Vol. 692 No. 3
106 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he has received representations relating to difficulties being experienced by persons seeking access to grants for tourist site upgrades; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37428/09]
In accordance with the provisions of section 8(1) of the National Tourism Development Authority Act, 2003, it is a day-to-day matter for Fáilte Ireland to encourage, promote and support either inside or outside the State (a) the development of Tourism traffic within and to the State and (b) the development and marketing of tourist facilities and services within the State.
Fáilte Ireland administers the Tourism Capital Investment Programme (TCIP), which provides support for the development of major visitor attractions and visitor activities.
Applications for support in the categories of Visitor Attractions and Visitor Activities were invited by way of public advertisement by Fáilte Ireland in Spring 2008. The closing date for applications was end-April 2008.
From time to time I receive representations from the promoters of projects, or from public representatives on their behalf, in relation to funding under this programme. In my replies, I have always made clear that the administration of the programme is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland, and that I do not have any role in the decision-making process in respect of individual projects.
I understand that the Deputy's question may relate to a small number of projects that have been provisionally approved for funding by Fáilte Ireland, but are delayed due to difficulties promoters are experiencing in providing the matching amount of own funding required under the programme. In this regard, the maximum level of the grant available as a proportion of the overall project is set out in the guidelines governing the programme and this takes into account the relevant EU State Aid rules. While I appreciate that some promoters have had difficulty in securing adequate levels of finance, Fáilte Ireland have to abide by the terms of the programme, including EU State Aid rules, which require minimum levels of matched funding.
107 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he is satisfied that the decentralisation of his Department has been a successful initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37434/09]
The Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism was designated for relocation to Killarney, Co. Kerry, under the Government's Decentralisation Programme, which was announced in the 2004 Budget. The Department, excluding the National Archives, was designated an "early mover" by the Decentralisation Implementation Group.
A key objective in implementing the Government decision was to manage the organisational challenge while continuing to deliver a quality customer service to the Department's key stakeholders and customers. In order to meet the needs of new staff transferring into the Department, a comprehensive training plan was put in place, which was regularly reviewed and revised. Procedures Manuals were also prepared in the financial area and in the case of the Department's major capital programmes.
To specifically address the potential loss of institutional memory, the transfer of staff into the Department was planned carefully and carried out on a phased basis over a number of years with appropriate training given to new staff as required. The Department continued to operate successfully and at full capacity throughout the process.
To date, 79 members of staff (including two service officers who were recruited locally) have relocated to the new purpose built offices which opened last December in Killarney. In order to provide an efficient and effective service to its stakeholders including the Minister, Minister of State and the Houses of the Oireachtas, particularly when the Dail is in session, 20 posts were identified as requiring a predominantly Dublin presence while officers in those posts also spend periods of time in Killarney. In addition, extensive use is made of the video-conferencing facilities in the Department and every effort is made to co-ordinate and "cluster" meetings in order to keep the need for travel between the two locations to a minimum.
I believe that the Department has managed the process well and has continued to operate successfully and at full capacity at all times.
109 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on the competitiveness indicators developed by the World Economic Forum for the world travel and tourism competitiveness index; his plans to utilise same here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37385/09]
As the Deputy will be aware, the World Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index was referred to in the Report of the Tourism Renewal Group which was published on 8 October 2009. I welcome the Report as the central framework for a strategic response to the challenges facing the tourism sector. I refer the Deputy to my response to the Priority Questions No. 96 and No. 97 put by Deputies Upton and Mitchell in relation to the Report of the Tourism Renewal Group generally.
The Tourism Renewal Group examined the tourism policy and programme priorities, actions and targets, with a focus on the new challenges facing the industry. The Renewal Group considered, inter alia, what targets might be most usefully employed to measure and direct tourism strategy. In addition to recommending measuring the share of the global and domestic markets held by the Irish tourism industry, as well as visitor and holidaymaker numbers, the Report of the Tourism Renewal Group recommended the use of benchmarks of competitiveness. This reflects the fact that tourism competitiveness is multidimensional and it is more than simply costs — it is also about the quality of service and experience of the visitor. It is important to benchmark competitiveness, as performance in terms of visitor numbers is heavily influenced by economic conditions in source markets.
In that regard, the Renewal Group identified the Tourism and Travel Competitiveness Report, produced by the World Economic Forum, as a potential source of such benchmarks. The WEF Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report is similar in nature to its more widely known international Competitiveness Reports. The WEF measures different regulatory and business-related issues, which it has identified as levers for improving travel and tourism competitiveness in countries around the world. It scores and ranks every country across 72 different areas, grouped under 14 pillars. As with its other Competitiveness Reports, the WEF uses both hard statistical data and responses to the World Economic Forum's Executive Opinion Survey.
As the Index is global, it uses a wide range of criteria, not all of which are relevant to a small, developed, Western European destination like Ireland. The Renewal Group therefore proposed that Ireland's competitiveness be benchmarked
using those criteria in the Index most relevant to Ireland and
against countries, which are reasonably comparable to Ireland in terms of their tourism offering, taking account of their cultural and natural assets, size, location and GDP.
The Renewal Group recommended that the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism work with the tourism agencies, with the assistance of the OECD and the WEF, on a suitable subset of indicators that can usefully benchmark Ireland's tourism competitiveness. My Department has commenced an examination of the Group's recommendation and will be following it up with the other bodies in the coming months.
111 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he has had contact with the Department of Finance regarding the National Asset Management Agency legislation and the impact it may have on the hotel industry by virtue of the fact that a number of hotels are expected to be transferred to NAMA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37374/09]
The Department of Arts Sport and Tourism maintains contact with all other Government Departments regarding matters that affect the tourism industry. In keeping with this practice the Department has been in contact with the Department of Finance and the National Treasury Management Agency regarding the operation of the National Asset Management Agency (NAMA).
At this stage it is too early to say what impact the operation of NAMA will have on the hotel sector. However, it is expected that a number of loans that are secured on hotel properties will be taken over by NAMA. It is also expected that the Board of NAMA will carry out its own assessment of the hotels sector to inform its policy on how to manage those loans. It will be a matter for NAMA to determine how those loans should be managed.
It is clear that the manner in which NAMA deals with non-performing loans and the hotel stock secured on those loans will impact on the future operation of the hotels sector. In this regard, my officials, will remain in contact with the Department of Finance and NAMA to advise on the likely implications of any actions NAMA may take and to promote positive solutions for the future viability of the overall tourism industry in Ireland.
112 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if his attention has been drawn to the concerns relating to an unfair allocation of national lottery funding under the sports capital grants; and if he has any proposals in this regard. [37219/09]
122 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the basis on which decisions have been made in the allocation of national lottery funding for sports capital grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37218/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 112 and 122 together.
All applications under the Sports Capital Programme are assessed according to the Programme's published assessment criteria. These criteria, which are issued with application forms, can be summarised as follows:
the extent to which projects increase active participation and result in improved standards of sport especially in disadvantaged areas;
the financial viability of the project; and
the need to achieve an equitable spread geographically and across different sports and community groups.
In addition, projects identified as being located in areas designated as disadvantaged, or as serving disadvantaged areas, are targeted and prioritised. A scoring system is employed which allocates marks to each application consistent with the extent to which it meets the assessment criteria. Different weighting is attached to the various criteria depending on their importance.
The applications are divided into two categories for assessment — local and non-local i.e. national, regional and municipal-multisport. For local projects, the level of funding to each county is on the basis of a pro-rata distribution of the available funding on the basis of the population as set out in the most recent census of population. All local applications from an individual county are assessed by one member of staff to ensure a consistent approach to applications from the county concerned. These assessments are then subject to quality proofing by more senior officers to the officer which conducted the initial assessment. Applications which meet the basic qualifying conditions each receive a score, which decides their order of priority within their own county.
In cases where a sufficient number of eligible projects is not received from a county, any excess funding is typically distributed pro-rata among counties that have an excess of eligible projects. Non-local projects are assessed on additional criteria such as the location of the proposed facility within the network of national, regional, municipal facilities and linkages with the Department's Local Authority Swimming Pools Programme. Following completion of the assessment process, a list of recommended allocations is submitted to the Minister for approval.
Both the assessment of applications and the payment of allocations under the Sports Capital Programme is subject to inspection by my Department's internal audit section and by the Comptroller and Auditor General. Any issues brought to the attention of the Department in relation to applications made under the Sports Capital Programme are closely scrutinised to ensure that they comply with the terms and conditions of the Programme.
113 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on a call to offer free travel to senior citizens from the whole of the United Kingdom and on whether this would help increase the British tourist market, which has fallen by almost 20% year on year; if he will advocate same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37375/09]
Any change in relation to the free travel scheme for senior citizens is, in the first instance, a matter for my colleague the Minister for Social and Family Affairs. While the scheme is free for those who are eligible, all of the transport companies involved, including CIE, are paid for the service by the Department of Social and Family Affairs. I understand the estimated cost of the scheme in 2009 is €76.4 million. Any extension of the scheme to include other EU citizens would have potential cost implications. In addition, I am advised that it would not be possible to provide free travel only to British old age pensioners as this would discriminate on the basis of nationality within the European Union.
With regard to tourism figures from Great Britain, I have acknowledged that this is a particularly challenging period for visitors from this market. It is important to note however, that outbound travel from Great Britain has fallen across the board in the face of challenging economic circumstances and the sterling exchange rate.
To help address these challenges in the short term, I recently launched an additional €1.5M Marketing Initiative for the GB market which will run until year-end. It will build on the work that has gone on in the market throughout the year when tens of millions of consumers in Britain have received targeted messages about Ireland, how easy it is to get here and what great value is available. The additional campaign will reaffirm the "Value" message and help demonstrate to the consumer that value and quality here have never been better.
In addition, Tourism Ireland initiated its Project Britain review late last year with the aim of seeing where the best future opportunities and potential lie, to give us sustained growth for future years. I understand that work on this review is being finalised at present and I look forward to launching the new Project Britain Strategy and Action Plan later this year as part of the Tourism Ireland Marketing Plans for 2010. Future priorities in terms of marketing in Great Britain will obviously be influenced by the content of this review.
114 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the direction he will provide the Department of Finance on the issue of the artists tax exemption scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37388/09]
As I have outlined in responses to Parliamentary Questions on this matter on the 16th June and 24th September last the operation of the Artists Exemption scheme is a matter for the Revenue Commissioners under the terms of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997.
The original intention of the legislation was, inter alia, to create an environment in which the Arts could flourish and to encourage Irish artists to remain here rather than going abroad to earn their living.
I fully support this scheme, which is in operation now for 40 years.
The Report of the Commission of Taxation has recommended the substitution of this scheme by a system of income averaging of taxation for artists. Such matters will be addressed in the context of how to improve the efficiency of the scheme and streamline its operation so as to maintain the legislation's original intentions for the benefit of artists and their work and to maintain equity in the system. This consideration will also be dealt with as part of the review by Government of the Commission's overall taxation proposals.
When the then Minister for Finance introduced the Finance Act, 1969, he stated that the proposal for artists exemption from income tax was nothing less noble than to enrich our daily lives. But a more immediate and pragmatic objective of the legislation was also to strengthen and expand the existing cultural milieu by attracting major established international artists to Ireland, thereby facilitating a synergy with the local arts culture. This was the defining aim of the legislation and not, as some critics of the scheme would have it, to solely support struggling artists. In any review of this imaginative decision it is worth recalling that these artists would not have come to live in Ireland if the tax relief was not introduced, nor indeed would many of our own artists have remained. Therefore, artists availing of the scheme by taking up residence here did not cost the Exchequer anything but rather became additional taxable consumers.
It is generally recognised that the Irish have a unique aptitude for words, written or spoken, but the relatively stagnant economy of the sixties meant that our artists, with just a very few exceptions, had low international profiles and low levels of income. Given the economic climate, most artists were struggling to make a living and few could earn enough to be liable for tax. There was little incentive for potential writers to risk undertaking full time writing.
Section 2 of the Finance Act, 1969 and its successor, Section 195 of the Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997, transformed the artistic environment. The inflow of established artists illustrated what could be achieved. In effect, it created a climate for encouraging and sustaining other artists to enter, in increasing numbers, into full time practice of their art. Thus the legislation's objectives were steadily realised.
As regards the current proposal to review the scheme it is my belief that the 1997 Finance Act and the 2005 review were a comprehensive re-evaluation of the whole scheme and brought in several very worthwhile amendments, without interfering with the basic thrust of the legislation and they addressed the equity issue.
115 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if Culture Ireland will be protected; his views on the recommendation to abolish this body in the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes report; his further views on the long term strategic implications of this proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37378/09]
I regard Culture Ireland as a key element of my Department. Culture Ireland's remit is to promote Irish arts and artists worldwide across all art forms including theatre, music, dance, literature, visual arts and film. Since its establishment in 2005 Culture Ireland has made a wide impact worldwide through the promotion and support of over 1,350 Irish cultural initiatives and events in 74 countries.
The Report of the Global Irish Economic Forum at Farmleigh, which has just been published states as one of its main findings:- Recognition of the importance of culture in promoting Ireland abroad and developing a unique brand for the country in new markets. Most participants agreed that our unique and strong cultural identity provides the Government and the private sector with a strong competitive advantage abroad.
Furthermore, several participants argued that our strong cultural identity offered Ireland a big advantage and distinguished us from other countries. The Report states that in developing this advantage we need to be strategic and a well thought out, long term plan is required, fully funded, and fitting into the overall approach to Brand Ireland . I intend to pursue the recommendations of this Report and to work on the details of that long-term plan.
The outcome of the Farmleigh Forum echoed the Government's Strategic Policy Review of Ireland-US relations, which suggests that “Culture is the means by which most Americans now encounter Ireland... We need to actively explore how we can do better in this vastly underexploited field and we need to invest in the infrastructure that best allows us to do so.”
In investing in our promotional strategy for culture I regard it as hugely important that we ensure that it is coordinated with our strategies for trade, investment and tourism. At a time when our artists are achieving major international success and recognition for Ireland, it is essential that we maximise the opportunities our arts, culture and creative talents afford our country. Our global cultural brand is a unique asset which we can use to renew Ireland's international reputation.
Culture Ireland has not been established on a statutory basis but operates on a cost effective basis as an agency within my Department sharing all the costs of back up services including finance, I.T. and H.R. as well as shared accommodation. The budget for Culture Ireland will be handled as part of the Estimates process and I will be making a strong case in favour of the strategic value of maintaining ongoing support for Culture Ireland during the upcoming discussions on Estimates.
116 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the option open to him to encourage development in the tourism sector in 2009 with particular reference to competing with other tourism venues; if he will increase or enhance investment in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37492/09]
234 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he has had discussions with the tourism sector with a view to identifying and addressing the issues currently of greatest concern to the industry; if he will take particular initiatives or issue directions arising therefrom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37887/09]
235 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his plans to improve competitiveness of the tourism industry here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37888/09]
236 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the action he has taken or will take to assist the tourism industry here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37889/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 116 and 234 to 236, inclusive, together.
Latest figures from the Central Statistics Office show a reduction of 10.9% in the number of overseas visitors to Ireland for the first eight months of 2009 compared with the corresponding period of 2008. As I have said previously, while any reduction in the number of overseas visitors is disappointing, it must be seen in context. Tourism worldwide saw a significant downturn in the second half of 2008 due to the global economic slowdown and loss of consumer confidence. Great Britain, as a source market, was particularly affected with the Euro/Sterling exchange rate making it extremely challenging to attract visitors to Eurozone destinations.
To assist the tourism sector through this current difficult period, an extensive range of marketing, product development, festival and sporting events, training and business supports have been rolled out by the Tourism State Agencies under the Tourism Services budget of the Department. For example, despite cutbacks in public expenditure, the core overseas marketing spend has been maintained in 2009 at over €47 million Tourism Ireland is telling customers in key markets that Ireland is easily accessible and offers great value for money at present, as well as rolling out its new destination campaign "Go Where Ireland Takes You". Earlier this month I launched a Tourism Ireland €1.5m marketing initiative for the remainder of 2009 which will focus specifically on the Great Britain market.
On the domestic front, Fáilte Ireland committed to its largest ever campaign to promote home holidays in 2009. In September, Fáilte Ireland launched an enhanced Autumn domestic tourism marketing campaign with special offers and discounts. Fáilte Ireland is also continuing to work closely with tourism businesses all over Ireland, supporting enterprises and helping them to achieve real cost savings and efficiencies.
While I know that our businesses and tourism agencies are responding positively to current challenges, it is just as important that the strategic framework for tourism development responds to the changing environment. Accordingly, I established the Tourism Renewal Group, which was tasked with reviewing and, where appropriate, renewing the current tourism strategy. As well as being represented on the Tourism Renewal Group itself, the tourism sector was widely consulted during the drafting phase. The Group's Report has now been published and in that regard, I refer the Deputy to my reply to the Priority Questions put by Deputies Upton and Mitchell. The Report can be accessed on my Departments website at www.dast.gov.ie.
The industry deserves great credit for its commitment to quality in responding to the current challenging economic conditions through more flexible pricing and offering special value offers and packages. I am confident that, with the support of the agencies, the tourism sector here has the capacity to manage the current cyclical slowdown and that, looking further ahead, the Renewal Group's Review will help the sector to return to sustainable growth in the medium term.
117 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the percentage of the tourism marketing fund budget which is spent on administrative and office costs; the plans he has introduced to reduce this spend; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37384/09]
The Tourism Marketing Fund is a dedicated fund for overseas tourism marketing, which in 2009 amounts to €47.25 million. It is allocated to both Tourism Ireland, for the overseas marketing of Ireland as a tourist destination, and to Fáilte Ireland for niche and regional marketing overseas. As a north/south body, Tourism Ireland also receives funding from the Northern Ireland Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment. Both Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland receive separate allocations from my Department for their general administration costs including pay. Accordingly, none of the Tourism Marketing Fund is spent on administrative and office costs.
118 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if, within the reduced budget to the Arts Council, he will secure a significant portion of the funding to the Arts Council to be multi-annual funding in order to allow the Arts Council to provide a security of funding to organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37387/09]
I am assuming the Deputy's question refers to the 2010 allocation for the Arts Council, decisions in relation to which will be made in the context of the overall funds secured for my Department as part of the ongoing Estimates process.
The funding of the Arts Council, as with all Government Departments and State agencies, is a matter for consideration under the annual budget and Estimates' process. In doing so, the Government must balance competing demands from every part of our economy and society.
I am aware of the Arts Council's desire to have multi-annual budgets, having met with the Council on a number of occasions. I can appreciate the need for stability in budgeting that such a measure would provide, but my Department, is provided with and must work within annual current expenditure budgets through the Estimates' process.
119 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the policies or initiatives he has undertaken to increase public perception of the importance of tourism to the economy here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37382/09]
As one of our longest standing competitive and significant internationally traded services, tourism is a key driver of social and economic development at both national and regional levels in Ireland. Tourism — through the strength of our tourism brand and the quality of the tourist experience — also plays a central role in creating a positive image of Ireland. The recent Report of the Tourism Renewal Group, which was launched on 8 October 2009, endorses this view and clearly sets out tourism's contribution to Ireland's economic, social and cultural development. One of my priorities as Minister has been to ensure that the important contribution of tourism is widely recognised and that the tourism agenda is accommodated in all the relevant policies and programmes that impact on tourism. This is being put into practice by my Department and the tourism agencies through engagement with the relevant Departments and agencies.
For example, the importance of the tourism sector is recognised and reflected in the Government's Policy Document, Building Ireland’s Smart Economy: A Framework for Sustainable Economic Renewal. This makes specific reference to the potential of the tourism sector, highlighting the importance of tourism as a competitive and significant internationally-traded services enterprise as well as its role in strengthening the image of Ireland abroad and its attractiveness as a place to live, work, invest and do business.
I am a member of the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Economic Renewal, charged with driving implementation of the Government's Framework Policy Building Ireland’s Smart Economy. Furthermore, while my Department is represented at the National Competitiveness Council (NCC), which has included tourism in its consideration of key exporting sectors. Tourism was also one of the topics considered at last month’s Global Economic Forum in Farmleigh, the output of which again highlights the importance of tourism and raises its profile.
Promoting public recognition of the importance of tourism to the economy is an ongoing task for Fáilte Ireland, the National Tourism Development Authority, and a number of different opportunities are taken to communicate this message. For example, in summer 2008, Fáilte Ireland launched a nationwide billboard campaign designed to remind the public at large of the significant contribution made by tourism to the Irish economy. A module on Tourism Studies has been developed for Transition Year students, highlighting, among other issues, the strategic importance of the tourism industry within the wider economy. As a key element in its research programme, Fáilte Ireland also routinely monitors the economic contribution of tourism and publishes the key points in its annual Tourism Fact Cards, highlighting the economic and employment benefits of tourism.
As I said at the launch of the Report of the Tourism Renewal Group, the very fact that tourism is so central to Irish life and prosperity can make it less visible and valued than it should be. Nevertheless, much work is being done to raise awareness of the important economic, social and cultural contribution of tourism, amongst the general public and across the relevant Government Departments and agencies. The Report of the Tourism Renewal Group will help me, my Department and the tourism agencies to build on this work and to heighten further the public recognition of the importance of tourism.
120 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his priorities in 2009 in respect of the allocation of funding to appropriate and qualifying bodies, groups or agencies from the proceeds of the national lottery; if such allocations are expected to follow or deviate from the practices or procedures of previous years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37491/09]
The elements of the Department's Vote which are part-funded by the proceeds of the National Lottery are as follows:
Subhead C.1: Grants for sporting bodies and for the provision of sports and recreational facilities under the Sports Capital Programme;
Subhead C.3: Grant-in-Aid provided to the Irish Sports Council in respect of general assistance to sports organisations and expenditure in relation to sports activities; and
Subhead D.7: Grant-in-Aid provided to the Arts Council in respect of arts activities.
In relation to the Grants-in-Aid to the Irish Sports Council and the Arts Council, allocation decisions are made by the agencies themselves and the Department has no function in this matter.
In relation to the Sports Capital Programme, which is administered by the Department, this is the primary vehicle for Government support for the provision of sports facilities and equipment throughout the country. Some €56 million has been provided in the Department's Vote in 2009 for this purpose. Although no decision has been made in relation to the timing of any future rounds of the Sports Capital Programme, payments are being made to sporting organisations allocated funding under previous rounds of the Programme. In this regard, as of 19 October, the Department approved almost 1,300 payments with a total value of €47 million. It is anticipated that all of the €56 million provision will be distributed to grantees in the current year in respect of allocations made in previous years.
121 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will complete the restoration of the National Concert Hall at Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin; the estimated cost of this programme; when it is envisaged work will commence on this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37377/09]
I wish to confirm that the procurement phase of the redevelopment of the National Concert Hall is progressing. In accordance with the Government decision, it is a Design / Build / Finance / Maintain PPP project. Two participating consortia submitted tenders on 25 September 2009 for the project and these are being evaluated at present. This stage of the process should be competed around the end of this year, at which point the future timeline can be estimated with more precision. As this is a PPP process costs are only determined at the time of contract conclusion.
123 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he has published a strategy to develop the cultural tourism product; the action he has taken with regard to developing a strategy for cultural tourism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37381/09]
I wish to advise the Deputy that, in accordance with the provisions of section 8(1) of the National Tourism Development Authority Act, 2003, it is a day to day matter for Fáilte Ireland to encourage, promote and support either inside or outside the State (a) the development of Tourism traffic within and to the state and (b) the development and marketing of tourist facilities and services within the State.
Fáilte Ireland has published a Strategy for Cultural Tourism, which is available on its website. The implementation of this Strategy is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland.
In the context of my Department's role as the parent Department for a number of agencies and institutions in the tourism and culture sectors, I gave an undertaking to the Fáilte Ireland National Conference in November 2008, to put in place an initiative to develop the exciting potential of cultural tourism, that would focus on increasing the extent to which the organisations under the aegis of my Department would combine their expertise and resources in this area.
The Cultural Tourism Initiative was subsequently launched in February 2009, when I hosted a meeting with the heads of the State tourism agencies, cultural institutions and arts bodies. I set out the areas in which I wished to see progress, including enhancing the availability of information on cultural attractions and events and establishing a network for State agencies and institutions in the arts, culture and tourism spheres to improve interaction and further develop Ireland as a destination for cultural tourism.
A Steering Group, consisting of representatives of the Department, State tourism agencies, cultural institutions and State arts organisations was established to identify and pursue specific actions in line with the goals of the Initiative. Actions taken to date have included
a commitment to invest in improved directional and information signage in Dublin,
more cohesive integration of marketing arrangements for cultural attractions,
implementation of enhanced booking facilities for theatre and event tickets,
development of downloadable audio guides, and
a new online event guide.
In addition, a new performing arts event is being used to evaluate best practice for future developments in cultural tourism. The Cultural Tourism Initiative is also working with the Irish Film Board to encourage the use of locations of cultural value in Ireland as venues for film and television production, and Culture Night 2009 was successfully expanded to 11 towns and cities.
Separately, the Department facilitated a recent meeting between the OPW and the Irish Tour Operators Association (ITOA) to assist in the development of the tourism potential of the heritage sites under the care of the OPW.
Finally, the current Discover Ireland Autumn holiday supplement, which has been distributed through the print media and tourist offices, highlights the many cultural attractions available for free or at discounted rates across the country to encourage domestic tourists to explore our rich cultural heritage.
124 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Taoiseach the number of State agencies or organisations under the remit of his Department which are paid up members of the Irish Business and Employers Confederation; the name of each agency or organisation; the amount each State agency or organisation paid to the Irish Business and Employers Confederation for the years 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37567/09]
None of the State agencies or organisations under the remit of my Department are members of the Irish Business and Employers Confederation.
125 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the value of exports from foreign owned firms based here in 2009 and for each of the past ten years. [37552/09]
126 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the value of exports of foreign owned manufacturing and internationally traded services in 2009 and for each of the past ten years; and the value of exports of Irish owned manufacturing and internationally traded services in 2009 and for each of the past ten years. [37553/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 125 and 126 together.
The Central Statistics Office publishes official data on total merchandise and services exports and the relevant details are shown in the first table. That Office does not differentiate between the exports generated by Foreign-owned and by Irish- owned companies.
|
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 (Jan.-June) |
|
|
Merchandise |
83.9 |
92.7 |
93.7 |
82.1 |
84.4 |
86.7 |
86.8 |
89.2 |
86.4 |
44.3 |
|
Internationally Traded Services |
18.3 |
23.8 |
29.9 |
37.1 |
42.4 |
48.2 |
57.1 |
68.0 |
69.2 |
33.1 |
However, Forfás have undertaken research to provide details of exports by Irish owned companies. This data is available for most of this period and the details are as follows:
|
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 (Jan.-June) |
|
|
Merchandise |
7.6 |
7.5 |
7.3 |
7.1 |
7.0 |
7.4 |
8.2 |
8.7 |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Internationally Traded Services |
1.5 |
1.7 |
1.5 |
1.7 |
2.0 |
2.4 |
2.7 |
3.1 |
N/A |
N/A |
127 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of State agencies or organisations under the remit of her Department which are paid up members of the Irish Business and Employers Confederation; the name of each agency or organisation; the amount each State agency or organisation paid to the Irish Business and Employers Confederation for the years 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37560/09]
Membership of bodies such as the Irish Business and Employers Confederation and payments to such bodies are a day to day operational matter for an agency and not a matter for the Minister. I have asked the agencies to respond directly to the Deputy.
128 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will make a statement on the case of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [37629/09]
As outlined in a previous response to the Deputy in this case, the Redundancy Payments Section of my Department received a statutory lump sum application from the individual concerned on 10 August, 2009. This application was one of a number received from the same employer for claims dating from June of this year.
As indicated in that reply, and this is an aspect which is common to all lump sum applications, the Department requested the submission of additional supporting documentation from the employer to substantiate his claim of inability to pay the employee his redundancy entitlements. This documentation has since been received and is in order. I understand that the claim is currently being processed and will be paid within the next two weeks.
129 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the legislation in place to ensure the payment of building subcontractors on public sector and private contracts; her plans to amend legislation for the construction industry in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37802/09]
I have no legislative responsibility in ensuring the payment of building subcontractors on public sector and private contracts. Payment terms in commercial transactions are determined by the parties concerned and the responsibility for the collection of those payments and general credit control rests with the selling enterprise, in the first instance.
Legislation relating to prompt payments is within my responsibility. The issue of late payments in respect of contractors and sub-contractors is addressed by the European Communities (Late Payment in Commercial Transactions) Regulations 2002 (S.I. No. 388 of 2002). Regulation (2) of the Regulations defines a "purchaser" as follows:
"(a) an undertaking which contracts with a supplier for the supply of goods or services to or on the directions of the undertaking, or
(b) an undertaking ("the main contractor") — which obtains goods or services from another undertaking to supply to, or
(ii) contracts with another undertaking for that undertaking to provide goods or services on behalf of the main contractor to an undertaking;"
In accordance with these Regulations, it is an implied term of every commercial transaction that where a purchaser does not pay for goods or services by the relevant payment date, the supplier shall be entitled to interest ("late payment interest") on the amount outstanding. Interest shall apply until such time, as payment is made by the purchaser.
The current interest rate applicable from 1st July 2009 is 8% per annum (that is based on the ECB rate of 1% plus the margin of 7%). That rate equates to a daily rate of 0.022%. Penalty interest due for late payments should be calculated on a daily basis. In the absence of any agreed payment date between the parties, late payment interest falls due after 30 days has elapsed. The 2002 Regulations also provide for compensation for debt recovery costs. Greater use of these provisions would assist in achieving earlier payments.
In addition, under the Regulations, the use of terms that are grossly unfair may be unenforceable and such terms may be challenged in Court on the basis of criteria specified in the Regulations. Organisations representing small and medium-sized enterprises may challenge any terms that they feel breach the above Regulations. It is open to any such organization to pursue this operation. However, I understand that this provision of the Regulations has not been availed of, to date.
The enforcement of contractual rights, including any rights and obligations provided for by the Regulations, is a matter for individual suppliers (other than to the extent that representative organisations can take actions in certain circumstances, as outlined above). The Regulations do not provide for any enforcement role for my Department in respect of these matters.
A copy of the Regulations can be accessed at the Department's website link, as follows: www.entemp.ie/publications/sis/2002/si388.pdf
130 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the contracts granted by FÁS to a company (details supplied) which was subject to a recent FÁS audit; the amount paid to this company in each course case, including trainee allowances, equipment hire, company fees and so on; the location of such courses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37804/09]
131 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the date on which audits were carried out on a company (details supplied); the commencement date and completion date in each case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37805/09]
132 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the level within the FÁS organisation at which the decision was made to grant a company (details supplied) courses after the initial FÁS audit discovered that the previous exam results had been manipulated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37806/09]
135 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason no legal action has commenced to recover moneys from a company (details supplied); if the company is on the FÁS register of course providers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37809/09]
136 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will name the company involved in FÁS courses that was the subject of an internal audit (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37810/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 130 to 132, inclusive, and 135 and 136 together.
The table below sets out the contracts awarded by FÁS North East to the company in question and the full amount paid in respect of each contract indicating the trainer fee and the trainee allowances paid. Details concerning contracts awarded to the company by other FÁS regions are being compiled and will be provided at a later date. Following the discovery of a problem by a FAS Staff member during the normal monitoring process, the matter was referred to Internal Audit for investigation by the Regional Director in January 2008. Internal Audit commenced their work in February 08. The audit included:
An analysis of the regional internal verification results
Decision to expand the investigation to two other regions
Series of meetings with the contractor
Series of meetings with the learners
Analysis of a very large volume of assessment material submitted on seven courses in three regions
The final Internal Audit report was completed in Febuary 2009.
A contract, tendered in 2008, was issued by the FÁS Dublin Region for a short course which ran from 2 March 2009 to 10 April 2009. The Financial Authority Levels determine who can sign off on a contract and this is determined by the value of the contract. This contract was signed off at the appropriate level.
My Department has written to the Director General of FÁS to seek clarification as to:
Why in the light of the private firm's acceptance in April 2007 that assessment material had been manipulated on one contract did FÁS and the private firm not ensure that the same thing did not occur on subsequent contracts
Whether FÁS can recover from the private firm the cost of retraining and recertifying the trainees
Whether FÁS intends to establish whether there is a basis for seeking to have this firm removed from the FÁS/EI National Register of Trainers
What other action FÁS is taking to ensure that events of this nature cannot recur.
I understand that the company cannot be named for legal reasons.
|
Contract Number |
Course |
Location |
Date |
Trainer Fee |
Trainee Allowances |
|
€ |
€ |
||||
|
0737 |
Legal Secretary |
Drogheda |
3/4/06 – 20/10/06 |
46,400 |
63,502 |
|
0769 |
Computer Aided Design |
Cootehill |
24/4/06 – 1/12/06 |
60,160 |
92,137 |
|
0927 |
Legal Secretary |
Cootehill |
18/9/06 – 13/4/07 |
52,780 |
59,216 |
|
1032 |
Office Administration |
Ballivor |
9/10/06 – 22/6/07 |
53,280 |
103,116 |
|
0964 |
Computerised Accounts & Payroll |
Dundalk |
8/1/07 – 15/6/07 |
40,480 |
67,735 |
|
1227 |
Office Administration |
Navan |
2/4/07 – 7/12/07 |
50,400 |
115,368 |
133 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the complaints her Department has received in relation to wrongdoing at FÁS; the dates of such complaints; the action taken; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37807/09]
134 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she has received briefing in relation to wrongdoing at FÁS, the dates of such briefings; the action taken; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37808/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 133 and 134 together.
Complaints are received by my Department relating to alleged wrongdoing in FÁS from time to time and when received are investigated thoroughly. It is not possible to compile the information requested in the time available. I will be in touch with the Deputy on the matter as soon as possible.
Questions Nos. 135 and 136 answered with Question No. 130.
137 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will support a matter (details supplied). [37811/09]
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 (SST) 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.
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 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.
FÁS is also in the process of rolling out the programme 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, 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 labour market in either a full or part time capacity, make a change in career direction or commence a business start up.
Another initiative which is suitable for the highly educated unemployed is the Work Placement Programme, which is being managed by FÁS. The aim of this programme is to provide valuable work experience for 6 months to 2,000 unemployed individuals. 1,000 of these places are for people who possess a full award at or above level 7 on the National Framework Qualifications. Participants on the programme will retain their existing social welfare entitlements for the duration of their placement.
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.
In addition to the range of higher education courses on offer at under graduate and post-graduate level 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
138 Deputy George Lee asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the percentage of people who completed FÁS courses who went into employment following the conclusion of their training course; the percentage who remained in receipt of social welfare payments following the conclusion of the training course each year from 1997 to 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37815/09]
Every two years FÁS commissions a follow-up survey of a representative sample of former trainees who completed their training with FÁS eighteen months previously. The purpose of this study is to monitor the post programme experience of trainees in terms of their view of the training they received, their employment experience subsequent to their training, and the extent to which they have utilised their newly acquired skills.
The 2008 Survey is currently underway and the results will be available shortly. The table sets out the employment status of those surveyed in 2000, 2002, 2004 and 2006. While a percentage is given for those unemployed, it is not possible to indicate whether these were in receipt of social welfare payment.
|
Year |
2000 |
2002 |
2004 |
2006 |
|
|
Status Before Programme |
Employed % |
20 |
23 |
20 |
19 |
|
Education and Training % |
13 |
16 |
13 |
13 |
|
|
Unemployed % |
47 |
42 |
46 |
45 |
|
|
Other % |
19 |
19 |
22 |
22 |
|
|
Status After Programme |
Employed % |
52 |
38 |
40 |
40 |
|
Education and Training % |
22 |
30 |
24 |
25 |
|
|
Unemployed % |
16 |
19 |
21 |
21 |
|
|
Other % |
10 |
13 |
15 |
14 |
139 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 86 to 88, inclusive, of 22 September 2009, if she is in a position to provide the information requested. [37837/09]
The information requested by the Deputy is set out. Names, backgrounds and positions of the chairpersons of AnCO and FÁS since 1968: The following is a list of Chairpersons of AnCo and of FÁS since 1967. It has not been possible to provide exact dates for all appointment terms, but, where known, these are indicated below:
|
Date |
Names |
|
15/05/1967 – early 1971 AnCO |
Mr. Michael Killeen, Chief Executive Officer Irish Trade Board |
|
01/03/1971 – early 1978 AnCO |
Mr. Paul Quigley, General Manager, Shannon Free Airport Development Company |
|
27/03/1978 – late 1984 AnCO |
Mr. William B. Mulligan, FCA, FCIT, Chief Executive Officer, B & I Line |
|
01/01/1985 – 30/09/1986 AnCO |
Mr. Niall Greene, Chief Executive, Youth Employment Agency |
|
01/10/1986 – 31/12/1987 AnCO |
Mr. John Lynch, Chief Executive Officer, Irish Productivity Centre |
|
Date |
Names |
|
01/01/1988 – Dec. 1990 FÁS |
John Lynch, Chief Executive Officer, Irish Productivity Centre |
|
Dec. 1990 – 31/12/1997 FÁS |
Mr. Christopher Kirwan, President, Irish Congress of Trade Unions |
|
01/01/1998 – 31/12/2000 FÁS |
Mr. Patrick Lynch, Managing Director, Irish Shell |
|
01/01/2001 – 31/12/2005 FÁS |
Mr. Brian Geoghegan, Director, Irish Business and Employers Confederation |
|
01/01/2006 – 01/10/2009 FÁS |
Mr. Peter McLoone, President, Irish Congress of Trade Unions |
Names of the Directors General of AnCO and FÁS since 1968:
Information in respect of the Directors General from 1970 onwards was already provided to the Deputy in my earlier reply. For ease of reference it is provided again.
|
Name |
Dates |
|
1. Brian MacManus |
1967 – 29/07/1970 |
|
2. Jack A. Agnew |
30/07/1970 – 31/10/1982 |
|
3. Malachy Sherlock |
01/11/1982 – 31/12/1987 |
|
Directors General of FÁS |
|
|
4. J. B. Leahy |
01/01/1988 – 31/12/1990 |
|
5. Gerry Pyke |
(acting for two months, early 1991) |
|
6. John J. Lynch |
18/02/1991 – 01/10/2000 |
|
7. Rody Molloy |
02/10/2000 – 25/11/2008 |
|
8. Eddie Sullivan |
08/12/2008 – 05/06/2009 |
|
9. Paul O’Toole |
08/06/2009 to date |
Circumstances surrounding the departure of the first Director General of FÁS
I understand that the first Director General of FÁS took voluntary early retirement in December 1990. The retirement package paid to the officer, encompassing a lump sum and pension, included an enhancement of 10 added years service, which was approved by the Department of Finance and took into consideration the officer's prior service with Irish Sugar, which had not been reckonable for benefit purposes under the FÁS Pension Scheme. The package, for which Department of Finance sanction was given, comprised a lump sum of £61,780.89 (£56,232.29 net) and a pension calculated at £20,536.06 per annum.
In 1992 a further payment of £75,000 (£39,322.50 net) plus the transfer of a car into the name of the former Director General to the market value of £2,000 was made in settlement of a High Court action in respect of a claim for an enhanced severance package taken by him against the Minister for Labour and FÁS.
140 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps she proposes to take to resolve a dispute at a company (details supplied); if she will refer the dispute to the Labour Relations Commission or the Labour Court; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37856/09]
Since the announcement by Coca Cola HBC last June regarding its decision to outsource the remaining elements of its distribution and warehousing operations, affecting 130 of its employees spread across six sites, there have been extensive efforts to resolve this dispute and the services of both the Labour Relations Commission and the Labour Court have been utilised by the parties.
A Labour Court hearing was conducted on September 18 under Section 20(1) of the 1969 Industrial Relations Act, which makes the Court's recommendation binding on the party that brought the case, in this case SIPTU. The Labour Court issued its recommendation on 21 September.
The Labour Court recommended that the company should offer a redundancy package along the lines envisaged in the SIPS (Single Island Production System) deal that had been negotiated between the company and the union in recent years. The Court also recommended that the company and the union should have further discussions on the union's proposal to conduct a feasibility study in relation to its Dublin facility.
I understand that the company decided not to accept the Court's recommendation. I understand that the company subsequently received a clarification from the Labour Court on its recommendation, although the company has not found it possible to accept the Labour Court recommendation thus far.
I understand also that a formal request has now been received from the Irish Congress of Trade Unions for a meeting of the National Implementation Body in regard to this dispute. While no date has been set as yet for a meeting of that body, I hope the parties will continue efforts to secure an agreed settlement in this matter.
Ireland's system of industrial relations is, essentially, voluntary in nature and responsibility for the resolution of industrial disputes is a matter for the parties involved. The system of industrial relations in Ireland is designed to help and support parties in their efforts to resolve their differences, rather than imposing a solution on the parties to an industrial dispute. Responsibility for the settlement of this dispute rests, ultimately, with the parties themselves. The obligation lies with the parties to seek to resolve their differences and to carry their efforts through to completion.
141 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Finance if the interdepartmental committee appointed to examine the investment policies of the National Pensions Reserve Fund will ensure that the internationally agreed framework of protect, respect and remedy, proposed by the UN Secretary General Special Representative on Business and Human Rights, will be a key underlining framework from which guidance for the NPRF responsible investment policy will be drawn; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37842/09]
I announced, during the debate on the Investment of the National Pensions Reserve Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2009 last March, that the preparation of the draft legislation provided an opportunity to consider once again the position regarding ethical investment and that I would establish an Interdepartmental Committee to examine the issues further and to report to me.
The Committee has been established and includes representatives of the Ministers for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Enterprise, Trade and Employment and Foreign Affairs, as well as officials from my Department and representatives of the National Treasury Management Agency as Manager of the NPRF.
Since its establishment, the Committee has met on five occasions. It has considered the appropriateness and possible nature of an ethical investment policy for the NPRF, taking account of such developments as the UN-sponsored Principles for Responsible Investment, which seek to integrate environmental, social and governance issues, in addition to financial issues, into investment analysis and decision-making. The approaches to ethical/responsible investment taken in other countries have also been reviewed.
Submissions from a number of civil society organisations have also been considered. Some of these submissions draw attention to the work of the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative on business and human rights. The Committee is preparing a report which is expected to be finalised shortly.
142 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Finance if he has been informed of the result of the Revenue Commission investigation which he refers to in his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 118 of 13 October 2009. [37547/09]
This is a matter for the Revenue Commissioners and I wrote to the Deputy on 17 July last and set out the position as advised to me by them. In the context of the Deputy's previous Parliamentary Question (No. 118 of 13 Oct 2009) the Revenue Commissioners have also advised that the matter is now the subject of a complaint to the Ombudsman.
143 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Finance the reason the Office of Public Works has a lease on a building (details supplied) in Dublin 1; the bodies or interests located there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37548/09]
144 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Finance the reason the Office of Public Works has a lease on a building (details supplied) in Dublin 1; the bodies or interests located there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37549/09]
145 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Finance the reason the Office of Public Works has a lease on a building (details supplied) in Dublin 1; the State bodies or interests located there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37550/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 143 to 145, inclusive, together.
The buildings concerned are leased to accommodate the following bodies:
The Health Service Executive occupies 2-3 Parnell Square.
The Companies Registration Office, the Registry of Friendly Societies, and the Competition Authority occupy 13-15 Parnell Square.
The Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement, the National Economic and Social Development Office, and the Department of Social and Family Affairs occupy 16 Parnell Square.
146 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Finance the number of State agencies or organisations under the remit of his Department which are paid up members of the Irish Business and Employers Confederation; the name of each agency or organisation; the amount each State agency or organisation paid to the Irish Business and Employers Confederation for the years 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37562/09]
The table lists the bodies under the aegis of my Department, who are members of IBEC, together with the amounts paid to that organisation.
|
Body |
Paid in 2007 |
Paid in 2008 |
Paid to date in 2009 |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
The Central Bank and Financial Services Authority |
23,367 |
24,820 |
25,626 |
|
Anglo Irish Bank |
23,940 |
24,823 |
24,903 |
|
National Treasury Management Agency |
9,099 |
9,130 |
Nil |
147 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for Finance if he will investigate the number of Irish residents who have bank accounts in Liechtenstein; if there is a loss to the Exchequer as a result of these bank accounts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37577/09]
It is a matter for the Revenue Commissioners to examine and investigate Irish residents seeking to evade Irish tax through the use of offshore accounts. A dedicated unit of the Revenue Commissioners, the Offshore Assets Group, was set up in 2001 and is specifically tasked with identifying Irish residents holding offshore accounts. To date this unit has recovered over €945m for the exchequer.
In relation to the jurisdiction of Liechtenstein I am pleased to advise the deputy that I recently signed a Tax Information Exchange Agreement with that jurisdiction. Once ratified, this agreement will enable bank account information and beneficial ownership information for companies and other entities established in Liechtenstein to be made available to Revenue on request.
148 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if he will clarify a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37607/09]
I can confirm for the Deputy that there is a 2 km restriction in place for the home carer income tax credit and that a similar restriction is not in place for the dependent relative capital gains tax principal private residence exemption.
As regards income tax, Section 466A of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 provides for a tax credit known as the ‘home carer tax credit'. Criteria for eligibility for this tax credit includes that the subject of the claim must:
be a relative of the claimant (including a relative by marriage);
be aged 65 or over, or is permanently incapacitated by reason of physical or mental illness; and
reside next door to the claimant in adjacent properties, on the same property or within 2 kilometres of the claimant. As entitlement to the home carers credit is based on the concept of active caring, a proximity requirement is appropriate.
As regards capital gains tax, subsection (11) of Section 604 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 provides that an individual may claim the principal private residence capital gains tax exemption in respect of the disposal by him or her of a dwelling provided:
rent free and without conditions — by him or her for use by a dependent relative. A ‘dependent relative' in this context means:
the widowed parent of the claimant or of his or her spouse; and
a relative of the claimant (or a relative of the claimant's spouse) who is incapacitated by old age or infirmity.
There is no requirement for the owner of the house to live near the dependent relative. Only one dwelling can, at any given time, be the dwelling of a dependent relative for the purpose of this capital gains tax exemption.
149 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance his views on modifying the age at which a person is required to assign money to an approved minimum retirement fund in view of the fact that it is at age 66, not 65 years, that most people become automatically entitled to a pension of at least €12,700 as a result of their entitlements under social insurance. [37612/09]
Approved Minimum Retirement Funds (AMRFs) form part of the Approved Retirement Fund (ARF) options. Under the ARF regime certain pensioners can, after taking their tax-free pension lump sum, choose between investing in an ARF, purchasing an annuity, taking the remaining value of their pension fund in cash (subject to income tax) or any combination of these options. In addition, in certain circumstances, part of the individual's pension fund must be invested in an AMRF.
There is no specific age, as such, by which an individual is required to assign money to an AMRF. Indeed, whether an AMRF is required at all depends on the individual's particular circumstances. In order to exercise the ARF option in the first place, an individual must either be over 75 years of age or have, in his or her own right, a guaranteed pension income for life of a minimum of €12,700 per annum, at the point of retirement ( this is referred to as ‘specified income' in the relevant legislation) . In this regard, the pension or pensions must actually be in payment — pensions anticipated at some time in the future cannot be brought into the reckoning. Pensions paid directly to a spouse or pensions/allowances received on behalf of a spouse or dependant may not be included. Where the minimum specified income test is not met, the legislation requires that the first €63,500 of the pension fund (after taking the tax free lump sum), or the entire of the remaining fund, if it is less than this, must either be used to purchase an annuity for the individual or invested in an AMRF. The individual can also satisfy this requirement by using part of the €63,500 to purchase an annuity and by placing the rest in an AMRF.
The point at which the issue of an AMRF comes into the reckoning is generally, therefore, the point of retirement of the individual and the age at which this can occur is not fixed. I understand from the Revenue Commissioners that, while it is a condition of approval of an occupational pension scheme that the scheme rules specify the age at which members will normally retire, any age between 60 and 70 is generally acceptable. In the case of personal pensions such as Retirement Annuity Contracts and PRSAs, benefits can be accessed at any time from age 60, even if the individual is still working. In light of the foregoing, the question of modifying the age at which a person is required to assign money to an Approved Minimum Retirement Fund does not arise.
I would add, that the specified income amount of €12,700 (originally £10,000) has been in place since the ARF legislation was enacted in 1999 and is not directly linked to the maximum personal rate of the contributory State pension (for a person under 80) — which stood at €5,876 (£4,628) at that time and currently stands at just short of €12,000 annually. The fact that the rate of pension has increased substantially in the last decade or so while the specified income amount for ARF/AMRF purposes has remained the same is simply an unrelated convergence of the two amounts.
150 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 89 of 8 October 2009, when a reply will be issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37654/09]
A reply on this matter has recently issued to the Deputy. The information which has issued is provided as follows in respect of ministerial expenses of the Minister and Minister of State at the Department of Finance, for the years 2007, 2008 and 2009. I have been informed by the Office of Public Works that information relating to the Minister of State in respect of the functions of that office will be forwarded directly to the Deputy.
My Department issued updated guidelines on foreign travel to all Government Departments on 1 July 2009. I have also advised my Ministerial colleagues that the same principles should be observed by Ministers and office-holders when travelling abroad on official business. As the Deputy will be aware, most Oireachtas expense allowances were reduced by 10% (25% in the case of mileage). Ministerial subsistence payable in Ireland was also reduced by 25%.
|
2007 — 14 Trips |
Location |
Number Travelling* |
Cost** |
|
€ |
|||
|
14/01/07 – 15/01/07 |
Slovenia |
3 |
119.00 |
|
29/01/07 – 30/01/07 |
Brussels |
6 |
895.00 |
|
13/02/07 – 14/02/07 |
Northern Ireland |
2 |
152.00 |
|
26/02/07 – 27/02/07 |
Brussels |
4 |
366.00 |
|
28/02/07 – 28/02/07 |
Northern Ireland |
2 |
410.00 |
|
08/03/07 – 09/03/07 |
Brussels |
2 |
1,915.00*** |
|
10/03/07 – 19/03/07 |
Chicago |
4 |
13,483.00 |
|
26/03/07 – 27/03/07 |
Brussels |
5 |
1,037.00 |
|
19/04/07 – 21/04/07 |
Berlin |
6 |
487.00 |
|
04/06/07 – 05/06/07 |
Luxembourg |
6 |
1605.00 |
|
09/07/07 – 10/07/07 |
Brussels |
5 |
649.00 |
|
13/09/07 – 15/09/07 |
Oporto |
5 |
372.00 |
|
08/10/07 – 08/10/07 |
Luxembourg |
4 |
1,242.00 |
|
12/11/07 – 12/11/07 |
Brussels |
4 |
357.00 |
|
2008 – 14 Trips |
Location |
Number Travelling* |
Cost** |
|
€ |
|||
|
11/01/08 – 12/01/08 |
Valleta |
4 |
589.00 |
|
17/01/08 – 19/01/08 |
Larnaca |
4 |
285.00 |
|
21/01/08 – 22/01/08 |
Brussels |
5 |
863.00 |
|
11/02/08 – 12/02/08 |
Brussels |
5 |
739.00 |
|
03/03/08 – 04/03/08 |
Brussels |
5 |
647.00 |
|
10/03/08 – 20/03/08 |
Malaysia/Vietnam |
4 |
15,696.00 |
|
13/05/08 – 14/05/08 |
Brussels |
5 |
714.00 |
|
01/06/08 – 03/06/08 |
Frankfurt/Luxembourg |
5 |
1,893.00 |
|
07/07/08 – 07/07/08 |
Brussels |
2 |
21,800 |
|
11/09/08 – 13/09/08 |
Nice |
5 |
240.00 |
|
06/10/08 – 07/10/08 |
Luxembourg |
5 |
1,751.00 |
|
15/10/08 – 16/10/08 |
Brussels |
1 |
***2,115.00 |
|
03/11/08 – 04/11/08 |
Brussels |
4 |
773.00 |
|
01/12/08 – 01/12/08 |
Brussels |
4 |
756.00 |
|
2009 – 14 Trips |
Location |
Number Travelling* |
Cost** |
|
€ |
|||
|
19/01/09 – 19/01/09 |
Brussels |
4 |
769.00 |
|
23/01/09 – 23/01/09 |
Northern Ireland |
1 |
Nil |
|
09/02/09 – 10/02/09 |
Brussels |
3 |
945.00 |
|
09/03/09 – 09/03/09 |
Brussels |
3 |
288.00 |
|
14/03/09 – 18/03/09 |
London |
2 |
1,468.00 |
|
19/03/09 – 19/03/09 |
Brussels |
3 |
755.00 |
|
02/04/09 – 03/04/09 |
Prague |
4 |
113.00 |
|
04/05/09 – 04/05/09 |
Brussels |
3 |
258.00 |
|
14/05/09 – 16/05/09 |
Paris/Northolt |
6 |
1,900.00 |
|
18/05/09 – 20/05/09 |
Frankfurt/Milan/Amsterdam |
6 |
3,494.00 |
|
08/06/09 – 08/06/09 |
Luxembourg |
3 |
998.00 |
|
06/07/09 – 06/07/09 |
Brussels |
4 |
78.00 |
|
01/09/09 – 02/09/09 |
Brussels |
4 |
189.00 |
|
30/09/09 – 01/10/09 |
Landvetter |
4 |
****0.00 |
*Number travelling column refers to Minister and Department of Finance officials only.
**Costs relate to Ministerial expenses.
***European Council meeting organised by the Department of the Taoiseach. These are costs met by the Department of Finance. The costs of car hire for all Irish delegates was equally divided between the Department of the Taoiseach, Department of Finance and Department of Foreign Affairs.
****Costs for this trip have not yet been received in the Department.
Payments made by the Department of Finance in respect of costs incurred by the Minister of State on occasions when he deputised for the Minister of Finance. Details of travelling officials is not available at this time.
|
2007 — 3 Trips |
Location |
Cost |
|
€ |
||
|
12/07/07 – 13/07/07 |
Brussels |
175.00 |
|
09/10/07 – 10/10/07 |
Brussels |
772.00 |
|
22/11/07 – 24/11/07 |
Brussels |
1,180.00 |
|
2008 — 10 Trips |
Location |
Cost |
|
28/04/08 – 28/04/08 |
Northern Ireland |
48.00 |
|
04/06/08 – 05/06/08 |
Paris |
2,704.00 |
|
14/06/08 – 18/06/08 |
Korea |
824.00 |
|
22/06/08 – 23/06/08 |
Prague |
428.00 |
|
16/07/08 – 17/07/08 |
Brussels |
1,018.00 |
|
01/10/08 – 01/10/08 |
Northern Ireland |
143.00 |
|
10/10/08 – 14/10/08 |
Washington |
1,016.00 |
|
20/10/08 – 21/10/08 |
Paris |
783.00 |
|
20/11/08 – 22/11/08 |
Brussels |
1,181.00 |
|
27/11/08 – 28/11/08 |
Northern Ireland |
117.00 |
|
2009 — 3 Trips |
Location |
Cost |
|
11/03/09 – 12/03/09 |
Northern Ireland |
269.00 |
|
22/06/09 – 23/06/09 |
Berlin |
166.00 |
|
09/07/09 – 10/07/09 |
Brussels |
136.00 |
151 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if he has satisfied himself that the law is flexible enough to allow persons who have their homes repossessed in the course of the current economic climate to continue to be eligible to raise loans, or own property; his views on whether there is a need for a more modern legislative framework in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37664/09]
At the outset I would like to say that 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 several important initiatives in place at this time to assist consumers who have fallen into debt or are in danger of falling into debt. These include:
The Mortgage Interest Supplement Scheme which provides support for payments of mortgages
The Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS), which is a national, free, confidential and independent service.
The Irish Banking Federation (IBF) and the Money Advice and Budgeting Service Operational Protocol on consumer debt.
The Financial Regulator's Consumer Protection Code which 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 Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears which, amongst other things, stipulates that a regulated institution 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, A.I.B. and Bank of Ireland will not commence court proceedings for repossession of a principal private residence until after 12 months of arrears appearing where the customer continues to co-operate with the banks.
As Minister for Finance, I have no function in relation to situations where personal bankruptcy law has been enforced against a person who has had their home repossessed. This is a function of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. In situations where personal bankruptcy law does not apply, it is a matter for the individual credit institution as to whether they would be prepared to consider offering further credit in such a scenario. However, any decision they take in this regard must be cognisant of and compliant with exiting prudential and consumer protection legislation.
In this regard, the Consumer Protection Code, introduced in August 2006 and in full operation since July 2007, puts in place consumer protections of suitability and prohibition of unsolicited credit offers. The Code has specific requirements in relation to suitability, requiring that all regulated entities must ensure that any products or services offered to consumers are suitable and that any product recommended is the most suitable product for the consumer. All regulated entities must set out in writing to a consumer why a product or service offered is suitable for that consumer and the reasons why a recommended product is considered to be the most suitable for the consumer. The general principles of the Code require that a regulated entity must:
Act honestly, fairly and professionally in the best interests of its customers through the integrity of the market; and
Acts with due skill, care and diligence in the best interests of its customers.
In summary, I am satisfied that the existing legislation within the remit of the Financial Regulator provides sufficient scope for consumers to access credit provided that any such products are deemed suitable for the consumer and otherwise are consistent with the provisions of the Consumer Code. I do acknowledge that the broader area of personal debt management and its legislative framework — an area which relates to the responsibilities of several Government Departments — is one which needs to be looked at. In this regard, the Law Reform Commissions recently published Consultation Paper on Personal Debt Management and Debt Enforcement has made an important contribution to this area and the relevant Departments are presently carefully examining their recommendations.
152 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Finance if the internal committee established to look into the review of the ethical investment policies of the National Pensions Reserve Fund is due to report to the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37799/09]
I announced, during the debate on the Investment of the National Pensions Reserve Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2009 last March, that the preparation of the draft legislation provided an opportunity to consider once again the position regarding ethical investment and that I would establish an Interdepartmental Committee to examine the issues further and to report to me.
The Committee has been established and includes representatives of the Ministers for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Enterprise, Trade and Employment and Foreign Affairs, as well as officials from my Department and representatives of the National Treasury Management Agency as Manager of the NPRF.
The Committee, which has held a number of meetings and has considered submissions from civil society organisations, is preparing a report which is expected to be finalised shortly.
153 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Finance if a register is kept of the number of subcontractors who de-list to go on the unemployment register; his plans to introduce a bonding system for subcontractors in the event that the main contractor goes out of business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37801/09]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that subcontractors are self-employed taxpayers and subject to self-assessment. The notion of de-listing from the self-assessment tax system does not arise and notification that a taxpayer no longer has a source of income from self-employment will normally be made on the annual return of income. Such notification can also be made in the course of claims made to Revenue, (Relevant Contracts Tax claims, for example) or if the taxpayer acquires a new source of taxable income such as a PAYE employment.
In the current economic climate, taxpayers in the construction sector may have periods of employment, self-employment and unemployment in a given year and in this context they remain within the self-assessment system and liable to make a return of income.
There is regular exchange of information both ways between Revenue and Department of Social and Family Affairs in relation to areas of risk, and the two organisations work together in Joint Investigation Units where they also work with the National Employment Rights Authority.
Payments to subcontractors are a contractual matter between the parties to a contract. The protection of such payments in the event of the main contractor going out of business is an issue for the contract to address. If a bond is required to deal with the issue then an appropriate provision should be included in the contract between main contractor and subcontractor. Furthermore, any interference by third parties external to a contract would be considered by the Courts not to be legally binding and therefore unenforceable.
154 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Finance if farmers who sell land for road building through the compulsory purchase order system to the National Roads Authority will be liable for the windfall capital acquisition tax of 80%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37847/09]
The proposed 80% windfall capital gains tax to which the Deputy refers is being considered as part of the NAMA legislation and it will be discussed at Report Stage of the Bill. It is not customary for the Minister of Finance to comment on the specific details of tax changes prior to publication of the legislation.
155 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Finance if he has plans to change or alter the imposition of tax on savings of approved retirement funds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37850/09]
The 2006 Budget and Finance Act introduced an imputed or notional distribution of 3% of the value of the assets of an Approved Retirement Fund (ARF) on 31 December each year, where the notional amount is taxed at the ARF owner's marginal income tax rate. Funds actually drawn down by ARF owners are credited against the imputed distribution in any year to arrive at a net imputed amount, if any, for the year.
The imputed distribution measure was introduced because the internal review of tax relief for pensions provision undertaken by my Department and the Revenue Commissioners in 2005 (and which was published in early 2006) found that the ARF option was largely not being used as intended to fund an income stream in retirement, but instead was being used to build up funds in a tax-free environment over the long-term.
The 3% rate was phased in over the period 2007 to 2009, with 1% applying in 2007, 2% in 2008 and the full 3% in 2009 and each subsequent year. This regime applies to ARFs created on or after 6 April 2000 where the ARF holder is 60 years of age or over for the whole of a tax year. The provisions do not impact on Approved Minimum Retirement Funds (AMRFs), although funds drawn from an individual's AMRF can also be credited against the individual's imputed ARF distribution
The imputed distribution measure is designed to encourage the use of ARFs as intended and restricts the capacity of individuals to use ARFs purely as long-term tax-exempt vehicles. I have no plans at this point in time to change or alter the current legislation.
156 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the number of PAYE workers earning less than €10,000; the number of PAYE workers earning less than €20,000; the number of PAYE workers earning less than €30,000; the number of PAYE workers earning less than the average industrial wage; the number of PAYE workers earning less than €40,000; the number of PAYE workers earning less than €50,000; the number of PAYE workers earning less than €60,000; the number of PAYE workers earning less than €70,000; the number of PAYE workers earning less than €80,000; the number of PAYE workers earning less than €90,000; the number of PAYE workers earning less than €100,000; the number of PAYE workers earning €100,000 or more; and the number of public sector workers in each of these income brackets. [37858/09]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the latest relevant sector-based information available on employees taxed under the PAYE system is derived from income tax returns filed for the income tax year 2007 and representing about 96 per cent of all returns expected at the time the data were compiled for analytical purposes. On this basis the information requested by the Deputy is set out as follows.
|
Income Tax Year 2007 Range of Gross income |
Public Sector Employees Total Number |
All Employees Total Number |
|
€0 – €10,000 |
49,747 |
414,298 |
|
€10,001 – €20,000 |
64,116 |
392,697 |
|
€20,001 – €30,000 |
69,766 |
379,180 |
|
€30,001 – €40,000 |
69,954 |
263,576 |
|
€40,001 – €50,000 |
55,586 |
167,904 |
|
€50,001 – €60,000 |
34,562 |
103,273 |
|
€60,001 – €70,000 |
22,555 |
67,776 |
|
€70,001 – €80,000 |
15,635 |
45,237 |
|
€80,001 – €90,000 |
10,379 |
29,668 |
|
€90,001 – €100,000 |
7,045 |
19,868 |
|
Over 100,000 |
15,278 |
46,794 |
|
Totals |
414,623 |
1,930,271 |
In addition, the number of all PAYE workers earning less than the average industrial wage of €32,730 in 2007 was 1,267,865, of which 201,727 were public sector employees. Notes:
The sector identifier used on the tax records is based on the 4-digit NACE code (Rev. 1), which is an internationally recognised economic activity code system.
The information provided in relation to public sector employees is based on activities which are classified in the NACE code system as Public administration and defence; compulsory social security, Education and Health and Social work but excluding the categories of Driving School Activities, Dental Practice Activities and Veterinary Activities as being more appropriate to the private sector. A married couple which has elected or has been deemed to have elected for joint assessment is counted as one tax unit. The source of the information provided in relation to numbers and tax is the P35 end year returns filed by employers in respect of their employees but does not include the corresponding figures relating to PAYE taxpayers who are required to return an income tax return form 11 where non-PAYE income is greater than €3,174.
157 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance the progress made to date in developing the pension insolvency payment scheme. [34584/09]
158 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance the progress made to date in developing a pensions insolvency minimum guarantee scheme. [34585/09]
159 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which workers at a company (details supplied) will be covered by the pensions insolvency minimum guarantee scheme; and when they can expect to start receiving benefits from the scheme. [34586/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 157 to 159, inclusive, together.
The Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2009 provides for a package of measures to address the difficulties being faced by pension schemes, one of which is the introduction of a Pensions Insolvency Payment Scheme. Section 22 of the Act provides that the Minister for Finance may, after consultation with the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, make a Pensions Insolvency Payment Scheme (PIPS) providing for the payment of monies to or in respect of relevant pensioners.
One of the main aims of the scheme is to support pension schemes in the greatest need on a cost neutral basis for the Exchequer. For that reason the Government decided to offer PIPS to insolvent pension schemes of insolvent companies, that is, companies which may not be in a position to assist schemes in meeting the original pension commitment made to pensioners.
Work on the necessary regulations to give effect to PIPS is well advanced, and it is my intention that they would be brought forward shortly, allowing for the introduction of the scheme in early 2010. It will then be open to any pension scheme that meets the criteria to apply to participate. The principal qualifying conditions for PIPS are that the sponsoring employer must be insolvent (in accordance with the definition used in the Protection of Employees (Employers' Insolvency) Act 1984) and the defined benefit pension scheme must be winding up in deficit.
In the document Further Measures to Support National Recovery through Social Partnership (June 2009), the Government tabled a number of proposals including the establishment of a Pensions Insolvency Minimum Guarantee Scheme, which would provide for minimum payments to those schemes participating in PIPS, subject to an overall cap. The Deputy will be aware that discussions are continuing with the Social Partners on a wide range of economic and budgetary issues.
160 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Finance his views on the introduction of a carbon tax; if he will ensure that such a carbon tax will not adversely impact on the most vulnerable in society, in particular the elderly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35501/09]
I am committed to the introduction of a carbon tax on a phased basis in the context of the 2010 Budget. Indeed work is already underway on the design of a carbon tax. In relation to the issue of fuel poverty, it is acknowledged that appropriate measures may need to be put in place depending on the level of carbon tax introduced.
161 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Finance the expected funding level of the Horse and Greyhound Fund; the initiatives he has progressed to reduce the direct Exchequer contribution by increasing taxation, proposing new taxation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32332/09]
The issue regarding funding for the Horse and Greyhound Fund will be decided in the context of the Estimates for Public Services 2010. The Deputy may wish to note that the 2009 Budget publications announced that arrangements would end whereby the annual payment to the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund would be automatically calculated by reference to the previous year's betting duty or the contribution to the Fund in the year 2000 adjusted for inflation.
In relation to betting duty generally, it has been my intention to widen if possible the tax base on which betting duty would be applied. Bets placed either on-line or over the phone are generally with out-of-State companies so applying betting duty is therefore problematic. My officials, in conjunction with the Office of the Attorney General, the Office of the Revenue Commissioners and the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, are looking at the scope to overcome legal and operational difficulties in this area and will continue to do so, on an ongoing basis.
162 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Finance if he will make a statement on the air travel tax; and his views on the call by the tourism renewal group to abolish this fee. [37383/09]
As the Deputy is aware, I announced in Budget 2009 that an air travel tax would come into force in respect of passengers departing from Irish airports on and from 30 March 2009. A general rate of €10 per passenger would apply, with a lower rate of €2 for shorter journeys.
The Finance (No.2) Act 2008 confirmed the introduction of an air travel tax from 30 March 2009. However, I took account of concerns raised by the regional airports particularly those on the western seaboard. The lower rate of €2 applies to departures from any Irish airport where the destination is 300 km or less from Dublin airport. This means that all Irish departures to locations such as Manchester, Liverpool and Glasgow are subject to the €2 rate.
Ireland is not unique in regard to applying a tax on air travel. Other countries within the EU apply similar taxes such as the UK and France, as do Australia and New Zealand. The rates for the Irish air travel tax are not unreasonable both for shorter and longer journeys, when compared to rates in other countries.
It should be recognised that tourists are only subject to the tax on their return journey. The additional €10 or €2 in the context of a much larger purchasing decision involving travel, hotel expenditures etc. should have only a very limited effect on tourist numbers. The Government appreciates the airline industry continues to go through a difficult period. However, this difficult trading period arises primarily from weak world economic activity.
It should be noted that at present the decline in air travel is an international phenomenon and as a result aviation services are contracting on a global basis. Indeed the decline in the number of people travelling is also evident in those countries where there is no air travel tax in place.
We currently face significant financial challenges and the air travel tax is an important revenue raising measure. The Government has tried to be as fair as possible in looking at areas for additional tax revenues. It is also worth noting that fuel used by commercial airlines is completely exempt from tax, so it's a sector that already has considerable preferential treatment.
I do not consider that there are sufficient grounds to abolish the air travel tax as suggested by the Tourism Renewal Group.
163 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Finance if he has had meetings with local authorities to encourage them to adhere to the valuation methods as introduced in the Valuation Act 2001; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that not introducing same has led to overpayments by the hotel sector, which is suffering from financial pressure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37373/09]
The Valuation Act 2001 came into effect on 2 May 2002. Under the provisions of this Act, rateable valuations for all local authorities are determined by the Valuation Office. The local authorities have no role in determining the valuations of property for commercial rates purposes.
The basis of rateable valuation for all commercial property is net annual value (NAV) i.e. the rental value of the property. Like all commercial properties, the valuations of hotels are determined by reference to the values of comparable properties on the same valuation list.
The Valuation Act 2001 also provides for the revaluation of all commercial and industrial property in the State. The revaluation programme began in November 2005 in the South Dublin County Council area and has since been rolled out to Fingal and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Councils. The revaluation of South Dublin was completed in December 2007. Fingal will be completed later this year and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown will be completed in 2010. When this first phase of revaluation is finished, it is proposed to extend the programme nationwide. However, a decision on which local authorities are to be revalued in this next phase has yet to be finalised.
Once a local authority has been revalued, the Valuation Act provides for a subsequent revaluation not sooner than 5 but not later than 10 years. The Act also provides for the rates income of the local authority to be capped in the year following a revaluation. The purpose of revaluation is to bring more equity, fairness and transparency into the local authority rating system and to distribute the commercial rates liability more equitably between ratepayers. Following revaluation there generally will be a much closer and uniform relationship between rental values of property and their commercial rates liability.
In those local authorities where a revaluation has not yet taken place, properties will continue to be valued on the existing valuation lists by reference to the valuation levels prevailing on those lists as provided for in the Valuation Act 2001.
164 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Finance if he has responded to the letter to him from a person (details supplied) regarding the decision of a bank to reject a Labour Court recommendation on the remuneration of workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37897/09]
My Department issued a response to the letter the Deputy refers to on 30 September. Briefly, the main points of this letter are outlined below.
I do not accept that Government support of an institution provides any argument in favour of any particular group. In fact, taxpayers will naturally look to bank employees to understand and respond to the financial situation in which these institutions find themselves. Jobs in the financial sector are now being protected by enormous taxpayer support. While ordinary financial sector workers are not to blame for this situation, they are getting more assistance than many other workers in other sectors. While I will not be participating in the negotiation process regarding this dispute, directly or by seeking to influence directors, and am not giving an opinion on the merits of this particular case, I feel this general background must be borne in mind by financial sector employees generally.
165 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of State agencies or organisations under the remit of her Department which are paid up members of the Irish Business and Employers Confederation; the name of each agency or organisation; the amount each State agency or organisation paid to the Irish Business and Employers Confederation for the years 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37564/09]
The Health Agencies listed below are paid up members of the Irish Business and Employers Confederation (IBEC) in 2009 and the amounts listed below are the subscriptions paid by them to IBEC for their membership in 2007, 2008 and 2009.
|
Agency |
Amount paid in subscriptions to IBEC in 2007 |
Amount paid in subscriptions to IBEC in 2008 |
Amount paid in subscriptions to IBEC in 2009 |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
Food Safety Authority of Ireland |
3,158.78 |
3,285.20 |
3,285.20 |
|
Health Research Board |
2,203.80 |
2,597.60 |
2,597.60 |
|
Health and Information Quality Authority |
0 |
2,620.94 |
2,625.28 |
|
Irish Blood Transfusion Service |
23,569.52 |
25,888.15 |
26,552.36 |
|
Irish Medicines Board |
7,556.24 |
8,660.32 |
9,462 |
|
Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland |
1230 |
1,300 |
1,300 |
|
Pre-Hospital emergency Care Council |
1040 |
1300 |
1300 |
|
Safefood |
2,053 |
2,131 |
2,138 |
|
Voluntary Health Insurance |
29,486.52 |
30,610.94 |
30,715.78 |
166 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will instruct the board of the Health Service Executive not to award Professor Brendan Drumm a €70,000 performance bonus for 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37571/09]
The approval of performance-related bonus payments to individual senior managers in State bodies is a matter for the boards of such bodies. Accordingly, and in line with contract terms, the performance-related bonus in respect of 2007 for the chief executive officer of the Health Service Executive was properly assessed and decided by the board of the Health Service Executive. In that year, too, all other eligible employees in the HSE received performance-related bonuses. In regard to future payments, the board of the HSE has agreed to suspend consideration of all performance related awards in respect of 2008. All eligible employees, including the CEO, were informed of that decision. No bonus payments have been made to senior managers in the HSE in respect of 2008.
167 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children when an outpatient’s appointment will be given to a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [37574/09]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
168 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will improve the regulation of the bottled water production and description to provide more information for the consumer on the source of bottled water; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37585/09]
The production and description of bottled water is governed by the European Communities (Natural Mineral Waters, Spring Waters and Other Waters in Bottles or Containers) Regulations 2007 (Statutory Instrument 225 of 2007). This Statutory Instrument gave effect to a number of EU directives, including Commission Directive 2003/40/EC, and establishes, among other things, the labelling requirements for natural mineral waters, spring waters and other waters. Under these regulations the labels for natural mineral waters and spring waters are obliged to give the source of the water; this is not the case for other waters. However, the label for other waters cannot purport that the water is a natural mineral water or that it came from a spring. I am satisfied that the provisions of Statutory Instrument 225 of 2007 requires bottled water producers to provide sufficient information to the consumer as to the source of the water to enable them make informed choices when purchasing bottled water.
169 Deputy Seán Connick asked the Minister for Health and Children the benefit that use of a pharmaceutical (details supplied) can give to spinal cord injury sufferers and the fact that it is available under the general medical scheme for suffers of spina bifida but not for suffers of spinal cord injury; the reason it is available under the general medical scheme to suffers of spina bifida but not to suffers of spinal cord injury; if she will make it available under the general medical scheme to suffers of spinal cord injury; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37596/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
170 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a number of people who successfully appealed their offer under the Health (Repayment Scheme) Act 2006 were initially offered a lower amount if they had a clear entitlement to a higher payment as proven by their successful appeal; if she will provide details of same on an annual basis in a tabular format; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37600/09]
The health repayment scheme is administered by the HSE in conjunction with the appointed scheme administrator KPMG McCann Fitzgerald. Applications received under the scheme are determined by the scheme administrator and the amount of recoverable health charge due based on available information is calculated together with interest. Section 16 of the Health (Repayment Scheme) Act 2006 provides for an independent appeals process to allow an applicant to appeal the amount of repayment offered by the scheme administrator and to provide additional information by way of a written or oral submission in support of that appeal. The Health Repayment Scheme Appeals Office has issued 3,982 appeal decisions as of 15 October 2009. 508 of these appeal decisions have disagreed with the amount offered by the scheme administrator resulting in an increased offer.
|
Year |
Number of Decisions where the Appeals Officer has disagreed with the Amounts offered by the Scheme Administrator resulting in an increased offer |
|
2007 |
31 |
|
2008 |
137 |
|
2009 to date (15 October 2009) |
340 |
|
Total to date (15 October 2009) |
508 |
171 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in responding to correspondence (details supplied). [37618/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
172 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support the case of a person (details supplied). [37621/09]
As this is a service matter the question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
173 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of women screened per month through CervicalCheck since September 2008 to September 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37622/09]
174 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the new arrangements for CervicalCheck implemented from 1 September 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37623/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 173 and 174 together.
The matters raised by the Deputy are the responsibility of the National Cancer Screening Service. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Chief Executive Officer of the Service to respond directly to the Deputy in relation to the matters raised.
175 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children if the necessary medical care will be provided for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37643/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
176 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive a decision on their medical card application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37645/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
177 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Question No. 93 of 8 October 2009, when a reply will be issued; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37655/09]
178 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Question No. 94 of 8 October 2009, when a reply will be issued; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37656/09]
179 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Question No. 95 of 8 October 2009, when will a reply be issued; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37657/09]
180 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Question No. 96 of 8 October 2009, when will a reply be issued; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37658/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 177 to 180, inclusive, together. As indicated in my previous replies, the Deputy's questions have been referred to the HSE for direct reply. My Department has been informed that the Executive is compiling the information requested and expect to be in a position to reply shortly.
181 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Question No. 471 of 6 October 2009, when will a reply be issued; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37659/09]
182 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Question No. 472 of 6 October 2009, when will a reply be issued; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37660/09]
183 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Question No. 474 of 6 October 2009, when will a reply be issued; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37661/09]
184 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Question No. 475 of 6 October 2009, when will a reply be issued; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37662/09]
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 181 to 184, inclusive, together. As the Deputy's question relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
185 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on the long delays experienced in getting responses to parliamentary questions from the Health Service Executive; her plans to address these problems; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37663/09]
Responding to the information needs of the Oireachtas and the public is a priority for my Department and is a regular agenda item at meetings between myself and the chief executive officer of the Health Service Executive. The operation of the parliamentary affairs division of the HSE (PAD) allows for the centralised receipt, assignment and tracking of Parliamentary Questions within the HSE's extensive network of operations. More generally, PAD monitors overall performance in relation to the timely issue of replies and provides a central contact for all requests from Oireachtas members for information relating to matters within the statutory remit of the executive. It reports on a regular basis to the chief executive officer and his management team.
In 2008, a timeframe of 15 working days for replies was introduced for Parliamentary Questions referred to the executive for direct reply. The most recent statistics provided to my Department by the executive show that in the period from January to October 6 2009, 62% of questions referred to the Executive were answered within the 15 day timeframe. A further 4% were answered within 20 days. 71% of referred questions were answered within 30 days. I will continue to stress the importance of meeting the 15 day timeframe at my regular meetings with the CEO of the HSE.
186 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the mechanism for which a person (details supplied) must apply to ensure that they can attend their clinic appointments on time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37816/09]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
187 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the safety methods adopted by the ambulance service of the Health Service Executive in regard to transporting patients to medical clinics who suffer from MRSA to ensure the protection of other patients who are fellow passengers on the same ambulance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37819/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
188 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children when the medical records from Portlaoise General Hospital, County Laois of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who attended the hospital on a number of occasions from 1995 to August 2008 will be returned to them; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37820/09]
As this is a service issue it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
189 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 202 of 7 July 2009, when a reply will issue from the Health Service Executive. [37832/09]
I am advised by the Health Service Executive that it has proven difficult to obtain all of the information sought in the Deputy's original question, particularly with regard to the former Health Boards as there was no central record of reports conducted by the Boards during the period in question. The Executive is currently finalising work on reports conducted since its establishment. I understand that an interim response has now issued to the Deputy and that a final response will issue shortly.
190 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 358 of 16 September 2009, when a reply will issue. [37833/09]
The reply should issue shortly.
191 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 383 of 16 September 2009, when a reply will issue from the Health Service Executive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37834/09]
The Health Service Executive has informed my Department that its Integrated Service Directorate is currently finalising a response to the Deputy's Parliamentary Question No. 383 of 16 September 2009. The Executive has advised that a reply will issue to the Deputy as soon as possible.
192 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) will have their medical card issued to them; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37836/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
193 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if parents whose children will commence school in September 2010 and who were born after 30 June 2006 will not avail, partially, or fully of the free pre-school year in early childhood care and education scheme in view of the commitment in the 2009 budget for a free year for all children and the fact that the early child care scheme ceased in May 2009. [37838/09]
As the Deputy will be aware, I have responsibility for the implementation of the free Preschool Year in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) scheme which is being introduced in January 2010.
Children will qualify for the free preschool year where they are aged between 3 years 3 months and 4 years 6 months at the start of each academic year. The application of the age range is being interpreted as generously as possible, to include children who are aged more than 3 years 2 months and less than 4 years 7 months at 1 September each year. This will mean that, in January 2010, children born on or after 2 February 2005 or on or before 30 June 2006 will qualify. Children born between 2 February 2006 and 30 June 2007 will qualify for the free preschool year in September 2010. It is of course open to parents to choose to send their children to primary school rather than avail of the preschool year.
I should point out to the Deputy that the Early Childcare Supplement (ECS) which is currently payable in respect of children aged under 5 years, will cease to be payable from January 2010 rather than from May 2009.
194 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Health and Children when a decision will be made on an application for an over-70 medical card in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37846/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
195 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Health and Children when a decision will be made on an application for an over-70 medical card in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37849/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
196 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health and Children the way a person (details supplied) in County Longford can access medication following the discontinuance of the hardship scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37854/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
197 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if bonus payments have been approved by the Health Service Executive for hospital network managers and other senior hospital administrators over each of the years 2005 to 2008, inclusive; if such bonus payments have been approved for 2009; the detail of each recipient, their HSE designation and area, the sums received or approved and not yet awarded; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37859/09]
The Performance Related Awards Scheme was introduced following a decision by the Government on the implementation of recommendations of the Review Body on Higher Remuneration in the Public Sector. The primary function of the Review Body is to advise the Government from time to time on the general levels of remuneration appropriate to certain public sector posts, including higher management grades in the health service not covered by the Public Sector Benchmarking Body process.
The level of awards made to individual senior managers in the HSE is solely a matter for the HSE Board and my Department has, therefore, asked the HSE to reply directly to the Deputy.
No bonus payments have been made to senior managers in the HSE in respect of 2008. At its meeting on 9th July 2009, in response to a request from my Department, the Board of the Executive formally decided to suspend consideration of all performance related awards for 2008 in the HSE pending receipt of further guidelines from central government. All eligible employees were informed of that decision.
Since the payment of bonuses is related to performance in the preceding year, no such payments have been made in respect of 2009.
198 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason Crohn’s disease is not classified as a long-term disease due to the fact that symptoms may be alleviated but not cured; and if he will make a general medical card available to persons suffering from this disease. [37866/09]
Under the 1970 Health Act, the Health Service Executive may arrange for the supply, without charge, of drugs, medicines and medical and surgical appliances to people with a specified condition, for the treatment of that condition, through the Long Term Illness Scheme.
The conditions are: mental handicap, mental illness (for people under 16 only), phenylketonuria, cystic fibrosis, spina bifida, hydrocephalus, diabetes mellitus, diabetes insipidus, haemophilia, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophies, parkinsonism, conditions arising from thalidomide and acute leukaemia. There are no plans to extend the list of eligible conditions covered by the Long Term Illness Scheme, or to provide medical cards on an automatic basis to persons suffering with Crohns Disease.
Under the Drugs Payment Scheme, no individual or family unit pays more than €100 per calendar month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The scheme is easy to use and significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals incurring ongoing expenditure on medicines.
In addition, people who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be entitled to a medical card. In the assessment process, the Health Service Executive can take into account medical costs incurred by an individual or a family. Those who are not eligible for a medical card may still be able to avail of a GP visit card, which covers the cost of general practice consultations.
199 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a general medical card will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Leitrim; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that this application has been with the Health Service Executive for many weeks without a decision being made. [37867/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
200 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure an appointment will issue from University College, Galway to a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon.
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
201 Deputy John Cregan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm that a hospital (details supplied) in County Limerick will receive a budget for the ongoing care of long-stay patients, separate to funding which may be payable through the fair deal scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37873/09]
From the 27th October onwards, the new Nursing Homes Support Scheme, A Fair Deal, will be the single system of support for all new entrants to long-term residential care. Budget 2009 provided €55 million for the introduction of the new Scheme this year.
In advance of the introduction of the scheme, a dedicated subhead for long-term residential care was established within the Health Service Executive's Vote (Subhead B16 in Vote 40). The total funding in Subhead B16 currently stands at €909 million. This represents the total State funding available for long-term residential care in 2009.
From the 27th October onwards, Subhead B16 will be dedicated in its entirety to the Nursing Homes Support Scheme, A Fair Deal. However, commitments made to existing residents in nursing homes must also be honoured. Accordingly, arrangements in respect of these existing residents, including those in the public nursing home referred to by the Deputy, will be funded from Subhead B16 in the immediate transition phase of the scheme. Apart from these transition phase commitments, all other funding within the subhead will be used to support residents qualifying under the Fair Deal scheme.
Finally, it should be noted that a person's entitlement to services under any other statutory schemes, such as the medical card scheme, remains unaffected by the introduction of the Fair Deal.
202 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a primary care medical certificate will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37876/09]
As the Deputy will be aware from the Health Service Executive response of 7th October last to the Deputy's question of 22nd September the individual concerned was medically assessed on 25th September. The HSE has advised that the individual will be contacted when a decision on eligibility has been made by the Medical Review Committee.
However, as the Deputy's question relates to service matters I have arranged for the Deputy's question to be referred to the HSE for an update and direct reply.
203 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a medical card will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37878/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
204 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Transport the number of State agencies or organisations under the remit of his Department which are paid up members of the Irish Business and Employers Confederation; the name of each agency or organisation; the amount each State agency or organisation paid to the Irish Business and Employers Confederation for the years 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37568/09]
This is a matter for the agencies concerned.
205 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport the investment made in Dublin Port and Dún Laoghaire Harbour for each year since 2002 to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37627/09]
Dublin Port Company and Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company were both incorporated under the Harbours Act 1996. In accordance with the Act, the companies are required to take all proper measures for the management, control, operation and development of their harbours and are required to conduct their business in a cost-effective and efficient manner. Capital expenditure by the port companies is reported upon in their annual accounts, copies of which are laid each year before the Houses of the Oireachtas.
As indicated in the Ports Policy Statement, the port companies, as commercial entities, are expected to fund their operations and infrastructure requirements without recourse to the Exchequer. There is no Exchequer funding provided for under the port sub-programme of the current NDP. However, the port companies themselves are projected to spend between €300 million and €600 million on capital projects over the course of the plan.
Dublin Port Company did receive €6.9 million of Exchequer funding for two projects under the Seaports Programme of the NDP 2000-2006.
206 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide a breakdown of the subsidy provision made to Bus Éireann in 2009 and the subsidy provided to other rural transport providers in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37829/09]
207 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Transport the subsidy provision made to Bus Éireann for 2009; the number of passengers carried by Bus Éireann from 2004 to 2008 and the estimated passengers for 2009 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37830/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 206 and 207 together.
The provision for Exchequer subvention to CIÉ for 2009 is €303.189m of which approximately €45m will be allocated to Bus Éireann. The amount is not broken down by reference to routes or areas.
Funding of €11m is being provided for the Rural Transport Programme (RTP) in 2009. Pobal, which administers the RTP on behalf of my Department, is working with 36 individual rural transport groups around the country. Neither I nor my Department have any role in relation to the day-to-day management of the Programme, including allocating funds to particular groups or services. The number of passengers, excluding school children, carried by Bus Éireann from 2004 to 2009 is contained in the following table.
|
Year |
No. of Passengers |
|
2004 |
47.8m |
|
2005 |
49.0m |
|
2006 |
49.7m |
|
2007 |
50.2m |
|
2008 |
48.2m |
|
2009 |
*45.3m |
*Estimate.
208 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Transport if applications have been lodged for a licence to operate a bus service on a route (details supplied); the name of the applicants; the status of such applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37843/09]
The Road Transport Act provides the statutory basis for regulating the provision of public bus services. In accordance with that legislation, private bus operators apply to my Department for licences to operate scheduled bus passenger services within the State. Applications are dealt with in date order from the date of their receipt.
Two applications have been lodged with my Department for bus services to operate on the route in question. Following the consideration of the first application, a licence offer was issued by my Department on 16th January 2009, in which certain restrictions to the overall proposals made by that operator were proposed. In a response dated 19th June 2009 the operators declined to accept the terms of the offer and, as previously informed on 12th June 2009, no further consideration was given to their application.
My Department is currently finalising the consideration of the second application from another operator for an express service between Dalkey and Dublin Airport and the licence is expected to be issued shortly. Details of applications are confidential until a licence is issued.
209 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will advise on a matter (details supplied). [37551/09]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the area referred to is in Santry Garda District. Local Garda management is aware of difficulties being experienced by residents in the area as a result of anti-social behaviour.
A member of the local Community Policing Unit is allocated to the area who liaises with local residents and attends residents' meetings to help address their concerns. I am informed that the Sergeant-in-charge of the Community Policing Unit is aware of the situation in the area referred to and that further contacts between gardaí and residents will take place shortly in this regard.
The area is subject to regular patrols by uniform and plain clothes personnel, including the Community Policing Unit, the Garda Mountain Bike Unit supplemented by the District Detective and Drug Units, the Divisional Crime Task Force and Traffic Corps personnel. Local Garda management closely monitors such patrols and other operational strategies in place, in conjunction with crime trends and policing needs of the communities, to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public. The situation will be kept under review, with primary consideration being given to the needs of residents.
Incidents of public disorder and anti-social behaviour reported to the Garda authorities are the subject of investigation and dealt with appropriately, including by juvenile or adult caution, fixed charge notices or initiating criminal proceedings. Any persons found engaging in such behaviour will continue to be dealt with appropriately in accordance with the law.
Current policing plans in the area are designed to address issues of crime and public order offences, including the prevention of public order offences; the prevention of crime including crimes of violence against persons and property and the maintenance of an environment conducive to the improvement of quality of life of residents. This strategy is central to the delivery of the policing service to the area in question.
210 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of State agencies or organisations under the remit of his Department which are paid up members of the Irish Business and Employers Confederation; the name of each agency or organisation; the amount each State agency or organisation paid to the Irish Business and Employers Confederation for the years 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37565/09]
I can inform the Deputy that the only Agency under the remit of my Department, which is a paid up member of the Irish Business and Employers Confederation is the National Disability Authority (NDA). Membership fees, which are paid in January each year, were as follows:
2007 — €1,505.93;
2008 — €1,719;
2009 — €1,642.60.
211 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will support a matter (details supplied) in Dublin 3. [37620/09]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the area referred to is in Clontarf Garda Sub-District. Local Garda management is aware of difficulties being experienced by residents in the area as a result of anti-social behaviour.
The area is subject to regular patrols by uniform and plain clothes personnel, including the Community Policing Unit, supplemented by the Garda Mountain Bike Unit and the District Detective and Drug Units, supplemented as required by the Divisional Crime Task Force and Traffic Corps personnel. A member of the local Community Policing Unit is allocated to the area.
Local Garda management closely monitors such patrols and other operational strategies in place, in conjunction with crime trends and policing needs of the communities, to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public. The situation will be kept under review, with primary consideration being given to the needs of residents.
Incidents of public disorder and anti-social behaviour reported to the Garda authorities are the subject of investigation and dealt with appropriately, including by juvenile or adult caution, fixed charge notices or initiating criminal proceedings. Any persons found engaging in such behaviour will continue to be dealt with appropriately in accordance with the law.
Current policing plans in the area are designed to address issues of crime and public order offences, including the prevention of crimes of violence against persons and property and the maintenance of an environment conducive to the improvement of the quality of life of residents. This strategy is central to the delivery of the policing service to the area in question.
212 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of persons arrested for vehicle crime in Dublin for the years 2006 to date in 2009 inclusive; the number of persons convicted to date; the steps the Garda is taking to tackle this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37628/09]
The Garda Síochána Act 2005 makes provision for the compilation and publication of crime statistics by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose.
I have requested the CSO to provide the statistics sought by the Deputy directly to him.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that senior Garda management in the Dublin Metropolitan Region implement specific strategies and initiatives to target vehicle crime. The Garda Síochána Analysis Service and Criminal Intelligence Officers identify crime trends and patterns and utilise pin-mapping of such crimes reported to An Garda Síochána to identify hot-spots. These hot-spots are then profiled and subjected to high-visibility policing, including by Garda foot and mobile patrols and Garda mountain bike patrols. Intelligence is gathered, evaluated and analysed to identify persistent offenders, who are then the subject of specific targeted operations. Garda personnel throughout the Region are regularly briefed on high-profile targets and identified hot-spots, to be targeted during regular patrols.
I am further informed that all vehicles involved in this type of crime are subject to technical examination by Divisional Scenes of Crime examiners which, in conjunction with the policy of finger-printing and photographing of arrested persons, are entered into the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) to assist investigating members of An Garda Síochána in identifying suspects for such crimes. In addition CCTV systems are monitored to prevent and detect vehicle crime.
Community Policing Units and Crime Prevention Officers in every Garda Division organise campaigns to provide crime prevention and personal security advice to members of the public. Owners of vehicles are advised against leaving property, exposed in vehicles, which attracts criminals to target their vehicles. Vehicle owners are also encouraged to park responsibly, in a well-lit area or a designated carpark to prevent opportunistic vehicle crime.
213 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to ongoing open-air drug dealing in Jobstown, Tallaght, Dublin 24; the steps he will take to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37632/09]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the area referred to is within Tallaght Garda District and I am advised that local Garda management in Tallaght is aware of the issues referred to by the Deputy.
To combat this problem there is a dedicated District Drug Unit, comprising one Sergeant and ten gardaí, operating on overt and covert patrols and surveillance operations to prevent, disrupt and detect this type of criminality in this area.
As part of ongoing operations in this area a number of persons have already been identified as suspected of being involved in the sale and supply of drugs, resulting in a number of searches and seizures of drugs being made.
The District Drug Unit is assisted by additional patrols being conducted in this area by uniformed and plain-clothes personnel, including the local Community Policing and Mountain Bike Units; the District Detective Unit, supplemented as required by the Divisional Crime Task Force and Traffic Corps personnel.
Liaison is also maintained with the Garda National Drugs Unit. Two members of the local Community Policing Unit are specifically allocated to the area referred to and attend Neighbourhood Watch and other meetings of residents' groups to address any issues arising.
Current policing plans in the area are designed to address issues of crime and public order offences, including the prevention of public order offences; the prevention of crime including crimes of violence against persons and property and the maintenance of an environment conducive to the improvement of quality of life of the residents of the area. Community policing is a central feature and core value of our policing policy.
I am assured that local Garda management closely monitors operational strategies in place, in conjunction with crime trends and policing needs of the communities in these areas to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources, and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public.
The situation will be kept under review and every consideration will continue to be given by the gardaí to the needs of local residents.
214 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will support a matter (details supplied) in Dublin 3. [37636/09]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that Gardaí from Raheny and Clontarf Garda stations police the area concerned and maintain regular contact with the management of the premises referred to in order to address any public order issues which may arise.
I am further informed that local Garda management is aware of anti-social behaviour in the vicinity of the premises and has designated it a public order hot-spot. Additional gardaí, including a dedicated Public Order Unit, are deployed in this area, particularly during weekends and when events are being held, to prevent and detect anti-social behaviour and other public order offences. Inspections are carried out of all licensed premises in the area to ensure that the provisions of the liquor licensing and other relevant legislation are being complied with.
A policing strategy, in the Garda District concerned generally, has been put in place by local Garda management to target public order and other anti-social type behaviour offences. The numbers of patrons attending licensed premises and other venues within the District, trends in public order offences and concerns and issues raised by local residents' associations and community groups, local representatives and the local authorities with An Garda Síochána are taken into consideration in implementing the strategy.
Local Garda management closely monitors patrols and other operational strategies in place, in conjunction with crime trends and policing needs of the communities, to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public. The situation will be kept under review, with primary consideration being given to the needs of residents.
Current policing plans in the area are predicated on the prevention of anti-social behaviour and public disorder, the prevention of crime, including crimes of violence against persons and property, and the maintenance of an environment conducive to the improvement of quality of life of the residents. Garda units are directed to pay particular attention to areas where local youths tend to congregate. This strategy will continue to be central to the delivery of a policing service to the area in question.
215 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the structures, arrangements or procedures that exist to facilitate access to solicitors by suspects in Garda custody; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37648/09]
The structures, arrangements and procedures that exist to facilitate access to solicitors by suspects in Garda custody are outlined in Regulation 9 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 (Treatment of Persons in Custody in Garda Síochána Stations) Regulations, 1987 and 2006.
The treatment of children in custody, including access to a solicitor, is further protected by part 6 of the Children Act 2001.
216 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he is satisfied that the law is flexible enough to allow persons who have their homes repossessed in the course of the current economic climate to continue to be eligible to raise loans, own property or become a director of a company; his views on whether there is a need for a more modern legislative framework in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37665/09]
Government policy in relation to protection of the family home from repossession is reflected in the statutory Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears and the agreed protocol between the Irish Bankers Federation and the Money Advice and Budgeting Service on debt default. Legislation in relation to the Code and bank law in general is the responsibility of the Department of Finance. The law in relation to directors of companies is the responsibility of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
In so far as my Department is concerned with jurisdiction of the courts in relation to repossessions, policy is reflected in the recently-enacted Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Act 2009 which gives the Circuit Court exclusive jurisdiction where cases in relation to the family home are concerned. The aim is to facilitate those who may be facing repossession proceedings in such cases to enter a defence and to reduce the costs involved. The Deputy may be assured that my Department will continue to keep the law for which it is responsible under review.
217 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if she will support a matter (details supplied). [37814/09]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the area referred to is in Santry Garda District. I am also informed that An Garda Síochána is not aware of difficulties in respect of anti-social behaviour at the location referred to. However, any complaints received will be the subject of investigation and offenders dealt with in accordance with the law.
A member of the local Community Policing Unit is allocated specifically to this area and liaises with the local community. An active Neighbourhood Watch Scheme is in place and holds regular meetings. These are attended by the community Garda and issues raised are attended to. The area is subject to regular patrols by uniform and plain clothes personnel on mobile, foot and mountain bike patrols, supplemented by patrols from the Divisional Crime Task Force and Traffic Corps personnel if required.
Local Garda management closely monitors such patrols and other operational strategies in place, in conjunction with crime trends and policing needs of the communities in these areas, to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public. The situation will be kept under review, with primary consideration being given to the needs of residents.
Incidents of public disorder and anti-social behaviour reported to the Garda authorities are the subject of investigation and dealt with appropriately, including by juvenile or adult caution, fixed charge notices or initiating criminal proceedings. Any persons found engaging in such behaviour will continue to be dealt with appropriately in accordance with the law.
Current policing plans in the area are designed to address issues of crime and public order offences, including the prevention of crimes of violence against persons and property and the maintenance of an environment conducive to the improvement of the quality of life of residents. This strategy is central to the delivery of the policing service to the area in question.
218 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the residency status in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37879/09]
I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that the person referred to was the subject of a family reunification application, which was approved in December 2002 and has current permission to remain on that basis. This permission is valid up to 3 February 2010.
If the person referred to has any concerns regarding their status in the State, they should be advised to write to the Family Reunification Section of INIS, which is located at 13-14 Burgh Quay,Dublin 2 regarding same.
219 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 Dublin 7; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37880/09]
I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that the person referred to made a family reunification application with respect to his wife in January 2009.
The application was forwarded to the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner for investigation as required under section 18 of the Refugee Act 1996. This investigation is completed and the Commissioner has forwarded a report to the INIS.
This application will be considered by the INIS and a decision will issue in due course. Applications are currently taking approximately 15 months to complete.
220 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to an application for residency in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37881/09]
I would refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No 960 of 24 September, 2008. No representations have been received from, or on behalf of the person in question as to why a Deportation Order should not be made in respect of him.
The person's status in the State is currently being considered in the context of section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999, and when a decision in that regard has been made, the person concerned will be contacted direct and notified accordingly.
221 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of State agencies or organisations under the remit of his Department which are paid up members of the Irish Business and Employers Confederation; the name of each agency or organisation; the amount each State agency or organisation paid to the Irish Business and Employers Confederation for the years 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37563/09]
There are no state agencies operating under the responsibility of my Department. However, there are currently three bodies, which operate under the aegis of my Department: the Development Education Advisory Committee; the Government Emigrant Services Advisory Committee (previously known as Díon); and the Fulbright Commission (The Board of the Ireland — United States Commission for Educational Exchange).
The two advisory bodies operating under the aegis of my Department are not members of IBEC. In respect of the Fulbright Commission, I, as Minister for Foreign Affairs, have no statutory role in regard to the management of the Commission and therefore am unaware of any membership of organisations they may have.
222 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) whose daughter was murdered abroad was told by his Department to contact the British Foreign Office for assistance; the further reason his Department has not made an offer of help or assistance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37640/09]
223 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will intervene to offer assistance to a person (details supplied) whose daughter was murdered abroad and help them to progress the police investigation abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37641/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 222 and 223 together.
At the outset, I would like to offer my sincere condolences to the family on the death of the person mentioned by him. My thoughts are with them during what is a very difficult time for them.
My Department, through both the Consular Section in Dublin and our Embassy in Madrid, was in contact with the family of the person concerned during the week following her death and offered consular assistance to them. However, while the person concerned was an Irish citizen, she had travelled to Spain on a British passport. The Spanish authorities, carrying out their responsibility under the terms of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations made initial contact with the British authorities in Tenerife on her case. The British authorities subsequently provided consular assistance to the family.
The family have since expressed the wish that the Irish authorities liaise with the relevant Spanish authorities on their behalf regarding the investigation into the person's death. The Embassy in Madrid and our Honorary Consulate in Tenerife are making contact with both the Spanish and British authorities on the issue. Officials from my Department's Consular Section have agreed to meet with the father of the person concerned.
224 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will support a matter (details supplied). [37667/09]
The Government is concerned about the recent reports of violent incidents in Camp Ashraf and also the more general predicament of its residents.
Camp Ashraf is home to over 3,000 members of the People's Mujahideen of Iran (PMOI), an Iranian opposition group that established itself in Iraq in 1986 at the invitation of Saddam Hussein. However, following the war in 2003 and the collapse of the previous regime, Iraq's new Government have made clear their unhappiness at the continued presence in Iraq of the PMOI.
Camp Ashraf and its inhabitants were afforded protection by the US military when the US occupied Iraq in 2003. Earlier this year the Iraqi Government resumed full control of responsibility for security in Iraq from the US military. It is therefore incumbent upon the Iraqi authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of those still living in the Camp and to prevent the recurrence of violence such as that which took place recently (after residents had clashed with Iraqi police following an attempt to establish a police station in the Camp). A positive development in this regard has been the release of 36 camp residents initially detained by Iraqi security forces last July and their safe return to the camp.
The determination of the Iraqi authorities to establish sovereign control throughout their territory and to resist the establishment of any "no-go" areas is understandable. The critical point, however, is that there must be no question of a forcible return to Iran of the residents of the Camp. The Iraqi authorities have so far stated that they have no intention of doing this.
This year the Government, through Irish Aid, provided €200,000 in support to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) for its programming in Iraq. This includes emergency assistance to those affected by the conflict as well as the promotion of international humanitarian law and protection activities, such as visits to detainees. The ICRC regularly visits Camp Ashraf in fulfilment of its protection mandate, and has regularly reminded the authorities of their obligation to ensure that those living in the Camp have access to such basic necessities as food, water and medical care.
The Government will continue to follow developments closely, both regarding the future of the Camp and the wider security situation in Iraq itself.
225 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the concern expressed by the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission regarding the delay on the part of the British Government in publishing its consultation document on a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland; if he has raised this matter or plans to raise it with the British Prime Minister in view of the fact that the commitment to introduce a Bill of Rights was included in both the Good Friday and the St. Andrew’s agreements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36657/09]
The Government remains determinedly committed to ensuring the full and effective implementation of all aspects of the Good Friday and St. Andrew's Agreements. A specific Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland is a central and vital provision of the Good Friday Agreement. In this context, the Government has consistently looked for early progress on the issue.
As the Deputy is aware, the British Government is currently preparing a Consultation on the Bill of Rights. I am aware of the concerns expressed by the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission in relation to the publication of the Consultation. Officials from my Department are in regular contact with the Commission regarding progress on the Bill of Rights process and have also maintained regular contact with the relevant officials in the Northern Ireland Office. I have also raised the issue in my discussions with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, most recently when we met on 19 October 2009. Based on those discussions I would expect to see some further progress shortly.
226 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the additional cost of keeping the national cultural institutions open late at least twice a week to allow working people to visit the museums; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37583/09]
A number of the national cultural institutions already provide patrons with later opening hours on selected evenings every week. The National Gallery remains open until 8.30 p.m. on Thursdays; the Crawford Art Gallery Cork remains open late on Thursdays (until 8 p.m.), whilst the National Library of Ireland remains open until 9 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. This is in addition to the National Concert Hall, which is of course open in the evenings.
Based on information received from the Institutions, my Department estimates that extension of late opening hours to all of our national cultural institutions for two evenings each week would incur additional combined costs of in the region of €18,000 per week, which, over a year, would come to almost €1 million. The Deputy will appreciate that the provision of such additional funding to our national cultural institutions, in order to facilitate late opening on two evenings, would prove very difficult at the present time.
My Department, however, continues to liaise with our national cultural institutions, and encourages the provision of additional public access within current budgetary constraints. The recently held Culture Night, when all of our national cultural institutions remained open until late in the evening thereby encouraging people of all ages and from all backgrounds to experience a wide range of cultural activities, is a key example of the efforts being made to provide the public with access to our national collections to the greatest extent possible having regard to the current financial restraints under which we must all operate.
The Boards of the national cultural institutions are statutorily responsible for all operational matters in relation to the institutions.
227 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if an audit has been carried out to ensure that the tourism marketing fund is within best practice guidelines in terms of spending, placing of advertisements and value for money; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37584/09]
The Tourism Marketing Fund is a subhead of the Vote of the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism and, as such, is audited as part of the Departmental Vote in accordance with Article 33 of the Constitution, which provides for the Comptroller and Auditor General to audit all accounts of moneys administered by or under the authority of the Oireachtas.
Section 3 of the Comptroller and Auditor General (Amendment) Act 1993 provides the legislative base for this audit by imposing a duty on the Comptroller and Auditor General to audit in each year the Appropriation Accounts for the previous financial year by the Departments and Offices of State. Most recently, the Comptroller and Auditor General audited the 2008 Appropriation Account of my Department, which he certified on 19 September 2009.
In addition, the tourism bodies, which receive funding for overseas marketing under the Tourism Marketing Fund, are audited by the Comptroller and Auditor-General.
228 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of State agencies or organisations under the remit of his Department which are paid up members of the Irish Business and Employers Confederation; the name of each agency or organisation; the amount each State agency or organisation paid to the Irish Business and Employers Confederation for the years 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37555/09]
There are eleven agencies under the aegis of the Department which are or have been members of the Irish Business and Employers Confederation (IBEC) in the period 2007 to 2009 (to date), inclusive. Membership payments by these agencies for each of the years in question are as set out in tabular form.
|
Agency |
Year 2007 |
Year 2008 |
Year 2009 |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
Arts Council |
1,653 |
1,872 |
1,872 |
|
Bord na gCon |
13,320 |
13,855 |
12,855 |
|
Chester Beatty Library |
1,102 |
1,337 |
1,337 |
|
Crawford Art Gallery Cork* |
— |
— |
2,500 |
|
Fáilte Ireland |
13,128 |
15,110 |
13,325 |
|
Horse Racing Ireland |
5,105 |
5,845 |
6,532 |
|
Irish Film Board |
5,429 |
5,636 |
5,636 |
|
Irish Museum of Modern Art |
2,837 |
2,483 |
2,483 |
|
Irish Sports Council |
1,040 |
1,300 |
1,300 |
|
National Concert Hall |
1,139 |
1,489 |
2,216 |
|
National Gallery of Ireland |
5,510 |
5,730 |
5,272 |
*Crawford Art Gallery Cork became a member of IBEC in 2009.
229 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the amount he expects from the proceeds of the national lottery to become available for spending by his Department in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37882/09]
As the Deputy will be aware, the allocation of the proceeds of the National Lottery is a matter for the Minister for Finance.
The elements of my Department's Vote which are part-funded by proceeds of the National Lottery are as follows:
Subhead C.1 — Grants for sporting bodies and for the provision of sports and recreational facilities under the Sports Capital Programme;
Subhead C.3 — Grant-in-Aid provided to the Irish Sports Council in respect of general assistance to sports organisations and expenditure in relation to sports activities; and
Subhead D.7 — Grant-in-Aid allocation provided to the Arts Council.
Details of the Revised Estimates allocations for these subheads in 2009, are outlined in the following table.
|
Sports Capital Programme |
Irish Sports Council |
Arts Council |
Total |
|
|
2009 |
€56,000,000 |
€51,689,000 |
€73,350,000 |
€181,039,000 |
The corresponding allocations in respect of these programmes for 2010 will be set in the context of its 2010 Estimates process, which is currently under way.
230 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number and location of sporting and recreational groups throughout County Kildare that is expected to receive funding from his Department for major or minor programmes in 2009; the way this compares to previous years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37883/09]
231 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of sporting and recreational facilities currently under construction and in receipt of funding from his Department from the proceeds of the national lottery or other sources; the number awaiting funding; the extent to which this funding is likely to continue in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37884/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 230 and 231 together.
No round of the Sports Capital Programme has taken place to date in 2009 and therefore no allocations have been made this year by my Department to sporting, recreational or voluntary bodies in County Kildare. Details of grants allocated in previous years are available on my Department's website at www.dast.gov.ie. No decision has been taken on the timing of the next round of the programme.
€56 million has been provided in my Department's vote in the 2009 Estimates to cover payments to be made from the C1 subhead, out of which grants are paid for the provision of sports and recreation facilities. This money will be paid out to grantees that have been allocated funding under previous rounds of the programme, including clubs located in county Kildare.
232 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the extent of his intended spending on major or minor sporting and recreational facilities here in 2009; the further extent to which this compares with each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37885/09]
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table.
|
2004(m) |
2005(m) |
2006(m) |
2007(m) |
2008(m) |
2009(m)* |
|
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme |
17.58 |
14.10 |
22.70 |
27.79 |
20.49 |
6.70 |
|
Sports Capital Programme |
80.70 |
56.78 |
60.05 |
63.72 |
60.13 |
40.28 |
|
Lansdowne Road |
0.82 |
9.49 |
12.59 |
46.15 |
115.99 |
1.50 |
|
National Sports Campus (Abbotstown) |
1.05 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
2.697 |
1.235 |
*These figures reflect expenditure as at end September 2009. It is not possible at this stage to give figures for spending for the remainder of 2009 in relation to the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme, Sports Capital Programme and National Sports Campus.
233 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the degree to which he has studied tourism figures for each of the regions; if he plans to take steps to address imbalances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37886/09]
Latest figures from the Central Statistics Office show a reduction of 10.9% in the number of overseas visitors to Ireland for the first eight months of 2009 compared with the corresponding period of 2008. Although the figures are down compared to 2008, we still welcomed almost five million overseas visitors in the first eight months of the year.
While any reduction in the number of overseas visitors is disappointing, it must be seen in context. Ireland enjoyed several years of successive growth in visitor numbers, reaching a record of just over 8 million in 2007. There is no doubt that the period to date in 2009 has been very difficult for tourism globally. With regard to the Irish tourist industry, there have been significant declines in GDP, personal spending and consumer confidence across all our major source markets. Exchange rates, particularly the dollar and sterling, and reduced air access to the island of Ireland have also impacted negatively on the flow of visitors.
The domestic market is an increasingly important component of the tourism business in Ireland particularly in terms of seasonal and regional spread, accounting for 28% of overall visitor revenues in 2008. Statistics on the regional spread of tourism in 2008 also show that 94% of holiday nights by domestic tourists were spent outside the Dublin area with 92% of domestic holiday expenditure being generated outside the capital. This offsets, to some extent, the relative strength of Dublin in the overseas visitors market where it accounted for almost 37% of visitor revenues in 2008.
While the regions outside of Dublin earn 70% of all Tourism revenue (based on 2008 figures) the fact that all regions and sectors are not benefiting to the same extent from our tourism industry continues to be a matter for attention from the Department and the State tourism agencies as tourism policy and programmes evolve.
I am confident that the regional tourism development strategies for the period 2008-2010 that have been prepared by the Regional Tourism Development Boards and are currently being implemented are facilitating the tourism industry to maximise its contribution to the regions, and that the various region-specific initiatives managed by Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland Limited will further help to address this situation.
237 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the action he will take to encourage the arts at community level with particular reference to funding support for local groups with a proven record; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37890/09]
238 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the action he has taken or proposes to take to increase interest in the arts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37892/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 237 and 238 together.
I refer the Deputy to my answers in this House previously to this question and in particular to the policy as outlined in replies to Questions Nos. 114, 218 and 220 [2407/09, 2680/09 and 2682/09] answered together on 28 January 2009; Question No. 101 [16413/09] of 28 April 2009 and Question No. 184 [23816] of 16 June 2009 last.
Government Policy on the Arts is set out in the Programme for Government and further elaborated in my Department's Statement of Strategy. My policy on the arts is to promote and strengthen the arts in all its forms, increase access to and participation in the arts, and make the arts an integral and valued part of our national life.
It is my aim to continue to implement this policy directly through my own Department and to support the Arts Council in its role, working within the financial and other resources available to me, into the future.
239 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the action he has taken or proposes to take in response to the recent campaign by leading actors to promote the arts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37893/09]
I have noted the concerns expressed recently by the artistic community in relation to the future funding of the Arts. The Government is currently considering the Estimates for Public Services for 2010 and in that context funding for the arts will be considered and divided.
240 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of State agencies or organisations under the remit of his Department which are paid up members of the Irish Business and Employers Confederation; the name of each agency or organisation; the amount each State agency or organisation paid to the Irish Business and Employers Confederation for the years 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37557/09]
There are four such bodies/agencies within the ambit of my Department and the details requested by the Deputy are set out in the following table.
|
Body/agency |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 to date |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
Foras na Gaeilge |
1,653 |
1,604 |
1,604 |
|
Waterways Ireland |
18,394 |
19,252 |
16,579 |
|
Údarás na Gaeilge |
9,004 |
9,347 |
9,380 |
|
Western Development Commission |
1,040 |
1,300 |
1,300 |
241 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Dinny McGinley den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil sé ar intinn aige deireadh a chur leis an scéim oifigeach forbartha faoi oiliúint atá ar siúl in ionad (sonraí tugtha) i bhfianaise an dochair a dhéanfadh cinneadh dá leithéid don ionad agus don phobal áitiúil; agus an gcuirfidh sé na hacmhainní cuí ar fáil chun a chinntiú go leanfar ar aghaidh leis an scéim; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [37638/09]
Feidhmíonn Údarás na Gaeltachta faoi réir fhorálacha na nAchtanna um Údarás na Gaeltachta 1979 go 1999. Tuigfidh an Teachta, mar sin, gur gnó don Údarás féin an cheist atá ardaithe aige agus nach bhfuil aon fheidhm reachtúil agamsa mar Aire maidir le riaradh gnóthaí laethúla na heagraíochta. Cuirtear maoiniú ar fáil ó mo Roinnse don Údarás gach bliain agus is gnó don eagraíocht an maoiniú sin a úsáid ar bhealach éifeachtach ar mhaithe lena cuid spriocanna a bhaint amach.
242 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Dinny McGinley den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil sé ar intinn aige deireadh a chur leis an scéim oifigeach forbartha faoi oiliúint atá ar siúl in ionad (sonraí tugtha) i bhfianaise an dochair a dhéanfadh cinneadh dá leithéid don ionad agus don phobal áitiúil; agus an gcuirfidh sé na hacmhainní cuí ar fáil chun a chinntiú go leanfar ar aghaidh leis an scéim; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [37639/09]
Feidhmíonn Údarás na Gaeltachta faoi réir fhorálacha na nAchtanna um Údarás na Gaeltachta 1979 go 1999. Tuigfidh an Teachta, mar sin, gur gnó don Údarás féin an cheist atá ardaithe aige agus nach bhfuil aon fheidhm reachtúil agamsa mar Aire maidir le riaradh gnóthaí laethúla na heagraíochta. Cuirtear maoiniú ar fáil ó mo Roinnse don Údarás gach bliain agus is gnó don eagraíocht an maoiniú sin a úsáid ar bhealach éifeachtach ar mhaithe lena cuid spriocanna a bhaint amach.
243 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will respond to correspondence (details supplied). [37844/09]
I refer the Deputy to Question Nos. 153 and 790 on 6 October 2009.
As I indicated in those replies, while I cannot be specific at this stage about the impact on specific bodies in particular areas, disadvantaged communities will benefit from a more focused programme with clear objectives and simplified and streamlined delivery structures.
244 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding a supplementary welfare allowance appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [37647/09]
The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which includes mortgage interest supplement, is administered on behalf of the Department by the community welfare service of the Health Service Executive. The purpose of mortgage interest supplement is to provide short-term income support to eligible people who are unable to meet their mortgage interest repayments in respect of a house which is their sole place of residence.
The supplement is normally calculated to ensure that a person, after the payment of mortgage interest, has an income equal to the rate of supplementary welfare allowance, appropriate to their family circumstances, less a minimum contribution of €24 per week, which recipients are required to pay from their own resources.
The Executive has advised that the entitlement of the person concerned to mortgage interest supplement was terminated as his weekly mortgage interest payment of €20.13 is less than the current statutory minimum contribution of €24 per week.
The person concerned appealed this decision to an Appeals Officer of the Executive who upheld the decision to refuse mortgage interest supplement on 15 October 2009. It remains open to the person concerned to appeal the decision of the Executive to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.
245 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she has received correspondence from an organisation (details supplied) in Dublin 18; her plans to address this issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37877/09]
I received correspondence from the Irish Dental Association expressing concerns about the future of the dental benefit scheme. I had a meeting with them on 17 September where they indicated that they would return with "proposals which would achieve greater efficiencies while retaining the integrity of the scheme and minimise the impact on clients and their patients". No proposals have been received to date but Department officials expect to meet with them in the coming weeks.
The future of the dental benefit scheme will be considered as part of the Estimates and budget 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.
246 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of State agencies or organisations under the remit of her Department which are paid up members of the Irish Business and Employers Confederation; the name of each agency or organisation; the amount each State agency or organisation paid to the Irish Business and Employers Confederation for the years 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37566/09]
Details of payments made by agencies and organisations under the aegis of the Department to the Irish Business and Employers Confederation are set out in the following table.
|
State Board/Agency |
Amount paid 2007 |
Amount paid 2008 |
Amount paidto date in 2009 |
|
Citizens Information Board |
€9,098 |
€9,462 |
€9,462 |
|
Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) |
€2,132 |
*July 2008 to end December 2009 €22,516 |
*18 month contract negotiated in July 2008 between MABS and IBEC.
247 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position in relation to the second illness benefit appeal for a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and when a medical assessment will be arranged. [37569/09]
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.
248 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding an appeal lodged in respect of jobseeker’s allowance by persons (details supplied) in County Cork. [37579/09]
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all the evidence has allowed the appeal of the person concerned. The person concerned will be notified of the decision.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
249 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the facilities she plans to put in place to assist community welfare officers to deal with the extra workload from applications from people in hardship in winter 2009 if the Christmas bonus is not awarded to social welfare recipients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37599/09]
Each year the Government makes a decision on the payment of the Christmas Bonus having regard to the prevailing economic circumstances. This year it has been necessary for the Government to take steps to reduce overall public expenditure so as to restore order and stability to the public finances.
In this context, the decision was made that the Christmas Bonus would not be paid in 2009. The decision was announced in the April 2009 supplementary budget to give people advance notice so that they could adjust their finances accordingly.
The supplementary welfare allowance scheme is administered by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive (HSE) on behalf of the department. The operational arrangements for processing of applications and payment to qualifying individuals, is a matter for the respective community welfare division areas.
The issue of any increased demand that may arise this winter on existing resources is a matter for the HSE in the first instance to prioritise workloads and re-deploy resources where necessary so that frontline services are maintained. The question of any increase in expenditure for staffing within the community welfare service above that currently provided would have to be considered in the context of overall Government policy on public service manpower levels.
250 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason behind the practice of her Department writing every three months to non Irish parents, even parents from EU member states married to Irish citizens asking them to state their nationality, confirm their residency status and confirm that they and their children continue to be resident here; the annual cost of this system of monitoring since its introduction; if she will confirm the veracity of statements by staff in the child benefit section that all claimants, including Irish citizens, will receive these forms every three months in the near future; the reason PPS numbers could not be cross referenced against current employment as well as using other triggers such as unemployment or a child leaving school; if she will clarify that computerised cross referencing or all private data could be protected to maintain the rights to privacy of the individuals concerned and facilitate a less evasive, faster and more cost effective solution that would monitor both Irish citizens and foreign nationals to prevent fraud; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37642/09]
The child benefit scheme has, in recent years, experienced significant expansion in the volume of claims received, the rates of payment and the diversity of the customer base. The annual cost in 2008 was approximately €2.46 billion and the payment is now made for children of some 190 nationalities living in Ireland.
Against this background, the control policy for the child benefit scheme has been reviewed to ensure that controls against fraud and abuse of the scheme continue to be effective and relevant. As a result of the review, enhanced and updated control measures have been devised. These include the issue, on a quarterly basis, of certificates to sub-sets of customers for completion and return to the Department to confirm that they continue to satisfy the conditions for receipt of child benefit. Claims are normally registered to the mother and, as the person receiving the benefit, it is her nationality that dictates the status of the claim.
In the case of non-Irish national recipients who are resident in Ireland with their children, certification is requested that the children continue to reside here — the proof of such residence can be provided via details of the school or college their child attends or, if the child is not of school-going age, details of the doctor or crèche they attend. This information is used to verify that the children are resident in Ireland, and for no other purpose.
In the case of EU nationals who are working in Ireland but who have qualified children living in another EU state, certification by their employer of continuing employment is requested. Again, this information is not used for any other purpose.
In 2008 some 80,000 certificates issued to non-Irish customers who qualify on the basis of employment or residency. In the course of this exercise, it transpired that some 24,000 had changed residence of which 8,000 had left the country and did not therefore have entitlement to benefit. Certificates are now issued on a quarterly basis to all customers who qualify for child benefit on the basis of employment or residency. Some 80,000 certificates were issued in 2008 and 315,000 is the likely total issuing in 2009. The cost is an estimated €1 per transaction — including a postage-paid envelope for the customer's reply. Savings in 2008 arising from the issue of the certificates were just under €27 million. In 2009 to date, savings are €58 million and are expected to be in the region of €80 million by the end of the year.
The issue of certificates to Irish national customers is being assessed in the light of some recent mailshots. A mailshot issued to 80,000 mainly Irish-national customers, concerning the early childcare supplement scheme. Some 1,000 were returned undelivered and the claims were suspended. The number remaining suspended is 290 and investigation of these claims is continuing. A mailshot was also issued to 1,500 Irish customers who had not cashed their child benefit payment within the six month period allowed. Replies are awaited in 51 of these cases. Both these mailshot projects will conclude in November — when the outcome will inform the nature of further initiatives.
Regarding the Deputy's suggestion concerning cross-referencing with current records on the Revenue, schools and unemployment sides, work is in progress to match records of those signing-off unemployment against the child benefit file and it is expected that this system will soon be operational. The records on the Revenue and Department of Education and Science sides only provide a yearly snapshot as of the end of the tax year or the start of the school year and are not therefore suitable for establishing the position regarding employment or school attendance in individual cases. The issue of certification forms is monitored on an ongoing basis in the Department.
251 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when unemployment assistance or benefit will be awarded in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37896/09]
The person concerned applied for jobseeker's allowance from 28 July 2009. His claim was closed because he failed to provide documents requested to determine his means. His case will be reviewed if he supplies the requested documentation.
A previous application for jobseeker's allowance dated 28 January 2008 was disallowed on the grounds that he failed to disclose his means. He appealed against this decision and an Appeals Officer upheld the Deciding Officer's decision in July 2008.
The person concerned re-applied for jobseeker's allowance on 23 October 2008, 29 January 2009, 29 May 2009 and again from 10 June 2009. These claims were closed because he failed to provide documentation requested to establish his means.
252 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Defence the number of State agencies or organisations under the remit of his Department which are paid up members of the Irish Business and Employers Confederation; the name of each agency or organisation; the amount each State agency or organisation paid to the Irish Business and Employers Confederation for the years 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37558/09]
The State agencies under the remit of my Department are the Civil Defence Board, the Army Pensions Board and the Board of Coiste an Asgard. None of these are members of the Irish Business and Employers Confederation.
253 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Defence if he will supply details of the official report into the deaths of persons (details supplied). [37570/09]
I am advised by the Military authorities that there are no official reports into the deaths of persons in the three incidents as referred to by the Deputy. The three areas referred to are referenced in a file (CW/OPS/12/C) in the Civil War Operations collections which is held in Military Archives, Cathal Brugha Barracks. This file is available for inspection by appointment with the Military Archives should the Deputy so wish.
I am further advised by the Military authorities that other potential sources of information on these incidents include the manuscripts section of the National Library of Ireland and the National Archives.
I refer to the reply to Question No. 496 of 20 October 2009. My Department is fully committed to the Limerick regeneration project, which has been underway since mid 2007. Accordingly, it is not specifically mentioned in the renewed programme for Government. This contains wider commitments on housing policy, which can be integrated into the Limerick regeneration process, where appropriate, over the period of the programme.
256 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the expansion of the plastic bag levy to cover both plastic bottles and aluminium cans; the amount of revenue this would raise if implemented at a level similar to that applied to plastic bags; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37871/09]
259 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on a tax on plastic water bottles to aid funding the disposal of plastic bottle waste; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37587/09]
I propose to take Question Nos. 256 and 259 together.
Economic instruments such as the levy on plastic bags can contribute to the achievement of environmental objectives. Directive 94/62/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on packaging and packaging waste (the Packaging Directive) is based on the concept of producer responsibility, which effectively requires producers to contribute to the waste management costs of products which they have placed on the market at end-of-life. Under the original directive, Ireland was required to achieve a 25% recovery rate of packaging waste by 1 July 2001, increasing to a 50% recovery rate by 31 December 2005. All beverage containers, including plastic bottles and aluminium cans, are considered packaging.
Practical implementation of the directive in Ireland is organised mainly through a collective industry-based compliance scheme operated by Repak Limited which is working successfully. Directive 2004/12/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council amending the Packaging Directive introduces a new increased packaging waste recovery target of 60% (with 55% by way of recycling) as well as material specific recycling targets for glass, paper/board, metals, plastics and wood. The National Waste Report 2007 states that packaging waste recovery increased to 63.6% in that year, indicating that Ireland has met and exceeded the target recovery rate of 60% set by the Packaging Directive for 2011.
The recycling target for plastics, which Ireland has to achieve by 2011, is 22.5%. Ireland is well on the way to meeting this target, with the recycling rate for plastic packaging in 2007 at 22.1%. Where there is no material specific target under the Packaging Directive in relation to aluminium, Ireland achieved a recycling rate of 26.8% in 2007.
I fully recognise that despite progress on recycling we need to continue to improve our performance. The comprehensive review of waste management policy, which I initiated in July 2008, will be informed by the major international report on waste management policy recently concluded by consultants. My Department is currently examining this report and its recommendations with a view to determining what further measures may be necessary to underpin sustainable waste management services. As part of the review process, the inter-related issues of enhanced producer responsibility (including the broadening of producer responsibility to a wider range of products) together with the increased use of economic instruments on specified materials are under examination.
257 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of State agencies or organisations under the remit of his Department which are paid up members of the Irish Business and Employers Confederation; the name of each agency or organisation; the amount each State agency or organisation paid to the Irish Business and Employers Confederation for the years 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37561/09]
Details of expenditure incurred by the agencies, offices or bodies under the remit of the Department in regard to membership of the Irish Business and Employers Confederation are a matter for the agencies themselves. The Department does not hold this information.
258 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has drawn up a list of large dog farms producing puppies for commercial gain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37586/09]
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 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 working group recommended that a dog breeding establishment be defined as ‘a premises containing more than five female dogs, aged over four 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 operation of the dog control regime is a matter for individual local authorities.
I intend to publish the draft Bill as soon as possible.
260 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he and the Minister of State for housing will make a commitment to visit a project (details supplied) in Dublin 3; when he plans to make this visit; the funding he will make available to enable this project to proceed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37646/09]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 345 of 3rd February, 2009. Until such time as proposals are received from Dublin City Council, my Department has no role in the matter.
261 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 189 of 8 October 2009, when a reply will be issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37650/09]
A reply to the parliamentary question will issue within the week.
262 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if it is legally permissible under the Local Government (Charges) Act 2009 for a local authority to introduce a waiver scheme, based on income, even though there is no specific provision for such a waiver in the Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37666/09]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 475 of 20 October. The position is unchanged.
263 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will approve funding for the reconstruction of a property (details supplied) in Dublin 1. [37821/09]
Having regard to the existing high level of commitments under the Capital Assistance Scheme it has not been possible to approve this scheme. It will, however, be considered for approval in the context of my Department's 2010 capital investment programme.
264 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the legislation in place in relation to the minimum proximity a telecommunications mast can be located to schools or houses; the position regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37824/09]
In general, planning permission must be obtained for the erection of an antenna support structure or mast. There are no legislative provisions in relation to the minimum proximity a telecommunications mast can be located to schools or houses.
There are certain exemptions from planning permission for the placement of antennae on masts by a statutory undertaker. These include — the attachment of additional antennae to an existing antenna support structure, subject to a maximum of 12; the attachment of antennae to certain existing structures, such as lamp posts, flag poles, CCTV poles, electricity pylons and certain public or commercial buildings. However this exemption does not apply to the attachment of antennae to educational facilities, childcare facilities or hospitals.
The above exemptions are conditional on, among other things, the field strength of the non-ionising radiation emissions from the site not exceeding the limits specified by the Commission for Communications Regulation. In addition, in the case of the exemption for the attachment of antennae to certain existing structures, there is a requirement on the statutory undertaker to notify the planning authority, in writing, of the proposed location of any such structure at least 4 weeks before the attachment of the antennae.
265 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 273 of 14 October 2009, the number of the 60 households transferred by Kildare County Council from the rental subsidy scheme between 1 January and 30 August 2009 that were accommodated by way of the rental accommodation scheme; the number accommodated through RAS that were classified as homeless; the number that were in receipt of less than the maximum rent supplement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37839/09]
My Department does not hold the information requested. I have asked the authority concerned to send the relevant information directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
266 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the non-principal private residential tax has to be paid by a person on a second property where relatives holiday in this property annually; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37857/09]
The Government has decided to broaden the revenue base of local authorities by introducing a charge on all non-principal private residences. The charge, which is set at €200, is payable by the owners of private rented accommodation, holiday homes and any other residential property that is not the owner's sole or main residence.
While detailed guidance has been provided to local authorities for the purpose of applying the Local Government (Charges) Act 2009, covering, inter alia, the terms and definitions used in the Act and their broad application, interpretation and implementation of the legislation is a matter for the local authorities in the first instance.
267 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of State agencies or organisations under the remit of his Department which are paid up members of the Irish Business and Employers Confederation; the name of each agency or organisation; the amount each State agency or organisation paid to the Irish Business and Employers Confederation for the years 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37556/09]
Membership of the Irish Business and Employers Confederation by bodies operating under the aegis of my Department is a day to day operational issue for those bodies and not one in which a have a role.
268 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources further to Parliamentary Question No. 193 of 8 October 2009, when a reply will be issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37651/09]
The information requested by the Deputy is almost complete and will issue to him in the next few days.
269 Deputy Seán Connick asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the terms used to determine the areas that will receive broadband services under the national broadband scheme; the steps he is taking to provide broadband services to areas that do not have broadband and are not covered by the national broadband scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37831/09]
The objective of the National Broadband Scheme (NBS) is to provide access to affordable, scalable broadband services to rural areas, many of which do not currently have any broadband service. The NBS is being rolled out on an electoral division basis and will address electoral divisions (EDs) that are without adequate broadband services.
The terms used to determine the areas that will receive broadband services under the NBS were based on levels of the existing combined broadband coverage in relevant EDs.
The NBS, which was approved by the European Commission, seeks to strike a balance between reaching as many un-served premises in Ireland as possible while minimising the impact of the scheme on businesses already providing broadband services in rural areas.
After compiling existing broadband coverage maps in the State, the Department was faced with a decision to determine which EDs should be addressed by the NBS, based on the levels of existing coverage in relevant EDs.
Where an ED was completely un-served by any existing service provider it was included in the NBS. EDs that, at the time of the mapping exercise in 2008, were completely served were excluded from the NBS.
Where an ED was not substantially covered by existing service providers, it was included in the Scheme. It is accepted that some of these areas already had a certain level of service. However, in such cases the entire ED was deemed not substantially covered and consequently was included in the NBS in order to ensure that all residences and businesses in the ED could benefit from broadband services.
It is accepted that even after the full roll-out of the NBS there will still be a small percentage of premises that will not be capable of receiving broadband services. This is primarily due to technical and other reasons (suitability of a telephone line, distance from an enabled exchange, no line of sight etc.). The European Economic Recovery Programme contains a specific provision for broadband services to rural areas and my Department is currently considering options for the design and implementation of such a scheme. It is hoped to commence this scheme in 2010 and have it completed by 2012. Discussions have already commenced with the European Commission on the critical first step of applying for and securing State Aid clearance.
270 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if all areas in County Leitrim, both urban and rural, will be included in the next roll-out of broadband; and the time frame for the provision of broadband in all areas of County Leitrim. [37862/09]
271 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if all areas in County Roscommon, both urban and rural, will be included in the next roll-out of broadband; and the time frame for the provision of broadband in all areas of County Roscommon. [37863/09]
273 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when broadband will be enabled at Loughglynn exchange, County Roscommon. [37865/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 270, 271 and 273 together.
The enabling of exchanges for broadband purposes is a matter for the owners of the relevant exchanges. It is anticipated that the facilitation of greater competition via the introduction of broadband from different technology platforms should encourage the more rapid enabling of exchanges.
Broadband services are provided by private service providers over various platforms including DSL (i.e over the telephone lines), fixed wireless, mobile, cable, satellite and fibre.
While the provision of broadband is a matter for the service providers, there are still some parts of the country where the private sector will be unable to justify the commercial provision of broadband services. In this regard, my Department has undertaken a variety of initiatives to address the gaps in broadband coverage including the now concluded Group Broadband Scheme and the current roll out of the National Broadband Scheme (NBS).
Details of the areas of counties Leitrim and Roscommon that will be served by the NBS are available from the service provider, 3, at www.3.ie. Under the terms of the NBS contract, 3 are required to have service fully rolled-out in the NBS area by September 2010.
The widespread acceptance of the benefits of broadband has motivated the EU Commission to set aside a portion of European Economic Recovery Package (EERP) funding for rural broadband initiatives.
I am considering how the provision of broadband services to un-served rural premises can be achieved through an appropriate intervention under the European Economic Recovery Package (EERP). My Department is currently considering options for the design of such a scheme. It is hoped to commence this scheme in 2010 and conclude it in 2012. A critical initial step is to apply for and secure, State Aid clearance from the European Commission. Discussions with the European Commission on this have commenced.
272 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if persons employed as telephonists in the Department of Posts and Telegraphs by the Civil Service Commission in the 1970s are entitled to pensions; and the age at which same is entitled. [37864/09]
I am assuming that the Deputy is referring to female Civil Servants, employed as telephonists by Department of Posts and Telegraphs who were compelled to leave the Civil Service on marriage. The situation for those employees is that a marriage gratuity was paid in lieu of pension benefits and therefore there is no further entitlement to a Civil Service pension.
274 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the guidelines and instructions inspectors are given when they carry out inspections in relation to fur animal inspection report form regulations 2000 and 1965 inspectors report on mink premises; the way inspectors classify stereotypical behaviour referenced in these documents; if action has been taken arising from non-compliance identified by inspectors; his views on whether the conclusions in the Report on the Welfare of Animals Kept for Fur Production relating to the welfare of foxes and minks. [37901/09]
277 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the guidelines and instructions the inspectors (details supplied) are given when they carry out inspections; if he will provide this Deputy with a copy of any such guidelines and instructions; the way the inspectors classify stereotypical behaviour referenced in documents; the source of the information, answer for each category and question of these reports; the person who receives the reports afterwards; the actions which arise from non-compliance identified by the inspectors in an inspection; and the corrective action taken and the person who examines the resulting reports. [37598/09]
I propose taking Questions Nos. 274 and 277 together.
Under the Musk Rats Act, 1933 (Application to Mink) Order 1965, the keeping of mink is prohibited except under licence, obtained from my Department. Licences, which are time-bound, are issued under this legislation only if the applicant, following an inspection by officers from the Agricultural Inspectorate of my Department, is found to be compliant with a number of conditions. Inspecting officers complete their inspection report form, having consulted, as necessary, with the fur farm management who supply statistics in relation to numbers of animals etc. Any issues relating to non-compliance are highlighted to fur farm managers and appropriate corrective action is recommended. Completed inspection report forms are copied to the section responsible for issuing the licences, together with a recommendation as to whether a licence should be issued.
Licensed fur farms are also inspected by Veterinary Inspectors from my Department to assess their compliance with the Council of Europe recommendations concerning fur animals and Council Directive 98/58/EC concerning the protection of animals kept for farming purposes. These inspections have, to date, found that the licensed fur farms have been operating in compliance with current legislation.
Veterinary Inspectors complete an inspection report form and make an assessment of animal behaviour on-farm on the basis of their professional judgement. Inspecting officers complete the inspection report form, having consulted, as necessary, with the fur farm management. Animal health and welfare inspection report forms are forwarded to Veterinary Management. Corrective action is recommended, as necessary, to the fur farm management.
275 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of State agencies or organisations under the remit of his Department which are paid up members of the Irish Business and Employers Confederation; the name of each agency or organisation; the amount each State agency or organisation paid to the Irish Business and Employers Confederation for the years 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37554/09]
The matters referred to in the question are operational matters for the agencies themselves.
276 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the amount of revenue raised in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 from the milk check levies for, An Bord Bainne, development levies, dairy research, the Dairy Council, Government services and the National Milk Agency; if he has reviewed the tax on production of milk at a time of below cost payments to dairy farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37588/09]
The National Milk Agency is a statutory body established under the Milk (Regulation of Supply) Act 1994 to regulate the supply of milk for liquid consumption throughout the state and to ensure all year round supply. The Agency is self-financing and raises funds by means of a levy on milk purchased for liquid consumption. The levy was increased from 0.127 cent per litre to 0.145 cent per litre with effect from 1 June 2008. The levy finances the annual running costs of the Agency.
Under the Milk (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1979 as amended, a fee of € 0.001 per litre is imposed on all milk intended for manufacturing or for the preparation of drinking milk. The fee contributes to the cost of providing the food safety inspection service and other work involved in the administration of EU market management schemes and is a requirement under EU legislation.
Under the Bovine Diseases Levies Act 1979 as amended, all milk received for processing from a herd is subject to a levy at a rate of €0.0006 per litre.
The total receipts from the above levies for the years 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 are set out in the table.
|
Levy |
Basis for collection |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
|
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
||
|
Dairy Inspection Fee |
Milk (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1979 (as amended) |
5.084 |
4.869 |
5.158 |
4,867 |
|
Bovine Disease Levy |
Bovine Disease (Levies) Act 1979 (as amended) |
5.653 |
5.375 |
3.265 |
2.890 |
|
The National Milk Agency |
Milk (Regulation of Supply) Act 1994 |
0.562 |
0.583 |
0.584 |
0.626 |
The National Dairy Council and An Bord Bainne are both private enterprises. This Department has no function in relation to their sources of funding. Tax on the production of milk is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Finance.
278 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food further to Parliamentary Question No. 197 of 8 October 2009, when a reply will be issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37652/09]
The information requested by the Deputy on 8 October 2009 will be forwarded to him this week.
279 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the status and proposed usage of the new Bord Iascaigh Mhara facility at Clonakility, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37822/09]
Having reviewed its decentralisation scheme, and having regard to progress made, commitments entered into and costs involved, the Government announced, on 14th October 2007, the priority projects which should proceed.
Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) the Irish Sea Fisheries Board, was amongst the projects identified to proceed. It is important to note that BIM is the independent, statutory agency with responsibility for developing a sustainable Irish Seafood industry. The deployment of staff and the general management of the agency are matters for BIM.
BIM is planning to officially open the new Seafood Development Centre based in Clonakilty, on Tuesday next, 27th October. This facility has been developed in response to the key recommendations of the Government led ‘Steering a New Course' seafood strategy 2007-2013. A key element of that strategy is to drive value enhancement, quality improvement, product development, and innovation in the seafood processing sector. The overall objective is to enhance the value generated for the Irish seafood sector from the raw materials sustainably harvested by the Irish fishing industry. Traditionally, much of the fish landed has been exported in raw, bulk form and added value has been captured downstream outside the country. BIM currently estimate that 85% of all Irish seafood produce sold is commodity based. They estimate that each 10% switch from commodity product sales to added value product sales would generate approximately €34M per annum in additional seafood revenues for the Irish industry.
The new Seafood Development Centre, which is the first dedicated innovation facility for the Irish seafood sector, will provide commercially focused innovation and new product development capability services to the Irish seafood industry. BIM anticipate that by focusing on delivering value-added seafood relevant to consumer needs the seafood sector can develop more stable high end markets and new products which generate greater profitability for the whole of the Irish Seafood sector.
280 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their disadvantaged area scheme payment and 70% single payment scheme payment for 2009. [37840/09]
An application under the Single Payment Scheme /Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on the 12 May 2009.
This application was selected for and was the subject of a ground eligibility and full cross-compliance inspection.
The inspection process is completed and the application has now been fully processed. Payment under the Disadvantaged Area Scheme has issued and the 70% advance payment under the Single Payment will issue this week.
281 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food further to Parliamentary Question No. 304 of 14 October 2009, if a person (details supplied) in County Cork lodged their application under the installation aid scheme with his Department prior to the closing date; if so, if same was the subject of an inspection; the reason it has taken in excess of 12 months to make a decision on their application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37841/09]
As indicated in the reply to the previous Parliamentary Question referred to by the Deputy, the person concerned is an applicant for grant-aid under the Young Farmers' Installation Scheme. The requirements of the Scheme include the establishment of compliance by the applicant with the property, education and income requirements of the Scheme and a decision will be taken in regard to the application as soon as possible.
282 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) will receive their 2009 area based payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37845/09]
An application under the Single Payment Scheme /Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on the 24 April 2009.
This application was selected for and was the subject of a ground eligibility and animal identification and registration inspection under cross-compliance.
The inspection process is completed and the application has now been fully processed. Payment under the Disadvantaged Area Scheme and the 70% advance payment under the Single Payment have issued. The balancing payment of the Single Payment is not due until 1 December.
283 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Longford has not been awarded their area aid; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37852/09]
An application under the 2009 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 7 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. Advance Payments under the Single Payment Scheme commenced on 16th October the first date permissible under EU legislation. The application of the person named has now been fully processed and payment will issue shortly.
284 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the action he will take to promote interest in the arts at primary and second level schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37891/09]
Working through the arts helps to nurture and develop cognitive, communicative, emotional, imaginative, aesthetic, social, and spiritual intelligences and skills. Arts education in primary schools, through the subjects of Music, Visual Arts, Drama, and through language, provides opportunities for a child to express ideas, feelings and imaginative insights, to make sense of and express his/her world in visual tangible form; and to make, listen and respond to art.
At post primary level, education in Art and Craft, Music, and in the literature, drama, poetry and film dimensions of language subjects, provides an important vehicle for self expression and creativity, and a way of bringing to the fore themes of everyday life which warrant exploration and group discussion as part of the learning process. This education also builds foundation skills in a key vocational/business sector of the economy. The Artists in Schools Guidelines, developed jointly by the Arts Council and my Department provide practical help for primary and post primary schools on how to plan and implement "arts in education" practice. This is where practising artists give of their time and expertise to work closely with schools, and students get the opportunity to get real experience of the arts in action in communities, both as visitors and participants.
In addition to supporting Music in the curriculum an additional allocation of the equivalent of 93 whole time teaching posts are allocated to a range of VECs to support Music education. This takes the form of individual tuition in instrumental and vocal music education, and provision of supports for choirs, orchestras and ensembles. Through this some 68,000 hours of music tuition are provided annually.
This investment is supplemented through a series of summer programmes in the Arts in disadvantaged schools, and a Music Initiative under which schools in disadvantaged areas are given once off funds to purchase or replace musical instruments. More recently with the support of philanthropic donations from U2 and the Ireland funds, and with the collaboration of Music Network, it has been found possible to announce the establishment of a Music Education for All project, under which 12 additional Music Education Partnerships will be established throughout the country building on an existing model which has been successfully piloted. The initiative will be co-ordinated by Music Network and will be implemented on a phased basis over the coming years. My Department also provides for substantial levels of investment in Arts Education at Further and Higher level.
285 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of State agencies or organisations under the remit of his Department which are paid up members of the Irish Business and Employers Confederation; the name of each agency or organisation; the amount each State agency or organisation paid to the Irish Business and Employers Confederation for the years 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37559/09]
The information sought is currently being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
286 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if schools here are obliged to put guidelines and policies in place to tackle homophobic bullying in the classroom and to ensure that teaching staff can work in an environment in which homosexuality is respected and tolerated by all staff employed in schools; if his attention has been drawn to the policies drawn up by a group (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37576/09]
The Board of Management of each school is required to prepare a code of behaviour in accordance with Section 23 of the Education (Welfare) Act 2000. My Department further requires each school to have in place a policy which includes specific measures to deal with bullying behaviour, within the framework of an overall school code of behaviour and discipline. Such a code, developed through consultation with the whole school community and properly implemented, can be the most influential measure in countering bullying behaviour in schools.
The education of students in both primary and post-primary schools in relation to anti-bullying behaviour is part of the SPHE curriculum. SPHE is now a compulsory subject both at primary level and in the junior cycle of post-primary schools. My Department has issued guidelines as an aid to schools in devising measures to prevent and deal with instances of bullying behaviour and to increase awareness among school management authorities of their responsibilities in this regard. These guidelines were drawn up following consultation with representatives of school management, teachers and parents, and are sufficiently flexible to allow each school authority to adapt them to suit the particular needs of their school.
My Department has also published policy templates for post-primary schools in five key areas, including anti-bullying on its website of as part of our ongoing efforts in this regard. The template documents are not prescriptive, but rather highlight possible approaches and potential material for inclusion in school policies. The anti-bullying policy template is based primarily on the key document Guidelines on Countering Bullying Behaviour. However, it does take account of more recent legislative and regulatory changes, and reference is also made to issues of contemporary concern such as the need to tackle text bullying, cyber-bullying and homophobic bullying.
My Department has been working with the Gay Lesbian and Equality Network (GLEN) on the development of guidance material for school leaders in supporting lesbian, gay and bisexual students in second-level schools. "Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Students in Post-Primary Schools: Guidance for Principals and School Leaders" produced in association with the education partners and published jointly by GLEN and my Department was recently launched by my colleague, Minister of State Sean Haughey TD.
In relation to school staff, Boards of Management, as employers have a responsibility to provide for the health and safety of their employees in accordance with The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act of 2005. The Health and Safety Authority has also issued a Code of Practice on the Prevention of Workplace Bullying. It defines workplace bullying as repeated inappropriate behaviour, direct or indirect, whether verbal, physical or otherwise, conducted by one or more persons against another or others, at the place of work and/or in the course of employment, which could reasonably be regarded as undermining the individual's right to dignity at work.
I am also aware that the INTO Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Teachers' Group has recently launched Guidelines on Creating an Inclusive Staffroom for Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Staff. As a supportive resource, teachers can now also access an Employee Assistance Service (EAS) specifically tailored to meet their particular needs. The EAS now available to teachers throughout the country is designed to support the health and well-being of teachers. The service incorporates confidential counselling on issues such as health, relationships, addictions, bereavement, stress, conflict, critical incident and trauma. As with all bullying in schools, homophobic bullying is unacceptable and I can assure the Deputy that supports are in place to enable schools both to prevent such bullying and to deal with any cases that may arise.
287 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the assessments required for a person to qualify for a special needs assistant; the person who carries out the assessments; the person who receives a copy of the assessment report. [37590/09]
As the Deputy will be aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), for allocating resource teachers and Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) to primary and post primary schools to support children with special educational needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. The qualifying criteria for the allocation of SNA support is outlined in my Department's Circular 07/02 which is available on my Department's website at www.education.ie.
The NCSE has responsibility for deciding on the quantum of resource teaching and/or care supports to be allocated to individual schools to enable them to meet the needs of pupils with special educational needs. Assessment reports carried out by relevant professionals are provided by schools to the SENOs as part of the application process for support. The relevant professionals are determined by reference to the disability of the child concerned. The SENO takes professional reports into account along with other relevant factors such as the existing level of SNA support in a school when determining the level of SNA support sanctioned to a school.
All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie.
288 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the assessments a special needs child with severe learning disabilities should undergo in relation to their education needs when they are under 16 years of age; the stages at which these assessments should be carried out; the assessments they should undergo in relation to their education needs when they are over 16 years of age; the organisations which carry out the assessments; the person who receives a copy of the assessment report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37592/09]
289 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the assessment that organisations dealing with children with learning disabilities carry out to assess a special needs child’s education needs; the person who receives a copy of the assessment report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37594/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 288 and 289 together.
The assessment of the education needs of child with learning disabilities or the identification of the disability may involve input from one or more of a range of education and health professionals including education psychologists, clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, occupational therapists and other medical or teaching personnel. These professionals may be employed by a number of statutory, state funded or voluntary organisations or operate independently in private practice. The main provider of such services within the education sector is the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) and within the health sector through the Local Health Office and/ or Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service.
Such professionals, where suitably qualified, may in turn apply a range of psychometric tests or diagnostic tools, or form judgements by observation or consultation with education practitioners relating to the nature and severity of a child's learning abilities / disabilities. Within an education setting this process would normally be subject to periodic or ongoing review assessment by the teaching practitioners involved and by the appropriate professionals and services over the course of the child's school life.
While it is difficult to generalise, in the absence of specific detail in relation to an individual, children with severe learning disabilities would normally present with significant needs and undergo medical/psychological assessment prior to entry into the education system. Liaison in relation to special needs provision and/or placement would take place between the NCSE, the parents and HSE services. Under the Disability Act 2005 a child with disabilities is entitled by right to an assessment of need. The NCSE facilitates the provision of relevant education services for the child as part of this process.
In practice a professional assessment report will be provided to the individual for whom it is commissioned or to their parents/guardians. Within the context of parental or individual consent to so do, copies of the report would be furnished to a range of educational or health practitioners to assist the provision of the appropriate intervention, remedial support or therapy.
290 Deputy Seán Connick asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that tender documents for capital works at a school (details provided) in County Wexford have been ready since November 2007; the position regarding the provision of the proposed capital works for this school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37597/09]
The project to which the Deputy refers is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning. The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction is dependent on the prioritisation of competing demands on the funding available under the Department's capital budget.
The proposed building project will be considered in the context of the Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme for 2010 and subsequent years. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the delivery of the project at this time.
291 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Education and Science the date of the release of leaving certificate examination results in August 2010. [37606/09]
The State Examination Commission (SEC) has operational responsibility for the certificate examinations. The provisional Leaving Certificate results for 2009 were released on 12 August 2009. The provisional results for 2010 are planned for release by the SEC on 11 August 2010.
292 Deputy Michael Noonan asked the Minister for Education and Science when permission to proceed to tender will be given to a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37615/09]
The project to which the Deputy refers is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning. Planning permission was granted in December 2007 and, while an appeal was made to An Bord Pleanála, the grant of permission was subsequently upheld.
The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of the Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the proposed project at this time.
293 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Education and Science if stage 2b documentation has been submitted by a school (details supplied) in County Donegal for a project; when it is expected that the project will advance to stage three and subsequent stages; and when it is likely to go to tender. [37631/09]
The project to which the Deputy refers is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning. Recently, a letter issued to the school authorising the Design Team to begin work on revising the stage 2(b) documentation for submission to the Department. The Design team have since been in contact with the Department regarding the submission of Stage 2(b) documentation. It is expected that members of the Design Team and a representative of the Board of Management will shortly be invited to attend a briefing session at the Department to explain what is required in revising the tender documentation to take account of the requirements of the new forms of contract.
Thereafter, following submission of a complete stage 2(b), the proposed building project will be considered in the context of the Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme for 2010 and subsequent years. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the delivery of the project at this time.
294 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 205 of 8 October 2009, when a reply will be issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37653/09]
The information requested by the Deputy requires a considerable amount of staff time to collate. The collation process is ongoing and I hope to be in a position to reply to the Deputy by the end of next week.
295 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of maths teachers at second level who do not have maths as a subject in their degree; if this issue has been addressed by him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37800/09]
Teachers in second level schools are appointed and employed by the managerial authorities of the schools and it is their responsibility to ensure that appropriately qualified teachers are employed in the schools. Data from the Teaching Council indicates that there are 3858 post-primary teachers registered with them who have taken Maths as a major subject in their final year. It is estimated that there are 5900 Maths teachers across the system which would indicate that some 65% of teachers have Maths as a major qualification in their degree.
296 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will support a matter (details supplied). [37813/09]
The information requested by the Deputy is provided in the table. The table outlines the number of undergraduate new entrants at full and part-time to higher education institutions in the years 2007/2008 and 2008/2009.
|
Year |
Full-Time 25-55 |
% of total Full-Time New Entrants |
Part-Time 25-55 |
% of total Part-Time New Entrants |
|
2007/2008 |
3,200 |
8.6% |
3,071 |
71.1% |
|
2008/2009 |
3,793 |
9.3% |
3,322 |
74.5% |
Source: HEA Student Record System.
Higher Education Institutions: 7 Universities, 14 Institutes of Technology, Colleges of Education, RCSI, National College of Art and Design.
297 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the legislation in place in relation to the minimum proximity a telecommunications mast can be located to schools or houses; the position regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37825/09]
The Deputy will be aware that the drafting of Planning and Development Regulations relating to mobile phone masts is a matter for the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The erection of such masts is subject to normal planning regulations which are administered by the relevant Local Authority and subject to guidelines issued by the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government to Planning Authorities.
In 2005 the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources issued a report titled "Report on non-ionising radiation from mobile phone handsets and masts". On foot of the recommendations of the report that Department established an inter-departmental committee to examine the health effects, if any, of non-ionising radiation. I understand that this committee in their report concluded that no adverse short or long-term health effects have been found from exposure to the radiofrequency signals produced by mobile phones and base station transmitters.
298 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of local authorities that have commenced paying out third level maintenance grants on a county basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37826/09]
299 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the local authorities that have drawn down funding from his Department for the purposes of paying out third level maintenance grants to students; the amount drawn down by each local authority and the date the funding was drawn down in tabular format. [37827/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 298 and 299 together.
The normal procedure for the recoupment of funding paid by local authorities in respect of first instalment of the maintenance grant is that the Department sends out the recoupment form to them during the first week in November for return to the Department by the third week in November. The recoupment arrangements are being kept under continuous review particularly in light of the current economic climate, where grant assessing authorities may face additional challenges in terms of financial management.
A number of local authorities have indicated a need for funding and my Department has facilitated them by making an early payment based on an estimate received. The Local Authorities (Higher Education Grants) Acts, 1968-1992 provide for the making of grants by local authorities to enable persons to attend approved courses of higher education. The process, whereby local authorities assess eligibility and make grant payments under the Higher Education Grants Scheme is provided for under these Acts.
The arrangements for the payment of grants under the Grant Schemes are a matter for the Local Authorities. The terms of the Higher Education Grants Scheme for the 2009/10 academic year provide for the payment by the Local Authorities of each maintenance grant in three equal instalments as early as possible in each term with the individual payable orders being addressed to the grantholder c/c the Bursar's Office of the College.
Under section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, each County and City Manager is responsible for staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authorities for which he or she is responsible. The tables provide (a) details of the local authorities that have drawn down funding for the academic year 2009/10 (b) details of the local authorities that have commenced paying the first instalment of third level maintenance grant.
|
Local Authority |
Amount |
Date payment approved by the Department |
|
€ |
||
|
Sligo County Council |
1,026,345.00 |
24/09/2009 |
|
Mayo County Council |
3,831,147.82 |
16/10/2009 |
|
Laois County County |
520,081.68 |
19/10/2009 |
|
Roscommon County Council |
596,855.20 |
19/10/2009 |
|
Dublin City Council |
1,511,498.00 |
20/10/2009 |
|
Payments commencedName of Local Authority |
|
Carlow County Council |
|
Clare County Council |
|
Cork County Council |
|
Donegal County Council |
|
Dublin City Council |
|
Dun-Laoighre County Council |
|
Dublin South County Council |
|
Fingal County Council |
|
Galway County Council |
|
Kerry County Council |
|
Kilkenny County Council |
|
Laois County Council |
|
Leitrim County Council |
|
Limerick County Council |
|
Louth County Council |
|
Meath County Council |
|
Monaghan County Council |
|
Sligo County Council |
|
Tipperary South County Council |
|
Waterford City Council |
|
Waterford County Council |
|
Wexford County Council |
300 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 1273 of 6 October 2009 and 513 of 13 October 2009, the position regarding the cost of rerouting a school bus that at present, as part of its planned collection process, passes the new bus stop in the village of Narraghmore, County Kildare; when the bus will stop for collection in the lighted area of the newly appointed bus stop in the village; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37835/09]
I have outlined in previous replies to the Deputy's Parliamentary Questions that children availing of concessionary transport must make their own way to the catchment boundary. The position in this case is that a child with special needs is picked up at home in accordance with the terms of the School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Needs. The bus then proceeds to the next pick up point which is close to the catchment boundary.
While I understand the Deputy's concerns, I would remind him that the children in question are not attending the post-primary centre in the catchment area in which they reside. They are availing of concessionary transport for which a separate application is made and is only approved once all eligible children are accommodated. Such approval is given on an annual basis. Children availing of concessionary transport cannot be facilitated in the same way as children attending a post-primary centre in the catchment area in which they reside. In that regard, the most that can be offered is concessionary transport from the catchment boundary.
My reply of 13th October set out the general rules which apply to the post primary transport scheme. In this case, due to the fact that the special needs child is being collected at home there would currently be no extra cost or re-routing of the service involved. I will ensure that this particular aspect of concessionary transport is considered as part of the Value for Money Review.
301 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the overcrowding at a school (details supplied) in County Galway; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that this school was approved for an extension to the physical education hall plus refurbishment of the existing building in the year 2000 and subsequent progress saw the stage three submission cleared by the planning and building unit in July 2009; when the project will progress to stage 4; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37851/09]
The project to which the Deputy refers is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning. The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction is dependent on the prioritisation of competing demands on the funding available under the Department's capital budget.
The proposed building project will be considered in the context of the Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme for 2010 and subsequent years. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the delivery of the project at this time.
302 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a person (details supplied) in County Longford has not been provided with a third level grant through Longford County Council; the further reason for the delay in processing same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37853/09]
The decision on eligibility for a higher education grant is a matter for the relevant local authority. If an individual applicant considers that she/he has been unjustly refused a maintenance grant, or that the rate of maintenance grant awarded is not the correct one, she/he may appeal, in the first instance, to the relevant local authority.
Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down, in writing, by the relevant local 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. My Department has received no appeal for the candidate referred to by the Deputy.
303 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a person (details supplied) in County Longford is not eligible for a vocational educational committee scholarship grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37855/09]
The decision on eligibility for a higher education grant is a matter for the relevant awarding body, a local authority or VEC, as appropriate. The means test for a grant application is normally based on income in the last full financial year. Therefore, eligibility for a student grant for the academic year 2009/10 will be assessed on income from the 2008 financial year.
However, if there has been a change of circumstances in the meantime that is likely to be permanent, then eligibility for the grant may be assessed to reflect those changed circumstances. For example, where a dependent student's parent experiences a permanent change in income level, for example, through a reduction in working hours or unemployment, then they can apply to their local authority or VEC to have their eligibility for a grant assessed on the basis of the new income level.
If an individual applicant considers that she/he has been unjustly refused a maintenance grant, or that the rate of maintenance grant awarded is not the correct one, she/he may appeal, in the first instance, to the relevant awarding body. Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down, in writing, by the relevant awarding body 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.
304 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question 529 of 17 February 2009, the steps he has taken to address the issues identified in the whole school evaluation of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 9. [37860/09]
The position in relation to the school referred to by the Deputy is that officials from my Department have met representatives of the Trustees of the school on a number of occasions to discuss how the management of the school would address the areas for development identified in the WSE report. A new principal has been appointed to the school and took up this position on 1 September 2009. I can assure the Deputy that my officials will continue to engage closely with the school authorities to ensure that the issues identified in the WSE report are addressed.
305 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that sports and others facilities at Dublin Institute of Technology have ceased, due to cutbacks, and that a number of staff have been advised that their contracts of employment will not be renewed when the contracts terminate in 2009; the impact that these decisions will have on the education of the students and the work and morale of the staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37861/09]
As the Deputy is aware, the purpose of the Government decision to implement a recruitment and promotion moratorium in the public sector is to facilitate a permanent, structural reduction in the numbers of staff serving in the public sector and is intended to contribute significant and ongoing savings to the Exchequer. In applying this moratorium generally, teaching and research activities in the education sector have been afforded significant exemptions relative to other areas of public expenditure. Nonetheless, the Deputy will appreciate that the sector has to contribute towards overall public sector numbers reductions.
In the area of higher education, the Government agreed that an employment control framework be developed to provide for the application of the moratorium arrangements to higher education institutions, subject to the continued oversight and review by the HEA and both my Department and the Department of Finance. This framework allows flexibility around recruitment into posts that are considered essential to maintaining core teaching and research activities, subject to an overall ceiling on numbers employed. The Government is anxious to work with the publicly funded higher education institutions in achieving necessary reductions in public expenditure within the sector as an essential part of overall budgetary strategy. The employment control framework aims to enable this while providing sufficient flexibility for the protection of frontline teaching and research activities.
It is a matter for the individual higher education institutions, including Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT), to manage their staffing resources in the context of implementing the framework. I understand that, within the terms of the employment control framework, the HEA are currently in discussions with DIT in relation to options for addressing some specific operational issues that have arisen there.
306 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of revenue raised through registration fees at each third level university here for each year since 2002 and to date in 2009; the purpose for which these fees are used at each university; the number of students at each of the universities that availed of either a full or partial waiver of the registration fee in each year since 2002 and to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37872/09]
The information requested by the Deputy is being compiled by my officials and will be sent to her as soon as possible.
307 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science when a decision will be made on the appeal in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Waterford regarding school transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37874/09]
I understand that the appeal referred to by the Deputy, in the details supplied, is to be considered by the School Transport Appeals Board at their next meeting which is scheduled for Thursday 19th November 2009.
308 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science when a special needs assistant will be provided for a child (details supplied) in Dublin 9. [37894/09]
As the Deputy will be aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENO) for allocating resource teachers and special needs assistants to schools to support children with special educational needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support.
All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie. I have arranged for the details supplied by the Deputy to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.
