and voluntary sector organisations: the Reconciliation Fund for North-South and Anglo-Irish Co-operation; the Emigrant Support Programme; the Communicating Europe Initiative and the Irish Aid programme, Ireland's programme of official development assistance. Funding under these programmes is provided on an annual basis, with the exception of the Irish Aid programme.
A significant part of the Irish Aid programme is provided on a multi-annual basis. International donors, including Ireland, are agreed that predictability of aid is vital if countries and organisations are to manage their development programmes effectively. In this context, Irish Aid provides multi-annual funding to a number of Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) with a proven capacity to operate within a clear set of policies, an agreed budget and programme of work and a rigorous monitoring and reporting framework. Such funding is provided through a number of channels, including the Multi Annual Programme Scheme (MAPS), which has been internationally recognised for its innovative approach to sustainable development funding.
Five major Irish NGOs receive MAPS support from the Government: Concern, Trócaire, Goal, Christian Aid and Self Help Africa. Since 2006, over €259 million has been allocated to these organisations under MAPS. The funding supports the NGOs' work in food and livelihood security, rural economic development, health, education, gender equality and the fight against HIV/AIDS.
The Irish Aid Civil Society Fund, which is open to all Irish-based NGOs, is designed to provide resources for the development activities of civil society organisations. Multi-annual block grant funding arrangements have been in place for a number of years with Oxfam, Action Aid Ireland, World Vision Ireland and the Irish Fairtrade Network. During 2008, new block grant funding agreements were reached with 17 other NGOs, including Aidlink, Christian Blind Mission, Children in Crossfire, Frontline, Plan Ireland, Progression Ireland, SightSavers International, War on Want Northern Ireland, Vita and VSO Ireland.
Multi-annual funding is also provided to NGOs in Ireland's nine priority countries in the developing world, for work in sectors including education, health, rural development, food security, and human rights. Irish Aid also provides multi-annual funding to organisations in the development education sector in Ireland, through a Development Education Grants Funding Scheme. Full details of funding provided between 2006 and 2009 is available in the annual reports of Irish Aid, which can be accessed at:
http://www.irishaid.gov.ie/publications_report.asp
217 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the proportion of the corporate entertainment budget spent on formal lunches and dinners, including wines and beverages since the last Cabinet shuffle and prior to that Cabinet shuffle in tabular form. [14519/09]
218 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount of his budget spent on corporate entertainment hosted by the Minister of State at his Department in 2007, 2008 and 2009. [14520/09]
219 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the budget for his Department for corporate entertainment in 2007, 2008 and 2009; and the amount of this budget associated with events, functions, receptions, dinners, lunches, launches, diplomatic accreditation ceremonies or other activities and events hosted by him in tabular form. [14521/09]
220 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has taken all reasonable measures to ensure that the costs incurred by the taxpayer for corporate entertainment are maintained at an absolute minimum. [14522/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 217 to 220, inclusive, together.
I have set out, in tabular form, figures for entertainment incurred by my Department in Ireland. As requested by the Deputy, the figures have been presented to reflect the period prior to, and since, the most recent Cabinet changes.
In the time available, it has not been possible to provide a breakdown of the overall figures in the particular format as requested by the Deputy. In my Department, entertainment costs, incurred in Ireland, fall into two distinct areas: general entertainment and State/Official entertainment.
The State/Official Entertainment budget includes the costs of official entertainment hosted by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Ministers of State at my Department as well as costs associated with the presentation of credentials by the Diplomatic Corps. The budget also covers expenditure associated with State and Official visits to Ireland by Heads of State, costs associated with Official or State Visits abroad by the President, certain costs associated with official visits abroad by the Taoiseach and miscellaneous expenditure associated with visits and events such as printing of invitations and the purchase of flags.
The General Entertainment budget is provided for various types of official entertaining carried out by Divisions of my Department including entertainment costs incurred in relation to the Irish Aid programme.
|
2007 |
January-May 2008 |
June-December 2008 |
2009 to date |
|
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
General Entertainment |
182,418 |
63,071 |
113,190 |
9,087 |
|
State/Official Entertainment |
1,369,784 |
306,572 |
609,871 |
94,001 |
|
Total |
1,552,202 |
369,643 |
723,061 |
103,088 |
Most events, which I host in my capacity as Minister of Foreign Affairs, are held in Iveagh House which results in significant cost savings compared to the equivalent event being held in a hotel or restaurant.
It is not possible to extract comprehensive figures for costs associated with specific events hosted by Ministers, as many costs are general in nature and the Department will often purchase in bulk to achieve economies of scale, rather than assign costs to particular events or to the person hosting that event. However, in the following table, I have provided detail of a number of examples of events which have been hosted by me and by the Ministers of State at my Department.
|
Date |
Official Hospitality |
Host |
Cost |
|
€ |
|||
|
14/09/08 |
Working lunch with Mr. David Miliband, British Foreign Secretary |
Mr. Micheál Martin T.D., Minister for Foreign Affairs |
1,549 |
|
18/11/08 |
Networking Reception for Business Leaders |
Mr. Micheál Martin T.D., Minister for Foreign Affairs & Ms. Margaret Sweeny, Dublin Chamber of Commerce |
3,950 |
|
18/02/09 |
Working lunch with Minister Cecilia Malmstrom, Swedish Minister for European Affairs |
Mr. Dick Roche, Minister of State for European Affairs |
1,225 |
|
25/05/08 |
Reception held for 200 people to launch Africa Day |
Mr. Peter Power T.D., Minister of State for Overseas Development Aid |
3,485 |
My Department will normally incur significant costs in this area in any given year, given the pivotal role which official entertainment plays in the promotion of a positive image of Ireland internationally and in the further development and strengthening of bilateral, economic and cultural links with other countries.
The Department of Foreign Affairs takes all appropriate measures to ensure that costs are kept as low as possible. The Department's practice with regard to the appropriate level of entertainment provided is based on agreed EU Guidelines and on reciprocity. Costs savings are sought wherever possible and, to this end, the panel of caterers used by the Department has recently been expanded, resulting in greater competitiveness and reductions in cost. Business is allocated on the basis of the most economically advantageous tender for each individual assignment. In addition, in accordance with our procurement guidelines, separate requests for tender are issued for any event with a total cost in excess of €5,000, directed at keeping the costs down through selecting a company that provides best value for money, as well as high quality service.
There have been significant reductions in the budgets assigned for general and state entertainment in my Department for 2009. The current 2009 budget for entertainment reflects an 11% reduction on the 2008 figure and every effort is being made to reduce these costs and budgets further.
221 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the cost of providing mobile telephony and PDA services for him in each of the years since 2002, broken down by handset purchase costs, rental and call costs, and other costs; the amount of money which was refunded by him in connection with personal use of these phones, PDAs and Blackberries in each year since 2002 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14533/09]
The table sets out the costs relating to my official mobile telephony service since I was appointed Minister for Foreign Affairs in May 2008.
|
Rental |
Calls |
Handset Purchase |
Other Costs |
Refunds |
PDAs |
Blackberries |
|
|
2008 |
€57.06 |
€980.00 |
nil |
€13.31 Car charger |
nil |
nil |
nil |
|
2009 to Date |
nil |
€182.25 |
nil |
nil |
nil |
nil |
nil |
My Department avails of the Department of Finance Central Framework for the provision of mobile telephony services. Under the terms of this contract, in place since last October, the monthly rate for my mobile telephony service is €60.75. This rate covers rental, all calls (including roaming charges), and all national text and data charges.
222 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of staff with less than two years service on 1 March 2009 who gave notice to terminate their employment before 1 April 2009 under section 5 of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14585/09]
Section 5 of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act allowed for certain public servants to give one month's written notice to terminate their employment before 1 April 2009. No member of staff of my Department has given written notice of termination of their employment under Section 5 of the Act.
223 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the action he is taking to ensure that Ireland meets the internationally agreed development goals, including the International Conference on Population and Development Programme of Action and the Millennium Development Goals specifically in relation to family planning, reproductive health and in meeting the needs of young people; if he will commit to funding adequately the relevant budget lines to meet these goals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14653/09]
Universal access to reproductive health is one of the goals of the Programme of Action agreed at the International Conference on Population and Development held in Cairo in 1994. The fifth of the Millennium Development Goals, adopted internationally in 2000, aims to reduce the maternal mortality ratio by three-quarters, and to achieve universal access to reproductive health by 2015. The Government is fully committed to action in support of these goals, which will also make a vital contribution in addressing the global HIV and AIDS pandemic.
The Government's 2006 White Paper on Irish Aid outlines our commitment to supporting the specific health needs of women and girls within the overall approach to health in developing countries. It makes clear that the health needs of women and girls, particularly in the areas of basic healthcare and maternal and reproductive health, must be at the heart of an effective strategy to improve health in the developing world.
Unfortunately, only limited progress has been made on this issue since the Cairo Conference in 1994. Every year, some 500,000 women die and a further 10 million suffer severe illnesses or disabilities as a result of complications in pregnancy and childbirth. Underlying this tragedy is the lack of access by women in developing countries to good quality maternal and reproductive health services, including family planning.
The Government's aid programme adopts a comprehensive approach in addressing the reproductive health needs of women and young people, through involvement in global policy development, funding and research. Ireland's assistance is directed at programmes at both global and country levels.
The Government works with several partner agencies in the UN system to address maternal health issues. One of the main obstacles to the achievement of universal access to reproductive health is the lack of empowerment of women in developing countries. The issues involved form the core mandate of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), with which Irish Aid has a close relationship.
In recognition of its important mandate, the Government has engaged with and contributed substantially to UNFPA. We provided funding of €20.5 million over the three years 2005-2008, covering a range of programmes, including Trust Funds for Global Reproductive Health Commodities Security, Maternal Health, and Obstetric Fistula. Ireland has also funded a joint programme between the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) and UNFPA to ensure that the implications of the practice of female genital mutilation are integrated into reproductive health strategies.
Ireland is also working closely with a number of partner countries on these important issues. For instance, in Tanzania, we are working on increasing access to maternal health care; in Ethiopia, we are addressing adolescent reproductive health needs; in South Africa, we are focusing on the prevention of gender based violence; and Irish Aid has been central to the development of maternal health services in Northern Province in Zambia.
224 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 269 of 3 March 2009, if the reply means that there are two officers in total or two administrative and two technical officers based in Shannon Airport; the matters on which they liaise with Irish authorities and with which authorities; the reason it is considered necessary to have them situated at the airport rather than in the US embassy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14654/09]
225 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 269 of 3 March 2009, when and by whom the stationing of foreign military personnel at Shannon Airport was approved; the nature of the agreement; if it is short-term or open-ended; if there is a restriction on the number of officers who may be stationed there; the position regarding what is within their authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14655/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 224 and 225 together.
Further to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 269 of 3 March 2009, there are a total of two US officials of Administrative and Technical status attached to the Embassy of the United States who act as liaison officers at Shannon Airport. They have been notified to this Department by the Embassy under Article 10 of the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations as incorporated into Irish law by the Diplomatic Relations and Immunities Act 1967.
The two officials concerned are based in Shannon, rather than Dublin, because they are engaged in assisting with the transit of US Government or Government-contracted flights carrying US government officials, civilian and military personnel and cargo through Shannon Airport.
The two officials concerned liaise with the Irish authorities in relation to flight notifications and permissions through the US Embassy in Dublin. As necessary, they also liaise directly with the airport and other authorities in Shannon on technical and logistical issues that arise in relation to transiting aircraft or their passengers.
The stationing of the two US officials in Shannon is fully consistent with the Vienna Convention and is not governed by a specific formal agreement. The current arrangement, which has applied since 2003, operates to the convenience and satisfaction of both the Irish and US authorities and I consider it to be proportionate to the present level of US government air traffic through Shannon.
226 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the percentage of GNP currently spent on overseas development aid; and when the target of 0.7%, continuously being promised, is to be reached. [14681/09]
227 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the difference in monetary terms between the current spend on overseas development aid and the millennium development goal of achieving 0.7%. [14682/09]
228 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps he has taken at EU level to encourage Ireland’s EU partners to deliver on their commitments to increase their overseas development aid to the target 0.7%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14683/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 226 to 228, inclusive, together.
Most of Ireland's expenditure on Official Development Assistance (ODA) is provided under Vote 29 and administered by Irish Aid, the Development Cooperation Division of the Department of Foreign Affairs. Further contributions to ODA are made by other Government Departments and through Ireland's allocation to the EU Development Co-operation Budget.
In 2008, total ODA amounted to approximately €900 million or 0.58 per cent of GNP. While the need to reduce public spending makes it unlikely that we will reach a similar percentage of GNP in 2009, I would expect that Ireland will this year retain its position as the sixth highest donor in the world as a percentage of GNP.
The Government intends to continue working towards the target of 0.7% by 2012.
The EU is on track to meet its development aid targets. In November 2005 the EU Member States, including Ireland, formally undertook to achieve the 0.7% target by 2015. (Member States which joined the EU after 2002 will strive to increase their ODA to 0.33 % of GNP by 2015.) The EU confirmed the commitment to these targets as recently as the Doha Conference for Financing on Development in December 2008. Government representatives use every opportunity to urge our EU partners to work together to meet this goal.
In 2008 the EU expenditure on ODA reached 0.4 % of GNP and total EU aid figures for the year exceeded €49 billion. The EU is the largest aid donor in the world. Within the EU, Ireland has the fifth highest ODA/GNP ratio.
229 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of people working in the public service under temporary employment contracts on a fixed term basis who will lose their jobs as a consequence of the non-renewal of those contracts due to the moratorium decision announced by the Minister for Finance on 27 March 2009; the organisations in which such terminations will occur; the number of individuals who will lose their jobs as a consequence of this decision; the annual saving that will accrue to the Exchequer as a consequence of the non-renewal of these contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15044/09]
At present there are 37 individuals working in my Department on temporary employment contracts which will expire before the end of 2010. All but one of those contract staff will cease their employment in my Department before the end of this year.
The majority of these temporary contracts would, in any event, have come to a natural end, irrespective of the moratorium announced by the Minister for Finance. In the time available, it is not possible to provide precise information on the savings that will accrue. However, the departure of these contract staff will assist my Department in achieving a reduction of 3% in payroll costs in 2009 as agreed by the Government last year.
230 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views in regard to a submission (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14711/09]
The funding of the Gaelic players grant schemes is a matter for the Irish Sports Council (ISC) in the context of the distribution of its budget for 2009. In light of the current economic constraints and the reduction in the ISC's allocation of funding in the 2009 Estimates, I am having discussions with the Council on optimum funding options, in order to maintain its existing programmes while building on recent progress. The future funding of the Gaelic players schemes is being considered in that context.
231 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the payments made to senior officials in his Department under the performance related pay scheme for each of the years 2005 to 2008, inclusive; if he has approved the payments for 2008; if so, the date of this approval; the date of the approval of payments relating to 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14213/09]
The scheme of performance-related awards in the civil service applies to Deputy and Assistant Secretaries and equivalent grades.
On the basis that the awards are confidential to the officer concerned details of individual awards are not disclosed nor is the total amount awarded under the scheme made known in respect of Departments where there are less than 5 officers covered by the scheme which would allow them to be identified, which is the case in the Department. Details of the operation of the scheme are available in the report of the Committee for Performance Awards which can be accessed on the website of the Department of Finance at:
www.finance.gov.ie/documents/publications/reports/CPArep2006.pdf
No awards have been approved in respect of 2008.
232 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of staff in his Department; the number of staff employed in the national sports grants section; the number of outstanding sports grants applications being dealt with at present; the length of time it is expected to take to have these outstanding applications dealt with; the role and functions of all staff in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14301/09]
The Department's role, functions and objectives are set out in its Statement of Strategy which can be accessed through the Department's website www.dast.gov.ie. The staff employed in the Department are engaged in the delivery of its objectives as set out in the Department’s Annual Business Plans which can also be accessed through the same website. The number of staff in the Department, including the National Archives, is currently 164. Of this number, the number of staff in the sports capital grants section of the Department is 14.
Over 7,400 projects, providing a range of essential sports facilities, have benefited from sports capital funding since 1998 bringing the total allocation in that time to over €725 million. At this time an overhang of €175m in commitments is still to be drawn down. The staff in the sports capital unit are currently employed on the management of this drawdown of funding for projects in respect of which the entire grant allocation has not been drawn down. The management of each of these projects can be complex and time consuming to ensure that grantees comply with the conditions of the Programme in relation to tendering, tax clearance, legal and planning requirements.
In addition, staff in the Unit are involved in finalising a five-year strategic plan to inform the future development of necessary sporting facilities throughout the country. The aim of the strategy is to provide high-level policy direction for future investment and grant assistance at national, regional and local level. The strategy will also identify the wider economic, health and social case for continued investment in sports facilities. It will aim to prioritise areas for future investment and to ensure continued impact on participation in the relevant areas including those in lower socio-economic groups. It will address future sports facility funding and provision and will inform decisions on future rounds of the Sports Capital Programme.
I wish to assure the Deputy that the allocation of staff resources within the Department is kept under constant review to ensure efficiency and flexibility with a clear focus on the delivery of priority objectives and making the best use of such resources.
233 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the cost of providing mobile telephony and PDA services for him in each of the years since 2002, broken down by handset purchase costs, rental and call costs, and other costs; the amount of money which was refunded by him in connection with personal use of these phones, PDAs and Blackberries in each year since 2002 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14525/09]
The net cost of official mobile telephony services in respect of rental and calls provided to me since my appointment as Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism in June 2008 amounted to €5,014.28 in 2008 and €477.23 to date in 2009. The cost of handsets purchased for me amounts to €507. I do not use an official Blackberry or PDA.
234 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if the local authority swimming pool programme grant will be relaunched in 2009; the expected date for the relaunch; the funding allocated for the programme; if applications from towns such as Carrickmacross, County Monaghan will be considered favourably for the grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14549/09]
It is not intended to launch a new round of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme at this time. The matter will be reviewed again later this year.
When a new round of the programme is launched it will be open to all Local Authorities, including Monaghan County Council on behalf of Carrickmacross, to submit an application under the terms that will apply.
235 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of staff with less than two years service on 1 March 2009 who gave notice to terminate their employment before 1 April 2009 under section 5 of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act, 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14577/09]
No member of staff in this Department with less than two years service on 1 March gave notice to terminate their employment before 1 April 2009 under Section 5 of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009.
236 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will protect the remaining sports budget as outlined in correspondence from an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14764/09]
The Deputy will be aware that in addressing the public finances all areas of expenditure have been examined and the budget in relation to sport, like all areas, has been impacted following this process. Nevertheless the huge social and economic benefits of sport are acknowledged by this Government and are reflected in the unprecedented level of Government funding for sport over the last number of years.
In the period 2004 to 2008, more than €1.2bn has been spent on Sport. The allocation in 2009 (prior to today's budget) is just over €199m. While there is a reduction on the 2008 allocation — due mainly to the payment in 2008 of €116m towards the Lansdowne Road project which is not repeated in 2009 — I am confident that the 2009 allocation will be sufficient to sustain Irish sport in the current difficult economic climate.
237 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of people working in the public service under temporary employment contracts on a fixed term basis who will lose their jobs as a consequence of the non-renewal of those contracts due to the moratorium decision announced by the Minister for Finance on 27 March 2009; the organisations in which such terminations will occur; the number of individuals who will lose their jobs as a consequence of this decision; the annual saving that will accrue to the Exchequer as a consequence of the non-renewal of these contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15037/09]
There are currently seven staff in my Department employed under temporary employment contracts on a fixed term basis. The existing cost of these contracts is in the region of € 310,000 per annum.
These contracts will expire at varying dates over the next 5 years. As each contract expires, the question of whether it should be renewed will be considered in light of Departmental priorities at the time in consultation with the Department of Finance as appropriate.
The situation regarding staff employed under temporary employment contracts, and associated costs, in the agencies under the aegis of my Department is a day to day matter for these agencies. However the expiry of such contracts will be monitored closely by the Department and a process for this purpose is currently being put in place to ensure compliance with the terms of the recent Government decision.
238 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when the value for money and policy review by an independent evaluator on the proposed community service scheme will be available; and the name of the independent evaluator. [14057/09]
My Department began operating the Community Services Programme (CSP) in 2006. Currently, some 438 organisations have been approved for funding from the Programme.
A review of the Programme is being considered by my Department. The details in this regard — including how best to carry it out given current financial restraints — will be worked out over the coming period.
239 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the payments made to senior officials in his Department under the performance related pay scheme for each of the years 2005 to 2008, inclusive; if he has approved the payments for 2008; if so, the date of this approval; the date of the approval of payments relating to 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14215/09]
Under the scheme of performance-related awards for posts at the level of Deputy Secretary and Assistant Secretary, payments as set out in the table were made to senior officials in my Department for each of the years 2005-2008.
|
Year Paid |
Total |
|
2005 |
€22,700 (in respect of 2004) |
|
2006 |
€35,200 (in respect of 2005) |
|
2007 |
€38,400 (in respect of 2006) |
|
2008 |
€41,000 (in respect of 2007) |
I should point out that I have no role in the approval of such payments, which are approved by the Committee for Performance Awards in the Department of Finance, based on an assessment carried out by the Secretary General of my Department.
The date of the approval of payments relating to 2007 was 13 May 2008. No payments have been approved in respect of 2008.
240 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his Department provides multi-annual funding to community or voluntary sector organisations; and, if so, the organisations receiving this funding since 2006 to date in 2009. [14478/09]
In general, my Department mainly provides multi-annual funding to community and voluntary groups under programmes such as Ciste na Gaeilge, Federations and Networks Supports, Supports for Volunteering and the Community Development Programme. Details of recipients under these and other schemes can be found in the annual Appropriation Accounts for my Department.
If the Deputy has an interest in any particular organisation or scheme I will be happy to provide whatever information he requires.
241 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his Department has received an application for grant aid towards the cost of resurfacing a road leading to private dwellings (details supplied) in County Cork; if their application will be approved and funding made available in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14504/09]
An application for funding in the case referred to by the Deputy has been received under my Department's Scéim na mBóithre Áise. The question of allocating funds for this road in 2009 will fall to be considered in the context of the amount of funding available and the level of outstanding commitments.
242 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the status of the community services programme grant application for a service (details supplied); when funding will be available for this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14509/09]
An application was received from this organisation under the 2008 Call for Applications for the Community Services Programme. The assessment of this application has been completed and the applicant has been informed of the outcome. Given the current economic situation, my Department is not in a position to provide funds to enable this organisation to move to the next stage of development of the proposal at this time. The matter will be kept under review.
243 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the cost of providing mobile telephony and PDA services for him in each of the years since 2002, broken down by handset purchase costs, rental and call costs, and other costs; the amount of money which was refunded by him in connection with personal use of these phones, PDAs and Blackberries in each year since 2002 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14527/09]
The information available in relation to costs for my combined mobile phone/blackberry (I do not hold a PDA) is reflected in the table, covering the period from August 2003 to date. Details in relation to costs relating to 2002 and early 2003 are no longer held by my Department.
It should be noted that in general my combined mobile phone/blackberry is used for official work purposes only. In 2007, however, during the course of the election, I used the phone for personal purposes and accordingly reimbursed my Department an amount of €195.87.
|
Year |
Handset purchase costs |
Total cost for combined mobile/Blackberry including rental, call and other costs |
|
€ |
€ |
|
|
2003 |
— |
730* |
|
2004 |
— |
1,700 |
|
2005 |
— |
1,689 |
|
2006 |
— |
1,120 |
|
2007 |
242 |
1,276 |
|
2008 |
— |
2,627 |
|
2009 |
— |
498** |
*From 1.8.03.
**To date in 2009.
244 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of staff with less than two years’ service on 1 March 2009 who gave notice to terminate their employment before 1 April 2009 under section 5 of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act, 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14579/09]
No staff in my Department with less than two years' service on 1 March 2009 gave notice to terminate their employment before 1 April 2009 under Section 5 of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009.
245 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will outline and describe grants for aquaculture activities, including fish farming, which have been allocated by his Department or any agency acting on behalf of his Department, in accordance with EU programmes or national programmes to companies (details supplied) in the past 15 years; if he will state, in respect of each company, the address of the company, the area of operation for which the grant was made, the year or years the grant was made, the money approved and the money granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14651/09]
I can confirm that no grants of the nature referred to by the Deputy have been allocated by my Department.
Údarás na Gaeltachta has been requested to supply any information relevant to the Question. The Deputy will appreciate, however, that the details sought by him, which relate to 25 companies over a period of 15 years, are extensive and it has not been possible to collate them within the time available. I can assure the Deputy that the information will be forwarded to him as soon as it becomes available.
246 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of people working in the public service under temporary employment contracts on a fixed term basis who will lose their jobs as a consequence of the non-renewal of those contracts due to the moratorium decision announced by the Minister for Finance on 27 March 2009; the organisations in which such terminations will occur; the number of individuals who will lose their jobs as a consequence of this decision; the annual saving that will accrue to the Exchequer as a consequence of the non-renewal of these contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15039/09]
I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department will be implementing in full the moratorium decision announced by Government on 27 March 2009. In line with guidance provided by the Department of Finance, this Department will liaise with that Department as the need arises.
In relation to the Deputy's specific query regarding people working in the public service under temporary employment contracts on a fixed term basis and the loss of their jobs, the matter is under consideration and as previously outlined, this Department will liaise with the Department of Finance as individual cases arise.
247 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will support a matter (details supplied) [14083/09]
252 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of people allocated funds from the back to work enterprise allowance scheme to enter the taxi industry in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; the value of funding allocated through the BTWEA for people entering the taxi industry in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14094/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 247 and 252 together.
A breakdown by occupation or the nature of the self-employment of recipients of the back to work enterprise allowance scheme is not available from records held by the Department.
A person in receipt of a social welfare payment who decides to set up a business may be eligible to apply for the back to work enterprise allowance. In order to qualify, a person must be in receipt of a qualifying social welfare payment for a certain duration, which is two years in the case of a person on a jobseeker's payment. Those taking up self-employment must first have their self-employment project approved as viable and sustainable.
In partnership areas this will be done by the partnership company. In non-partnership areas this will be done by the Department's local facilitator. Approval normally involves an interview with the applicant to assess the viability of the proposed project, to provide advice on funding or on "Start Your Own Business" courses and other relevant aspects. Each application for the back to work enterprise allowance is decided within the criteria set down for the scheme.
248 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if it is her intention to increase the financial ceiling to qualify for rent supplement, in order that individuals who are working in community employment schemes can continue to qualify for rent supplement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14185/09]
Rent supplement is administered on behalf of the department by the community welfare service of the Health Service Executive as part of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme.
Rent supplement is calculated to ensure that an eligible person after the payment of rent has an income equal to the rate of supplementary welfare allowance appropriate to his or her family circumstances, less a minimum contribution of €18 which each recipient is required to pay from his or her own resources. Many recipients pay more than €18 because recipients are also required to contribute a portion of any additional assessable means that they have over and above the appropriate basic supplementary welfare allowance rate towards their accommodation costs.
A person participating on a community employment scheme can continue to receive rent supplement subject to their satisfying the standard means assessment rules. Since 2007, where a person has additional income in excess of the standard supplementary welfare allowance weekly rate of payment, the first €75 of such additional income together with 25% of any additional income above €75 is disregarded for means assessment purposes. This ensures that those returning to work or participating in training schemes are better off as a result of taking up such an opportunity.
Any changes to the rent supplement scheme, including an easing of the means test, would have to be considered in a budgetary context and in the light of resources available for improvements in social welfare payments generally.
249 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8. [14186/09]
Rent supplement is administered on behalf of the department by the community welfare service of the Health Service Executive as part of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme.
Rent supplement is calculated to ensure that an eligible person after the payment of rent has an income equal to the rate of supplementary welfare allowance appropriate to his or her family circumstances, less a minimum contribution of €18 which each recipient is required to pay from his or her own resources. Many recipients pay more than €18 because recipients are also required to contribute a portion of any additional assessable means that they have over and above the appropriate basic supplementary welfare allowance rate towards their accommodation costs.
A person participating on a community employment scheme can continue to receive rent supplement subject to their satisfying the standard means assessment rules. Since 2007, where a person has additional income in excess of the standard supplementary welfare allowance weekly rate of payment, the first €75 of such additional income together with 25% of any additional income above €75 is disregarded for means assessment purposes. This ensures that those returning to work or participating in training schemes are better off as a result of taking u p such an opportunity.
The Executive has advised that it received a rent supplement claim from the person concerned on 2 April 2009. She will be advised shortly of the outcome of her claim.
250 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved and awarded a farm assist payment. [14040/09]
The person concerned applied for a farm assist payment on 4 March 2009. Her claim is currently with a Social Welfare Inspector for investigation of her circumstances. On completion of enquiries, a decision will be made as soon as possible and she 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.
251 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the remuneration package of each of the chief executive officers of State agencies reporting to her Department including pay, pension and ancillary benefits; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14042/09]
The agencies operating under the aegis of my Department are the Pensions Board, the Citizens Information Board, the Family Support Agency, the Combat Poverty Agency and the Office of the Pensions Ombudsman.
The annual salary of the Chief Executive of the Pensions Board is €158,644. He is a member of the Board's Superannuation Scheme.
The annual salary of the Chief Executive of the Citizens Information Board is €122,977. He is a member of the Board's Superannuation Scheme.
The annual salary of the Chief Executive of the Family Support Agency is €120,190. He is currently on secondment from the Health Service Executive (HSE) and he remains a member of the HSE Superannuation Scheme.
The salary for the post of Director in the Combat Poverty Agency is linked to the Principal Officer Higher Scale in the civil service. The terms and conditions for that post include membership of the Combat Poverty Agency's Superannuation Scheme. The position is currently vacant. In line with a Government decision, the Agency is being integrated with the Office of Social Inclusion within the Department of Social and Family Affairs.
Schemes of performance-related pay can apply to the Chief Executive Officers of non-commercial State sponsored bodies. All of the above post holders are eligible to be considered for a performance related bonus payment of up to a maximum of 20% of basic salary. Decisions regarding the level of payments to be awarded in individual cases are the responsibility of the Board of the body concerned. The annual salary of the Pensions Ombudsman is €136,581. He is a member of the Model Pension Scheme for State Sponsored Bodies. No other ancillary benefits have been paid to any of the above officers.
253 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her views in relation to a submission by a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; if she has plans to reassess the decision not to continue with the national carer’s strategy in view of concerns being expressed by many carer’s and their support groups; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14109/09]
256 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the proposals put forward by an association (details supplied) in the absence of the publication of the national carer’s strategy; her views on these proposals, particularly as they are on a cost neutral basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14190/09]
263 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding the implementation of the national carer’s strategy (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14557/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 253, 256 and 263 together.
During 2008 an interdepartmental group, chaired by the Department of the Taoiseach, with secretariat support provided by my Department, undertook work, including a public consultation process, to develop a National Carers' Strategy. The work of developing a Carer's Strategy was well advanced by the group.
However, faced with the current economic situation, it was not possible to set targets or time lines which could be achieved. In that context, rather than publishing a document which did not include any significant plans for the future, the Government decided not to publish a strategy at this time.
I am aware of the proposals put forward by the Carers Association. My officials met last week with the Carers Association to discuss those proposals which are within the remit of the Department. However, Deputies should be aware that recommendations described as "cost-neutral" usually do have a cost, in terms of administration, or in follow on effects. The Government remains acutely aware of the sacrifices made by carers and has sought to make many improvements in services and supports for carers.
The Carers Allowance scheme has been significantly improved in recent years and in budget 2009, I continued this process. The rate of carer's allowance for those aged 66 or over increased by €7 to €239 per week and for those aged under 66 by €6.50 to €220.50 per week. These increases took effect from January 2009. Recipients of carer's allowance are also eligible for household benefits, free travel and the respite care grant.
Since 1997 weekly payment rates to carers have greatly increased, qualifying conditions for carer's allowance have significantly eased, coverage of the scheme has been extended and new schemes such as carer's benefit, half-rate carer's allowance and the respite care grant have been introduced and extended.
The means test for carer's allowance has been significantly eased over the years, and is now one of the most generous means tests in the social welfare system, most notably with regard to spouse's earnings. Since April 2008, the income disregard has been 332.50 per week for a single person and €665 per week for a couple. This means that a couple with two children can earn in the region of €37,200 and qualify for the maximum rate of Carer's Allowance as well as the associated free travel and household benefits.
A couple with an income in the region of €60,400 can still qualify for a minimum payment, as well as the associated free travel, household benefits package. These levels surpass the Towards 2016 commitment to ensure that those on average industrial earnings continue to qualify for a full carer's allowance. From June 2005, the annual respite care grant was extended to all carers who are providing full time care to a person who needs such care, regardless of their income. The rate of the respite care grant has also been increased to €1,700 per year in respect of each care recipient since June 2008. It is estimated that combined expenditure on carer's allowance, carer's benefit, the respite care grant and half-rate carers will be €650 million in 2009.
254 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the way casual work and short-time work, respectfully, are defined by her Department; and if she will address the anomalous position that exists at present where two jobseeker’s who have lost two days of work can qualify for two different rates of payment as a result of the different ways the number of days in the working week are calculated using the different short-time and casual work definitions. [14144/09]
The jobseeker's schemes provide income support for people who are seeking their first job or have lost work and are seeking alternative employment. A fundamental qualifying condition for both the Jobseeker's Benefit and Jobseeker's Allowance is that a person must be available for full-time work.
Where a person is employed for up to three days in a week, they may claim Jobseeker's Benefit or Assistance in respect of the remainder of the week, subject, inter alia, to having sustained a substantial loss of employment, being available for full-time work and, in the case of Jobseeker’s Assistance, satisfying a means test. A person is regarded as having sustained a substantial loss of employment if they have lost at least one day of insurable employment in any period of six days, provided their reckonable earnings or reckonable income are reduced as a consequence of the loss of employment. Benefit is not payable where a person is available for part-time work only.
When determining the classification of casual and short time workers, each case is examined on its own merits and, because of the variables necessarily involved in making a determination as to entitlement, payment rates and extent of entitlement are individual-specific. Employment on a casual basis implies that the number of days worked will vary each week with the amount of work available. There will be no established pattern of days. This variety will also be reflected in the wages paid. Variations in hours or days worked must be due to the employer's requirements, as opposed to a work pattern chosen by the employee. In addition, there must be no guaranteed minimum hours or wages each week.
Short-time employment means employment in which, for the time being, the number of days systematically worked in a working week is less than the number of days which is normal in a working week in the employment concerned. Short-time work must be systematic, i.e., there must be a clear repetitive pattern of employment each week. The person must also work at least one day in each week that he or she would normally be working. In the context of changing economic circumstances there is an increased number of people claiming Jobseeker's Benefit and Assistance categorised as both systematic short-time and casual. The application of the jobseeker's payment scheme conditions to workers who are not employed on a full-time basis is being kept under review.
255 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position with regard to an appeal for jobseeker’s benefit by a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and when a decision can be expected. [14177/09]
The person concerned was awarded Jobseeker's Allowance at a reduced rate from 30 September 2008 based on means assessed by a Deciding Officer of the Department.
An appeal against this decision was opened on 24 November 2008 and I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that the case has been referred to an Appeals Officer who has decided to hold an oral hearing. It is not possible at present to state when this case will be heard but every effort is being made to have it dealt with as quickly as possible. The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
257 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the payments made to senior officials in her Department under the performance related pay scheme for each of the years 2005 to 2008, inclusive; if she has approved the payments for 2008; if so, the date of this approval; the date of the approval of payments relating to 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14224/09]
Civil service posts at the levels of Assistant Secretary and Deputy Secretary are covered by a scheme of performance related awards. Recommendations in relation to awards are made by the Secretary General of each Department and the operation of the scheme is overseen by the Committee for Performance Awards. The funding for awards is based on 10% of the payroll for the posts covered by the scheme. Within this overall limit, payments of up to 20% can be made to individuals.
Details of the procedures, the numbers covered by the scheme, the range of awards and the total amounts paid in Departments are outlined in the annual reports of the Committee for Performance Awards (available on the website www.finance.gov.ie). The committee does not identify the amount paid to individuals as this is regarded as personal information. Recommendations in respect of 2007 were forwarded to the committee in March 2008 and May 2008. No awards have been recommended in respect of 2008.
258 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of limited companies, established as sole trader ventures, with agreements for the provision of services on a full-time basis and a part-time basis to her, her Department or to a public body under the aegis of her Department, indicating the nature of the services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14280/09]
The Department does not have any agreements in place with limited companies established as sole trader ventures for the provision of full-time or part-time services. Similarly, the agencies under the aegis of the Department do not have any such agreements in place.
259 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if her Department provides multi-annual funding to community or voluntary sector organisations; and if so, the organisations receiving this funding since 2006 to date in 2009. [14482/09]
The information requested by the Deputy is being compiled and will be forwarded shortly.
260 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will investigate the length of time it took for an appeal to be heard on behalf of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo in view of the fact that a decision was reached on the appeal on 6 March 2009 and by the 31 March 2009 the file had not left the appeals office, that the person still has not received payment and that this delay is causing stress on the elderly person in question. [14523/09]
I refer the Deputy to my replies to previous parliamentary questions on 21 October 2008 and 2 December 2008 in relation to the person concerned.
I am informed by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that, following an oral hearing, the appeal of the person concerned was partially allowed. He was notified accordingly on 6 March 2009. Subsequent to that, it became apparent that an error had been made in calculating his means for the purposes of his claim. A revised appeal decision, which increased his entitlement, was issued to the person concerned on 30 March 2009. He was advised at that time that any inconvenience arising from the need to ensure the correct decision was given in his case was regretted.
Given the quasi-judicial nature of the social welfare appeals system, the procedures in place for determining appeals are designed to ensure that each case receives full and satisfactory consideration and that, in the light of those constraints, appeals are determined as expeditiously as possible. The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
261 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the cost of providing mobile telephony and PDA services for her in each of the years since 2002, broken down by handset purchase costs, rental and call costs, and other costs; the amount of money which was refunded by her in connection with personal use of these phones, PDAs and Blackberries in each year since 2002 in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14536/09]
Since my appointment as Minister for Social and Family Affairs in May 2008 I have incurred the following costs in relation to mobile voice and data services:
|
Year |
Rent |
Calls |
Vat |
Total |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
2008 |
36.10 |
1,480.29 |
310.88 |
1,827.27 |
|
2009 |
11.90 |
363.72 |
78.18 |
453.80 |
|
Year |
Rent |
Calls |
Vat |
Total |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
2008 |
180.00 |
14.81 |
41.03 |
235.84 |
|
2009 |
60.00 |
1.92 |
13.30 |
75.22 |
There were no handset costs as the devices were supplied as part of the normal on-going free hardware upgrade programme operated by the mobile phone companies. This equipment was supplied to assist me in discharging my responsibilities as Minister for Social and Family Affairs and consequently the amounts incurred in relation to personal use are minimal.
The overall cost of telephony is kept under constant review in the Department and it is planned to avail of more cost effective arrangements under the Centralized Mobile Phone Framework for Government Departments and Agencies in the near future.
262 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the cost of the early child care supplement to non-Irish nationals who are resident here, but whose children live abroad in 2007 and in 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14543/09]
The Early Childcare Supplement is administered by the Department of Social and Family Affairs on behalf of the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs. The total expenditure on the Early Childcare Supplement (ECS) for 2007, in respect of non resident children, payable under EU regulations, was €1.1 million. The corresponding figure for 2008 was €4.5 million. The total overall expenditure on the ECS scheme in 2007 was €417 million and in 2008 was €477 million.
Family Benefits payable under EU regulations apply to Irish nationals working in other EU member states in the same way as they do to non-Irish-national EU workers in Ireland.
264 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of staff with fewer than two years service on 1 March 2009 who gave notice to terminate their employment before 1 April 2009 under section 5 of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14588/09]
There have been no cases in the Department of Social and Family Affairs of staff with less than two years service on 1 March 2009 who gave notice to terminate their employment before 1 April 2009 under section 5 of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act, 2009.
265 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of people in the State and per county or Health Service Executive administrative area in receipt of rent supplement in February 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009. [14599/09]
The following tabular statement shows the number of recipients of rent supplement by HSE area for February 2006, February 2007, February 2008 and February 2009.
|
HSE Area |
End February 2006 |
End February 2007 |
End February 2008 |
End February 2009 |
|
Eastern |
26,678 |
25,562 |
25,135 |
31,534 |
|
Midland |
2,309 |
2,377 |
2,693 |
3,996 |
|
Mid-Western |
4,261 |
4,051 |
4,257 |
5,589 |
|
North Eastern |
2,917 |
3,054 |
3,383 |
5,214 |
|
North Western |
2,879 |
2,996 |
3,398 |
4,702 |
|
South Eastern |
6,508 |
6,495 |
6,607 |
9,149 |
|
Southern |
8,688 |
8,877 |
9,254 |
11,531 |
|
Western |
6,043 |
6,038 |
6,131 |
7,991 |
|
Total |
60,283 |
59,450 |
60,858 |
79,706 |
266 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her views in regard to a submission (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14714/09]
The matters referred to are the subject of Court proceedings which were first initiated in 2003. Recent allegations are currently the subject of a formal complaint to An Garda Síochána. All allegations are denied by the Department.
267 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason for the cessation of weekly payment in the sum of €4.90 in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14718/09]
The supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) scheme is administered on behalf of the department by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive. The Executive has advised that the payment of SWA at the rate of €4.90 a week is based on an assessment of the personal and financial circumstances of the persons concerned which was made at the time of the application for SWA.
The community welfare officer requested additional information including earnings details from the persons concerned at the time of the last review of their entitlement to SWA. To date, the requested information has not been provided. The community welfare officer will review the entitlement of the people concerned when the requested information has been supplied.
268 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when jobseeker’s allowance will be awarded in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14722/09]
The Department has no record of receiving an application for Jobseeker's Allowance from the person concerned. If he wishes to submit an application he should contact his local Social Welfare Office.
269 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when an appeal hearing will take place in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14725/09]
The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which includes mortgage interest supplement, is administered on behalf of the Department by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive (HSE).
The HSE has advised that the person concerned appealed against the decision to refuse him mortgage interest supplement to the HSE Appeals Officer. That Appeals Officer decided that the person concerned is not entitled to a supplement as the amount of mortgage interest payable by him exceeds such amount as is considered reasonable by the HSE.
The person concerned was advised of his further right of appeal to the Chief Appeals Officer of the Department of Social and Family Affairs. He lodged an appeal with that officer on 26 February 2009. The person concerned will be advised of the decision of an Appeals Officer of the Department as soon as a decision has been given in this case.
270 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will publish the list of third level and other courses that are open to back to education allowance claimants; the changes that have occurred in recent months; and the reason the full list is not yet published on her Department’s website. [14760/09]
Under the back to education scheme there are two study options; second level option (SLO) and third level option (TLO). The scheme is not operated on the basis of a prescribed list of courses.
Under the second level option, a person may attend a second level course of education at any publicly funded Community Comprehensive, Secondary, Vocational School or Institute of Technology. The course being pursued must be a full-time course of study and must lead to a qualification that is recognised by the Department of Education and Science and awarded by FETAC or BTEC.
Under the third level option, the course being pursued must be a full-time day course of study which is approved by the Department of Education and Science for the Higher Education Grant Scheme, the Vocational Education Committee's Scholarship scheme or the Third Level Maintenance Grant scheme for Trainees or has HETAC recognition.
In response to the rise in unemployment, additional capacity in some Institutes of Technology was identified where it was possible to offer accelerated full-time courses in a number of disciplines, commencing in March 2009. The courses are generally 15 weeks in duration and successful students will be allowed progress to year two of the relevant Higher Certificate in September 2009. The courses are generally at HETAC Level 6 under the National Framework of Qualifications. The back to education scheme is available to qualified persons who wish to pursue these courses.
271 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of people working in the public service under temporary employment contracts on a fixed term basis who will lose their jobs as a consequence of the non-renewal of those contracts due to the moratorium decision announced by the Minister for Finance on 27 March 2009; the organisations in which such terminations will occur; the number of individuals who will lose their jobs as a consequence of this decision; the annual saving that will accrue to the Exchequer as a consequence of the non-renewal of these contracts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15047/09]
There are no staff employed in my Department on a fixed term basis. All temporary staff are employed on a fixed purpose basis and their employment will continue until the purpose for which they were employed ceases.
The agencies operating under the aegis of my Department are the Pensions Board, the Citizens Information Board, the Family Support Agency, the Combat Poverty Agency and the Office of the Pensions Ombudsman. Details of fixed term contracts and savings in respect of each of the agencies are shown in the following table.
|
Organisation |
No. of fixed term contracts |
Annual savings to Exchequer |
|
€ |
||
|
Pensions Board |
6 |
*See note |
|
Citizens Information Board |
1 |
39,545 |
|
Family Support Agency |
3 |
63,490 |
|
Combat Poverty Agency |
4** |
121,798 |
|
Office of the Pensions Ombudsman |
Nil |
N/A |
Note:
*The Pensions Board is a self funding organisation, therefore, no savings will accrue to the Exchequer as a result of the non-renewal of the temporary contracts.
**Temporary fixed term contracts to end June 2009 are in place pending integration of Combat Poverty into the Department of Social and Family Affairs
272 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Defence the payments made to senior officials in his Department under the performance related pay scheme for each of the years 2005 to 2008, if he has approved the payments for 2008; if so, the date of this approval; the date of the approval of payments relating to 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14216/09]
Civil Service posts at the levels of Assistant Secretary and Deputy Secretary are covered by a scheme of performance related awards. The operation of the scheme is overseen by the Committee for Performance Awards (CPA). Details of awards to individual officers under the scheme are not disclosed on the basis that they are confidential to the officer concerned. However, I can say that for 2005, 2006, and 2007, awards totalling €21,200, €22,400 and €22,000 respectively were made to two officers in my Department. The 2007 award was approved on 18 March 2008. No payments have been approved for 2008.
The Scheme for Performance Related Awards also applies to officers of the Permanent Defence Force at the level of Brigadier General and Major General. The following awards were made under this scheme:
for 2005 an amount of €119,500 was awarded to a total of 12 personnel;
for 2006 an amount of €106,800 was awarded to a total of 10 personnel; and,
for 2007 an amount of €133,700 was awarded to a total of 12 personnel.
The 2007 awards were approved on 16 April 2008 for 11 personnel. One award was subsequently approved on 19 December 2008. No payments have been approved for 2008.
273 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Defence the cost of providing mobile telephony and PDA services for him in each of the years since 2002, broken down by handset purchase costs, rental and call costs, and other costs; the amount of money which was refunded by him in connection with personal use of these phones, PDAs and Blackberries in each year since 2002 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14528/09]
Following is the information relating to my mobile and blackberry costs, as requested by the Deputy. Records are not available for earlier years.
|
Year |
Call costs (incl VAT) |
Rental costs (incl VAT) |
Handset costs |
Other costs (Blackberry bundle cost — incl VAT) |
Refunds |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
2005 |
498.12 |
281.32 |
No cost |
— |
— |
|
2006 |
646.53 |
182.10 |
No cost |
— |
— |
|
2007 |
959.28 |
172.78 |
No cost |
— |
— |
|
2008 |
847.22 |
259.18 |
No cost |
290.40 |
— |
|
2009 (to date) |
180.07 |
43.37 |
No cost |
48.40 |
— |
274 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Defence the number of Defence Force personnel who applied for early retirement every month for the past 12 months; the number of applications for early retirement which are currently being processed; the number expected to apply for early retirement in the next 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14573/09]
The total number of personnel who were discharged from the Defence Forces, for reasons other than age during the period 01 April 2008 and 01 April 2009 is outlined in the following table:
|
Month |
Number |
|
April 2008 |
51 |
|
May 2008 |
24 |
|
June 2008 |
39 |
|
July 2008 |
30 |
|
August 2008 |
43 |
|
September 2008 |
52 |
|
October 2008 |
62 |
|
November 2008 |
35 |
|
December 2008 |
37 |
|
January 2009 |
25 |
|
February 2009 |
21 |
|
March 2009 |
20 |
|
Total |
439* |
*It should be noted that 109 of the personnel involved were recruits and as such had not yet become effective. The number of applications for discharge (for reasons other than age) currently being processed is thirty one (31).
As the Defence Forces does not invite applications for early retirement and does not have an early retirement scheme it would not be possible to predict accurately the number of applications for ‘early retirement' in the coming twelve months.
275 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Defence the number of staff with less than two years service on 1 March 2009 who gave notice to terminate their employment before 1 April 2009 under section 5 of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14580/09]
No staff in my Department with less than two years service on 1 March 2009 gave notice to terminate their employment before 1 April 2009 under section 5 of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act, 2009.
276 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Defence if the embargo introduced on promotions in the Defence Forces from 27 March 2009 applies to promotions which had advanced to the final medical stages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14763/09]
The implications and implementation of the recent Government Decision on savings measures on public service numbers are currently under consideration in my Department.
While the restriction on recruitment, promotion and payment of allowances for the performance of duties of a higher grade applies to the Defence Forces across the board, questions have arisen in relation to a number of issues and particular cases, including the impact on promotion competitions which had advanced to the final medical stages. Officials from my Department and the Military authorities are working together to clarify all the issues arising. Meetings are also taking place with the Representative Associations (PDFORRA and RACO) in an effort to establish the full range of issues requiring clarification.
277 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Defence the number of people working in the public service under temporary employment contracts on a fixed term basis who will lose their jobs as a consequence of the non-renewal of those contracts due to the moratorium decision announced by the Minister for Finance on 27 March 2009; the organisations in which such terminations will occur; the number of individuals who will lose their jobs as a consequence of this decision; the annual saving that will accrue to the Exchequer as a consequence of the non-renewal of these contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15040/09]
My Department employs a small number of staff on temporary contracts on a fixed term basis and is currently considering the implications of the Government decision on the savings measures on public service numbers announced by the Minister for Finance on 27 March 2009.
278 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has contacted local authorities who manage the rental accommodation scheme to have them reduce rents paid to landlords in line with falling rents in the property market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14049/09]
The amount of rent paid to private landlords through RAS is agreed following a negotiated process that takes account of current market rents, the value to the landlord of being accepted on to the scheme and the need to deliver value for money for public investment. The actual rent paid is a matter for the individual authority; however guidance from my Department in relation to this matter emphasises the need for authorities to obtain competitive prices for property.
In respect of existing RAS contracts already entered into by local authorities, in many cases these contracts are subject to specific rent review clauses, negotiated at the start of the contract. In undertaking such reviews, local authorities will seek to negotiate a rent that is reflective of the prevailing market conditions in the area.
To further emphasise the need for value for money additional guidance in relation to rental negotiations in respect of the Rental Accommodation Scheme has been developed and is due to issue from my Department shortly.
279 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to out-law upward rent review only clauses in contracts for residential properties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14116/09]
The Residential Tenancies Act 2004 introduced a new regulatory framework governing private rented residential tenancies, providing, inter alia, for—
A measure of security for tenants of certain dwellings;
Amendment of landlord and tenant law in relation to basic rights and obligations of each of the parties;
The cheap and speedy resolution of disputes between such parties;
The establishment of the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB) to discharge a range of functions related to these matters.
The Act prohibits the setting of rent above the market rent and it stipulates that, in general, a review of the rent may not occur more frequently than once a year.
On this basis, upwards-only rent reviews are not considered to be a significant issue in the private rented residential sector. Indeed, current data drawn from a number of sources including the Central Statistics Office would bear this out, indicating a decline in rent levels in the sector recently, particularly in the period since early 2008.
280 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of funding which will be allocated to Kerry County Council in order to allow them to meet applications under the mobility aid grant and housing adaption grant. [14048/09]
Allocations to individual local authorities under the Mobility Aids Grant Scheme and the Housing Adaptation Grant Schemes for Older People and People with a Disability will be announced following the publication of the Revised Estimates of Public Expenditure 2009.
281 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the cost of the conservation measures on the Slieve Aughty hills in south Galway regarding the preservation of the hen harrier; the number of hen harriers that are believed to be in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14055/09]
The Slieve Aughty Hills, which span the border of counties Galway and Clare, have been designated a Special Protection Area (SPA) to meet Ireland's obligations under the EU Birds Directive. The designation is required because of the presence of breeding hen harriers, a species listed in Annex 1 of the directive. The species is a scarce breeder in Ireland. However, 24 breeding pairs were confirmed in the area in 2008, making the Slieve Aughty hills one of the most important areas for the species in Ireland.
Conservation measures can be supported through my Department's Farm Plan Scheme or the Rural Environment Protection Scheme. 21 Plans under the Farm Plan Scheme have been completed for this SPA, of which seven are in Galway. The cost of these plans in 2008-2009 is estimated at €164,000, including planner fees.
282 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide a list of all staff working in the housing section of his Department to include grades of staff and a detailed job description; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14070/09]
The number of administrative and professional and technical staff assigned to my Department's Housing Division is set out in the following table:
|
Grade |
FTE |
|
Assistant Secretary |
1.00 |
|
Principal Officer |
6.00 |
|
Assistant Principal Officer |
20.53 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
23.50 |
|
Executive Officer |
21.80 |
|
Staff Officer |
4.90 |
|
Clerical Officer |
16.53 |
|
Principal Adviser |
1.00 |
|
Architectural Adviser |
1.00 |
|
Architectural Engineering Inspector |
12.00 |
|
Housing Inspector |
5.00 |
|
Senior Adviser |
4.00 |
|
Senior Building Inspector |
3.00 |
|
Statistician |
1.00 |
|
Supervising Housing Inspector |
9.00 |
|
Technical Grades Level Four |
1.00 |
|
Total |
131.26 |
These staff are involved on an ongoing basis in the development and implementation of housing policy and programmes to give effect to the objectives outlined in the Government's housing policy statement, Delivering Homes, Sustaining Communities and the Department's Statement of Strategy 2008-2010, designed to ensure that a broad range of housing supports are available to respond to diverse housing needs.
283 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if funding is available for a group (details supplied) in County Kildare to provide facilities in its area in view of the increase in the population of the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14077/09]
Section 67 of the Local Government Act 2001 empowers local authorities to promote the interests of the local community in relation to amenity, recreation and other functions. This includes the provision of sports, games and similar activities and general recreational and leisure facilities such as playgrounds. It is a matter for each local authority to determine the extent to which these facilities should be provided and to allocate resources accordingly. Kildare County Council was awarded grant aid by my Department in 2006 towards the provision of a playground in Kilcullen. The grant has not been drawn down by the local authority as I understand that the project has yet to commence construction.
284 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of housing estates taken in charge by Meath County Council, broken down by electoral area, for the years 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14087/09]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 398 of 17 February 2009. My Department does not collect information on the names and locations of housing estates taken in charge by planning authorities.
285 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his proposals to amend the local government superannuation legislation in order that persons who have completed 40 years pensionable service are not required to continue paying a superannuation payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14089/09]
Members of the Local Government Superannuation Scheme are required, under sections 23, 42, 80 and 102 of the Local Government (Superannuation) (Consolidation) Scheme 1998 to make contributions in respect of all pensionable service. I have no plans to amend this requirement.
286 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, with regard to the plans that he announced recently (details supplied) to prohibit corporate donations to political parties, he will include a ban on donations from other bodies corporate such as trade unions, professional associations, lobbying organisations, charities, clubs and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14119/09]
I will consider all relevant issues in the development of my proposals in this area.
287 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide an estimate of the cost of introducing an inspection regime by local authorities to ensure compliance with nitrates regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14137/09]
Local authorities have primary responsibility for implementation of the Nitrates Regulations, including the inspection of farmyards, since their introduction in 2005. This is in keeping with their statutory responsibilities for the protection and improvement of water quality acting under the supervision of the EPA. Information in relation to the costs incurred by local authorities on inspections is not available to my Department.
The most recent amendments to the Regulations, which were introduced as a key part of the State's response to a judgment of the European Court of Justice in relation to inadequate transposition and implementation of the Dangerous Substances Directive, provide for strengthened enforcement by local authorities under the farmyard inspection provisions of the Regulations, and improved farmyard management. In addition to the inspection activities of local authorities, implementation of the Nitrates Regulations is supported by farm inspections carried out by staff of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in the context of the operation of the Single Farm Payment Scheme and cross-compliance requirements.
The amendments recently introduced enhance the basis for sharing information between the local authorities and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food so as to improve efficiency in the management of the respective inspection regimes. The draft regulations were the subject of extensive consultation with the European Commission in their preparation as well as a public consultation process.
288 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason some local authorities were allocated more than they sought in 2008 under the disabled person’s grant scheme and housing aid for the elderly scheme, such as Cavan, Kerry, Laois, Leitrim, Offaly, Roscommon and Waterford County Councils; the reason Kildare County Council only received 33% of the amount sought while Carlow County Council received 79%, Clare County Council received 92% and Westmeath County Council received 91% of the amount sought; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14174/09]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 882 of 24 March 2009.
Allocations to local authorities under the Disabled Persons and Essential Repairs Grant Schemes and the Housing Adaptation Grant Schemes for Older People and People with a Disability are calculated on the basis of a number of criteria and on foot of detailed discussions between my Department and the local authorities.
A range of relevant issues are taken into consideration in determining allocations to individual local authorities. These include the overall amount of funding available at national level, the levels of activity experienced under each of the schemes in previous years, the volume of claims on hand in local authorities, the degree to which prioritisation of applications has taken place, the ability of individual authorities to meet their share of the cost in recouping claims to applicants and the anticipated level of activity in the year in question.
It is a matter for each local authority to decide on the specific level of funding to be directed towards each of the schemes, from within the combined allocation notified to them by my Department, and to manage the operation of the schemes in their areas from within this allocation. Recoupments are made having regard to the final allocations for a particular year and on foot of payment claims received from the local authorities, setting out details of certified expenditure under each of the schemes.
289 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of households on the rental accommodation scheme by quarter for 2006, 2007 and 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14178/09]
The information requested is set out in the following table.
|
Quarter |
Households to RAS |
|
Q1 2006 |
493 |
|
Q2 2006 |
375 |
|
Q3 2006 |
592 |
|
Q4 2006 |
873 |
|
Q1 2007 |
611 |
|
Q2 2007 |
888 |
|
Q3 2007 |
711 |
|
Q4 2007 |
916 |
|
Q1 2008 |
717 |
|
Q2 2008 |
994 |
|
Q3 2008 |
867 |
|
Q4 2008 |
1,067 |
|
Total |
9,104* |
*In addition to these 9104 households, a further 8,100 households formerly in receipt of Rent Supplement were accommodated through other social housing options.
290 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on extending the area of Liffey Valley in Dublin covered by a special amenity area order (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14179/09]
291 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will make a decision regarding extending the special amenity area order on lands of the Liffey Valley to give protection to the lands of St. Edmundsbury and Woodville, Lucan, having received a report on the matter from South Dublin County Council two months ago. [14180/09]
292 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the scope of the report requested from South Dublin County Council which was submitted in February 2009 regarding a special amenity area for Liffey Valley; if he or South Dublin County Council will be publishing the report and its recommendations; the recommendations of same; and if the report is not being published if he will discuss it with or give access to the report to a group (details supplied). [14181/09]
293 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has sought clarification or additional information from the authors of South Dublin County Council’s report regarding a special amenity area for Liffey Valley; the nature of the clarifications or additions sought; and if provided the reason for the delay in the decision being taken on this matter. [14182/09]
294 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will discuss the report requested from South Dublin County Council regarding a special amenity area for Liffey Valley with local community groups, a group (details supplied) and other interested groups before proceeding. [14183/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 290 to 294, inclusive, together.
In September 2008, I requested South Dublin County Council to arrange for an evaluation of lands between Palmerstown and Lucan Bridge, the existing area of special amenity and the N4/Old Lucan Road/Old Hill Road, in order to assess the suitability of some or all of these lands being designated a new area of special amenity, having regard to the provisions of section 202 of the Planning and Development Act 2000.
In February 2009, South Dublin County Council submitted a report on the matter. This has been considered within my Department, and it is intended to request the Council to give further consideration to the extent of lands that might be included in such an area. Following a further response from the Council, I will decide whether to give a direction under section 202(2) of the Act regarding the making of a further special amenity area order. For the present, it is not my intention to publish the report in question.
In February 2009 my Department requested Dublin City Council, Fingal County Council and Kildare County Council to carry out evaluations of lands in the Liffey Valley which fall within their functional areas, in order to assess the suitability of some or all of these lands being designated as part of an extended area of special amenity. A response from Kildare County Council is under consideration. Replies are awaited from Fingal County Council and Dublin City Council.
295 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in view of the changes in the budget, there will be sufficient funding available to carry out the proposed precinct improvements for a complex (details supplied) in Dublin 2 in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14199/09]
As part of the Housing Management Initiative, local authorities have been given delegated sanction for the delivery of their annual Improvement Works Programmes subject to specific conditions and overall programme approval from my Department. Funding for these programmes is provided from the authority's own internal capital receipts from the sale of local authority dwellings and so the progression of component projects is a matter for the authority involved having regard to the funding available.
While the project concerned was included in a programme previously approved by my Department, I now understand from Dublin City Council that while still committed to its Improvement Works Programme, the decrease in the level of internal capital receipts available to the Council means that the project concerned is unlikely to proceed this year.
296 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the payments made to senior officials in each local authority under the performance related pay scheme for each of the years 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008; if he has approved the payments under this scheme for 2008; if so, the date of this approval; the date of approval by him of the payments for 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14203/09]
Details of awards made in 2005, 2006 and 2007 under the Performance Awards Scheme for the Local Government Sector are contained in the annual reports of the Committee which are available in the Oireachtas Library. Awards are defined in terms of their distribution as a percentage of pay, the range of monetary values, and the number of recipients. Awards for 2007 were approved for payment on 14 March 2008.
No decision has been made regarding payment of performance awards for 2008.
297 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the payments made to senior officials in his Department under the performance related pay scheme for each of the years 2005 to 2008, inclusive; if he has approved the payments for 2008; if so, the date of this approval; the date of the approval of payments relating to 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14219/09]
Civil service posts at the levels of Assistant Secretary and Deputy Secretary are covered by a scheme of performance related awards. It does not apply to Secretaries General.
Details of the procedures, the numbers covered by the scheme, the range of awards and the total amounts paid in Departments are outlined in the annual reports of the Committee for Performance Awards (available on the website www.finance.gov.ie). The Committee does not identify the amount paid to individuals as this is regarded as personal information.
Details regarding the number of staff who received performance related awards and the total amount paid in the period 2005- 2007 is set out in the following table:
|
Year |
Number of staff who received performance related awards |
Total Payment |
|
€ |
||
|
2005 |
9 |
105,000 |
|
2006 |
8 |
96,000 |
|
2007 |
7 |
101,800 |
No specific funding has been set aside in 2009 in respect of performance in 2008.
298 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of limited companies, established as sole trader ventures, with agreements for the provision of services on a full-time basis and a part-time basis to him, his Department or to a public body under the aegis of his Department, indicating the nature of the services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14277/09]
My Department does not, as a matter of course, hold information in relation to the number of limited companies established as sole trader ventures with agreements for the provision of services to the Department or to the public bodies under its aegis, either on a full-time or a part-time basis.
299 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position in respect of the fire stations in Bundoran and Ballyshannon, County Donegal; if it is his intention to retain both of these stations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14283/09]
The provision of a fire service in its functional area, including the establishment and maintenance of a fire brigade, the assessment of fire cover needs and the provision of premises, is a statutory function of individual fire authorities under section 10 of the Fire Services Act 1981. The Department's role is one of supporting and assisting local authorities in delivering fire services through setting of general policy and through the provision of funding under the fire service capital programme.
Further investment by the Department in the fire service in Donegal will be considered under future capital programmes and will have regard to the fire authority's priorities, the spread of existing facilities and the totality of demands from other fire authorities for available funding.
300 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to provide for tenant purchase of voluntary housing scheme houses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14284/09]
The provision of accommodation by approved voluntary and co-operative housing bodies is an integral part of my Department's overall response to delivering on social housing need. Local authorities and approved housing bodies are working in close co-operation to deliver an expanded range of social housing options and a wide range of accommodation types to meet the needs of low-income families and persons with special housing needs.
There is no provision at present in the voluntary housing schemes sector for the purchase of individual houses by tenants. However, the Government's housing policy statement, Delivering Homes, Sustaining Communities, indicated that consideration would be given, in consultation with the sector, to piloting a tenant purchase scheme for some new voluntary homes based on the incremental purchase model. The Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, currently before the Oireachtas, includes provision for the introduction of an incremental purchase scheme, and the issues arising in this regard for the voluntary housing sector are being considered in consultation with the Irish Council for Social Housing.
301 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the planning permission granted to a company (details supplied) grants permission for major alterations to the exterior and interiors of protected buildings within the area of a national monument contrary to terms and provisions of the Local Government Planning and Development Acts 1963 to 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14294/09]
I understand the question refers to the proposed development of the former Carlton Cinema Site on Upper O'Connell Street, Dublin.
The proposed development was granted planning permission by Dublin City Council on 15 December 2008 and an appeal against this decision was subsequently made to An Bord Pleanála, where it is currently under consideration.
Under section 30 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, I am precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to any particular case with which a planning authority or the Bord is or may be concerned.
However, any works affecting a national monument, including any excavation or ground disturbance within, around or in proximity to it, require the prior written consent of the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government under the National Monuments Acts. In this regard, I refer to the reply to Question No. 198 of 2 April 2009.
302 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he plans to amend the planning regulations with regard to the height exemption afforded to a wind turbine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14315/09]
The Planning and Development Regulations 2007 and 2008 provide exemptions from planning permission requirements in respect of the use of certain classes of micro-renewable technologies, including wind turbines, in homes and in the industrial, business and agricultural sectors, subject to appropriate conditions.
The main conditions applicable in respect of a wind turbine located within the curtilage of a domestic property are that the turbine cannot be mounted on to the residence or any other structure, its height should not exceed 13 metres and its rotor diameter should not exceed 6 meters. With regard to a wind turbine located within the curtilage of a commercial, industrial or agricultural property, the turbine height should not exceed 20 metres and its rotor diameter should not exceed 8 meters. In all cases, ground clearance should not be less than 3 metres. A summary of the conditions relating to these exemptions is provided below.
The exemptions were based on the results of extensive public consultation and are intended to strike a balance between encouraging uptake of renewable technologies, minimising safety risks and avoiding unfavourable impacts on local amenity.
Currently, I have no proposals to amend the relevant Regulations with regard to planning exemptions for wind turbines.
EXEMPTIONS FOR RENEWABLE TECHNOLOGY
Wind turbines within the curtilage of a domestic property
No exemption for building-mounted turbines
Max height up to 13 m
Rotor diameter up to 6 m
Ground clearance of at least 3 m
Must be turbine height (including the blade of the turbine at the highest point of its arc) plus 1 m from nearest party boundary
Consent of IAA required if within 5 kms of an airfield, etc
Noise levels must be less than 43 db(A) during normal operation
Only 1 per site
No constructed, erected or place forward if the front wall of a house
No logos, and non-reflective finish
Wind turbines within the curtilage of a commercial, industrial or agricultural property
No exemption for building-mounted turbines
Max height up to 20 m
Rotor diameter up to 8 m
Ground clearance of at least 3 m
Must be turbine height plus 5 m from nearest party boundary and non-electrical overhead cables
Must be turbine height plus 20 m from 38 kV lines or own height plus 30 m from lines of 110 kV or more
Consent of IAA required if within 5 kms of an airfield, etc
Noise levels must be less than 43 db(A) at site boundary
Only 1 per site, and not within an ACA
No logos, and non-reflective finish
303 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the cost of providing mobile telephony and PDA services for him in each of the years since 2002, broken down by handset purchase costs, rental and call costs, and other costs; the amount of money which was refunded by him in connection with personal use of these phones, PDAs and Blackberries in each year since 2002 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14531/09]
The information requested in the question is set out in the table from 15 June 2007, the date on which I took office. The information refers to two devices, a mobile phone and a Blackberry.
|
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
|
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
Handset Purchases |
Nil |
361.79 |
Nil |
|
Rental & Call Costs |
1,061.49 |
2,905.67 |
734.83 |
|
Other Costs |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
|
Personal Use Refund |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
304 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of staff with fewer than two years service on 1 March 2009 who gave notice to terminate their employment before 1 April 2009 under section 5 of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14583/09]
No staff in my Department gave notice to terminate their employment before 1 April, 2009 under Section 5 of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act, 2009.
305 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 241 of 11 February 2009 when funds will be allocated to local authorities for the housing aid in respect of old people, the housing adaption grant and the mobility aids grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14619/09]
306 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of applications in County Mayo waiting for funding under the housing aid for older people, the housing adaption grant and the mobility aids grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14620/09]
307 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of funding allocated to each local authority in 2006, 2007 and 2008 to fund the housing aid for older people, the housing adaption grant and the mobility aids grant in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14621/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 305 to 307, inclusive, together.
Allocations to individual local authorities under the Housing Adaptation Grant Schemes for Older People and People with a Disability will be announced following the publication of the Revised Estimates of Public Expenditure 2009.
My Department's involvement with these schemes relates primarily to the recoupment of a proportion of local authority expenditure on the payment of individual grants. The Housing Adaptation Grant Schemes for Older People and People with a Disability, introduced in November 2007, are funded by 80% recoupment available from my Department together with a 20% contribution from the resources of the local authority. In the case of the old Disabled Persons' and Essential Repairs Grant Schemes, these are funded by 67% recoupment available from my Department together with a 33% contribution from the resources of the local authority. The detailed administration of the schemes, including the assessment and approval of applications, is the responsibility of the relevant local authority.
The number of applications on hand in Mayo County Council at end December 2008, representing the most recent data notified to my Department, is set out in the following table.
|
Mayo County Council |
Applications on hands at 31 December 2008 |
|
Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability |
119 |
|
Mobility Aids Grant |
249 |
|
Housing Aid for Older People |
570 |
Information on local authority activity under the Disabled Persons' and Essential Repairs Grant Schemes in 2006 and 2007 is published in my Department's Annual Housing Statistics Bulletins, copies of which are available in the Oireachtas Library and on my Department's website, www.environ.ie. Details of total expenditure by each local authority in 2008 under these schemes and the new Housing Adaptation Grant Schemes for Older People and People with a Disability are set out in the following table.
|
Local Authority |
Total Expenditure |
|
€ |
|
|
Carlow Co. Co. |
2,210,243 |
|
Cavan Co. Co. |
2,263,429 |
|
Clare Co. Co. |
2,994,391 |
|
Cork Co. Co. |
8,190,167 |
|
Donegal Co. Co. |
4,498,646 |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown Co. Co. |
2,363,216 |
|
Fingal Co. Co. |
1,810,511 |
|
Galway Co. Co. |
2,507,826 |
|
Kerry Co. Co. |
3,438,930 |
|
Kildare Co. Co. |
2,717,064 |
|
Kilkenny Co. Co. |
842,574 |
|
Laois Co. Co |
2,644,159 |
|
Leitrim Co. Co. |
1,899,501 |
|
Limerick Co. Co. |
1,694,938 |
|
Longford Co. Co. |
1,370,815 |
|
Louth Co. Co. |
3,003,308 |
|
Mayo Co. Co. |
2,873,236 |
|
Meath Co. Co. |
4,925,214 |
|
Monaghan Co. Co. |
2,091,780 |
|
North Tipperary Co. Co. |
2,098,483 |
|
Offaly Co. Co. |
1,490,016 |
|
Roscommon Co. Co. |
2,352,706 |
|
Sligo Co. Co. |
683,521 |
|
South Dublin Co. Co. |
4,366,756 |
|
South Tipperary Co. Co. |
1,899,916 |
|
Waterford Co. Co. |
2,198,353 |
|
Westmeath Co. Co. |
1,928,541 |
|
Wexford Co. Co. |
2,325,647 |
|
Wicklow Co. Co. |
2,045,305 |
|
Cork City Co. |
2,159,250 |
|
Dublin City Co. |
13,500,685 |
|
Galway City Co. |
1,319,395 |
|
Limerick City Co. |
1,099,910 |
|
Waterford City Co. |
662,286 |
|
Sligo Borough Co. |
414,376 |
308 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if funding has been provided to complete the Ennis-Clarecastle main drainage scheme in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14699/09]
The Ennis /Clarecastle Sewerage Scheme is included for funding in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007 — 2009. My Department has approved, subject to certain amendments, Clare County Council's brief for the appointment of consultants to prepare tender documents for the scheme, and it is now a matter for the Council to arrange to have these documents drawn up.
309 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of people working in the public service under temporary employment contracts on a fixed term basis who will lose their jobs as a consequence of the non-renewal of those contracts due to the moratorium decision announced by the Minister for Finance on 27 March 2009; the organisations in which such terminations will occur; the number of individuals who will lose their jobs as a consequence of this decision; the annual saving that will accrue to the Exchequer as a consequence of the non-renewal of these contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15043/09]
My Department currently employs six people on fixed term contracts. Since end 2008, such contracts have not been renewed, and accordingly, the Department's procedures are already in line with the policy announced by the Minister for Finance.
310 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the proposed formation of a new fishery authority from 1 August 2009, to be called inland fisheries Ireland; the discussions there have been with anglers with regard to this body; if he shares the view which has been expressed that, rather than a new authority, the proper financing of the present system would be more useful; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14570/09]
Following on from the 2009 Budget Day announcement on 14th October 2008 of the rationalisation of State agencies, the Government has now formally approved proposals for the restructuring of the inland fisheries sector, which includes the creation of a single strengthened national inland fisheries authority to be known as Inland Fisheries Ireland. This authority will replace the existing Central and seven Regional Fisheries Boards. A restructuring implementation group which includes representatives of the Central and Regional Fisheries Boards has been established and is developing the key features and structures of the model. Primary legislation is required for this implementation and in this regard a draft Heads of Bill has recently been approved by Government.
I wish to advise the Deputy that I have met with angling representatives on a number of occasions since the announcement last October regarding the proposed restructuring of the sector.
As regards financing I consider that the establishment of a single authority creates the potential for administrative cost savings over time. In addition to financial savings, the new model will consolidate and thus ensure the better use of existing resources and deliver improved value for money management of the State's resource without impacting on the core conservation and management functions currently exercised by the Fisheries Boards.
311 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason broadband is not available to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; when it will be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14066/09]
Broadband service providers operate in a fully liberalised market, regulated, where appropriate, by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg.
Broadband services are available from competing service providers over multiple platforms, including DSL (telephone lines), cable, fixed wireless, and mobile. I understand that the Ogonnelloe general area is served by the service providers listed in the following table:
|
Platform |
Service Provider |
Website |
Phone |
|
Mobile |
3 Ireland |
http://www.three.ie/broadband/index.htm |
1800 330 333 |
|
Wireless |
|||
|
Fast Wireless Internet Limited |
http://www.fwi.ie |
061 240604 |
|
|
Irish Broadband |
http://www.irishbroadband.ie |
1890 564 456 |
|
|
Satellite |
Applied Solutions |
http://www.ADSLnow.ie |
1890 924 854 |
|
Avonline |
Http://www.avonlinebroadband.co.uk |
0044 800 073 110 |
|
|
Broadband Wherever |
http://www.broadbandwherever.net |
0044 800 068 335 |
|
|
Cross Country Broadband Limited |
http://www.crosscountrybroadband.com |
053 92 55428 |
|
|
Digiweb Satellite |
http://www.broadband.digiweb.ie |
042 939 3300 |
|
|
e3 Broadband |
http://www.e3broadband.ie |
1850 303333 |
|
|
Ehotspot |
http://www.ehotspot.ie |
0044 4262 409109 |
|
|
Eircom Satellite |
http://eircom.ie |
1901 |
|
|
Platform |
Service Provider |
Website |
Phone |
|
Fastnet Broadband Satellite |
http://www.fastnetbroadband.com |
01 2303746 |
|
|
Media Satellite Ireland Limited |
http://www.mediasat.ie |
1850 202144 |
|
|
National Broadband Limited |
http://www.nbb.ie |
045 982130 |
|
|
Orbitlink |
http://www.orbitlink.ie |
01 8601995 |
|
|
Pure Telecom Satellite |
http://www.puretelecom.ie |
01 2895555 |
|
|
Satellite Broadband Ireland |
http://www.satellitebroadbandireland.ie |
044 9372514 |
312 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the payments made to senior officials in his Department under the performance related pay scheme for each of the years 2005 to 2008, inclusive; if he has approved the payments for 2008; if so, the date of this approval; the date of the approval of payments relating to 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14214/09]
My Department, which was established in June 2007, paid a total of €41,100 to 3 Assistant Secretaries in early 2008 in respect of the performance for 2007 under the Civil Service Performance Awards Scheme. Details of the operation of the scheme are available in the annual reports of the Committee for Performance Awards, which can be accessed on the website of the Department of Finance at the following link: http://www.finance.gov.ie. No payments under this scheme have been made in respect of 2008.
313 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when he envisages that broadband will be available in Kilmacanogue, County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14228/09]
Broadband service providers operate in a fully liberalised market, regulated, where appropriate, by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg. Broadband services are available from competing service providers over multiple platforms, including DSL (telephone lines), cable, fixed wireless, and mobile. I understand that the Kilmacanogue general area is served by the service providers listed in the table.
|
Platform |
Service Provider |
Website |
Phone |
|
DSL |
BT |
http://www.btireland.ie |
1800 923 923 |
|
Digiweb DSL |
http://dsl.digiweb.ie |
1800 28 58 28 |
|
|
Eircom DSL |
http://www.eircom.ie |
1800 242 633 |
|
|
Imagine Broadband |
http://www.imagine.ie |
1890 92 92 92 |
|
|
Irish Broadband |
http://www.irishbroadband.ie |
1890 56 44 56 |
|
|
Perlico |
http://www.perlico.com |
1890 25 21 48 |
|
|
Mobile |
3 Ireland |
http://www.three.ie/broadband/index.htm |
1800 330 333 |
|
O2 Ireland |
http://www.o2.ie/broadband |
1800 886 086 |
|
|
Wireless |
Regional Broadband Ireland |
http://www.regionalbroadband.ie |
18944044050 |
|
Digiweb |
http://Digiweb.ie |
042 9393300 |
|
|
Irish Broadband |
http://Irishbroadband.ie |
1890564456 |
|
|
Satellite |
Applied Solutions |
http://www.ADSLnow.ie |
1890 924 854 |
|
Avonline |
http://www.avonlinebroadband.co.uk |
0044 800 073 1102 |
|
|
Broadband Wherever |
http://www.broadbandwherever.net |
0044 800 068 3358 |
|
|
Cross Country Broadband Ltd |
http://www.crosscountrybroadband.com |
053 925 5428 |
|
|
Digiweb Satellite |
http://broadband.digiweb.ie |
042 939 3300 |
|
|
e3 Broadband |
http://www.e3broadband.ie |
1850 303 333 |
|
|
ehotspot |
http://www.ehotspot.ie |
0044 1262 409 109 |
|
|
Eircom |
http://www.eircom.ie |
1800 242 633 |
|
|
Fastnet Broadband Satellite |
http://www.fastnetbroadband.com |
01 2303 746 |
|
|
Media Satellite Ireland Ltd |
http://www.mediasat.ie |
1850 202 144 |
|
|
National Broadband Ltd |
http://nbb.ie |
045 982 130 |
|
|
Orblink |
http://www.orblink.ie |
01 860 1995 |
|
|
Pure Telecom Satellite |
http://www.puretelecom.ie |
01 289 5555 |
|
|
Satellite Broadband Ireland. Ltd |
http://www.satellitebroadbandireland |
044 937 2514 |
314 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide funding in the form of an EOSG grant to a student (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14285/09]
The Expanded Offshore Support Group (EOSG) is an industry supported research fund which is managed by my Department and is focused on hydrocarbon exploration and production research. Part of the EOSG remit involves the occasional provision of financial assistance to individual students towards the cost of postgraduate studies which are relevant to this field of research.
Applications for EOSG funding must be made in advance of the commencement of courses. The case referred to was refused funding on the grounds that it was in respect of a course of study that had already been substantially completed.
315 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the cost of providing mobile telephony and PDA services for him in each of the years since 2002, broken down by handset purchase costs, rental and call costs, and other costs; the amount of money which was refunded by him in connection with personal use of these phones, PDAs and Blackberries in each year since 2002 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14526/09]
Since I took office in June 2007 the following are the costs associated with my use of mobile telephony:
|
2007 June – December |
2008 |
2009 to date |
|
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
Device Purchase |
80 |
80 |
Nil |
|
Rental |
217.80 |
422.39 |
154.31 |
|
Call costs |
275.93 |
515.56 |
132.46 |
|
Total |
493.73 |
937.95 |
286.77 |
|
Reimbursement |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
316 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of staff with less than two years service on 1 March 2009 who gave notice to terminate their employment before 1 April 2009 under section 5 of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14578/09]
No member of staff in my Department with less than two years service on 1 March 2009 has given notice to terminate their employment before 1 April 2009 under section 5 of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009.
317 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if, further to his press release of 24 January 2009, he will confirm the expansion of the REFIT scheme to include a 12% per KwH feed and tariff for the use of CHP biomass systems; his position on the introduction of a REFIT tariff for co-firing of biomass and peat burning power stations; the way he will support the introduction of co-firing while ensuring that the generation companies do not retard the biomass matter by engaging in uncompetitive raw material pricing while having a dominant position in the market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14758/09]
The REFIT category of Biomass Combined Heat and Power and Anerobic Digestion with a tariff of €0.12 per kilowatt-hour is comparable with similar supports schemes operating within the EU. My Department has sought proposals, from individuals who have expressed an interest in developing projects in this category, on appropriate qualifying conditions and an appropriate timeline for commissioning projects in this category which may extend beyond the 2010 deadline under the current REFIT rules.
My Department has no evidence to suggest that any electricity producer is engaging in an uncompetitive pricing for biomass products to generate electricity. Bord na Mona is currently engaged in a pilot co-firing project which is examining the suitability of different types of biomass in co-firing with peat.
The existing ESB and Bord na Mona plants generating electricity from peat will not qualify as CHP plants nor are there proposals to extend the REFIT scheme to those peat-powered for co-firing biomass with peat in electricity production.
318 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the way he will ensure that companies which wish to connect to the national grid, and which intend to generate power using biomass as a fuel can get an agreed connection offer in a timely manner which does not lead to a significant time delay, similar to that being experienced in the wind market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14759/09]
Last December the Commission for Energy Regulation published a decision to require the network providers to offer connections for a further 3900 megawatts of renewable energy powered electricity generating plant. This capacity is additional to the 1500 megawatts with connection offers in the REFIT support programme and the approximately 1400 megawatts of such plant already connected to the electricity grid.
In addition, the CER has recently published a consultation paper on an alternative connection process for small scale and low carbon projects up to 1 megawatt (CER/09/044) which is likely to be of benefit to suitably sized local biomass proposals.
The Bio-energy Group which is a subgroup of the Renewable Energy Development Group, and includes both industry and representative association members is currently reviewing all issues inherent in the development of the national bio-energy resource including access to the grid.
319 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of people working in the public service under temporary employment contracts on a fixed term basis who will lose their jobs as a consequence of the non-renewal of those contracts due to the moratorium decision announced by the Minister for Finance on 27 March 2009; the organisations in which such terminations will occur; the number of individuals who will lose their jobs as a consequence of this decision; the annual saving that will accrue to the Exchequer as a consequence of the non-renewal of these contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15038/09]
There are currently 4 staff working in my Department under temporary fixed term contracts. In line with the terms of the moratorium announced by the Government on the 27th March, my Department will consider each position at the time of the expiry of each individual contract and will engage with the Department of Finance where it is considered necessary to make a case for the renewal or extension of that contract. Employment contract issues in the state bodies/agencies under my Department's remit are a day to day matter for the organisations in question.
320 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved and awardedREPS 4. [14064/09]
REPS 4 is a measure under the current Rural Development Programme 2007-13 and is subject to EU Regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications to be completed before the first payments issue. The first payments for 2008 REPS 4 applications issued in the last week of January to those whose applications required no correction following the administrative checks. Further payments continue to be made as applications are cleared. Queries have arisen during the administrative checks on the plan of the person named and it is currently under further examination.
321 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the outcome of the analysis by his Department of on-farm deaths in cattle in County Limerick with specific reference to the Askeaton-Ballysteen-Cappagh areas for the period 2003 to 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14072/09]
An analysis of notified on-farm cattle deaths in County Limerick in the period 2003 to 2008 indicate that on-farm deaths in the Askeaton/Ballysteen/Cappagh area are approximately 25% less than the average for County Limerick as a whole, and are only 50% of those of the average of the ten DEDs with the highest mortality rates over the period. Submissions to the Limerick Regional Veterinary Laboratory have also been examined and there is no evidence to indicate that a higher than normal proportion of these have come from the Askeaton/Ballysteen/Cappagh area.
322 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the outcome of an appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow for single farm payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14073/09]
A review of this case was carried out by my Department. The original decision was upheld and this was notified to the appellant on the 12th of March 2009. The Appellant was advised that if he was dissatisfied with this decision, he could appeal to the Agriculture Appeals Office within three months. To-date, the Agriculture Appeals Office has not received an appeal from the appellant.
323 Deputy Brendan Kenneally asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, when the young farmers installation aid scheme is reintroduced at some stage in the future, those young farmers who will have gone past 35 years during the intervening period will be allowed to qualify at that time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14092/09]
The Young Farmers' Installation Scheme was closed to new applicants on 14 October 2008. If and when the Scheme is reopened changes to the terms of the Scheme can be considered at that stage. I have no immediate plans to reopen entry to this scheme at this time.
324 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has made an application to the EU Commission to remove brucellosis restrictions in view of the disease free status here later in April 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14096/09]
The last confirmed case of Brucellosis was disclosed in April 2006. In view of the decline in the incidence of Brucellosis, my Department submitted an application for Official Brucellosis Status (OBF) for Ireland to the European Commission's Health and Consumers Directorate General on 31 March 2009. Achievement of OBF status would allow us to significantly reduce the level of testing for Brucellosis but, given the nature of the disease and having regard to the fact that Brucellosis continues to exist in Northern Ireland, I intend to adopt a cautious approach to any reduction in the controls. The controls will be reduced on a phased basis over a number of years and will be based on an assessment of the risks involved.
My Department has held discussions with the farming organisations on the most appropriate approach to take to a relaxation of the control measures over the coming years in the context of the achievement of Officially Brucellosis Free status. I will take the views of the farm body representatives into account when taking definitive decisions on the issue.
325 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the discussions he has had with his UK counterpart regarding the killing of Irish live exported cattle in British meat plants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14097/09]
Trade in meat and live cattle, and commercial decisions on the slaughtering of cattle are a matter for the industry.
Live cattle exports to the UK, in the first three months of 2009, totalled some 14,000 head, over 156% up on the same period last year. The main reasons for this increase were reduced cattle availability and higher returns on the market.
326 Deputy Beverley Flynn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo has not received his or her suckler cow premium. [14101/09]
The person named had 6 animals for consideration under the 2008 Suckler Welfare Scheme. It is a condition of the scheme that calves must be at least 10 weeks of age before they can be sold. As each of the 6 calves was sold at less than 10 weeks of age, they will not qualify under the scheme.
327 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will receive his or her REPS 4 payment in view of the fact that his or her REPS 3 finished in 2007 and he or she has received no payment since; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14104/09]
REPS 4 is a measure under the current Rural Development Programme 2007-13 and is subject to EU Regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications to be completed before the first payments issue. The first payments for 2008 REPS 4 applications issued in the last week of January to those whose applications required no correction following the administrative checks. Further payments continue to be made as applications are cleared.
Queries have arisen during the administrative checks on the plan of the person named and it is currently under further examination.
328 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of farmers on a county basis who have applied for REPS 4; the number who have been issued payment in full on a county basis; the number in each county who have received the 75% payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14112/09]
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. Where a valid application was submitted, advance payments of 75% under the EU regulations governing REPS 4 issued when all administrative checks on all 2008 applications for REPS 4 and the Single Payment Scheme were completed. 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. The balancing 25% payment will be made as soon as possible.
The following table shows a breakdown by county of applications currently being processed by my Department, and payments issued up to 3rd April, payments continue to issue weekly.
|
County |
Plans being processed |
No of payments (75%) |
|
Carlow |
105 |
54 |
|
Cavan |
408 |
218 |
|
Clare |
576 |
483 |
|
Cork |
1,191 |
687 |
|
Donegal |
903 |
835 |
|
Dublin |
15 |
10 |
|
Galway |
1,293 |
746 |
|
Kerry |
824 |
259 |
|
Kildare |
126 |
78 |
|
Kilkenny |
255 |
166 |
|
Laois |
235 |
218 |
|
Leitrim |
334 |
93 |
|
Limerick |
475 |
348 |
|
Longford |
353 |
232 |
|
Louth |
85 |
65 |
|
Mayo |
1,299 |
397 |
|
Meath |
205 |
130 |
|
Monaghan |
365 |
283 |
|
Offaly |
289 |
144 |
|
Roscommon |
678 |
420 |
|
Sligo |
446 |
352 |
|
Tipperary (NR) |
299 |
219 |
|
Tipperary (SR) |
376 |
234 |
|
Waterford |
306 |
113 |
|
Westmeath |
244 |
167 |
|
Wexford |
296 |
161 |
|
Wicklow |
148 |
28 |
|
Total |
12,129 |
7,140 |
329 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway has not received his or her REPS 4 payment; if his or her file has been sent for payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14172/09]
REPS 4 is a measure under the current Rural Development Programme 2007-13 and is subject to EU Regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications to be completed before the first payments issue. The first payments for 2008 REPS 4 applications issued in the last week of January to those whose applications required no correction following the administrative checks. Further payments continue to be made as applications are cleared.
Queries have arisen during the administrative checks on the plan of the person named and it is currently under further examination.
330 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the payments made to senior officials in his Department under the performance-related pay scheme for each of the years 2005 to 2008, inclusive; if he has approved the payments for 2008; if so, the date of this approval; the date of the approval of payments relating to 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14212/09]
Performance-related awards apply to Assistant Secretaries and equivalent grades in my Department. Details of awards for the years 2005 to 2007 are set out in the annual reports of the Committee for Performance Awards which are available from the Department of Finance website (www.finance.gov.ie).
Payment of the 2007 performance related awards was approved by the Department of Finance on 16th April 2008. The Minister for Finance announced in the Dáil on 5 February 2009 the discontinuation of the performance awards scheme for Assistant Secretaries, Deputy Secretary and related grades subject to consultation with the relevant staff associations. Pending consideration of the outcome of these consultations, the current position is that no assessments or payments have been made for effective performances carried out in 2008.
331 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be awarded REPS 4. [14226/09]
Payment issued to the person named on 3 April.
332 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when persons (details supplied) in County Mayo will be awarded REPS 4. [14227/09]
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.
333 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be granted REPS 4. [14235/09]
Payment issued to the person named on 13 March.
334 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be granted REPS 4. [14236/09]
Payment will issue to the person named in the next ten days.
335 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14290/09]
The person named applied for 9 animals under the Suckler Welfare Scheme. A number of errors were identified with the application. My Department wrote to the applicant in January regarding these errors. No response has been received to date. A further letter has now been issued with a view to resolving the matter.
336 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his proposals to pursue at EU level a guaranteed floor price per litre for dairy farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14313/09]
Dairy farmers incomes are comprised of the market price paid for milk and direct income support from the EU. Market forces have a major influence on the price paid for milk. World market prices determine the returns received by dairy processors and these in turn are reflected in the price paid to farmers. In essence, farm gate prices normally reflect the returns from international markets of dairy product sales.
Dairy product prices reached record high levels in 2007 and early 2008 and producer prices also peaked in that time. Since then international dairy product prices have fallen back considerably. I have made clear to Commissioner Fischer Boel that a range of supports would help to restore confidence and put a floor under market prices. My efforts so far have resulted in the restoration of export refunds for butter, skimmed milk powder, whole milk powder and cheese, the early opening of APS for butter, and the operation of butter intervention purchasing at close to the intervention price. I believe that the key elements that will lead a recovery are competitive export refunds that allow the sale of dairy products onto world markets and the continuation of intervention under the tendering mechanism provided that these arrangements remain relatively attractive.
At the recent meeting of the Agriculture Council in March the Commission was reminded forcefully by me and other Ministers of the importance of fully using all available supports to manage the market in the coming period. I will continue to monitor developments in the dairy sector closely and intervene again with the Commissioner as the market situation evolves.
337 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive payment under REPS 4; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14469/09]
REPS 4 is a measure under the current Rural Development Programme 2007-13 and is subject to EU Regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications to be completed before the first payments issue. The first payments for 2008 REPS 4 applications issued in the last week of January to those whose applications required no correction following the administrative checks. Further payments continue to be made as applications are cleared.
Queries have arisen during the administrative checks on the plan of the person named and it is currently under further examination.
338 Deputy John Cregan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when an application to his Department by a person (details supplied) in County Limerick for a herd number will be processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14488/09]
The applicant applied for a herd number to Limerick DVO on 30th June, 2006. To date the applicant has not complied with all requirements associated with the granting of a new herd number and has been advised by an officer of this Department of the requirements in this regard on a number of occasions.
The application will be processed further on receipt of the required information.
339 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will investigate the level of grant aid payable under a farm waste management application for a person (details supplied); if in view of the death of the original applicant and the fact that their successor is under 35 years and a young qualified farmer, they will be entitled to the higher rate of grant payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14501/09]
The terms of the original approval issued by my Department in this case will be applicable in the circumstances referred to by the Deputy, subject to the completed works being in compliance with the terms and conditions of the Farm Waste Management Scheme.
340 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on changing EC Regulation 1198/2006 regarding the definition of farmed fish; if he is satisfied that under the terms of the regulation, no farmed fish are being labelled as wild and that consumer interests are adequately protected by this regulation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14502/09]
I believe the present labelling legislation does indeed provide the necessary strength to protect consumers with regard to the labelling of fishery products.
The regulation referred to by the deputy deals with the establishment of the European Fisheries Fund (EFF) and defines the framework for Community support for the sustainable development of the fisheries sector, fisheries areas and inland fishing. The issue of labelling of fisheries products is, however, governed by S.I. No. 320 of 2003 which gives effect to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No. 104/2000 and to Commission Regulation (EC) No. 2065/2001 laying down the conditions for informing consumers about fishery and aquaculture products.
The Regulations set out the specific information required on the label where fishery products are sold at retail level to consumers. In addition, for the purposes of traceability, this information must be included on the commercial documents for the fishery products throughout the marketing chain, such as during processing, at wholesale level and for use by mass caterers.
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) have a primary role in the enforcement of these regulations and have published a guidance note on the labelling of Fishery and Aquaculture Products which is available on their website. The guide specifically details the labelling and packaging requirements for fishery and aquaculture products and may be consulted for a more detailed guide to the legislation.
In brief the labelling requirements of the Regulations apply only to raw fish and aquaculture products to which no other ingredients have been added (except salt). This includes live fish, fresh fish, chilled and frozen fish, fish fillets and other fish meat (whether minced or not), dried fish, salted or brined fish, smoked fish (whether hot or cold smoked fish), crustaceans (except those which are both cooked and peeled), molluscs (except when cooked). Each label is required to indicate where the "wild fish" was caught at sea and in the case of aquaculture products where they were "farmed" or "cultivated".
Recently a case brought against a company for breach of the regulations was dismissed, not for salmon labelling issues but because the judge felt that the evidence put before her did not adequately prove that the salmon was farmed as set out in European Council Regulation 1198/2006. I understand that FSAI and Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) are reviewing the case in its totality and the implications arising, I await their findings.
In another case brought against the same company, they admitted falsely describing fish as being "caught at sea" when they were in fact farmed and declaring that particular fish were caught in the north-east Atlantic Ocean when they were in fact captured in Norway.
I take these instances as evidence that the FSAI are active in their role of protecting consumers from misleading labelling. I also believe that the legislation is robust enough to support this. Potential damage to Ireland by companies trying to manipulate legislation to gain some sort of competitive advantage must be prevented and any such activities will not be condoned.
In the overall context, I would favour strengthening of the current labelling EU Regulations to ensure that there is more information available to the consumer. I am particularly interested in ensuring that the consumer has enough information to understand where fish have been caught. It should enable the consumer to make an informed choice and I will be pursuing these issues at EU level.
341 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will be granted their REPS 3; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14503/09]
Payment will issue to the person named within the next 10 days.
342 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be granted REPS 4. [14515/09]
REPS 4 is a measure under the current Rural Development Programme 2007-13 and is subject to EU Regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications to be completed before the first payments issue. The first payments for 2008 REPS 4 applications issued in the last week of January to those whose applications required no correction following the administrative checks. Further payments continue to be made as applications are cleared.
Queries have arisen during the administrative checks on the plan of the person named and it is currently under further examination.
343 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the cost of providing mobile telephony and PDA services for him in each of the years since 2002, broken down by handset purchase costs, rental and call costs, and other costs; the amount of money which was refunded by him in connection with personal use of these phones, PDAs and Blackberries in each year since 2002 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14524/09]
The cost to this Department of providing mobile telephony and PDA services to me during my tenure as Minister (and Junior Minister) in each of the years since 2002 is set out in the Table:
|
Year |
Rental & Call Costs |
Handset Purchase Costs |
Other Costs |
Monies Refunded for Telephony Services |
Totals |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
2002 |
N/A |
N/A |
|||
|
2003 |
N/A |
N/A |
|||
|
2004 |
257.06 |
371.47 |
628.53 |
||
|
2005 |
2,420.37 |
216.59 |
2,636.96 |
||
|
2006 |
3,490.73 |
349.69 |
215.37 |
4,055.79 |
|
|
2007 |
1,882.09 |
95.59 |
313 |
1,977.68 |
|
|
2008 |
2,347.02 |
2,347.02 |
|||
|
2009 |
1,202.11 |
1,202.11 |
|||
|
Overall |
11,599.38 |
816.75 |
431.96 |
313 |
12,535.09 |
344 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the changes being proposed by his Department and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in respect of the nitrates regulations; if it is proposed that additional inspection powers will be given to other bodies, rather than having all such inspections and examinations carried out by his Department in order to ensure on-farm compliance checks; if, in this context such proposals would amount to duplication of inspections which his Department conducts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14556/09]
The new Nitrates Regulations, which revise and replace the Regulations made in 2006 and 2007, were made by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government on 26 March 2009. The Regulations were developed by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in conjunction with my Department following a comprehensive public consultation process and are intended to address two main issues.
Arising from a judgement by the European Court of Justice in relation to the Dangerous Substances Directive, changes to the Regulations were necessary to provide for strengthened enforcement provisions and more specific requirements in relation to farmyard management. The new Regulations also provide the legal basis for the operation by my Department of the derogation under the Nitrates Directive and make a number of other amendments.
In relation to enforcement provisions, the new Regulations strengthen the enforcement powers of local authorities. The local authorities were designated as the competent authorities under the 2005 and 2006 Regulations and they remain the designated competent authorities for the purposes of the new Regulations.
The Regulations also provide for enhanced cross-reporting arrangements between the local authorities and my Department. However, my Department's role in implementation of the Regulations is confined to cross-compliance inspections under the Single Payment Scheme and the operation of the derogation arrangements.
345 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when payment will issue for the early farm retirement scheme to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14559/09]
The application in question is being examined with a view to being finalized shortly. The person named will be informed of the outcome once this examination is complete.
346 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a REPS 4 payment will be made to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14560/09]
REPS 4 is a measure under the current Rural Development Programme 2007-13 and is subject to EU Regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications to be completed before the first payments issue. The first payments for 2008 REPS 4 applications issued in the last week of January to those whose applications required no correction following the administrative checks. Further payments continue to be made as applications are cleared.
Queries have arisen during the administrative checks on the plan of the person named and it is currently under further examination.
347 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when payment for the REP scheme will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [14563/09]
Payment will issue to the person named within the next 10 days.
348 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of staff with fewer than two years service on 1 March 2009 who gave notice to terminate their employment before 1 April 2009 under section 5 of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14576/09]
No Staff with less than two years service in my Department gave notice to terminate their employment before 1 April 2009 under Section 5 of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act, 2009.
349 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement regarding a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [14593/09]
Officials in my Department's local office have been in contact with the person named and his file is currently being reviewed.
350 Deputy John Cregan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a payment of a suckler cow grant will be made to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14597/09]
The person named applied for 10 animals under the Suckler Welfare Scheme. A number of errors were identified with the application and my Department wrote to the applicant. No response has been received to date. An official from my Department will contact him again.
351 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will outline and describe grants for aquaculture activities, including fish farming which have been allocated by his Department or any agency acting on behalf of his Department, in accordance with EU programmes or national programmes to companies (details supplied) in the past 15 years; if he will in respect of each company state the address of the company, the area of operation for which the grant was made, the year or years the grant was made, the money approved and the money granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14650/09]
The information requested by the Deputy will be forwarded to him as soon as possible.
352 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food further to Parliamentary Question No. 150 of 1 April 2009 when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be granted the first 40% of the farm waste management grant. [14652/09]
Payment of the first instalment of 40 per cent will issue in this case following approval by my Department of the payment claim concerned.
353 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food further to Parliamentary Question No. 244 of 19 February 2009, if he will release funds to the person concerned in view of the fact that they were inspected in January 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14670/09]
Payment will issue shortly from my Department in relation to the application by the person concerned for grant-aid under the Farm Waste Management Scheme.
354 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason for the delay in issuing payment under REP scheme three to a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon; when payment will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14671/09]
Payment will issue to the person named within the next ten days.
355 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of people working in the public service under temporary employment contracts on a fixed term basis who will lose their jobs as a consequence of the non-renewal of those contracts due to the moratorium decision announced by the Minister for Finance on 27 March 2009; the organisations in which such terminations will occur; the number of individuals who will lose their jobs as a consequence of this decision; the annual saving that will accrue to the Exchequer as a consequence of the non-renewal of these contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15036/09]
There are currently 18 members of staff with fixed-term contracts in my Department. As a result of the moratorium and the ongoing business requirements of my Department 17 of these contracts will not be renewed in 2009 and 1 in 2011. The saving to the exchequer in terms of salary will be approximately €450,000.
356 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science when he will allocate funding for the redevelopment of a school (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14071/09]
The school to which the Deputy refers is one of 10 projects announced in January to be re-tendered with a view to going on site as soon as possible. For this project to go to construction it needs to be re-tendered under the new Department of Finance form of contract for public capital projects. The prequalification advertisement has recently been published inviting expressions of interest. My Department has been in contact with the school authority in this regard.
357 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will support a school (details supplied) in Dublin 9. [14081/09]
The school referred to by the Deputy got a new system built accommodation in 2008 which is suitable for its current needs. My Department acquired the site for the school and has provided funding of approximately €1.2 million including building costs,design team fees and furniture and equipment.
358 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will support a matter (details supplied). [14082/09]
The Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) provides full-time second-chance education and training opportunities for unemployed adults who are over the age of 21 and in receipt of specified social welfare payments for at least six months. VTOS is funded by my Department and operated through the 33 Vocational Education Committees (VECs). Its primary target groups are the longer-term unemployed, the low-skilled and disadvantaged.
In relation to the issue raised in the letter referred to by the Deputy, there are currently 5,000 approved places on VTOS nationwide. VTOS places are allocated to VECs on an annual basis and it is a matter for VECs to allocate those places to their colleges and institutions. Due to the difficult budgetary position it was not possible to allocate further funding to increase the number of places this year. Any possible future expansion of VTOS would have to take account of the present and prospective economic and budgetary context and related financial constraints.
359 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will meet persons (details supplied) in County Wicklow. [14091/09]
I wish to advise the Deputy that, as the persons in question have appealed the decision previously made by the High Court in relation to a case taken by them against the Minister for Education & Science to the Supreme Court, it would be inappropriate for me to comment on the case or to meet with them at the present time.
360 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the position of an application by persons (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14093/09]
The case referred to by the Deputy in the details supplied relates to catchment boundary transport. Under the terms of my Department's Post Primary School Transport Scheme, pupils who are eligible for transport to the education centre in the catchment area in which they reside may avail of ‘catchment boundary' transport to a post-primary centre in another catchment area provided spare seats are available on the school bus. The Transport Liaison Officer for Co. Kildare has advised that he has not yet received an application for catchment boundary transport for a second child in the family referred to by the Deputy.
In general, such tickets are allocated on a "first come first served" basis. The family should liaise with the Transport Liaison Officer in Co. Kildare VEC in relation to the availability of catchment boundary tickets. Such an application, if received, will be processed in the normal manner.
361 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science when a decision will be reached on the appeal of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford in the matter of the decision by Waterford County Council to discontinue their third level grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14103/09]
My Department has received an appeal from the candidate referred to by the Deputy which is currently under review and it is anticipated a reply will issue to the student shortly.
362 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science when he will acquire lands for permanent buildings in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14123/09]
My Department has requested Fingal County Council to acquire a permanent site for the school in question under the Fingal Memorandum Agreement. The acquisition of the site will be dependant on the successful outcome of negotiations held by the local authority and will also need to be considered in the context of the capital budget available to my Department for school buildings generally.
363 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in providing a new sports hall and extension for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15. [14124/09]
The building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is at an early stage of architectural planning. The progression of all large scale building projects from initial design stage through to tender and construction, including this project, will be considered in the context of my Department's Multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. In light of current competing demands on my Department's capital budget, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the completion of the project at this time.
364 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in providing a news sports halls and extension for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15. [14125/09]
A major capital project for the School to which the Deputy refers is currently an early stage of architectural planning. The progression of all large scale building projects from initial design stage through to tender and construction, including this project, will be considered in the context of my Department's Multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. In light of current competing demands on my Department's capital budget, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the completion of the project at this time.
365 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in providing an extension for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15. [14126/09]
A project for the school to which the Deputy refers has been approved for the appointment of a Design Team. This process is under way and is expected to be completed shortly.
366 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in providing an extension and car park for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15. [14127/09]
A major capital project for the School to which the Deputy refers is currently an early stage of architectural planning. The progression of all large scale building projects from initial design stage through to tender and construction, including this project, will be considered in the context of my Department's Multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. In light of current competing demands on my Department's capital budget, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the completion of the project at this time.
367 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 1472 and 1473 of 27 January 2009, the progress in purchasing this site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14128/09]
I am advised that my Department is in ongoing discussions with the CSSO in order to progress the acquisition of this site. The Deputy will appreciate that due to the commercial sensitivity attaching to the site acquisition process, I am not in a position to elaborate further at this point in time. The further progression of the acquisition of the site in question will also need to be considered in the context of the capital budget available to my Department for school buildings generally.
368 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science if a contract has been signed for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14129/09]
The project to which the Deputy refers is a new 24 classroom primary school plus ancillary accommodation. Following an initial pre-qualification process, tenders were invited and six valid tenders were returned. The valid tenders are currently being examined and, while this process is ongoing, it is not appropriate to provide any further detail concerning the tenders. Subject to the necessary technical and financial approvals, it is expected that I will be in a position to place a contract in the near future.
369 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will allow a primary school (details supplied) in County Waterford to retain its third language support teacher; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14136/09]
374 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of language support teaching posts that have been withdrawn in areas (details supplied) in County Dublin; the schools this is affecting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14176/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 369 and 374 together.
In light of the Budget 2009 decision my Department has now published a circular for schools which sets out how the new arrangements will operate for the allocation of language support teachers from September 2009. The circular sets out a structured and transparent approach for the operation of the alleviation measures that were announced in the budget for schools that have a significant concentration of newcomer pupils. The alleviation measures mean that these schools can qualify for up to 4 language support posts with the possibility of additional post(s) also being approved through the independent staffing appeals mechanism.
Schools can now apply to my Department in the normal way for language support posts. These posts are approved on a provisional basis initially and will be confirmed in September 2009 following receipt from the schools of actual enrolments of pupils requiring language support. It is estimated that notwithstanding the budget measures there will be over 1,400 language support teaching posts in our primary and post-primary 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.
370 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 41 of 26 February 2009, when he will forward on the requested information; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14140/09]
The Parliamentary Question to which the Deputy refers relates to the number of retired officials and inspectors from my Department who have been appointed to various boards in which my Department can make such appointments, and the number of appointments made in each year over the past five years. A reply to the Parliamentary Question issued to Deputy Shortall on the 26th March 2009. The information supplied to Deputy Shortall is as follows.
|
Year |
Board/Description of role |
Number retired officials |
|
2004 |
Middletown Centre for Autism (holding) Company |
1 |
|
Selection Boards for Designated Community Colleges and Community Schools |
32 |
|
|
Early Retirement Consultative Council/Early Retirement Advisory Committee |
1 |
|
|
Total retired Officials & Inspectors appointed in 2004 |
34 |
|
|
2005 |
Middletown Centre for Autism (holding) Company |
1 |
|
Selection Boards for Designated Community Colleges and Community Schools |
32 |
|
|
Early Retirement Consultative Council/Early Retirement Advisory Committee |
1 |
|
|
Total retired Officials & Inspectors appointed in 2005 |
34 |
|
|
2006 |
Middletown Centre for Autism (holding) Company |
1 |
|
Selection Boards for Designated Community Colleges and Community Schools |
34 |
|
|
Early Retirement Consultative Council/Early Retirement Advisory Committee |
1 |
|
|
Total retired Officials & Inspectors appointed in 2006 |
36 |
|
|
2007 |
Middletown Centre for Autism (holding) Company |
1 |
|
Middletown Centre for Autism Ltd |
1 |
|
|
Selection Boards for Designated Community Colleges and Community Schools |
34 |
|
|
Early Retirement Consultative Council/Early Retirement Advisory Committee |
1 |
|
|
Total retired Officials & Inspectors appointed in 2007 |
37 |
|
|
2008 |
Middletown Centre for Autism (holding) Company |
1 |
|
Middletown Centre for Autism Ltd |
1 |
|
|
School Transport Appeals Board (Re-appointed for 3 year term) |
1 |
|
|
Selection Boards for Designated Community Colleges and Community Schools |
34 |
|
|
Early Retirement Consultative Council/Early Retirement Advisory Committee |
1 |
|
|
Total retired Officials & Inspectors appointed in 2008 |
38 |
371 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Education and Science the criteria used to upgrade an institute of education to university status; and the cost involved in this process. [14142/09]
The establishment of additional universities is governed by Section 9 of the Universities Act, 1997, which states that the Government may, at any time, appoint a body, the membership of which shall be recommended by An tÚdarás (the Higher Education Authority) and shall include international experts and national experts, including employees of universities to which this Act applies, to advise An tÚdarás on whether, having regard to the objects and functions of a university under sections 12 and 13 of the Universities Act, an educational institution should be established as a university. While it is not possible to accurately predict the cost of the process, it could be expected that costs would arise in relation to expenses for members of the review body and possible related costs.
372 Deputy Seán Ardagh asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will include a school (details supplied) in Dublin 8 in DEIS band 1, as requested by the principal and chairperson of the board of management in view of the disadvantages in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14169/09]
DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) the action plan for educational inclusion, provides for a standardised system for identifying levels of disadvantage and a new integrated School Support Programme (SSP). DEIS brings together and builds upon a number of existing interventions in schools with concentrated levels of disadvantage. The process of identifying schools for participation in DEIS was managed by the Educational Research Centre (ERC) on behalf of my Department and was supported by quality assurance work co-ordinated through the Department's regional offices and the Inspectorate.
The school referred to by the Deputy has DEIS Urban Band 2 status and therefore qualifies for a range of supports including the following:
additional non-pay/capitation allocation based on level of disadvantage;
additional financial allocation for school books;
access to numeracy/literacy supports and programmes;
access to Home School Community Liaison services;
access to School Completion Programme;
access to a range of professional development and planning supports;
access to the school meals programme.
A review mechanism was put in place in 2006 to address the concerns of schools that were dissatisfied with their DEIS classification. The review process operated under the direction of an independent person, charged with ensuring that all relevant identification processes and procedures were properly followed in the case of schools applying for a review. The review was concluded and the results were notified to schools who applied for the review in August, 2006. There was an application for review received from the school to which the Deputy refers. Regrettably, the school was unsuccessful in that process. The next identification process is scheduled to be held at the end of the current DEIS programme which runs from 2006-2010. There will not be an opportunity before this for the school to be considered for reclassification from DEIS Band 2 to DEIS Band 1.
373 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teaching posts that have been withdrawn in schools in areas (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14175/09]
390 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will intervene to personally ensure that the third teacher at a school (details supplied) in County Donegal is not placed on a redeployment panel in 2009; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the school will have 49 students on its roll in September 2009; his views on whether placing the third teacher on a redeployment panel would be most injudicious, in view of the fact that the third teacher will be required in September 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14568/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 373 and 390 together.
The budget measures will impact on individual schools in different ways depending on whether enrolment is rising or declining and the degree to which any one school has more teachers than it is entitled to under the allocation processes. In terms of the position at individual school level the key factor for determining the level of resources provided by my Department is the pupil enrolment at 30 September 2008. The annual process of seeking this enrolment data from schools took place in the autumn and the data has since been received and processed in my Department enabling the commencement of the processes by which teaching resources are allocated to schools for the school year that begins next September.
My Department has written to the primary schools that are projected to have a net loss or gain in classroom teaching posts in September, 2009. As part of my efforts to ensure that relevant information is openly available to the public detailed information on the opening position for primary schools is now published on my Department's website. This provisional list sets out the details on individual schools that, taken collectively, are projected to gain 128 posts and to lose 382 posts — a net reduction of 254 posts. It is my intention to have this information updated and ultimately to set out the final position when the allocation processes are completed.
The above allocations are provisional at this stage and reflect the initial allocation position. The final position for any one school will depend on a number of other factors such as additional posts for schools that are developing rapidly and posts allocated as a result of the appeals processes. The operation of redeployment arrangements also impacts on the final position as a teacher can remain in his or her existing school where a suitable redeployment position does not exist. The final staffing position for all schools will therefore not be known until the autumn. At that stage the allocation process will be fully completed for mainstream classroom teachers and appeals to the Staffing Appeals Board will have been considered.
Details of the criteria and application dates for appeal are contained in the staffing schedule, Circular 0002/2009, available on my Department's website. The application form for appeal is also available on my Department's website. The Appeal Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.
375 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of money spent on substitution in respect of teachers carrying out State examination work during term time, that is, for oral and practical exams and conferences associated with the exams; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14191/09]
The cost of substitution for teachers undertaking work associated with the state examinations during term time claimed for the 2007/2008 school year was 1.23 million euros. This information relates to the costs incurred for secondary and community/ comprehensive schools only and the data is obtained from claims submitted to my Department by the managerial authorities of those schools. The information for the substitution costs incurred for Vocational Education Committees is not readily available. The substitution costs of teachers employed by them undertaking work associated with the state examinations are paid by each individual VEC.
376 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the development of a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; if his attention has been drawn to the growth of this all-Irish secondary school and the cost involved to the promoters of the school in having to pay teachers from their own resources; the assistance he expects to provide to this school during 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14206/09]
The school to which the Deputy refers is operating with provisional recognition from my Department. It is entitled to grant aid for rental for its accommodation, for school transport and for the payment of teacher salaries. Teacher allocations to all second-level schools are approved annually by my Department in accordance with established rules based on recognised pupil enrolment. In accordance with these rules, each school is required to organise its subject options within the limit of its approved teacher allocation. The deployment of teaching staff, the range of subjects offered and ultimately the quality of teaching and learning are, in the first instance, a matter for each school.
In accordance with existing arrangements, where a school management authority is unable to meet its curricular commitments within its approved allocation, my Department considers applications for additional short term support i.e. curricular concessions. This concession is available as a short term support to enable essential curricular provision to continue.
The allocation processes also include appellate mechanisms under which schools can appeal against the allocation due to them under the staffing schedules. The Principal of a school can submit an appeal under certain criteria to an independent Appeal Board which was established specifically to adjudicate on appeals on staffing allocations in post-primary schools. This Board operates independently of my Department. Discrete allocations are also made to second-level schools to cater for example for pupils with Special Educational Needs and those with language difficulties.
377 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the payments made to senior officials in his Department under the performance related pay scheme for each of the years 2005 to 2008, inclusive; if he has approved the payments for 2008; if so, the date of this approval; the date of the approval of payments relating to 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14217/09]
The scheme of performance related awards in the Civil Service applies to the grades of Deputy and Assistant Secretaries and equivalent grades. Decisions on awards for officials that come within the remit of the scheme are made by the Committee for Performance Awards. Its membership comprises of the Secretary General to the Government, The Secretary General, Public Service Management & Development at the Department of Finance and members from the private sector.
In 2005 awards amounting to €90,000 were paid to 8 officials, in 2006 awards totalling €95,000 were made to 8 officials, in 2007 awards totalling €93,000 were made to 8 officials and in 2008 awards amounting €134,000 were paid to 9 officials at my Department based on recommendations made by the Committee. No payments to date have been made in 2009 in respect of the 2008 calendar year.
Awards made to individual officers under the scheme are not disclosed as they are confidential and personal to the officers concerned. Full details of the operation of the scheme since its inception are available on the Department of Finance's website at: www.finance.gov.ie.
378 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will review the situation at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 22 which is to lose its special class as of 31 August 2009, in view of the fact that it is a local centre of excellence for assisting students with special educational needs, and that all of the children with mild learning disability were placed in the special class on the recommendations of educational psychologists and clinicians; the way these children will be catered for in terms of getting the specific supports they need, estimated as up to 4.5 hours per day; when they will have access to 30 minutes of learning support a day in a group setting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14298/09]
I wish to advise the Deputy that there will be no pupil with a special educational need who will be without access to a special needs teacher as a result of the decision to apply the normal rules which govern the appointment and retention of teachers of special classes for pupils with a mild general learning disability. These special classes which are to close predate the 2005 General Allocation Model of allocating additional teacher support to schools to enable them to meet the needs of pupils with mild general learning disabilities as well as a number of other high incidence disabilities. All primary schools now have additional teaching support in place for this purpose.
All primary schools were allocated additional teaching resources under the General Allocation Model to enable them support pupils with high incidence special educational needs including mild general learning disability (MGLD). 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.
Teacher 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 permits schools to retain a teaching post where it has a minimum of 9 pupils in the class. This minimum was not met in the school referred to by the Deputy. Therefore, the school no longer qualifies to retain the class.
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 since 2005 in line with falling numbers as pupils are supported through the additional teaching allocation provided 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.
I understand that the school in question has written to my Department making a case for retention of the class and this is currently under consideration. It would be expected, however, that provision would be made for these pupils within mainstream classes with support from the General Allocation Model. I wish to reiterate to the Deputy that pupils with a mild general learning disability have, and will continue to have, access to additional teaching resources to support their education.
379 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science if research has been carried out here and internationally into the attainment levels achieved by students with mild learning disabilities who receive intensive one on one support for two hours daily versus those cohorts who receive limited group support for 30 minutes; if those who receive less support will require State support into second level for a longer period; if those who do not receive such support are more likely to earn less and thus either cost the State more money in terms of social welfare payments, or cost the State in terms of lower income tax receipts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14299/09]
I have asked my Department to contact the Deputy directly to discuss the information sought. Since the introduction of the General Allocation Model in primary schools there has been significant experience of beneficial mainstreaming of children with mild general learning disability in primary schools. My Department has asked the National Council for Special Education to advise on the role of special schools and special classes and this advice is awaited.
380 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science if the 1% levy and the public service pension levy will be deducted from retrospective payments due to teachers under the Protection of Employees (Part-Time Workers) Act 2001, and other moneys due for payment, all of which were earned prior to the introduction of the levies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14310/09]
Any retrospective arrears payable to part-time teachers are subject to the income levy in accordance with the personal taxation regulations applicable at the time of payment.
The pension related deduction is applied to all income earned by part-time teachers after the 1st March 2009 who are members of a public service pension scheme.
Therefore, any retrospective arrears payable prior to 1st March 2009 are not subject to the pension related deduction.
381 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science his Department’s expenditure on rent for the current building and prefabs for a school (details supplied) in County Cork each year since its establishment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14485/09]
The Deputy will be aware that demand for additional accommodation in schools has risen significantly over the last number of years, with the appointment of 6,000 extra teachers in the primary sector alone since 2002. The overall policy goal is to ensure the highest standard of permanent accommodation for all schools. However, in the context of a rapidly increasing school population, the necessity to put additional accommodation in place in a short time frame, and competing pressure on the capital budget available to my Department, it is necessary to make use of temporary accommodation in order to meet accommodation needs in some circumstances.
Details for the school referred to by the Deputy are given in the tabular statement.
|
Prefab |
Building/Land |
Total for year |
|
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
1999 |
N/A |
4,230.77 |
4,230.77 |
|
2000 |
N/A |
13,343.42 |
13,343.42 |
|
2001 |
N/A |
16,079.96 |
16,079.96 |
|
2002 |
N/A |
20,160.00 |
20,160.00 |
|
2003 |
N/A |
40,000.00 |
40,000.00 |
|
2004 |
N/A |
63,333.32 |
63,333.32 |
|
2005 |
N/A |
72,666.64 |
72,666.64 |
|
2006 |
4,298.51 |
78,000.00 |
82,298.51 |
|
2007 |
18,572.50 |
85,333.33 |
103,905.83 |
|
2008 |
41,890.20 |
89,000.00 |
130,890.20 |
|
2009 |
34,920.60 |
46,500.00 |
81,420.60 |
382 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in view of opportunities in Irish universities to undertake third level education in dance studies leading to MA qualifications, he will introduce dance as a subject at second level as with many of our EU counterparts; if he will engage in dialogue with bodies within the dance sector to consider this step; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14490/09]
393 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will meet with the recognised bodies involved in dance to discuss the role in secondary education of this art form; if he will respond positively at least to the request to meet with those interests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14592/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 382 and 393 together.
I have received correspondence on this issue in recent days, and I am prepared to meet a deputation of relevant interests to discuss the matter. However diary commitments do not allow for a meeting in the coming weeks, and officials of my Department will be in touch with the correspondents to arrange a meeting as soon as possible, probably in late May.
Dance is included in the strands in the Physical Education curriculum in primary and post primary schools. In addition, students may choose Dance as one of the courses available within the Arts component of the Leaving Certificate Applied programme (LCA). The LCA is taken by some 7% of the student cohort and a maximum of 4 credits from a total of 200 credits in the assessment of the LCA is available for the Dance component. The LCA does not provide for direct entry into higher education, but students may progress to Post Leaving Certificate courses and from there to higher education.
My Department is faced with an extensive range of competing needs for investment in education, ranging from addressing educational disadvantage, inclusion of pupils with special needs and newcomer students, meeting the demands of a growing population, strengthening the mathematical, science, and technology aspects of provision, enhancing the professional development of teachers, investing in research and development and promoting second chance learning. Within that context, investment in mainstreaming of dance education as a subject for points for the purpose of third level entry is not a priority at the current time.
383 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Education and Science if the moneys allocated for a school building (details supplied) are ringfenced; and if will assure that funds remain available for this project. [14506/09]
The post primary school project referred to by the Deputy is included in the list of seven schools which I have approved for inclusion in the 3rd Bundle of schools to be procured via Public Private Partnership.
This Bundle is in the pre procurement stage and my Department has completed a round of stakeholders' meetings in each of the locations where PPP schools are to be provided. A detailed output specification and Public Sector Benchmark will be prepared and outline planning permission will be sought for each location.
On successful completion of this process, the Bundle will be handed over to the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) for procurement. A contract cannot be awarded until the procurement process has been successfully completed.
The indicative timeframe for the delivery of a PPP school currently stands at approximately 4 years from the date the Bundle is announced.
384 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Mayo following a report carried out by consultants; if his Department has made contact with the school in respect of its application for funding under the summer works scheme to have these works carried out as per a previous parliamentary question; if his Department has examined the works involved in view of the health and safety concerns as per the consultant’s report; the proposals it has to have these necessary works carried out as a matter of urgency; the timescale involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14510/09]
Applications submitted for the Summer Works Scheme 2008, including one from the school in question, are currently being assessed for summer 2009 and the school authority will be notified of the outcome of this assessment in due course.
385 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the rate applicable for travel and subsistence allowance in respect of teachers who are carrying out oral examinations for junior certificate and leaving certificate; and if he will compare payments for travel and subsistence allowance for these examinations for each of the past five years in tabular form. [14516/09]
The State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations including organising the holding of examinations, making arrangements for the marking of work presented for examination and the remuneration of examiners and superintendents.
In view of this I have forwarded your query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to you.
386 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the rate applicable for teachers who are carrying out oral examinations for junior certificate and leaving certificate; and if he will compare payments for these examinations for each of the past five years in tabular form. [14517/09]
The State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations including organising the holding of examinations, making arrangements for the marking of work presented for examination, and the remuneration of examiners and superintendents.
In view of this I have forwarded your query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to you.
387 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the cost of providing mobile telephony and PDA services for him in each of the years since 2002, broken down by handset purchase costs, rental and call costs, and other costs; the amount of money which was refunded by him in connection with personal use of these phones, PDAs and Blackberries in each year since 2002 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14529/09]
I was appointed Minister for Education and Science on 7 May 2008 and will answer the Deputy's question from that date. The cost of my mobile telephony services from 7 May 2008 to 28 February 2009 (the latest date for which figures are available) and the amount expended on PDA Services for the same period are set out in tabular form. I have an arrangement in place to pay for my personal calls every six months. The amount paid up to December 2008 was €128.58.
|
Rental |
Handsets |
Call Costs |
Other Costs |
Total |
|
154.18 |
51.75 |
3,797.36 |
22.08 |
4,025.37 |
|
Rental |
Call Costs |
Total |
|
497.22 |
406.94 |
904.16 |
388 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the criteria used in allocating special needs hours in view of his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 257 of 19 February 2009. [14545/09]
Applications for Special Needs Assistant (SNA) support are recruited specifically to assist in the care of pupils with a disability. Applications are considered by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) where a pupil has a significant medical need for such assistance, a significant impairment of physical or sensory function or where their behaviour is such that they are a danger to themselves or others.
The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support and conveys decisions on applications directly to schools without recourse to my Department. The qualifying criteria for the allocation of SNA support is outlined in Department Circular 07/02 and is available on my Department's website at www.education.ie.
389 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the position with regard to funding for a school (details supplied) in County Sligo. [14547/09]
The school referred to by the Deputy is a recognised primary school and attracts funding in the same way as all recognised primary schools.
The Deputy will be aware that schools' running costs are met by my Department's scheme of capitation grants. These grants have been increased substantially in recent years.
The Education Budget for 2009 has provided for improvements to the overall level of day to day funding for primary schools which will see funding increase from €167 million in 2008 to almost €190 million in 2009.
The primary school capitation grant has increased from €81.26 per pupil in 2000 to its current rate of €200, which was an increase of €21 on last year. This represents an increase of 146% in the standard rate of capitation grant since 2000. The ancillary grant has increased from €151.50 per pupil to €155 per pupil.
Taken together, these increases mean that primary schools eligible for the full ancillary services grant will get €355 per pupil — or almost €25 extra — in this school year to cover their day to day running costs, with a primary school of 200 pupils, similar in size to the school referred to by the Deputy, getting €5,000 more. In 2000, a primary school with 200 pupils was in receipt of less than €27,000 to meet its day to day running costs. That same school under these new rates will receive €71,000. This excludes the salary of teachers and Special Needs Assistants which are paid by my Department.
Furthermore enhanced rates of capitation funding are paid in respect of children with special educational needs who attend special schools or special classes attached to mainstream schools. The current rates range from €512 to €986 per pupil — an increase of 59% from the rate in 2006.
By any standards there have been very significant improvements within a relatively short period of time and the Government is committed to further increasing funding for schools as resources permit. While increasing resources is important, we must also focus on measures to enhance the quality of education in our schools to ensure that increased resources lead to the best possible outcomes for our children.
We are committed to investing in education but we have to invest at a level that is consistent with what we can afford and what is sustainable at the moment given economic circumstances. I am confident that as the global economy improves it will be possible to build again on the significant achievements of recent years and do so in a manner consistent with overall prudent management of the Irish economy.
391 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary and secondary school teachers who applied for early retirement every month for the past 12 months; the number of applications for early retirement which are currently being processed; the number expected to apply for early retirement in the next 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14574/09]
There are a number of different arrangements under which teachers may retire early on pension.
Teachers who are not new entrants as defined in the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004 may retire voluntarily from age 55 years onwards. Where the teacher is aged 55 but under 60 he or she must satisfy the following conditions: have completed at least 35 years pensionable service, or have completed at least 34 years pensionable service and have 3 years pre-service training, or have completed at least 33 years pensionable service and have 4 years pre-service training
While this pre-service training can be taken into account for the purpose of qualifying for retirement at 55 years of age, it cannot be used to credit service on which benefits will be based. There is no actuarial reduction in benefits.
Teachers aged 50 (or aged 55 if a new entrant), who have competed at least 2 years pensionable service, may also retire early and avail of cost neutral early retirement. Superannuation benefits, actuarially reduced, come into payment immediate on retirement.
A voluntary Early Retirement Scheme had operated from 1996 in the case of primary teachers and 1997 in the case of post-primary teachers until its suspension with immediate effect in October 2008 on foot of Budget 2009. The Scheme consisted of three strands. Strand 1 related to teachers who were consistently experiencing professional difficulties in their teaching duties. Strand 2 related to teachers whose retirement would provide their school with an opportunity to enhance the education service being provided through facilitating change. Strand 3 related to teachers who were in posts which are surplus to requirements.
Over the past 12 months, 998 primary, secondary, community and comprehensive school teachers chose to retire early; ie under the 55/35 year rule, cost-neutral early retirement and voluntary early retirement (now suspended). The tabular statement attached sets out the number of teacher awarded pension each month, on early retirement, from April 2008 to March 2009.
Currently 263 applications from teacher are being processed in my Department for early retirement between now and the end of the current school year. It is estimated that in the 2009/2010 school-year in the region of 900 will opt for early retirement.
392 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of staff with fewer than two years service on 1 March 2009 who gave notice to terminate their employment before 1 April 2009 under section 5 of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14581/09]
I can confirm that no staff in my Department with less than two years service on 1 March, 2009, gave notice to terminate their employment before 1 April, 2009, under Section 5 of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act, 2009.
394 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Science when invitations for tender are expected to be issued in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Laois; if it is his Department or the board of management which will be inviting the tenders; and the way a suitable qualified contractor can apply to be considered to build this school. [14605/09]
The school to which the Deputy refers is one of 10 projects announced in January to be re-tendered with a view to going on site as soon as possible.
For this project to go to construction it needs to be re-tendered under the new Department of Finance form of contract for public capital projects. The project will be pre-qualified in the coming weeks on www.e-tenders.gov.ie for expressions of interest, to which interested parties can respond. The Tendering Authority will be the Board of Management and it will be a public tender process in the normal way.
My Department has been in contact with the school authority in this regard and will be providing ongoing advice and assistance.
395 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the outcome of a meeting between school representatives and his Department officials regarding a school building project (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14659/09]
Representatives from the board of management and the design team of the school to which the Deputy refers attended a briefing in my Department's offices in Tullamore on 26 March at which they were appraised of the next steps necessary to progress the project for the construction of a new 16 classroom school to tender and construction.
396 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has satisfied himself that the one day of in-service training proposed for the new second level maths curriculum is sufficient; his views on a phased introduction of the programme starting with the junior cycle instead of all in one go; his further views on whether sufficient preparatory texts and documentation has been provided to commence the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14696/09]
A revised second-level mathematics curriculum is being introduced on a phased basis. This developmental initiative, Project Maths, is being directed by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, in collaboration with the Department of Education and Science and the State Examinations Commission. Five revised syllabus ‘strands' will be introduced over a three-year period, and this began in a small number of schools in September 2008, where Strand 1 (statistics and probability) and Strand 2 (geometry and trigonometry) have been introduced. To inform the curriculum development process, the 24 schools initially involved in introducing the revised strands will provide feedback on their experiences so that any refinements identified as necessary can be incorporated before the changed syllabus strands are introduced in all other schools.
The phased changes in Project Maths are being introduced simultaneously at first year and fifth year in post-primary schools. The changed teaching and learning approaches under Project Maths give greater emphasis to student understanding of the underlying concepts and processes involved in mathematics and the application of knowledge and skills to solving problems in meaningful contexts.
A planned programme of professional development for teachers of mathematics is currently underway in the 24 initial schools. This will continue as the remaining strands are introduced in these schools for successive cohorts of students. Additional support is being provided through a dedicated website (www.projectmaths.ie), where further and updated information is publicly available.
As part of the developmental initiative, teachers in the 24 schools are using, adapting, refining and developing a range of teaching and learning plans which will then be available as a resource for mathematics teachers in all other schools when they commence the revised syllabus strands. International research has shown that change is more effective and long-lasting where teachers work collaboratively in adopting and adapting new methods in their classrooms. As each phase of the project rolls out, additional teaching resources and support materials will be available which have been used in the initial group of schools and refined by teachers in their classrooms. Educational publishers are kept informed of the developments and they will publish revised textbooks in due course.
There is a two-year gap between the introduction of the changes in the 24 schools and their roll-out to all other schools, which begins in September 2010. To support the roll-out, all teachers of mathematics will have professional development in the form of seminars and workshops over a four-year period, beginning in 2009/2010 — the year before the introduction of the first two changed syllabus strands in all schools. This will involve professional development workshops/seminars for each teacher of mathematics in each of the Strands. It is intended that additional forms of support for teachers, including school-based in-service, will also be available.
397 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on an assessment of the leaving certificate involving a large cohort of examinees. [14705/09]
398 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Education and Science his views in view of the practice whereby students who attend certain private fee paying schools are not facilitated in sitting their leaving certificate examinations in the same schools and are actively encouraged to sit as external students in local schools with a view to improving their grades by virtue of disguising pre-prepared and model answers handed on a plate to them; and his views on whether this practice perpetuates the existence of a two-tiered education system. [14706/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 397 and 398 together.
The State Examinations Commission is charged with operating the certificate examinations to the highest standards of openness, fairness and accountability. In doing so, the Commission provides for the establishment of examination centres in both publicly funded schools and in the private sector. In addition, individual candidates are accommodated as external candidates and generally sit the examination in a recognised examination centre near them.
The Commission maintains consistency, quality and reliability through the processes it has in place for the preparation of examination papers and other test items, and through the quality assurance procedures it implements at the examining and appeal stages of the state examinations. The Chief Examiner for each examination takes all necessary steps to ensure that the agreed marking scheme is applied by each examiner and that the established standard is applied to the work of all candidates who sit the examination. The Chief Examiner oversees the examining process established by the Commission aimed at ensuring this.
The same marking scheme is applied strictly and in exactly the same way to the work of all candidates in the cohort taking the particular examination. Each candidate is anonymous and examining proceeds without reference to school location or centre.
Ongoing and systematic monitoring is a critical element of the marking process. The monitoring is designed to enable each examiner to apply the agreed marking scheme consistently and accurately to all scripts.
Appealed scripts are re-marked in accordance with the same standard as applied in the initial marking, and the same marking scheme as utilised in the initial marking.
The Deputy may be inferring that candidates in certain fee paying schools are being advised by those schools to register as examination candidates in another centre, to reduce the prospect of an unusually high proportion of high grades being awarded in a single centre, and perhaps being subject to review. There would be no point in schools doing this. Firstly, examiners are assigned scripts without knowing the identity of schools or candidates. Secondly, the quality assurance measures mentioned above do not apply at the level of a school or an examiner. The work of all candidates is marked in accordance with the published marking scheme, regardless of the level of performance of any other candidate in that examination centre or school. Finally the State Examinations Commission operates a very transparent appeals process, where candidates may view their scripts, match them against the published marking scheme and make a decision whether to appeal their result.
I am satisfied that we have an appropriately structured examination system where results are based on the demonstrated knowledge skills and competences of candidates, and the type of school attended has no bearing on the matter.
399 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will confirm that his Department has received correspondence from a school (details supplied) in County Westmeath; if, in this context, steps will be taken by his Department to review the decision to suppress the eight mainstream class posts in the school on the grounds clearly set out in the appeal, in view of the fact if the decision stands, it will have a serious impact upon the school particularly in view of the increase in population in the catchment area thereof; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14757/09]
I am aware of the correspondence received in my Department from the school referred to by the Deputy. The budget measures will impact on individual schools in different ways depending on whether enrolment is rising or declining and the degree to which any one school has more teachers than it is entitled to under the allocation processes.
My Department has written to the primary schools that are projected to have a net loss or gain in classroom teaching posts in September, 2009. As part of my efforts to ensure that relevant information is openly available to the public detailed information on the opening position for primary schools is now published on my Department's website. This provisional list sets out the details on individual schools that, taken collectively, are projected to gain 128 posts and to lose 382 posts — a net reduction of 254 posts. It is my intention to have this information updated and ultimately to set out the final position when the allocation processes are completed.
The above allocations are provisional at this stage and reflect the initial allocation position. The final position for any one school will depend on a number of other factors such as additional posts for schools that are developing rapidly and posts allocated as a result of the appeals processes.
The operation of redeployment arrangements also impacts on the final position as a teacher can remain in his or her existing school where a suitable redeployment position does not exist. The final staffing position for all schools will therefore not be known until the autumn. At that stage the allocation process will be fully completed for mainstream classroom teachers and appeals to the Staffing Appeals Board will have been considered.
Details of the criteria and application dates for appeal are contained in the staffing schedule, Circular 0002/2009, available on my Department's website. The application form for appeal is also available on my Department's website. The Appeal Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.
400 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science if free third level fees apply in all cases to claimants of back to education allowance; and the position in respect of people who have already availed of free fees and wish to pursue another degree under the allowance or those who wish to pursue a postgraduate course. [14761/09]
Under the Free Fees Initiative the Exchequer meets the tuition fees of eligible full-time undergraduate students including such persons, as referred to by the Deputy, once they meet the criteria of the Initiative. The main conditions are that students must be first-time undergraduates and hold EU nationality and have been ordinarily resident in an EU Member State for at least three of the five years preceding their entry to an approved third level course. Whilst persons pursuing a second undergraduate degree cannot, in general, avail of free fees, persons who have not completed an undergraduate course at level 8 may qualify for free fee concessions under the Initiative in certain circumstances. The Free Fees Initiative does not extend to postgraduate study.
401 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of people working in the public service under temporary employment contracts on a fixed term basis who will lose their jobs as a consequence of the non-renewal of those contracts due to the moratorium decision announced by the Minister for Finance on 27 March 2009; the organisations in which such terminations will occur; the number of individuals who will lose their jobs as a consequence of this decision; the annual saving that will accrue to the Exchequer as a consequence of the non-renewal of these contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15041/09]
The information sought is not readily available. I have requested officials of my Department to compile the information available and this will be forwarded to you as soon as possible.
