Vol. 691 No. 2
13 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Defence his views on the recommendation in the report of the special group on public service numbers and expenditure programmes that plans to build a replacement for the Asgard II be deferred indefinitely; if it is intended to implement this recommendation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34799/09]
24 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Defence his proposals in regard to the Asgard II and the sail training scheme. [34852/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 13 and 24 together.
The report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes recommended that plans to build a replacement vessel for Asgard II should be deferred indefinitely, and that the national sail training scheme should be discontinued. Planned expenditure levels for my Department will be considered as part of the budgetary and estimates process for 2010. This includes consideration of the recommendations contained in the report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes. The decisions on all of the issues arising will be a matter for the Government. However, I can confirm that I have sought the approval of the Minister for Finance to use the insurance payment of €3.8m arising from the loss of Asgard II to fund a new vessel similar to Asgard II but with a steel hull.
15 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Defence his views on the recommendation in the report of the special group on public service numbers and expenditure programmes that the vessel replacement programme for the Naval Service be extended over a longer timeframe than initially envisaged; if it is intended to implement this recommendation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34785/09]
44 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Defence if he will extend the vessel replacement programme for the Naval Service flotilla over a longer timeframe. [34856/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 15 and 44 together.
The recommendation in the report of the special group on public service numbers and expenditure programmes was that the Naval Service Vessel Replacement Programme be extended over a longer timeframe than initially envisaged.
In effect, we are in compliance with this recommendation, when you consider that the ships are supposed to have a nominal lifespan of 30 years. Originally, the vessel replacement programme was due to run from 2008 to 2012 but, subject to Government approval on funding, the earliest that a replacement vessel can now be delivered will be 2012 or possibly early 2013, with further replacement vessels following in subsequent years — the details of which will not be finalised until a contract is signed for the proposed replacement Offshore Patrol Vessels.
In effect this will mean that the lifespan of the current vessels will be extended as they will not now be replaced until they have been in service for at least 34 years.
The Naval Vessel Replacement Programme will be considered as part of the Estimates and budgetary process for 2010. This will include consideration of the report of the special group on public service numbers and expenditure programmes, and the decisions on all of the issues arising will be a matter for the Government.
It would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this stage pending the outcome of these deliberative processes.
16 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Defence his views on the recommendation in the report of the special group on public service numbers and expenditure programmes that the State funding of the Army Equitation School be discontinued; if it is intended to implement this recommendation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34779/09]
36 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Defence his proposals in regard to the future of the Army Equitation School; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34846/09]
56 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Defence his plans to improve the quality of horses available to the Army for competition purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34748/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 16, 36 and 56 together.
The mission of the Army Equitation School, as assigned to it on its establishment in 1926, is to promote the Irish horse abroad through participation in international competitions. The school has discharged this task with considerable distinction down through the years and, through its participation and numerous successes in equitation events at home and abroad, it has successfully promoted the qualities of the Irish horse.
The Army Equitation School has in place a Horse Purchase Board consisting of the Officer Commanding the Equitation School, an official from the Department of Defence, the second Officer Commanding Equitation School and Col. E.V. Campion (Retired). The policy of the Equitation School has been to actively encourage breeders and producers to contact the School to arrange for inspection and assessment of horses with a view to purchase or lease.
In 2007, the Army Equitation School had 19 International wins at competitions throughout Europe, including 4 Nations Cup wins and 4 Grand Prix wins. In 2008, riders from the School won 15 International competitions, and were part of 7 Irish Nations Cup teams. The Army Equitation School also achieved International 3-day eventing success in 2008, culminating in the selection of Captain Geoff Curran for the Irish Olympic Three Day Eventing Team which represented the country in Beijing in August last year.
The Army Equitation School has had another successful year this year, including a win by Captain David O'Brien in the Super League Nations Cup which secures a place for Ireland in the Super League for 2010. At the RDS Dublin International Horse Show, Captain Shane Carey riding River Foyle was the leading Irish International Rider, and just last week, Captain O'Brien riding Drumiller Lough took the Silver Medal at the FEI World Breeding Championship for Young Horses in Belgium, the best result ever achieved by an Irish bred horse at these championships.
The success of the School over recent years is testament to the quality of the riders and of the horses at the School.
The recommendations of the report of the special group on public service numbers and expenditure programmes regarding the Army Equitation School will be considered as part of the Estimates and budgetary process for 2010. Decisions on these recommendations will be a matter for the Government. It would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this stage on these recommendations, or on future plans for the Army Equitation School, pending the outcome of the deliberative process.
17 Deputy Seán Connick asked the Minister for Defence if the Army Ranger Wing has been deployed overseas without a UN mandate, Government and Dáil Éireann approval; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34744/09]
33 Deputy Darragh O’Brien asked the Minister for Defence his views on reports in a newspaper (details supplied) concerning the deployment of members of the Army Ranger Wing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34743/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 17 and 33 together.
In the past, personnel of the Army Ranger Wing have been successfully deployed as part of Defence Forces contingents to overseas peace support operations, for example in Liberia, East Timor and Chad. In all cases, the conditions, known as the "triple lock" were satisfied, i.e. the operation was authorized/mandated by the United Nations and participation by the Defence Forces in the operation was approved by the Government and Dáil Éireann.
Having regard to the question, I assume that the Deputy is referring to an article in the Irish Mail on Sunday on 27 September 2009, which stated that members of the Army Ranger Wing were on the ground in Sudan as part of Government’s efforts to secure the freedom of the GOAL aid worker, Ms Sharon Commins, who was kidnapped in Darfur on 3 July 2009.
I would like to point out that, on 25 September 2009, in response to queries received the previous day from a journalist representing the newspaper, the journalist was advised specifically and unambiguously by my Department that no members of the Army Ranger Wing were on the ground in Sudan in relation to the ongoing efforts to free the kidnapped aid worker. Despite this, the Irish Mail on Sunday ignored the information provided by my Department and printed a factually incorrect report that members of the Army Ranger Wing were on the ground in Sudan. The inaccuracy in relation to the Army Ranger Wing was brought to the attention of the newspaper following publication of the article. The newspaper concerned printed a correction in last Sunday’s edition of the newspaper stating that the error was due to a misunderstanding. Personally I am at a loss to know how an answer consisting of the single word “no” could be misunderstood by anyone.
18 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Defence the number of military personnel currently participating in overseas missions; the number and location of the missions; the scheduled duration of the missions; the cost of these missions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34758/09]
46 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Defence the number of members of the Defence Forces serving overseas; their locations; if he anticipates participation in these missions coming to an end in the next twelve months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34739/09]
55 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the strength and location of overseas deployments of the Defence Force on peace keeping or peace enforcement missions; the degree to which ongoing training, upskilling and equipment standards, including modern technology, is kept in line with ongoing requirements on such missions and best international practice; the degree to which changes are proposed in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34929/09]
163 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Defence the number and mandate under which Irish soldiers are operating in various locations around the world. [35032/09]
167 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to the need to maintain adequate Irish peace-keeping forces in the Western Balkans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35142/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 18, 46, 55, 163 and 167 together.
Ireland has offered, through the UN Standby Arrangements System (UNSAS), to provide up to 850 military personnel for overseas service at any one time. This figure equates to some 10% of Ireland's standing Army (excluding Reserves) and demonstrates Ireland's commitment to the cause of international peace. This is the maximum sustainable commitment that Ireland can make to overseas peacekeeping operations.
Ireland is currently contributing 763 Defence Forces personnel to 13 different missions throughout the world. Full details of all personnel currently serving overseas are listed in the tabular statement set out below.
The main overseas missions, in which Defence Forces personnel are currently deployed, are the United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic and Chad (MINURCAT) with 422 personnel, the NATO-led International Security presence (KFOR) in Kosovo with 235 personnel and the EU-led operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, ALTHEA, with 44 personnel. Other personnel are serving as monitors and observers with the United Nations and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). Staff are also deployed at the organisational headquarters of the EU, OSCE and NATO.
Ireland is currently committed to MINURCAT until mid-March 2010, to KFOR until April 2010 and to Operation ALTHEA until December 2009. The additional cost to the Defence Vote of participation in MINURCAT, net of UN reimbursements, is in the region of €7.6m. The additional cost to the Defence Vote of participation in KFOR and Operation ALTHEA is in the region of €10.5m and €2.4m respectively.
Planned expenditure levels for my Department will be considered as part of the Estimates and budgetary process for 2010. This will include consideration of the report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes. Decisions on all of the issues arising, including continued participation in Chad and in other overseas missions, will be a matter for the Government in the context of the Estimates.
It would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this stage pending the outcome of the estimate process.
I wish to assure the House that Defence Forces personnel serving on all overseas missions are equipped with the most modern and effective equipment. This equipment enables troops to carry out the mission assigned, as well as providing the required protection specific to the mission. Ongoing threat assessments are carried out in mission areas and we continually review both personal equipment and force assets, to ensure that Defence Forces personnel are appropriately equipped to fulfil their roles.
With regard to the upskilling of members of the Permanent Defence Force, all Defence Force personnel receive ongoing training to enable them to participate fully in UN, EU and other missions overseas. Troops selected for overseas service undergo a rigorous programme of training, designed to help them carry out their peacekeeping mission and to provide for their protection. Pre-deployment training is provided to members of the Permanent Defence Force and is updated on an ongoing basis in the light of any changes in the threat assessment or mission requirements. I am satisfied that Defence Forces personnel serving overseas will continue to receive the necessary training to enable them to carry out their duties in a professional manner.
|
Number |
||
|
1. |
UN Missions |
|
|
(i) |
UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) HQ |
8 |
|
(ii) |
UNTSO (United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation) — Israel, Syria and Lebanon |
12 |
|
(iii) |
MINURSO (United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara) |
3 |
|
(iv) |
MONUC (United Nations Mission in Democratic Republic of Congo) |
3 |
|
(v) |
UNOCI (United Nations Mission in Ivory Coast) |
2 |
|
(vi) |
MINURCAT (United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic and Chad) — HQ |
13 |
|
MINURCAT (United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic and Chad) — 101st Inf Battalion |
409 |
|
|
TOTAL |
450 |
|
|
UN Mandated Missions |
||
|
(vii) |
EUFOR (EU-led Operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina) |
44 |
|
(viii) |
EUFOR TCHAD/RCA (EU-led Operation in CHAD and the Central African Republic) OHQ — Paris |
1 |
|
(ix) |
EUNAVFOR (EU-led Operation Atalanta) OHQ — UK |
2 |
|
(x) |
KFOR (International Security Presence in Kosovo) — HQ |
17 |
|
KFOR (International Security Presence in Kosovo) 40th Inf Group |
218 |
|
|
(xi) |
ISAF (International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan) |
7 |
|
TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONNEL SERVING WITH UN MISSIONS |
739 |
|
|
2. |
Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) |
|
|
(i) |
OSCE Mission to Bosnia & Herzegovina |
2 |
|
(ii) |
OSCE Mission in Belgrade — Serbia |
1 |
|
(iii) |
Staff Officer, Higher Level Planning Group, Vienna |
1 |
|
TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONNEL SERVING OSCE |
4 |
|
|
3. |
EU Military Staff |
|
|
Brussels |
7 |
|
|
4. |
Nordic Battlegroup HQ Staff — Sweden |
4 |
|
5. |
Military Representatives/Advisers/Staff |
|
|
(i) |
Military Adviser, Permanent Mission to UN, New York |
1 |
|
(ii) |
Military Adviser, Irish Delegation to OSCE, Vienna |
1 |
|
(iii) |
Military Representative to EU (Brussels) |
4 |
|
(iv) |
Liaison Office of Ireland, NATO/PfP (Brussels) |
2 |
|
(v) |
Military Representative to NATO/PfP Co-ordination Cell/Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE), Mons. Belgium |
1 |
|
TOTAL NUMBER OF DEFENCE FORCES PERSONNEL SERVING OVERSEAS |
763 |
19 Deputy Peter Kelly asked the Minister for Defence when he expects the safety roll bars recommended after the Granard crash to be installed on military troop carrying vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34741/09]
Following an accident involving a troop carrying vehicle in Granard, Co. Longford in June 2007, a study group was formed to advise on the introduction of a Roll Over Protection System for troop carrying vehicles incorporating roll bars and safety belts.
Arising from the report of the study group a number of different options were fitted to different vehicles for testing and evaluation to identify the key requirements and performance characteristics of roll over systems. The tests included vibration tests, noise tests and exhaust emission tests.
A report on the introduction of Rollover Protection Systems in the Defence Forces Troop Carrying Vehicles was completed in July 2009 by a Board of Officers in the Defence Forces and submitted to the relevant military authorities.
A tender competition for the supply and fit of Roll Over Protection Seating Systems for Defence Forces Troop Carrying Vehicles is currently being run in accordance with public procurement requirements. The process commenced on 28 September 2009 when an open competition was advertised by the Defence Forces in the Official Journal of the European Union. The contract will be for the supply of systems over a period of three years and will commence in year one with the fitting of the system to 50 Defence Forces' vehicles and the modification of a further 50 vehicles to accept the system. The requirements for years two and three will be subject to review of the effectiveness of the selected system.
The closing date for receipt of tenders is 27 October 2009. It is expected that following the evaluation of tenders and subject to a suitable system being offered, a contract will be placed and work can commence on the installation of systems as soon as possible thereafter.
20 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Defence his views on the recommendation in the report of the special group on public service numbers and expenditure programmes that the number of personnel in the Permanent Defence Force be reduced by 500; if it is intended to implement this recommendation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34764/09]
65 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Defence if the report of the special group on public service numbers and expenditure programmes proposal to re-organise the defence sector over time in order to achieve a reduction of 500 personnel will affect the operational capability of the Defence Force. [34855/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 20 and 65 together.
The report of the special group on public service numbers and expenditure programmes recommended that the number of personnel in the PDF be reduced by 500 over a 2 to 3 year period as "operational requirements allow". The reality is that based on current trends numbers are already reducing within the PDF. The PDF strength as of 30/09/09 is 10,081.
My focus at this point in time is on ensuring that the Defence Forces retain operational capability. I am acutely aware of the impact of the moratorium on the Permanent Defence Force particularly in light of the very high turnover rate that is part of any military organization. I am in ongoing contact with my colleague, the Minister for Finance, regarding limited exceptions to the moratorium which are targeted at maintaining the operational capability and command arrangements of the Permanent Defence Force.
I intend, within the resources available, to retain the capacity of the organisation to operate effectively across all roles. This will represent a significant challenge in the coming months and one in respect of which I will work closely with the Chief of Staff.
Planned expenditure levels for my Department will be considered as part of the Estimates and budgetary process for 2010. This will include consideration of the report of the special group on public service numbers and expenditure programmes and the decisions on all of the issues arising will be a matter for the Government. It would therefore not be appropriate for me to comment any further at this stage pending the outcome of these deliberative processes.
21 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Defence the number of cadetships in the Army and Naval Service, respectively, it is intended to award as a result of the competition currently ongoing; the number of applications received for the Army and for the Naval Service competitions; the number of applicants for each who were school leavers, graduates and serving personnel; the breakdown of applicant numbers by gender; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34813/09]
53 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Defence the number of cadetships in the Army and Naval Service, respectively, it is intended to award as a result of the competition currently ongoing; the number of applications received for the Army and for the Naval Service competitions; the number of applicants for each who were school leavers, graduates and serving personnel; the breakdown of applicant numbers by gender; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34815/09]
63 Deputy Darragh O’Brien asked the Minister for Defence the number of persons who applied under the recent Army and Naval Service cadet recruitment competition; the number who got through round one; the number who were subsequently called for fitness assessment; the number who were called for interview; the gender breakdown of these figures; when he expects to offer places to successful candidates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34742/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 21, 53 and 63 together.
The current Cadetship competition was advertised on 9th August 2009 with the closing date for receipt of applications being 21st August 2009. It is intended to award thirty (30) Army and twelve (12) Naval Service Cadetships as a result of this competition, which is currently underway.
I am advised by the Military Authorities that for the Army a total of one thousand six hundred and eighty five (1,685) applications were received, of which six hundred and ninety eight (698) did not meet the specified qualifications to apply for the competition.
The breakdown of the remaining nine hundred and eighty seven (987) eligible applicants of which 859 were male and 128 were female is as follows: five hundred and fifteen (515) applications were received from school leavers, and four hundred and seventy two (472) applications were received from graduates. Fifteen (15) of the aforementioned were serving personnel.
Two hundred and thirty seven (237) Army applicants progressed to the second stage of the selection process of which 206 were male and 31 were female. This stage involved a physical fitness test, group assessment and personality questionnaire. Subsequently one hundred and twenty two (122) progressed to the interview stage of the competition of which 104 were male and 18 were female.
In respect of the Naval Service the Military Authorities have advised that a total of one thousand, one hundred and one (1101) applications were received, of which five hundred and fifty three (553) were not qualified to apply for the competition.
The breakdown of the remaining five hundred and forty eight (548) eligible applicants of which 472 were male and 76 were female, is as follows: two hundred and eighty two (282) applications were received from school leavers, and two hundred and sixty six (266) were received from graduates. Seven (7) of the aforementioned were serving personnel.
Ninety four (94) of the Naval Service applicants progressed to the second stage of the competition of which 83 were male and 11 were female. This stage, which concludes this week, involves a physical fitness test, group assessment, personality questionnaire, medical examination and interview. The Naval Service competition only comprises of two stages.
It is planned that offers will be issued to the successful candidates on the 16 November 2009. Cadet training is planned to commence before the end of the year.
22 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Defence his views on the recommendation in the report of the special group on public service numbers and expenditure programmes that the number of staff in his Department be reduced by 20; if it is intended to implement this recommendation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34796/09]
The recommendations in the report of the special group on public service numbers and expenditure programmes in relation to staffing levels in my Department will be considered as part of the Estimates and budgetary process for 2010. Decisions on these recommendations will be a matter for the Government. However, I can state that the current staffing level of my Department is 361 compared with an approved strength of 412.
25 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Cosanta cé chomh minic a bhuail Coiste Uile-Pháirtí Comórtha 1916 le chéile i mbliana; agus cad é an clár oibre atá leagtha amach dó. [30599/09]
Comórfar céad bliain Éirí Amach na Cásca agus imeachtaí eile i dtréimhse na Saoirse, trí chlár cuimsitheach a chuirfear i bhfeidhm i gcaitheamh an iliomad blianta.
D'fhonn clár cuimhneacháin cuí a chur le chéile tá iarrtha ar Ranna Rialtais tionscnaimh ina réimsí cúraimí ar leith a mheas a d'fhéadfaí a úsáid chun imeachtaí céid a chomóradh.
Tá súil agam, ach comhaltaí de Ghrúpa Comhchomhairliúcháin Uile-Pháirtí an Oireachtais um Chúrsaí Cuimhneacháin a bheith ar fáil, go dtiocfaidh an Grúpa le chéile níos déanaí an mhí seo agus go dtabharfaidh siad cuairteanna ar shuíomh tionscnamh atá idir lámha faoi láthair agus ina measc sin:
na hoibreacha athchóirithe i gCnoc an Arbhair,
gailearaí taispeána "Soldiers and Chiefs" [Ceannairí agus Saighdiúirí] in Ard-Mhusaem na hÉireann i nDún Uí Choileáin,
athchóiriú an Asgard ag Ard-Mhusaem na hÉireann, agus
an clár oibre atá idir lámha i reilig Ghlasnaíon agus a bheartaítear a chríochnú sa bhliain 2016.
27 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Defence the directive he gave PDFORRA in regard to its representation at the 24/7 Frontline Services Alliance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34862/09]
164 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Defence the justification for imposing a ban on PDFORRA members playing a role in groups lobbying for protection from cutbacks in front line services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35033/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 27 and 164 together.
At the request of PDFORRA I met with the Association's General Secretary, Deputy General Secretary and President on 30th September last. I was accompanied by the Secretary General and Assistant Secretary of my Department, the Chief of Staff and Deputy Chief of Staff (Support). During the course of the meeting a broad range of issues were discussed including the Association's involvement with the 24/7 Frontline Services Alliance.
Under the terms of the Defence (Amendment) Act, 1990 the Defence Force Representative Associations are prohibited from being associated with or affiliated to any trade unions or any other body without the consent of the Minister.
The basis for the prohibition is that it would be inappropriate to apply the provision of the Industrial Relations Act 1990 to members of the Defence Forces. The taking of any form of industrial action is felt to be irreconcilable with military service. As has been done in the past, the Defence Forces may be called on to contribute to maintaining vital services in times of industrial action. The potential for serious difficulties could arise in these circumstances if the Association was affiliated to any such body.
The day-to-day work of the Association, on behalf of its members, continues through the formal Conciliation and Arbitration (C&A) machinery. A lot of work has been put into the development of representation over the years. The provisions of the C&A scheme were not framed with a view to restricting the Association in any of its legitimate activities. On the contrary, the Scheme has served to vindicate and protect the Association's rights over the years and sustain representation in a manner that has met the needs of its members and the modernisation agenda of the Defence Forces.
At the meeting with PDFORRA the legislative provisions surrounding representation in the Defence Forces were outlined to the Association.
I am pleased to note that having reflected on the situation, PDFORRA withdrew from the 24/7 Frontline Alliance and will pursue the interests of their members within the scope of the existing agreed procedures.
28 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Defence the cost of aid to civil power, aid to civil authority and non-emergency services in the years 2002 to 2009 inclusive; the full economic cost annually had it been charged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34754/09]
42 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Defence his views on the recommendation in the report of the special group on public service numbers and expenditure programmes that the full economic cost of aid to the civil power, aid to the civil authority and non-emergency services provided by the Defence Forces be charged to the relevant agency; if it is intended to implement this recommendation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34789/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 28 and 42 together.
The assistance provided by the Defence Forces to both the civil power and civil authorities is wide and varied. The actual costs of all services provided have not been recorded separately to date. The compilation of such material on a retrospective basis would involve a disproportionate amount of time and work. Costs are recovered for services provided by the Defence Forces where there are existing agreements and arrangements between the parties.
Following a detailed formal agreement with the Irish Bankers Federation, which was signed on 11 May 2005, the banks pay the total actual costs incurred by the Defence Forces in the provision of cash escorts. The total cost in respect of the provision by the Defence Forces of assistance to the Garda Síochána in protecting movements of cash for the years 2002 to 2009 is as follows:
|
Year |
Total number of Escorts |
Cost of Escorts |
|
€m |
||
|
2002 |
2,516 |
6.87 |
|
2003 |
2,335 |
6.5 |
|
2004 |
2,425 |
7.5 |
|
2005 |
2,252 |
7.7 |
|
2006 |
2,264 |
8.5 |
|
2007 |
2,291 |
9.4 |
|
2008 |
2,210 |
9.5 |
The banks are charged for their proportion of the total escorts provided i.e. approx. 78%. The remainder relates to post office escorts which are not subject to charge as they come under State expenditure. Costs in respect of each 12 month period to end-December, are paid the following year on or before the 1 June. This is to allow for the compilation of returns from the brigades and allocation of costs following the year-end. The exact figures and total cost of the service for 2009 will not be available until Spring 2010.
Costs have also been recouped from civil authorities where the Defence Forces have in their role as aid to the civil authority provided assistance in the maintenance of essential services during industrial disputes. The total costs are as follows:
|
Name of Organisation |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
Total |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
Donegal County Council |
16,702 |
9,530 |
26,232 |
|
|
Dublin City Council |
7,608 |
3,949 |
11,557 |
|
|
Midland Health Board |
459 |
27,530 |
27,989 |
|
|
South Eastern Health Board |
11,224 |
11,224 |
||
|
Dept. of Justice, Equality and Law Reform |
4,961 |
4,961 |
||
|
Totals |
24,769 |
52,233 |
4,961 |
81,963 |
The Defence Forces have not been required to provide assistance in this manner since 2004.
Consideration of the recommendations arising from the report of the special group on public service numbers and expenditure programmes, and the decisions on all of the issues arising will be a matter for the Government. It would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this stage pending the outcome of these deliberative processes.
30 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Defence his plans to provide an option of postal voting for members of the Reserve Defence Force in view of complaints from RDF members that due to Reserve commitments they were unable to vote in their local polling station in the recent referendum on the Lisbon treaty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34762/09]
The Permanent Defence Force by virtue of the nature of their duties and the likelihood that they could be posted away from their home base or overseas for lengthy periods, have a particular need for postal voting. While members of the Reserve Defence Force play a valuable role in the military organisation, the same considerations do not apply to them.
I have been advised by the Military Authorities that the requisite flexibility was afforded to Reservists on voluntary training on 2 October 2009, the day of voting on the National Referendum on the Lisbon treaty, to exercise their constitutional right on the day.
The Electoral Act 1992 provides for postal voting in certain circumstances for personnel of the Reserve Defence Force. I have no plans to ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, who has responsibility for electoral matters, to consider further extending the facility already provided for postal voting to members of the Reserve Defence Force.
31 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Defence if he will report on his attendance and address to the PDFORRA annual delegate conference and his meeting with PDFORRA on 30 September 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34737/09]
Yesterday 7 October 2009, I addressed the Annual Delegate Conference of the Permanent Defence Force Other Ranks Representative Association (PDFORRA). I sought to make my address relevant, positive and informative.
I addressed such diverse issues as the current budgetary situation, Defence expenditure and our overseas commitments. I emphasised that the Defence Forces, like all areas of the public service, must contribute towards the current challenges facing the country. I also emphasised that despite the current difficulties, I as Minister for Defence would put the strongest possible case at Government for continued funding and support to ensure that we continue to have a modern Defence Force capable of meeting the needs of Government and the public. The Deputy's interest in my speech is appreciated and the full text can be accessed from the Department of Defence website —www.defence.ie.
At the request of PDFORRA I met with the Association's General Secretary, Deputy General Secretary and President on 30 September last. I was accompanied by the Secretary General and Assistant Secretary of my Department, the Chief of Staff and Deputy Chief of Staff (Support). During the course of the meeting a broad range of issues were discussed including the Association's involvement with the 27/7 Frontline Services Alliance.
Under the terms of the Defence (Amendment) Act, 1990 the Defence Force Representative Associations are prohibited from being associated with or affiliated to any trade unions or any other body without the consent of the Minister. The basis for the prohibition is that it would be inappropriate to apply the provision of the Industrial Relations Act 1990 to members of the Defence Forces. The taking of any form of industrial action is felt to be irreconcilable with military service. As has been done in the past, the Defence Forces may be called on to contribute to maintaining vital services in times of industrial action. The potential for serious difficulties could arise in these circumstances if the Association was affiliated to any such body.
The day-to-day work of the Association, on behalf of its members, continues through the formal Conciliation and Arbitration (C&A) machinery. A lot of work has been put into the development of representation. The provisions of the C&A scheme were not framed with a view to restricting the Association in any of its legitimate activities. On the contrary, the scheme has served to vindicate and protect the Association's rights over the years and sustain representation in a manner that has met the needs of its members and the modernisation agenda of the Defence Forces.
At the meeting with PDFORRA the legislative provisions surrounding representation in the Defence Forces were outlined to the Association. I am pleased to note that having reflected on the situation, PDFORRA withdrew from the 24/7 Frontline Alliance and will pursue the interests of their members within the scope of the existing agreed procedures.
32 Deputy Seán Connick asked the Minister for Defence the number of members of the Permanent Defence Force on 30 September 2009; if he expects this total to rise or fall before the end of 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34745/09]
50 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the degree to which the strength of the Army, Navy and Air Corps is sufficient to meet requirements in view of the overseas commitments, current and proposed; if it is expected or intended to increase the numbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34930/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 32 and 50 together.
I am advised by the Military Authorities that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force on 30 September 2009 was 10,081. This breaks as Army 8,231, Air Corps 812 and Naval Service 1,038. In the context of the Government decision on the implementation of savings measures and the reduced budgetary provision available for 2009, all recruitment was suspended. The moratorium on recruitment, promotion and acting appointments is a vital element in the Government's approach to bringing public sector finances under control. I am keenly aware of the impact of these measures on the Permanent Defence Force in the light of the very high turnover rate that is part of any military organisation. I am in ongoing contact with my colleague, the Minister for Finance, regarding limited exceptions to the moratorium which are targeted at maintaining the operational capability and command arrangements of the Permanent Defence Force while meeting our obligations to contribute to the necessary public service economies.
I am advised that at this time the Defence Forces retain the capacity to undertake the tasks laid down by Government at home and overseas. I am keeping the situation under review with the Chief of Staff.
34 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Defence the future of the Defence Forces in Chad; the length of time it is expected they will remain there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34693/09]
35 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Defence if he is satisfied with the level of back-up support being provided to Irish troops in Chad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34694/09]
48 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Defence his proposals in regard to participation in the Chad mission after March 2010 and to rationalise overseas commitments to a smaller number of key missions. [34853/09]
59 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to reports (details supplied) that female refugees from Darfur continue to be subjected to high levels of violence and rape despite the presence of the UN mission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34845/09]
61 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Defence his views on the recommendation in the report of the special group on public service numbers and expenditure programmes that Ireland end its participation in Chad in March 2010 and rationalise its overseas commitments to a smaller number of key missions; if it is intended to implement this recommendation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34793/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 34, 35, 48, 59 and 61 together.
Despite the current difficult economic circumstances, the Government continues to support and commit resources and personnel, wherever it can, to support peace, security and development in troublespots throughout the world.
Following on from Ireland's participation in the EU-led mission to Chad, the mandate of which expired on 14 March 2009, Ireland's initial commitment to the follow-on United Nations Mission in the Republic of Chad and the Central African Republic (MINURCAT) is for a period of one year to 14 March 2010.
Planned expenditure levels for my Department will be considered as part of the Estimates and budgetary process for 2010. This will include consideration of the report of the special group on public service numbers and expenditure programmes. Decisions on all of the issues arising, including continued participation in MINURCAT and in other overseas missions, will be a matter for the Government in the context of the Estimates. It would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this stage pending the outcome of the Estimate process.
I am satisfied that the required logistical support of Irish troops currently deployed as part of the MINURCAT Mission is being delivered in accordance with national standards. There are no concerns in relation to real life support for Irish troops at this time.
I am aware of The Irish Times article relating to a report by Amnesty International on violence against refugee women in eastern Chad. MINURCAT, which comprises civil, police and military components is authorised, inter alia, to take all necessary measures, within its capabilities and its area of operations in eastern Chad, in liaison with the Government of Chad, to contribute to protecting civilians in danger, particularly refugees and internally displaced persons.
The presence of UN troops in Chad since last March, following the take-over from the EU-led operation, continues to make a positive difference to the security environment. UN troops serving in Chad are contributing to creating a safer environment for civilians, in particular refugees and displaced people and have enabled the international humanitarian organisations and NGOs to continue to carry out their work safely.
The authorised strength of the military component of MINURCAT is 5,200 as provided for in UNSCR 1861 of 14 January 2009. However, as of 31 August 2009, the military component of MINURCAT comprises 2,389 personnel. The question of renewing calls on the UN Security Council to deploy the full force to Chad is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Foreign Affairs.
37 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Defence the progress made in implementing the recommendations of the PA Consulting Group report on the Medical Services; if the representative associations have been consulted on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34802/09]
The PA report is an important milestone in addressing the challenges to the provision of medical services in the Defence Forces. Implementation will take time and commitment. This is being achieved in consultation with the representative associations. On receipt of the report in June this year, I asked that implementation of the recommendations proceed immediately. The PA report reviewed the medical services required for the Defence Forces in light of their roles and operations, assessed the current arrangements for the provision of medical services and proposed a model for future delivery of medical services. As the Deputy is aware the consultants have recommended a programme of major change. The high level recommendations include:
A centralised command structure for the medical Corps.
The creation of a medical services management and administrative function. This structure will provide strategic planning resource allocation and overall responsibility for the management and delivery of the medical service.
The development of medical officer led care teams together with a re-focusing of medical staff on appropriate clinical tasks.
The report also recommends steps leading to a reduction in the number of doctor interventions, medical assessments and better management of health services outsourcing.
The report reaffirms the need for a dedicated Medical Corps and addresses the challenges facing the Defence Forces in recruitment and retention of medical officers. The structure and systems recommended have been designed to meet the demands and needs of the modern Defence Forces at home and overseas and provide medical officers with a fulfilling and rewarding career.
The governance structure proposed in the report for the delivery of change in this area has been put in place. It consists of a high level steering group composed of senior military and civilian personnel. The role of the steering group is to provide planning guidance, clarify the approach to recommendations where required and ensure that the project is implemented effectively.
A dedicated programme group with civilian and military representatives to manage the delivery of a suite of projects is also working. It is progressing a number of the PA recommendations including the structure of the Medical Corps, the alignment of Defence Forces and Medical Corps strategies and the development of medical information systems. Preparatory work has also commenced on the recommendations on training and education, clinical issues and the centralised command structure.
Valuable consultation has occurred with the representative associations in the preparation of this report. The consultants had a number of meetings with the representative associations and received submissions from them. In addition the consultants conducted a workshop with the main stakeholders including the representative associations to update them on progress and to validate views on a number of issues.
Progress on the ongoing preparation of the implementation programme is being reported to the associations through the partnership medical sub group and through the normal C&A process. The associations will also be formally consulted on the implementation programme when it has been approved by the steering group. Any issues within the scope of representation can then be addressed through the C&A scheme.
39 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Defence if he is satisfied that there is a sufficient Defence Force air intercept capability. [34860/09]
The Pilatus PC9M trainer aircraft operated by the Air Corps has a limited air defensive capability appropriate to its turbo prop flight envelope. While it is not an interceptor aircraft, it could catch and intercept certain aircraft. Each aircraft has the capability to be fitted with two point 5 machine guns and two rocket launchers. In addition to the Air Corps capabilities the Defence Forces have a range of air defence capabilities. These air defence assets are related to the level of threat.
The main Radar capability of the Defence Forces used for the purpose of Air Defence is the Flycatcher Radar System. This equipment was procured in 2002 from the Dutch Armed Forces. It is used to carry out the Target Acquisition and Fire Control of the Bofors EL70 40 mm Air Defence Guns. Each radar unit is capable of controlling three Guns and its purpose is to provide an effective defence against airborne threats flying at low and very low level. The system has an operational range of up to 20 km. A crew of two or three operates the system. The complete Radar weighs about 6000 kg and is carried on a two-axle trailer. There are eight of these radars in service with the Defence Forces. The system is normally deployed for VIP visits, transits and summits.
The other main radar capability, also used for Air Defence, is the Giraffe G40 Radar; the Defence Forces have one system in service. This equipment was procured new from Ericssons of Sweden in 1986. It is used to exercise command and control over RBS 70 Surface to Air Missile Firing Units when deployed. It has an operational surveillance range of up to 40 km and an altitude ceiling of 15 km. It can be used to exercise command and control on up to 9 RBS 70 missile Firing Units.
The Equipment has a crew of four (Commander, Radar Operator, and two operators), and is mounted on a 6X6 MAN Truck. It is deployed regularly for VIP Visits/Transits and summits.
The assets available to the Defence Forces are related to the level of threat and are considered adequate and appropriate in this regard.
40 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Defence if, in view of his statement to the Houses of the Oireachtas on 23 June 2009 that he had written to the Department of Finance, he has had a response to that correspondence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34809/09]
In the context of the Government decision on the implementation of savings measures on public service numbers and the reduced budgetary provision available for 2009, recruitment to the Permanent Defence Forces has been suspended.
As I have already stated in the House I have made a submission to my colleague the Minister for Finance regarding the implications of the measures for the Permanent Defence Force. My focus is on the ongoing operational capability of the Defence Forces. The question of limited exceptions to the application of the measures arise in this regard.
Since my submission approval has been received for the following:
The appointment, by promotion of a successor to the Director of Military Prosecutions who retired in July 2009,
The filling of the post of Deputy Chief of Staff (Operations),
The filling of two Brigadier General posts (1 in the Southern Brigade and the other a consequence of the filling of the Deputy Chief of Staff (Operations)),
The holding of a Cadetship Competition for both the Army and Naval Service in 2009 from which a total of 42 cadetships will be awarded, thirty (30) Army and twelve (12) Naval Service. The competition is in progress and it is planned that successful applicants will commence their cadet training before the end of the year,
For 42 acting up posts for the overseas contingent in Chad and 20 acting up posts for the forthcoming deployment to Kosovo.
Furthermore the promotions of ten Non commissioned Officers whose promotions had been in progress prior to the Moratorium are in the process of being finalised.
While I have not yet received a detailed response to my submission I can confirm that my objective is to achieve the implementation of the Government decision on savings measures on public service numbers in a manner that gives protection to the operational capacity of the Defence Forces while meeting our obligations to contribute to the necessary public service economies.
Discussions on the outstanding issues raised in my submission to the Minister for Finance are ongoing.
Question 41 answered with Question No. 8.
43 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Defence if he has received the report of the investigation into the incident at Kilworth Camp, when a young officer was seriously injured in a training accident. [34857/09]
The Formation Accident Investigation Team, which was established by the General Officer Commanding the Southern Brigade, to investigate the incident at Kilworth Camp range, has completed its report. The report is being examined at present by the relevant military authorities.
In accordance with Defence Forces Regulations, a Court of Inquiry was also established to investigate the incident. This investigation is ongoing.
45 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Defence the reason there was no recruitment requirement to recruit Air Corps cadets in 2008 and in 2009. [34859/09]
The military authorities advised that in relation to the Air Corps in 2008 and 2009 there was no requirement to recruit Air Corps Cadets. This position is a function of the number of serving pilots, the number in training, the number of retirements and other anticipated departures.
Question No. 46 answered with Question No. 18.
47 Deputy Peter Kelly asked the Minister for Defence the number of call outs made by the Army bomb disposal teams to date in 2009 on a county basis; the number of these call outs which turned out to be in response to hoax calls; the estimated average cost of each call out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34740/09]
The primary responsibility for the maintenance of law and order rests with an Garda Síochána. The Defence Forces, pursuant to their role of rendering aid to the civil power, assist the Garda as required. Requests for aid to the civil power are normally made by a member of an Garda Síochána not below the rank of Inspector.
The Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team respond when a request is made by an Garda Síochána, to the relevant Brigade, for assistance in dealing with a suspect device or for the removal of old ordnance.
The number of call outs made by EOD teams on a county basis for the period 1 January 2009 to 1 October 2009 is as follows:
|
County |
Number of Callouts |
Number of Hoaxes (included in the number of callouts) |
|
Carlow |
0 |
0 |
|
Cavan |
0 |
0 |
|
Clare |
2 |
0 |
|
Cork |
5 |
1 |
|
Donegal |
5 |
0 |
|
Dublin |
104 |
68 |
|
Galway |
4 |
0 |
|
Kerry |
0 |
0 |
|
Kildare |
0 |
0 |
|
Kilkenny |
1 |
0 |
|
Laois |
0 |
0 |
|
Leitrim |
2 |
1 |
|
Limerick |
4 |
0 |
|
Longford |
2 |
0 |
|
Louth |
4 |
0 |
|
Mayo |
1 |
0 |
|
Meath |
4 |
1 |
|
Monaghan |
0 |
0 |
|
Offaly |
0 |
0 |
|
Roscommon |
0 |
0 |
|
Sligo |
0 |
0 |
|
Tipperary |
1 |
0 |
|
Waterford |
0 |
0 |
|
Westmeath |
7 |
0 |
|
Wexford |
5 |
0 |
|
Wicklow |
6 |
0 |
|
Total |
157 |
71 |
The cost of each individual callout is not recorded separately however costs include: the salary and allowances of the team (i.e. one officer, one NCO and one driver), fuel for the distance travelled by the vehicle to and from the location of the incident and any ordnance used to dispose of the device.
49 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Defence when he expects the new RG32M light tactical armoured vehicles to enter service on peace keeping missions; the type and nature of the protective and defensive equipment that will be fitted on these vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34736/09]
A contract for the supply of 27 Light Tactical Armoured Vehicles to the Defence Forces was awarded to BAE Systems based in South Africa in December 2008. The contract followed on from a detailed tender competition, which was initiated in May 2008 and which concluded with the selection of the RG32M in November 2008.
The tender competition has allowed for the option to acquire up to another twenty-seven vehicles over the next few years to meet any further requirements, depending on the threat faced by the Defence Forces in operational deployments and following a detailed review of the vehicles in a deployment situation.
The intention is that the LTAV will complement the Mowag Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) in the conduct of conventional and Peace Support Operations and will fill a gap that exists between soft-skinned vehicles and the Mowag APCs. It is expected that delivery of the first batch of vehicles will take place towards the end of 2009 with the remainder of the vehicles being delivered in early 2010.
Before the vehicles enter service, crews will need to be comprehensively trained on the operation of the vehicles. The Defence Forces has designated training centres to develop these skills and on completion of acceptance trials, training will commence. The vehicles will be considered for deployment on specific Peace Support Operations as a force protection measure in the future once the capability has been fully developed within the Defence Forces.
The acquisition of the Light Tactical Armoured Vehicles is a top priority for the Defence Forces, given the extensive nature of their roles on overseas Peace Support Missions, the threat from improvised explosive devices and the potential for hostile fire in certain threat environments. Force protection remains a key issue in overseas peace support operations and it is very important that vehicles such as these are available to our personnel. The vehicles will have a high level of protection and mine defence capabilities and will be equipped with self defence weapon platforms.
The purchase of the vehicles is in line with the commitment given in the Programme for Government to continue investment in modern equipment for Defence Forces Personnel and the obligations of the State to provide appropriate support and force protection assets to deployed personnel.
51 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Defence the action he will take in relation to the Ministerial Air Transport Service following the recommendation of the report of the special group on public service numbers and expenditure programmes that Departments be charged the full economic cost of this service in the interest of transparency and to provide opportunities for these services to be procured from private sector providers when this is more economical. [34851/09]
Consideration of the recommendations arising from the report of the special group on public service numbers and expenditure programmes, and the decisions on all of the issues arising will be a matter for the Government, including the recommendation that Departments be charged the full economic cost of the Ministerial Air Transport Service.
It would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this stage pending the outcome of these deliberative processes.
52 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Defence the number of positive results that have been obtained since the targeted drugs testing was introduced in April 2009. [34858/09]
I amended the Defence Force Regulations to provide for Targeted Drug Testing (TDT) with effect from 11 March, 2009. Since the introduction of the amended regulatory procedures four members of the Defence Forces comprising two members of the PDF and two from the RDF have failed a Compulsory Random Drug Test. To date no members of the Defence Forces have failed a TDT.
The Irish Defence Forces policy on drug and substance abuse or misuse is based on the premise that unlawful possession, supply or use of a controlled drug is incompatible with membership of the Defence Forces and any member who tests positive may be removed from the Defence Forces.
The objective of Targeted Drugs Testing (TDT) is to ensure that an individual, who has tested positive for the presence of a controlled drug in a Compulsory Random Drug Test (CRDT) or TDT but who conditionally remains in service as a result of a decision of their Formation Commander, is performing his/her military duties devoid of the presence and/or influence of any controlled drug or substance. TDT involves the individual agreeing to submit to targeted drugs testing, in addition to the random selection process, for a period of up to 18 months.
54 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Defence if the report of the Governance Committee within the Irish Red Cross, which is currently considering the governance organisational structures and electoral arrangements of the society, has reported. [34861/09]
The Irish Red Cross Society is an autonomous charitable body with full powers to manage and administer its affairs through its governing body, the Central Council. I have no function in the day to day administration of the Irish Red Cross and, as such, I do not get involved in the day to day running of its affairs.
A range of issues relating to the governance, organisational structures, and electoral arrangements of the society are currently the subject of consideration by a governance committee within the society. That committee is expected to report to the executive committee and the Central Council before the end of this year.
The contents of the report will be subject to discussion between the Departments of Taoiseach, Foreign Affairs and Defence and the Irish Red Cross Society and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
57 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Defence the legislation and regulations governing the operation of the system of representation within the Defence Forces; if he has satisfied himself that it is operating satisfactorily; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34738/09]
The Defence (Amendment) Act 1990 and Defence Force Regulations S6 provide for the establishment of representative associations for members of the Permanent Defence Force. Defence Force Regulations S7 provide for representation for members of the Reserve Defence Forces.
A scheme of Conciliation and Arbitration (C & A) for members of the Permanent Defence Force was established in 1993 and provides a formal mechanism for both RACO and PDFORRA to engage with the official side on matters which come within the scope of the scheme. Under the scheme, Conciliation Council meetings are held with each association on alternate months. In addition, a number of sub-committees have also been established and meet on a regular basis.
Both the associations and the official side have put a lot of work into the development of representation over the years. The provisions of the C & A scheme were not framed with a view to restricting RACO or PDFORRA in any of their legitimate activities. On the contrary, the scheme has served to vindicate and protect the associations rights over the years and sustain representation in a manner that has met the needs of their members and the modernisation agenda of the Defence Forces.
Regular meetings are also held with the Reserve Defence Force Representative Association. There is also day to day interaction between all associations and officials of my Department. I am satisfied that the existing arrangements are operating satisfactorily. These arrangements have been a source of benefit both to my Department and to the associations and have contributed to the successful modernisation of the Defence Forces.
58 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Defence the number of members of the Defence Force serving in Afghanistan; the person under whose command they are serving; the international mandate under which they are serving; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34874/09]
64 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Defence the role or mission of each member of the Defence Forces currently serving in Afghanistan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34735/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 58 and 64 together.
Ireland has participated in the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan since 5 July 2002, following the Government Decision of 2 July 2002, authorising the provision of seven members of the Permanent Defence Force for service with the force. Since then, the Government has reviewed and approved, on an annual basis, the continued participation by seven members of the Permanent Defence Force in ISAF.
On 20 December 2001, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 1386 under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, authorising the establishment of an International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan for six months. The role of the force is to assist the Interim Afghanistan Authority in the maintenance of security in Kabul and the surrounding areas. NATO assumed the lead in ISAF on 11 August 2003. In October 2003 the UN Security Council extended the authorisation of ISAF to cover all of Afghanistan. On 22 September 2008 the UN Security Council extended the current mandate until 12 October 2009 under Resolution 1833.
The seven Irish personnel, comprising four Officers and three Non Commissioned Officers, currently serving with the force are located in ISAF HQ, Kabul and work in staff appointments in planning and administrative roles. Irish personnel serving with ISAF come under the operational control of the Force Commander.
62 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Defence the planned developments at Custume Barracks, Athlone, County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34695/09]
My Department is engaged in an on-going capital building programme designed to modernise and enhance the training, operational and accommodation facilities available to the Defence Forces both Permanent and Reserve. The programme focuses mainly on infrastructural projects comprising of the construction of new buildings and the refurbishment of existing buildings.
Projects in the Capital Programme are prioritised in terms of addressing the Defence Forces operational requirements taking into account the annual capital allocation for the on-going building programme.
In Custume Barracks, Athlone, a contract was recently placed to build a new gym and work is progressing on site. It is hoped that this project will be completed by mid 2010. It is also planned to provide new garaging and offices and have a major upgrade of the gas and water mains in the Barracks. It is anticipated that all of this work will be completed by the end of 2010. The cost of these works is approximately €3.5 million. My department is committed to continuing the capital programme in line with the available funds and the prioritised requirements of the Defence Forces.
66 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of job losses and new jobs created by job creation agencies in County Louth by location for each year for the past five years; the amount of money invested in job creation; the amount of land zoned for employment by location in County Louth for each of these years; her plans to attract new employment to the county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34983/09]
The State Development agencies, IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland, and the Louth County Enterprise Board are responsible for job creation in County Louth.
Since 2005 and up to 31st August 2009, Enterprise Ireland has paid almost €9 million in grants to its client companies in County Louth. In the period from 2004 to 2008, IDA Ireland paid a total of €2,921,960 in grants to its client companies.
The Forfás Annual Employment Survey publishes details of job losses and gains in companies supported by IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland. Data is compiled on an annual basis and is aggregated at County level. It is therefore not possible to provide information for individual locations throughout the County. The number of jobs created by IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland supported companies in County Louth and subsequent job losses for each year from 2004 to 2008 is set out in the attached tabular statement.
In relation to the Louth County Enterprise Board, my Department does not collect or retain information on the number of specific job losses in CEB assisted companies at county or sub-county level. A breakdown of grants issued, projects assisted and net jobs created is also contained in the following tables. The figures in respect of net jobs are based on the Annual Survey of jobs in CEB sponsored companies, excluding jobs existing prior to CEB assistance. Data is collated on the yearly net increase or decrease in the number of full-time equivalent jobs created in CEB assisted companies. The figures in respect of net jobs created for 2009 will not be available until early 2010.
Enterprise Ireland has prepared a new recovery strategy to identify the actions that will be undertaken to help clients in 2009 and beyond. The agency has refocused its efforts on strengthening and sustaining companies of strategic importance through a range of initiatives focused on the needs of their client base. In relation to County Louth, a new Enterprise Ireland funded Border Enterprise Development programme was launched in March 2009 in which mentoring, training, incubation space and Commercialisation of Research and Development funding will be available to successful projects. As part of the Enterprise Start Programme, Enterprise Ireland recently held an information session in Dundalk highlighting the supports available for potential entrepreneurs and a two-night workshop for entrepreneurs will be held in Dundalk in October 2009.
In addition to providing grant aid, IDA Ireland also provides a range of property solutions to client companies. In the period 2004 to 2008, IDA has invested a total of €31,491,518 on the purchase and development of suitable sites at various locations in County Louth.
Louth County Enterprise Board remains central in assisting many micro-enterprises in developing their growth potential and continues to be proactive in ensuring that available funds are targeted to maximize entrepreneurial development throughout 2009.
I am satisfied that the policies and initiatives being adopted by the State Development agencies and the Louth County Enterprise Board will continue to drive job creation in the County.
|
Year |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
|
Jobs Gains |
514 |
468 |
409 |
394 |
401 |
|
Jobs Losses |
435 |
211 |
237 |
401 |
612 |
|
Year |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
|
Jobs Gains |
101 |
150 |
289 |
198 |
121 |
|
Jobs Losses |
117 |
128 |
287 |
172 |
433 |
|
Year |
Grants Issued |
Projects Assisted (Grants) |
Net Jobs Created |
|
€ |
|||
|
2004 |
299,766.84 |
29 |
78 |
|
2005 |
223,325.28 |
41 |
220 |
|
2006 |
305,411.03 |
24 |
54 |
|
2007 |
216,188.75 |
28 |
-95 |
|
2008 |
236,617.00 |
17 |
14.5 |
|
2009 (to date) |
62,154.90 |
11 |
Not yet available |
|
Total |
1,343,463.80 |
150 |
271.5 |
67 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will intervene in the Labour Relations Commission to ensure that a company (details supplied) will implement the redundancy payments to the workers of a company arising from the decision to cease production at the end of October 2009. [35006/09]
68 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will intervene in the Labour Relations Commission to ensure that a company (details supplied) will implement the redundancy payments to the workers of the company arising from the decision to cease production at the end of October 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35007/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 67 and 68 together.
I presume that the Deputy is referring the decision announced by Johnston Press to close the Kilkenny People Printing works.
I understand that the company announced the closure of its Kilkenny plant on 11 September, with the loss of 46 jobs. However, the company has not notified me of any planned redundancies pursuant to the Protection of Employment Act 1977 (as amended), which obliges a company to give the Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment written notice of "collective redundancy" proposals at the earliest opportunity and at least 30 days before the first dismissal takes effect.
Media reports in September stated that union representatives at the Kilkenny plant were in consultation with Johnston Press on redundancy terms for the 42 full-time staff and four part-time staff at the plant. In this case, I understand that neither the employee's representatives nor the employer has referred the matter to the Labour Relations Commission‘s Conciliation Service.
The services of the Labour Relations Commission are, of course, available to the parties, if required. If their own efforts have failed to resolve any issues in dispute, either party may ask the Labour Relations Commission to assist in resolving the matter.
69 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she or officials from her Department sought written consent from the Department of Finance for the retirement package agreed with the former director general of FÁS as is required under legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35012/09]
70 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she gave written or verbal consent to the former director general of FÁS to keep his company car as part of his retirement package; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35015/09]
73 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if written or verbal threats of legal action were received by her or her Department officials from any source relating to the departure of the former director general of FÁS; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35018/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 69, 70 and 73 together.
Officials from my Department sought and received written consent from the Department of Finance for the following severance arrangements for the former Director General of FÁS under Section 6(3) of the Labour Services Act 1987: superannuation benefits (Pension and Lump Sum) based on 40 years service, including added notional service; and an ex-gratia payment, equivalent to 6 months salary amounting to €111,243.50.
The issue of granting the former Director General the car he had been using for official purposes was a matter for the FAS Board to decide and this was approved by the Board.
An actual threat of legal action did not emerge in the light of how the negotiations advanced as they focused on the severance arrangements which might be provided to Mr Molloy in the event that he resigned voluntarily.
71 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she prepared a statement of support for the board of FÁS; the reason for not issuing such a statement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35016/09]
A draft note was prepared in my Department in order to convey a desire to ensure an orderly transition to the new Board structure as provided for in the recently published Labour Services Amendment Bill, 2009. It was not issued as a press statement.
72 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the issues she sought legal advice on in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35017/09]
I believe it is neither feasible nor prudent to disclose, by way of a general listing unrelated to any specific issue, the issues on which I, or my Department, have sought legal advice. If, however, the Deputy has a particular case in mind, he might table a Question on the matter and I will see whether I can provide specific information to him without prejudicing the administration of law or the prosecution of individual cases.
74 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of vacant civil servant or public servant positions in her Department on 1 October 2009, and in the State bodies or organisations answerable to her; the grade and the average duration of the vacancies; and if an application has been made to have these positions exempted from the public service recruitment and promotions embargo. [35037/09]
The following tables outline the position on 1 October 2009 in relation to the number of vacant positions in my Department, the number of vacancies in all State bodies and organisations answerable to me; the grade and the average length of the vacancies in each case.
Posts vacated as a result of the Incentivised Scheme for Early Retirement and the special Incentivised Career Break Scheme do not represent vacancies and are, therefore, not included in the table above.
|
Grade |
Number of vacancies |
Length of vacancies |
Application sought for exemption |
|
Assistant Secretary |
Nil |
Nil |
No |
|
Principal Officer |
1.0 |
3 months |
Yes Sanction received |
|
Assistant Principal Officer |
2.6 |
5 months |
No |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
4.8 |
14 months |
No |
|
Executive Officer |
12.5 |
11 months |
No |
|
Staff Officer |
3.0 |
6 months |
No |
|
Clerical Officer |
7.5 |
9 months |
No |
|
Service Officer |
1.0 |
5 months |
No |
|
Vacancies |
Grade |
Average length of vacancies |
Application sought for exemption |
|
9 |
1 Level F 3 Level E 5 Level D |
4.1 months |
Yes in all cases |
|
Vacancies |
Grade |
Average length of vacancies |
Application sought for exemption |
|
8 |
2 Level F 3 Level E 1 Level B 2 Graduate Trainee |
3 months |
No No No Yes |
|
Vacancies |
Grade |
Average length of vacancies |
Application sought for exemption |
|
2 |
E3 E4 |
3 months |
No No |
|
Vacancies |
Grade |
Average length of vacancies |
Application sought for exemption |
|
16 |
3 Level A & B 1.5 Level C 6.5 Level D 2 Level E 3 Graduate Trainee |
5 months 3 months 9 months 5 months 2 months |
No in all cases |
|
Vacancies |
Grade |
Average length of vacancies |
Application sought for exemption |
|
15 |
4 Level B 2 Level C 1 Level E 3 T2 4 SSO 1 PSO |
11 months 6 months 4 months 8 months 2 months 6 months |
No in all cases |
|
Vacancies |
Grade |
Average length of vacancies |
Application sought for exemption |
|
7 |
3 CEO 1 Assistant CEO 3 Business Advisors |
10 months |
No in all cases |
|
Vacancies |
Grade |
Average length of vacancies |
Application sought for exemption |
|
10 |
2 AP 3 HEO 3 EO 2 CO |
4 months |
Yes in all cases |
|
Vacancies |
Grade |
Average length of vacancies |
Application sought for exemption |
|
9 |
1 Member 6 Case Officer 1 Detective Sergeant 1 CO |
10 months 1-13 months 22 months 12 months |
No Yes, 1 only No No |
|
Vacancies |
Grade |
Average length of vacancies |
Application sought for exemption |
|
3 |
1 Project Manager 1 Administrative Executive 1 Clerical support Officer |
3 years |
Yes No No |
|
Vacancies |
Grade |
Average length of vacancies |
Application sought for exemption |
|
1 |
1 Inspector Grade 1 |
3 weeks |
No |
|
Vacancies |
Grade |
Average length of vacancies |
Application sought for exemption |
|
86.16 |
5 Grade 6 27 Grade 8 27.16 Grade 10 27 Grade 11 |
7-8 months |
Yes in the case of 4 Grade 10 posts No in all other cases |
*IDA Ireland has two staff members returning from Career Break in October 2009.
**The Department of Finance has agreed to the filling of these vacancies by redeployment of staff from other Government departments and agencies.
***Science Foundation Ireland and the Personal Injuries Assessment Board have indicated that they have no vacancies at this time.
InterTradeIreland
The moratorium on recruitment does not apply to the North South Bodies on the condition that the efficiency guidance agreed by Finance Ministers is applied.
75 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the recommendations of the Small Business Forum which have been implemented by her; the progress made in implementing other recommendations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35060/09]
The Third Progress Report on the Implementation of the Small Business Forum's recommendations was published on my Department's Website on 10 December 2007. This Report sets out in detail the substantial progress made on implementing the key recommendations since the SBF Report's publication in May 2006.
In the intervening period, Government has continued to implement outstanding elements of the SBF recommendations and to address additional concerns of SMEs in response to changing economic circumstances.
While identifying a number of key issues facing the SME sector, the Small Business Forum placed a particular emphasis on the environment for conducting business in Ireland and on access to finance for SMEs. Government focus has been on actions to sustain a positive business environment, including the proper functioning of the banking system, allied with specific targeted supports for SMEs through the enterprise development agencies.
In particular developments in the financial sector and wider economy during the intervening period broadened the concerns for SMEs in relation to gaining access to finance and bank credit. My Department has held regular meetings with the representative bodies of the SME sector and other stakeholders in relation to issues impacting on the sector and established the Roundtable on Access to Bank Credit and subsequently the Credit Supply Clearing Group to specifically deal with access to bank credit issues.
The Government has focused on creating a fit for purpose banking system and taken actions to sustain the banks and facilitate the flow of credit to the wider economy. The Bank Guarantee Scheme, the Banks' Recapitalisation Scheme, the nationalisation of Anglo Irish Bank and the publication of legislation regarding the establishment of the National Assets Management Agency were all aimed at this.
Under the Recapitalisation Scheme additional measures were introduced to support SMEs including a commitment to increase lending capacity to SMEs by 10%, the establishment of a €100m environmental and clean energy innovation fund by each bank, the contribution of a further €15m by each bank to new or existing seed capital funds, the introduction of the banks' Code of Conduct on Business Lending to SMEs, and the undertaking of an Independent Review of Bank Credit.
In the context of access to finance, Irish Banks have drawn down European Investment Bank (EIB) funding for loans for SMEs. In 2009, the EIB made €300m available to Bank of Ireland, Allied Irish Banks and Ulster Bank for onward lending to SMEs carrying out investment projects. This was additional to €50m previously made available to Bank of Scotland Ireland through its UK parent.
Within my own Department, the enterprise development agencies such as Enterprise Ireland, FÁS and the County and City Enterprise Boards have continued to assist enterprises through their grant and advisory schemes. Significant allocations were made in my Department's Estimates for 2008 and 2009 to sustain the work of the development agencies. The €100m Enterprise Stabilisation Fund and the €250m Employment Subsidy Scheme are additional measures to make funding available to assist SMEs through the current difficulties.
Government has also introduced formal arrangements to reduce the payment period by central Government Departments to their business suppliers from 30 to 15 calendar days. This commitment has effect on all valid invoices received on and from 15 June 2009 and should help ease cash flow difficulties for enterprises.
Since the Third SBF Progress Report, the Finance Act 2008 introduced specific measures to benefit SMEs. VAT Registration Turnover Thresholds were further increased — for the second successive year — from 1 May 2008, to €37,500 for services and to €75,000 for goods respectively. Small companies are now permitted to calculate their Preliminary Corporation Tax payments based on 100% of the prior-period tax liability if their tax liability for the prior period did not exceed a certain threshold. This threshold was increased to €200,000. This was effective for preliminary tax payment dates arising after 5 December 2007. · New companies, which do not expect their tax liability for the first year to exceed €200,000, are no longer obliged to pay preliminary tax in that first year. This was effective for preliminary tax payment dates arising after 5 December 2007.
A second edition of the Small Business in Ireland Report was published by the Central Statistics Office in May 2008. This Report improves data availability and presents a comprehensive analysis of the contribution of small business to the Irish economy. Recommendations previously implemented continue in force and progress has also been made in other areas addressed by the Small Business Forum.
As I announced last week, I intend to re-convene the Small Business Forum to gain its assessment and views on the impact of the current economic situation on the needs of the SME sector as it positions itself for recovery. The SBF will also consider the new arrangements now necessary for ongoing structured dialogue between policy makers and stakeholders in the sector to ensure a continued common understanding of all the issues and the potential means of address. This meeting of the Small Business Forum will take place in the coming weeks.
76 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the recommendations of the Business Regulation Forum which have been implemented by her; the progress made in implementing other recommendations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35061/09]
In April 2007 the Business Regulation Forum made one recommendation: that an administrative burden reduction programme for business should be initiated in Ireland. The programme was to have the following characteristics: (a) a prioritised approach should be adopted i.e. the heaviest burdens should be reduced first; (b) the Standard Cost Model should be used to measure the prioritised administrative burdens; (c) there should be a target; and (d) there should be a clear time-frame for delivery.
In March 2008 the Government set a 25% target to reduce administrative burdens on business arising from regulations by 2012. My Department is currently coordinating the project across Government.
77 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 86 of 24 June 2009, the position regarding this issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35078/09]
The total 2009 allocation of €16.595m of Departmental funding of Skillnets Ltd. activity has been drawn down in full. Disbursement of grant aid and relevant communications with individual networks are operational matters for Skillnets Ltd. in which I have no function.
All publicly funded training programmes for those in work are currently being reviewed in the context of the 2010 estimates process. It is not possible in advance of the completion of the estimates process, culminating in Budget day announcements by the Minister for Finance, to give any commitment to continued funding for any existing programme or to particular levels of any such funding.
78 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will respond to correspondence (details supplied) regarding employment activation measures. [35090/09]
The various activation measures announced in the Supplementary Budget include the provision of various training initiatives that are designed to provide portable and transferable skills in a range of areas that will increase participants' employability throughout all sectors of industry. The initiatives seek, where possible, to provide accredited training programmes that are recognized by the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). This pursuit is consistent with the long-term objective of the National Skills Strategy which has highlighted a need to upskill, by 2020, some 500,000 workers by at least one level on the NFQ.
A key element of the Government's labour market activation strategy is the maintaining people's closeness to the labour market. Keeping people as close to the labour market while they are unemployed will enable them to access employment opportunities more readily and ease their transition back into the labour market.
To respond to the numbers of unemployed I have increased the capacity of the job search services within FÁS from 6,500 to 12,250 persons per month. This brings the total number of places for referrals by the Department of Social and Family Affairs to 147,000 per year.
My Department has through the significant redeployment of resources substantially increased the number of activation training and work experience places it funds through FÁS to over 130,000. This is a considerable accomplishment given that it is almost double the 66,000 places, which were available at the end of last year.
The majority of the additional places provided are delivered under the FÁS Training Initiatives Strategy, which delivers occupation-specific skills training to unemployed people. These courses are delivered in a variety of methods including short courses, evening courses, on-line and blended learning courses. Since the start of 2009 the Government has quadrupled to 92,000 the number of places on training courses under the FÁS Training Initiatives Strategy.
A number of new training programmes for those who have lost their jobs in the construction sector have been introduced by FÁS. These new courses are aimed at helping those in construction to convert or upgrade their skills to take advantage of the new wave of green and clean-tech opportunities coming on-stream nationally. During 2009 FÁS expect to train 1,720 people through Gas, Renewable Energy and Sustainable Energy courses this year more then double 2008 and expects this trend to continue into 2010. Other courses in development are Passive Houses (A rated buildings), Wind Turbine Installation. FÁS is also planning on expanding the range of courses in this area next year to include design courses, passive houses, mechanical and civil works (micro-generation), management in a sustainable environment and a large (>50kW) wind turbine suite of courses.
Several new activation measures have also been launched. These include a Work Placement Programme for those who are unemployed, including graduates. Specific training programmes for those on short time work and a programme to enable the unemployed participate in third level courses on a part time basis.
The Government recently announced the Employment Subsidy Scheme (Temporary), which aims to help employees retain their jobs and employers their skilled workforce in these uncertain times. The scheme will support up to 27,400 jobs. The scheme will apply to vulnerable but viable companies in the manufacturing or internationally traded service sectors that are currently engaged in exporting
FÁS also continues to deliver an extensive range of training through its network of Training Centres and contracted training providers to its clients who comprise jobseekers, job changers, redundant persons, school leavers and disadvantaged persons with an emphasis on training for the unemployed. It also provides a range of services in co-operation with different community groups that focus on the integration/re-integration into the labour market of long-term unemployed and other marginalised people.
79 Deputy George Lee asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the training options available for unemployed people with third level qualifications; the reason third level courses are ineligible to be funded under the technical employment support grant; her plans to make third level courses eligible to be funded under the technical employment support grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35104/09]
FÁS has increased the range of training options available to unemployed persons including those with a 3rd level qualification to assist their re-entry into the labour market. Courses, such as Specific Skills Training and Traineeships which lead to major awards on the National Framework of Qualifications continue to be offered. FÁS also offers a number of Short Courses (typically 2 modules) as well as Evening Courses, On-Line Courses and Blended Learning Courses which usually lead to component certification and/or industry recognised certification.
Significant numbers of unemployed persons, including those with a 3rd level qualification, continue to participate on the above training options. For example in 2008, 27% of participants on SST courses had a 3rd level qualification as had 23% of those on Traineeships. The choice of course follows a guidance interview and agreement of a Career Action Plan where the applicant in conjunction with the FÁS Employment Services Officer (ESO) deems the course appropriate to their career and employment aspirations.
Some new courses are proving popular with those with a 3rd level qualification. These include Management Development programmes at Level 6, 7 and 8, Three- Dimensional CAD for redundant architects, Start your Own Business for a variety of redundant professionals, ‘Green' technology courses for those who worked in the construction industry, as well as an Entrepreneurial Skills Programme for redundant workers in Financial Services.
FÁS is also in the process of rolling out a very successful programme called ‘Executive/Professional Networking and Support Programme into all FÁS regions to provide support, information and networking to redundant executives, professionals and senior technicians. Typical participants include CEOs, MDs, Architects, Solicitors, HR Managers, IT Project Managers, Senior Technicians and Financial Services Consultants. Most have a 3rd level qualification. The programme will support participants to identify new strategies and develop new skills to meet the changing demands of the labour market, to re-engage quickly with the market place in either a full or part-time capacity, or make a change in career direction or commence a business start up.
The Department of Social and Family Affairs (DSFA) administers a Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) scheme for unemployed people, lone parents and people with disabilities who are getting certain payment from DSFA. The allowance can be paid to people who wish to do or take second or third level courses of education. From the 1st May 2009, to qualify for the third level option, the length of time a person must be getting a qualifying social welfare payment was reduced from 12 months to 9 months in line with the National Employment Action Plan when recommended by a Facilitator from DSFA. The Department of Education and Science (co-funded by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment) has put in place a programme for the provision of third level places for Jobseekers. 1,000 part-time postgraduate third-level places and a further 1,500 part-time undergraduate college places are available for jobseekers. Successful applicants to the scheme will be entitled to continue to receive a DSFA payment and there will be no tuition fees for these programmes
The Technical Employment Support Grant (TESG) is used where a FÁS Employment Services Officer meets a jobseeker and during the course of a guidance interview, identifies that the jobseeker has a support need to enter/re-enter the labour market, and that this need cannot be met by FÁS directly or any other state provider, within a reasonable timeframe or at a location convenient to the jobseeker.
The following client groups are eligible at present for support under Technical Employment Support Grant (TESG): Jobseekers that are considered to be distant from the labour market e.g. homeless people, ex-prisoners, members of the Traveller community and people made redundant with low skills; Ex-Job Initiative participants or current participants who wish to explore alternative training/employment options; Employment Action Plan (EAP) jobseekers; and People with a Disability.
The Technical Employment Support Grant has a limited budget which is focused on short term interventions. It is not the intention of this fund to support full time or part time third level programmes. However FÁS is currently reviewing the feasibility of supporting short term upskilling programmes which may be provided by third level institutions.
80 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of foreign visits undertaken by her and her Ministers of State in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; the location of each; the number of people who travelled; the cost for each trip; if she will provide the information in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35113/09]
It has not been possible in the time available to compile all the information requested in regard to the number and location of foreign visits and the composition of travelling parties. I have therefore arranged to have the information prepared and will communicate this to the Deputy.
In relation to the costs, as I pointed out to the House, on 6 October, the information available is limited by the level at which details are recorded on my Department's financial systems.
It is not practicable, therefore, to provide details of the cost of each individual Ministerial overseas travel engagement. However, the table below provides, as far as the information is available, the total identifiable cost related to foreign travel undertaken by all Ministers and Ministers of State at my Department for each year since 2007.
|
Year |
Total Cost |
|
€ |
|
|
2007 |
146,980.61 |
|
2008 |
184,369.39 |
|
2009 (to date) |
43,907.26 |
81 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she has received a report into an organisation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35156/09]
I understand from FÁS that an audit was initiated by its Internal Audit Department in 2008 in response to a request from local management regarding aspects of the assessment process carried out by an external contractor.
FÁS is dealing with the findings of the Audit Report including a revision of the relevant procedures, the enhancement of the contract used when dealing with external contractors and the development of a protocol to allow appropriate sanctions to be taken against external contractors. The relevant external certifying bodies have been informed of the audit findings. In addition, where necessary, FÁS clients are re-assessed to ensure the integrity of the certification process.
82 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Finance the cost of printing polling cards for the Lisbon treaty referendum held on 2 October 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34998/09]
83 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Finance the cost of sending out polling cards for the Lisbon treaty referendum held on 2 October 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34999/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 82 and 83 together.
I am informed that the cost of producing the combined polling card plus the statement for the information of voters for the Lisbon Referendum held on 2 October 2009 amounted to €290,081.56. While my Department has not yet been invoiced by An Post for the delivery of this document to every voter, it is estimated that postal charges will amount to some €2m.
84 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Finance if he will make provisions for homeowners who find themselves in a situation in which either they or their spouse or partner are out of work and are unable to meet their mortgage repayments and consequently may face repossession of their properties by the lending institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34997/09]
It is a particular priority of the Government to ensure as much as possible that difficulties in relation to mortgage arrears do not result in legal proceedings for home repossession. Home repossession should be and generally is the last resort for the lender and the preferred method of dealing with arrears cases should be early intervention.
There are a number of important initiatives in place at this time to assist consumers who have fallen into debt or are in danger of falling into debt.
In terms of ensuring that people can continue to afford their mortgages the Government provides support for payment of mortgages under the Mortgage Interest Supplement Scheme. This scheme is administered by the Community Welfare Service of the Health Service Executive on behalf of the Department of Social and Family Affairs. It provides assistance where the mortgage relates to a person's principal private residence. Furthermore, people in debt or in danger of getting into debt can avail of the services of the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS). This is a national, free, confidential and independent service. The Irish Banking Federation (IBF) and the Money Advice and Budgeting Service recently agreed an Operational Protocol on consumer debt. The Operational Protocol will enable MABS and the IBF to continue to work together effectively when dealing with debt problems of personal debtors who approach the MABS Service for assistance.
The Financial Regulator's Consumer Protection Code sets out requirements that a regulated entity must contact the consumer as soon as it becomes aware that a mortgage account is in arrears and that it must have in place a procedure for handling accounts in arrears.
The Financial Regulator also has in place a Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears. This Code applies to mortgage lending activities to consumers in respect of their principal private residence in the State and is mandatory for all mortgage lenders registered with the Financial Regulator. Under the code where a borrower is in difficulty the lender has to make every reasonable effort to agree an alternative repayment schedule and the lender has to give consideration on a case-by-case basis to alternatives such as deferral of payments, extending the term of the mortgage, changing the type of mortgage, or capitalising arrears and interest. Obviously cases will arise where the arrears situations persist despite newly agreed changes in repayment schedules. The Code provides that where the arrears situation persists, the lender may reserve the right to enforce the mortgage agreement. However, it must wait at least six months from the time arrears first arise before applying to the courts to commence enforcement of any legal action on repossession of a borrower's primary residence.
Furthermore, as part of their recapitalisation scheme, AIB and Bank of Ireland will not commence court proceedings for repossession of a principal private residence until after 12 months of arrears appearing where the customer continues to co-operate with the banks.
85 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Finance if it is the policy of the Revenue Commissioners not to prosecute financial institutions in certain circumstances in which an institution incorrectly terminates a customer attachment order; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35008/09]
The Revenue Commissioners are empowered under section 1002 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 to attach monies due from third parties (including financial institutions) to a taxpayer in discharge of that taxpayer's unpaid tax debt to Revenue. That section sets out clear and specific obligations on a third party served with a Notice of Attachment. It also provides a comprehensive framework for the institution of appropriate proceedings by Revenue where there is a failure by any party to comply with the specific obligations that follow the serving of a Notice of Attachment by Revenue.
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that it is their policy to invoke the necessary legislative sanctions where there is a failure by a third party to comply with the obligations set out under s1002 of the Taxes Consolidation Act.
86 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance if he gave his written or verbal consent to the financial package agreed with the former director general of FÁS; if his consent included keeping the taxpayer-funded company car; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35013/09]
The severance package agreed on behalf of the former Director General of FAS was submitted to my Department by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. My Department issued its consent, on the basis that it was an exceptional case and that the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment was satisfied that the terms of the package were appropriate in the circumstances. I was advised orally by my officials about the final package and having confirmed that it was within the guidelines I did not object to the terms.
My Department's consent to the company car being given the former Director General as part of the package agreed with him was not required and did not therefore form part of my Department's consent. I have dealt with the position in relation to the retention of a company car by a chief executive on retirement in my reply to the Deputy in Parliamentary Question No. 87.
87 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance the rules and regulations as distributed by his Department concerning directors of semi-State agencies keeping company cars as part of a retirement package; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35014/09]
The position in relation to the retention of a company car by a chief executive on retirement is dependent on the terms and conditions specified in the individual's contract of employment and any other relevant provisions in the body's establishment legislation.
In 2006, the Department of Finance wrote to all Government Departments circulating a template employment contract for chief executives in non-commercial state-sponsored bodies. This was intended as a guide to State Bodies and Government Departments in the preparation of contracts. The template provides that, where a car is supplied, the chief executive shall comply with all regulations laid down by the Agency from time to time with respect to company cars, and on the termination of appointment the chief executive shall return the company car to the Agency. Different provisions may apply in the case of contracts entered into before the issue of the template contract.
88 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Finance the number of vacant civil servant or public servant positions in his Department on 1 October 2009, and in the State bodies or organisations answerable to him; the grade and the average duration of the vacancies; and if an application has been made to have these positions exempted from the public service recruitment and promotions embargo. [35039/09]
The authorised staffing number (whole-time equivalent) in my Department on 1 October 2009 was 647.50. The total number of staff serving (whole-time equivalent) on the 27 March 2009 (the date of issue of the Department of Finance letter advising Departments and Offices of the moratorium) was 608.61. Serving numbers at 1 October were 581.53. Prioritisation of resource allocation in my Department, including the management of vacancies, is carried out on an ongoing basis with reference to the Department's business needs at any given time, the level of expenditure available from which to meet those commitments and the recommendations of the Report of the Special Group on Public Sector Numbers and Expenditure.
In relation to the Offices under the aegis of my Department, I have been advised the following is the position:
|
No. Serving on 1 March 2009 (WTE) |
No. Serving on 1 October 2009 (WTE) |
|
|
Commission for Public Service Appointments |
11.80 |
9.60 |
|
Public Appointments Service |
144.51 |
123.66 |
|
Revenue Commissioners |
6,611.00 |
6,357.00 |
|
State Laboratory |
95.95 |
94.35 |
|
Valuation Office |
162.00 |
156.00 |
WTE = Whole-time equivalent.
Given the overall numbers involved, and the fact that organisations are constantly managing their resources and vacancies, which will include the necessity to re-allocate, or reconfigure work areas and posts, it would not be possible to accurately reflect the duration of vacant posts.
I have also been advised by the Revenue Commissioner that they are involved in ongoing discussions with the Department of Finance about its staffing needs in the context of its projected staffing levels at the end of 2009 and the Report of the Special Group on Public Sector Numbers and Expenditure.
OPW is currently compiling the information required by the Deputy and will forward details directly to the deputy as soon as possible.
89 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Finance the number of foreign visits undertaken by him or his Minister of State in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; the location of each; the number of people who travelled; the cost for each trip; if he will provide the information in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35115/09]
In the time available to answer the question, it has not been possible to compile the information sought by the Deputy. However, the information will be compiled shortly and forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
90 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance if he has issued guidelines in respect of expenses for board directors and senior executives at State boards and agencies; when such guidelines were issued and updated; the substance of said guidelines; the State bodies, enterprises or semi-State entities to which said guidelines were issued; if he will issue updated guidelines in view of recent revelations in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35125/09]
I presume the Deputy is referring to guidelines in relation to foreign travel.
My Department issued updated guidelines on foreign travel on 1 July 2009. These supersede instructions issued previously.
These guidelines were issued to all Government Departments. In addition to staff of Departments, the guidelines apply to all bodies and agencies under the aegis of Departments. The updated guidelines on travel are available on my Department's website at http://www.finance.gov.ie.
The instructions to Departments stated that the guidelines should be brought to the attention of such bodies in writing and that reassurance about compliance with the guidelines should be sought as part of the annual reporting procedure between the Chairperson of the State body and the relevant Minister prescribed in the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies.
The Code of Practice which was updated in May 2009 reinforces and makes clear the policy and states that non-commercial state bodies should comply in all respects with the circulars issued from time to time by the Department of Finance regarding travel and subsistence, and that commercial bodies should be cognisant of the need to achieve economy and efficiency in expenditure on official travel. It also states that Boards of State bodies that incur significant annual expenditure on foreign travel by members of the staff or the Board should put appropriate procedures in place to monitor, report and enforce the relevant rules and requirements.
91 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Limerick can avail of free preschool service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34973/09]
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 is being introduced in January 2010
The age range in which children will qualify for the scheme in January 2010 is between 3 years 7 months and 4 years 10 months on the 1st January. Exceptions to the upper age limit will be considered where a child cannot start primary school until s/he is more than 5 years 6 months of age, due to either being assessed by the Health Service Executive (HSE) as being developmentally delayed or having a physical or sensory disability which prevents the child from availing of age-appropriate education. In such cases, the pre-school year relevant to such children will be taken as their qualifying year.
To apply for an exemption to be made on either of these grounds, a letter should be forwarded to the Childcare Directorate in my Office stating the reasons for the exception sought. The letter should be accompanied by a copy of the child's birth certificate, details of his or her Personal Public Service (PPS) number and the name and address of the pre-school service in which s/he will be enrolled. In addition, the letter should be accompanied either by a supporting assessment report from the HSE or, where relevant, by a letter from the Principal of the local primary school confirming the age admissions policy applied.
Given the timeframe available before the introduction of the first period of free pre-school provision in January next, it is accepted that not all parents will have had time to apply for and receive an assessment report in advance of this date. To accommodate parents in this position, a professional assessment other than from the HSE may be accepted. This would not include assessments provided, for example, by a General Practitioner.
92 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Health and Children when a decision will be made on an application for a medical card by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34976/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
93 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of operations cancelled at University College Galway to date in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34977/09]
94 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of operations cancelled at Roscommon General Hospital to date in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34978/09]
95 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of operations cancelled at Sligo General Hospital to date in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34979/09]
96 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of operations cancelled at Mayo General Hospital to date in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34980/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 93 to 96, inclusive, together.
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
97 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of medical card and general practitioner visit card applications received for counties Louth and Meath to date in 2009; the number granted to date under each category; the number of cards cancelled or withdrawn for each county; the reason for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34982/09]
The information sought by the Deputy is not provided by the Health Service Executive to my Department as a matter of routine. Therefore, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to address this matter and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
98 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if the case of a person (details supplied) will be supported. [34985/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
99 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an admission date for an operation in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; if they will be covered under the National Treatment Purchase Fund; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34991/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
The National Treatment Purchase Fund arranges treatment for patients who have been on a surgical waiting list for more than three months. It is open to the person in question or anyone acting on their behalf to contact the Fund directly in relation to their case.
100 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Health and Children if an appeals procedure is in operation regarding decisions reached arising from meditation under the provisions of the Health Act 2004; if so, if this procedure is available; the terms of this procedure; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35009/09]
101 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm that the meditation provision under the Health Act 2004 regarding the location of new staff positions is still currently active and in operation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35010/09]
102 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of individual interventions made to the mediator under the provisions of the Health Act 2004; the grade and post of each individual that made an intervention; the dates of final agreement regarding each individual meditation; the cost to the Exchequer associated with each such intervention; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35011/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 100 to 102, inclusive, together.
There is no provision for a mediation process contained in the Health Act 2004. However, arising from the establishment of the HSE and following an agreement with IMPACT, there was an option for certain former senior health board personnel, who did not obtain posts in the new HSE structure, to avail of a mediation process. The Department of Finance sanctioned the application, on an administrative basis, of public service superannuation "abolition of office" type terms where this was recommended by the independent mediator. This sanction was subject to the following conditions: it applied only to relevant posts at or above Director function; and the posts in question would be abolished with a corresponding reduction in the HSE's employment ceiling. The Department of Finance sanction was initially capped at 10 cases and, subsequently, to a maximum of 33. Since July 2007, specific sanction must be sought from the Department of Finance for each person availing of the scheme. A total of 22 people have exited the system under this arrangement to date. I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question 34344/09 on 6 October 2009, which provided information on cases processed since June 2006, including costs. As far as my Department is aware, there are only a small number of outstanding cases which would remain to be considered.
Since operational responsibility for the mediation process rests with the HSE. I have accordingly referred the Deputy's questions to the Executive for attention and direct reply to him.
103 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children when the nursing home support scheme will be implemented. [35020/09]
The Minister announced on Monday that the Nursing Homes Support Scheme will commence on the 27th October 2009. The legislation providing for the scheme was signed into law on the 1st July 2009. Certain sections of the Act were commenced on the 3rd July to enable the National Treatment Purchase Fund to immediately begin price negotiations with private nursing homes. This work, which must be completed before the scheme can commence, is almost concluded.
As of the 5th October, the new care representative appointment process has commenced. This allows people to apply to the Circuit Court for appointment as a care representative where they wish to apply for the Nursing Home Loan on behalf of an applicant with reduced capacity.
In addition, the application form and information booklet for the scheme are now available to the public and may be obtained from the HSE. This will enable people to familiarise themselves with the application form and process, gather necessary information and generally prepare themselves so that they are ready to apply on the 27th October when the scheme is introduced.
104 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [35022/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
105 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of community welfare officers employed in the Waterford Community Services on 31 December 2007; the number currently employed; if community welfare officers on long term sick leave or maternity leave are being replaced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35026/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
106 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; if they will be seen; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35028/09]
As this is a service issue, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
107 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on concerns expressed, both in the United States and in Britain, at the mercury content in the planned swine flu vaccine, same to be employed here; her reason for not following the lead given in the United States where a mercury free version of the vaccination is being produced that will be specifically targeted at pregnant women and younger children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35030/09]
The mercury-containing compound in vaccines is thiomersal which is used as a preservative to prevent bacterial or fungal contamination of multi-dose vials of the H1N1 vaccine.
The Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use at the European Medicines Agency has evaluated the scientific evidence in relation to the safety of thiomersal and has concluded that immunisation with vaccines containing thiomersal continues to offer benefits to the general population, including pregnant women and children. This is the agreed position for use of the vaccines within the EU. In Ireland the National Immunisation Advisory Committee has advised that there are no concerns with regards to the safety of thiomersal and vaccines containing thiomersal can be used for both adults and children.
108 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of vacant civil servant or public servant positions in her Department on 1 October 2009, and in the State bodies or organisations answerable to her; the grade and the average duration of the vacancies; and if an application has been made to have these positions exempted from the public service recruitment and promotions embargo. [35041/09]
The Department of Finance directed that with effect from 27th March 2009 to the end of 2010 no public service post, however arising, may be filled by recruitment, promotion, nor payment of an allowance for the performance of duties at a higher grade. Any exemptions to this principle require the prior sanction of the Minister for Finance. Since the introduction of the moratorium on staffing to 1st October 2009 the following staff (wholetime equivalents) have left my Department.
|
Grade |
Number (WTE) |
|
Principal Officer |
2.00 |
|
Assistant Principal Officer |
6.00 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
7.30 |
|
Administrative Officer |
1.00 |
|
Executive Officer |
9.20 |
|
Staff Officer |
1.50 |
|
Clerical Officer |
7.03 |
|
Other |
4.60 |
|
Total |
38.63 |
The figures above do not include (i) staff movement resulting from the Government's Decentralisation Programme or (ii) staff appointed to support the Minister/Ministers of State whose contracts expired when the relevant Minister/Minister of State ceased to hold office or (iii) one staff member who was employed on a temporary basis under the WAM programme.
No applications have been made to the Department of Finance requesting exemptions from the moratorium on staffing in relation to the vacancies arising as a result of staff leaving the Department. The vacancies generated have been managed through the re-organisation of work and re-allocation of work among remaining staff. Further staff, especially at Principal Officer and Assistant Principal Officer levels will retire over the coming weeks.
The information relating to the agencies that come under the aegis of my Department is currently being collated and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
109 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason an application for additional home care hours in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway has been refused; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35047/09]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
110 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure that a person (details supplied) in County Sligo will be awarded a medical card. [35050/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
111 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35051/09]
Subject to overall parameters set by Government, the Health Service Executive has the responsibility for determining the composition of its staffing complement. In that regard, it is a matter for the Executive to manage and deploy its human resources to best meet the requirements of its Annual Service Plan for the delivery of health and personal social services to the public. As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
112 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the availability of maternity services to EU families residing here as in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35052/09]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
113 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Health and Children when a decision will be made on a medical card review in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35065/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
114 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children if the results of tests will be made available in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35077/09]
As this is a service issue it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
115 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will reconsider an appeal against a decision to refuse the back to school clothing and footwear allowance to a person (details supplied) in County Cork in view of the fact that their average weekly income over the past three months is less than the income threshold for this allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35087/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
116 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will respond to a matter (details supplied). [35092/09]
The Adoption Bill, 2009, which is designed to give force of law to the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Inter-country Adoption, has passed through the Seanad and I am actively seeking time for its progression in the current Dáil session. I firmly believe that legislation and, specifically, the regime of the Hague Convention, provides an assurance for individual children, their families, and the State that appropriate procedures have been followed and that the adoption was affected in the best interests of the child. This applies in the case of adoptions from Russia, and other countries who have not, as yet, ratified the Hague Convention, and would seem unlikely to do so in the immediate future. Only adoptions effected before the commencement of the Act can be registered on the Register of Inter-Country Adoptions to be established under the Bill.
117 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding a medical card application by a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [35106/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
118 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of foreign visits undertaken by her and her Ministers of State in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; the location of each; the number of people who travelled; the cost for each trip; if she will provide the information in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35117/09]
The information requested by the Deputy is not readily available in the format requested. My Department is collating the information at present and I will respond directly to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
119 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will take steps to have a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath, admitted to the neurosurgical department at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin; if same can be expedited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35122/09]
As this is a service issue it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
120 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the composition and terms of reference the committee established by the Health Service Executive and the State Claims Agency to consider the greater role of mediation in medical negligence cases; when it was established; when it is expected to report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35131/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
121 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the adoption agreement with Vietnam. [35155/09]
In late August, I was made aware of two significant reports regarding child welfare, protection and adoption in Vietnam. The issues referred to in these two reports are of concern to the Government especially since they confirm anecdotal reports that have been aired in the past. Firstly, the Vietnamese Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, with technical assistance from UNICEF in Vietnam, published a report known as the ‘MoLISA Report' entitled “Creating a protective environment for children in Vietnam: An assessment of child protection laws and policies, especially children in special circumstances in Vietnam”. The MoLISA report found that, inter alia:
there are no detailed principles or criteria to guide the assessment in Vietnam of prospective guardians, foster parents or substitute families for orphans;
there is no framework for the systematic, professional assessment of orphans and abandoned children to determine what type of placement would be in their best interest, and to ensure that they are matched with the most appropriate alternative family;
there is no clear requirement that decisions about alternative care be based on the child's best interest;
there is no clear statement in law that international adoptions shall be used only as a last resort, once all options for placement within the country have been considered;
there are no systematic procedures for ensuring that all efforts are made to find a suitable domestic family before consideration of international options;
there is no requirement that birth parents be given counselling and be clearly informed of the consequences of adoption prior to giving consent.
The Report contains a series of recommendations including, the need to:
reform the institutional care of orphaned and abandoned children in Vietnam;
provide counselling to birth parents prior to giving consent to adoption;
intensify preparations for accession to the Hague Convention on inter-country adoption;
centralise authority to consider and approve inter-country adoptions, and
stipulate that international adoptions may be considered only after all other options have been explored and, also, that the child cannot be placed into foster care or with a family or cannot, in any suitable manner, be cared for in Vietnam.
In addition to the MoLISA Report, I have recently received, in draft form, the report of an examination of inter-country adoption in Vietnam carried out by the International Social Services (ISS) — a UN-affiliated organisation. The report was jointly commissioned by UNICEF and the Vietnamese Ministry of Justice and seeks, inter alia, to "identify and address problems in both domestic and inter-country adoption processes with a view to assisting Vietnam in its preparations to ratify the Hague Convention”.
I will be considering these two reports jointly. These reports go to the heart of the matter in relation to concerns with inter-country adoption in Vietnam. I would be failing in my duty to protect children if I did not acknowledge and consider the content of these reports extremely carefully before deciding on an appropriate response.
122 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the arrangements with respect to perquisites gifted to executives and former executives, board members and former board members at Aer Lingus, for example free flights; the executives and former executives, board members and former board members who are currently entitled to avail of said perquisites; his plans to use his position as chief shareholder in Aer Lingus to effect change in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35126/09]
This issue is a matter for the Board and management of the Company. However, I understand that arrangements with respect to perquisites gifted to executives and former executives of the airline are being actively reviewed by the Company.
123 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport the number of vacant civil servant or public servant positions in his Department on 1 October 2009, and in the State bodies or organisations answerable to him; the grade and the average duration of the vacancies; and if an application has been made to have these positions exempted from the public service recruitment and promotions embargo. [35044/09]
The current authorised complement of staff in my Department is 550. This is subject to a review by the Department of Finance in response to the Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes. Based on the existing authorised complement there are 18.42 vacancies in my Department. Vacancies have arisen on a staggered basis since the moratorium on promotion and recruitment was introduced on 27 March 2009. Further vacancies will arise following the departure of staff whose applications for early retirement or career break have been approved. As the closing date for the early retirement scheme has been extended to 16 October 2009, further applications may be received.
Of the positions that are now vacant and those that are expected to fall vacant, sanction has been sought from the Department of Finance for an exception to the moratorium in respect of 1 Assistant Secretary and 2 Principal Officer posts. The Department has also requested approval for some of the potential vacancies arising at Principal Officer level to be filled by redeployment. With regard to the State bodies under the aegis of my Department I should first of all state that the moratorium does not apply to commercial bodies. For the non-commercial State bodies the latest information provided to my Department suggests that the position in relation to vacancies is as follows: National Roads Authority — 5 vacancies Railway Safety Commission — 2 vacancies Medical Bureau of Road Safety — 2 vacancies.
No application has been made to date for an exception to the moratorium in respect of these vacancies.
However, in anticipation of prospective vacancies arising from staff on contract, an application has been made for an exception for 22 contract posts in the Road Safety Authority and for 6 contract posts in the Commission for Aviation Regulation.
The grades involved are as follows:
|
Grade |
Number |
|
Assistant Principal |
3 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
3 |
|
Executive Officer |
2 |
|
Clerical Officer |
3 |
|
Senior Vehicle Inspector |
1 |
|
Vehicle Inspectors |
10 |
|
Grade |
Number |
|
Clerical Officer equiv. |
3 |
|
Principal Officer equiv. |
1 |
|
Assistant Principal equiv. |
2 |
124 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding a project (details supplied); if the project is going according to the timeframe initially set out; if same is going ahead as planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35084/09]
Work is continuing on the first phase of the Western Rail Corridor, from Ennis to Athenry, and the line is on target to be completed by the end of the year. The Government has previously decided to reopen phases 2 (Athenry-Tuam) and 3 (Tuam-Claremorris) of the corridor under Transport 21, my Department's investment framework for the years 2006-2015.
The immediate next step, following completion of phase 1, will be for Iarnród Éireann to undertake a detailed evaluation of phases 2 and 3 with a view to arriving at precise costs to undertake the works. I am committed to progress planning on the Western Rail Corridor. The current funding environment is very difficult and it will not be possible to progress all the projects in Transport 21 in accordance with the ambitious timescale envisioned at its launch. Nevertheless, I am seeking to progress planning of projects such as the Western Rail Corridor phases 2 and 3, to ensure that we are in a position to move speedily to construction when financial circumstances permit.
The Government will be reflecting on the McCarthy Report's recommendations over the months ahead. Decisions on implementation will rest with the Government and Dáil Éireann, including in the context of preparing the Budget for 2010 and later years. The Government has referred the Report for analysis and comment by the Oireachtas Committee on Finance and General Affairs prior to the Budget in December.
125 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Transport the number of foreign visits undertaken by him and his Ministers of State in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; the location of each; the number of people who travelled; the cost for each trip; if he will provide the information in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35120/09]
The information sought by the Deputy is being compiled and will be provided to him as soon as it is available.
126 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí, by rank, assigned to the Anglo Irish Bank Investigation; the number of these gardaí which have previous experience in investigating fraud; the number of which had been assigned to general duties only prior to being assigned to this investigation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35004/09]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that seventeen members of An Garda Síochána, comprising one Detective Superintendent, two Detective Inspectors, two Detective Sergeants, two Sergeants, five Detective Gardaí and five Gardaí, are at present allocated to the investigation referred to by the Deputy. Ten of these are drawn from the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation, and the remaining seven have been seconded specifically for this investigation.
I am further informed that all members of An Garda Síochána allocated to this investigation have extensive previous experience in the investigation of fraud related offences. The investigation also involves experienced investigators from the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement.
127 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of vacant civil servant or public servant positions in his Department on 1 October 2009, and in the State bodies or organisations answerable to him; the grade and the average duration of the vacancies; and if an application has been made to have these positions exempted from the public service recruitment and promotions embargo. [35042/09]
My Department and bodies under its aegis employ some 25,000 staff, including civil servants, members of An Garda Síochána, Prison Officers and the Judiciary. In March 2009, the Government introduced a moratorium on the filling of vacancies in the public service, either by way of recruitment or promotion. Subsequently, the Government introduced an Incentivised Scheme of Early Retirement (ISER) and an Incentivised Career Break Scheme (ICBS). Taken together, these Schemes are exerting downward pressure on numbers in the public service, including in my Department and its Agencies.
Given the size and complexity of the Justice and Equality Sector, my Department's focus is on ensuring that key posts that are essential to the functioning of the Sector are filled. To that end, I have already secured exemptions in respect of key positions, including in An Garda Síochána, the Equality Authority, and the Irish Prison Service. The Deputy can be assured that where vacancies arise that are critical to the functioning of the Justice and Equality Sector, I will continue to seek exemptions to the moratorium.
128 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will clarify a matter (details supplied). [35053/09]
The Equality Acts provide that it is an offence to discriminate against a person for employment purposes or in the provision of goods and services on the basis of gender, marital status, family status, sexual orientation, religious belief, age, disability, race or membership of the Traveller community. The Civil Partnership Bill 2009 amends the Equality Acts to extend this protection to civil partnership status by replacing the marital status ground with the new ground of civil status. The Bill does not contain any exemption from the obligation not to discriminate on the basis of religious belief or otherwise. With respect to freedom of conscience, I refer the Deputy to the details of my response to Parliamentary Question No. 749 of 6 October 2009.
129 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will provide the crime detection rate for the new Kildare garda division for the years 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008. [35070/09]
130 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will provide the headline crime statistics for the new Kildare garda division for 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 and for the first six months in 2009. [35071/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 129 and 130 together.
The Garda Síochána Act 2005 makes provision for the compilation and publication of crime statistics by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose. I have requested the CSO to provide the statistics sought by the Deputy directly to him.
131 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of convictions in each of the years 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009 for offences under Section 1 of the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act 1935, Section 2 of the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act 1935, Section 2 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2006, Section 3 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2006, Section 14 of Criminal Law (Amendment) Act 1935 and Section 2(2) (i) of the Criminal Law (Rape) (Amendment) Act 1990 (as amended by section 37 of the Sex Offenders Act, 2001 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35088/09]
The Garda Síochána Act 2005 makes provision for the compilation and publication of crime statistics by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose. I have requested the CSO to provide the statistics sought by the Deputy directly to her.
132 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of foreign visits undertaken by him and his Ministers of State in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; the location of each; the number of people who travelled; the cost for each trip; if he will provide the information in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35118/09]
The information requested by the Deputy is provided from May 2008 — when I was appointed Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform — to date. As Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform I have travelled abroad on nine occasions, seven of which were for the purpose of attending EU Justice and Home Affairs Ministerial Councils. On the other two occasions I travelled to Oslo to sign on behalf of Ireland the international Convention on Cluster Munitions and to Rome for discussions with my Italian counterpart and other senior officials on matters of mutual interest in the justice and home affairs area such as law enforcement, immigration and the incarceration and rehabilitation of prisoners.
To date the cost, including flight, travel and subsistence expenses, accommodation and other related expenditure, to my Department associated with my attendance at meetings outside the State in the period covered is €5,877. In line with normal practice I am generally accompanied on official foreign travel by my Private Secretary, Press Advisor and other relevant Departmental officials as appropriate.
In the same period the Minister of State, Conor Lenihan, T.D., when Minister for Integration, travelled abroad on official Government business on ten occasions. On eight of these occasions Minister Lenihan travelled abroad — Paris (x2), Kiev, Tanzania, The Hague, Vichy, New York, and Nigeria — to participate in international integration and migration conferences and to meet with Ministerial counterparts, senior officials and other foreign organisations as part of his responsibilities as Minister for Integration. On two occasions Minister Lenihan represented me at EU Justice and Home Affairs Ministerial Councils.
The cost, including flight (mainly commercial), travel and subsistence expenses, accommodation and other related expenditure, to my Department associated with Minister Conor Lenihan's attendance at meetings outside the State in the period covered was €27,774. On official foreign travel Minister Lenihan was generally accompanied by his Private Secretary and other relevant Departmental officials as appropriate.
My Department has incurred no costs related to official foreign travel by Ministers of State John Curran, T.D., John Moloney, T.D., and Barry Andrews, T.D., since their appointment as Ministers of State at the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform.
133 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for family reunification in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35133/09]
Based on the information provided by the Deputy, my Department has no record of a visa application for the person referred to.
134 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for citizenship in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35134/09]
A valid application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in June 2006.
All valid applications are dealt with in chronological order as this is deemed to be the fairest to all applicants. The average processing time from application to decision is now at 24 months. More complicated cases can at times take more than the current average, while an element of straight forward cases can be dealt with in less than that timescale. Officials in the Citizenship Division inform me that processing of the application is ongoing and the file will be submitted to me for a decision in due course. The length of time taken to process each application should not be classified as a delay, as the length of time taken for any application to be decided is purely a function of the time taken to carry out necessary checks.
There is a limit to the reduction in the processing time that can be achieved as applications for naturalisation must be processed in a way which preserves the necessary checks and balances to ensure that it is not undervalued and is only given to persons who genuinely satisfy the necessary qualifying criteria.
135 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a review will be undertaken regarding an application for residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin who submitted documentation to his Department regarding the serious threat to their life on their return to their homeland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35135/09]
I refer the Deputy to my detailed Reply to his recent Parliamentary Question, No. 527 of Thursday, 9 July, 2009, in this matter. The position in the State of the person concerned is as set out in that Reply.
136 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will revoke a deportation order in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35136/09]
The person concerned applied for asylum on 31 March 2006 on her own behalf and on behalf of her two children. Her asylum application was refused following consideration of her case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. The person concerned was informed, by letter dated 16 June 2007, that the Minister proposed to make Deportation Orders in respect of her and her children. She was given three options in accordance with Section 3(3)(b)(ii) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended), to be exercised within 15 working days. Namely, to leave the State voluntarily, to consent to the making of Deportation Orders or to make representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why she and her children should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State i.e. why she should not be deported.
This communication also advised the person concerned of her 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. Following consideration of the information submitted, the application was refused. The person concerned and her legal representative were notified of this decision by letter dated 24 August 2009.
Her case was then examined under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999, (as amended), and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended), on the Prohibition of Refoulement. Consideration was given to representations submitted on her behalf by her legal representative for permission to remain in the State. On 22 September 2009, I refused permission to remain temporarily in the State and instead signed Deportation Orders in respect of her and her children. Notice of these orders was served by registered post requiring the person concerned and her children to leave the State by 9 October 2009 or failing that, present themselves at the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2 on 9 October 2009 in order to make travel arrangements for their removal from the State.
I am satisfied that the applications made by the person concerned for asylum, for temporary leave to remain in the State and for Subsidiary Protection, together with all refoulement issues, were fairly and comprehensively examined and, as such, the decision to deport her and her children is justified. The effect of the Deportation Order is that the person concerned must leave the State and remain thereafter out of the State. The enforcement of the Deportation Order is an operational matter for the GNIB.
137 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35137/09]
The person concerned applied for asylum on 16 June 2006. In accordance with Section 9 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended), the person concerned was entitled to remain in the State until his application for asylum was decided. His asylum application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Arising from the refusal of his asylum application, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was notified, by letter dated 15 February 2007, 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 a Deportation Order should not be made against him. 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).
On 14 September 2007, the person concerned submitted an application for re-admittance to the asylum process, in accordance with the provisions of Section 17(7) of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended). Following consideration of this application, a decision was taken to refuse the application and the person concerned was notified of this decision by letter dated 27 June 2008. The person concerned has submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State 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 application for Subsidiary Protection is refused, the position in the State of the person concerned will then be decided by reference to the provisions of 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. All representations submitted will be considered before the file is passed to me for decision. Once a decision has been made, this decision and the consequences of the decision will be conveyed in writing to the person concerned.
138 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for leave to remain in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35138/09]
The person concerned applied for asylum on 11 April 2007. In accordance with Section 9 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended), the person concerned was entitled to remain in the State until his application for asylum was decided. His asylum application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Arising from the refusal of his asylum application, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was notified, by letter dated 27 February 2009, 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 a Deportation Order should not be made against him. 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). Representations have been received on behalf of the person concerned.
The position in the State of the person concerned will now be decided by reference to the provisions of 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. All representations submitted will be considered before the file is passed to me for decision. Once a decision has been made, this decision and the consequences of the decision will be conveyed in writing to the person concerned.
139 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the asylum and residency status in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35139/09]
There is currently no application pending in my Department in the case of the persons whose details were supplied. If an application for asylum has been made by the persons concerned, the Deputy should note that it is not the practice to comment in detail on individual asylum applications.
140 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for leave to remain and residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35140/09]
I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question No. 283 of Tuesday, 28 April, 2009 and the written Reply to that Question.
The person concerned applied for asylum on 22 December 2004. In accordance with Section 9 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended), the person concerned was entitled to remain in the State until his application for asylum was decided. His asylum application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Arising from the refusal of his asylum application, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was notified, by letter dated 21 March 2006, 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 a Deportation Order should not be made against him. Representations have been received on behalf of the person concerned.
The position in the State of the person concerned will now be decided by reference to the provisions of 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. All representations submitted will be considered before the file is passed to me for decision. Once a decision has been made, this decision and the consequences of the decision will be conveyed in writing to the person concerned.
141 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for leave to remain in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35141/09]
The person concerned applied for asylum on 23 April 2004. In accordance with Section 9 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended), the person concerned was entitled to remain in the State until his application for asylum was decided. His asylum application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Arising from the refusal of his asylum application, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was notified, by letter dated 22 November 2005, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why a Deportation Order should not be made against him. Representations have been received on behalf of the person concerned.
The position in the State of the person concerned will now be decided by reference to the provisions of 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. All representations submitted will be considered before the file is passed to me for decision. Once a decision has been made, this decision and the consequences of the decision will be conveyed in writing to the person concerned.
142 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of vacant civil servant or public servant positions in his Department on 1 October 2009, and in the State bodies or organisations answerable to him; the grade and the average duration of the vacancies; and if an application has been made to have these positions exempted from the public service recruitment and promotions embargo. [35040/09]
The table sets out the number of posts in my Department that were vacant on 1 October 2009 and had previously been filled by officers at the grade indicated.
|
Grade |
Number of vacancies on1 October 2009 |
|
Assistant Secretary and equivalent |
4 |
|
Principal Officer, Counsellor and equivalent |
6 |
|
Professional Grades |
2 |
|
Assistant Principal, First Secretary and equivalent |
11 |
|
Higher Executive Officer, Third Secretary and equivalent |
4 |
|
Executive Officer and equivalent |
6 |
|
Staff Officer and equivalent |
1 |
|
Clerical Officer and equivalent |
15.5 |
|
Cleaners |
2 |
|
Total |
51.5 |
The average duration of these vacancies, up to 1 October 2009, is six months.
Two applications were made for derogations from the public service recruitment and promotions moratorium. One related to a specialised post in the ICT Unit of the Department, a unit which is central to its business needs. The application is currently being considered by the Department of Finance. The other related to the recruitment of additional staff for the Passport Office during the peak season and was partially approved.
My Department is also exploring, with the Department of Finance, the possibility of recruiting a limited number of Third Secretaries from the panel formed as a result of the 2008 open competition run by the Public Appointments Service.
143 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of foreign visits undertaken by him and his Ministers of State in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; the location of each; the number of people who travelled; the cost for each trip; if he will provide the information in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35116/09]
In regard to official travel overseas, undertaken by me, in my capacity as Minister for Foreign Affairs, I have included below in tabular form a detailed breakdown of the costs incurred on accommodation and commercial flights for each trip; the number of accompanying officials; and the purpose of each trip. As the Deputy will appreciate, the role of Minister for Foreign Affairs includes an obligation to undertake, in the national interest, a significant amount of official travel overseas.
It has not been possible in the time available to provide this level of detail, in regard to travel undertaken by my predecessor or for the five Ministers of State who have served in this Department since 2007. However, I have provided as much detail as possible on annual travel costs and also provided a list of the trips undertaken by them.
My Department is fully compliant with the Department of Finance guidelines on foreign travel. My Department also operates its own detailed internal travel guidelines and practises which ensure cost effective travel practises, both in Headquarters and throughout our network of 75 diplomatic missions abroad. The central aim of the Departmental travel policy, which applies to both Ministers and officials, is to minimise official travel costs and to achieve value for money for expenditure necessarily incurred, consistent with the effective discharge of official duties.
|
2007 |
2008 |
2009 (January–June) |
|
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
Airfares |
|||
|
Minister Ahern |
8,092 |
18,738 |
|
|
Minister Martin |
4,875 |
2,896 |
|
|
Total: |
8,092 |
23,614 |
2,896 |
|
Accommodation |
|||
|
Minister Ahern |
9,517 |
5,271 |
|
|
Minister Martin |
8,010 |
4,358 |
|
|
Total: |
9,517 |
13,280 |
4,358 |
|
Subsistence |
|||
|
Minister Ahern |
4,975 |
1,942 |
|
|
Minister Martin |
3,928 |
1,802 |
|
|
Total: |
4,975 |
5,870 |
1,802 |
|
Overall Total: |
22,584 |
42,764 |
9,056 |
|
Travel Costs 2007-2009 |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
2007 |
2008 |
2009 (January–August) |
|
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
Airfares |
|||
|
MOS Conor Lenihan T.D. |
2,340 |
||
|
MOS Michael Kitt T.D. |
7,750 |
10,918 |
|
|
MOS Peter Power T.D. |
26,260 |
19,020 |
|
|
MOS Dick Roche T.D. |
17,087 |
19,669 |
8.101 |
|
MOS Noel Treacy T.D. |
4,736 |
||
|
Accommodation |
|||
|
MOS Conor Lenihan T.D. |
|||
|
MOS Michael Kitt T.D. |
|||
|
MOS Peter Power T.D. |
|||
|
MOS Dick Roche T.D. |
1,272 |
7,758 |
647 |
|
MOS Noel Treacy T.D. |
736 |
||
|
Subsistence |
|||
|
MOS Conor Lenihan T.D. |
903 |
||
|
MOS Michael Kitt T.D. |
1,077 |
880 |
|
|
MOS Peter Power T.D. |
3,714 |
3,001 |
|
|
MOS Dick Roche T.D. |
1,499 |
6,145 |
1,709 |
|
MOS Noel Treacy T.D. |
1,598 |
It should be noted that MOS Dick Roche is also a Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach and that other travel costs may be a charge on that Department.
It should also be noted that Ministers of State generally do not use the Government Jet and avail of scheduled flights in most instances.
|
Date |
Destination |
Purpose of Trip |
|
2007 |
||
|
January 30-2 Feb |
Travelled to Palestine, Israel, Egypt, Lebanon |
Ministerial meetings relating to the Middle East Peace Process/UNIFIL |
|
February 4 |
Travelled to Wales |
Meeting with Secretary of State Peter Hain |
|
February 12 |
Travelled to Brussels |
The Minister met his EU colleagues for the General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC). |
|
March 8-9 |
Travelled to Brussels |
The Minister met his EU colleagues for the European Council |
|
March 14-16 |
Travelled to Washington |
St. Patrick’s Day Events |
|
April 23 |
Travelled to Luxembourg |
The Minister met his EU colleagues for the General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC). |
|
June 18 |
Travelled to Luxembourg |
The Minister met his EU colleagues for the General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC). |
|
June 21-22 |
Travelled to Brussels |
The Minister met his EU colleagues for the European Council |
|
July 19-20 |
Travelled to Italy |
Visit to UN Humanitarian Relief Depot in Brindisi/Meeting with Senior WFP Executives, WFO HQRome |
|
September 07-08 |
Travelled to Portugal |
The Minister met his EU colleagues for the Gymnich Informal Ministerial EU Council |
|
September 13-16 |
Travelled to France (Bordeaux) |
Hosted trade dinner on behalf of Enterprise Ireland, met Mayor of Bordeaux and hosted reception for Irish community on LE Eithne. |
|
September 21-22 |
Travelled to France (Paris) |
Accompanied Taoiseach to meeting with President Sarkozy, also attended official opening of Library at the Irish college in Paris. |
|
September 30-October 4 |
Travelled to New York, USA |
Attendance at United Nations General Assembly |
|
October 8 |
Travelled to London |
Meeting with Foreign Secretary Miliband and hosted Annual Dion Committee Reception for Irish Community |
|
October 15 |
Travelled to Luxembourg |
The Minister met his EU colleagues for the General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC). |
|
October 18-19 |
Travelled to Portugal |
The Minister met his EU colleagues for the Gymnich Informal Ministerial EU Council |
|
November 6-9 |
Travelled to Balkans – Sarajevo, Belgrade & Pristina |
Met with Western Balkans Government Officials and Irish members of the armed Forces |
|
November 13-16 |
Travelled to Sudan & Chad |
Attended talks on the situation on Darfur and met Irish troops in Chad |
|
November 19 |
Travelled to Brussels |
The Minister met his EU colleagues for the General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC). |
|
November 22-25 |
Travelled to Italy (Bobbio & Rome) |
Conferral of freedom of the city of Bobbio on the Minister |
|
November 27-December 1 |
Travelled to Japan |
Meeting with Japanese FM |
|
December 10 |
Travelled to Brussels |
The Minister met his EU colleagues for the General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC). |
|
December 13-14 |
Travelled to Portugal/Brussels |
Reform Treaty Signature Ceremony/European Council |
|
2008 |
||
|
January 28 |
Travelled to Brussels |
The Minister met his EU colleagues for the General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC). |
|
February 18-22 |
Travelled to Brussels and onward to Dili |
The Minister met his EU colleagues for the General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC)and then travelled to Irish Aid meetings in Timor Leste . |
|
March 10 |
Travelled to Brussels |
The Minister met his EU colleagues for the General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC). |
|
March 13-14 |
Travelled to Brussels |
Attended European Council |
|
March 14-22 |
Travelled to Argentina |
St. Patrick’s Day Events |
|
March 28-29 |
Travelled to Slovenia |
The Minister met his EU colleagues for the Gymnich Informal Ministerial EU Council |
|
April 22-25 |
Travelled to Kenya |
To meet with new government and NGOs involved in development aid. |
|
April 29-May 1 |
Travelled to US |
Taoiseach’s address to Congress & Washington Programme |
|
Date |
Destination |
Purpose of Trip |
|
2007 |
||
|
June 17-18th |
Travelled to Luxembourg |
The Minister met his EU colleagues for the General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC). |
|
July 22-23th |
Travelled to Brussels |
The Minister met his EU colleagues for the General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC). |
|
September 2-3th |
Travelled to Brussels |
The Minister met his EU colleagues for the EU Neighbourhood Policy Conference |
|
September 24-28th |
Travelled to New York |
Attended annual meeting of United Nations General Assembly |
|
November 5-6th |
Travelled to Lisbon |
Euro-Med Conference |
|
November 19-23rd |
Travelled to Brussels/Singapore |
I.E.A. Brussels/EU-ASEAN Conference |
|
November 28-29th |
Travelled to Madrid |
OSCE Ministerial |
|
2008 |
||
|
January 28th |
Travelled to Brussels |
The Minister met his EU colleagues for the General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC). |
|
February 1-2nd |
Travelled to Paris |
HEC Europe Symposium |
|
February 26-27th |
Travelled to Germany |
Accompanied President McAleese on her visit to Germany |
|
March 10-19th |
Travelled to China |
St Patrick’s Day events |
|
April 9-10th |
Travelled to Brussels |
The Minister met his EU colleagues for Reform Treaty meeting. |
|
April 30th |
Travelled to Prague |
To address the Czech Senate |
|
June 15-16th |
Travelled to Luxembourg |
The Minister met his EU colleagues for the General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC). |
|
July 2-5th |
Travelled to Quebec |
400th Anniversary of Quebec |
|
July 12-14th |
Travelled to Brest and Paris |
Informal meeting of EU Affairs Ministers/Ministerial Summit – Barcelona Process |
|
July 17-18th |
Travelled to Brussels |
The Minister met his EU colleagues for the General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC). |
|
September 7-8th |
Travelled to Berlin |
Addressed the annual conference of Ambassadors of Germany |
|
September 17-18th |
Travelled to Paris |
EU-Central Asia Forum |
|
September 22-23rd |
Travelled to Brussels |
Meeting with the President of the EU Parliament |
|
October 15-16th |
Travelled to Brussels |
Attended European Council |
|
November 9-11th |
Travelled to Brussels and Paris |
The Minister met his EU colleagues for the General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) then travelled to Paris to represent Ireland at WWI anniversary Ceremony |
|
November 20-21st |
Travelled to Paris |
Euro Barometer Conference |
|
November 24-25th |
Travelled to Prague |
Bi-lateral meetings re Lisbon Treaty |
|
December 3-5th |
Travelled to Paris/ Helsinki/Brussels |
Climate Change Conference/ OSCE Ministerial/Lisbon Treaty |
|
December 8-9th |
Travelled to Riga |
Bi-lateral meetings re Lisbon Treaty |
|
2009 |
||
|
January 7-8th |
Travelled to Prague |
The Minister met his EU colleagues for the Gymnich Informal Ministerial EU Council |
|
February 22-23rd |
Travelled to Brussels |
Meeting with Hungarian State Secretary for EU Affairs |
|
February 26th |
Travelled to Brussels |
Meeting with Graham Watson MEP |
|
March 1-2nd |
Travelled to Prague |
Meeting on EU enlargement – 5 years on |
|
March 5-6th |
Travelled to Brussels |
Addressed Centre European Policy Studies (CEPS) |
|
March 27-28th |
Travelled to Prague |
The Minister met his EU colleagues for the Gymnich Informal Ministerial EU Council |
|
April 1-2nd |
Travelled to Prague |
Addressed International Conference – Czech Presidency of the EU |
|
April 15-17th |
Travelled to Brussels and Helsinki |
A EU meeting for Ministers for EU Affairs |
|
May 3-4th |
Travelled to Berlin |
EU Meeting re. Lisbon Treaty |
|
May 12th |
Travelled to Madrid |
Council of Europe Ministerial |
|
May 18th |
Travelled to Brussels |
The Minister met his EU colleagues for the General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) |
|
June 27-28th |
Travelled to Corfu |
OSCE Informal |
|
July 9-10th |
Travelled to Croatia |
Attended a conference in Croatia Summit 2009; : Europe’s Strategic Imperative: Energy, Investment, and Development’Croatia Summit |
|
July 27th |
Travelled to Brussels |
The Minister met his EU colleagues for the General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC). |
|
September 9-10th |
Travelled to Poland |
Economic forum |
|
September 14th |
Brussels |
The Minister met his EU colleagues for the General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) |
|
Date |
Destination |
Purpose of Trip |
|
2007 |
||
|
January 9th |
Travelled to Brussels |
Attended meeting to mark new status of Irish language in the EU |
|
January 17-18th |
Travelled to Berlin via Dusseldorf due to weather conditions |
Communicating Europe Conference |
|
January 21-22nd |
Travelled to Brussels |
The Minister met his EU colleagues for the General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) |
|
January 24-26th |
Travelled to Paris/Madrid |
Special Meeting on Lebanon/meeting on Constitutional Treaty |
|
March 4-5th |
Travelled to Brussels |
The Minister met his EU colleagues for the General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) |
|
March 14-15th |
Travelled to Nurembourg |
EU ASEAN meeting |
|
Date |
Destination |
Purpose of Trip |
|
May 14-17th |
Travelled to Lima, Peru |
EU-LAC summit |
|
May 26-27th |
Travelled to Belgium, Brussels |
The Minister met his EU colleagues for the General Affairs and External Relations Council/Development |
|
June 20-25th |
Travelled to Lilongwe, Malawi |
Visit Irish Aid funded projects |
|
July 20-23rd |
Travelled to Geneva |
WTO – Doha Development Round Ministerial Meeting |
|
August 13th |
Travelled to Brussels |
The Minister met his EU colleagues for the General Affairs and External Relations Council/Development |
|
September 2nd-5th |
Travelled to Ghana |
4th OECD/DAC High Level Forum in Accra, Ghana |
|
September 21-25th |
Travelled to New York |
UN summit on the Millennium Development Goals |
|
September 28-30th |
Travelled to Bordeaux |
Meeting of EU Development Ministers |
|
November 10-11th |
Travelled to Brussels |
The Minister met his EU colleagues for the General Affairs and External Relations Council/Development |
|
November 17-18th |
Travelled to London |
Minister addressed the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Conference on Scrutinising AidEffectiveness. |
|
November 28-December 1st |
Travelled to Qatar, Doha |
Attend the Doha Conference on Financing for Development |
|
January 25-27th 2009 |
Travel to Madrid |
High level meeting on Food Security |
|
January 27-30th |
Travel to Prague |
Meeting of EU Development Ministers |
|
February 15-20th |
Travelled to Ethiopia |
Visit to Irish Aid funded programmes |
|
March 12-15th |
Travelled to Birmingham |
Representing Government at St Patrick’s Day events |
|
March 23-24th |
Travelled to Paris |
OECD DAC Peer Review of Ireland |
|
March 30-31st |
Travelled to The Hague |
Addressed International Conference on Afghanistan: A comprehensive strategy in a regional context. |
|
April 24-27th |
Travelled to Washington |
Ministerial meeting during spring session of the World Bank & IMF |
|
May 13th |
Travelled to Prague |
Attend the EU-Rio Group Ministerial Meeting in place of Minister Martin. |
|
May 18-19th |
Travelled to Brussels |
EU Ministers Development GAERC |
|
June 23-26th |
Travelled to New York |
Addressed the United Nations development conference on the World Financial and Economic Crisis |
|
July 6-11th |
Travelled to Tanzania |
Visit to Irish Aid funded programmes |
|
September 24-28th |
Travelled to New York |
Deliver Ireland address to UN General Assembly; address Nuclear Test Ban Conference; address ‘Partnering for Food and Security’ hosted by US Secretary of State and UN Secretary General; speak at Consulate Irish-American community event. |
|
Date |
Destination |
Purpose of Trip |
|
July 18th-20th |
Rome, Italy |
Visit and meetings at United Nations Humanitarian Response Depot. |
|
September 20th-23rd |
Madeira, Portugal |
Meeting of EU Development Ministers |
|
September 24th-28th |
Maputo, Mozambique |
Visit Irish Aid funded projects in Mozambique |
|
November 18th-20th |
Brussels, Belguim |
GAERC Meeting |
|
December 8th-9th |
Lisbon, Portugal |
EU Africa Summit |
|
December 9th-10th |
Brussels, Belguim |
GAERC Meeting |
|
December 16th-17th |
Paris, France |
Donor Conference on Palestine |
|
January 13-18th 2008 |
Travelled to South Africa/Tanzania/ Mozambique |
Accompanying An Taoiseach on official visit |
|
February 17-18th |
Travelled to Slovenia |
Conference on “Challenges of EU27 development policy” in Brno. |
|
March 14-17th |
Travelled to Glasgow, Scotland |
Representing Government at St Patrick’s Day events |
|
April 22-24th |
Travelled to New York |
Meetings with heads of United Nations development agencies |
|
Date |
Destination |
Purpose of Trip |
|
March 13-14th |
Petersburgh, Germany |
Meeting of EU Development Ministers |
|
March 16-20th |
Edinburgh, Scotland |
Represent the Government in Scotland for St Patrick’s Day |
|
April 4th-5th |
Paris, France |
Meeting with the Organisation for Economic Cooperation & Development. |
|
Hotel |
Air Fares |
Number in Delegation (not including Minister) |
|
|
€ |
€ |
||
|
MAY 2008 |
|||
|
Sunday 11Travelled from Cork to Newcastle — Government Jet (Returned Newcastle to Baldonnel same day) |
4 |
||
|
Purpose of Trip:Joint initiative was announced by the Department of Foreign Affairs and the FAI to create the post of FAI welfare officer to assist young Irish footballers playing with British Clubs. This highlighted Ireland’s commitment to the Irish community in Britain, in particular younger members of that community. |
|||
|
Saturday 24Travelled Baldonnel to Cardiff — (accompanied Taoiseach — Government Jet) (Returned Cardiff to Baldonnel same day) |
|||
|
Purpose of Trip:Opportunity to promote Irish-Welsh bilateral relations — accompanied Taoiseach and Minister for Arts, Sports and Tourism to meeting with Welsh First Minister, Mr. Rhodri Morgan. Matters discussed included economic issues, political developments in Northern Ireland and the role of education in promoting economic development. |
|||
|
Monday 26Travelled Cork to Brussels — Government Jet (Returned Brussels to Baldonnel same day) (Accompanied by Minister O’Dea and his delegation on return journey). |
4 |
||
|
Purpose of Trip:The Minister met his EU colleagues for the May General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC). This meeting also involved a short joint session with Defence Ministers to review developments in EU security and defence policy. |
|||
|
JUNE 2008 |
|||
|
Tuesday 3Travelled Cork to London — Government Jet (Returned London to Cork p.m.) |
|||
|
Purpose of Trip:Meeting at 10 Downing Street to discuss Northern Ireland issues. The Minister had detailed discussions with the British Government regarding the then difficulties within the Northern Ireland Executive. (Returned London to Cork to attend EU Lisbon treaty event with Taoiseach) |
3 |
||
|
Travelled Cork to Paris — Government Jet Overnight X 1 |
540.50 |
3 |
|
|
Purpose of Trip:The Minister met with his French counterpart, Bernard Kouchner to discuss EU issues. |
|||
|
Friday 6Travelled Baldonnel to London — Government Jet (Returned London to Cork same day) |
1 |
||
|
Purpose of Trip:High level political discussions regarding Northern Ireland issues with British Prime Minister, First Minister and Deputy First Minister. |
|||
|
Sunday 15Travelled Cork to Luxembourg Cork/Ams/ Lux/Paris/Dublin: Air France Overnight X 1 |
621.00 |
937.36 |
5 |
|
Purpose of Trip:The Minister met his EU colleagues for the June GAERC. The priority issues for discussion were the outcome of the Lisbon Treaty Referendum in Ireland and the preparation of the European Council. Returned from Luxembourg via Paris to Dublin. |
|||
|
Thursday 19Travelled from Baldonnel to Brussels — (accompanied Taoiseach — Government Jet) Overnight X 1 |
550.00 |
5 |
|
|
Purpose of Trip:The Minister and Taoiseach attended the European Council. The Minister met with his EU colleagues to discuss Kosovo, Cuba, Zimbabwe and Transatlantic Relations. |
|||
|
Friday 20Returned Brussels to Baldonnel |
|||
|
JULY 2008 |
|||
|
Tuesday 8Travelled Baldonnel to Cairo — Government Jet Overnight X 1 — Subsistence (8-11) |
347 |
5 |
|
|
Wednesday 9Travelled Cairo to Tel Aviv — Govt Jet (Accommodation provided by Israeli Foreign Ministry) |
|||
|
Friday 11Returned Tel Aviv to Baldonnel — Govt Jet |
|||
|
Purpose of Trip:The visit to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories provided a valuable opportunity to meet with senior political figures and to determine the extent of progress of peace talks under the Annapolis Process. It also allowed the Minister to assess, first-hand, the humanitarian and political situation in the West Bank. |
|||
|
Monday 21Travelled Baldonnel to Brussels — Government Jet Overnight X 1 |
465 |
4 |
|
|
Tuesday 22Returned Brussels to Baldonnel |
|||
|
Purpose of Trip:Meeting of all EU Foreign Ministers at the first General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) of the French Presidency |
|||
|
SEPTEMBER 2008 |
|||
|
Monday 1Travelled Baldonnel to Brussels — (accompanied Taoiseach — Government Jet) (Returned Brussels to Baldonnel the same day) |
4 |
||
|
Purpose of Trip:The Minister attended an extraordinary European Council which was convened by the French Presidency to discuss developments in Georgia, future EU Actions there and the impact of events on Georgia on EU-Russia relations. |
|||
|
Friday 5Travelled Cork to Paris — Government Jet Subsistence (5-7) |
4 |
||
|
Saturday 6Overnight X 1 — Avignon Gymnich |
308 |
||
|
Sunday 7Returned Paris to Cork — Aer lingus Club travel X 2 (Government Jet unavailable/Economy flights booked at short notice) |
717 |
||
|
Purpose of Trip:The Minister met with his EU colleagues for a broad ranging discussion, chaired by the French Presidency which focused on the Transatlantic Relationship and relations between Georgia and Russia, but also covered the Middle East, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Ukraine, Belarus, the European Security Strategy and the US-India deal. The Minister also had an opportunity to hold informal discussions with a number of EU partners regarding the Lisbon Treaty. |
|||
|
Tuesday 23Travelled Dublin to Washington — US Airlines Flight cost Dub/Wash/NY/Dub Overnight X 1 — Subsistence (23-30) |
316.69 |
3,220 |
5 |
|
Wednesday 24Travelled Washington to New York — US Airlines Overnight X 5 |
1,744 |
||
|
Monday 29 — Tuesday 30Return New York to Dublin — Continental Airlines |
|||
|
Purpose of Trip:The Minister visited New York in order to attend the annual Ministerial Week held in connection with the opening of the annual UN General Assembly Session. The visit provided an opportunity for the Minister to re-affirm Ireland’s strong support for the UN and for reform of the Organisation in meetings with senior UN officials while he also delivered his first Address on behalf of Ireland to the General Assembly. The Minister, as is customary, also held bilateral meetings with a wide range of other countries. |
|||
|
OCTOBER 2008 |
|||
|
Wednesday 1Travelled Baldonnel to Paris — (accompanied Taoiseach — Government Jet) (Returned Paris to Baldonnel the same day) |
1 |
||
|
Purpose of Trip:The Minister accompanied the Taoiseach for a meeting in Paris with President Sarkozy to discuss the Lisbon Treaty. |
|||
|
Monday 6Travelled Cork to Brussels — Government Jet (Returned Brussels to Baldonnel the same day) |
5 |
||
|
Purpose of Trip:The Minister addressed the European Parliament Committee on Constitutional Affairs. The Minister also met with President Barroso, MEPs and Commission Vice-President Wallström. |
|||
|
Monday 13Travelled Cork to Luxembourg — Government Jet Returned Luxembourg to Baldonnel |
5 |
||
|
Purpose of Trip:The Minister attended the fourth GAERC under the French Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The session on General Affairs concentrated on preparations for the European Council on 15 and 16 October. The External Relations session focused on the situation in Belarus, Uzbekistan Zimbabwe, Georgia and relations with Russia. The Minister met VP Wallstrom’s and FM Martynov of the Republic of Belarus enmarge of the Council. |
|||
|
Wednesday 15Travelled Baldonnel to Brussels — (accompanied Taoiseach — Government Jet) Overnight X 1 Subsistence (15-16) |
500.00 |
4 |
|
|
Thursday 16Returned Brussels to Baldonnel |
|||
|
Purpose of Trip:The Minister accompanied the Taoiseach to the European Council convened by the French Presidency to discuss the economic and financial crisis. Negotiations on the energy-climate package were also discussed ahead of the December European Council. |
|||
|
Tuesday 28Travelled Cork to London — Government Jet (Returned London to Baldonnel the same day) |
3 |
||
|
Purpose of Trip:Minister attended meeting with Secretary of State, Woodward to assess difficulties with Northern Ireland |
|||
|
NOVEMBER 2008 |
|||
|
Monday 3Travelled Cork to Marseilles — Government Jet Subsistence (3-4) |
7 |
||
|
Tuesday 4Returned Marseilles to Baldonnel |
|||
|
Purpose of Trip:The Euro-Mediterranean Partnership, informally known as the Barcelona Process, following a Summit meeting convened by President Sarkozy in Paris on 13 July 2008, has now become the Union for the Mediterranean. The Minister participated in the first meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the Union for the Mediterranean. Participation in these meetings affords valuable opportunities for Ireland to develop contacts with many countries where we do not have resident diplomatic missions. |
|||
|
Wednesday 5Travelled Baldonnel to London — Government Jet Overnight X 2 Subsistence (5-7) |
1,167 |
7 |
|
|
Friday 7Returned London to Cork |
|||
|
Purpose of Trip:Series of meeting held with senior British political figures including Secretary of State Woodward and the Shadow Foreign Secretary, William Hague. These meetings are held regularly with the aim of deepening co-operation on Northern Ireland and other bilateral issues. The visit also included several meetings with Irish community organisations such as: Cooperation Ireland, the Irish Post, Emigrant Services Advisory Committee, London Irish Centre and a visit to GAA Headquarters. During the visit the grants given under the Government Emigrant Support Programme were announced. |
|||
|
Sunday 9Travelled Cork to Brussels — Government Jet Overnight X 1 |
475.00 |
4 |
|
|
Purpose of Trip:The Minister met EU colleagues and Minister for Defence for the fifth GAERC under the French Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The Minister also met the Foreign Minister of The Netherlands, Maxime Verhagen, and the Foreign Minister of Sweden, Carl Bildt, as part of the series of bilaterals on the Lisbon Treaty. |
|||
|
Thursday 13Travelled Baldonnel to Berlin — Government Jet (Returned Berlin to Cork the same day) |
5 |
||
|
Purpose of Trip:The Minister met German Foreign Minister Steinmeier The key purpose was to discuss the Lisbon Treaty. |
|||
|
Wednesday 19Travelled Baldonnel to Tbilisi — Government Jet (Accommodation provided by Georgian side) |
6 |
||
|
Friday 21Returned Tbilisi to Cork |
|||
|
Purpose of Trip:Meetings with Government of Georgia following conflict with Russia, August 2008; meet Irish monitors with EU monitoring mission; visit Irish Aid-funded orphanage and visit internally displaced families. |
|||
|
Wednesday 26Travelled Baldonnel to Paris — Government Jet (Returned Paris to Baldonnel the same day) |
1 |
||
|
Purpose of Trip:The Minister met with senior French officials (representing the EU Presidency) to discuss the Lisbon Treaty. He was accompanied by the Attorney General. |
|||
|
DECEMBER 2008 |
|||
|
Friday 5Travelled Baldonnel to Paris — (accompanied Taoiseach — Government Jet) Travelled Paris to Brussels (p.m.) Returned Brussels to Baldonnel |
1 |
||
|
Purpose of Trip:The Minister accompanied the Taoiseach for meetings with President Sarkozy in Paris and President Barroso in Brussels in advance of the December European Council. |
|||
|
Sunday 7Travelled Baldonnel to Brussels — Government Jet Overnight X 1 |
475.00 |
6 |
|
|
Purpose of Trip:The Minister met EU colleagues at the GAERC where the principal business was a discussion of the Presidency’s draft European Council conclusions. The annual ``enlargement package`` of the Commission was also discussed. The Minster also met with HR/SG Solana to facilitate an exchange of views on the latest developments on the Lisbon Treaty. Following the GAERC the Minister also delivered an address to the EPC. |
|||
|
Thursday 11Travelled Baldonnel to Brussels — (accompanied Taoiseach — Government Jet) Overnight X 1 |
|||
|
Friday 12Returned Brussels to Baldonnel to Cork |
|||
|
Purpose of Trip:The Minister attended the last European Council of the French Presidency. The main focus was on the Lisbon Treaty, the energy-climate change package and the economic and financial crisis. |
500.00 |
4 |
|
|
Tuesday 30Travelled Cork to Paris — Government Jet (Returned Paris to Cork the same day) |
2 |
||
|
Purpose of Trip:The Minister travelled to Paris in order to attend an emergency meeting of EU Foreign Ministers that convened in response to the Gaza crisis. At this meeting Foreign Ministers agreed on a joint statement calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire to the hostilities. Ministers also discussed means of alleviating the humanitarian crisis in the Territory. |
|||
|
JANUARY 2009 |
|||
|
Sunday 25Travelled Cork to Brussels — Government Jet Overnight X 1 |
165.00 |
4 |
|
|
Monday 26 Returned Brussels to Baldonnel |
|||
|
Purpose of Trip:The Minister met EU colleagues at the first GAERC under the Czech Presidency chaired by Mr. Vondra, the Czech Deputy Prime Minister. The Council was preceded by a coordination meeting on Sunday evening. This was followed by a dinner at which was attended by the EU Ministers, HR Solana and Commissioner Ferrero Waldner to discuss the Middle East. |
|||
|
FEBRUARY 2009 |
|||
|
Sunday 1Travelled Cork to Damascus — Government Jet Overnight X 1 Subsistence (1 – 5 Feb.) |
564.06 |
5 |
|
|
Monday 2Travelled Damascus to Beirut Overnight X 1 |
|||
|
Tuesday 3Travelled Beirut to Abu Dhabi (Travel and accommodation costs were met by Govt of UAE) |
245.22 |
||
|
Thursday 5Travelled Abu Dhabi to Dubai (by road) Returned Dubai to Cork |
|||
|
Purpose of Trip:The visit to Damascus was an important opportunity to renew high-level political contacts with Syria and to assess the level of Syrian re-engagement in regional peace efforts. The visit to Lebanon, meanwhile, allowed the Minister to demonstrate the support of Ireland and the EU for the country’s independence and sovereignty. The Minister was also able to meet with Irish personnel serving with the UNIFIL mission in the country. In both Syria and Lebanon the Minister had the opportunity to explore the scope for strengthened economic ties with both countries. As for the visit to the UAE, where the Minister accompanied the President on her official visit to the country, the Minister was able to formally announce the decision to open an Irish Embassy in Abu-Dhabi and to promote increased trade with the UAE. |
|||
|
Sunday 15Travelled Baldonnel to Mexico — Government Jet Overnight X 2 Subsistence (15-20 Feb.) |
867.81 |
5 |
|
|
Tuesday 17Travelled Mexico to Havana, Cuba (Cuban Foreign Ministry provided transport and paid for hotel accommodation) |
|||
|
Thursday 19/Friday 20Returned Havana to Cork |
|||
|
Purpose of Trip:The visit to Cuba — the first by an Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs — was undertaken with a view to developing bilateral relations, following the lifting of EU sanctions in June 2008. During the course of the visit a broad political dialogue was opened with the Cuban Foreign Minister, including on Human Rights issues. Further meetings were held to examine the potential for economic cooperation, particularly in the field of medicine, IT, tourism and other high-value areas. A future bilateral co-operation agreement was considered. |
|||
|
Monday 23Travelled Cork to Brussels — Government Jet (Returned Brussels to Cork the same day) |
4 |
||
|
Purpose of Trip:The Minister met EU colleagues at the second GAERC under the Czech Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The session on General Affairs concentrated on the European Recovery Plan and the preparations for the Spring European Council of 19 and 20 March. |
|||
|
MARCH 2009 |
|||
|
Sunday 1Travelled Cork to Sharm el Sheikh- Government Jet Overnight x1 |
413.64 |
4 |
|
|
Monday 2Returned Sharm el Sheikh to Baldonnel |
|||
|
Purpose of Trip:This visit to Egypt allowed the Minister to attend the Gaza Reconstruction Conference, which addressed the reconstruction needs of Gaza following the destruction caused to the Territory in the conflict of December 2008-January 2009. The Minister addressed the Conference and announced additional Irish Aid funding of €2.5 million to the Palestinian people in order to meet immediate humanitarian needs and the long term recovery of Gaza itself |
|||
|
Saturday 14Travelled Baldonnel to New York (Teteboro Airport) — (accompanied Taoiseach — Government Jet) Overnight x2 |
520.40 |
3 |
|
|
Monday 16Travelled New York to Washington (flight DL 5907) Overnight x2Subsistence 14-18 March |
443.34 |
292.31 |
|
|
Wednesday 18Returned to Shannon |
|||
|
Purpose of Trip:The Minister met with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, several representatives of the U.S. Congress, representatives of the Irish community and members of the business community. He also joined An Taoiseach in a meeting with President Obama. |
|||
|
Thursday 19Travelled Shannon to Brussels — (accompanied Taoiseach — Government Jet) Overnight x1 |
217.00 |
5 |
|
|
Friday 20Returned Brussels to Cork |
|||
|
Purpose of Trip:The Minister accompanied the Taoiseach to the Spring European Council. The Minister met with his EU colleagues to discuss Sudan, the Middle East Peace Process, Guantanamo, Afghanistan and Pakistan. |
|||
|
APRIL 2009 |
|||
|
Sunday 5Travelled Cork — Baldonnel — Prague — Government Jet Returned Prague to Baldonnel |
2 |
||
|
Purpose of Trip:The Minister travelled to Prague to attend the EU-US Summit. |
|||
|
Wednesday 22Travelled Baldonnel to London N’holt — Government Jet (Returned London H’Row to Baldonnel the same day) |
5 |
||
|
Purpose of Trip:The Minister met with the Secretary of State to discuss developments in relation to Northern Ireland. |
|||
|
Monday 27Travelled Cork to Luxembourg — Government Jet Returned Luxembourg to Baldonnel the same day |
4 |
||
|
Purpose of Trip:The Minister met his EU colleagues for the April General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC). The main issues discussed were the Eastern Partnership Summit, the European Neighbourhood Policy, Burma and the Middle East Peace Process. |
|||
|
MAY 2009 |
|||
|
Wednesday 6Travelled Dublin to New York (JFK) (Flight EI105) Overnight x2 |
|||
|
Friday 8Returned New York to Shannon (Flight EI110) |
|||
|
Purpose of Trip:The Minister met with leading members of the Irish and business communities in the United States, the editorial board of the New York Times and launched the Senior Helpline USA (designed to improve outreach services for New York’s elderly Irish community). |
495.67 |
2,603 |
4 |
|
JUNE 2009 |
|||
|
Monday 8Travelled Cork to London N’holt — Government Jet Returned London N’holt to Baldonnel |
6 |
||
|
Purpose of Trip:The Minister travelled to London to meet Secretary of State Miliband, to discuss the Lisbon Treaty. |
|||
|
Friday 12Travelled Baldonnel to Chobielin, Poland — Government Jet (Returned Chobielin to Cork the same day) |
4 |
||
|
Purpose of Trip:Minister Martin visited Poland on the invitation of FM Sikorski. Issues discussed included the Lisbon Treaty, climate change, Afghanistan and the Eastern Partnership. |
|||
|
Sunday 14Travelled Cork to Luxembourg — Government Jet) Overnight x 1 |
209.00 |
4 |
|
|
Monday 15Returned Luxembourg to Baldonnel |
|||
|
Purpose of Trip:The Minister met his EU colleagues for the June General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC). The main topics discussed were preparations for the European Council, Afghanistan and Pakistan, and European Security. |
|||
|
Thursday 18Travelled Baldonnel to Brussels — (accompanied Taoiseach — Government Jet) Overnight x1 |
217.00 |
5 |
|
|
Friday 19Returned Brussels to Cork |
|||
|
Purpose of Trip:The Minister and Taoiseach attended the European Council. The Minister met with his EU colleagues to discuss Afghanistan and Pakistan, Burma, European Security, the Middle East Peace Process and Iran. |
144 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of vacant civil servant or public servant positions in his Department on 1 October 2009, and in the State bodies or organisations answerable to him; the grade and the average duration of the vacancies; and if an application has been made to have these positions exempted from the public service recruitment and promotions embargo. [35034/09]
Currently there are 17 staff less than the authorised number serving in the Department including the National Archives. No application has been made to have any of these positions exempted from the moratorium. The position in relation to vacancies in the agencies under the aegis of the Department is set out below.
|
No. |
Grade |
Length |
Exemptions Applied For |
|
1 |
Engineer Grade 1 (Keeper) |
3 years |
No |
|
3 |
Engineer Grade II (AK I) |
1 year |
No |
|
1 |
Engineer Grade III (AK II) |
1 year |
No |
|
1 |
Executive Officer |
2 years |
No |
|
1 |
Clerical Officer |
3 weeks |
No |
|
3 |
Security Attendant |
6 months |
No |
|
No. |
Grade |
Length |
Exemptions Applied For |
|
1 |
Science & Art Attendant |
7 Months |
No |
|
1 |
Science & Art Attendant |
6 Months |
No |
|
1 |
Science & Art Attendant |
3 Months |
No |
|
2 |
Science & Art Attendant |
1 Month |
No |
|
1 |
Education Officer (AK11) |
6 Months |
No |
|
1 |
Cleaner |
3 Months |
No |
|
1 |
Conservation Officer (AK11) |
3 Month |
No |
|
1 |
Conservation Assistant (Technical Assistant) |
3 Months |
No |
|
2 |
Education Assistants (Clerical Officers) |
1 Month |
No |
|
1 |
Clerical Officer |
19 Months |
No |
|
1 |
Executive Officer |
5 Months |
No |
|
1 |
Documentation Assistant |
11 Months |
No |
|
1 |
Retail Assistant |
10 Months |
No |
|
Suppressed Posts |
|||
|
3 |
Science & Art Attendant |
16 Months |
No |
|
1 |
Internal Auditor (HEO) never recruited |
No |
|
No. |
Grade |
Length |
Exemptions Applied For |
|
1 |
Clerical Officer |
5 months |
No |
|
1 |
Keeper |
5 months |
Yes |
|
1 |
Assistant Keeper Grade II |
5 months |
Yes |
|
1 |
Science & Arts Attendant |
5 months |
No |
|
1 |
Higher Executive Officer |
1 week |
No |
|
No. |
Grade |
Length |
Exemptions Applied For |
|
1 |
Assistant Keeper 1 |
2 months |
Application in preparation |
|
1 |
Attendant |
2 days |
No |
|
No. |
Grade |
Length |
Exemptions Applied For |
|
1 |
Higher Executive Officer — Full-time post |
13 months |
No |
|
1 |
Higher Executive Officer — Part-time post |
3 months |
No |
|
No. |
Grade |
Length |
Exemptions Applied For |
|
1 |
Clerical Officer |
3 months |
No |
|
No. |
Grade |
Length |
Exemptions Applied For |
|
1 |
Level 2 |
4 months |
No |
|
1 |
Level 2 |
2 months |
Yes to cover maternity leave |
|
1 |
Level 3 |
4 months |
No |
|
1 |
Level 3 |
1 month |
No |
|
1 |
Level 3 |
6 months |
No |
|
1 |
Level 4 |
6 months |
No |
|
1 |
Level 7 |
1 month |
No |
|
1 |
Level 7 |
5 months |
No |
|
1 |
Level 5 |
1 month |
No |
145 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of foreign visits undertaken by him and his Ministers of State in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; the location of each; the number of people who travelled; the cost for each trip; if he will provide the information in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35108/09]
Since becoming Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism in May 2008, I have undertaken the following foreign visits:
|
Year |
Location |
No. People |
Cost |
|
€ |
|||
|
2008 |
Beijing/HongKong (Olympic Games 19 days) |
4 |
*See below |
|
2008 |
Kentucky (Tourism Ireland engagements 3 days) |
3 |
3,975 |
|
2008 |
London (Tourism Ireland World Travel Market and London 2012 engagements 4 days) |
5 |
8,463 |
|
2008 |
Brussels (Irish EU Cultural event — 2 days) |
2 |
549 |
|
2008 |
London (Tourism Ireland engagement — 1 day) |
2 |
945 |
|
Year |
Location |
No. People |
Cost |
|
€ |
|||
|
2009 |
Houston / Miami (St Patrick’s day schedule and International Cruise Liner Conference 5 days) |
2 |
8,809 |
|
2009 |
New York (Culture Ireland/Tourism Ireland engagements 4 days) |
2 |
7,404 |
|
2009 |
London (Sports NGB event 1day) |
2 |
517 |
*In August 2008, I attended the Olympic Games in Beijing and Hong Kong for a period of 20 days (19 nights). The cost of the trip (delegation of 4) includes accommodation not organised by us at a cost of €33,070, with flights at €19,974, transport at €2,060 and subsistence expenses at €5,352.
Details of foreign visits undertaken by Minister of State Mansergh are being collated and will be forwarded to the Deputy later.
146 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of vacant civil servant or public servant positions in his Department on 1 October 2009, and in the State bodies or organisations answerable to him; the grade and the average duration of the vacancies; and if an application has been made to have these positions exempted from the public service recruitment and promotions embargo. [35035/09]
I set out the information requested by the Deputy in the appendix below regarding my Department and the information that has been provided to me by the bodies and agencies under the aegis of my Department.
I have provided the Deputy with the length of each vacancy for my Department and the bodies and agencies under the aegis of my Department.
|
Number of Vacant Civil or Public Servant Positions |
The Grade of each Vacancy |
The Length of each Vacancy (Months) |
Details of any application made to exempt a vacancy from embargo |
|
|
Department of Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs |
0.2 |
Principal Officer |
* |
N/A |
|
0.2 |
Assistant Principal Officer |
* |
N/A |
|
|
1.5 |
Assistant Principal Officer |
5 |
None |
|
|
0.5 |
Assistant Principal Officer |
9 |
None |
|
|
1.0 |
Agricultural inspector |
6 |
None |
|
|
1.0 |
Assistant Agricultural Inspector |
0.5 |
None |
|
|
1.0 |
Placenames Officer |
10 |
None |
|
|
1.0 |
Researcher** |
5 |
Under consideration |
|
|
0.5 |
Employee Assistance Officer |
60 |
None |
|
|
0.9683 |
Higher Executive Officer |
* |
N/A |
|
|
1.0 |
Higher Executive Officer |
5 |
None |
|
|
1.0 |
Higher Executive Officer |
1 |
None |
|
|
1.6366 |
Executive Officer |
* |
N/A |
|
|
1.0 |
Executive Officer |
3 |
None |
|
|
2.2683 |
Clerical Officer |
* |
N/A |
|
|
1.0 |
Clerical Officer |
3 |
None |
|
|
1.0 |
Clerical Officer |
2.5 |
None |
|
|
0.8 |
Clerical Officer |
1 |
None |
|
|
Total: 17.5732 |
||||
|
Office of the Commission of Charitable Donations and Bequests |
1.0 |
Higher Executive Officer |
3 |
None |
|
An Choimisinéir Teanga |
1.0 |
Clerical Officer |
12 |
None |
|
Number of Vacant Civil or Public Servant Positions |
The Grade of each Vacancy |
The Length of each Vacancy (Months) |
Details of any application made to exempt a vacancy from embargo |
|
|
Waterways Ireland |
1 |
Director |
105 |
*** |
|
1 |
Head of HR |
39 |
||
|
1 |
Head of Administration |
32 |
||
|
1 |
Administrator |
16 |
||
|
1 |
Administrator |
10 |
||
|
1 |
Administrator |
21 |
||
|
1 |
Engineer |
87 |
||
|
1 |
Engineer Technician |
87 |
||
|
1 |
Engineer Technician |
1 |
||
|
1 |
Foreman Grade 1 |
1 |
||
|
1 |
Foreman Grade 1 |
1 |
||
|
1 |
Foreman Grade 2 |
27 |
||
|
1 |
Foreman Grade 2 |
12 |
||
|
1 |
Chargehand |
56 |
||
|
1 |
Senior ganger |
12 |
||
|
1 |
Plant Operator A |
10 |
||
|
1 |
Plant Operator A |
5 |
||
|
1 |
Plant Operator B |
5 |
||
|
1 |
Plant Operator B |
4 |
||
|
1 |
Light Equipment Operator |
3 |
||
|
1 |
General Operative |
17 |
||
|
1 |
Boatman |
47 |
||
|
1 |
Boatman |
7 |
||
|
Western Development Commission |
1 |
Principal Officer (Higher) |
2.5 |
none |
|
Number of Vacant Civil or Public Servant Positions |
The Grade of each Vacancy |
The Length of each Vacancy (Months) |
Details of any application made to exempt a vacancy from embargo |
|
|
Údarás na Gaeltachta |
1 |
Grade 1 |
23 |
none |
|
1 |
Grade 1 |
12 |
none |
|
|
1 |
Grade 1 |
7 |
none |
|
|
1 |
Grade 1 |
7 |
none |
|
|
1 |
Grade 1 |
5 |
none |
|
|
1 |
Grade 2 |
14 |
none |
|
|
1 |
Grade 3 |
6 |
While a case was made to the Department for this vacancy, this case was subsequently withdrawn by An tÚdarás. |
|
|
1 |
Grade 3 |
1 |
none |
|
|
1 |
Grade 4 |
22 |
none |
|
|
1 |
Grade 4 |
3 |
none |
|
|
An Foras Teanga, comprising: |
||||
|
Ulster-Scots Agency |
1 |
Equivalent to Deputy Principal Northern Ireland Civil Service (Belfast based) |
24 |
*** |
|
1 |
Equivalent to Staff Officer Northern Ireland Civil Service (Belfast based) |
24 |
||
|
Foras na Gaeilge |
1 |
Principal Officer |
12 |
*** |
|
1 |
Assistant Principal Officer |
12 |
||
|
1 |
Assistant Principal Officer |
9 |
||
|
1 |
Higher Executive Officer |
36 |
||
|
1 |
Higher Executive Officer |
12 |
||
|
1 |
Higher Executive Officer |
9 |
||
|
1 |
Higher Executive Officer |
9 |
||
|
1 |
Executive Officer |
24 |
||
|
1 |
Executive Officer |
12 |
||
|
1 |
Clerical Officer |
18 |
||
|
1 |
Engineer Grade 2 |
36 |
||
|
1 |
Engineer Grade 3 |
24 |
||
|
1 |
Engineer Grade 3 |
12 |
||
|
1 |
Engineer Grade 3 |
12 |
||
|
1 |
Engineer Grade 3 |
12 |
||
|
1 |
Engineer Grade 3 |
6 |
147 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if CLÁR funding will be awarded to a project (details supplied) in County Mayo; and the reason funding has not been made available. [35082/09]
I can confirm to the Deputy that CLÁR funding was, in fact, approved for the project in question in August, 2008. Some of this funding was drawn down by Mayo County Council in August 2009, and that body may draw down the remainder as work progresses and further expenditure is incurred on the project.
148 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he is satisfied with the progress of a project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35085/09]
As the Deputy will be aware, the proposed re-opening of the Western Rail Corridor on a phased basis was announced in 2005 by my colleague, Noel Dempsey T.D. Minister for Transport, as part of Transport 21.
I understand that work is continuing on the first phase of the Corridor, from Ennis to Athenry and this is on target to be completed by the end of the year. As part of the support for WRC, my own Department has provided funding of €3.5m towards line clearance work between Claremorris and Collooney.
149 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of foreign visits undertaken by him and his Ministers of State in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; the location of each; the number of people who travelled; the cost for each trip; if he will provide the information in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35110/09]
The annual cost, including relevant flights, subsistence and other expenses paid, of overseas travel in my official capacity as Minister for the years 2007, 2008 and 2009 (to date) is set out in Table 1. The primary purpose of each trip and the number of people who traveled is also indicated. Similar information in regard to the Ministers of State at my Department for the years 2007, 2008 and 2009 (to date) is set out in Table 2.
|
Year |
Destination |
Purpose |
Number in Ministerial party |
Amount |
|
€ |
||||
|
2009 |
London |
Attended Waterways Ireland (WI) exhibition at the London Boat Show with John Martin, CEO WI. |
4 |
1,291 |
|
Cardiff |
Attended British-Irish Council Summit Meeting. |
2 |
321 |
|
|
Australia |
State Representative at St. Patrick’s Day events; meeting with Australian Premier Kevin Rudd; meetings with NSW Minister Tony Kelly; meetings with IDA clients; attended Enterprise Ireland events; visits to Irish-Australian Welfare Bureaus. |
3 |
16,898 |
|
|
Canada |
State Representative at the National Famine Commemoration events in Toronto and Quebec (also attended by Federal Minister Jim Prentice); visited Celtic Studies Department and delivered lecture on Great Famine in University of Toronto. |
4 |
7,629 |
|
|
2008 |
London |
Attended Waterways Ireland (WI) exhibition at the London Boat Show with Edwin Poots MLA, Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure, and John Martin, CEO WI. |
4 |
3,318 |
|
Brussels |
Meeting with EU Commissioner for Rural Development; attended Conference on Multilingualism. |
7 |
3,414 |
|
|
Boston, USA |
Meetings with Department of Celtic Studies and Department of Celtic Languages & Literatures, Harvard University; delivered lecture on membership of European Union; attended event for Irish community in Boston; meetings with faculty and students in Boston College; visited Irish Centre in Canton. |
3 |
13,040 |
|
|
India |
State Representative at St. Patrick’s Day events; 400+ guests in Delhi and 850+ guests in Mumbai comprising Irish community, business and diplomatic guests; undertook range of interviews supporting Irish agencies (e.g. Tourism Ireland, IDA and Enterprise Ireland); visited projects funded by Irish Aid in slum areas. |
4 |
15,760 |
|
|
New York, USA |
Delivered Barra Ó Donnabháin lecture in New York University; launch of Fulbright Irish Language Programme 2008-11 in Lehman College; visited NY Irish Arts Centre. |
5 |
8,522 |
|
|
Brussels |
Meeting with EU Commissioner Fischer Boel. |
5 |
1,811 |
|
|
Milwaukee, USA |
Meetings with Chancellor of University of Wisconsin Milwaukee and members of Faculty of Celtic Studies; speaker at Irish Fest Milwaukee; attended range of Irish promotional events; meeting with Mayor of Milwaukee and Chamber of Commerce; attended commemoration of Omagh bombing. |
2 |
11,465 |
|
Year |
Destination |
Purpose |
Number in Ministerial party |
Amount |
|
€ |
||||
|
Scotland |
Meeting Scottish Government representatives, including Rt. Hon Mr. Alex Salmond, MSP, First Minister of Scotland, Linda Fabiani, MSP, Minister for Europe, External Affairs & Culture, Richard Lochhead, MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs & the Environment, John Swinney, MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Finance & Sustainable Growth; meetings with Rural Development Council, Inverness, Norman Gillies of Sabhal Mor Ostaig; Scottish National Access Forum/NGOs in relation to Rural Recreation and Walkways. |
7 |
7,242 |
|
|
Isle of Man |
Meeting with Hon Allan Bell MHK, Treasury Minister; visit to Tynwald; meeting regarding rural development issues chaired by Hon Phil Gawne, MHK; visit to Bunscoil (Manx language primary school); tour of Cregneash, including meeting with native Manx speakers. |
4 |
2,030 |
|
|
Boston/New York/Portland, USA |
Guest of honour at 100 year celebration of the Mayo County Association; unveiling of plaque in honour of Éamon de Valera; visit to exhibition by Irish artist Joseph Walsh, attended inter-county football match in Gaelic Park; visited Catholic Memorial High school to meet students in Irish language programme; official opening of Maine Irish Heritage Centre; presentation with key to City by Mayor of Portland. |
3 |
11,645 |
|
|
2007 |
London |
Attended Waterways Ireland (WI) exhibition at the London Boat Show with CEO WI; launched new WI publication “Ireland: Waterways Map & Directory”. |
2 |
1,047 |
|
Phoenix, USA |
State Representative at St. Patrick’s Day events in Phoenix; meeting with Bob Walkup, Mayor of Tucson; meeting with Office of Economic Development in University of Arizona; meeting with Irish Business Network; meeting with Mayor of Phoenix, Phil Gordon; tour of Irish Art Collection in Phoenix Art Museum; visit to Irish Cultural Centre. |
5 |
30,929 |
|
|
Bonn, Germany |
Attended and gave lecture at the International Congress on Celtic Studies. |
3 |
1,126 |
|
|
Cleveland, USA |
Guest of Honour at Mayo Society of Greater Cleveland; meeting with Mayo people living in Cleveland; radio interviews. |
3 |
11,023 |
|
Year |
Destination |
Purpose |
Number in Ministerial party |
Amount |
|
€ |
||||
|
2009 |
Vienna |
Representing Irish Government at UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs. |
3 |
2,308 |
|
2008 |
London |
Chairing British-Irish Council Ministerial Meeting on Drugs. |
2 |
1,304 |
|
Copenhagen Helsinki Vaasa, Finland |
State Representative at St. Patrick’s Day events. Meeting with Danish Health Board and visiting drugs projects in Copenhagen. |
2 |
3,435 |
|
|
Brussels |
Meet on Civil Society involvement in regards to Drugs with representatives of the EU Commission. |
2 |
477 |
|
|
2007 |
Chicago |
Attending Irish Fest Milwaukee. |
2 |
11,388 |
150 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her plans regarding twin and multiple births in relation to the cutbacks in child benefit as proposed by the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35079/09]
Child benefit is a monthly payment made in respect of qualified children to assist in the costs associated with child rearing. Currently the standard monthly rates of child benefit in respect of single births are €166.00 in respect of each of the first and second child and € 203.00 for the third and subsequent children. In addition, with regard to multiple births, parents of twins are paid child benefit at one and a half times the standard monthly rate for each qualified child. Child benefit is paid in respect of multiple births of triplets or more at double the normal monthly rate for each qualified child. Furthermore a special grant of €635.00 is paid in respect of multiple births at the birth and further grants of €635.00 when the children reach age 4 and 12 years.
As you will be aware, the rates of child benefit have increased significantly since 2001 having trebled for the first two children and increased by over 185% for the third and subsequent children.
Overall expenditure on child benefit has grown from just under €965 million in 2001 to nearly €2.5 billion in 2008 as a result of these increases and growth in the number of eligible children.
The Government was able to direct such substantial increases in financial support to all Irish families in recent years. However, given the scale of the current economic crisis, it is necessary to address all aspects of the public expenditure programmes, including social welfare programmes, so as to avoid excessive borrowing and to ensure that fairness exists in the allocation of resources. The report by the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes recommended the introduction of a standard rate of Child Benefit for all children. This would have implications for households with three children or more as well as those with twins or other multiple births where rates per child which are higher than the standard are paid. Planned expenditure levels for my Department will be considered as part of the Estimates and budgetary process for 2010. This will include consideration of the report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes, and the decisions on all of the issues arising will be a matter for the Government in the context of overall taxation policy and the prevailing social and economic environment. It would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this stage pending the outcome of these deliberative processes.
151 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when rent allowance will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35151/09]
Rent Supplement is administered on behalf of the Department by the Community Welfare Service of the Health Service Executive (HSE) as part of the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme.
The Executive has advised that an application for rent supplement in this case was refused on the basis that the person concerned did not have a housing need as she had alternative accommodation available to her. The person concerned successfully appealed this decision to an appeals officer of the Executive and was notified of this decision by letter on 25th September 2009.
She was recently advised by a community welfare officer to seek suitable rented accommodation and was provided with the relevant application form for rent supplement. The Executive has advised that it has not yet received a completed application form the person concerned.
152 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a centre (details supplied) in County Louth, who operate under the auspices of the Family Support Agency, will continue to be supported; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34984/09]
The Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes made a range of recommendations relating to the Department of Social and Family Affairs including recommendations relating to the Family Support Agency and its programmes. The Department will consider, as part of the Estimates and budgetary process for 2010, the Report’s recommendations and decisions on all of the issues arising will be a matter for Government. It would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this stage pending the outcome of these deliberative processes.
153 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a child (details supplied) in Co Cork was refused the domiciliary care allowance. [35003/09]
In order to qualify for Domiciliary Care Allowance a child must have a disability so severe that it requires the child needing care and attention and/or supervision substantially in excess of another child of the same age. This care and attention must be given by another person, effectively full-time, so that the child can deal with the activities of daily living. The child must be likely to require this level of care and attention for at least 12 months.
An application for Domiciliary Care Allowance was received by the Department on 16th July 2009. This application was referred to one of the Departments Medical Assessors who found that the child in question was not medically eligible for Domiciliary Care Allowance.
A letter issued to the person in question on 10th September 2009 where she was advised of the decision to refuse Domiciliary Care Allowance on medical grounds. In the case of an application which is refused on medical grounds, the applicant may submit additional information and/or ask for the case to be reviewed by a different Medical Assessor specially designated for this task.
Where a person is not satisfied with the decision of a Deciding Officer they may appeal the decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. To date no request for review or appeal has been received.
154 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a decision will issue on a jobseeker’s benefit appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35021/09]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that, in accordance with statutory requirements, the relevant Departmental papers and comments on the grounds of appeal in the case of the person concerned have been sought. When received, the appeal in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer for early consideration.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
155 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will give consideration to an application for disability allowance by a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [35029/09]
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that, in accordance with statutory requirements, the Department was asked for the documentation in the case and the Deciding Officer's comments on the grounds of the appeal. In that context, an examination by another Medical Assessor will be carried out. The person concerned will be notified when arrangements for the examination have been completed.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
156 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of vacant civil servant or public servant positions in her Department on 1 October 2009, and in the State bodies or organisations answerable to her; the grade and the average duration of the vacancies; and if an application has been made to have these positions exempted from the public service recruitment and promotions embargo. [35043/09]
Since early 2008, the Department has experienced significant pressure on customer services due mainly to the increase in the Live Register. In recognition of this pressure, the Government has approved an increase in the number of staff working in the Department.
In line with the Government moratorium on recruitment and promotion in the Civil Service, the additional staff have been sourced by the redeployment or lateral transfer of serving Civil Servants either within the Department or from other Government Departments. To facilitate this process, in July 2009, the Department of Finance implemented a staff levy on other Government Departments to allow for the filling of the additional posts approved and for the filling of vacancies in key customer areas.
To date, some 357 additional staff have been assigned to Local Offices, new Central Support Units and the Departments Inspectorate to specifically deal with the increase in claims for unemployment payments.
The following vacancies in the Agencies under the aegis of the Department have arisen since the moratorium on recruitment and promotion in the public service was introduced. No applications for exemptions from the moratorium have been made.
|
Agency |
Vacancies |
Grade |
Vacant since |
|
Pensions Board |
1 |
CO |
August 2009 |
|
0.5 |
AP |
July 2009 |
|
|
Family Support Agency |
1 |
AP |
March 2009 |
|
1 |
HEO |
January 2009 |
|
|
Citizens Information Board |
Nil |
||
|
Pensions Ombudsman |
Nil |
157 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding a carer’s allowance appeal in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35064/09]
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that, an oral hearing of this case took place on 6th October 2009 and the Appeals Officer is now considering the appeal in the light of all the evidence submitted, including that adduced at the oral hearing. The Chief Appeals Officer will write to the Deputy when the appeal has been determined.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
158 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of foreign visits undertaken by her and her Ministers of State in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; the location of each; the number of people who travelled; the cost for each trip; if he will provide the information in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35119/09]
Details of foreign travel undertaken by my predecessors and me for 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009 are set out in the following table:
|
Year |
Location |
Purpose of trip |
Delegation (including Minister) |
Full Delegation Costs |
|
€ |
||||
|
2009 |
Boston |
Represent Irish Government at Funeral of Eunice Kennedy Shriver |
1 |
1,052 |
|
Jonkoping, Sweden |
EU meeting |
2 |
2,035 |
|
|
Vienna |
Conference for Ministers of Family Affairs |
2 |
1,694 |
|
|
Stockholm |
OECD Conference on Disability and Employment |
2 |
2,278 |
|
|
Philadelphia & Atlanta |
St. Patrick’s Day 2009 |
2 |
13,990 |
|
|
Brussels |
Meeting of Ministers for Employment and Social Affairs |
2 |
478 |
|
|
Prague |
Parental Childcare & Employment Policy meeting |
2 |
1,098 |
|
|
2008 |
Paris |
Meeting of Ministers during French Presidency of EU |
2 |
1,930 |
|
Romania |
Accompanying the President during State visit |
2 |
578 |
|
|
Brussels |
Ministerial Council meeting for Employment, Social Policy and Health ministers |
2 |
430 |
|
|
Miami & Atlanta |
St. Patrick’s Day 2008 |
3 |
28,618 |
|
|
2007 |
Rome |
St. Patrick’s Day 2007 |
4 |
6,901 |
The totals shown include the cost of flights paid directly to the relevant travel company and the cost of accommodation paid directly to hotels and the expenses which are incurred by our Embassies and reimbursed to them by the Department.
159 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Galway, who has been waiting since April 2009, will expect to be called for a medical examination by the chief medical appeals officer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35127/09]
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that, following receipt of the grounds of appeal from the person concerned, the relevant Departmental papers and comments of the Department have been sought. On receipt of its response the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer for early consideration.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
160 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when rent support will be awarded in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35152/09]
The Health Service Executive has advised that according to its records, an application for rent supplement has not been received from the person concerned, at the address supplied by the Deputy.
It is open to the person concerned to contact his local community welfare officer with a view to making an application for rent supplement in respect of his new residence.
161 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when rent allowance will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who applied in July 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35153/09]
Rent Supplement is administered on behalf of the Department by the Community Welfare Service of the Health Service Executive as part of the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme.
The Health Service Executive has advised that income details were sought in respect of the partner of the person concerned. A decision will be made on the application for rent supplementation as soon as the person concerned provides the relevant information on household income.
162 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Defence if Irish soldiers have been involved in training Iraqi soldiers in the recent past in San Remo, Italy; the number of soldiers involved; and the mandate under which they were operating. [35031/09]
The International Institute of Humanitarian Law, which has its headquarters in San Remo, Italy, was founded in 1970 as a private, independent and non-profit organisation with the primary objective of promoting the application, development and dissemination of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) in all its dimensions and to contribute to the safeguard and respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms throughout the world. Irish Defence Forces personnel have participated in the activities of the Institute since its foundation and have instructed on international courses conducted by the Institute.
In recent years the Institute has conducted courses on IHL specifically for Iraqi participants, both in San Remo and in Iraq. In November 2006 one (1) Irish officer instructed on such a course in San Remo, for 25 Iraqi civilian, police and military personnel on the subjects of Human Rights and the Rule of Law. To date no other Irish Defence Forces personnel have participated in the training of Iraqi personnel in San Remo.
165 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Defence the number of vacant civil servant or public servant positions in his Department on 1 October 2009, and in the State bodies or organisations answerable to him; the grade and the average duration of the vacancies; and if an application has been made to have these positions exempted from the public service recruitment and promotions embargo. [35036/09]
As at the 1 October 2009, there were 21 civil service vacancies in my Department and its agencies as follows:
|
Grade |
Department |
Civil Defence Board |
|
Principal Officer |
1 |
|
|
Assistant Principal Officer |
1 |
1 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
2 |
|
|
Executive Officer |
4 |
|
|
Staff Officer |
1 |
|
|
Clerical Officer |
9 |
|
|
Services Officers/Attendants etc |
2 |
|
|
Total |
20 |
1 |
The average length of vacancies is 5 months. My Department has not sought sanction to have any of these vacancies filled. In addition a total of 30 vacancies have arisen among civilian employees of the Department (State Industrial Employees) since the Moratorium on Recruitment and Promotion in the Public Service was introduced. My Department has not sought sanction to have any of these vacancies filled.
166 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Defence the number of foreign visits undertaken by him and his Ministers of State in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; the location of each; the number of people who travelled; the cost for each trip; if he will provide the information in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35111/09]
The information requested is being compiled by my Department and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
168 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the role of the Defence Forces in the event of a major emergency or terrorist attack; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35143/09]
Emergency planning in this country is developed on the "lead department" principle. This means that each department is responsible for planning for emergencies that fall within its area of responsibility. The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform is the lead government department in relation to national security related incidents (including terrorism).
The Government Task Force on Emergency Planning supports coordination of emergency planning across departments and key agencies. The Task Force, which I chair, meets on a regular basis and provides a forum for sharing information and keeping emergency planning high on the agenda of all government departments. At each meeting, An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces provide an update of the security threat analysis. The last meeting of the Task Force was held on 30 September 2009.
The Framework for Major Emergency Management sets out a structure enabling the Principal Response Agencies (An Garda Síochána, the Health Service Executive and Local Authorities) to prepare for, and make a coordinated response to, major emergencies resulting from events such as fires, transport accidents, hazardous substance incidents and severe weather. The Major Emergency Plans which have been developed by local and regional authorities identify the procedures for requesting assistance from the Defence Forces. The involvement of the Defence Forces in responding to emergencies arises from requests for assistance from An Garda Síochána (aid to the civil power) or from other agencies of the State (aid to the civil authority). The role of the Defence Forces in these situations is dependent on the nature of the incident and the assistance requested.
The negotiation of prior agreed arrangements through Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and Service Level Agreements (SLAs) between the Department of Defence, the Defence Forces and relevant Government Departments continues to facilitate a planned and efficient response in emergency situations. SLAs have been agreed with a range of Departments in this regard and discussions are ongoing with other Government Departments and agencies regarding the developments of further SLAs.
169 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the number of female personnel in the Defence Force; the extent to which such numbers have fluctuated over the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35144/09]
The numbers of female personnel serving in the Defence Forces over the past five years and in 2009 to date by rank is set out in the tabular statement under:
|
Officers |
Non Commissioners Officers |
Privates |
Total |
|
|
31/12/04 |
105 |
125 |
284 |
514 |
|
31/12/05 |
108 |
133 |
288 |
529 |
|
31/12/06 |
121 |
143 |
292 |
556 |
|
31/12/07 |
126 |
148 |
286 |
560 |
|
31/12/08 |
138 |
167 |
265 |
570 |
|
30/09/09 |
142 |
171 |
252 |
565 |
In the period 2004 to 31 December 2008 inclusive, the strength of female personnel in the Defence Forces grew from 514 on 31 December 2004 to 570 on 31 December 2008. This figure has fallen to 565 on 30 September 2009. Overall there is an increase of 9.9% in the number of females serving over the period 2004 to 30 September 2009. The Government is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for men and women throughout the Defence Forces and to the full participation by women in all aspects of Defence Forces activities. Unlike many other national armed forces, the Defence Forces have no restrictions as regards the assignment of men or women to the full range of operational and administrative duties. All promotions and career courses are open to both genders on merit.
170 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if all Irish troops serving on peacekeeping or stabilisation missions have had opportunity to train with EU and UN personnel to achieve standards compatible with other troops on such missions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35145/09]
The Defence Forces receive ongoing training to enable them to participate fully in UN, EU and other missions overseas. Troops selected for overseas service undergo a rigorous programme of training, designed to help them carry out their peacekeeping mission and to provide for their protection. Pre-deployment training is provided to members of the Permanent Defence Force and is updated on an ongoing basis in the light of any changes in the threat assessment or mission requirements.
The Defence Forces are also involved in interoperability training and technical developments in co-ordination with UN and EU partners. For example the Defence Forces took part in Exercise Illuminated Summer in Autumn 2007, as part of the main interoperability exercise, during Ireland's membership of the Nordic Battlegroup 2008. The Defence Forces have also participated in a range of desktop and command post exercises based on realistic peacekeeping scenarios. Defence Forces training is based on and updated in accordance with best practice international training standards.
Ireland, in common with other neutral EU Member States who are members of Partnership for Peace (PfP), participates in the PfP Planning and Review Process (PARP) mechanism for planning in relation to peace support operations. The scope of Ireland's involvement in PARP is focussed on enhancing interoperability so that Defence Forces personnel can operate efficiently and effectively in a multinational environment. I am satisfied that Defence Forces personnel serving overseas receive, and will continue to receive, the necessary training to enable them to carry out their duties in a professional manner.
171 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if the strength of the Naval Service is currently up to the required level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35146/09]
172 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if the strength of the Air Corps is currently up to requirement at all levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35147/09]
173 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the current and required strength of the Permanent Defence Force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35148/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 171 to 173, inclusive, together.
The White Paper on Defence of February 2000 sets out a figure of 10,500 personnel for the Permanent Defence Force comprising 930 for the Air Corps, 1,144 for the Naval Service and 8,426 for the Army. I am advised by the military authorities that on 30 September 2009, the most recent date for which figures are available, the actual total strength of the Permanent Defence Force was 10,081 comprising 812 Air Corps, 1,038 Naval Service and 8,231 Army personnel. In the context of the Government decision on the implementation of savings measures on public service numbers and the reduced budgetary provision available for 2009, all recruitment was suspended.
My focus at this point in time is on ensuring that the Defence Forces retain operational capability. I am acutely aware of the impact of the moratorium on the permanent Defence Force particularly in light of the very high turnover rate that is part of any military organisation. I am in ongoing contact with my colleague, the Minister for Finance regarding limited exceptions to the moratorium which are targeted at maintaining the operational capability and command arrangements of the Permanent Defence Force. I am advised that at this time the Defence Forces retain the capacity to undertake the tasks laid down by Government at home and overseas.
174 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if sufficient resources are available to the Air Corps and Naval Service to provide sufficient surveillance to prevent drug trafficking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35149/09]
175 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if he has satisfied himself that adequate resources are available to the Air Corps and Naval Service to ensure adequate coastal surveillance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35150/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 174 and 175 together.
The Naval Service provides the maritime element of the Defence Forces and has a general responsibility to meet contingent and actual maritime defence requirements. The Naval Service operates eight general purpose patrol ships. All eight ships are involved in coastal and offshore patrolling and surveillance for the State in that part of the seas where State jurisdiction applies. The primary day-to-day tasking of the Naval Service is to provide a fishery protection service in accordance with the State's obligations as a member of the European Union. However, as the need arises, Naval Service vessels are deployed to other duties such as aid to the civil power, search and rescue or recovery, and drug interdiction operations.
The current Exclusive Fishery Limits extend to 200 miles offshore and cover an area of 132,000 nautical square miles. The Naval Service currently patrols the entire 200 mile limit and periodically patrols beyond these limits to protect specific fisheries. These patrols are carried out on a regular and frequent basis and are directed to all areas of Irish waters as necessary. The number of Patrol Vessels on patrol in Irish waters at any one time varies between three and eight. The Naval Service is committed to having at least three vessels on patrol within the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone at any one time. All vessels are multi-tasked in the sense that they also undertake general surveillance, security and other duties while on patrol. Naval Service patrols are complemented by assistance provided by the Air Corps. The Air Corps Maritime Squadron carries out aerial surveillance of our Exclusive Economic Zone using the two CASA maritime patrol aircraft.
The Irish Coast Guard has overall responsibility for the provision of maritime Search and Rescue services within the Irish Search and Rescue region. In accordance with the roles assigned to them by Government in the White Paper on Defence, the Defence Forces are committed to providing support to the civil authorities including in relation to Search and Rescue. In this regard, the Naval Service and Air Corps provide support to the Coast Guard as the need arises and within their available capability.
Responsibility for the prevention of drug trafficking rests primarily with the Customs Service of the Revenue Commissioners. Responsibility for the prevention of crime, including people trafficking, rests primarily with An Garda Siochána. However, the White Paper on Defence provides for a security role for the Naval Service and the Air Corps to assist and support the civil authorities in this important work.
Government measures to improve law enforcement in relation to drugs, including the establishment in 1993 of a Joint Task Force involving An Garda Síochána, the Customs Service and the Naval Service, have helped to maximise the effective use of Naval Service resources in combating drug trafficking. The Air Corps provide air support and, on occasion, carry the Customs National Drugs Team in an observational capacity for the purpose of monitoring vessels suspected of drug trafficking and other illegal activities. There is close co-operation between the civil authorities and the Naval Service and the Air Corps in discharging this important mission. I am satisfied that the Permanent Defence Force is fully resourced to meet all its operational requirements.
176 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will make a statement on his failure to follow through on his commitment to improve water quality around the coast in response to the June 2007 European Court of Justice shellfish waters ruling and on indications from the European Commission that new legal action will be taken against him. [35098/09]
The ruling in question refers to a case against Ireland in relation to the implementation of Directive 2006/113/EC on the quality of shellfish waters. Responsibility for this function transferred to my Department in November 2008. I am committed to improving water quality in all of our waters and I have strengthened the legislative framework considerably since taking office as well as providing significant Exchequer funding under the Water Services Investment Programme.
In relation to shellfish waters specifically, I designated 49 new shellfish waters in February 2009, bringing the total number of designated waters to 63. In addition, a process has been put in place for the preparation of Pollution Reduction Programmes by the end of this year for each of the designated sites. These Programmes will set out specific actions to protect and improve, where necessary, the water quality in the designated waters.
177 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will confirm his commitment to exclude registered hunt kennels from the Control of Dogs (Amendment) Act 1992; the input that was sought from people affected by the legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35019/09]
Work is under way in drafting an amendment to the Control of Dogs Acts and I hope to publish my proposals in the near future. The process has included discussions with a number of organisations, bodies, public agencies and interests active in the area. The draft Bill proposes to give statutory effect to the recommendations of the Working Group that had been established to review the management of dog breeding establishments. The Group recommended that a dog breeding establishment be defined as ‘a premises containing more than 5 female dogs, aged over 4 months, with breeding potential'.
The draft Bill proposes that dog breeding establishments be required to register with the relevant local authority, that they pay a registration fee and that they meet a minimum set of veterinary, welfare and other standards, together with some associated requirements. The Hunting Association of Ireland (HAI) made submissions to me in relation to their activities and the nature of these. As a consequence and in recognition of the "not for profit" basis of these activities, and as communicated to the HAI directly and in response to representations on their behalf, I decided to provide exemption in the legislation in respect of the payment of registration fees. The HAI has made clear that their premises operate in accordance with comprehensive and appropriate standards. Accordingly, I do not consider that this aspect of the legislative regime should cause difficulty to their members.
178 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of vacant civil servant or public servant positions in his Department on 1 October 2009, and in the State bodies or organisations answerable to him; the grade and the average duration of the vacancies; and if an application has been made to have these positions exempted from the public service recruitment and promotions embargo. [35038/09]
My Department's authorised non-industrial staffing level is 1,205 and the industrial permanent staffing level is 116. On 1 October, 2009 staffing levels for non-industrial staff were 77 less than the authorised number and 10 less at industrial level and all grades are affected.
My Department has restructured its Business Units in order to deliver on its key objectives and to comply with Government Policy on Public Sector Numbers. The Department has sought sanction from the Department of Finance to fill 6 posts, 3 of which require specialist scientific skills. The Department has also sought sanction for seasonal industrial staff for the National Parks and Reserves during the 2009 and 2010 peak visitor seasons.
Day to day staffing and operational matters are matters for the individual agencies concerned and information would not generally be available in my Department on the number of vacancies in an agency at any given time. Under the moratorium on promotions and recruitment, the sanction of the Minister for Finance is required to fill posts and in accordance with this policy my Department has sought the sanction of the Minister for Finance to fill a number of posts in agencies under my aegis.
179 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his proposals for modernising the landlord and tenant contact that will be included in the Housing Bill 2008 which will strengthen the position of tenants of approved housing bodies. [35059/09]
Part 3 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 provides for a new scheme of incremental purchase, which will, among other things, enable approved housing bodies to sell new dwellings provided for the purposes of the scheme to tenants at a substantial discount. This Part of the Act will be brought into operation in the coming months.
In September 2009, my Department published, for consultation purposes, a consultancy report on a strategic review of the voluntary and co-operative housing sector, which will inform future policy with regard to funding arrangements and governance for the sector, including tenure and related matters.
180 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to hold an election in 2010 for a directly elected mayor; the legislation he is preparing to introduce this new position; when he expects to introduce this legislation into the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35074/09]
181 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the effect the imminent creation of a national transport regulator, which will take over from the Dublin Transport Authority, will have on his plans for the proposed directly elected mayor of Dublin to chair the Dublin Transport Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35075/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 180 and 181 together.
My Department is currently drafting the necessary legislation to give effect to the Government's decision to introduce a Mayor of Dublin. Given my intention to hold mayoral elections next year it will be necessary to have the relevant legislation in place well in advance, and I will be bringing my proposals in this regard to Government in the coming weeks.
My Department is in ongoing contact with the Department of Transport concerning the Mayor's transport functions in Dublin in light of the legislation to change the Dublin Transport Authority into a National Transport Authority; final arrangements will be contained in the legislation on the Dublin Mayor.
182 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he plans to facilitate persons who purchased houses under the affordable housing scheme to re-mortgage their property as in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Cork. [35091/09]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 1053 of 16 September 2009. The position is unchanged.
183 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will require uniformity from local authorities regarding construction and demolition waste where currently some authorities require a permit to move construction and demolition waste while other authorities do not; if his attention has been drawn to this problem; his views on whether it is unfair to allow this situation continue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35095/09]
Having regard to the definition of waste in Council Directive 2006/12/EC on waste (the framework waste Directive), section 4 of the Waste Management Act 1996 defines waste as any substance or object belonging to a category of waste specified in the First Schedule of the Act or for the time being included in the European Waste Catalogue "which the holder discards or intends or is required to discard.".
Construction and demolition material would be regarded as a waste if the holder discards or intends or is required to discard it, e.g. in the context of construction or development activity. In such circumstances waste collectors will need a waste permit under the Waste Management (Collection Permit) Regulations 2007, as amended. However, there are circumstances where the material might not be considered a waste, having regard to this definition.
The Office of Environmental Enforcement issued guidance — Aspects of Construction and Demolition Waste Regulation — in December 2008, which provides guidance on the legal framework covering the recovery or disposal of construction and demolition wastes in Ireland. It is directed at regulators and those undertaking site activities such as site owners, developers and C&D companies. It provides guidance on determining whether a material arising from a C&D activity is waste or not, the type of authorisation that applies and the classification of this material.
184 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to require local authorities to provide facilities for construction and demolition waste; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some local authorities do not provide such facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35096/09]
While the provision of waste facilities to meet the objectives of the relevant statutory waste management plan is primarily a matter for the local authorities, recycling, recovery or disposal of construction and demolition waste in accordance with statutory requirements is specifically the responsibility of the producer.
I am satisfied that Ireland has an adequate network of fully licensed or permitted recovery/disposal sites which meet our current recovery or disposal needs. In total there are approximately 51 EPA licensed landfill and soil recovery facilities. The majority of the EPA facilities are capable of accepting C&D waste. In addition, there are approximately 1,800 waste facilities permitted by the local authorities that are capable of taking the C&D material.
185 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will make a statement on a matter (details supplied) in County Limerick. [35097/09]
The combined Dromcollogher, Hospital, Pallasgreen and Bruff Sewerage Scheme is included for funding in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009.
Local authorities were asked in July to submit an assessment of needs for water and sewerage services to my Department by 23 October 2009. These assessments will form a key input to the development of the 2010 to 2012 Water Services Investment Programme, which it is anticipated will be published in early 2010. In conducting their assessments, local authorities have been asked to prioritise schemes and contracts for progression over the coming years based on key environmental and economic criteria.
Limerick County Council's Preliminary Report for this scheme will be considered further when the Council's assessment of needs is received taking into account the priority attached to the scheme by the Council.
186 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of polling clerks and presiding officers employed to work on the Lisbon treaty referendum on 2 October 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35100/09]
187 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of polling clerks and presiding officers employed to work on the Lisbon treaty referendum on 2 October 2009 who are in full-time employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35101/09]
188 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of polling clerks and presiding officers employed to work on the Lisbon treaty referendum on 2 October 2009 who are in receipt of a pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35102/09]
I propose to take Question Nos. 186 to 188, inclusive, together.
The primary role of my Department in electoral matters is to provide an appropriate policy and legislative framework for a modern and efficient electoral system. Within this framework, local returning officers are responsible for all matters in connection with the actual conduct of elections and referenda, including the selection, appointment and training of polling station staff to take the poll on polling day in accordance with the relevant provisions of electoral law.
189 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of foreign visits undertaken by him and his Ministers of State in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; the location of each; the number of people who travelled; the cost for each trip; if he will provide the information in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35114/09]
The information requested is currently being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
190 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount spent on all aspects of the Flagford to Srananagh 220kv project since its inception. [34986/09]
191 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount the overrun is expected to be from the original estimates for the Flagford to Srananagh ESB project. [34987/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 190 and 191 together.
I have no statutory function regarding the construction of specific power lines or in relation to arrangements entered into with landowners by ESB networks and EirGrid. The matters raised are operational matters for the two State bodies with statutory responsibilities to deliver Ireland's transmission and distribution network infrastructure.
192 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the lack of broadband provision in County Sligo; his views on concerns that the national broadband scheme will not impact positively on broadband provision in County Sligo; if his further attention has been drawn to a local group which has applied for funding from his Department to conduct a survey of broadband needs for County Sligo, including the impact the national broadband scheme will have in the county; if he will fund this survey; if not, the reason for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35086/09]
Final decisions on the Electoral Divisions (ED) to be included in the National Broadband Scheme (NBS) were taken following an extensive mapping exercise to identify those areas throughout the country where broadband services were not available. This involved gathering data from all service providers in the country detailing areas in which they provided a service. Where EDs were shown to be substantially served by existing service providers, they were excluded from the NBS. Of the 82 Electoral Districts in County Sligo, 27 were deemed to be within the NBS coverage area.
Officials from Sligo County Council have been in touch with my Department in relation to the issue of a survey of broadband services in County Sligo. My officials held a very positive meeting with a delegation from the Council earlier this week to discuss details surrounding a survey of broadband services throughout the county to be carried out on behalf of the Council. My Department has not received an application for funding of such a survey nor was it raised during the meeting with officials from the Council. Consideration of any such application would of course have to be informed by the availability of resources.
193 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of foreign visits undertaken by him and his Ministers of State in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; the location of each; the number of people who travelled; the cost for each trip; if he will provide the information in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35109/09]
In the time available it has not been possible to collate the information requested by the Deputy. The information will be provided to the Deputy as soon as possible.
194 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason the single farm payment of a person (details supplied) in County Cork has not been issued; if he will ensure this payment is issued as soon as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34996/09]
An application under the 2009 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 12 May 2009. Payments under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme commenced on 22 September, with payments issuing in respect of those cases cleared for payment at that stage. Payments continue to issue as outstanding issues are resolved. The application of the person named has been fully processed and the applicant has been paid his Disadvantaged Areas Scheme payment.
195 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the funds paid to pork primary processors, to secondary processors, wholesalers and retailers as a result of the recall of pork and bacon products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35055/09
To date a total of €69m has been paid to pigmeat processors under the Pigmeat Recall Scheme, €30m to primary processors and €39m to secondary processors. This includes some payments in respect of product supplied to retailers which was removed from shelves and destroyed immediately following the recall. However, no payments are being made directly to retailers or wholesalers — instead, the procedure has been for such entities to make their own claim against their suppliers, who in turn may submit a claim for consideration by the Department.
196 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when an application will be processed in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35093/09]
An application under the 2009 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 30 April 2009. Payments under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme commenced on 22 September, with payments issuing in respect of those cases cleared for payment at that stage. Payments continue to issue as outstanding issues are resolved. The application of the person named has now been fully processed and payment will issue shortly.
197 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of foreign visits undertaken by him and his Ministers of State in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; the location of each; the number of people who travelled; the cost for each trip; if he will provide the information in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35107/09]
The information requested is being compiled and will be made available as soon as possible.
198 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a contract (details supplied) did not go through the normal public procurement procedure; the further reason for the limited tender period; the value of the contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34981/09]
The Education Centre in question is part of a network of twenty one full time and nine part time centres. As per the Education Act (1998) these centres are bodies corporate and each centre has a management committee which governs their day to day business. My Department does provide funding to the Education Centres and has provided the Centres with a set of Financial Guidelines which they use in their accounting procedures. In these Guidelines we have directed that in the case of tendering, the Management Committee must determine in advance the tendering procedure to be used in each case with reference to Public Procurement Guidelines.
The contract in this case was for under €5,000 and the Public Procurement Guidelines state that supplies and services for less than €5,000 in value can be purchased on the basis of verbal quotes from one or more competitive suppliers and that there are no prescribed time limits. The tender in this particular case was advertised in newspapers and on the Education Centre's website and there was a period of three weeks for interested parties to apply.
199 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will make a statement on the withdrawal of funding to arts organisations funded by his Department (details supplied). [35001/09]
My Department fully appreciates the importance of arts and culture to children's education and personal development. The arts help to promote a child's self esteem and enjoyment of learning. They also provide an important vehicle for personal enrichment and cultural expression, as well as creating awareness and respect for other cultures. Working through the arts helps to nurture and develop cognitive, communicative, emotional, imaginative, aesthetic, social, and spiritual intelligences and skills. Learning through guided activity and discovery, with children as active agents in their own learning and enrichment, is a vital part of this process. This is why arts education, through Music, Visual Arts, and Drama, and of course, through language, forms an integral part of the primary curriculum.
Schools in DEIS are particularly aware of the importance of the arts in addressing disadvantage, and in promoting success in learning. Many schools in DEIS use the flexible budgets they receive to promote integrated links with community arts organisations and to offer enrichment programmes in support of the curriculum. The companies to which the Deputy refers are among a number of Theatre and Arts Groups that received funding from my Department over the last ten years to provide performances on relevant topics and drama/arts workshops in disadvantaged schools where the groups are located. This support was drawn from the Department's educational disadvantage budget which is primarily focused on assisting schools in their efforts to cater for the specific educational needs of children from disadvantaged backgrounds. With the introduction of the DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) programme in 2006, significant additional capitation funding was made and continues to be made available to the 876 schools in DEIS. DEIS is designed to ensure that schools serving the most disadvantaged communities benefit from the maximum level of support available.
There is a need to focus targeted resources on the schools in most need and this approach is in line with the broad thrust of the recommendations of the Comptroller and Auditor General which are set out in his report on Primary Disadvantage of 2006, which recommended that the Department should focus its educational disadvantage measures on those schools serving the most disadvantaged communities. In light of the current economic downturn the Department's focus is to retain mainstream resources on core interventions in schools. Support for the Theatre Groups is not consistent with this focus and such spending can not be regarded as a priority. While it is appreciated that the discontinuation of these resources will impact on the groups, given the extremely challenging economic circumstances, difficult decisions had to be made in order to contain public sector spending.
As the main focus of Social Inclusion measures is to retain resources in DEIS schools, these schools may at their discretion choose to use some of their additional disadvantaged capitation to avail of the services provided by the Theatre Groups.
200 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Education and Science when an investigation will be concluded in respect of a matter (detail supplied): the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35005/09]
The inquiry to which the Deputy refers was established in February 2006 by my predecessor as Minister for Education and Science and relates to Kilkenny City Vocational School. The terms of reference are set out below.
I share the Deputy's concerns regarding the delay in concluding this inquiry. In view of the time that has elapsed since the establishment of the inquiry, the inquiry officer has been requested to provide an interim report, as provided for under the Terms of Reference. The Inquiry Officer has recently informed my officials that he has concluded the taking of evidence from relevant persons, and he expects to be in a position to furnish an interim report to me by the end of this year.
Terms of Reference
I, Mary Hanafin T.D., Minister for Education and Science, in exercise of the powers conferred on me by section 105 of the Vocational Education Act 1930, hereby appoint Mr Torlach O'Connor, retired Assistant Chief Inspector of the Department of Education and Science, to–
(a) carry out an inquiry into the performance by Ms Cathy McSorley, Principal of Kilkenny City Vocational School, of her duties as Principal of Kilkenny City Vocational School and such an inquiry shall include, but not necessarily be limited to, an inquiry into—
(i) the organisation and administration of that school in the area of human resource management,
(ii) the alleged failure of Ms McSorley to effectively apply the schools disciplinary policy,
(iii) the alleged engagement by Ms McSorley in the bullying of staff members of County Kilkenny Vocational Education Committee,
(iv) the alleged failure of Ms McSorley to comply with the lawful orders of the Vocational Education Committee as directed from time to time by the Chief Executive Officer,
(v) the administration of the school by Ms McSorley with regard to recording of the roll books in the school and the supervision of a foreign trip by the school in February 2001, and
(vi) the alleged payment by Ms McSorley to students enrolled in Kilkenny City Vocational School to attend such school.
(b) to report to me the outcome of the inquiry as speedily and in as efficient a manner as possible, having regard to the circumstances of the case,
(c) to provide an interim report if requested by me to do so.
The terms of reference may be subject to such addition or amendment as I consider appropriate.
Signed this 20th day of February 2006
_____________
Mary Hanafin TD
Minister for Education and Science
201 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the assistance he will provide to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35046/09]
The decision on eligibility for student grants is a matter for the relevant assessing authority — i.e. the local authority or VEC. These bodies do not refer individual applications to my Department except, in exceptional cases, where, for example, advice or instruction regarding a particular clause in the relevant scheme is required.
If an individual applicant considers that she/he has been unjustly refused a maintenance grant, or that the rate of grant awarded is not the correct one, she/he may appeal, in the first instance, to the relevant local authority or VEC. Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down, in writing, by the assessing authority, and remains of the view that the body has not interpreted the schemes correctly in his/her case, an appeal form outlining the position may be submitted by the applicant to my Department.
No appeal has been submitted to date in this case.
202 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will make a statement regarding the outstanding moneys for a school (details supplied); the reason he refuses to release these moneys; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35057/09]
The bulk of the funding due for payment under the terms of the contract between the school and the contractor for this project has issued to the school on foot of appropriate certification that certain works have been completed. However, to date, a final certificate, signed by the Consultant Architect, confirming satisfactory completion of the project has not been received in my Department from the school.
My Department is aware of the difficulties arising between the school and the building contractor in question that have delayed the satisfactory conclusion of this project. There has been considerable correspondence between the parties involved and my Department with a view to reaching a solution to the matter. When the outstanding issues are resolved and appropriate certification supplied, my Department will be in a position to the release the remaining funding on the project.
203 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the loss of a teacher at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 3 has caused class sizes to rise from 26 to 32; the steps he will take to reduce class numbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35072/09]
The budget measures will impact on individual schools in different ways depending on whether enrolment is rising or declining and the degree to which any one school has more teachers than it is entitled to under the allocation processes. In terms of the position at individual school level the key factor for determining the level of resources provided by my Department is the pupil enrolment at 30 September 2008.
The Deputy will be aware that my Department has published provisional information on the Department's website about teacher allocations for 2009/10 school year. This was done as a first step at improving the level of information in the public domain about changes to the staffing allocations at both primary and post-primary level. The allocations are provisional at this stage and reflect the initial allocation position. The final position for any one school will depend on a number of other factors such as additional posts for schools that are developing rapidly and posts allocated as a result of the appeals processes. The operation of redeployment arrangements also impacts on the final position as a teacher can remain in his or her existing school where a suitable redeployment position does not exist. The final staffing position for all schools will therefore not be known until later in the autumn. At that stage the allocation process will be fully completed for mainstream classroom teachers and I remain committed to publishing updated information.
While the staffing schedule allocates on the basis of an average number of pupils each individual school decides on how to arrange its classes. Combined classes are a feature of the majority of schools in the country and this arrangement has no adverse implications for the quality of the education children receive.
In terms of class sizes 80% of primary pupils were in classes of less than 30 pupils during the last school year. With over 20,000 individual classes spread across all schools throughout the country there will inevitably be differences in individual class sizes. Some schools can have class sizes of greater than 28 but this is often because of a local decision by a school to use its teaching resources in order to have smaller numbers in other classes.
204 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that persons applying for teaching positions in certain secondary schools were asked personal questions about their religion at interview stage; if he will clarify the exact legal status of this arrangement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35089/09]
The recruitment and appointment of personnel to fill teaching posts is a matter for the Board of Management of each individual school.
205 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of foreign visits undertaken by him and his Ministers of State in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; the location of each; the number of people who travelled; the cost for each trip; if he will provide the information in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35112/09]
The information requested by the Deputy is being collated by my officials, but unfortunately it has not been possible to fully gather all the relevant data in the time available. I will reply directly to the Deputy as soon as the information has been fully collated.
