Vol. 682 No. 1
10 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will fast-track implementation of new rental standards in homes rented with the aid of rental supplement due to the unacceptable standards in some of these homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18262/09]
The Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2008 came into effect generally on 1 February 2009 and are part of a package of Government measures to update and more effectively enforce the minimum standards for rented residential accommodation. As certain aspects of the new regulations could necessitate significant refurbishment works, the application of the provisions concerned to existing tenancies will be subject to a 4-year phasing-in "window", allowing landlords adequate time to make the necessary remedial improvements. However, all provisions of the new regulations are applicable immediately for any rental properties being let for the first time after 1 February 2009.
My Department is in ongoing communication with the Department of Social and Family Affairs, which is responsible for the operation of the rent supplement scheme, through the Community Welfare Service, regarding the need to ensure that rent supplement–supported private rented accommodation meets the requirements of the minimum standards regulations. In addition, my Department has written to all housing authorities to emphasise the importance, in this context, of regular liaison with, and appropriate action between, housing authorities and Community Welfare Officers at local level.
Of course, effective enforcement of the new regulations is critical to their successful implementation. The number of inspections of private rented accommodation by local authorities more than doubled between 2005 and 2007, from 6,815 to over 14,000, supported by dedicated resources provided by my Department from the proceeds of PRTB tenancy registration fees. While the data for 2008 are not yet fully finalised, the available information indicates a further substantial year-on-year increase of more than 20% in inspections last year. I am committed to building further on this progress in the years ahead.
11 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on increasing the funding available to local authorities to build or acquire social housing units in order to reduce the risk of homelessness for people on low incomes rather than continue to fund private sector landlords; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18070/09]
The regulation and administration of the Supplementary Welfare Allowance rent supplement scheme is a matter for the Minister for Social and Family Affairs who indicated, in reply to a question on the matter on 30 April, that payments to rent supplement tenants were being reduced in the expectation that landlords would reduce their rents, given the reductions in rent levels in the private rental market as a whole.
Housing authorities and the voluntary and co-operative housing sector, supported by funding from my Department, continue to provide a wide range of social housing supports for those with long term housing needs, with the range of supply options evolving over time, taking account of prevailing market conditions and the key principles of the Government's housing policy statement, Delivering Homes, Sustaining Communities.
In addition to traditional construction contracts, other social housing supply options introduced have included design/build contracts, Part V acquisitions, second hand acquisitions, turnkey projects, and lease options under the Rental Accommodation Scheme. Given the more constrained resource environment, it is more important than ever that we continue to adapt our approaches to social housing delivery to ensure that we make best use of the resources available in terms of both meeting housing needs and achieving good value for money outcomes. Long term leasing, now also being introduced, is designed with these objectives in mind. I expect it to deliver at least 2,000 new homes in 2009 and I believe it has the potential to play an increasingly significant part in meeting social housing needs in future years.
Addressing the housing needs of the most vulnerable sections of society has been the focus of particular attention by the Government and will remain a priority in the years ahead. Specifically in relation to homelessness, considerable progress has been made, with a new homelessness strategy, The Way Home, adopted by Government in 2008. The recent completion of a comprehensive Implementation Plan for the strategy and the provision of increased funding for homeless services provide further strong foundations for continued progress towards meeting the strategy's key objectives.
12 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he will take to ensure that local authorities have sufficient staff, expertise, resources and funding to upgrade water treatment infrastructure in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18106/09]
Under the terms of the Government's decision on implementation of savings in public service numbers no public service post, however arising, may be filled by recruitment, promotion, or payment of an allowance for the performance of duties at a higher grade. This decision is effective from 31 March 2009 and stands until the end of 2010. My Department has, accordingly, written to all local authorities requesting their compliance. However, in recognition of the priority attaching to the maintenance of key frontline services, my Department is consulting with the Department of Finance in regard to the management of relevant staffing needs. The needs associated with local authority water treatment infrastructure will be considered in this context.
In regard to the staffing requirements in each local authority, it is the responsibility of each county and city manager, under the Local Government Act 2001, to employ such staff and to make such staffing and organisational arrangements as may be deemed necessary for the purposes of carrying out the functions of the local authorities for which he or she is the manager. The matters raised in the question are, accordingly, appropriately determined at local level.
The capital provision for water services infrastructure in 2009 is €500 million. The provision represents an increase of 1% on last year's outturn and, given the very difficult economic circumstances against which the 2009 estimates were framed, reflects the Government's ongoing commitment to the sector. Good progress will continue to be made under the Water Services Investment Programme in 2009. It is expected that 40 water and waste water schemes will be completed this year and that up to 50 new schemes will be able to start; a total of 160 schemes are expected to be in progress at the end of this year.
The majority of water and wastewater treatment plants are delivered under "Design Build Operate" contracts, maximising efficiency in the design, construction, operation and maintenance of this infrastructure. In addition to increased capital funding, water services authorities can avail of ongoing training courses under the auspices of the Water Services Training Group in order to support and develop expertise in the water services sector.
13 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he has taken to deliver the programme for Government commitment in relation to assisting the replacement of septic tanks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18110/09]
40 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to introduce a grant to upgrade septic tanks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18060/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 13 and 40 together.
The results of the last Census of Population indicated that about 418,000 houses, or 32% of the total stock of just over 1.3 million houses, were served by septic tanks in 2006. The Programme for Government includes a commitment in regard to a scheme of support for the replacement and upgrading of septic tanks older than fifteen years with newer systems. While my Department has been examining the conditions which might attach to such a scheme, the timeframe for pursuing this commitment will remain under ongoing review, having regard to current budgetary constraints. The Environmental Protection Agency has finalised an updated code of practice for waste water treatment systems for single houses which will incorporate the requirements of new European Standards due to come into force on 1 July 2009. I will incorporate the new Code of Practice under Part H of the Building Regulations as soon as possible this year.
14 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to better co-ordinate waste planning and waste infrastructure on a national level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18181/09]
Under the provisions of the Waste Management Acts the relevant local authorities have responsibility for making the statutory waste management plans, including in respect of infrastructure provision. Under section 60(3) of the Waste Management Act I am precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to the performance in particular circumstances by a local authority of a statutory function given to it under the Act.
The Programme for Government clearly sets out the approach to waste management that will be reflected in national policy in the years ahead. It is firmly grounded in a continuing commitment to the waste hierarchy with a renewed drive towards the achievement of international best practice in the reduction, re-use and recycling of waste. This, coupled with an increasing emphasis on technologies for the mechanical and biological treatment of waste, will significantly reduce potential reliance on landfill and incineration. This commitment to the waste hierarchy has added significance in the context of the requirements of the EU Landfill Directive to divert waste from landfill. Meeting this obligation will entail doubling the existing level of diversion from landfill by 2010 and further increases in diversion in subsequent years.
To assist in ensuring that our waste management system can act in support of these objectives my Department has initiated the major review of waste management policy foreseen in the Government Programme. This will be designed to support the necessary legal, institutional and policy framework to achieve international best practice in the management of waste and will involve a comprehensive examination of a broad range of waste management issues, including in respect of regional waste management planning and infrastructure provision. I anticipate that the study will be completed by mid-2009 and published shortly thereafter. In the context of its recommendations I will bring necessary policy and legislative proposals to Government.
15 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the way, in view of the fact that the unsold affordable housing stock will be used for social housing and the introduction of the new long-term leasing scheme, he will ensure that the 20% rule regarding social and affordable housing in private housing estates will be adhered to by councils; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18000/09]
Under Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000, a housing strategy prepared by a housing authority must provide that, as a general policy, not more than 20% of land zoned for residential use shall be reserved for social and affordable housing for the purposes of the Act. Where units delivered under Part V are no longer required for their original purpose, for example as affordable housing, they may be used for another purpose connected with the authority's functions.
While the priority remains to sell affordable homes to eligible purchasers, where this proves not to be practical in current market conditions, housing authorities have been asked to undertake a comprehensive evaluation of the options for dealing with these properties, including their deployment for social housing purposes, where appropriate having regard to the principles of sustainable communities. The options in this regard include sale under the Incremental Purchase Scheme, use of the units to provide social housing supports for an initial period of 5 years, or the transfer of unsold affordable units into permanent social housing stock.
In terms of the future implementation of Part V arrangements, it will continue to be a matter for individual planning authorities to decide, in the context of their housing strategies, the proportion, up to 20%, of lands to be reserved for social and affordable housing purposes. My Department has indicated to authorities that it would be advisable for those that have not recently done so to undertake a review of their housing strategies to take account of the changed economic circumstances, including changes in the housing market, and likely developments in the period ahead.
16 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if there will be political or staff responsibility for the decision to lease storage for 25 years in respect of electronic voting machines in Counties Cavan and Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18227/09]
I indicated on a number of occasions that I was considering the position in relation to the electronic voting and counting project. On 23 April 2009, I announced that the Government have decided not to proceed with the implementation of electronic voting in Ireland. A process will now be put in place, including discussions with the supplier, to address the disposal of the electronic voting and counting equipment and termination of storage arrangements.
Responsibility for the security and safe storage of manual voting electoral materials (such as ballot boxes, stamping instruments and stationery) is a matter for the Returning Officers, who are statutorily responsible for conducting the polls. Accordingly, similar responsibility was assigned to Returning Officers to make the necessary arrangements in relation to the storage of the electronic voting machines and equipment. Returning Officers undertook the task of procuring suitable accommodation for the electronic voting machines and ancillary equipment, and the detailed contractual and other arrangements put in place by Returning Officers reflected the varying circumstances applying at local level.
In 2007, over 60% of the electronic voting machines (some 4,762 in total) were moved to a central storage facility located at Gormanston Army Camp. The Government decision to centralise storage of the electronic voting equipment was made taking into account a range of factors, including costs of local and centralised arrangements and the likely benefits to be realised. The Government decision to proceed with the movement of the electronic voting equipment to centralised premises was the right approach in the circumstances.
My Department engaged consultants with valuation expertise in May 2007, following a competitive tendering process, to examine individual lease arrangements and to make recommendations as to termination of the leases where appropriate. In May 2008, I accepted the recommendations made by the consultants and these recommendations are in the process of being implemented. It is expected that, in certain instances, the termination of lease arrangements will give rise to buy-out costs and these will be dependent upon the outcome of negotiations. Work on the termination of local lease arrangements, including relating to Cavan/Monaghan, will now continue in the context of the decision taken to conclude the electronic voting and counting project.
17 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the strategy he has to encourage and promote home ownership to those on social housing waiting lists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18218/09]
Meeting the legitimate aspirations of many households for home ownership has traditionally been a key component of housing policy in Ireland. The Government's housing policy statement, Delivering Homes, Sustaining Communities, emphasised the Government's firm commitment to respond to the needs of households who face difficulty in resourcing home purchase on the open market. The statement highlights the number of paths to home ownership already in place, such as affordable housing and tenant purchase schemes, and a number of paths that are currently under development, including the development of arrangements to allow for the tenant purchase of local authority apartments, which I am aiming to provide for by way of Committee Stage amendments to the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008, and the new Incremental Purchase Scheme.
The objective of the incremental purchase model is to provide an affordable route to homeownership for households that are renting social housing, including from voluntary/co-operative bodies and under the Rental Accommodation Scheme, or households that are, for the first time, being allocated a new house provided by a local authority. Incremental purchase offers social housing applicants the earliest possible start on the path to home ownership for those willing and able to undertake a house purchase. This is in keeping with the graduated, flexible, housing support model, which is at the heart of Delivering Homes, Sustaining Communities and also is in keeping with the Government's broader social policy objectives, particularly the life-cycle approach set out in the Towards 2016 social partnership agreement. Provision has been made for this scheme in the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008, currently before the Oireachtas.
I also recently introduced new regulations to underpin local authority lending. Housing loans are provided by local authorities for those who wish to build or purchase their own home but cannot access finance from private institutions, including affordable housing purchasers. The Housing (Local Authority Loan) Regulations 2009 replace the previous regulations, providing for a new loan limit of €220,000 and a maximum income of €75,000 in the case of joint applicants and €50,000 for single applicants. The regulations also provide for the introduction of a formal credit policy to ensure prudence and consistency of approach for all local authority mortgage lending.
18 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of social housing units delivered in 2007, 2008 and the amount expected for 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18204/09]
Information in relation to activity under the range of housing programmes in 2007 and 2008 is set out in my Department's annual and quarterly Housing Statistics Bulletins, copies of which are available in the Oireachtas library and on my Department's website, www.environ.ie. I am confident that the financial provision for housing for 2009 will enable us to maintain a continued high level of momentum in meeting social housing needs. Taking all the social housing programmes together, including those of the voluntary and co-operative housing sector, and having regard to the capacity to access suitable housing available in the current housing market, including through the recently announced long-term leasing initiative, some 7,000 completions are expected to be achieved this year, with a similar level of starts.
My Department continues to explore all options for increasing the availability of social housing by optimising the use of available Exchequer supports and exploring alternative solutions to address housing needs. Local authorities are encouraged to vary the supply options according to prevailing market conditions in order to optimise the delivery of social housing in accordance with the principles of Delivering Homes, Sustaining Communities. The evolution of social housing programmes over recent years can be seen in the manner in which the traditional social housing construction programme has been supplemented with other supply options including design/build contracts, Part V acquisitions, second hand acquisitions, turnkey projects and lease options under the Rental Accommodation Scheme. The introduction of new long-term leasing arrangements this year is a further significant step in the expansion of social housing supply mechanisms and will play a significant part in enabling local authorities to meet housing needs.
19 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if building energy rating regulations as laid out in legislation are being fully adhered to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18192/09]
22 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will amend building energy rating legislation and implementation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18200/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 19 and 22 together.
The EU Directive on the Energy Performance of Buildings, which was transposed into Irish law by the European Communities (Energy Performance of Buildings) Regulations 2006 — 2008, introduced a requirement for a Building Energy Rating (BER) system. The BER system was implemented on a phased basis as follows:
in the case of new dwellings, with effect from 1 January 2007, subject to planning-related transitional arrangements which have now expired;
in the case of new buildings other than dwellings, with effect from 1 July 2008, subject to certain planning-related transitional arrangements, which remain in force until 30 June 2010; and
in the case of any existing building offered for sale or rent, with effect from 1 January 2009.
It is the responsibility of a person who commissions the construction of a building or who offers a building for sale or letting to obtain a BER certificate unless the building is specifically exempted under Article 3 of the Regulations. The Regulations also require the owner, or any agent acting on their behalf, to produce a copy of the BER certificate to any person expressing an interest in purchasing or taking a letting in the building and, on demand, to the local Building Control Authority. I understand from Sustainable Energy Ireland that a total of 4,178 BER certificates for dwellings were issued last year. To date this year over 29,000 BER certificates for dwellings have been issued indicating a substantial increase in BER related activity since the scheme was extended to the sale and letting of existing dwellings from 1 January 2009.
I am aware of concerns in relation to compliance with the requirement for BER certificates within the private rented sector. As stated in the reply to Question No. 197 of 30 April, 2009, my Department will keep the potential role of the Private Residential Tenancies Board in this matter under review. The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive is under review by the EU and when this is finalised, amending national legislation will be introduced, if necessary.
20 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on Ireland’s Kyoto carbon reduction target and progress to date taking into account current economic circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18251/09]
In my Carbon Budget presentation in October 2008, I included projections published by the EPA in September 2008. As these projections were based on economic growth forecasts which were quickly overtaken by events, the EPA was asked to apply a sensitivity analysis which might better reflect the changed economic situation. This analysis, based on the ESRI's Economic Shock scenario, was published in March 2009. The updated figures indicated a Distance to Target for the Kyoto period 2008-2012 in the range of 1.3-1.8 million tonnes per annum, a reduction of around 3 million tonnes from the projections of last Autumn.
In the current economic climate, an unusually high degree of uncertainty attaches to all projections. It is now clear that the economic contraction will be deeper than assumed in the ESRI's about-mentioned scenario. It is quite possible that Ireland will now meet its Kyoto target for the non-trading sector without using carbon credits. It is important to emphasise that the effect of the recession on our emissions is a short-term one and it would be a serious mistake to ease off on our efforts to address the underlying trend. When economic growth resumes, so too will our emissions, growth unless we have the measures in place to reduce business. The Government remains focused on this work through the Cabinet Committee on Climate Change and Energy Security, the most recent meeting of which took place just last week.
21 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of persons registered on the various local authority housing waiting lists here; the number of houses built in each of the past three years directly by each of the local authorities; the number allocated in the same period; the number required by each local authority; the manner required by each local authority; the manner in which it is intended to meet such requirements in full in 2009, or in future years; the number of local authority housing starts for 2009; the allocation of funds for this purpose until the end of 2009; the extent to which this will meet or fall short of targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18156/09]
The number of households on a local authority's waiting list continuously fluctuates as households on the list are allocated housing and new households apply for housing support. It is up to individual housing authorities to plan the composition, management and delivery of their social housing investment programmes having regard to the specific social housing priorities in their areas and to the Exchequer funding allocated to them, which is based on their identified 2008 statutory assessment of housing need. Preliminary findings from the 2008 assessment are available on my Department's website, www.environ.ie.
Information in relation to activity under the range of housing programmes in 2006, 2007 and 2008 is set out in my Department's annual and quarterly Housing Statistics Bulletins, copies of which are available in the Oireachtas library and on my Department's website. In recent days, local authorities have been advised of their housing programme allocations for 2009. Over €1.3 billion is being provided for the broad range of social housing programmes this year, with €760m of this earmarked for the main local authority housing programme, including €20 million for long-term leasing arrangements. Taking all the social housing programmes together, including those of the voluntary and co-operative housing sector, and having regard to the capacity to access suitable housing available in the current housing market, including through the recently announced long-term leasing initiative, some 7,000 completions are expected to be achieved this year, with a similar level of starts.
Based on the recently announced allocations, it will be a matter for housing authorities to finalise their plans for the composition, management and delivery of their programmes, taking into account existing commitments, identifying priority projects and proposals and providing a time line for delivery and a sustainable funding plan for each project and their programme as a whole.
23 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the draft Poolbeg planning scheme, Dublin, is compatible with his policy on incineration and in particular the location of the Poolbeg incinerator; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18178/09]
A planning scheme under Section 25 of the Dublin Docklands Development Authority Act 1997 indicates the manner in which the Authority considers the relevant area should be redeveloped, and sets out policies in relation to land use, distribution and location of development, overall design, transportation, the development of amenities, and conservation. In preparing a planning scheme, the Authority is obliged to have regard to its Master Plan, consult with Dublin City Council and other relevant statutory bodies, have regard to the Dublin City Development Plan, and arrange for submissions by interested parties. The draft plan is then submitted to the Minister who, following consultation with the Minister for Finance and consideration of any objections from Dublin City Council, may approve it with or without modification.
The 1997 Act provides that a planning scheme shall not include any class of development in respect of which an environmental impact assessment is required, other than industrial-estate development projects, urban development projects and seawater marinas. The draft Poolbeg planning scheme does not, therefore, encompass the area where it is intended to locate the proposed waste thermal treatment facility. Following requests from interested parties, the Authority has extended the date for submissions, comments and questions on the draft Planning Scheme and the related Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) until Friday 8 May.
24 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to review the designation and purchase of bog in view of the current financial restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18061/09]
Bogs are important natural habitats and are home to unique ecosystems containing rare flora and fauna. Both blanket bogs and raised bogs are protected habitats under European and Irish Law and representative examples have been designated as Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) under the Habitats Directive or as Natural Heritage Areas (NHA) under the Wildlife Acts. Ireland has some of the most ecologically important examples of bog habitats in the European Union. In 1999, when the first of these sites was designated for nature protection, all commercial cutting on these bogs was stopped and the then Minister granted a ten year grace period for those who were cutting turf for their personal domestic use to find alternative sources of fuel.
Blanket bogs, which occur predominantly on the Western seaboard but also in Wicklow and the midlands, can tolerate a certain amount of turf extraction without compromising their value as habitats. It is envisaged that cutting on Blanket Bog SACs and NHAs can continue, except in very sensitive areas, under the current restrictions, which prohibit commercial extraction and the use of "sausage" machines. Raised bogs occur predominantly in the midlands. There are over 1,500 raised bogs in the State and only 139 of these are designated for nature protection as SACs or NHAs. The continued cutting of turf, by hand or machine, and associated drainage on these designated raised bogs, is incompatible with their preservation. Even with the restrictions in cutting that were introduced in 1999, over one third of the best bog habitat on these sites has been lost in ten years. It is clear that more needs to be done if we are to meet our obligation to protect this important habitat.
The Habitats Directive imposes a legal obligation on the State to take measures to ensure the protection of this essential and irreplaceable part of our natural heritage. Therefore, in the light of the scientific evidence of continuing damage to these valuable habitats, it would not be appropriate to review the designations in these areas. It is necessary to put arrangements in place to provide for more effective protection of these habitats, which will necessitate the transition to a cessation of turf cutting on the small number of designated raised bogs.
I have established an inter-Departmental working group to consider how best to achieve this and to assess the resources that will be required. This group will consult with interested parties and representative groups, and report back to me later this year. In the meantime, the voluntary bog purchase scheme will continue, subject to the availability of financial and administrative resources. Under this scheme, priority will be given to acquiring turbary rights on the 32 raised bog SACs on which cutting is to end this year.
25 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his proposals to amend the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008 in order to strengthen the powers of local authorities to deal with criminal and anti-social behaviour. [18035/09]
42 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the measures he proposes to take to address the increasing problems being faced by residents of local authority housing schemes in relation to crime and anti-social behaviour as evidenced in an attack (details supplied). [18034/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 25 and 42 together.
Recent events in the area identified highlight the way in which anti-social behaviour can disrupt the lives of householders and has the potential to destabilise communities. Success in addressing issues of anti-social behaviour is critically dependent on a co-ordinated effort involving all stakeholders, including An Garda Síochána, Government Departments and State agencies, local authorities, Joint Policing Committees, Local Drugs Task Forces and the local communities concerned.
From a housing policy and operational perspective, the Government's housing policy statement, Delivering Homes Sustaining Communities, places actions on renewal and regeneration of social housing estates, and prioritisation of good estate management, at the core of housing services. These objectives are supported by significant Exchequer finance under the Social Housing Investment Programme. While specific action to deal with anti-social behaviour is primarily a matter for An Garda Síochána under legislation within the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, a number of legislative measures are in place to assist local authorities to fulfil their responsibility, as landlords, to address anti-social behaviour issues in the context of the management and maintenance of their housing stock.
The Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1997 provides for a range of measures to assist authorities in addressing problems arising on their estates from drug dealing and serious anti-social behaviour. In addition, the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 extended to the Shared Ownership Scheme, the 1999 Affordable Housing Scheme and affordable housing delivered under Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000, the existing local authority power to refuse to sell a house under the Tenant Purchase Scheme to a person it has reason to believe is or has been engaged in anti-social behaviour or that a sale would not be in the interests of good estate management.
A number of new legislative provisions in relation to anti-social behaviour are contained in the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008, which completed Dail second stage at the end of April. The Bill updates the definition of anti-social behaviour contained in the 1997 Act, to include damage to property, graffiti and significant impairment of the use or enjoyment of a person's home. In addition, provision is made in the Bill for changes to the terms and conditions of a tenancy agreement to specifically reference anti-social behaviour.
At a more strategic level, housing authorities will be required to adopt anti-social behaviour strategies, providing for co-operation with other relevant bodies, particularly An Garda Síochána and the Health Service Executive; procedures for the making of complaints; and initiatives for the prevention and reduction of anti-social behaviour. Furthermore, the Bill extends the existing anti-social behaviour powers of housing authorities to cover a broader range of accommodation, including accommodation provided through rental or leasing arrangements. In conjunction with the Attorney General's Office, I am examining the scope for additional changes to existing legislation to enhance the role of housing authorities in addressing anti-social behaviour. Any further measures arising from this examination will be incorporated in the Bill at Committee Stage in the Dail.
27 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will introduce new legislation to give local authorities new powers to take action against developers who fail to complete developments and estates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18245/09]
Planning authorities have a range of powers under the Planning and Development Acts 2000 – 2008 that may be used to ensure the timely completion of housing estates in accordance with relevant planning permissions. A planning authority may attach a condition to a planning permission requiring the giving of adequate security for the satisfactory completion of the proposed development and, if necessary, may apply any security given towards the satisfactory completion of the development in question. Authorities have been advised by my Department that, in the case of residential development, planning conditions must require the giving of sufficient security prior to commencement of development.
A planning authority may take enforcement action for non-completion of a housing estate in accordance with the conditions of the relevant planning permission. Furthermore, planning authorities may refuse to grant planning permission, without recourse to the High Court, to any developer who has substantially failed to comply with a previous planning permission. An applicant who wishes to have such a decision overturned will have to apply to the High Court. While I am satisfied that planning authorities have substantial and adequate powers to compel the completion of residential developments in accordance with the relevant planning permissions, I will keep this matter under review.
28 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he has taken to ensure preparation for the impact of climate change, in particular to ensure that Ireland is prepared to deal with these impacts both at national and local government level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18101/09]
37 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he has taken to ensure that local authorities have guidance from his Department on the steps they should take to adapt to the impact of climate change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18100/09]
38 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he will take in respect of the findings of the Environmental Protection Agency report Climate Change in Ireland — Refining the Impacts for Ireland and the need to plan for climate changes that are already occurring and will be clearly evident within 40 years, and its suggestion that we need to plan ahead; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18099/09]
45 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the national strategy for adaptation to climate change will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18098/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 28, 37, 38 and 45 together.
The National Climate Change Strategy 2007 – 2012 includes a commitment to develop a national adaptation strategy by 2009, the objective of which will be to improve our resilience to deal with the impacts of climate change. It will provide a framework for integration of adaptation issues into decision-making at national and local levels. The EPA report, Climate Change in Ireland: Refining the Impacts for Ireland, published last week, and a further report by the Agency which is due next month, are part of a series of research projects currently underway which will input into the development of the adaptation strategy. Subsequent steps will be informed by the findings of these reports. The strategy must be informed by the best available scientific research in order to enable the various sectors to plan ahead and develop policies and strategies to enable Ireland cope with the likely impacts of climate change. The Department will be consulting with stakeholders, including local authorities, in developing the strategy.
29 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will publish the White Paper on local government reform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18220/09]
I am currently finalising the content of the White Paper on Local Government, for Government consideration and subsequent publication.
30 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the estimated cost of running the local elections on 5 June 2009, with an outline of the main items of expenditure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17984/09]
Article 8 of the Local Elections Regulations 1995 provides that the cost of local elections is met by each local authority. The information requested is not available in my Department.
31 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he has taken to deliver the programme for Government commitment to bring about sustainability proofing of county development plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18108/09]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 81 of 11 March 2009. Development plans provide the over-arching strategic framework for development within their areas. As such, the development plan must offer clear guidance on sustainable development policies and objectives, both national and local, which address the full range of sustainability issues such as climate change, waste management, transport, urban development, sustainable communities and the use of natural resources.
In June 2007, my Department published Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Development Plans. The Guidelines state that it is imperative that the objectives and strategies set out in development plans are compatible with the Government's commitment to reducing energy consumption and modifying the impacts of climate change. Development plans should be consistent with the objectives of national initiatives that will address energy and climate change issues such as the National Climate Change Strategy 2007-2012, which builds on the commitment to sustainable development set out in Towards 2016 and the National Development Plan 2007-2013.
The Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) carried out as part of the development plan process should also improve the overall sustainability of plans by identifying and appraising environmental issues. In order to assist planning authorities in the SEA process, the EPA has recently produced a draft manual on Geographical Information and Strategic Environmental Assessment (GISEA) which will allow planning authorities to overlap geographical information to particular areas.
Furthermore, building on existing guidance and highlighting best practice examples of plans at different scales, my Department is also preparing new planning guidelines on local area plans. A key element of these guidelines, which will be published later this year for public consultation, is the development of a "sustainability toolkit" which will focus on practical ways in which local planning policies can bring about better energy efficiency in new developments and how best to protect and enhance habitats and biodiversity, to integrate waste management into planning new development and support more use of sustainable transport modes, including public transport, walking and cycling.
32 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the methods he is promoting to deal with toxic waste from the pharmaceutical industry and other sources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18158/09]
The National Hazardous Waste Management Plan is the statutory responsibility of the EPA under the Waste Management Acts. The National Waste Prevention Committee, which operates under the aegis of the EPA, is the oversight body responsible for the coordination of actions to implement the National Hazardous Waste Management Plan. In general terms my policy approach is to promote waste management approaches and methods in line with the EU waste hierarchy, with prevention and minimisation as the most favourable options.
33 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, further to Parliamentary Question No. 159 of 27 November 2008, the further progress that has been made and the action he has taken in the clean up of the former steel plant at Haulbowline, Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18157/09]
The report on the assessment of site conditions on Haulbowline by White Young Green (WYG) was made publicly available on my Department's website in December 2008. Hard copies were also made available where requested. Furthermore, Professor Phillip Morgan (Sirius Geotechnical & Environmental Ltd) and Dr. Marcus Trett (Physalia Limited, Consultant & Forensic Ecologists) carried out a peer review on the WYG report which was also made publicly available. The WYG assessment found that there was no immediate health or environmental threat posed by the site and did not suggest a risk to the health of people on site undertaking normal activities or to those in the Cork harbour area including the Naval Base. The peer reviewers considered that the WYG report represented work of a quality consistent with good professional practice for such projects.
Recommendations arising out of the WYG and Peer Review reports have informed my proposals in respect of the future management of the site which I will shortly bring to Government. These proposals are at present the subject of consultation with other relevant Government Departments, including the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment which has a current Government mandate to look at future re-development options for the site. A small number of works have recently taken place on site. These mainly relate to normal care and maintenance including the demolition of some old huts near the main entrance to the site, the cleaning of a castor pit which was being used to store hazardous liquid waste and the disposal of small quantities of waste materials from the main industrial part of the site.
34 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there will be almost 4,000 affordable homes vacant by the end of 2009, that these affordable homes are often the same cost as or less than a similar unit in the private market and that people are finding it difficult to obtain a mortgage on a private home even when the affordable home is a higher cost than it; the steps he will take to reduce the costs of affordable housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18072/09]
Estimates obtained from a number of local authorities and the Affordable Homes Partnership during the first quarter of 2009 indicated that the number of affordable units on hands nationally was in the region of 3,700 units. Many of these are already in process of sale or are expected to be sold in the coming months. Factors affecting the housing market generally, including availability of mortgage credit, have, inevitably, impacted on the purchase of affordable housing. In light of analysis by my Department and the Affordable Homes Partnership, and engagement with local authorities, my Department issued a circular to authorities recently setting out guidance on the approach to be followed in addressing the stock of affordable homes. The circular also indicated that the local authority annuity loan limit has been increased to €220,000 to assist relevant purchasers in the current market, where private finance has become more difficult to access.
The majority of affordable units on hands or likely to be transferred to local authorities this year flow from Part V agreements between developers and the authorities. The price of these units primarily reflects the costs negotiated, in accordance with the relevant legislation, between authorities and developers. These costs are based on the sum of the site costs, calculated at existing use value, actual construction costs as agreed between the local authority and the developer, plus reasonable profit on those costs. In the case of units which are due to be transferred to local authorities, the scope to re-negotiate agreements in light of current market conditions, including price or method of compliance with Part V, depends on the nature of the contract entered into with the developer in the context of the Part V agreement.
Local authorities have been advised that, in the context of reduced open market prices, they may reduce the sale price of any affordable home through further subsidisation using Part V monies or other clawback proceeds on hands, where this is considered appropriate taking account of relevant factors in individual cases, particularly the continuing need to ensure value for money outcomes. Local authorities are best placed to judge, on the basis of local circumstances, whether this is appropriate. My Department will continue to monitor and support local authorities' work to address these challenging issues, and will adapt and develop the approaches involved, as necessary, in the evolving housing market and economic climate.
35 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the Planning Bill 2009; the provisions which will prevent urban sprawl and the wasting of public resources on poorly located excessive zonings; if this Bill will be passed before future county of city development plans are adopted by local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18109/09]
I refer to the reply Question No. 20 of 27 November 2008. The Planning and Development Act 2000 updated and modernised planning legislation and introduced a range of measures to ensure sustainable development through the forward planning and development management processes and the enforcement of planning legislation.
Development plans, prepared and adopted by local authorities under Part II of the 2000 Act, as amended, currently provide the over-arching strategic framework for development with a view to ensuring its sustainability in economic, social and environmental terms. The legal provisions in relation to development plans are underpinned by statutory guidelines issued by my Department in June 2007 entitled Development Plans — Guidelines for Planning Authorities. More recently, Planning Guidelines on Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas were published in December 2008 and outline how planning authorities can ensure that, through the development plan and local area plan processes, quality new residential developments are planned and delivered in such a way as to be sustainable into the future, incorporating the highest design standards and providing a co-ordinated approach to the delivery of essential infrastructure and services. Both sets of guidelines are available on my Department's website at www.environ.ie.
The Government's legislative programme, published on 22 April 2009, indicates that the Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill is due to be published in the summer session. The Bill will aim, inter alia, to ensure a closer alignment between the National Spatial Strategy, Regional Planning Guidelines, development plans and local area plans. In addition, the Bill will require the preparation of a ‘core strategy' in development plans which will: set down the demographic and economic evidence basis for the plan including the location, quantum and phasing of land zoned for development purposes; identify the linkages to national and regional planning priorities; indicate the plans for provision of necessary infrastructure and how such plans are aligned with national infrastructure programmes; and indicate how the plan supports cross-cutting sustainable policies such as those addressing climate change and sustainable travel.
36 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on whether the electoral registers correctly reflect the people entitled to vote in the forthcoming elections; and his proposals to improve same. [17985/09]
In law, the preparation of the Register of Electors is a matter for each local registration authority. It is their duty to ensure, as far as possible and with the cooperation of the public, the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the Register. In working to compile the Register for 2007/08, local authorities undertook and completed, with assistance from my Department, the most extensive registration campaign in decades. On the basis of the work undertaken, I am satisfied that local authorities achieved a significant improvement in the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the Register compared to previous years. The task for local authorities, in relation to the Register for 2009/10, was to maintain and build on the progress made to date.
Authorities were required to publish the Final Register for 2009/10 by 1 February 2009 and this is now available for checking. Individuals not on the Register can avail of the supplement to the Register up until 15 days before the next polling day i.e. Monday 18 May in the case of the elections being held on 5 June 2009.
Looking to the future, the Programme for Government contains a commitment to establish an independent Electoral Commission. The Commission's responsibilities will include taking charge of the compilation of a new national rolling electoral register. My Department appointed consultants to carry out preliminary research on issues arising in relation to establishment of the Electoral Commission. I published the relevant report for consultation on 10 February 2009, with a closing date of 26 June 2009.
39 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he plans to introduce a new scheme to aid people on low to middle incomes work towards becoming zero carbon households as part of any new zero carbon building regulations he introduces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18073/09]
In line with the Programme for Government the energy efficiency requirements for dwellings specified under Part L "Conservation of Fuel and Energy" of the Building Regulations 2005 were improved by 40% in 2007 and will be further upgraded to yield a 60% improvement in energy efficiency in 2010, relative to 2005 standards. My Department is also working on the development of a strategy for achieving a carbon neutral building standard for dwellings from 2013, which will require further substantial amendments to the building regulations. The introduction of such a standard would require the preparation of a Regulatory Impact Assessment which would, inter alia, consider the impacts on those on lower incomes. Amendments to the Building Regulations generally apply to new dwellings and to existing dwellings only where major renovations are undertaken.
My Department is committed to the improvement of the insulation and general energy efficiency of local authority houses and to that end has developed a comprehensive national programme for the ‘greening' of the social housing stock. This programme includes a range of energy efficiency initiatives for which some €50 million has been set aside in 2009.
The range of energy efficiency initiatives includes a programme of Towards Carbon Neutral demonstration projects, focussed on the construction of dwellings to achieve a minimum Building Energy Rating (BER) of A2, as well as a number of demonstration projects for the retrofitting of insulation and other energy efficiency measures in the existing stock of local authority housing to achieve minimum BER of B2. It is our intention that the experience gained from these projects will inform our approach to both new construction and remedial works schemes in the future to ensure a viable and energy efficient stock of local authority housing into the future. The 2009 House Condition Survey will contribute to the overall strategy for efficiently and effectively delivering on this aspiration.
Under the national programme, some €20 million will be provided in 2009 for an ambitious programme to achieve a BER rating of C1 in the case of dwellings due to be re-let during the year, as well as to address energy deficits in apartment complexes. In addition, €14 million has been set aside within the range of initiatives to complete the National Central Heating Programme, which will deliver the installation of central heating and associated thermal insulation improvements in some 2,100 units in 2009.
41 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of building control authorities which have brought enforcement orders or other action against development companies which have used pyrite as infill material in the building of houses or other developments; the number of these that were developed as part of local government contracts; the locations of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18071/09]
Enforcement of the Building Regulations is a matter for the individual local Building Control Authorities. Statistics on enforcement of the Regulations, furnished by local building control authorities to my Department for 2008 (the latest period for which figures are available) show that thirty four enforcement notices were served by building control authorities under the Building Control Act 1990 for non-compliance with the various Parts of the Building Regulations. In addition, nineteen summary prosecutions were taken by the authorities. The statistics do not provide details as to the reason for the enforcement notices or prosecutions, or the individual developments concerned. However, my Department understands that no enforcement notices or summary prosecutions were undertaken in relation to the use of pyrite.
44 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the way he proposes to dispose of the obsolete electronic voting technology; the extent to which it may be possible to recover some or any of the original expenditure for the benefit of the Exchequer; if other jurisdictions have expressed an interest in acquiring the technology; if an attempt was made to contact other jurisdictions in which this or similar technology is in use with the objective of possible sale; if contact was made with the government of India wherein one of his predecessors indicated this technology was in regular use; the all-in cost of this episode including commitments arising from storage or maintenance on a phase by phase basis and including initial research, manufacture and promotion costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18155/09]
118 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has investigated possible alternative uses for the redundant electronic voting technology; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18416/09]
119 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has received correspondence from interested parties who might have an interest in acquiring the electronic voting technology surplus to requirements here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18417/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 44, 118 and 119 together.
I indicated on a number of occasions that I was considering the position in relation to the electronic voting and counting project. On 23 April 2009, I announced that the Government have decided not to proceed with the implementation of electronic voting in Ireland. In announcing the decision, I stated that significant additional costs would arise to advance electronic voting in Ireland and that the decision had been taken to avoid such costs, especially at a time of more challenging economic conditions. The financial and other resources that would be involved in modifying the machines in advance of implementation could not be justified in present circumstances. I also stated that the public in broad terms appear to be satisfied with the present paper-based system and this must be recognised in decisions on the future steps to be taken with the electronic voting system.
A process will now be put in place, including discussions with the supplier, to address the disposal of the electronic voting and counting equipment and termination of storage arrangements. Proposals made to my Department in this regard will be considered as part of the process. To date, there have been no contacts with other jurisdictions along the lines referred to in the questions.
The total expenditure on the development and roll-out of the electronic voting system to date is some €51.3 million, the bulk of which has been incurred in purchasing the voting machines and ancillary equipment. These costs are set out in the following table.
|
Expenditure item |
Cost |
|
€m |
|
|
Voting machines |
43.941 |
|
Ancillary equipment (Ballot Modules, Programme Reading Units, PCs, trolleys, tables, etc.) |
2.330 |
|
Awareness and Education campaigns |
2.566 |
|
Voting Machine development, election software development/training etc. |
0.828 |
|
Consultancy/testing |
0.731 |
|
Miscellaneous (staff training, freight,) |
0.924 |
|
Total |
51.320 |
Based on figures received in my Department from Returning Officers, the total annual costs for storage of the electronic voting equipment (including the cost of insurance, service charges, rates and heating) for 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 were some €658,000; €696,000; €706,000; €489,000; and €204,000, respectively. In 2007, over 60% of the electronic voting machines (some 4,762 in total) were moved to a central storage facility located at Gormanston Army Camp. Costs incurred in respect of the movement and storage of this equipment are some €328,000.
46 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of tenant purchase scheme, shared ownership and affordable housing units that have been repossessed on behalf of a local authority for each of the past five years in each local authority area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18074/09]
The total numbers of repossessions carried out over the five year period 2004 to 2008 by each local authority that provides loans for house purchase, under section 11 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1992, is set out in the table below. Breakdowns on an annual basis or by type of housing unit are not readily available.
|
Council Name |
Repossessions |
|
Carlow County Council |
3 |
|
Cavan County Council |
3 |
|
Clare County Council |
6 |
|
Cork County Council |
3 |
|
Donegal County Council |
0 |
|
Fingal County Council |
0 |
|
South Dublin County Council |
2 |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown County Council |
0 |
|
Galway County Council |
2 |
|
Kerry County Council |
0 |
|
Kildare County Council |
0 |
|
Kilkenny County Council |
3 |
|
Laois County Council |
5 |
|
Leitrim County Council |
0 |
|
Limerick County Council |
1 |
|
Longford County Council |
4 |
|
Louth County Council |
0 |
|
Mayo County Council |
0 |
|
Meath County Council |
1 |
|
Monaghan County Council |
2 |
|
Offaly County Council |
3 |
|
Roscommon County Council |
0 |
|
Sligo County Council |
1 |
|
North Tipperary County Council |
1 |
|
South Tipperary County Council |
5 |
|
Waterford County Council |
0 |
|
Westmeath County Council |
0 |
|
Wexford County Council |
0 |
|
Wicklow County Council |
0 |
|
Dublin City Council |
7 |
|
Cork City Council |
4 |
|
Galway City Council |
0 |
|
Limerick City Council |
1 |
|
Waterford City Council |
5 |
|
Clonmel Borough Council |
0 |
|
Sligo Borough Council |
0 |
|
Drogheda Borough Council |
0 |
|
Wexford Borough Council |
0 |
|
Bray Town Council |
0 |
|
Athlone Town Council |
0 |
|
TOTAL |
62 |
47 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when redundancy payments will issue to persons employed in a company (details supplied). [18326/09]
A total of 398 claims on behalf of workers in the company mentioned were received in my Department on 25 March 2009 and processing of these claims is in hand. Given current processing times, it is anticipated, on the assumption that all claims are correct and valid, that the claims will be paid within 6-8 weeks of that date.
48 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her Department has made an application on behalf of the State to the EU for assistance from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund on behalf of the people who were made redundant in a company (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18327/09]
52 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her proposals to make an application under the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for those workers made redundant at a company (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18400/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 48 and 52 together.
Funding is available from the European Globalisation Fund (EGF) for workers in EU Member States made redundant as a result of major structural changes in world trade patterns due to globalisation and subsequent market impacts within the European Union. Until now at least 1,000 workers had to lose their jobs in a single enterprise within a reference period of 4 months as one of the key eligibility criteria under the EGF. However, the Regulation governing the EGF is being revised at present in order to ensure that it better responds to the needs of affected EU workers. The proposed revisions include the halving of the current threshold number of redundancies to 500, an increase in the co-financing rate from up to 50% to 65% and doubling of the permitted period for use of co-financing from 12 to 24 months. These new measures, which were strongly supported by the Government in the course of recent negotiations at the European Council, will make the Fund more accessible and will apply to applications made by member States between 1 May 2009 and 30 December 2011. The revised Regulation is in the process of being adopted by both the European Parliament and the European Council
In this context and with a view to pursuing the making of an application under the revised EGF Regulation in respect of redundant workers at Waterford Crystal, my Department has been in contact with the European Commission. Apart from any application that might be made under the EGF, the Government has already put in place supports to facilitate those workers made redundant at Waterford Crystal to benefit from retraining, upskilling or the availing of educational opportunities in order to assist in their eventual reintegration into the workforce. In this regard FÁS has put in place a dedicated team to assist workers at Waterford Crystal with individual skills assessment, occupational guidance and advice, job search assistance and training. FÁS is also working collaboratively with other statutory agencies and educational institutions in the South East Region. Since November 2008 it has provided guidance sessions for 520, and training for 336, of the former employees of Waterford Crystal.
49 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the concerns being expressed in relation to the growing jobless figures recorded at the Tallaght social welfare office, Dublin and the consequent need for job creation initiatives in the area; her proposals to deal with this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18359/09]
Unemployment is increasing across the country due to the downturn in the economy and this has impacted on the Tallaght area also. This situation is unwelcome and is an indication of the challenges that are now facing the labour market and the economy as a whole.
Employment/unemployment is measured by the Quarterly National Household Survey published by the CSO. It does not provide data on particular counties but only on Regions. Employment in the Dublin Region, which includes Tallaght, has dropped by 19,800 and unemployment has increased by 15,000 in the year to Quarter 4 (September — November 2008), the latest period for which data is available. The number of persons signing on to the live register in the Tallaght region as at end April, 2009 stands at 8,787, an increase of 97% over the last twelve months.
The Live Register, however, is not a measure of unemployment as it includes part-time, seasonal and casual workers who might be signing on from time to time. In response to the challenge of increasing unemployment my Department through FÁS, the National Training and Employment Authority, continues to prioritise the need to assist and up-skill those who have become unemployed as a result of the present downturn in the economy. We have taken a range of steps to expand services to the unemployed. In addition to the 51,000 FÁS training places announced on the 5th February, 2009 a further 18,725 training places for the unemployed were provided in the supplementary Budget to bring the total number of training and work experience activation places funded by my Department in 2009 to approximately 128,000. Further measures announced in the supplementary budget are being prepared and details will be announced in the near future.
In terms of job creation, Enterprise Ireland's (EI) activity in Tallaght is focused on the creation of new jobs through supporting entrepreneurs in manufacturing and internationally traded services companies. Enterprise Ireland activity, in terms of job creation, is focused on the retention and creation of new jobs in existing companies, and the creation of new jobs by supporting entrepreneurs to set up High Potential Start-Up Companies. The agency works closely with the Tallaght Institute of Technology in encouraging the commercialisation of research and has approved financial support of over €2.6m to the Institute for the development and management of a Campus based Incubation Centre. This centre provides entrepreneurs with affordable space in an environment which provides support to them to research their new ideas and to afford them the opportunity to bring about new indigenous businesses.
The agency has also approved support of €1.225m for a Centre of Excellence at the Institute of Technology Tallaght, the focus of which is Microsensors for Clinical Analysis. Since the beginning of 2005 to date, Enterprise Ireland approved support in excess of €21m and made payments of over €12.3m to companies in South County Dublin to enhance their capacity, capability and performance.
Over the past 5 years, IDA Ireland's focused strategy for South Dublin has been to promote the county as part of an integrated East Region with access to a population base of 1.5 million people. Tallaght and South County Dublin are well equipped to compete with other areas for potential foreign direct investment, with superb infrastructural facilities at Citywest and Grange Castle, and a third level Institute of Technology at Tallaght. Both of these business parks are easily accessible to the population of Tallaght and the environs.
In Grange Castle, the pharmaceutical company Wyeth Biopharma has established the world's largest biopharma campus facility investing €1.8 billion and currently employs approximately 1,300 highly skilled people. Planning Permission has also been approved for an Advance Integrated Circuit Manufacturing and Research facility at Grange Castle — this is the largest planning application to date in the State. This will be an invaluable tool for the future marketing of Grange Castle as a potential source of high quality and large-scale employment for the population of the environs, including Tallaght. Grange Castle continues to attract high level FDI and the announcement in November 2008 that Microsoft Corporation has selected Grange Castle as the location for its new European data centre is a further indicator of Ireland's standing internationally as a global knowledge based economy. Microsoft plans to invest $500m in the construction of the data centre and will employ up to 75 people. IDA, in conjunction with South Dublin County Council, will continue to market the County to new and existing client companies in the future.
Finally, South Dublin County Enterprise Board (CEB) continues to provide support for small businesses with 10 employees or fewer in the start-up and expansion phases, to promote and develop indigenous micro-enterprise potential and to stimulate economic activity and entrepreneurship at local level throughout South Dublin, which is inclusive of the Tallaght area. Business growth and job creation are inherent considerations in the activities of the CEB. The CEB delivers a series of Programmes to underpin this role and they can provide both financial and non-financial assistance to a project promoter. During 2009 South Dublin CEB will continue to support enterprise development in the area through the provision of both direct and indirect assistance and will ensure that available funds are targeted to maximise entrepreneurial development at county level.
50 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on whether new initiatives should be taken to extend the code of conduct for disputes in essential services, or to give that code legal effect; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18371/09]
In 1992, under Section 42 of the Industrial Relations Act 1990, the Labour Relations Commission, following consultation with ICTU and IBEC, prepared a Code of Practice on Dispute Procedures including Procedures in Essential Services (S.I. No 1 of 1992). The Code is designed to assist employers and trade unions in making agreements which recognise the rights and interests of the parties concerned and which contain procedures to resolve issues in a peaceful manner and avoid the need for any of the parties to resort to actions which will lead to a disruption of supplies and services.
The procedures in the Code provide a framework for the peaceful resolution of disputes, including disputes in essential services. The Code recognises that there is a joint responsibility on employers and trade unions to resolve disputes in essential services and employments without resorting to strikes or other forms of industrial action. While the Code of Practice is voluntary in nature and is not binding on employers or trade unions, the Code is admissible in evidence in any proceedings before a Court, the Labour Relations Commission, the Labour Court, the Employment Appeals Tribunal, a rights commissioner or an equality officer. Any provision of the Code, which appears to the Court, body or officer concerned to be relevant to any question arising in the proceedings, shall be taken into account in determining that question.
In the National Partnership Agreement, Towards 2016, the parties acknowledged the importance of stable industrial relations and committed themselves to maintaining a well-managed industrial relations environment to prevent disputes affecting the level of service to the public. The parties accepted that providers of essential services and their staff have a special responsibility to ensure that they have well developed communication channels and to seek to resolve problems before they escalate into industrial disputes. It was agreed that if a problem cannot be resolved, all parties would take up all available dispute resolution mechanisms (both statutory and non-statutory). Complementary provisions were also agreed in the context of the Review and Transitional Agreement, 2008-2009.
Accordingly, in the light of the general endorsement to date by the main representatives of employers and trade unions of the desirability, in the event of disputed arising in essential services, of recourse to the existing statutory and non-statutory dispute resolution mechanisms, I see no need for additional measures in this area, as suggested by the Deputy.
51 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on the fine imposed on a company (details supplied) by the EU in respect of trust law; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18376/09]
The role of Member States in such competition cases is generally confined to giving its opinion to the Commission via the Advisory Committee on Restrictive Practices and Dominant Positions on which all Member States are represented by their national competition authorities. The Competition Authority represents Ireland on this Committee as it generally relates to the enforcement of the Competition Rules set down in the EC Treaty. Therefore, I have no direct role in the process and I do not consider it appropriate for me to comment on the fine imposed by the Commission.
53 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of civil servants in her Department who have been dismissed from 2004 to date in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18692/09]
3 Civil Servants in my Department were dismissed from 2004 to date in 2009.
54 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the need to engage in a clean-up operation at Emo Court, Emo, Portlaoise, County Laois in view of the unsightly remains of a garden festival, which are detracting from the amenity of the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18274/09]
The promoter of the Garden Festival at Emo Court became insolvent, leaving the infrastructure to which the Deputy refers on site. The assets of the promoter, including those currently on the ground at Emo, were purchased by a third party. The purchaser of this property has commenced the clean-up of the site. OPW is encouraging this party to complete the removal of their property from the site as soon as possible. OPW has also recently carried out a range of works to reduce the visual impact of the festival site and improve safety.
55 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Finance the number of civil servants in his Department who have been dismissed from 2004 to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18311/09]
There have been no dismissals of staff in my Department in the period 2004 to date in 2009.
56 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Finance the reason a person (details supplied) has not received their rebate on stamp duty; when they will receive same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18355/09]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that in the timeframe allowed, the information requested could not be provided. The Revenue Commissioners will contact the Deputy directly when the information becomes available.
57 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Finance if, in view of the circumstances regarding a document, he will at a minimum ensure that a temporary C2 tax clearance certificate will issue to a person (details supplied). [18356/09]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that no application for a C2 certificate has been received from the taxpayer. If an application is received, the tax history for the three years prior to receipt of the application will be examined for the applicant (and in the case of the company of which he is a director the tax history for both directors will be examined). The problems he is experiencing with his 2002 return will not impact on a current C2 application.
58 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Finance if he will arrange for remedial action to repair the bank of the River Nore at Ballyragget, County Kilkenny to prevent further erosion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18377/09]
The Office of Public Works has no responsibility in relation to maintenance of the River Nore at Ballyragget. If details of the precise location and nature of the problem are provided, the matter can be investigated further. However, given existing demands on the OPW's resources for flood mitigation measures, where dwellings are at risk, works to address the problem will be considered only if there is substantial risk to life or property.
59 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Finance if the proposed capitation payment to pre-school providers will be liable for income tax. [18396/09]
While the full details of the Early Childhood and Education Scheme are yet to be finalised, it is not intended to provide specific tax exemptions for capitation payments made to service providers who provide free pre-school services under the scheme.
60 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties and lack of clarity a company (details supplied) is having regarding the way the pension levy is to be deducted from staff; and if he will ensure clear guidelines forthwith to allow such providers plan their services and operate their payroll system in a satisfactory manner. [18397/09]
Discussions were held with Finance Officers of Departments to ensure that payroll arrangements were put in place to enable the pension-related deduction to be applied from 1 March 2009, and my Department has issued a set of frequently asked questions which is available on the Department of Finance website. The Secretary General, Public Service Management and Development, has written to all Heads of Departments and Offices to ask them to ensure that the payroll arrangements are put in place in Departments and in the bodies under their aegis where public service pension schemes are in place.
Regulations are in preparation in my Department on foot of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009. These regulations will provide detailed instructions on operating and accounting for the pension-related deduction. Parent Departments will have the responsibility to bring these regulations to the attention of the bodies under their aegis. In the meantime, interim guidance on bringing deductions to account has issued to Departments providing them with the necessary information, which was also to be brought to the attention of the bodies under their aegis. In the case of the company mentioned by the Deputy, the detailed implementation of these procedures in the health sector is a matter, in the first instance, for the Health Service Executive.
61 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Finance, further to Parliamentary Question No. 79 of 30 April 2009, if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the person’s employer will not provide documentation to enable the returns to be submitted; and if a revenue audit has commenced in relation to the person’s employer. [18401/09]
I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they are in correspondence with the person concerned to establish whether that person was an employee or self employed with the parties concerned. Revenue's dealings with other parties are confidential. Therefore, details of any inquiries made into the matter cannot be made available.
62 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the €1 million earmarked for suicide prevention initiatives in round four of the dormant accounts funding; the organisations to which money has been granted; the amount of money allocated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18282/09]
The Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, through POBAL, invited applications for funding under the suicide prevention measure. Funding decisions are made by Government on the basis of recommendations made by the Economic and Social Disadvantage Interdepartmental Committee, which is chaired by my colleague, the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. My Department is considering the assessments made by POBAL of the applications received and, in light of the current national economic situation, is also considering the timeframe for the funding of this measure. Recommendations in this regard will be made to the Interdepartmental Committee shortly.
63 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will make a statement in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [18300/09]
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.
64 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support a matter (details supplied). [18384/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
65 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15 is subject to the pension levy when they had signed a waiver opting out of the pension scheme and therefore will derive no benefit from it; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18386/09]
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 the Central Remedial Clinic 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 but may be entitled to a non pensionable gratuity on reaching retirement age as provided for under the scheme rules.
66 Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Health and Children the patient waiting times for MRI scans; and the actions she is taking to reduce these waiting times. [18276/09]
The National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) has arranged treatment for an increasing number of patients each year since its inception in 2002. It has also initiated new services such as the out-patient scheme from 2005 and more recently, the provision of MRI scans. The NTPF arranged over 3,000 MRIs in 2008 and is committed to continuing this service in 2009. I have asked the HSE to provide the Deputy with information in relation to the waiting times for MRI scans.
67 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children if the promised €1 million in once-off funding allocated to the National Office for Suicide Prevention in 2009 will be delivered; the programmes for which this money has been earmarked; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18283/09]
Once-off funding of €1 million was provided in 2009 for suicide prevention initiatives which brings the total funding available to the National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP) in 2009 to €4.3 million. This funding will be used to progress actions identified in ‘Reach Out' — the National Strategy for Action on Suicide Prevention and specifically, to develop a youth based campaign. In accordance with Public Financial Procedures formal sanction by the Minister for Finance is required in respect of all voted expenditure, including funding for developments. This sanction issues following the publication of the Revised Estimates Volume (REV). As the REV was published on 23 April 2009 it is anticipated that formal sanction for the once-off funding of €1 million for suicide prevention initiatives will issue from the Department for Finance shortly.
68 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health and Children if a centre (details supplied) in County Kerry which provides counselling to teenagers will be guaranteed funding in order to remain in operation, particularly in view of the fact that the loss of jobs will itself place a burden on social welfare. [18303/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
69 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps she has taken, in view of the blacklisting of ten Health Service Executive regions by the Russian federal authorities and the consequent suspension by Russia of processing applications for adoption by persons who have had home studies prepared by these HSE regions, to ensure that the HSE regions named comply with all requirements to have their names removed from this blacklist; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18307/09]
70 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health and Children the legal status of the letter of commitments issued by the Health Service Executive to prospective parents intending to adopt from Russia in view of the blacklisting of ten HSE regions by the Russian federal authorities and the consequent suspension by Russia of processing applications for adoption by persons who have had home studies prepared by these HSE regions; the enforceability by the HSE of the commitments given there by parents to co-operate with the HSE; the details of the agreement between the Adoption Board and the Russian Embassy pertaining to the transmission of post-placement returns; the number of instances by HSE region where such post-placement returns have not been so transmitted to the Russian authorities; the stage in the process outlined by agreement with the embassy where this failure has occurred; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18308/09]
71 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason, in view of the blacklisting of ten Health Service Executive regions by the Russian federal authorities and the consequent suspension by Russia of processing applications for adoption by persons who have had home studies prepared by these HSE regions, of the providers of home studies here only an organisation (details supplied) has a clean record in relation to the transmission of post-placement reports; the processes it has in place which can be adopted by the rest of the system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18309/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 69 to 71, inclusive, together.
Post-placement reports in relation to adoption are a requirement of a number of countries that send children to be adopted by Irish applicants. In order to provide assurance to the Russian Federation, the Health Service Executive (HSE) has furnished a letter to indicate their ongoing part in the provision of such reports and to their status as the statutory body with responsibility for child protection. This letter was provided at the request of applicants who may have experienced queries in relation to arrangements for the provision of such reports. The HSE has no statutory function in relation to the provision of post-placement reports, though it has and continues to facilitate the preparation of same. The key commitment given is the legal affidavit to co-operate with the provision of such reports, required by the Russian authorities from all applicants. Where parents do not co-operate there is no legal basis to enforce their co-operation with post-adoption reporting in this jurisdiction.
My Office has been in touch with the HSE to clarify the situation in relation to any such list of outstanding reports. The Executive has confirmed that reports continue to be supplied from all regions and that it is following up in respect of reports which may be completed but not yet transmitted. Over 450 such reports were required in respect of 2008 and it is anticipated that around 400 will be required in respect of 2009 (not all due yet). The HSE in all ten areas has conducted an extensive search for these alleged "missing" post-placement reports and, in total, some 34 have not yet been transmitted. The majority of the outstanding reports have been completed and are with the adoptive parents for translation, apostilling and notarisation, that is, the social workers have already conducted the home visit and the report.
In a small number of cases, parents have neglected or have been unwilling or unable to arrange for a home visit with their social worker. Further contact has been made again to arrange for all outstanding visits to be undertaken and is being prioritised by the HSE Adoption Services to ensure that the parents can have the required reports forwarded to the Russian Embassy. From information available at this stage, only one report has been "delayed" due to scheduling difficulties. I am given to understand that a rescheduled visit is due to take place this week in relation to this particular case. In this regard, it should be noted that while the Adoption Board facilitates the transmission of completed reports to the Russian authorities, there is no formal agreement nor obligation on the board to do so.
Negotiations will be conducted with the adoptive parents support group to educate and encourage adoptive parents to process the Russian post-placements reports more expediently to ensure that this does not occur again. In addition, the HSE social workers will further monitor the situation and actively encourage that parents co-operate more fully with the Russian Ministry of Education requirements. I have also requested that this matter be raised directly with the Russian authorities.
72 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of primary care teams currently in place; the location of same; the primary care teams which will be in place by the end of 2009; the locations involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18312/09]
As the Deputy's question relates to a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
73 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [18332/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
74 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Health and Children the length of time that a patient has to be on a waiting list in Letterkenny General Hospital, County Donegal, before qualifying to be treated under the National Treatment Purchase Fund; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18337/09]
The management of waiting lists generally is a matter for the HSE and the individual hospitals concerned. The National Treatment Purchase Fund arranges treatment for patients who have been on a public 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.
At my request, the NTPF, working with the HSE and the hospitals, has focused in particular on reducing the number of persons waiting for more than 12 months for treatment. I am pleased to say that, as a result of the efforts made by all concerned during 2008, the total number of persons waiting over 12 months was reduced by 66%, from 4,637 to 1,576, between December 2007 and December 2008. This improvement was also reflected in Letterkenny General Hospital, which reduced its total number of persons waiting over 12 months by over 75% during the same period.
While these improvements are encouraging, I have indicated to the HSE and the NTPF that work must continue in 2009 in order to ensure that no patient has to wait longer than 12 months for hospital treatment. It is possible that a number of those classified as waiting for more than one year are not in fact still awaiting treatment, or that they have declined an offer of treatment. I have asked the NTPF and the HSE to validate the numbers recorded to ensure that we have a fully accurate picture, and to arrange for treatment in the case of patients who are still in need of a service.
75 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Donegal who has been on the waiting list for Letterkenny General Hospital for a hip replacement will qualify to be treated under the National Treatment Purchase Fund; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18338/09]
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.
76 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of patients on the National Treatment Purchase Fund waiting list by category in the Health Service Executive south region; the number of patients waiting for one year, two years, three years or more; the action being taken to deal with the backlog; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18343/09]
At my request, the NTPF, working with the HSE and the hospitals, has focused in particular on reducing the number of persons waiting for more than twelve months for treatment. I am pleased to say that, as a result of the efforts made by all concerned during 2008, the total number of persons recorded as waiting over 12 months was reduced by 66%, from 4,637 to 1,576, between December 2007 and December 2008. This improvement was also reflected in the HSE Southern Hospitals Group, which halved the total number of persons waiting over 12 months during the same period. While these improvements are encouraging, I have indicated to the HSE and the NTPF that work must continue in 2009 in order to ensure that no patient has to wait longer than 12 months for hospital treatment.
I attach a table with the statistical information requested by the Deputy. The data presented must however be regarded as subject to change. I have asked the NTPF and the HSE to validate the numbers recorded as waiting for 12 months or longer in all hospitals to ensure that we have a fully accurate picture, and to arrange for treatment in the case of patients who are still in need of a service. It is possible that a number of those classified as waiting for more than one year are not in fact still awaiting treatment, or that they have declined an offer of treatment.
|
Hospitals |
1 – 2 years |
2 – 3 years |
3 years plus |
|
Cork University |
37 |
8 |
6 |
|
Mercy University |
23 |
0 |
0 |
|
Mallow General |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Kerry General |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Bantry General |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
South Infirmary |
9 |
2 |
0 |
77 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of annual rent being paid out on buildings for community services in the primary, community and continuing care area of north Cork; the number of buildings for which this figure accounts; the cost per square metre of each of these buildings and their location; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18360/09]
Arrangements in relation to the rental or leasing of premises is a service matter and the question has therefore been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
78 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive paediatric orthopaedic treatment at St. Mary’s Orthopaedic Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18361/09]
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.
79 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans regarding people who will take retirement after working with the Health Service Executive; if their lump sum will be taxed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18370/09]
In general, persons retiring from the Health Services Executive are entitled to receive the pension and lump sum provisions applicable to their relevant superannuation scheme. Incentivised Scheme for Early Retirement (ISER) provisions will be covered by a Circular to issue shortly. At present, lump sums are not subject to income tax. I understand the Commission on Taxation, which is to report to the Minister for Finance later this year, is examining this matter.
80 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health and Children when a decision will be reached in respect of a medical card application for a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; the reason for the delay in dealing with this application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18374/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
81 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22 was refused a medical card; if their case will be reassessed and consideration will be given to granting a medical card in this case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18381/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
82 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of money available for disability services under the multi-annual investment programme 2005 to 2009; the breakdown of the amount allocated each year and the amount expended each year respectively; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18383/09]
The Multi Annual Investment Programme for Disability Services makes provision for the development of additional residential, respite places and day care places each year between 2006 and 2009 for people with Intellectual Disability and Autism and additional residential care and home support services for people with physical and sensory disabilities. In Budget 2005, an additional €70 million in revenue funding was allocated to Disability Services. Under the Multi-Annual Investment Programme (MAIP), an additional €75 million was allocated in Budget 2006 to Disability Services. A further additional €75 million was allocated in Budget 2007. In Budget 2008, an additional €50 million was allocated to services for people with disabilities.
In Budget 2009, an additional €20m was allocated for health and education services for children with special educational needs. €10m of this allocation will be to the Health Service Executive (HSE), and €10m to the Department of Education and Science, to enable the services provided to children with special educational needs to be enhanced and strengthened. As the Deputy's further questions relate to service matters I have arranged for the questions to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
83 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the concern amongst preschool providers with the free preschool scheme as proposed, that for commercial as opposed to community providers the proposed payment is inadequate, that the scheme will push up fees for child day care and close the majority of preschools and primarily the more expensive professional montessori schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18398/09]
As the Deputy will be aware I have responsibility for the implementation of the new scheme to provide a free Pre-School year of Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) which was announced recently by the Minister of Finance. The scheme will allow children to avail of a free playschool place in their pre-school year, which will be provided for 3 hours per day, 5 days per week for 38 weeks. It will also allow children in their pre-school year who are attending a full or part-time daycare service to avail of a free session of 2 hours and 15 minutes per day, 5 days per week for 50 weeks. As the new scheme will be introduced from January next, the first full year will be from September 2010 and children availing of the scheme in January 2010 will have a reduced period of free pre-school provision.
Participating children must, normally be aged between 3 years 3 months and 4 years 6 months on the 1st September of each year. Exceptions will be allowed where children have special needs or it is necessary to accept children at an older age due to the enrolment policy of the local primary school. Participating services will receive capitation of €64.50 per week where children attend for 38 weeks, and €48.50 where they attend for 50 weeks of the year. Services will receive payments at the start of each term. Where the child is attending full-day or part-time childcare, the service will be required to reduce the childcare fees by the amount of the capitation. A participating service may also operate a pre-school service which is not within the scheme.
A major benefit for pre-schools arising from the Scheme is that it will introduce certainty in their income, with payments being made at the start of each term. For many months now, I have had private pre-schools and their national bodies approaching me about high vacancy rates in services, often of 20-25%, with many on the brink of closure as a result. For many, a significant part of their cost per place is to cover for unused places, and many pre-schools which had run 2 sessions per day have cut back to a morning session only, citing lack of demand. This scheme will save these pre-schools, and allow them see out what are, in economic terms, tough times ahead for all of us.
Certainly, I believe the suggestions from the Deputy that the scheme will push up fees for child day-care and close the majority of preschools are extremely wide of the mark. The very large majority of services contacting my Office since the announcement of the Scheme have expressed their support for the scheme in strong terms, and many are considering expansion of their service as a result. Similarly, I do not agree with the suggestion that services will increase fees for other children as a result of this new scheme. In these circumstances, it is not credible that a significant number of pre-schools could increase their fees for such children without seeing an actual decline in total income, as their vacancy rates would almost inevitably rise further. Such an outcome would benefit no-one, and so I do not expect it to come to pass.
It is of course a national scheme, and whatever the level of capitation, it is inevitable that some services would have been charging higher fees prior to its introduction. However, the level of capitation allowed for in this scheme is significantly higher than that proposed under the NESF's proposed free pre-school year scheme and is far higher than that allowed for under the scheme operating in Northern Ireland. In the current Budgetary circumstances, I am glad that it is higher, not just than the fees charged in most services in Ireland, but by a great many in Dublin. Services will also receive their payment at the start of each term, and will therefore have certainty about that income.
Concerning costs, the figures provided to my Office by services, even those arguing that the capitation should be higher, indicate that services will be sustainable under the new scheme, and owner-investors will get a fair return on their investments, and owner-operators who are themselves working in the services will receive a fair income for the hours they put into their services.
It is of course the case that some very high cost services may choose to stay out of the scheme, in much the same way as fee paying private Primary Schools choose to operate outside the national school system, but I believe that the very large majority of eligible services will participate in this scheme. Participating services may charge for additional hours (e.g. when open for 4 hours per day), or for optional extras such as dancing classes etc. However, the principle of free access for all eligible children in participating services will not be undermined, and all participating services must remain available to all in their community, regardless of the ability of parents to pay for additional services.
84 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of civil servants in her Department who have been dismissed from 2004 to date in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18695/09]
There were no Civil Servants dismissed from my Department from 2004 to date in 2009.
85 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Transport the number of civil servants in his Department who have been dismissed from 2004 to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18702/09]
One civil servant from my Department has been dismissed in the period from 2004 to date in 2009.
86 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Transport, further to Parliamentary Question No. 225 of 29 April 2009, if Bus Éireann’s budget has been effectively cut by €2 million as a result of its obligation to pay €2 million to private operators under the school transport scheme, in view of the abolition of the fuel rebate scheme by the Department of Education and Science in the 7 April 2009 supplementary budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18393/09]
The Financial aspects of the scheme are matters between both parties I have no function in the matter. The school transport scheme is operated by Bus Éireann.
87 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will respond to a query (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18277/09]
The position is that legislation to address the Law Reform Commission's recommendations on multi-unit developments is in the course of being drafted by the Parliamentary Counsel as a matter of priority. The intention is to publish the Bill in this Session. The principal focus of the new Bill will be on ensuring good governance of property management companies and similar bodies which comprise the owners of units within multi-unit developments and which exercise management functions in relation to such developments. It is also intended to include provisions for the resolution of disputes arising in relation to such matters.
88 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will support a matter (details supplied). [18278/09]
90 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on a constitutional referendum to amend Article 40.6.1 of the Constitution to remove the reference to blasphemy in that provision of the Constitution; the effect such a change or the lack of such a change would have on the constitutional protection of freedom of speech; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18304/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 88 and 90 together.
The Government has no immediate proposals for the holding of a referendum on blasphemy. The 1961 Defamation Act provides that a person can be both fined and imprisoned for a maximum of seven years for the crime of blasphemous libel. The Government is moving to reform that Act — for example by removing the possibility of imprisonment while respecting our Constitution, which requires specifically that blasphemy must be punishable by law. I have also removed the possibility of private prosecutions for blasphemy. It will no longer be a summary offence. All prosecutions would have to be brought by the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The intention is to strike a balance between the offence of blasphemy provided for in the constitution and the right to freedom of expression. At Committee stage I would be prepared to consider an amendment to the definition of "grossly abusive or insulting" with a view to striking that balance. I am also proposing the removal of imprisonment for the offence leaving a fine as the only sanction in the event of a conviction.
89 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. [18285/09]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 7 March 2006 and applied for asylum on 7 April 2006. 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 28 November 2007, 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.
She was notified of her entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection pursuant to the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006. By correspondence dated 19 December 2007, 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 23 June 2008.
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 9 July 2008, 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 requiring the person concerned to present herself at the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2 on Tuesday 21 October 2008 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, and remains, an operational matter for the GNIB.
91 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Dinny McGinley den Aire Dlí agus Cirt, Comhionannais agus Athchóirithe Dlí cad é líon na n-earcach ina iomláine a tugadh isteach sa Gharda Síochána ón uair a cuireadh deireadh leis an riachtanas Gaeilge mar choinníoll iontrála. [18322/09]
92 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Dinny McGinley den Aire Dlí agus Cirt, Comhionannais agus Athchóirithe Dlí cad é líon na n-earcach sa Gharda Síochána, ó chúlra eachtrannach, a ceapadh ó chuireadh deireadh leis an riachtanas Gaeilge mar choinníoll iontrála. [18323/09]
93 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Dinny McGinley den Aire Dlí agus Cirt, Comhionannais agus Athchóirithe Dlí cad é líon na n-earcach a ceapadh ón uair a cuireadh deireadh leis an riachtanas Gaeilge mar choinníoll iontrála nach mbeadh an grád Gaeilge san Ardteist acu a bhíodh riachtanach roimhe sin do bhallraíocht den Gharda Síochána. [18324/09]
94 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Dinny McGinley den Aire Dlí agus Cirt, Comhionannais agus Athchóirithe Dlí cad atá ar bun ag an gCoiste Gaeilge a bunaíodh le maoirseacht a dhéanamh ar an nGaeilge i measc earcach sna Gardaí; cad iad dátaí na gcruinnithe a bhí acu go dtí seo; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [18325/09]
Tógfaidh mé Ceisteanna Uimh. 91 go 94 i dteannta a chéile.
Cuireadh ceanglas leis an leasú a rinneadh sa bhliain 2005 ar Rialacháin an Gharda Síochána (Ligean Isteach agus Ceapacháin) cáilíocht a theachtadh in dhá theanga, ar ghá gurb í an Ghaeilge nó gurb é an Béarla ceann amháin díobh ar a laghad, in ionad an cheanglais cáilíocht a theachtadh sa Ghaeilge agus sa Bhéarla araon san Ardteistiméireacht nó ina comhionann.
Tá curtha in iúl dom ag Coimisinéir an Gharda Síochána gur mar a leanas, atá líon na n-earcach a tugadh isteach sa Gharda Síochána ó rinneadh an leasú sin:
|
Bliain |
Líon |
|
2006 |
1,117 |
|
2007 |
1,023 |
|
2008 |
926 |
|
2009 |
200 |
Is é líon na n-earcach sa Gharda Síochána, ó chúlra eachtrannach, ó rinneadh an leasú ná 21.
Ba ghá do na Gardaí an-chuid ama agus acmhainní a chaitheamh chun a fháil amach cén grád Gaeilge a bhain gach earcach amach san Ardteist. Is amhlaidh, áfach, go bhfuil ar gach earcach cúrsa Gaeilge agus scrúdú Gaeilge a chur i gcrích i gColáiste na nGardaí. Tá iarrtha agam ar Choimisinéir an Gharda Síochána tuairisc a thabhairt dom faoin gCoiste Gaeilge a dtagraíonn an Teachta dó agus cuirfidh mé scéala chuig an Teachta ar an tuairisc sin a fháil dom.
95 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the prevalence of Irish based material on social networking sites (details supplied) glorifying drug taking and appearing to incite violence, rioting and racism; if steps are being taken to discourage, monitor and respond to such postings; if official contact has been made with the relevant network hosts; if any related Garda investigations are underway with a view to taking prosecutions under provisions of the Incitement to Hatred Act, Public Order Acts or other legislation. [18334/09]
96 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he is satisfied that sufficient legislation exists to tackle the prevalence of Irish based material on social networking sites (details supplied) glorifying drug taking and appearing to incite violence, rioting and racism; and if not, if his Department will produce legislative proposals on the matter. [18335/09]
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 95 and 96 together.
As the Deputy is no doubt aware, the internet is an international and world wide phenomenon, it has no borders and no single organisation controlling it. Therefore efforts to combat illegal and harmful materials and activities on it can often be hampered by the multiplicity of jurisdictions, differing legal systems and differing societal norms. In this particular instance many of the major Social Networking Sites, including the site referred to by the Deputy, available here in Ireland are hosted outside this jurisdiction, principally in the United States. As such they are subject to the US jurisdiction.
While acknowledging these difficulties, I should emphasis that there is a robust self-regulatory framework for internet service providers (ISPs) in operation here in Ireland which actively encourages the adoption of best practice procedures aimed at limiting the proliferation of illegal and harmful content on-line. The first thing someone should do if they are having issues with content on a Social Networking Site is report the matter to the website owners. A person can use the website reporting tools to do this and should also contact the service provider through its Customer Care or Report Abuse facility. The Internet Service Providers Association of Ireland (ISPAI) Code of Practice and Ethics sets out clear guidelines and minimum standards in respect of dealing with complaints regarding suspected illegal or harmful material on-line. Members of the public may report such material to the ISPAI hotline.ie service. If the material is hosted here and deemed to be illegal and in contravention of Irish law, ISPAI members are obliged to remove such materials.
I wish to advise the Deputy that in 2008, the European Commission convened 18 of Europe's major social networking operators as well as researchers and child welfare organisations, to form a European Social Networking Task Force to discuss guidelines for the use of social networking sites by children. These guidelines were to be adopted voluntarily by the European industry. The Safer Social Networking Principles for EU were signed on Safer Internet Day, February 10 2009, in Luxembourg. The Safer Social Networking Principles for the EU have been developed to provide good practice recommendations for the providers of social networking and other user interactive sites, to enhance the safety of children and young people using their services. The Principles provide that social networking providers should, inter alia, provide a mechanism for reporting inappropriate content, respond to notifications of illegal content or conduct and should review their systems for examining reports of inappropriate or illegal content. The European Commission has indicated that it will monitor on an ongoing basis the implementation of the Social Networking Principles.
97 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position with regard to a case before the Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal on behalf of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11 which has been ongoing for the past five years; the reason for this delay; and if this matter will now be decided. [18336/09]
I can inform the Deputy that, under the terms of Article 2 of the Scheme of Compensation for Personal Injuries Criminally Inflicted, the Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal is entirely independent in the matter of deciding individual applications to the Tribunal. In this regard, as I am sure the Deputy will appreciate, it would be inappropriate for me to have any involvement with an individual application. However to be of assistance in the matter, I have had enquiries made with the Tribunal and I understand that the application is with a Tribunal Member for determination. I can also inform the Deputy that when the decision of the Tribunal Member comes to hand, a copy will immediately be passed to the applicant's solicitors.
98 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason a document has to be released for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18354/09]
I can inform the Deputy that my Department has contacted the Property Registration Authority (PRA) concerning the matter raised but it is unclear as to what precise information is required. In the circumstances therefore, the Deputy may wish to submit his query directly to the PRA through the service to TDs and Senators (reps@landregistry.ie) which provides information on the current status of applications and which was introduced in May 2006. The service provides a speedier, more efficient and more cost effective alternative to submitting Parliamentary Questions. It is operated by the PRA and is available all year round and they will be pleased to deal with the Deputy's specific query in relation to this matter.
99 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the long-term residency in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8 will be dealt with; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18395/09]
An application for Long Term Residency was received in my Department from the person in question on 19 October 2007. Officials in that section are currently processing applications received in August 2007. These applications are processed in chronological order. It is likely, therefore, that further processing of this application will commence in the near future.
100 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position of an application by a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18407/09]
I refer the Deputy to my answers to PQ No.134 of 2 April 2009 and PQ No. 402 of 22 April 2009. I have been informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service of my Department that the person referred to by the Deputy was granted permission to remain in the State on 2 December 2008. This permission was communicated to the person referred to in writing and a copy of the letter was forwarded to the Deputy for his information. The person concerned should now present at her local immigration office to have the permission endorsed in her passport.
101 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of civil servants in his Department who have been dismissed from 2004 to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18698/09]
Fourteen members of staff in my Department were dismissed from 2004 to date in 2009.
102 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of civil servants in his Department who have been dismissed from 2004 to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18694/09]
No civil servants were dismissed from my Department during the period in question. However, the Deputy may wish to note that, during this period, the Department initiated disciplinary proceedings in a very small number of cases where serious misconduct was alleged. In the cases concerned, the relevant officers resigned from the Civil Service before the disciplinary process was completed.
103 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position in relation to the national lottery funding grant for a club (details supplied); if this will be granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18358/09]
Under the Sports Capital Programme, which is administered by the Department, funding is allocated to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The aim of the Programme is to maximise participation in sport through the provision of modern high quality, safe, well-designed and sustainable facilities and sports equipment. The provision of such facilities allows for increased numbers to participate in sport.
A grant of €50,000 was provisionally allocated to the project in question under the Sports Capital Programme in 2006, and a further €50,000 in 2007. The grant allocations were subject to the terms and conditions of the Programme, which include compliance with requirements relating to a deed of covenant and charge.
A deed of covenant and charge provides, inter alia, for a refund of the grant in the event of the facility not continuing to be used for the purpose for which the grant was allocated. The Department’s legal adviser, the Chief State Solicitor’s Office — CSSO — deals with the grantee’s solicitor in relation to the deed. I understand that the CSSO recently received documentation regarding the case from the solicitors representing the organisation dated 5 May 2009. The documentation submitted has been examined by the CSSO, who wrote to the grantee’s solicitor yesterday requesting further documentation regarding the deed.
The position at close of business yesterday (6 May) remained that the CSSO awaits the submission of the outstanding documentation and will examine it expeditiously upon receipt. If the documentation is in order then the legal issues can be concluded and, subject to compliance with the Programme's terms and conditions, a grant payment will follow.
104 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the amount of money spent on the National Stadium project at Abbotstown in the period 1999 to 2004 not directly related to the National Aquatic Centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18387/09]
I refer the Deputy to my replies to parliamentary questions, numbers 6, 27 and 55 on 28 April to Deputies, relating to the funding of the National Sports Campus project at Abbotstown in the period 1999 to date. There has been no further expenditure to date.
105 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the cost of the arts and education report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18388/09]
I refer the Deputy to previous replies on this issue. As has been stated previously, this Report was undertaken under the auspices of the Arts Council. Costs arising from the production of the Report are a matter for the Council.
106 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of civil servants in his Department who have been dismissed from 2004 to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18686/09]
Since 1 January 2004 no civil servants in my Department have been dismissed.
107 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of civil servants in his Department who have been dismissed from 2004 to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18688/09]
The number of Civil Servants in my Department who have been dismissed, or had their probationary period terminated from 2004 to date in 2009 is as follows:
|
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
To date in 2009 |
|
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
1 |
108 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) will receive the transfer she has sought to Galway, Roscommon or Sligo. [18281/09]
The person in question commenced employment in the Department on 8 December 2008. One of the conditions of her assignment, as outlined in her contract of employment, is that she remain in location for a period of at least 12 months. As she has not yet completed this 12 month probationary period, she cannot be considered for a transfer to any other location or Department.
109 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the arrangements she has made to ensure that previously established social welfare payments continue to be made available to the part-time fire service operatives employed by the local authorities; if her attention has been drawn to the need to ensure such arrangements are in order to provide for an adequate fire fighting service in the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18418/09]
There has been no change in the conditions for the jobseekers' schemes for part-time firefighters. Social Welfare legislation provides that a person must satisfy the conditions of being available for and genuinely seeking work in order to be entitled to jobseeker's benefit or allowance. Any person who fails to satisfy these conditions on an on-going basis is not entitled to a jobseeker's payment.
Part-time firefighters are entitled to a jobseeker's payment in respect of days that they are engaged in fire-fighting or training. However, they must continue to be available for and genuinely seeking work. In this respect, Deciding Officers do not treat them differently to any other jobseekers. In applying the legislation, Deciding Officers have regard to the availability of job vacancies in the locality, the age and educational qualifications together with the family circumstances of the claimant. The legislation does not impose any restriction or limitation on the right of a person to the opportunity to engage in the employment of his or her choice. Where a person is seeking work in his or her usual employment and there is a reasonable prospect of securing work of that nature they would normally satisfy the conditions for receipt of payment.
After a period of unemployment, a person must be prepared to accept any employment for which she or he is qualified. It is a principle of the availability for work condition that a person's unemployment must be involuntary and it is not possible for a jobseeker to hold themselves available exclusively for employment that is within a restricted distance of a fire station where they are employed as a part-time firefighter. Such action would be taken as placing an unreasonable restriction on availability for full-time employment. While the importance of retained firefighting personnel is fully recognised, the introduction of special arrangements exempting them from the requirements to fulfil any of the statutory conditions for the jobseeker schemes would raise equity issues vis-à-vis other jobseekers and I have no plans to introduce any such special arrangements.
110 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will respond to correspondence from a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18313/09]
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. The purpose of the rent supplement scheme is to provide short-term income support to eligible persons living in private rented accommodation, whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source.
Rent supplement is subject to a limit on the amount of rent that an applicant may incur. Rent limits are set at levels that enable the different types of eligible household to secure and retain basic suitable rented accommodation, having regard to the different rental market conditions that prevail in various parts of the State. The objective is to ensure that rent supplement is not paid in respect of overly expensive accommodation having regard to the size of the household and market conditions.
The Executive has advised that rent supplement in excess of the current maximum rent limits, applicable to the household circumstances of this particular case, was paid as an exceptional measure for a three month period from 12 January 2009 to 4 April 2009. The person concerned was advised on 2 February 2009 that rent supplement in excess of the relevant rent limits was being paid for a period of 12 weeks in order to allow him time to secure accommodation within the prescribed maximum rent limits. The person concerned was also advised of his right to appeal against this decision to a HSE Appeals Officer. To date, no appeal has been received.
111 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the fact that some workers in a company (details supplied) have been cut off from their pensions by the trustees of the pension fund; and if she plans initiatives to extend the pension protection recently announced to this company. [18372/09]
Defined benefit (DB) pension schemes such as the scheme to which the Deputy refers are required to comply with the Funding Standard provisions set out in the Pensions Act. This requires DB pension schemes to maintain sufficient assets to enable them discharge all accrued liabilities. Where schemes do not satisfy the Funding Standard, the sponsors/trustees must submit a funding proposal to the Pensions Board to restore full funding within an agreed timescale (minimum of 3 years).
Where a DB scheme winds-up, the order in which the liabilities of the scheme are discharged is also determined by the provisions of the Pensions Act. Up to now, this meant that the future increases in benefits due to retired members were discharged before the accrued benefits of active and deferred members (i.e. current and former employees who have not yet reached normal retirement age).
As the Deputy is aware, just last week I brought forward legislation to alter these priorities to effect a more equitable distribution of assets on the wind-up of an underfunded scheme. While those already in receipt of a pension from the scheme and those who had reached normal retirement age at the date of the winding up of the scheme will not see their pensions reduced under the new priority order, the changes to the Pensions Act will see that benefits to active and deferred scheme members will be discharged before any post-retirement benefits are calculated.
Although the amount of pension that individual members will receive on the wind-up of a scheme is dependent on the resources available, my Department does not keep details of individual pension schemes. However, I am not aware of any situation where a person will be completely cut off from their pension. On the contrary, last week's changes to the priority order will ensure that those scheme members who have not yet reached normal retirement age at the date of wind-up will receive a more equitable slice of the assets of the scheme.
The new Pensions Insolvency Payments Scheme (PIPS), also announced by the Government last week, will support the pension schemes that have wound up due to the insolvency of their sponsoring employer. PIPS will work by allowing pension fund trustees to purchase pension payments from the State at a cheaper rate than by going to the market, thereby ensuring more fund resources are left to defray the liabilities of those active and deferred members who have not yet reached retirement age.
Although there are no plans to extend PIPS to support the underfunded pensions of employers who are not insolvent, the Government is very conscious of the pressures on both sponsoring employers and pension scheme trustees, arising from the very significant losses incurred by pension funds over the last 18 months. We are anxious to ensure, in so far as we can, that those involved have sufficient time and space to fully assess the implications of the current difficulties for their schemes and the remedial action they can take. The Government is continuing to consider a number of options in relation to the ongoing security of pensions. Any decisions in this regard will be made in the context of the National Pensions Framework which will be finalised shortly.
112 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of civil servants in her Department who have been dismissed from 2004 to date in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18699/09]
Sixteen staff have been dismissed from my Department in the period 1 January 2004 to date. Seven of them were on probationary contracts.
113 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding promotion in the Reserve Defence Force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18352/09]
The recent government Decision on savings measures on public service numbers is being implemented in the Defence Forces. In this context all promotion within the Reserve has been suspended for the present. The implications of the Government Decision are currently under consideration by my officials in consultation with the military authorities and the Department of Finance. 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, for example to the final medical stages. Officials from my Department and the military authorities are working together to clarify all the issues arising.
114 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Defence the number of civil servants in his Department who have been dismissed from 2004 to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18689/09]
From 2004 to date, one member of staff of my Department has been dismissed.
115 Deputy Seán Connick asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when a decision on an application by a local authority (details supplied) in County Wexford for permission to rebuild houses in a local authority housing estate will be made by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18340/09]
New Ross Town Council's application for funding in respect of redevelopment works at Bosheen Estate is under consideration in my Department and a decision will issue to the Council as soon as possible.
116 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the status of all plans relating to the upgrading and expansion of the Monaghan town sewerage collection system and the projected capacity of the town’s treatment works; the delays in intended works to date; the further works anticipated or planned for 2009 and 2010 across the network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18367/09]
The Monaghan Town Sewerage Scheme is included for funding in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007 — 2009. A Design Review Report submitted by Monaghan County Council is currently under examination by my Department.
117 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the degree, as a percentage over the 2008 allocation, to which he has reduced financial allocation to the various local authorities by reference to each authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18415/09]
I assume the Question refers to General Purpose Grants from the Local Government Fund. Local authorities were advised of their 2009 General Purpose Grant allocations in October 2008, which indicated an average reduction of 6.4% over the corresponding 2008 allocations. The detailed information is set out in the following table.
These allocations are being reviewed in the light of the estimated income from motor tax in 2009 and the Exchequer contribution to the Fund for 2009 as set out in the Supplementary Budget. This may necessitate a further reduction in individual allocations of some 3% and I will notify local authorities on the matter when I have concluded my review. The allocations will be adjusted later this year to reflect income from the pension-related deductions which will be collected and retained by local authorities.
|
Local Authority |
% reduction 2009 over 2008 |
|
% |
|
|
Carlow County Council |
-6.57 |
|
Cavan County Council |
-5.96 |
|
Clare County Council |
-6.67 |
|
Cork County Council |
-6.87 |
|
Donegal County Council |
-5.95 |
|
Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council |
-6.93 |
|
Fingal County Council |
-6.93 |
|
Galway County Council |
-6.20 |
|
Kerry County Council |
-6.19 |
|
Kildare County Council |
-5.56 |
|
Kilkenny County Council |
-6.07 |
|
Laois County Council |
-6.18 |
|
Leitrim County Council |
-6.24 |
|
Limerick County Council |
-6.52 |
|
Longford County Council |
-6.02 |
|
Louth County Council |
-6.56 |
|
Mayo County Council |
-6.10 |
|
Meath County Council |
-5.87 |
|
Monaghan County Council |
-6.11 |
|
North Tipperary County Council |
-6.01 |
|
Offaly County Council |
-5.78 |
|
Roscommon County Council |
-6.62 |
|
Sligo County Council |
-6.24 |
|
South Dublin County Council |
-6.93 |
|
South Tipperary County Council |
-6.05 |
|
Waterford County Council |
-6.05 |
|
Westmeath County Council |
-6.17 |
|
Wexford County Council |
-6.13 |
|
Wicklow County Council |
-6.33 |
|
Cork City Council |
-6.21 |
|
Dublin City Council |
-6.84 |
|
Galway City Council |
-6.86 |
|
Limerick City Council |
-6.86 |
|
Waterford City Council |
-6.82 |
|
Clonmel Borough Council |
-6.45 |
|
Drogheda Borough Council |
-6.67 |
|
Kilkenny Borough Council |
-6.76 |
|
Sligo Borough Council |
-6.93 |
|
Wexford Borough Council |
-6.85 |
|
Arklow Town Council |
-6.21 |
|
Athlone Town Council |
-6.86 |
|
Athy Town Council |
-5.82 |
|
Ballina Town Council |
-5.96 |
|
Ballinasloe Town Council |
-6.35 |
|
Birr Town Council |
-6.30 |
|
Bray Town Council |
-6.68 |
|
Buncrana Town Council |
-6.94 |
|
Bundoran Town Council |
-6.93 |
|
Carlow Town Council |
-6.78 |
|
Carrickmacross Town Council |
-6.25 |
|
Carrick-on-Suir Town Council |
-6.07 |
|
Cashel Town Council |
-6.40 |
|
Castlebar Town Council |
-6.93 |
|
Castleblaney Town Council |
-6.37 |
|
Cavan Town Council |
-6.54 |
|
Clonakilty Town Council |
-6.77 |
|
Clones Town Council |
-6.07 |
|
Cobh Town Council |
-6.80 |
|
Dundalk Town Council |
-6.82 |
|
Dungarvan Town Council |
-6.93 |
|
Ennis Town Council |
-6.84 |
|
Enniscorthy Town Council |
-6.92 |
|
Fermoy Town Council |
-6.52 |
|
Kells Town Council |
-6.75 |
|
Killarney Town Council |
-6.22 |
|
Kilrush Town Council |
-6.32 |
|
Kinsale Town Council |
-6.93 |
|
Letterkenny Town Council |
-6.93 |
|
Listowel Town Council |
-6.77 |
|
Longford Town Council |
-6.93 |
|
Macroom Town Council |
-6.48 |
|
Mallow Town Council |
-6.40 |
|
Midleton Town Council |
-6.51 |
|
Monaghan Town Council |
-6.90 |
|
Naas Town Council |
-5.69 |
|
Navan Town Council |
-6.83 |
|
Nenagh Town Council |
-6.74 |
|
New Ross Town Council |
-6.31 |
|
Skibbereen Town Council |
-6.93 |
|
Templemore Town Council |
-6.37 |
|
Thurles Town Council |
-6.61 |
|
Tipperary Town Council |
-6.57 |
|
Tralee Town Council |
-6.93 |
|
Trim Town Council |
-6.71 |
|
Tullamore Town Council |
-6.91 |
|
Westport Town Council |
-6.93 |
|
Wicklow Town Council |
-6.69 |
|
Youghal Town Council |
-6.82 |
122 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the action he proposes to take to ensure the elimination of all possible pollution of the groundwater by malfunction or undercapacity of local authority sewerage treatment systems; if he has identified the locations of all such pollution or potential pollution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18421/09]
The EPA reports on Water Quality in Ireland present a review of water quality in various water bodies, including groundwaters, and identify suspected causes of pollution. The EPA also provides details of the quality of urban waste water discharges and sewage sludges in its reports on Urban Waste Water Discharges in Ireland.
Local authorities are responsible for the operation and maintenance of public waste water infrastructure and operate under the general supervision of the EPA, which can issue advice, recommendations and directions to local authorities. The EPA reports provide authorities with guidance in relation to any shortcomings in performance in individual locations. Where capital works are required to attain the required level of performance, water services authorities can fund the works under the devolved Rural Water Programme, for which my Department allocates annual block grants, or seek to have the works included for funding under my Department's Water Services Investment Programme, as appropriate.
The Waste Water Discharge (Authorisation) Regulations, 2007, provide for an authorisation system for urban waste water discharges by local authorities and for the purpose of giving further effect to the Dangerous Substances Directive and the Water Framework Directive. The authorisation system is being administered by the EPA and applies to all discharges to waters from sewage treatment plants or collection systems owned or controlled by local authorities.
123 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the extent to which he proposes to provide affordable housing for persons on such waiting lists in local authorities with particular reference to ensure that each house is both affordable and negative equity proofed for the next six years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18422/09]
124 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the action he proposes to take to ensure that houses perviously acquired by the local authorities under the relevant section of the Planning Acts in respect of affordable housing are not being sold to purchasers at a price above that deemed to be affordable under current market conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18423/09]
125 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the action he proposes to take to ensure that affordable houses are made available to persons who have registered an interest in such housing at a price that will not incur negative equity in the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18424/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 123 to 125, inclusive, together.
The provision of affordable housing is primarily a matter for individual housing authorities through the operation of the various affordable housing schemes. I have no function in relation to the price at which particular units are sold. The sale price of an affordable home is determined largely by its cost. For example, the price of units transferred to local authorities under Part V reflects the costs negotiated, in accordance with the relevant legislation, between authorities and developers. These costs are based on the sum of the site costs, calculated at existing use value, actual construction costs as agreed between the local authority and the developer, plus reasonable profit on those costs. The scope for local authorities to re-negotiate prices in light of current market conditions would depend on the nature of the contract entered into with the developer in the context of the Part V agreement.
Where authorities consider it appropriate, in the context of reduced open market prices and the continuing need to ensure value for money outcomes, they have the option further to reduce the sale price of any affordable house by further subsidisation utilising Part V monies, clawback or other internal capital receipts on hands. Local authorities are best positioned to make judgments in this regard based on local circumstances. In approving an affordable house purchase, local authorities must also consider the ability of applicants to make the necessary mortgage payments and satisfy themselves that the borrower's income is sufficient to meet the financial commitments involved under the scheme.
Affordable housing is privately owned housing and, as such, is subject to the fluctuations of the market. The current market value is used to calculate the level of clawback due in the event of resale of an affordable house and, where the gap between the sale price and market value has narrowed, the clawback reduces accordingly. Where the clawback amount payable would reduce the proceeds of re-sale below the initial price actually paid, the legislation provides for the amount of clawback payable to be reduced to the extent necessary to avoid that result.
126 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of civil servants in his Department who have been dismissed from 2004 to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18693/09]
No civil servant in my Department has been dismissed from 2004 to date in 2009.
127 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of civil servants in his Department who have been dismissed from 2004 to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18687/09]
Since the formation of my Department in June 2007 the appointment of one civil servant was terminated. This termination occurred during the probationary period of the officer involved.
128 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the details of the audit of the veterinary inspectorate to be carried out in his Department; the person who is conducting the audit; his views, in view of the delay in the removal of reactors from farms, on whether it will be appropriate to suspend circular 06/09 pending completion of the veterinary audit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18287/09]
Officials of my Department are, as part of an ongoing review of resources, currently carrying out a review of work undertaken by the DVO-based veterinary inspectorate within my Department. This review is at an early stage and is focusing on staffing levels, organisational structures, business processes and possible synergies with other areas of veterinary work.
Circular ER 06/09, which came into effect from 9 March 2009, sets out revised arrangements for official controls, applied in respect of a number of disease control processes undertaken by officials of my Department, some of which relate to the removal of reactors. The purpose of the circular is to promote a system of risk-based auditable controls and to bring additional efficiencies into my Department's control systems. There is no evidence that the period for removal of reactors has been affected by introduction of the circular. I do not see any reason to suspend the circular pending the completion of the review.
129 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of agricultural officers who have been trained by his Department up to FETAC level five to conduct both pre- and post mortem carcase inspections; the reason the staff who have been trained by his Department in this area are not being used for post mortem inspections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18288/09]
For a number of years, EU Directives have laid down the training requirements for departmental staff assisting the official veterinarian in carrying out his duties in meat plants. The Meat Hygiene Package, which was introduced by the EU on 1 January, 2006, reiterated and clarified the need for such training.
Teagasc was awarded the contract to provide training for Agricultural Officers in meat plants. The training comprised of theoretical and practical components. Circa 270 officers have completed the course. The course is based on the requirements as prescribed for auxiliaries in the European Food Hygiene Regulations. The additional level of knowledge gained will be of great assistance to the officers concerned in performing their roles in the verification of hygiene and safety assurance in the production of Irish meat.
A number of issues remain to be addressed, however, before work currently undertaken by temporary veterinary inspectors could be reassigned to auxiliaries on a general basis. The course was not structured to deliver all the necessary skills for such a transfer of work and further training modules would be necessary before the trainees could undertake such duties. In addition, such a reassignment would involve extensive consultation with the representatives of the staff concerned and the temporary veterinary inspectors.
130 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the cost to his Department of post mortem veterinary inspections for each year since 1999 to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18289/09]
Slaughterhouses and meat processing plants are supervised by Department veterinary inspectors, assisted in their duties by temporary veterinary inspectors drawn from private practice on a rota basis and by Department agricultural officers. Veterinary Inspectors are permanently located in all the larger meat and poultry slaughtering and processing plants and are responsible for the provision of the ante and post-mortem inspection service, inspections of structural and operational hygiene standards and controls on residues.
My Department does not have separate cost breakdown for the post mortem inspection aspects of the duties but the overall costs of the service in each year since 1999 are as follows:
|
Year |
Cost of Meat Inspection Service (m) |
Year |
Cost of Meat Inspection Service (m) |
|
1999 |
IR£27.300 |
2004 |
€32.832 |
|
2000 |
IR£27.229 |
2005 |
€36.339 |
|
2001 |
IR£31.190 |
2006 |
€40.796 |
|
2002 |
€42.170 |
2007 |
€39.492 |
|
2003 |
€36.360 |
2008 |
€39.922 |
*Includes arrears payments of approximately €3.5m to temporary veterinary inspectors.
These costs include salaries, overtime, allowances and travel and subsistence for veterinary inspectors and agricultural officers and fees for temporary veterinary inspectors. Comparable figures are not available as yet for 2009.
131 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the amount of money collected from farmers in respect of carcass inspections at meat plants for every year since 1999 to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18290/09]
My Department does not impose a charge on farmers in respect of carcase inspections in meat plants. The charges in relation to such inspections are levied on meat processors and included in their contribution to the costs of the veterinary meat inspection service, provided by my Department at all meat plants. The following table sets out the amounts collected from meat processors for this service, from 1999 to the end of April 2009.
|
Year |
Income (m) |
|
1999 |
IR£14.892 |
|
2000 |
IR£13.022 |
|
2001 |
IR£13.800 |
|
2002 |
€17.926 |
|
2003 |
€17.900 |
|
2004 |
€15.776 |
|
2005 |
€17.627 |
|
2006 |
€15.373 |
|
2007 |
€16.592 |
|
2008 |
€14.731 |
|
To end April 2009 |
€3.684 |
132 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of senior inspector positions filled in his Department in 2009; the date on which these positions were filled; the relevant date from which the embargo on recruitment on promotions within his Department applies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18291/09]
Three Senior Inspector positions have been filled in the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in 2009. One position was filled on 13 January 2009, whilst the other two were filled on 27 March 2009. The moratorium on recruitment and promotions was notified to this Department on 27 March 2009.
133 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the cost to his Department to date of redigitising maps as a result of errors which have become apparent under the REP scheme and other schemes; the company involved in carrying out this work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18292/09]
For the purposes of the control of area-based schemes operated by my Department, details of the area on which payments are based must be maintained on a digital system. The Land Parcel Identification System (LPIS) in Ireland reflects the digitised details of land parcels as submitted to my Department under a number of area-based schemes. As well as the Single Payment Scheme, the LPIS supports Schemes under the Rural Development measures such as the Rural Development Protection Scheme (REPS) and the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme (DAS). These area-based Schemes account for some €2 billion payments to farmers annually. It is imperative, therefore, that the land details held by my Department are correct and up-to-date so that scheme payments are also correct and verifiable.
In this context, the LPIS must be up-dated on an ongoing basis to take account of landscape changes, sales of house sites, land parcels being claimed for the first time etc. The LPIS is updated by way of maps received from farmers, findings of on-the-spot inspections of farm holdings, up-to-date ortho-photography and current satellite imagery.
The contract for digitising onto the LPIS system is awarded by my Department following the completion of a public tendering process. Mallons Technology Limited holds the contract in the current year. No additional costs have been incurred by the Department in the work undertaken to up-date the system.
134 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the company or organisation responsible for the design of the REPS 4 on-line application system; the fees paid by him for this service; the measures, in view of the widespread dissatisfaction with the system which crashed again over the weekend of 17, 18 and 19 April 2009, he proposes to take to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18293/09]
The eREPS system is an on-line facility for the preparation of REPS plans and is accessible to all planners. The contract to carry out the developments of the eREPS system was entered into by Teagasc with software company Bizmaps. The system, which was funded by the Department, is hosted by Bizmaps and is managed on the Department's behalf by Teagasc. Bizmaps continues to be responsible for maintaining the system and for introducing new functionalities as requested by the Department. A total of €1,494,413 has been paid to Bizmaps from 2006 to date for this service; €929,119 was paid directly to Bizmaps by the Department and €565,293 to Teagasc in respect of the costs incurred.
I am advised that although there was a brief period on the 18 April 2009 when the system was unavailable due to a hardware fault, the issue was dealt with promptly and enhanced monitoring has been introduced by Bizmaps to avoid such disruption in future.
135 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding the payment of a grant to a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [18305/09]
The arrangements for the payment of grants under the Farm Waste Management Scheme on a phased basis have been confirmed, with 40% being paid this year as claims are approved. A further 40% will be paid in early January 2010 and the remaining 20% in January 2011. I have announced that a special ex gratia payment not exceeding 3.5% of the value of the deferred amount will be made to farmers whose farm waste management grants have been partially deferred. This payment will be made in January 2011 along with the final instalment. Payment of the first instalment of 40% was made to the person concerned on 10 March 2009.
136 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a REPS 4 grant for 2008 will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and the reason for the delay. [18310/09]
Payment issued to the person named on 5 May 2009.
137 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a forestry payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; the breakdown of the amount to be awarded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18318/09]
The process of paying the annual forestry premium is under way. Payments will issue to this applicant shortly. The amounts that will be paid to the applicant are €4,844.21 and €2,384.13.
138 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a forestry payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; the breakdown of the amount to be awarded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18319/09]
The process of paying the annual forestry premium is under way. Payments will issue to this applicant shortly. The amounts that will be paid to the applicant are €1,139.72 and €1,313.67.
139 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a forestry payment will issue to persons (details supplied) in County Tipperary; the breakdown of the amount to be awarded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18320/09]
The process of paying the annual forestry premium is under way. Payments will issue to this applicant shortly. The amounts that will be paid to the applicant are €11,201.03 and €1,117.16.
140 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a REPS 4 payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18328/09]
The application from the person in question cannot be processed further until information requested in a letter dated 3 November 2008 has been received. The applicant's REPS planner was in touch with my officials in the last week and has undertaken to forward the information requested.
141 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a grant under the suckler cow welfare scheme will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Laois; if this payment will be issued manually; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18329/09]
The person in question has 100 animals for consideration under the 2008 Suckler Welfare Scheme. Payment has already issued in respect of three animals. In August 2008, his holding suffered severe flooding. Following an on-farm inspection, my Department agreed this was a case of force majeure. In the interests of animal welfare, permission was given by my Department to sell weanlings early and 34 were sold. Payment for these animals will issue shortly. There are errors in the cases of the remaining animals. Officials from my Department have arranged to meet the person in question with a view to resolving the outstanding matters.
142 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he will sanction the payment of forestry grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18351/09]
The process of paying the annual forestry premium is under way. Payments will issue to applicants shortly.
143 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. [18390/09]
The process of paying the applicant in question is under way. A payment will issue to him shortly.
144 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if the legal owner of lands which are leased until June 2009 is entitled to make a single payment of area aid application and REPS 4 application in respect of these lands prior to 15 May 2009; if they are entitled to make an application for entitlements from the national reserve in respect of same lands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18409/09]
Under the 2009 Single Payment Scheme and other area-based schemes, all of the land declared by an applicant to support a claim (owned, rented and leased) must be available to the applicant for a period including 31 May 2009. The person declaring the land for the single payment will be held responsible for any non-compliance with statutory management requirements under cross-compliance, or any failure to maintain the lands declared in good agricultural and environmental condition, whether this non-compliance was attributable to the applicant or attributable to the person to whom, or from whom, the land declared was transferred in the period between 1 January and 31 December 2009. REPS applicants must detail all lands owned but leased out to others at the time of submission of an application to join the scheme. As the closing date for receipt of applications for 2009 REPS is 15 May, any land leased out to a third party on that date cannot be declared by the owner for REPS payment.
There are two categories under the 2009 national reserve. Category A caters for farmers who inherit, lease or otherwise receive a holding free of charge or for a nominal consideration (not greater than €100 per hectare), where that holding was leased to a third party during the reference period, 2000-02. The farmer from whom the holding is obtained must have retired or died before 16 May 2005. Category B caters for farmers who entered farming for the first time after 15 May 2007. Applicants under this category are required to meet other criteria relating to on-farm and off-farm income and certain farming qualifications held. Applicants under the 2009 national reserve are required to declare the lands being applied for on their 2009 single payment scheme application forms.
145 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the impact on his Department’s budget of the non-renewal of contracts for REP scheme planners in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18412/09]
The REPS planners in question are employed on temporary fixed-term contracts by Teagasc. The recently announced moratorium on public service recruitment prevents Teagasc from renewing such contracts. The budgetary impact of the non-renewal of contracts is an operational matter for Teagasc. My Department has allocated €132 million to Teagasc for non-capital purposes in 2009. Subject to the level of resources available to the organisation, it is a matter for the Teagasc authority to prioritise its activities and to manage its budget accordingly.
146 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of civil servants in his Department who have been dismissed from 2004 to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18682/09]
One Civil Servant in my Department has been dismissed from 2004 to date in 2009.
147 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the additional financial help available to a person with a visual impairment when he or she commences third level education. [18294/09]
The Fund for Students with Disabilities was introduced in 1994. It provides funding to students with disabilities, including visual impairment, who are attending courses in Irish and UK third level institutions and, since 1998, in post-leaving certificate centres. The fund is administered on behalf of the Department by the National Office for Equity of Access to Higher Education. The purpose of the fund is to provide students with serious physical and/or sensory disabilities with grant assistance towards the cost of special equipment, special materials and technological aids, targeted transport services, personal assistants and sign language interpreters.
To be considered eligible for the fund, an applicant must meet the prescribed criteria. Applications for assistance are made by the individual students through the disability or access officer of their third level institution, or by the principal of the student's post-leaving certificate college. Students, on registration for their courses, should discuss their particular disabilities and the equipment or services required with the disability or access officer or the principal, as appropriate.
148 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will take steps to ensure that a school (details supplied) in County Longford is approved for the summer works scheme; if he will notify the school of the grant aid available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18347/09]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that an application under the Summer Works Scheme for the school in question has been approved and my Department will be in contact with school authorities as quickly as possible.
149 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department has made contact with a school (details supplied) in Dublin 24 and South Dublin County Council in respect of the need for the redevelopment of the sports complex at the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18373/09]
My Department is in receipt of an application from the school to which the Deputy refers for the refurbishment and redevelopment of its sports complex. The project has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and has been assigned a band 4 rating. The progression of all large scale building projects, including the project in question, will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time. The school authority is aware of this position from contacts with it by my Department.
150 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to a contention that the process for selecting representatives to the board of management of a school (details supplied) in County Clare did not accord with the Constitution of Boards and Rules of Procedure of national schools; if his Department is making inquiries into the matter; if so, the stage those inquiries have reached; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18375/09]
The appointment of members of Boards of Management is a matter in the first instance for the relevant school patron. I can confirm that I have received correspondence from an individual in relation to the appointment of members of the Board of Management of the school in question. The issues raised in the correspondence were referred by my Department to the patron of the school. A letter outlining the patron's response to the matters raised has been received by my Department in recent days. My Department will be in contact shortly with both the patron and the individual concerned.
151 Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress of a proposed extension at a school (details supplied) in County Meath; and when he expects construction to commence. [18391/09]
The project to which the Deputy refers is awaiting the appointment of a Design Team. The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.
152 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Science, further to a previous parliamentary question, if the college in question meets the definition of an approved college for the purposes of section 473A of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18394/09]
Section 473A of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997, provides tax relief, at the standard rate of tax, for tuition fees paid in respect of approved courses at approved colleges of higher education including certain approved undergraduate and postgraduate course in EU member states and postgraduate courses in non-EU countries. An approved college in the State, in relation to a year of assessment, is defined under section 473A of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997, to mean a college or institution of higher education in the State which provides courses to which a scheme approved by the Minister under the Local Authorities (Higher Education Grants) Acts, 1968 to 1992, applies; or operates in accordance with a code of standards laid down by the Minister. The college referred to by the Deputy has applied for approval for tax relief. However, it appears from the information provided by the college to date that the college does not meet the definition of an approved college for the purposes of section 473A of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997. This has been confirmed by the Higher Education Training and Awards Council.
153 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science if it is the case that he will not provide the funding promised and required to expand the All Ireland Centre for Autism, Middletown, County Armagh; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18414/09]
The Deputy will be aware that I have been anxious to develop this centre to provide for the promotion of excellence in the development and harmonisation of education and associated services for children and young people with autistic spectrum disorders. A great deal has been achieved in collaboration with the Department of Education of Northern Ireland. The centre is delivering training programmes and commissioning research.
The current economic climate has necessitated a thorough review of all educational projects and programmes requiring expenditure. Given the competing demands within the education sector and the overall demands on Government finances, it has not been possible to provide additional funding to fully develop all projects that are under way. The outcome of this process means that, unfortunately, my Department is not in a position to provide the funding required to expand the Middletown Centre as it intended this year, or to enable the capital project to proceed as planned. I assure the Deputy that this decision does not mean that funding is been withdrawn from Middletown. It will continue to be enabled to provide services and to develop some additional services.
My Department is anxious to ensure the continuation of ongoing training and research programmes. Officials in my Department will contact their counterparts in the Department of Education of Northern Ireland to work through associated details which may result from this decision. The Department will keep the expansion of the Middletown Centre under review in the context of improved financial circumstances.
154 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of civil servants in his Department who have been dismissed from 2004 to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18691/09]
During the period mentioned in the Deputy's question, two officials at my Department have been dismissed. The Standards in Public Office Commission has published the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour. This document consolidates the principles an official is expected to adhere to in carrying out his or her official duties and following their retirement or resignation from the service. If an official breaches the terms of the code, he or she can be subjected to disciplinary procedures in accordance with the Civil Service Disciplinary Code as revised in accordance with the terms of the Civil Service Regulation (Amendment) Act 2005. The content of both documents can be viewed on the Department of Finance's website, www.finance.ie.
