Vol. 684 No. 2
1 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the training, education and programmes offered by FÁS in co-operation with her Department; the type of programmes offered; the duration of programmes; the take up of programmes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23204/09]
FÁS offers a wide range of training courses and delivery methods to suit individual client needs in the development of their skill-sets. In 2009 I have almost doubled the number of activation training and work experience places through FÁS to 128,000. This is a substantial increase on the 66,000 places, which were available at the end of last year. Of these 92,000 training places on short courses are available to the unemployed and people on short-time work and will be delivered through three core-training initiatives, Short Courses, Night Courses and Online Courses. These courses are designed to develop new skills and competencies for the unemployed to assist them in securing employment. FÁS are providing such courses for a broad range of different sectors including the retail, IT, construction, manufacturing and services sectors.
Other training programmes provided by FÁS across the Training Services, Community Services and Services to Business categories include Traineeships, Bridging / Foundation courses, Return to Work Training Courses, Community Employment Schemes as well as more recent initiatives such as the Redundant Apprenticeship Rotation Scheme. Information on the range of training programmes offered by FÁS Training Services Division by programme type, duration and up-take are provided in tabular format. Information in respect of Community Services Division and Services to Business Division by programme type and duration are also appended. Take-up across these different course categories varies depending on the course type, duration and location of the course.
My Department, the Department of Social and Family Affairs and FÁS are co-operating in relation to the Work Placement Programme and the Short Time Working Programme aimed at assisting the unemployed and those on a reduced working week. These Programmes were jointly launched by the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Ms. Mary Hanafin T.D., and I on 27 May last.
The Work Placement Programme is a six-month work experience programme for an initial 2,000 individuals who are currently unemployed. Under this programme there are two streams each consisting of an initial 1,000 places of 6 months duration. The first stream is for graduates who before this year have attained a full award at level 7 or above on the National Framework of Qualifications and who have been receiving Job Seeker's Allowance for the last six months.
The second stream is open to all other individuals who have been receiving Job Seeker's Allowance for the last six months. Under this stream 250 places are being ring-fenced for those under 25 years of age. Participants on both streams of the Work Placement Programme will continue to receive their existing social welfare entitlements from the Department of Social and Family Affairs for their duration on the programme.
The Short Time Working Training Programme will provide two days training a week for 277 workers over a 52-week period. Under this scheme, workers who are on systematic short time working for 3-days a week and receiving social welfare payments for the two days they are not working will receive training for these two days. Participants on this programme will also continue to receive their existing social welfare entitlements from the Department of Social and Family Affairs. Both Programmes are being administered by FÁS and it is too early in the process to provide specific information on take-up at this time.
As outlined above in response to the challenge of rising unemployment my Department has significantly expanded its provision of supports in training and education places offered by FÁS to the unemployed. I am determined that both my Department and I will continue in this regard as we examine new initiatives and new methods to allow us to continue to respond to the needs of the unemployed.
|
Programme |
Programme Type |
Typical Duration |
Take-up as at end April 09 |
|
Bridging Foundation Training |
Aimed at disadvantaged clients |
8 to 20 weeks duration |
3,278 |
|
Return to Work Programme |
Bridging Programme specifically for persons wishing to return to employment |
10 weeks |
439 |
|
Specific Skills Training |
Wide range of skills training with an appropriate vocational qualification |
Vary in length the typical duration is 20-26 weeks but it can be up to a maximum of 48 weeks |
5,695 |
|
Short Course Programme |
Short Courses targeted at redundant persons with high employability |
8 weeks |
Newly commenced |
|
Traineeship |
Occupational specific and industry endorsed training |
20 to 40 weeks |
2,450 |
|
Phase 2 Apprenticeship Training |
Skills and knowledge training and assessment for apprentices |
20 weeks |
3,083 |
|
Sponsored Training |
Fee paying training provided by FÁS to companies for people in employment |
Determined by the requirements of each skill set |
561 |
|
Evening Courses |
Provided for unemployed persons and fee paying employed clients to upskill and obtain accreditation |
10 weeks |
7,000 |
|
On-line learning |
Training in a wide range of skills and knowledge for persons with access to PC |
10 weeks |
Newly commenced |
|
Blended Learning |
On-line learning with tutor support and workshops |
10 weeks |
Newly commenced |
|
Programme |
Programme Type |
Typical Duration |
|
Community Employment |
Employment programme |
3 years max under 55.6 years max for 55+1 extra year for persons with a disability |
|
Job Initiative(closed to new recruitment November 2004) |
Employment programme |
n/a |
|
Community Training Centres |
Training programme |
Varies depending on individual learning needs |
|
Local Training Initiatives |
Training programme |
1 year |
|
Specialist Training Providers |
Training/Employment programme for persons with disabilities |
2 years average |
|
Employability Services (formerly Supported Employment) |
Training/Employment programme for persons with disabilities |
18 months average |
|
Job Clubs |
Training programme |
Drop-in service, typically for 3 weeks average |
|
Special Initiative for Travellers |
Training programme |
18 months average |
2 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the length of time it takes a limited company or a partnership company to acquire its tax registration number to allow it to start trading and employ people; his plans to upgrade the system to enable a quicker turnaround from initial application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23183/09]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that over 95% of applications for registration across all areas of taxation are completed within 5 to 10 working days. In a small number of cases the timescales for processing a registration application will be longer due to the requirement to protect against possible tax loss. Delays can occur when the standard checks give cause for concern in relation to such matters as the compliance history of the principals involved and, for VAT, the existence of a genuine taxable business. The Revenue Commissioners recognise the importance of providing a first-class service to their customers and continually re-assess all registration procedures to ensure that the quickest and most efficient services are available at all times.
3 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if he will explain the valuation methodology that will be used for the purchase of assets by the National Asset Management Agency from the banks; and if he will provide assurances that concepts such as underlying longer term economic value will not result in payment in excess of the market price for any of the assets purchased. [23182/09]
Loans will be transferred to NAMA at an appropriate written down value in order to ensure value for money for the taxpayer. The NTMA is in the process of engaging experts to assist the interim Managing Director of NAMA and, on their appointment, those experts will contribute to the development of an appropriate valuation methodology, which will ensure fairness and the independence of the valuation process.
The valuation methodology to be adopted by NAMA will have to be agreed with the European Commission, which published guidance on the treatment of impaired assets last February. The Commission has indicated that in the absence of a market value, a transfer value reflecting the underlying longer-term economic value of the assets would be an acceptable benchmark as a basis of valuation methodology. Furthermore, the Commission intends to establish a panel of international experts to advise it on its approach to valuation methodology, which will have to be applied consistently across institutions. At this stage, it is not possible to determine what discount will be applied to the impaired loans of the relevant financial institutions. This is dependent on a wide range of factors.
4 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Finance his views in relation to the rationale behind the establishment of the National Asset Management Agency as opposed to nationalising the Irish banks; the way he will ensure that the valuations carried out by NAMA will be independent and accurate in a falling market and will not benefit developers in any way; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23198/09]
The Government examined all of the potential approaches available to it in dealing with risky assets on the balance sheets of Irish banks, which were preventing banks from lending into the economy and thereby supporting economic recovery. Taking account of Dr Peter Bacon's report on options for resolving property loan impairments, and the consensus amongst the Government's advisors including the Central Bank, the Financial Regulator and the NTMA, the Government concluded that the establishment of an asset management agency was the best means of ensuring that the banks were freed up to lend to the real economy.
The Government believes that it is important, where possible, that the banking sector has a market presence and that it operates within market disciplines and constraints and this is facilitated by adopting the asset management approach. A commercially focused banking system is best equipped to ensure that the lending needs of the real economy are met. The Deputy will be aware that no country is currently adopting a policy of wholesale bank nationalisation; there is no immediate reason for Ireland to adopt such a policy. If Ireland was to uniquely proceed down that route it could, from an international perspective, be very damaging to Ireland's reputation and to our attractiveness to international investors. Moreover, a policy of nationalisation does not in itself deal with the risky assets on the balance sheets of relevant institutions, or funding issues for banks.
The valuation methodology to be adopted by NAMA will have to be agreed with the European Commission, which published guidance on the treatment of impaired assets last February. The NTMA is in the process of engaging experts to assist the interim Managing Director of NAMA and, on their appointment, those experts will contribute to the development of an appropriate valuation methodology, which will ensure fairness and the independence of the valuation process. Legislation on NAMA is being prepared and will be published as soon as possible.
5 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to any service available to fixed rate mortgage holders whereby they are able to switch without paying the breakage fee; if there have been further deliberations regarding the hardships caused to fixed rate mortgage holders in the current economic situation; if, notwithstanding the reality that a fixed rate mortgage was a decision made by persons who could still benefit from this relative to variable rate holders, there is scope to provide some limited assistance in view of the unprecedented situation with job losses, income levies and pension levies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23199/09]
The Consumer Credit Act, 1995 ("the Act"), is the principal piece of legislation protecting the consumer in the context of mortgage credit agreements with a lender. The Act requires that the credit agreement governing the relationship between the lender and the consumer for the duration of the agreement, to be in writing. Agreements may include a provision allowing a consumer to switch from a fixed rate mortgage to a variable rate mortgage upon the payment of a fee in respect of funding costs. Where there is no specific contractual term empowering the consumer to move from a fixed rate mortgage to a variable rate mortgage in the credit agreement, the consumer has no contractual right to do so. A lender may, of course, exercise its discretion in allowing a consumer to move from a fixed rate to a variable rate mortgage.
However, when a borrower signs a fixed-rate mortgage contract with a mortgage provider, the lender in turn enters into an agreement where they borrow the money at an agreed rate. The mortgage lender must repay the money at this agreed rate, so there is a cost to the institution if the fixed rate agreement is terminated before the agreed term which gives rise to the redemption fee charged in these cases. On 26 March 2009, I undertook, in this House, to raise concerns regarding the level of redemption fees with the Consumer Director of the Financial Regulator who has a statutory mandate to safeguard the interests of consumers. The Financial Regulator has confirmed to my Department, that all mortgage lenders have provided it with the formula used by that lender when calculating the early redemption fee applying to fixed rate mortgages.
The Financial Regulator has also sought independent verification by an actuary that the fee charged by a number of lenders recouped only the loss in funding costs incurred by the lenders due to the early redemption of a fixed rate mortgage. The Financial Regulator has received the majority of the actuarial independent verifications from lenders and is currently reviewing the information received. The verifications received to date indicate that the formulae applied by lenders seek to recoup the loss to the lender arising from the early redemption of the fixed rate mortgage and do not apply a penalty charge on the borrower. The Financial Regulator is also examining whether any additional costs are being charged. The Financial Regulator has advised that further analysis may be necessary once all of the information is received and reviewed. Should the remaining analysis by the Financial Regulator indicate that further consideration of this issue is required, it will be carried out.
6 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Finance if he will review the new emissions based car tax system as it applies to disabled drivers, with a view to raising the cap in view of the problems caused by increased costs to disabled drivers as a result of the new scheme and the fact that they would have less choice available in choosing a more environmentally friendly car (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23212/09]
The Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Scheme provides relief from VAT and Vehicle Registration Tax (up to a certain limit), and exemption from motor tax, on the purchase of an adapted car for transport of a person with specific severe and permanent physical disabilities. The disability criteria for these concessions are set out in the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations 1994. To get a Primary Medical Certificate, an applicant must be permanently and severely disabled within the terms of these Regulations.
Some 13,000 people benefited under the scheme in 2008 at an overall estimated cost of €76 million. Any changes would have to be considered in the context of the annual Budget. Motor Tax is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
7 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding a nationwide study on the fluoride intake of the population here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23195/09]
Ireland is a party to an EU bio monitoring programme which is a tool to assess human exposure to environmental stressors and potential health effects. It is proposed to include monitoring background levels of fluoride and longitudinal studies of the general population within this bio monitoring programme. The programme, which will concentrate on measurement and sampling, is due to commence in mid July 2010 and baseline data on the level of fluoride in the general population is expected early in 2012.
8 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will clarify if plans are in place for County Donegal cancer patients to be treated at Altnagelvin Hospital in County Derry; if she will discuss these plans; when the plans will be in place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23157/09]
In April 2008, Minister Michael McGimpsey of the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSS&PS), Northern Ireland announced the provision of a satellite centre (linked to Belfast City Hospital) to be located in Altnagelvin in Derry. It will provide the additional radiotherapy capacity needed to meet an anticipated increase in cancer in Northern Ireland. It also recognises the potential for cross border co-operation in the development of this resource.
I welcomed the announcement by Minister McGimpsey. Officials from my Department and their counterparts in Northern Ireland continue to hold discussions in this regard. The HSE has provided information on cancer patients and projected needs for radiotherapy to 2025 to assess the number of people living in Donegal and surrounding areas who would be likely to avail of the new services in Altnagelvin.
The relevant authorities are developing a business case for the satellite radiotherapy centre at Altnagelvin. I understand that the facility is expected to be operational by 2015 and I anticipate that patients from the Donegal area will be among those using it. Patients from Donegal with breast cancer or prostate cancer continue to be referred, if they so wish, to Belfast City Hospital for radiotherapy. In the 12 months ending 1 April, 2009, 30 patients availed of this option.
9 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children the status regarding the bilateral agreement relating to inter-country adoption between Ireland and Russia; if a copy of the agreement will be provided to parents in order that all parties are fully aware of their rights and duties under this agreement; the nature and legal status of the agreement between the Health Service Executive, the Russian Embassy and the Adoption Board; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23158/09]
As the Deputy is aware, the Adoption Bill, 2009, which will give force of law to the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Inter-country Adoption, was published on 23 January, 2009. Under the proposed new legislative regime, prospective adoptive parents will be able to adopt from countries that have ratified the Hague Convention as well as from those countries with which Ireland has a bi-lateral agreement based on Hague standards. As part of the preparations for the likely passage and entry into force of these new legislative arrangements, my Office has been liaising with the Department of Foreign Affairs to identify and negotiate with countries who continue to seek homes abroad for children in need of alternative care that cannot be provided domestically. We are working actively to assess the possibilities of entering into bi-lateral agreements with a small number of countries, including with the Russian Federation.
Ireland presently has no bilateral agreement on intercountry adoption in place with the Russian Federation. Preparatory work on a draft bilateral agreement on intercountry adoption with the Russian Federation is currently being undertaken. Officials from my Office and from the Department of Foreign Affairs have been taking soundings in relation to inter-country adoption in the Russian Federation since April, 2008. This has included contacts with the Irish Embassy in Moscow and legal and other preparatory work on the possibility of a draft agreement between the two countries. A first formal meeting between the two sides, arranged with the assistance of the Department of Foreign Affairs, took place in early May. I will continue to advance this matter in the coming months with the assistance of officials from both the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Irish Embassy in Moscow.
While every effort will be made to conclude a bilateral agreement in advance of any of the proposed changes in Irish law taking effect, it must be acknowledged that these matters will be determined to a considerable degree by the Government of the Russian Federation.
10 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the bilateral adoption agreement between Ireland and Vietnam; if she will renew the bilateral adoption agreement between Ireland and Vietnam before the Adoption Bill 2009 is passed; the position regarding inter-country adoption, in particular such adoptions between Ireland and Vietnam; the status of the agreement between the two countries; the status of persons who had been on the list of adoption before the initial agreement was terminated; the position in this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23159/09]
My Office is continuing to work towards securing a strengthened inter-country adoption agreement with the Vietnamese authorities. In light of several concerns raised by other countries during the last year, the Government decided that it was necessary to reinforce the initial bilateral agreement with the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. Also, with the publication of the Adoption Bill, 2009, on 23 January last, it was considered necessary to ensure that both the content of a new agreement and its implementation would meet the minimum standards set out in that Bill and stipulated in the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption.
This process has been on-going for fifteen months now and dialogue with the Vietnamese authorities continues. As ever, the primary focus in securing any new inter-country adoption agreement between Ireland and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is on reinforcing the requisite procedures that support and protect the children for whom adoption services are devised and provided. At this juncture, all options, including an interim agreement, are actively being pursued by the Government to allow for the conclusion of discussions on a strengthened bi-lateral agreement and to facilitate continuity of the strong and positive relationship between both jurisdictions.
I am anxious to conclude discussions on the text of the inter-country adoption agreement already under consideration. However, I must point out that no guarantee, despite the efforts of the Government, can be provided in relation to the outcome of that process. In addition, it must be noted that the wider policy agenda priority is the enactment of the Adoption Bill and the subsequent ratification of the Hague Convention. Any follow-up intercountry adoption agreement with the Socialist Republic of Vietnam must have regard to these forthcoming changes in our national adoption legislation.
It is not possible for me to either give a timetable or anticipate when discussions on the agreement will be finalised. While outstanding matters that require attention may be prioritised by the Government, it is not possible to predict what matters will demand the attention of the Vietnamese authorities or where a follow-up intercountry adoption agreement may fall in their list of priorities. However, there has been a high level of engagement on both sides and it is clear from progress so far that there is a genuine willingness on both sides to bring the negotiations to a successful conclusion.
With regard to the status of persons who had been on the list of adoption before the initial bilateral agreement with the Socialist Republic of Vietnam was terminated, the Adoption Board has advised that:
all adoptions from Vietnam, which have been registered on the Register of Foreign Adoptions, are safe and secure;
all applicants who have adopted children from Vietnam and returned to Ireland but as yet, have no entry in the Register of Foreign Adoptions will be registered subject to the usual statutory requirements;
applicants who have referrals in respect of children from Vietnam will be allowed to complete their adoption;
there will be no new referrals from May 1st, 2009, and
the process of granting Declarations (which are not country specific) is not affected by the ending of the Bilateral Agreement with Vietnam.
11 Deputy Seán Power asked the Minister for Health and Children when the remaining part of a grant aid will be awarded to an organisation (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23167/09]
As the Deputy's question relates to a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
12 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will investigate the provision of orthodontic treatment in respect of a child (details supplied) in County Cork. [23176/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
13 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will expedite an outpatient appointment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23184/09]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
14 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon will receive a decision on the review of the over 70s medical card; the reason for the delay in responding to the applicant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23188/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
15 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on the recent independent report examining the Government’s A Vision for Change plan; the reason the Health Service Executive has not issued a detailed implementation proposal for the plan; her views on whether a national mental health services directive should be established; the timeframe for the establishment of this body; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23192/09]
Following the launch of ’A Vision for Change’ in January 2006, an independent Monitoring Group was established to monitor and assess progress by the Health Service Executive, government departments and other agencies in implementing the recommendations set out in the Report. The Monitoring Group’s third annual report was published on 20 April 2009. The Group reported progress with the implementation of certain recommendations of the Report including child and adolescent services, engagement with service users and mental health information systems. However, the Group had concerns in relation to the absence of clearly identifiable dedicated leadership within the HSE to implement ‘A Vision for Change’ and that a more detailed implementation plan had not yet been made available.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that, in April, the HSE adopted an implementation plan for ‘A Vision for Change’ for the five year period 2009-2013. Although a recommendation in ‘A Vision for Change’ is to establish a National Directorate for Mental Health, this recommendation has not been implemented by the HSE. However, the HSE recently confirmed that a national lead dedicated to mental health will be appointed shortly and will work closely with the National Clinical Director to drive the modernisation of mental health services.
16 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children if a community child care facility can charge parents for two week summer camps under the new early childhood care and education programme, which it is prohibited from charging for under the subvention scheme; if such a facility can charge for ECCE type programmes and child care for additional weeks beyond the 38 week proposed scheme; the position regarding private facilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23197/09]
As the Deputy will be aware I have responsibility for the implementation of the free Pre-School year in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) scheme, which will come into operation in January next, and for the Community Childcare Subvention Scheme (CCSS) which was introduced in January 2008. Under the ECCE children will be able to avail of a free Pre-School Year in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) in the year before they commence primary school. Participating children must, normally be aged between 3 years 3 months and 4 years 6 months on 1st September of each year. Over 4,800 private and voluntary pre-school services which are notified to the Health Service Executive (HSE) or registered with the Irish Montessori Educational Board (IMEB) have been invited to participate in the ECCE and provide Pre-School Year places to qualifying children from January 2010.
Services can choose to deliver the Pre-School Year from a range of options. A full or part-time daycare service will normally provide the place for 2 hours 15 minutes a day, five days a week over 50 weeks, in return for a weekly capitation fee of €48.50. A playschool sessional service will normally be required to provide a pre-school service for 3 hours a day, five days a week over 38 weeks, in return for a weekly capitation fee of €64.50. However, where for good reason a sessional service is unable to operate over 5 days, it may participate in the scheme by providing a place for 3 hours 30 minutes a day, 4 days a week over 41 weeks.
Further flexibility is provided for in that, a full or part-time service may choose to provide a sessional service over 38 weeks of a year (or 2 sessional services each day) while a sessional service may choose to provide 2 hours 15 minutes per day over 50 weeks. Also in cases where children attend a full or part-time daycare service for 3 days a week only, consideration will be given to allowing the service to participate in the scheme on the basis of providing the pre-school year to those children for 3 hours 45 mins a day for 3 days a week. In such cases, a service will be required to provide the pre-school year over 50 weeks.
In all cases, participating services must operate the relevant pre-school provision free to parents in return for the applicable capitation grant. It is open to services participating in the ECCE to provide additional services to parents which can be charged for, including additional hours or summer camps as referred to by the Deputy, provided these are clearly optional.
Funding is also available to community not for profit pre-school services, under the Community Childcare Subvention Scheme (CCSS), and a community service can participate in both the CCSS and the ECCE. Services participating in the CCSS are grant aided to enable them to charge reduced childcare fees to disadvantaged and low income families. Services funded under the CCSS may operate and charge fees for summer camps in the same way that they operate and charge fees for their general service, that is that any funding they have received to subvent the fees of disadvantaged and low income parents is used for that purpose.
17 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will put a plan in place to deal with a rat infestation in a house (details supplied) in County Leitrim. [23214/09]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act, 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to have the matter investigated and to reply directly to the Deputy.
18 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [23219/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
19 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Health and Children the response she received regarding the public outcry following the closure of wards and cutbacks at Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children in Crumlin, Dublin; if action is being taken to ensure that this situation does not occur on an ongoing basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23240/09]
In common with all hospitals, Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin is addressing the challenge of delivering a high quality service to its patients, while remaining within budget. The Hospital is committed to providing the full level of services that it promised in its service plan for 2009. The top priority will be to protect patient care. So far this year, Crumlin Hospital has delivered more treatments to patients than for the same period last year. In the first four months of 2009 there were 3,704 treatments for children as in-patients and 5,095 as day cases– up by 234 over 2008. Crumlin also had 28,040 attendances at the out-patient department for the first four months.
The allocation to Crumlin for 2009 is €139.6m, an increase of some 39% over the last five years. This includes a reduction of 3% this year over 2008, in line with the budgetary constraints facing the entire public sector and the wider economy. A particular challenge for the Hospital is that it is currently operating at some 91 posts above its employment ceiling — it employed 1,641 people (wholetime equivalents) at the end of April compared with its ceiling of 1,550. This is contributing to its current financial difficulties. The HSE is working closely with Crumlin Hospital to achieve an agreed programme of savings, totalling €6.5m this year. The focus of these savings will be on non-pay areas of expenditure and on protecting front-line services. On this basis, the HSE believes that the Hospital will achieve a break-even position this year.
I believe that we need to look more strategically at the way in which we provide paediatric services in Dublin. In 2009 the Government will provide over €250m for the running of three paediatric hospitals in Dublin — Crumlin, Temple Street and Tallaght. We can achieve significant cost savings if services and practices are more closely integrated across the three hospital sites, even before the new National Paediatric Hospital has been completed. With this in mind, the HSE is pursuing ways in which services across the three hospitals can best be co-ordinated, to avoid unnecessary duplication and to achieve savings that can be put back. On the issue of specific operational actions being taken, my Department has asked the HSE to reply directly to the Deputy in that regard.
20 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans the Health Service Executive has to improve a health centre (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23356/09]
As the Deputy's question relates to a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
21 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Mayo has been assessed for schemes. [23358/09]
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.
22 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport his plans to enhance the rural transport option with particular reference to areas not covered by public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23222/09]
Thirty-seven community transport groups around the country are being funded under my Department's Rural Transport Programme (RTP) to address social exclusion in their rural areas arising from unmet public transport needs. The Programme is now operational in every county and the groups are working towards maximising coverage in their operational areas having regard to local public transport service needs and the availability of resources. One of the key strengths of the RTP is that local communities know best where the transport needs are in their rural areas and how best to address those needs. The RTP groups are, therefore, responsible for deciding on the specific services to be provided and the methods of provision.
23 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the waiting time for the national car test in the Dublin area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23190/09]
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 477 of 2006) this is a matter for the Road Safety Authority.
24 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Transport if there are restrictions for flight training aircraft flying over housing estates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23211/09]
The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) has statutory responsibility for safety regulation of civil aviation under the 1993 Irish Aviation Authority Act. I am advised by the IAA that any aircraft, including an aircraft involved in flight training within the State has to comply with the regulations as set out in the Irish Aviation Authority, (Rules of the Air) Order Statutory Instrument (SI) 72 of 2004. The IAA has further advised of the specific provisions of Rule 2 of SI 72 which states that "an aircraft shall not be operated in a negligent or reckless manner so as to endanger life or property". In addition, such aircraft must comply with all of the provisions set out in Rule 3 with regard to minimum heights. Statutory Instrument 72 of 2004 can be accessed on the IAA website at www.iaa.ie.
25 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when an application will be decided on in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23165/09]
28 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will expedite the application for a partnership visa in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and the status of this application. [23196/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 25 and 28 together.
The application for a visa referred to was made on 28/04/2009. It was received in the Visa Section, Burgh Quay, Dublin on 03/06/2009 and is currently being processed. The decision in relation to this application will issue in due course.
26 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will provide the data available on the labour market penetration of the 16,693 people granted residency under the IBC05 scheme; and the steps he is taking to facilitate access to the labour market for those granted residency under this scheme. [23169/09]
I wish to inform the Deputy that those persons granted temporary leave to remain in the State under the IBC/05 Scheme were given permission under Stamp 4 conditions. This gives an entitlement to work in the State without the need for a work permit and to set up a business without seeking the permission of the Minister. As such, all holders of Stamp 4 status, including those who were granted under the IBC/05 Scheme, and whose permission to remain in the State is currently valid, have full and unfettered access to the labour market.
I am aware that the Business in the Community Ireland EPIC programme (Employment for People from Immigrant Communities) targeted the parents of Irish born children with a view to securing employment, training and education during 2006-07. I should add that there are a range of services provided by State and other agencies in the area of education and training for those seeking to enter the labour force, and the persons in question have full access to such services. With regard to the labour market penetration of the 16,693 individuals granted residency, isolating and aggregating the data sought by the Deputy would involve a disproportionate use of resources.
27 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the changes to the format of the new gun licence when issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23174/09]
I am informed by the Garda Authorities that the exact format of the new firearm certificate has not yet been finalised but it is envisaged that it will be a durable, credit card sized document.
29 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to an application for residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23235/09]
I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Questions No. 317 of Tuesday, 16 December, 2008 and No. 112 of Thursday, 4 December, 2008 and the written Replies to those Questions. The person concerned applied for asylum on 9 November 2006. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 29 January, 2008, re-issued on 5 December, 2008, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. In addition, he was notified of his entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006).
The person concerned submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with these Regulations and this application is under consideration at present. When consideration of this application has been completed, the person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome. In the event that the Subsidiary Protection application is refused, the case file of the person concerned, including all representations submitted, will then be considered under Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. When this latter consideration has been completed, the case file is passed to me for decision.
30 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number and location of community and rural transport schemes currently supported by his Department; his proposals to further development in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23220/09]
My Department has provided funding under the Rural Development Fund for a pilot night-time rural transport scheme in seven areas of operation around the country. The scheme is being implemented by local development companies and community groups, namely West Cork Rural Transport, Avondhu Development Group (East Cork), Meath Accessible/Kilnaleck Community (Cavan), County Sligo Leader Partnership, Tumna Shannon Development Company (Roscommon), Síob Teoranta (Donegal) and Laois Trip. While current funding arrangements for the pilot scheme will shortly conclude I am open to considering whether alternative funding sources may be viable and in this regard I propose to meet with the relevant groups next week.
Under the Community Services Programme, my Department provides a contribution to the wages of employees engaged in the provision of rural transport services throughout the country. Funding is currently provided to projects in counties Cavan, Clare, Cork, Dublin, Galway, Kerry, Kildare, Kilkenny, Limerick, Mayo and Meath. It is my intention to continue to support these projects until the expiry of their current individual contracts, at which stage all contracts will be reviewed. As with all expenditure, applications for funding are considered in the light of available resources.
31 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his proposals to assist rural or urban groups here who may be involved in urban regeneration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23221/09]
37 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the full extent of the community based programmes currently run or funded by his Department; his plans to expand or extend such activity in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23228/09]
38 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number and nature of applications from various groups in County Kildare for grant aid under the RAPID or CLÁR programmes currently on hand; the degree to which it is intended to meet these requirements in full in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23229/09]
39 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the extent to which urban or rural community groups in County Kildare are expected to qualify for grant aid under the various schemes run by his Department in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23230/09]
41 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the extent to which he proposes to address issues such as anti-social behaviour by way of funding through the various schemes operated by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23232/09]
42 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the extent to which he has addressed social or economic deprivation in urban or rural areas in County Kildare in 2009; his plans in this regard in the coming year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23233/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 31, 37, 38, 39, 41 and 42 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, my Department implements and funds a wide range of measures, programmes and schemes covering the areas addressed by the Deputy in his questions. Details of all of the programmes and schemes operated by my Department, including guidelines and criteria and recipients of grant support, are available on my Department's website at www.pobail.ie. All applications for funding received by my Department are assessed in line with the eligibility criteria of the relevant schemes and decisions made accordingly.
In relation to applications under the RAPID and CLÁR programmes, both generally and from applicants in Co. Kildare, in many cases funding is channelled through the Votes or allocations of other Departments, State bodies or local authorities, sometimes on a top-up basis. In many cases, the funding is in respect of programmes and projects for which those other organisations have responsibility and accountability, with the relevant data on applications and beneficiaries held by those public bodies. Given the large number of applications involved, and the other factors mentioned, the cost of assembling the information would be unjustifiably high and unrealistic. If the Deputy has a specific question about an application or project, I will be happy to deal with that or to refer him to the relevant organisation.
Against the background of the current economic reality and of the pressure on the public finances, my priority is to make every effort that front-line services provided through my Department, including urban regeneration, community-based programmes, anti-social behaviour etc, are prioritised. Although funding for some programmes operated by my Department has been reduced, I still expect a strong spend on such areas through programmes such as CLÁR and RAPID, which should ensure continued impact in these areas.
32 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the degree to which he will offer additional financial or other assistance to community based voluntary groups involved in combating drugs throughout County Kildare in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23223/09]
33 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the degree to which he will offer additional financial or other assistance to community based voluntary groups involved in combating drugs in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23224/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 32 and 33 together.
As the Deputy is aware, funding applications for community and voluntary groups for drugs initiatives are made through the Local or Regional Drugs Task Forces. The allocation for the Drugs Task Forces for this year is of the order of €32m. Projects have been approved funding for the first six months of 2009 and this expenditure is currently under review before allocating the remaining funding for the second half of the year. My Department is working with the Task Forces to ensure that this funding is targeted in the most appropriate manner. Capital funding of around €4.5m will be available in 2009. This allocation will fund existing and some new initiatives under the Premises Initiative Fund and it will also complete the outstanding commitments under the once-off 2008 Regional Youth Initiative Fund.
Overall, I am satisfied that the funding being provided in 2009 by my Department will continue to facilitate the delivery of valuable community-based initiatives to help address problem drug use. Across Government, we are taking a number of difficult decisions, but our approach is to do this in as balanced a way as possible. There is a critical need to ensure that resources are directed in a targeted and effective manner and that the maximum benefit is achieved. I would like to assure the Deputy that my primary concern has been — and continues to be — the protection of front-line community-based services delivering vital programmes and initiatives in areas worst affected by problem drug use.
The Deputy will be aware that the Drugs Strategy is based on a co-ordinated approach across many Government Departments and Agencies and my Department's allocation is part of a much bigger investment programme in drugs services by these other bodies. In 2008, it was estimated that total expenditure on drugs programmes was over €260m and initial indications are that this level will be broadly maintained in 2009.As outlined to you previously, the following allocations have been made to Co Kildare, which is part of the South West RDTF area:
Abbey Project — funding of €150,000 has been provisionally allocated in 2009 to provide a number of services such as drop-in, family support, referral, counselling, holistic therapies and advice and information on housing to drug users and their families from Celbridge and the surrounding areas;
Community Drug Team for Kildare and West Wicklow — for 2009, funding of €350,000 has been provisionally approved for this service which will expand and complement existing treatment services along with family support and early responses to young people at the early stage of drug misuse; and
Newbridge Family Resource Centre — an amount of €22,354 was approved in 2007 in respect of the purchase and installation of a semi-permanent structure for the Centre to provide a dedicated drop-in facility for "at risk" youth.
34 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the extent to which he expects to meet the challenge of rural depopulation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23225/09]
The Government remains firm in its commitment to rural development. Strong, vibrant rural communities are essential to the well-being of the entire country and the mission of my Department — which is aimed at promoting and supporting the sustainable, inclusive development of such communities — is very relevant in this regard. In pursuit of my Department's mission, we operate a wide range of schemes designed to tackle issues such as depopulation, deprivation and social isolation. Details of all these schemes can be found on my Department's website www.pobail.ie. If the Deputy has any specific questions about these schemes, I will be happy to answer them.
In addition, the Deputy will be aware that Ireland's Rural Development Programme 2007-13 represents substantial investment in our rural areas and the agriculture sector. This Programme includes investment of €425m, which is 55% co-funded by the EU, towards improving the quality of life in rural areas and diversifying the rural economy. This investment is being rolled out through the network of local development companies who are implementing the various measures under the Programme.
35 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he has had discussions with An Taisce or other Departments in the matter of rural housing and the need to meet the housing needs of the indigenous rural population along the lines of his previously expressed wishes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23226/09]
As I indicated to the Deputy in my response to his question no. 181 of 29th April last, I have no statutory responsibility for rural housing. As stated in my previous reply, the National Spatial Strategy (NSS) addresses many of my concerns on issues such as rural housing. The rural settlement policy framework contained in the NSS, which represents overall Government policy on rural housing, aims to sustain and renew established rural communities while strengthening the structure of villages and smaller settlements to support local economies. In this way it seeks to ensure key assets in rural areas are protected to support quality of life and that rural settlement policies are responsive to the local circumstances of different areas.
In the course of my day-to-day business, I regularly have contact with Ministers of other Departments, Local Authorities and as the need arises, other bodies and organisations regarding rural development issues. I have had a discussion with an Taisce in this regard.
36 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the extent to which he will allocate funding from the proceeds of the dormant accounts fund in 2009 to County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23227/09]
Disbursements from the Dormant Accounts Fund are designed to assist three broad categories of persons:
those affected by economic and social disadvantage;
those affected by educational disadvantage; and
persons with a disability.
Under the Dormant Accounts Acts, the Government is required to consider and approve proposals for disbursals from the Dormant Accounts Fund. In line with these statutory requirements, the Government will be asked to consider measures to be supported from the Fund in the coming months. Given the statutory requirements for the allocation of funds, it is not possible to indicate the number or value of successful applications that may be received or approved to the benefit to County Kildare. Details of the 2009 Programme will be published when approved by Government.
40 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the areas within his Department most likely to be affected by recently announced financial constraints due to the downturn in the economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23231/09]
As the Deputy is aware, in the current economic circumstances, the Government was faced with difficult decisions in the recent Budget. Accordingly, it considered a range of measures to maintain a prudent fiscal outturn for 2009 and to provide the basis for a sustainable approach to the current financial situation. Across Government, our approach has been to do this in as balanced a way as possible. The revised 2009 allocation for my Department shows a gross reduction of €47.4m on the initial estimated allocation announced in October 2008. Full details of the reductions at an individual programme level are available in the recently published Revised Estimates Volume 2009, which is available on line via the following website address: http://www.finance.gov.ie/ViewDoc.asp?DocId=-1&CatID=13&m=f
€11.8m of my Department's reduction relates to capital expenditure. This includes a transfer of some €2.5m to the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs relating to the Young People's Facilities and Services Fund. The balance reflects adjustments in capital expenditure made in the package of measures announced by the Minister of Finance at end-January 2009. The priorities for capital expenditure in 2009 are reflected in the table, which summarises the position for my Department's capital programme areas.
|
Capital Programme Area |
2009 Budget Allocation |
2009 REV Allocations |
Reduction |
|
€000 |
€000 |
€000 |
|
|
Administration |
680 |
610 |
-70 |
|
Developing Communities |
14,000 |
13,340 |
-660 |
|
Tackling Problem Drug Use |
8,100 |
4,591 |
-3,509 |
|
Rural Development |
51,000 |
47,976 |
-3,024 |
|
Gaeltacht & Islands Development |
59,070 |
55,332 |
-3,738 |
|
Promotion and Maintenance of the Irish Language |
650 |
600 |
-50 |
|
North/South Co-operation |
11,500 |
10,726 |
-774 |
|
Total |
145,000 |
133,175 |
-11,825 |
In relation to current expenditure, there is a reduction of €35.6m, which includes a transfer of €17.4m to the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs for the Young People's Facilities and Services Fund and a transfer of €2m to the Department of Arts, Sports and Tourism from Ciste na Gaeilge in relation to the Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann Regional Development Programme. The balance is made up of savings achieved mainly by the reduction of administration costs for my Department, the State agencies within its ambit, and community and voluntary organisations. The priorities for current expenditure in 2009 are reflected in the table, which summarises the position for my Department's current programme areas:
|
Current Programme Area |
2009 Budget Allocation |
2009 REV Allocations |
Reduction |
|
€000 |
€000 |
€000 |
|
|
Administration |
18,778 |
18,347 |
-431 |
|
Developing Communities |
161,650 |
149,976 |
-11,674 |
|
Tackling Problem Drug Use |
53,000 |
36,020 |
-16,980 |
|
Rural Development |
56,760 |
55,446 |
-1,314 |
|
Gaeltacht & Islands Development |
31,630 |
30,586 |
-1,044 |
|
Promotion and Maintenance of the Irish Language |
9,972 |
7,774 |
-2,198 |
|
North/South Co-operation |
46,295 |
44,376 |
-1,919 |
|
Total |
378,085 |
342,525 |
-35,560 |
In relation to the various programme areas of my Department, efforts have been made to minimise the effects on frontline services, where possible. This approach will continue in the context of the ongoing financial management of my Department's Vote for the remainder of the year.
43 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the procedures in place for the processing of appeals for jobseeker’s allowance and jobseeker’s benefit claims; the possibility of appeals decisions being processed initially in local offices to avoid unnecessary delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23152/09]
Procedures for the processing of all appeals, including appeals for Jobseekers Allowance and Jobseekers Benefit claims are laid down in legislation (Part 10, Chapter 2 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act, 2005and the Social Welfare (Appeals) Regulations (SI 108/98)). These provisions require that an appeal against a formal statutory decision by a Deciding Officer of the Department may be made within 21 days of receipt of such a decision, but the Chief Appeals Officer has discretion to extend such period.
I am informed by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that on receipt of an appeal the Department, in accordance with the statutory requirements, is requested to supply the document in the case and the Deciding Officer's comments on the grounds of the appeal. On receipt of these, the case is considered by an Appeals Officer who may decide a case by way of a summary decision based on the documentary evidence or may decide to hold an oral hearing. Oral hearings are granted at the discretion of the Appeals Officer, usually in circumstances where there is a conflict in evidence presented by the parties to the appeal or where an oral hearing is requested by the appellant in order to present his or her case.
An integral feature of the social welfare appeals system is that Appeal's Officers' determinations are made independently of the decisions being appealed. In that context, the question of appeals against jobseeker's benefit and allowance decisions being processed initially in local offices of the Department which are responsible for the decisions in the first place does not arise. However, the legislation offers applicants who are dissatisfied with a decision by a Deciding Officer a right of review of that decision if they can provide new facts or fresh evidence after the original decision on their claim and all applicants who receive an adverse decision are advised of their right to have their claim reviewed.
If revised decisions, deemed satisfactory by the applicant, are made by Deciding Officers in these circumstances, an Appeals Officer's decision is not necessary. If still dissatisfied with the outcome of such a review, an appeal may be made to the Social Welfare Appeals Office which then proceeds in the normal way.
44 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, further to Parliamentary Question No. 316 of 26 May 2009, the percentage of appeals to the social welfare appeals office upheld divided into all categories from 2007 to date in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23173/09]
The statistics required by the Deputy are attached in tabular form. I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that the table comprises cases which have been allowed either in full or partially and includes cases which have been determined by Appeals Officers and cases which have been revised by Deciding Officers of the Department (following receipt of an appeal). The very high (100%) or low (0%) percentages for some of the schemes are influenced by the very low numbers of appeals determined for those particular schemes. In fact, in the case of some of the cases with 0%, there may not have been any determinations at all.
|
2007 |
2008 |
2009 (to 31/5/2009) |
|
|
% |
% |
% |
|
|
Adoptive Benefit |
50.00 |
100.00 |
0 |
|
Blind Pension |
26.70 |
33.30 |
33.40 |
|
Carers Allowance |
52.70 |
52.00 |
44.80 |
|
Carers Benefit |
34.60 |
38.40 |
47.00 |
|
Child Benefit |
41.00 |
44.20 |
52.50 |
|
Disability Allowance |
53.40 |
53.80 |
56.00 |
|
Illness Benefit |
61.40 |
61.30 |
64.80 |
|
Deserted Wives Allowance |
50.00 |
50.00 |
0 |
|
Deserted Wives Benefit |
10.00 |
38.50 |
50.00 |
|
Farm Assist |
44.70 |
47.50 |
39.30 |
|
Bereavement Grant |
15.00 |
30.30 |
21.10 |
|
Family Income Supplement |
47.50 |
46.60 |
48.10 |
|
Invalidity Pension |
69.76 |
61.29 |
59.62 |
|
Liable Relatives |
55.50 |
33.30 |
27.30 |
|
One Parent Family Payment |
45.89 |
41.45 |
40.30 |
|
Maternity Benefit |
26.70 |
41.20 |
33.30 |
|
State Pension (Contributory) |
20.70 |
27.50 |
33.30 |
|
State Pension (Non-Contributory) |
45.30 |
45.10 |
37.60 |
|
State Pension (Transition) |
21.90 |
13.00 |
16.70 |
|
Occupational Injury Benefit |
51.00 |
28.60 |
30.80 |
|
Occupational Injury Benefit (Medical) |
40.60 |
48.20 |
75.00 |
|
Disablement Pension |
68.00 |
62.40 |
56.30 |
|
Incapacity Supplement |
53.90 |
53.40 |
0 |
|
Guardian’s Payment (Contributory) |
80.00 |
60.00 |
33.30 |
|
Guardian’s Payment (Non-Contributory) |
42.90 |
0 |
50.00 |
|
Pre-Retirement Allowance |
35.70 |
72.80 |
0 |
|
Jobseeker’s Allowance (Means) |
32.00 |
40.60 |
50.10 |
|
Jobseeker’s Allowance |
28.10 |
27.90 |
32.20 |
|
Jobseeker’s Benefit |
37.50 |
38.60 |
43.90 |
|
JA/JB Fraud Control |
40.80 |
21.20 |
0 |
|
Rent Allowance |
0 |
100.00 |
0 |
|
Respite Care Grant |
51.10 |
49.80 |
33.70 |
|
Insurability of Employment |
25.60 |
15.40 |
19.50 |
|
Supplementary Welfare Allowance |
27.60 |
34.00 |
24.50 |
|
Treatment Benefits |
28.60 |
23.10 |
0 |
|
Survivor’s Pension (Contributory) |
19.10 |
11.80 |
44.40 |
|
Survivor’s Pension (Non-Contributory) |
27.80 |
53.30 |
12.50 |
45 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when jobseeker’s benefit will be awarded in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23189/09]
The person concerned made an application for jobseeker's allowance on 11 February 2009. Under a pilot scheme for new claimants aged between 18 and 19 years she was referred directly to FÁS for a 6 week training programme. The Department was subsequently advised by FÁS that the person concerned was unable to attend the course. Outstanding issues regarding her availability for employment and her means assessment have now been finalised and a decision will be made on her claim shortly.
46 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the level of co-operation that exists between her Department and FÁS; the role of the facilitator; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23201/09]
A high degree of cooperation and coordination exists at both policy and operational level between the Department of Social and Family Affairs and FÁS. Both sides operate under a memorandum of understanding which is updated periodically. Senior officials of the department hold regular joint meetings with FÁS and the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment. There are also regular meetings between officials of the Department and FÁS at regional and local level. The Department works closely with FÁS in providing opportunities for people on social welfare to access the range of training and employment services afforded by that organisation. An important area of this cooperation is in relation to the joint National Employment Action Plan whereby people are referred to FÁS when they reach 3 months on the live register.
The Department's facilitators work with social welfare recipients of working age, including people in receipt of jobseekers payments, people parenting alone, people in receipt of disability welfare payments and people providing care, to promote participation and social inclusion. The current economic climate has determined that a large part of a facilitator's work at present is with people on the live register.
Facilitators work with customers to identify appropriate training or development programmes which will enhance the skills that the individual has and ultimately improve their employment chances, as well as help them continue to develop personally. Facilitators develop individual progression plans with the customer. Facilitators are located throughout the country and are assigned to cover a geographical area. Facilitators work closely with FÁS and other agencies at a local level to identify and target appropriate education, training and development opportunities.
A facilitator also deals with referrals from local offices, the department's inspectorate and people in receipt of social welfare payments who may themselves decide to seek the service of a facilitator. The facilitator service may also be sought by someone who has a business idea, who wishes to avail of the back to work enterprise allowance or by someone who intends to return to education under the back to education programme. In addition, one of the roles of the departments facilitator's is to engage with other agencies to enhance local working relationships and to ensure that agencies work together to provide services to customers in receipt of welfare payments. Facilitators are also engaged in extensive information provision to individuals, organisations and communities, about the services of the department.
As a complement to the local referral system, a formal targeted programme of activation was introduced under the National Development Plan (NDP). Under this programme, the Department actively selects cases for referral to facilitators. Facilitators work in co-operation with other relevant service providers such as FÁS, VECs, the Adult Education Guidance Initiative, the HSE and other local agencies. The number of facilitators in place, their workload, and the effectiveness of the service will continue to be monitored under the National Development Plan (NDP).
47 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number and percentage of people referred to FÁS in 2008; the number and percentage of people referred to FÁS who have left the live register; the number and percentage of people referred to FÁS who remain on the live register; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23202/09]
The National Employment Action Plan, operated jointly with FÁS, is the main activation measure for jobseekers. It has been in operation since 1998 and has proven successful in that period in assisting people on the live register back into employment. It provides for a systematic engagement of the employment services with unemployed people.
In the period January to end of December, 2008 a total of 60,260 persons were referred to FÁS — this is an increase of 17% (8,808) over the same period in 2007.
33,919 (56%) of the total referred had left the Live Register by the end of January 2009.
26,341 (44%) of the total referred were still on the Live Register at the end of January 2009.
The Employment Action plan process is a key element in addressing the progression needs of those on the Live Register. It provides a stimulus to job search and affords an opportunity to explore, under professional guidance, the full range of employment and training services offered by FÁS.
48 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the details on the job search programme, which is being undertaken by FÁS in co-operation with her Department; the way it operates; the number of referrals; the number of people placed in employment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23203/09]
The National Employment Action Plan/Job Search, operated jointly with Fás, is the main activation measure for jobseekers. This strategy provides for systematic engagement by the FÁS employment services with unemployed people and is a key element of the Government's labour market policy. Under the Plan, all persons between the ages of 18 and 65 years who is approaching 3 months on the Live Register, are identified by the Department of Social and Family Affairs and referred to FÁS for interview with the aim of assisting them to enter/re-enter the labour market. Fás also provides a range of certified, short, flexible, modular programmes designed to upskill redundant workers so that they can enhance their prospects of securing employment.
The Employment Action plan process is fundamental in addressing the progression needs of those on the Live Register. It provides a stimulus to job search and affords an opportunity to explore, under professional guidance, the full range of employment and training services offered by FÁS. In the period January to end of December, 2008 a total of 60,260 persons were referred to FÁS. 40,933 (68%) were interviewed by FÁS and 7,846 were placed in jobs, training or education. In the period January to end of March, 2009 (the latest date for which figures are available), 16,740 approx. persons were referred to FÁS. Some 12,580 (75%) of those referred were interviewed by FÁS and 1074 (6.4%) were placed in jobs, training or education.
In response to the increase in the unemployment, Job Search/National Employment Action Plan has now nearly doubled for 2009 from 6,500 to 12,250 cases per month. This represents an unprecedented increase in capacity for this programme.
49 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the amount of money spent on and the number of people in receipt of the back to education allowance, back to work enterprise allowance, back to work allowance in April 2009; the community employment scheme payment, training allowances and other FÁS training payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23205/09]
There is a range of education and employment supports available to people in receipt of social welfare payments. These initiatives are designed to assist them in returning to the active labour force. Included in these measures are the back to work allowance and back to education allowance schemes. In April 2009 there were 11,646 people in receipt of the back to education allowance for the 2008/2009 academic year. The provisional expenditure on the scheme for April 2009 was €9.97 million.
At week ended 24th April 2009 the total number of participants in the Back to Work Allowance scheme was 7,248. This included two strands, the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance with 4,225 and the Back to Work Allowance (Employee) with 3,023. The provisional expenditure is not broken down between the two strands but the total for the scheme for April 2009 was €5.07 million. FÁS offers a range of training courses suited to the needs of both jobseekers looking for employment and employees wishing to improve their skills. Data for April 2009 in respect of the number of people and expenditure on the community employment scheme, training allowances and other FÁS training payments is not available to this Department.
50 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the percentage of the number of people referred to FÁS in 2008 and to date 2009; the percentage who attended for interview; the percentage who were placed in FÁS employment, training or education; the percentage who were interviewed and for whom no further action was taken; the follow-up or intervention taken on those who do not avail of FÁS services; if there is an obligation on referrals to take up education or training; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23206/09]
The National Employment Action Plan, operated jointly with FÁS, is the main activation measure for jobseekers. It has been in operation since 1998 and has proven successful in that period in assisting people on the live register back into employment. It provides for a systematic engagement of the employment services with unemployed people. In the period January to end of December 2008:
a total of 60,260 persons were referred to FÁS
40,933 (68%) of the total referred were interviewed by FÁS
7,846 (13%) of the total referred were placed in jobs, training or education
21,089(35%) of the total referred were interviewed but not placed in jobs, training or education.
In the period January to end of March, 2009 (the latest date for which figures are available):
a total of 16,739 persons were referred to FÁS
12,582 (75%) were interviewed by FÁS
1074 (7% of the total referred) were placed in jobs, training or education.
9,514 ( 76%) were interviewed were not placed in jobs/training/education (57% of the total referred )
By the end of January, 2009 33,919 ( 56%) of the total referred in 2008 had left the Live Register. By the end of April, 2009 4,961 (30%) of the total referred in the period January to March 2009 had left the Live Register. These figures reflect both the effectiveness of the NEAP and current trends in the labour market.
People remain on the live register while engaged with FÁS under the NEAP until they take up offers of employment or training. If they do not attend for interview with FÁS, or having engaged with FÁS decline offers of employment or training, their cases are referred back to the social welfare local office for review to determine if they continue to satisfy the conditions for receipt of jobseekers payments. There is a statutory obligation on recipients of Jobseekers payments to be available for and genuinely seeking full time employment.
People, who, for valid reasons, are unable to avail of the opportunities for placement in employment, training or education provided by FÁS, continue to receive payment. In such cases, the Department's facilitator service is available to assist them in identifying barriers to participation and exploring alternative progression routes. I consider that National Employment Action Plan plays an important role in assisting unemployed persons enter or return to the labour force.
51 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the locations at which job facilitators are based; the social welfare offices that do not have a job facilitator; the average waiting time to access a job facilitator; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23207/09]
Facilitators work closely with Fás and other agencies at national and local level, to identify appropriate training and developmental programmes social welfare recipients of working age to enhance the skills those individuals have and ultimately improve their employment chances as well as help them continue to develop personally. The facilitator service is available locally to all social welfare recipients via the local office network. When a person wishes to see a facilitator, the relevant facilitator is notified, and an appointment is scheduled for the person. The locations where facilitators are based are set out in the attached table.
In the current economic climate the demand for the facilitator service is elevated and waiting times to see a facilitator may vary nationwide. Actual waiting times for individual facilitators are not available. Facilitators make every effort to contact all interested recipients as quickly as possible. Additional resources provided to the facilitator network under the NDP are helping to ensure that the facilitator service is more responsive to the needs of customers.
Locations of Facilitators
Region
Dublin North — Ballymun; Blanchardstown; Coolock; Finglas; Kilbarrack; Navan Road; North Cumberland Street; Swords.
Dublin South — Ballyfermot; Bishop's Square; Clondalkin; Dunlaoghaire; Maynooth; Nutgrove; Tallaght; Thomas Street.
North East — Cavan; Drogheda; Dundalk; Longford; Monaghan; Mullingar; Navan.
North West — Buncrana; Donegal Town; Dungloe; Letterkenny; Sligo.
Mid West — Clonmel; Ennis; Limerick; Portlaoise; Tullamore.
South East — Bray; Carlow; Kilkenny; Newbridge; Waterford; Wexford.
Southern — Cork City; Killarney; Mallow; Tralee.
Western — Athlone; Ballina; Castlebar; Galway; Tuam.
52 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of staff deployed to social welfare offices to deal with the increase in social welfare applications; the total number in situ; the location of these staff; the length of time it takes to train staff; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23208/09]
During the period May to December 2008 an additional 158 staff were assigned to local offices to deal with the increased volume of claims. With the exception of Cork local office all but two of these staff are now in place and arrangements are in train to assign the outstanding 2 staff. In the case of Cork local office, some of the additional posts are been covered by way of temporary staff, until permanent staff are assigned. A number of offices have a particularly high volume of claims awaiting a decision. In order to deal with this, 32 additional temporary staff were recruited with effect from 2 March 2009 to support these offices. Details of the locations of the additional local office staff are set out in Table 1 attached.
At the beginning of June it was decided to recruit a further 55 temporary staff for various local offices around the country, pending the reassignment of permanent staff from other departments. As many local offices are very close to capacity as regards accommodating further staff, the Department has established a number of central decision units around the country. Five such units have been set up in Dublin, Sligo, Finglas, Carrick-on-Shannon and Roscommon, which will comprise of a total of 57 staff. Currently 49 of these staff are in place. Work has recently commenced on setting up further units in Tallaght and Wexford.
There is a significant training overhead associated with staff coming into local offices due to the complex nature of the jobseekers schemes. This is particularly so when a person is coming from another department and may not have any Social Welfare background whatsoever. While a certain amount of formal training is provided, the bulk of the training is "on-the-job". It takes many months for a deciding officer to get up to speed with all the various aspects of the schemes administered in local offices. In the meantime they rely on assistance from their more experienced colleagues to guide them in the learning process. Consequently, there is a certain amount of lost productivity while new staff acquire the necessary expertise of experienced deciding officers.
In addition, 16 Social Welfare Inspectors were allocated and 15 of these staff have been assigned to various locations throughout the country to undertake means testing and other work associated with processing claims for the jobseekers allowance. Details of the locations of the additional inspectors are set out in Table 2 attached. The outstanding assignment will be made in the coming weeks. Also, arrangements are now in train to assign a further 24 inspectors throughout the country.
|
Local Office |
Additional staff assigned |
Temporary staff assigned |
Total |
|
Cork |
12 |
12 |
|
|
Limerick |
9 |
2 |
11 |
|
Newbridge |
8 |
2 |
10 |
|
Waterford |
9 |
9 |
|
|
Galway |
9 |
2 |
11 |
|
Bishops Square |
4 |
2 |
6 |
|
Clondalkin |
5 |
5 |
|
|
Dun Laoghaire |
4 |
2 |
6 |
|
Tallaght |
5 |
5 |
|
|
Navan |
4 |
2 |
6 |
|
Blanchardstown |
5 |
2 |
7 |
|
Bray |
3 |
2 |
5 |
|
Coolock |
3 |
3 |
|
|
Drogheda |
4 |
2 |
6 |
|
Cumberland St |
3 |
3 |
|
|
Nutgrove |
3 |
3 |
|
|
Tralee |
3 |
3 |
|
|
Wexford |
6 |
6 |
|
|
Kilkenny |
3 |
2 |
5 |
|
Ennis |
4 |
4 |
|
|
Carlow |
3 |
2 |
5 |
|
Finglas |
3 |
3 |
|
|
Letterkenny |
3 |
3 |
|
|
Tullamore |
3 |
2 |
5 |
|
Newcastlewest |
3 |
3 |
|
|
Sligo |
3 |
3 |
|
|
Cavan |
2 |
2 |
4 |
|
Longford |
2 |
2 |
4 |
|
Ballyfermot, |
2 |
2 |
4 |
|
Clonmel |
2 |
2 |
|
|
Kilbarrack |
2 |
2 |
|
|
Navan Rd |
2 |
2 |
|
|
Swords |
2 |
2 |
|
|
Athlone |
2 |
2 |
|
|
Buncrana |
2 |
2 |
|
|
Dundalk |
2 |
2 |
|
|
Mullingar |
2 |
2 |
|
|
Arklow |
2 |
2 |
|
|
Apollo |
1 |
1 |
|
|
Ballymun, |
1 |
1 |
|
|
Loughrea, |
1 |
2 |
3 |
|
Thomas St |
1 |
1 |
|
|
Ballina |
1 |
1 |
|
|
Carrick-on-Shannon |
1 |
1 |
|
|
Castlebar |
1 |
1 |
|
|
Dungloe |
1 |
1 |
|
|
Listowel |
1 |
1 |
|
|
Thurles |
1 |
1 |
|
|
Total |
158 |
32 |
190 |
|
Additional Inspectors Assigned |
Number |
|
Finglas |
2 |
|
Tallaght |
1 |
|
Clondalkin |
1 |
|
Mullingar |
1 |
|
Drogheda |
1 |
|
Buncrana |
1 |
|
Letterkenny |
1 |
|
Galway |
1 |
|
Castlebar |
1 |
|
Tullamore |
1 |
|
Limerick |
1 |
|
Cork |
1 |
|
Tralee |
1 |
|
Carlow |
1 |
|
Enniscorthy |
1 |
|
Total |
16 |
53 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress to date on the development by each local authority of an incident management plan; if all risks to life, property, heritage and the environment have been assessed; if appropriate control measures have been put in place to deal with all identifiable risks; if he will confirm that sufficient resources are provided to deal with identifiable risks and that equipment and safe systems of work are risk assessed by competent persons; if he will further confirm that review committees have been established in all local authorities and that best practice systems are being established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23149/09]
The Framework for Major Emergency Management, which was approved by the Government in 2006, introduced an integrated emergency management process comprised of five stages: hazard analysis, mitigation, planning and preparedness, response and recovery. Under the Framework, each of the county and city councils has had, since September 2008, a new format Major Emergency Plan. In this context, each local authority has undertaken a risk assessment based both locally for their functional area and regionally with the other principal response agencies, An Garda Síochána and the Health Service Executive. This risk assessment process is based on the guidance in the Framework document and the additional guidance in ‘A Guide to Risk Assessment in Major Emergency Management'. Mitigation measures have also been considered in this context.
The purpose of the Framework is to take a realistic approach to the level of preparedness of the principal response agencies. Each principal response agency's preparedness should enable it to respond effectively to the scenarios that it is most likely to encounter. The emphasis of the Framework is on bringing the full capacity of the principal response agencies to bear effectively on a major emergency situation and extending where necessary rather than creating extra capacity for very unlikely scenarios. The scenarios identified in the risk assessment are used to guide the required level of response preparedness. Each local authority has undertaken a self-assessment appraisal of its level of preparedness in accordance with the requirements of the Framework. The appraisals have been validated by my Department and feedback has been provided to each local authority.
54 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the status of Dublin Bay’s plan to infill 52 acres of Dublin Bay; the result of Dublin Port’s appeal against the implementation of a special protection order on Dublin Bay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23191/09]
Dublin Port Company has lodged an appeal against the inclusion of an area of Dublin Bay within the proposed South Dublin Bay and Tolka River Estuary Special Protection Area. I understand that this area corresponds to an area of Dublin bay that the Port Company has proposed to infill as part of an application currently before An Bord Pleanála. I am informed that the Port Company has been contacted recently by the Secretary of the Designated Areas Appeals Advisory Board with a view to scheduling the appeal hearing. I expect that the Board will be in a position to conduct the hearing and make its recommendations to me shortly.
55 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to extend the terms of the incentivised career break scheme for civil servants to employees of local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23200/09]
The incentivised career break scheme for civil servants has been extended via Circular 08/2009: Special Local Authority Incentive Career Break Scheme 2009 to the local authority sector.
56 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will review the new emissions based car tax system as it applies to disabled drivers, with a view to raising the cap in view of the problems caused by increased costs to disabled drivers as a result of the new scheme and the fact that they would have less choice available in choosing a more environmentally friendly car (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23213/09]
The cap referred to in the question relates to the maximum relief in respect of VRT and VAT for a driver under the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations, 1994 administered by the Revenue Commissioners on behalf of the Minister for Finance. The Regulations also provide for exemption for motor tax and this facility has not been affected by the move to the CO2 based motor tax system.
57 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a herd number will be transferred to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [23178/09]
The person concerned submitted documents regarding the transfer of Entitlement under the Single Payment Scheme to my Department's office in Portlaoise. On 5 May, my Department advised the person to contact her local District Veterinary Office with regard to the transfer of the herd number. In order for this herd number to be transferred, a completed application for registration as a keeper of animals under the Disease Eradication Schemes must be submitted to the District Veterinary Office. No such application has been received from the person concerned. The relevant form (Form ER1) is available from the DVO at Michael Davitt House, Castlebar. Following receipt of a completed Form ER 1, the herd number can then be transferred, provided that my Department is satisfied that all the relevant criteria have been complied with.
58 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of foreshore licences outstanding in regard to the Waterford grouped towns and village sewerage schemes; when it is proposed to issue these licences (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23185/09]
The current position regarding foreshore applications in respect of waste water treatment schemes received from Waterford County council is set out below.
Dunmore East — Outfall from SW/SW and WWTP
Draft specific conditions were issued to the Council in respect of these two applications. The Council proposed amendments to the specific conditions included in the draft licences. Following examination of the Council's request by my Department's technical advisors, revised draft specific conditions in respect of the Stormwater/Surfacewater outfall were issued on 17 November 2008. Revised draft specific conditions in respect of the Wastewater Treatment Plant were issued to the Council on 4 December 2008. A response is awaited from the Council.
Dungarvan Sewerage Scheme
Draft specific conditions in respect of this application were issued to the Council in August 2008. A response is awaited. Outfall from SW/SW Collection system and WWTP at Ardmore, Cappoquin and Stradbally.
Additional information has been provided by the Council in respect of their WWTP proposals at Ardmore, Cappoquin and Stradbally. The information supplied is being assessed by my Department and a communication will issue to the Council shortly regarding the information supplied.
59 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if a person (details supplied) in County Galway is entitled to an award from the estate of a person; if so, if such entitlements will be made available for 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23193/09]
An application was received on the 15 May 2009 requesting the transfer of 7.13 Single Payment entitlements from the second person named to the first person named by way of lease. The rightful beneficiaries of the estate must first inherit the entitlements and they may then lease them to a third party. The process of inheriting the entitlements has been initiated. Once complete, the first person named may amend his application under the 2009 scheme to lease these entitlements from the beneficiaries.
60 Deputy Seán Power asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason part-time tutors, programme co-ordinators and administration staff for the adult education service in the vocational education committees are being deducted pension levy even though they are not part of a superannuation scheme and are not facilitated under the public service superannuation Act. [23166/09]
Vocational Education Committees (VECs) employ staff on a full-time and part-time basis to deliver various adult education courses and programmes. Under Section 2 of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009 a person is liable to pay the pensions-related deduction if he or she is a public servant on or after the 1 March 2009 and is a member of a public service pension scheme, is entitled to a benefit under the scheme or receives a payment in lieu of membership of such a scheme.
Individuals who are not entitled to a pension benefit from their employment may also be liable in certain circumstances for the levy if they are a member of another public service pension scheme, are entitled to a preserved benefit of another such scheme, are in receipt of a pension under such a scheme, are entitled to a non-pensionable gratuity under that scheme or are financially compensated in lieu of one of those benefits.The levy should also be applied where service is being accumulated for the purposes of a non-pensionable gratuity. As the employer, it is the VECs which are responsible for the terms and conditions and other pay related issues of the staff they employ.
61 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will report on the cost of providing school transport for the re-sitting of the leaving certificate English paper; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23242/09]
The actual cost of providing school transport services on Saturday the 6th June, 2009 is not yet available. However, Bus Éireann estimate that the cost will be in the region of €750,000.
62 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to correspondence regarding a school (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23150/09]
The correspondence to which the Deputy refers has been received in my Department and it will be responded to shortly. With regard to the subject matter of the correspondence, my Department procured the property in question initially to act as a temporary home for a special school pending the delivery of a building project for that school and then to accommodate, on a permanent basis, the school to which the Deputy refers. The building project for the special school is currently in the early stages of architectural planning. I have announced details of my Department's capital programme for 2009. The project for the special school is not included in this programme. Therefore, it is unlikely that it will be progressed in 2009.
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 the current competing demands on my Department's capital budget, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time. In the circumstances, it is not possible, at this point, to say when the school to which the Deputy refers can move into the building
63 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science, further to Parliamentary Question No. 309 of 24 June 2008, the progress he has made in relation to the provision of primary school places in Youghal, County Cork; if the forward planning section has completed its examination of schools and identified the locations at which significant accommodation is required at primary schools in Youghal; if decisions have been made as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23151/09]
My Department provided devolved funding in 2008 for an extension project at a school in the Youghal area. The progression of other projects in this area will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
Forward Planning Section of the Department is continuing the process of identifying the areas where significant additional accommodation will be required at primary and post-primary level for the coming years. Factors under consideration include population growth, demographic trends, current and projected enrolments, recent and planned housing developments and capacity of existing schools to meet demand for places. Having considered these factors decisions will be taken on the means by which emerging needs will be met within an area. Educational accommodation requirements in the Youghal area will be fully considered in this context and it is expected that this examination will be completed in coming months.
64 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason, in view of the report of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse, an institution (details supplied) in County Wicklow was not deemed a named institution under the redress board despite complaints that were made regarding abuse in this State-run institution; the steps he will take to ensure that those who suffered abuse in this institution are compensated by the State; the measures he will take to address this omission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23160/09]
I wish to advise the Deputy that under the terms of Section 4 (1) of the Residential Institutions Redress Act, 2002, the Minister for Education & Science may, by order, provide for the insertion in the Schedule of any industrial school, reformatory school, orphanage, children's home, special school which was established for the purpose of providing education services to children with a physical or intellectual disability or a hospital providing medical or psychiatric services to people with a physical or mental disability or mental illness in which children were placed and resident and in respect of which a public body had a regulatory or inspection function.
Consequently, and having regard to the prescribed legislation, there is no provision or mechanism for me to include this particular category of home on the Schedule to the Redress Act. I should, however, point out that a person's ineligibility to be considered for an award under the terms of this scheme does not effect their statutory right to pursue other legal avenues which may be open to them.
65 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the provision of a new school in respect of a school (details supplied); if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the most recent reading of lead contamination in the water is 409 and that it should read 25 and that the local authority has stated that it is not responsible for the pipes from the meter from the school; the steps he will take to address this situation; his views on whether a new building is the best solution for the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23161/09]
The building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is at an advanced stage of architectural planning. The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of my Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the further progression of the project at this time.
Individual school authorities are responsible in the first instance for health and safety issues relating to schools. My Department has recently been contacted by the school regarding the water supply. The school authority has been advised that it may apply to the Planning and Building Unit of my Department for emergency works funding for capital works of an urgent nature. Grants from this fund are available for very urgent works, primarily of a health and safety nature, to schools that require them.
66 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Science if the siblings of Irish citizens are entitled to access third level education on the basis of fulfilling the three years residence requirement or if they are treated as international students subject to overseas rates. [23171/09]
I presume the Deputy is referring to my Department's Free Fees Initiative scheme in which there is a three year residency clause as part of the eligibility criterion. Currently, under the terms of the Free Fees Initiative the Exchequer meets the tuition fees of eligible students who are pursuing full-time undergraduate courses of study. The main conditions are that students must be first-time undergraduates and hold E.U. nationality, in their own right, and have been ordinarily resident in an E.U. Member State for at least three of the five years preceding their entry to an approved third level course.
The residency requirement applies to all E.U. nationals, including Irish nationals in accordance with the judgement of the European Court of Justice that access to vocational training must apply equally to all E.U. nationals. Where students do not meet the eligibility criteria of the Free Fees Initiative such students must pay the appropriate tuition fee as determined by the institution. Third level institutions are autonomous bodies and, as such, the level of fees to be charged are a matter for the institution in such cases. I have no role in this matter.
67 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will ensure persons (details supplied) in County Leitrim will not lose their special needs assistants in September 2009. [23215/09]
As the Deputy will be aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), for allocating resource teachers and Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) to primary and post primary schools to support children with special needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie. I have arranged for the information provided by the Deputy to be forwarded to the NCSE for their direct reply.
68 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on making amendments to the annual financial turnover requirement from registered builders by his Department when tendering for school building projects in view of the downturn in the economy and to ensure equality among registered qualified builders. [23218/09]
Economic and Financial Standing is one of the criteria laid down in the EU Procurement Directives for pre-selection of contractors tendering for building contracts. Contracting Authorities have an obligation to ensure that, as part of suitability assessment for placing on tender lists for projects, contractors have adequate economic and financial capacity. One of the key criteria for assessing financial and economic capacity is the average annual turnover of the contracting company over the previous three years. The purpose of this is to ensure that the firm has adequate capacity and will not be overstretched if it is successful in winning the tender competition. Turnover is the measure of financial and economic standing consistently used across the public sector.
The turnover requirement for school building projects has been reduced from 2.5 times the estimated contract value in 2007 to twice the estimated contract value in 2009 and this is also reduced pro-rata for projects exceeding 12 months in duration (e.g. 1.5 times the estimated contract value for an 18 month contract). With pre-tender estimates (on which the turnover requirement is calculated) also reflecting the significantly reduced tender levels, this also serves to reduce, on an ongoing basis, the turnover threshold for contractors applying for projects.
69 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science when a school placement will be offered to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23234/09]
I wish to advise the Deputy that the enrolment of a child in a school is a matter in the first instance for the parents of the child and the Board of Management of the school concerned. My Department has no role in relation to processing applications for enrolment in schools. Where a school refuses to enrol a pupil, the school is obliged to inform parents of their right under Section 29 of the Education Act 1998 to appeal that decision to the Secretary General of my Department. Where an appeal under Section 29 is upheld, the Secretary General of my Department may direct a school to enrol a pupil.
As the Deputy will be aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through the local special educational needs organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from primary and post primary schools for special educational needs supports. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. The responsibility also includes identifying appropriate educational placements for individual children with special educational needs.
My Department encourages parents and school authorities to engage locally regarding pupils' education. It is open to the parents concerned to raise any queries they may have relating to their child's special educational needs directly with the school authorities or with the local SENO. The parent may contact the SENO using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie. Meanwhile, I understand that the child in question has been sanctioned 20 hours home tuition per week by my Department.
70 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on the presentation to leaving certificate students of the incorrect English paper; the cost involved in re-organising the sitting of this paper; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23241/09]
The superintendent who distributed English Paper 2 instead of English Paper 1, did not carry out any of the following documented procedures correctly — the checking of the label on the exam packet, the checking of the exam paper, the checking of each exam paper in the packet, and the sign off by 2 students that this was the correct paper for the session. This is in spite of the fact that the superintendent has to formally sign a checklist that he has undertaken these procedures. Furthermore, he made no report on the matter to the Principal or the State Examinations Commission (SEC). A SEC inspector visited the centre on a random monitoring visit shortly after the start of the exam and was not advised of the error.
The State Examinations Commission was notified of the problem at 3.50 pm on Wednesday 3rd June by the Principal of the school, took steps to determine whether security had been compromised, and it became clear that the examination paper would have to be replaced. As the Commission could not guarantee that the correct supply of contingency papers would be delivered to 100% of the over 2000 Leaving Certificate examination centres by 9.00am the next day, there was no option but to re-schedule the paper. The costs of re-scheduling the examination are estimated to be up to €1.7m, and arise from the extra cost of school transport, payment of superintendents, attendants and examination aides.
It is fully appreciated that the re-scheduling of the examination, although unavoidable, has given rise to distress and inconvenience for students, and this is sincerely regretted. Both the Commission and I have apologised to students and their families in media broadcasts for the inconvenience caused. I take this opportunity to apologise again for what has been a stressful disruption in the examination process. I have asked the Commission to investigate the matter fully, to report on the circumstances that required the rescheduling of the exam, and the measures needed to address any weaknesses identified and to minimise the risk of any future recurrence.
71 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science, further to Parliamentary Question No. 150 of 14 May 2009, the progress in finalising an agreement (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23359/09]
As the Deputy will be aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through local special educational needs organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from primary and post primary schools for special educational needs supports including applications for the establishment of special classes in various geographical areas as required. Officials in my Department have been in contact with the NCSE regarding the matter referred to by the Deputy and I understand that the NCSE has received an application for the establishment of a special class in the school.
The NCSE has advised that the application will be considered as quickly as possible and a decision will be conveyed directly to the school by the NCSE as soon as this process has been completed. All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact the SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie.
