Vol. 693 No. 1
98 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Finance the value of the charge made in respect of the bank guarantee for the most recent quarter in 2009 for which he has returns; the rate per cent of covered liabilities it entails; and if all covered institutions are paying at the same rate. [39065/09]
Under the Credit Institutions (Financial Support) Scheme 2008, each of the covered institutions pays a quarterly charge to the Exchequer which is held in a mandated account in the Central Bank. As of 20 October 2009, there is €548,642,029 in the mandated account. The balance in the account will be returned to the Exchequer.
The charge is paid quarterly in advance and all payments have been made in respect of 2009 which amounts to €437m. Of this total amount, €176m was paid in October 2009.
As the Deputy is aware the latest audited and verified figures for covered liabilities which were recently published in Iris Oifigúil, amount to €275.3 billion. The latest charge received in respect of the last quarter of this year would be equivalent to 0.065% of the latest published figure for covered liabilities and this would be equivalent to 0.26% on an annual basis. But as the covered liabilities can vary on a daily basis, this unaudited figure should be regarded as an estimate only.
In addition to the charge for the Guarantee levied on the covered institutions, institutions under the Guarantee are obliged to recoup the administrative costs of the Guarantee to the Minister. To date payments of €2.5m have been made, covering the period September 2008 to April 2009. There will be further charges made periodically between now and the end September 2010. Administrative costs are received as an Appropriation-in-Aid in my Department's vote.
With regard to the rate the institutions are paying for the provision of the Guarantee, I can confirm that the rates are differentiated to reflect the relative risk position of the covered institution, as set out in Paragraph 16 of the Scheme. Paragraph 22 of the Scheme allows me the discretion to review the application of the charging model every six months. The Guarantee charging model was recently reviewed by my Department to ensure the recovery of the aggregate cost borne by the State as a consequence of the provision of the Guarantee, and to ensure that the overall objectives of the Act are achieved. Given the shortfall in monies raised from the charge to date, the charge factor levied on each institution has been amended and new, higher rates are being applied for the remainder of the Scheme.
99 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Finance if he will meet with representatives of all the Opposition parties to take their views and suggestions into account in advance of planning budget 2010. [37614/09]
In relation to engagement with Opposition parties in the lead-up to Budget 2010, it is intended that my Department will publish in mid-November the Pre-Budget Outlook (PBO). This will set out an updated macroeconomic assessment based on the latest available data. In addition, the Pre-Budget Outlook will also set out the technical budgetary position as it is now emerging. I believe that the publication of the Pre-Budget Outlook will inform the debate in advance of Budget 2010, which will be presented to the Dáil on the 9th December. I further intend that a Pre-Budget debate will take place following the publication of the Pre-Budget Outlook, during which all Deputies will have the opportunity to present their views.
The Government has sought to engage all parties in our efforts to address the difficulties in the public finances. In this context, the reports of both the Commission on Taxation and the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes have now been published and are important inputs into the decision making process.
It must be noted that there is ongoing engagement with both Houses of the Oireachtas, as well as the various Committees, in relation to economic and fiscal matters. Furthermore, in recent weeks the Taoiseach and I, along with other relevant Ministers, have engaged with the Social Partners with a view to building a consensus for the action that is now required in terms of the need to stabilise the deficit in 2010. That said, it is the Government that will make the necessary decisions, taking all matters into consideration, in the context of the Budget in order to stabilise the public finances.
Finally, I am happy to listen to what the Opposition have to say on what their proposals are in relation to the stabilisation of the deficit in 2010.
100 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Finance the value of savings realised from the procurement review; the make-up of these savings; and his plans to make areas of public service delivery contestable by outside providers. [39085/09]
To date, the value of savings achieved from the procurement review is €21.5 million.
The savings were achieved in the supply of goods and services to Government Departments, Offices, Agencies and Third Level Institutions. The savings were achieved over the supply of a large number of goods and services. Among the main areas where savings were achieved were I.T. Hardware, Energy, Stationery/Office Supplies, Printing and Office Equipment.
All areas of Public Procurement are governed by National and EU legislation, in addition to guidelines laid down by the Department of Finance. These guidelines ensure that all competitive processes are open to all outside providers.
Government Departments and Offices ensure that there is full transparency, while conducting competitive procurement processes.
A primary tool in this objective is the www.e-tenders.gov.ie website. All suppliers, who have an interest in Government contracts, can register on this site and receive notification of competitive processes arising.
The aim of the NPPOU is to further streamline these processes in the coming months.
101 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance his estimate of the loss to the Exchequer in 2009 arising from cigarette smuggling; and the measures being taken and proposed to deal with this situation. [37616/09]
It is not possible, as I have stated in response to a number of Parliamentary Questions over the past year, to provide a reliable estimate of the loss to the Exchequer as a result of cigarette smuggling. This arises from the fact that there is no proven internationally recognised method for determining such an estimate.
The Revenue Commissioners have given a tentative estimate that up to 20% of cigarettes consumed in the State in 2008 were untaxed in this State. However, this estimate included both smuggled cigarettes and also cigarettes legally purchased by cross-border shoppers for personal consumption. While most cross-border purchases involves travellers arriving from Spain, Portugal and certain East European countries where tobacco prices are low, Northern Ireland is also a destination for cigarette purchasers.
I wish to assure the Deputy that both my Department and the Revenue Commissioners, who are responsible for the collection of tobacco products tax and tackling the illicit trade in cigarettes and tobacco products, are concerned at the level of cigarette smuggling. It is generally accepted that the high level of taxation levied on cigarettes in Ireland makes it a target for smugglers despite the comparatively small size of the market.
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that their strategy in relation to tobacco smuggling involves a combination of cargo and passenger profiling, intelligence gathering and mutual assistance co-operation with other Customs services. Where appropriate, x-ray scanning technology is used to detect and seize contraband in maritime and air transport. In this regard a second mobile container scanner has been purchased and is due to arrive in Ireland later this month. This scanner is expected to increase the overall level of detection at our major ports.
Revenue and an Garda Siochána also carry out multi-agency operations, particularly in relation to controlled deliveries. Where relevant, these operations involve international law enforcement agencies. The Customs service continuously reviews its strategy which includes analysis of resource requirements and its optimum staff deployment.
Revenue policy also entails close liaison with the legitimate tobacco industry and the Office of Tobacco Control. In addition intelligence driven and random checks are mounted at retail outlets and markets and other distribution centres in order to detect and seize illicit tobacco products which have evaded detection at the point of importation.
Furthermore, the Revenue Commissioners engage with the work of the European Anti Fraud Office which co-ordinates both international operations and other countermeasures undertaken by the authorities of the Member States against cigarette smuggling.
This combined approach has resulted in the seizure of almost 200 million cigarettes to-date in 2009. Included in this amount is the seizure of an estimated 120 million cigarettes at Greenore on 27 October 2009 in the course of the multi-agency Operation Samhna. This is a prime example of the fruits of multi-agency cooperation in the fight against this organised crime. The intelligence and operational strategy is backed up by a robust prosecution policy which has resulted in 101 convictions for cigarette smuggling or dealing in smuggled cigarettes during the first nine months of 2009. A significant number of other cases are already before the Courts awaiting hearing or are being processed for prosecution.
102 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Finance the breakdown of the individual discounts being applied to each of the five financial institutions in respect of the loans of €77 billion being taken over by the National Asset Management Agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37797/09]
The figure of E77 billion relates to the estimated book value of the loans of five covered institutions who have indicated their intention to participate in NAMA. When presenting this information to the Dáil in September, I indicated that both the estimate of book value and the projected average discount of 30% to be applied in the purchase of these assets, was provisional in nature and based on summary information provided by the institutions concerned.
The actual discounts to be applied will be determined on an asset by asset basis following the application of the valuation methodology. The aggregate discount by institution will only be available on completion of the valuation of the loan books of each participating institution. This will only be possible following the finalisation of the NAMA legislation, the designation of participating institutions and the designation of eligible assets among other issues.
103 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Finance if he has issued any policy directions to the Financial Services Regulatory Authority since the banking crisis broke; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37709/09]
The Deputy may wish to note that, under the terms of the Central Bank Act 1942, as amended, the Irish Financial Services Regulatory Authority is responsible for the regulation and supervision of the financial system including the banking sector. In the exercise of its regulatory and supervisory functions under statute, the Regulatory Authority acts independently of the Minister of Finance. This independence is an essential pre-requisite for the proper exercise of these functions and is firmly in accordance with standards of international best practice. In my role as Minister for Finance, therefore, I have no legal authority nor would it be appropriate for me to issue policy directions to the Authority.
As the Deputy will be aware the system of financial regulation in Ireland is based on a detailed and comprehensive EU template and many of the functions and powers assigned to the Regulatory Authority are assigned under EU law. As Minister for Finance, I do not have the authority to issue directions on matters covered by European law.
Of course as a matter of routine, my Department liaises closely on an ongoing basis with the Financial Regulator on matters relating to the legislative and policy framework for financial regulation. This reflects the expert advisory role played by the Financial Regulator in relation to the development of legislative proposals both at national and EU level. Since the onset of the financial crisis all the public authorities have worked closely advising the Government on key elements of the Government's response — the Guarantee Scheme, the recapitalisation of the banks and NAMA. This has helped ensure a cohesive and co-ordinated national response to maintaining financial stability in Ireland and ensuring that the financial system is restored to health to support economic recovery.
104 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the severity of the problem facing homeowners in negative equity; his plans to extend the moratorium on house repossessions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36000/09]
It is a particular priority of the Government to ensure as far 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. The preferred method of dealing with cases of arrears should be early intervention and engagement.
The Financial Regulator has a Code of Conduct for Mortgage Arrears. The Code applies to mortgage lending activities to consumers in respect of their principal private residence in the State and is mandatory for all mortgage lenders registered with the Financial Regulator. Under the Code where a borrower is in difficulty the lender shall make every reasonable effort to agree an alternative repayment schedule and he or she has to give consideration, on a case-by-case basis, to alternatives such as deferral of payments, extending the term of the mortgage, changing type of mortgage, or capitalising arrears and interest. Obviously cases will arise where the arrears situations persist despite newly agreed changes in repayment schedules. The Code provides that where the arrears situation persists, the lender may reserve the right to enforce the mortgage agreement. However, it must wait at least six months from the time arrears first arise before applying to the courts to commence enforcement of any legal action on repossession of a borrower's primary residence.
The Financial Regulator's Consumer Protection Code also 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 Irish Banking Federation and the Money Advice and Budgeting Service have agreed and put into effect an Operational Protocol on consumer debt. The Operational Protocol will enable MABS and the IBF continue to work together effectively when dealing with debt problems of personal debtors who approach the MABS Service for assistance.
I therefore have no plans to extend the moratorium on home repossessions. I am satisfied that the arrangements currently in place are sufficient to safeguard the interests of borrowers who experience difficulty in meeting their mortgage repayments. I will of course be keeping the situation under close review.
105 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Finance if he has reviewed the law governing the operation of banks of systemic importance to the economy and the changes he has identified as necessary. [39150/09]
The Deputy will be aware that the supervisory oversight of credit institutions is based on a pan-EU legislative framework, most notably the Capital Requirements Directive. In the light of events which have arisen in the context of the international financial markets crisis, the issue of the oversight of systemically important institutions is being considered, not only in the European framework, but also at a wider international level. At G20 level, in their Pittsburgh statement of September last, G20 Leaders recommended action by end 2010 to address the issue of systemically important financial institutions to reduce the probability of their distress and impact of their distress or failure. A report will be presented to G20 finance ministers in November on methodologies for determining whether a financial institution is of systemic importance. While discussions are at a relatively early stage, the IMF, the Financial Stability Board and the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision are also currently working on the issue. In parallel, the EU Commission is undertaking complementary work on systemically important financial institutions in the context of the current EU legislative framework. Ireland is participating fully in this work at EU level.
In my speech on the Second Stage of the NAMA Bill I indicated that I was examining options for the introduction of a legislative regime to deal with distressed financial institutions. The objective will be to ensure that the State has in place a range of tools to protect deposit holders and ensure financial stability and maintain international market confidence. I hope to be in a position to bring forward proposals in this area in the New Year. The development of this legislation will be informed by the work underway at the international level.
106 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance if he will report on discussions between National Treasury Management Agency, departmental or Government officials with Eurostat and with any international rating agencies with respect to the statistical treatment of debt incurred by the National Asset Management Agency, particularly in relation to the treatment of this debt in the national accounts and as part of the national debt; if this NAMA debt will be excluded from the calculation of general Government debt; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37691/09]
On 16 October Eurostat (the Statistical Authority of the European Commission) informed the Central Statistics Office of its preliminary decision that the operations of the National Asset Management Agency should be recorded outside the general government sector in the Irish national accounts. On 20 October, Eurostat published its preliminary decision on its website.
The effect of this preliminary decision is that the acquisition of the assets from the financial institutions by NAMA will have no effect on our General Government Debt ratio or our general budget balance.
This treatment puts the Irish asset protection scheme on an equivalent footing with bank support schemes in other member states, which are also being recorded off-balance sheet. The main advantage of this is that it minimises the danger of the markets or international investors misinterpreting our headline debt or budget balance ratios when comparing us against other EU Member States.
As I have repeatedly said, the statistical treatment does not change the fact that operations of NAMA will lead to an increase in the amount of the State's potential liabilities. This basic fact should not be overlooked. However, neither should it be overlooked that these liabilities will be matched by a countervailing asset holding.
Officials from the Central Statistics Office, the interim National Asset Management Agency and my Department had been in regular contact with Eurostat over the previous few months regarding the appropriate treatment of NAMA. The main rating agencies were aware that discussions were ongoing. Furthermore, I had also referred to the likelihood that the treatment would be off balance in the "Frequently Asked Questions" document published on my Department's website and the NAMA website at the end of July.
107 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Finance his views on whether, with respect to proposed reforms of the model of financial regulation here, it is appropriate to include in these reforms changes to the regulation of credit unions here or if he plans to deal with the issue of credit union regulation separately as part of a more broad based reform agenda for the credit union sector; his further views on the maintenance of the current regulatory arrangements for credit unions until such time as amendment to the Credit Union Act 1997 is deemed appropriate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37696/09]
The Credit Union Act 1997 provides the legal framework for the regulation of credit unions. The Act was designed to provide the credit union movement with a regulatory structure that reflects and promotes the particular ethos and philosophy of the credit union movement, its strong tradition of volunteer service and the core objective of providing opportunities for saving and lending for members of credit unions. The approach to regulation embodied in the Credit Union Act 1997 has served the credit union movement well by providing clarity and certainty to individual credit unions, their Directors and members. It has helped support the continued stability of the credit union movement and safeguard the members' savings during a period of rapid growth.
The future shape and operation of the legislative and regulatory framework will strongly influence the evolution of the credit union model. The question is how best to integrate that framework with the strategic development of the credit union movement in a manner which remains fully consistent with financial stability and long-term sustainability.
When, in June 2009, I announced major reform of the institutional structures for regulation of financial services in Ireland, I stated that no change is proposed to the current role and responsibilities of the Registrar of Credit Unions and that regulation of credit unions will remain within the Central Bank of Ireland structure.
However, the need for some modernisation of the legislative and regulatory framework for credit unions has become evident over time and it is clear therefore that the current legislative framework needs reform. I have asked the Chair of the Financial Regulator to initiate a review of credit unions which it is hoped will make an important contribution to identifying the appropriate way forward.
108 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the practice entitled pay-day lending which is in use here by a number of money lenders; the implications of such practice on persons who avail of it; and the action which will be taken to eliminate this practice. [37610/09]
From my inquiries with the Financial Regulator, the authority for licensing moneylenders, I understand that it has not issued any licences authorising moneylenders to provide pay-day loans, i.e. short-term loans intended to cover a borrower's expenses until her/his next pay-day, with the initial loan running for approximately one month. Anyone who becomes aware of such non-licensed money lending activity should bring it to the immediate attention of the Garda Síochána.
The Financial Regulator provides information about the different forms of credit available to consumers, including credit cards, overdrafts, hire purchase, personal loans and money lending and recommends that consumers take on the right type of credit for the right purpose. It also recommends a number of steps that borrowers should take including shopping around for the cheapest loan, reading all loan agreements, reviewing their debts from time to time and not taking on more debt than they can afford. I strongly endorse the recommendations of the Financial Regulator and urge consumers to avail of the detailed information on borrowing money and getting credit which is available through its publications, help-line (Lo call 1890 77 77 77) and website http://www.itsyourmoney.ie.
Finally, the Deputy may wish to note that my colleague, the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, provides a non-profit public service counselling service through the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) at her Department. This is a national, free, confidential and independent service for people in debt or in danger of getting into debt. The Irish Banking Federation (IBF) and MABS recently agreed an Operational Protocol on consumer debt. The Operational Protocol will enable MABS and the IBF to continue to work together effectively when dealing with debt problems of personal debtors who approach the MABS Service for assistance.
109 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Finance the impact on public service employment of the embargo on recruitment, on numbers and on the public service pay bill in 2010 and 2011; and the number and the pay bill implications of the exceptions which he has allowed. [39155/09]
At the end of March 2009, the Government introduced a moratorium on public service recruitment and promotion, while allowing for certain exemptions in the Education and Health Sectors for the filling of certain key posts. Furthermore, in the April 2009 Supplementary Budget, I announced a range of initiatives which are intended to lead to savings in the public service pay bill — an Incentivised Scheme of Early Retirement in the public service, the Special Civil Service Incentive Career Break Scheme and the Shorter Working Year Scheme which replaces the existing Term Time Scheme. In the April Budget I included a tentative estimate of savings of up to €300 million in a full year (i.e. including both 2010 and 2011) arising from all of these initiatives.
Based on the information returned to my Department, the number of persons in the public service has already decreased by 1,497 between end-March and end-June of this year. Officials from my Department are currently engaged in the process of collating the end-September numbers.
As regards exceptions to the moratorium, the Department of Finance has received written applications for exceptions for the filling of approximately 1,710 specific posts comprehended by the moratorium, of which the filling of 802 posts has been sanctioned. As regards the Civil Service there were applications for the filling of 337 full-time posts and sanction was conveyed in 224 cases. The main areas of exception were the prison service, educational psychologists and social welfare staff.
As regards the broader Public Service, applications were made for the filling of some 1,373 posts and sanction was conveyed in 578 cases. The main areas of exception were in the Education sector (renewal of secondment of teachers to Education Service), the Health sector (mental health nurses) and the Defence Forces (in particular, sanction for once-off acting-up allowances for specific overseas deployment).
In terms of the pay bill implications it is estimated that gross full year salary costs of approximately €31.6 million arise in respect of 601 of the exceptions granted.
Of the remaining posts, the following specific points should be noted:
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Food: 14 posts have transferred to Teagasc following the closure of Warrenstown Private College, and 1 promotion post in Teagasc was already the subject of an acting up allowance;
Department of Communications, Energy & Natural Resources: Of 45 posts exempted under the moratorium, 32 are seasonal posts recruited for 2009 only and 13 are funded by non-Exchequer sources;
Department of Defence: 108 posts have been exempted (recruitment of 42 cadets, 4 promotions and 62 once-off acting-up allowances for specific overseas deployments) and the annual additional cost of these exemptions is calculated on an incremental basis and amounts to some €1.5m. This cost will be met from the Department's existing pay allocation. This figure does not take account of savings resulting from non-filling of existing consequential vacancies in the case of promotions (€306,000) or vacancies arising from natural wastage;
Department of Justice, Equality & Law Reform: 33 exemptions have been sanctioned for the renewal of contract posts in the Irish Youth Justice Service. These posts were already filled on fixed term contracts and the concerned persons were on the payroll at their particular grade.
110 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for Finance if he has costed the proposals in the Revised Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39147/09]
151 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Finance the additional Exchequer cost arising from the Revised Programme for Government; if these additional costs are to be met through savings elsewhere; if he plans to introduce a €4 billion fiscal consolidation package in budget 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37675/09]
312 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance the cost for the Revised Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38295/09]
313 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance the consultation with his Department on costings during the recent negotiation and agreement on the Revised Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38296/09]
314 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance the breakdown of individual costs of each spending commitment in the Revised Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38297/09]
315 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance if he is satisfied that the spending commitments contained in the Revised Programme for Government are consistent with his budgetary strategy for reducing spending; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38298/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 110, 151 and 312 to 315, inclusive, together.
The revised Programme for Government is based on the broad macroeconomic framework set out in the April budget, taking account of the latest fiscal trends. The guiding principles of the Programme are
1. Correction of the public finances;
2. Repair of the banking system;
3. Regaining competitiveness;
4. Protecting jobs and investing in retraining those who have lost their jobs.
The Programme for Government sets out a range of issues that will be addressed over the lifetime of the Government. In this context, Budget 2010 will be a key next step. As with all Budget measures in the past, our proposals will be fully costed and set out on Budget day.
Further instalments will be made in the subsequent Budgets over the lifetime of this Government, taking account of the overall macroeconomic and fiscal environment, and will be fully costed in that context.
111 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Finance his views on the practice of awarding bonuses to State sector employees. [37613/09]
Schemes of performance-related awards were introduced for certain public service grades on foot of recommendations by the Review Body on Higher Remuneration in the Public Sector. In making these recommendations the Review Body expressed the view that such schemes were a highly desirable element in the total remuneration of top public service posts.
I announced in the Dáil on 5 February 2009 that award schemes in the public service would be suspended. No awards have been approved for 2008 in the case of the schemes applying to Deputy Secretaries and Assistant Secretaries in the civil service, the ranks of Deputy Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner in the Garda Síochána, the ranks of Major General and Brigadier General in the Defence Forces and senior staff in the local authorities and the HSE.
Decisions on performance-related bonuses for chief executives or other senior staff of non-commercial bodies and agencies are a matter for the Boards concerned. However, in April of this year my Department asked Secretaries General of Government Departments to inform such bodies and agencies under the remit of their Departments that, in view of the current economic and budgetary difficulties, it was appropriate that consideration of any bonus payments should be suspended.
The Review Body on Higher Remuneration in the Public Sector has recently submitted a report to me on the remuneration of the senior public service groups within its terms of reference and this is under consideration at present. I intend to review the future position on performance-related awards in the context of my consideration of the report.
112 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Finance if he will report on the latest data on credit availability, declined cases, and the delivery on commitments by institutions covered by guarantee and by recapitalisation; and the lessons to be learnt from this experience for drafting regulations under the National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009. [39144/09]
The Central Bank last week issued the latest Irish results of the Bank Lending Survey, which showed that for Q3 2009, credit standards on loans to enterprises tightened and the demand for loans from enterprises decreased further. However, it must be noted that the pace of tightening decelerated from the previous quarter and that credit standards on loans to enterprises are expected to remain unchanged during the fourth quarter of 2009. The survey acknowledged that previous Government announcements regarding recapitalisation support and state guarantees have facilitated access to wholesale funding markets although access to these markets remained challenging during the third quarter of 2009.
A comprehensive independent review of SME lending from both the demand and supply perspective was undertaken and was published in July. The review showed that demand had fallen sharply, with the value of new applications for credit down by 42% while refusal rates varied by size of company from 19% to 30%. Stock of credit remained static, indicating that new credits broadly matched repayments.
A follow-on Review covering the period to end September 2009 is currently underway and is expected in the coming weeks.
In the context of the recapitalisation, Allied Irish Bank and Bank of Ireland made explicit commitments to increase lending capacity to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by 10% and to provide an additional 30% capacity for lending to first time buyers in 2009. If the mortgage lending is not taken up, then the extra capacity will be available to SMEs. AIB and Bank of Ireland have also committed to public campaigns to actively promote small business lending at competitive rates with increased transparency on the criteria to be met. The measures taken to date by the recapitalised banks, including those relating to lending, are outlined in the supplementary booklet on NAMA and I would direct the Deputy to Section 4 of that booklet. The Financial Regulator has been monitoring implementation of this commitment.
With regard to drafting regulations under the NAMA Bill 2009, I will be introducing a Report Stage amendment to the Bill to provide a power to issue guidelines to the participating institutions on lending practices and procedures to improve the flow of credit to SMEs and, if necessary, other sectors. The power will be a wide ranging one and will allow for a response adapted to the particular circumstances of different institutions and sectors. This approach recognises that this is a complex situation and allows for a flexible response to changing credit needs.
113 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance the cooperation that takes place between his Department and the Department of Justice in respect of the resources needed for an effective customs operation here. [31443/09]
I understand that the Deputy's question primarily relates to drug smuggling in the context of smaller aerodromes.
Revenue's Customs Service has primary responsibility for the detection and seizure of controlled drugs at importation but there is a high degree of cooperation among all of the enforcement agencies of the State in the fight against the importation of illicit drugs. In particular, Revenue has good working relationships with the Garda Síochána and the Naval Service; and a Joint Task Force arrangement is in place to enhance and support these relationships with regular contact and cooperation between the agencies.
It is important to note by way of context that the operating environment for Customs has been shaped to a significant degree by the introduction of the Internal Market and the related principles of freedom of movement within the EU. Of specific relevance are the abolition of routine and systematic Customs checks on goods and passengers moving within any part of the EU and the elimination of Customs controls on the baggage of intra-Community passengers other than anti-smuggling checks. The approach has of necessity been to balance the freedom of movement principle in regard to people and goods with the need to control smuggling and enforce prohibitions and restrictions.
The Customs controls at the smaller aerodromes are risk-based and are carried out by mobile Customs enforcement staff, whose attendance is selective and targeted, based on analysis and evaluation of national and international seizure trends, traffic frequency, routes and other risk indicators. Attendance can also be as a result of specific intelligence. Traffic with origins and destinations with a high-risk rating would attract particular interest.
Some of the smaller aerodromes are licensed by the Irish Aviation Authority. However, there are also small private aerodromes where, because of the limited nature of the activity at the aerodrome, a licensing requirement does not arise. Irrespective of the licensing situation, both Revenue's Customs Service and the Garda Síochána are conscious of the need to monitor activity at these smaller aerodromes. Whereas both agencies would have distinct operational protocols and priorities, they adopt a collaborative and complementary approach to areas of common interest. For example, during 2008 they held a series of joint regional meetings with the smaller airport operators aimed specifically at increasing the operators' awareness that their facilities could be used by drug traffickers and offering advice on minimising risk .
114 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Finance the action he is taking to ensure that the National Asset Management Agency does not drive up costs in the legal, accounting, auctioneering and related professions during its life span; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39062/09]
NAMA will be required to procure professional expert support through a tender process, which meets EU requirements and will ensure that the most economically advantageous option is selected.
The costs set out in tenders submitted by individual professional service providers will be commercial matters for the companies involved. I do not propose to take any action in this area.
115 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Finance his views on the implications for the National Asset Management Agency of the recent High and Supreme Court judgments relating to the examinership protection sought by a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37682/09]
122 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Finance if the recent cases involving a company (details supplied) will have implications for the operation of the National Asset Management Agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37744/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 115 and 122 together.
The specific action referred to by the Deputy is a commercial matter in the management of their loans for the financial institutions concerned. Pending the establishment of NAMA, participating institutions will be expected to manage all loan assets, including non-performing or impaired loans, in accordance with normal commercial practice.
Actions concerning examinership, receivership and liquidation will be subject to the courts and a range of outcomes may emerge. NAMA will deal with the financial institutions and their loan assets and their particular credit status at the time of the loan transfer. If court actions taken before the loan is due to transfer to NAMA have impacted on the value of assets to transfer these matters will be fully taken into account in the valuation of any loans acquired by NAMA.
116 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Finance if a working group has been established under the Office of Public Works to develop an approach to the management and development of the former Irish ISPAT site in Haulbowline, County Cork; if so, the members of the group; when the group is first due to meet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37791/09]
147 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Finance if the working group will be established under the Office of Public Works to develop an approach to the management and development of the former ISPAT site in Haulbowline, County Cork and will work in tandem with the group headed by the Secretary General of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment which was established in 2008 or if it will take on the role and work of this group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37792/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 116 and 147 together.
The Government decided that "the Office of Public Works would chair a working group to develop a structured and coherent approach to the further management and development of the site, on the basis that Cork County Council would be asked to continue to discharge site management responsibilities on an agency basis...". OPW is in the process of establishing this working group, which will, in the first instance, comprise representatives from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, the Department of Defence, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Department of Finance.
Once the group is established, it will review, amongst other issues, its relationship with the group established under the aegis of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
117 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Finance his views on the recent Economic and Social Research Institute report which indicated that some 200,000 households, or one in three mortgages, could be in negative equity by end 2010; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the true number in negative equity could be far higher if house prices have fallen by 50% or more from their peak by that time; his plans to bring forward proposals to deal with this phenomenon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37680/09]
A clear distinction needs to be made between householders who are in a position to meet their mortgage repayments and those who presently are not, or who are most vulnerable to entering into arrears on their mortgage repayments.
The ESRI in its recent report on Negative Equity in the Irish Housing Market has noted at the outset that, and I quote: “In many cases negative equity will not be an issue. Many of those in negative equity will be unaffected and will continue to pay their mortgage without difficulty.”(ESRI Report 319, pp 2) Indeed the ESRI, through its trawl of the international literature, did not conclude that there is a direct causality between negative equity and mortgage default rates. [Indeed, in its concluding commentary, the ESRI noted that “negative equity does not cause default or foreclosure but rather is a condition of default” (ESRI Report 319, pp 17).]
In overall terms, policies directed towards the recovery of the economy will do most to help those who are in a position of negative equity, as this would generate the necessary stability and confidence in labour and property markets to improve the personal situations of such householders.
However, I am acutely aware that there are many householders who require immediate assistance and in this regard there are numerous measures in place to alleviate the problems faced. 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.
The Financial Regulator has a Code of Conduct for Mortgage Arrears which applies to mortgage lending activities with consumers, in respect of their principal private residence in the State, and is mandatory for all mortgage lenders registered with the Financial Regulator. Under the Code, where a borrower is in difficulty the lender will make every reasonable effort to agree an alternative repayment schedule and will not commence legal action for repossession until after six months from the time arrears first arise.
In addition as part of their recapitalisation scheme, the two banks concerned, 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.
People in serious debt or in danger of getting into serious debt can avail of the services of the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS). This is a national, free, confidential and independent service. The Operational Protocol on Debt Management agreed between the Irish Banking Federation (IBF) and MABS, which was recently put into effect, is to be welcomed and provides further assurance that the lending institutions will approach all genuine personal debt cases sympathetically and, where possible and appropriate, with the required degree of flexibility.
In terms of financial assistance for mortgage repayments, the Mortgage Interest Supplement Scheme, administered by the Community Welfare Service of the Health Service Executive, provides assistance where the mortgage relates to a person's sole place of residence.
118 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Finance the steps he is taking to address the cost of fixed rate mortgages; the discussions he has had with the Irish Financial Services Regularity Authority on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37602/09]
I, as Minister for Finance, have no role in relation to the setting of mortgage interest rates, nor does the Financial Regulator.
The pricing of fixed rate mortgages by lending institutions would normally be based on the prevailing swap rates for the fixed rate period in question plus a margin. The actual cost of funds for each institution cannot be assessed on a mortgage by mortgage basis as they manage the risk on a portfolio basis using several types of wholesale funding and derivatives depending on the size of each institution and its mortgage book.
Regarding the application of early redemption fees on fixed rate mortgages, when a borrower signs a fixed-rate mortgage contract with a mortgage provider, the lender in turn enters into an agreement where they borrow the money at an agreed rate. The mortgage lender must repay the money at this agreed rate, so there is a cost to the institution if the fixed rate agreement is terminated before the agreed term which gives rise to the redemption fee charged in these cases.
The Financial Regulator carried out a review of this issue earlier this year and submitted a report to my Department and the Oireachtas Committee on Finance and the Public Service. The review focused on the early redemption fees being applied by lenders on fixed rate mortgages and looked at specific information requested from the mortgage lenders. This included the submission of actuarial reports based on the formulae applied by the different lenders. This independent verification, provided by actuaries, was received and analysed by the Financial Regulator.
The principal findings indicate that:
the early redemption fee calculation in all cases appears to seek to cover the costs; and
lenders do not generally apply additional fees in the case of early redemption. Lenders do not therefore seem to be applying financial penalties in order to dissuade borrowers from early redemption of fixed rate mortgages.
Notwithstanding the findings of the review set out above, I am aware that the Financial Regulator would strongly advise that any borrower who believes that they have been charged an excessive early redemption charge should request their lending institution to provide a clear explanation of how the cost was calculated. In the event that the borrower is not satisfied with the explanation, a formal complaint should be made to the lender and in the event of an unsatisfactory response, he or she should exercise his/her option to refer the matter to the Financial Services Ombudsman who will independently adjudicate on the matter.
119 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Finance his views on the latest Central Bank quarterly economic bulletin which forecast a contraction of 10.6% of gross national product here in 2009, down from a 9.4% contraction forecast in July 2009; his further views on the return of a marked divergence in GNP performance vis-à-vis gross domestic product; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37683/09]
171 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Finance his views on the Economic and Social Research Institute’s latest forecast, in its most recent quarterly economic bulletin, that the gross national product here will fall by 15.8% over the 2008 to 2010 period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37698/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 119 and 171 together.
In October, both the Central Bank and the ESRI published updated forecasts for the Irish economy. A number of private sector institutions have also recently updated their projections.
The Central Bank is now projecting that GNP will fall by 10.6 per cent this year or that in GDP terms the economy will contract by 7.8 per cent. The downward revision from the Bank's summer forecast stems from the publication of output data for the first half of this year which show, in particular, very weak GNP figures.
The ESRI is projecting that GNP will fall by a cumulative 13.2 per cent over the 2008 — 2010 period or expressed in GDP terms by 11.3 per cent over this time.
My Department will review its forecasts in the Pre-Budget Outlook later this month.
It is worth noting that regular forecasters of the Irish economy now concur with the view that the decline in activity has slowed and that positive annual growth will be recorded at some stage next year.
In terms of the divergences in the GDP and GNP data published for the first half of this year, these data suggest that the difference between the two measures for the year as a whole will be somewhat larger than normal. Given the large multinational sector here, the level of GDP typically exceeds that of GNP due to profit outflows. However, the level of GNP this year has been further affected by weaker profit inflows and by higher debt service costs to non-residents. This latter factor is likely to persist given the trends in our national debt over the coming years.
120 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for Finance if he has developed proposals for the reform of the political expenses regimes of office holders and of Members of the Oireachtas. [37722/09]
Firstly it must be stated that Members of these Houses and officeholders incur legitimate expenses as part of their parliamentary duties both in attending Leinster House and as part of their constituency duties. It is also appropriate that the amount of any such expense should be kept under review to ensure they are appropriate to reflect the cost of those duties, as well as the prevailing economic circumstances.
As the Deputy will be aware, I have already reduced the cost of Oireachtas expense allowances. Expenses generally have been reduced by 10%; mileage rates have also been reduced by 25% in line with the general reduction in public service mileage rates.
Members of the Oireachtas and officer holders are therefore making sacrifices in recognition of the current economic situation.
The Houses of the Oireachtas Commission brought forward proposals earlier this year to introduce a single composite parliamentary allowance in place of a number of separate allowances. This summer I introduced the Oireachtas (Allowances to Members) and Ministerial and other Parliamentary Officeholders Act 2009 which, among other things, provided an enabling provision for a single composite allowance for Deputies and Senators to be known as the Parliamentary Standard Allowance. This allowance could replace some or all of the many separate allowances payable at present. The legislation also allows for the proposed composite allowance to be linked to attendance.
At the time I introduced the legislation, I stated clearly that I was of the view that there was a need for further consideration and discussion of the proposed composite allowance before I brought forward the necessary Regulations. Since then, I have had discussions with the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission, and there are contacts at official level also.
At present I am in the process of considering the most appropriate revised arrangements which would give a transparent, verifiable and cost-effective system of parliamentary expenses. When I have completed my consideration of the matter, Regulations setting out the new arrangements will be laid before the Houses.
121 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Finance if he has drafted a scheme for the extension of the guarantee scheme beyond 2010; if the premium to be charged will differ from that under the existing guarantee; and his plans to present the scheme to the Houses of the Oireachtas. [39139/09]
As the Deputy is aware, on 16 September last I published an outline of the main elements of the proposed new guarantee scheme for longer term funding, called the draft Credit Institutions (Eligible Liabilities Guarantee) Scheme or ELG Scheme. The ELG scheme must be approved in accordance with EU State aid rules and discussions are continuing in this regard with the European Commission. The Scheme is also subject to approval by the Houses of the Oireachtas and I plan to bring the necessary legislative proposals before the Dail and the Seanad shortly.
The ELG Scheme is intended to facilitate the ability of credit institutions in Ireland to issue debt securities and take deposits with a maturity post-September 2010 of up to five years, on either a guaranteed or unguaranteed basis.
As is the case for the current CIFS guarantee, the participating institutions in the ELG Scheme will pay a fee for the State guarantee. This fee will be priced in accordance with ECB pricing recommendations and it will be higher than that charged for the CIFS guarantee.
123 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Finance the guidelines that exist regarding the procedure applicable to the dismissal of a public servant or a chief executive or an employee of a State of semi-State body; the circumstances stated in such guidelines in which it is said to be appropriate to effect such dismissal; the financial arrangements applicable to same; if he will furnish a copy of the said guidelines; and if it is intended to make amendments to them. [34604/09]
The area for which I have direct responsibility is the civil service.
A Disciplinary Code for civil servants is set out inCircular 14/2006: Civil Service Disciplinary Code revised in accordance with the Civil Service Regulation (Amendment) Act 2005. The Code came into effect on 4 July 2006 and replaced the previous Code as set out in Circular 1/92. The Civil Service Regulation (Amendment) Act 2005 allows certain provisions contained in the Public Service Management Act 1997 to take effect. The 2005 Act gives each Secretary General/Head of Scheduled Office, as appropriate authority, responsibility for managing all matters relating to performance, conduct and discipline of civil servants below Principal Officer level. Ministers continue to be the appropriate authority for these matters in relation to civil servants at or above Principal level in accordance with the Civil Service Regulation Acts 1956 to 2005. The code is available on the personnel code website: www.personnelcode.gov.ie.
Specific arrangements apply to disciplinary matters affecting employees in other areas of the public service and these are the prime responsibility of the relevant Ministers. For instance, procedures for the suspension and dismissal of teachers have recently been agreed and these are available from the Department of Education and Science.
Guidelines are available on the contracts, remuneration and other conditions of chief executives and senior management of commercial state bodies. The guidelines are available on my Department's website — www.finance.gov.ie.
Contracts for Chief Executives of individual non-commercial state bodies contain provisions relating to circumstances in which the employment of the chief executive may be terminated. The circumstances in which employment may be terminated normally include misconduct or gross default affecting the business of the Body concerned, bankruptcy, incapacitation and conviction of a criminal offence, other than an offence which in the opinion of the Body concerned does not affect the position as chief executive.
As regards severance/early retirement arrangements for chief executive officers, the current guidelines are set out in a letter to all Heads of Departments on 26 May 1998. A copy of the letter is set out below this reply.
An Roinn Airgeadais
Department of Finance
Ref: P18/126/98
26 May 1998
To: All Heads of Department
A Chara,
Severance and Early Retirement for Chief Executives of State Sponsored Bodies
1. I am directed by the Minister for Finance to say that he has considered the issue of severance/early retirement payments for Chief Executives of State Sponsored Bodies (SSBs). This consideration has had particular regard to the fact that it is becoming more common for Chief Executive Officers of State Sponsored Bodies to be employed on fixed term contracts, and that there may be times when the Board of a State Sponsored Body and the relevant Minister may conclude that it is in the best interests of the efficiency and effectiveness of the SSB concerned to terminate or not to renew the contract of an incumbent CEO. This need not necessarily arise as a result of any dissatisfaction with the performance of the individual concerned, but perhaps because a new and fresh approach needs to be introduced. In such circumstances, the Minister will not object to the application of special early retirement/severance provisions, subject to certain conditions and safeguards.
2. The Minister has therefore decided that this Department will not object to the making of severance payments or grant of early retirement terms to Chief Executives of State Bodies within the following maximum limits and subject to the conditions specified, from a current date. Departments may deal with cases within the guidelines and limits without reference to this Department except where such reference is specifically required (drafts of any consequent changes in the relevant pension schemes would need to be cleared in the normal way).
(a) Payment of pension and lump sum, based on actual reckonable pensionable service, increased as appropriate in accordance with paragraph (b) following, may be allowed at age 55 for a CEO who retires from that position, who has served at least 6 years in that capacity and who has at least 15 years actual service overall in the public sector only service with the body from which the CEO is retiring or service which has been transferred into the scheme of that body may reckon.
(b) In determining the pension and lump sum to be paid, one added year of pensionable service may be granted for each year in excess of 15 years overall actual service in the public sector1 (i.e. including service in capacities other than as a CEO) subject to a maximum of 5 added years;
(c) Actuarially reduced benefits may be made available without age restriction — this means that a person might receive a pension benefit or lump sum before age 55, provided that the cost of providing these benefits at the earlier age are entirely offset by a reduction in the amount of benefits payable: the amount of such reduction would require to be determined by the relevant scheme's actuaries;
(d) Where an immediate pension (other than on an actuarially reduced basis) is not payable, a severance payment of four weeks pay per year of continuous service, up to a maximum of 26 weeks pay, may be made. However, where pension becomes payable within 26 weeks of retirement, the amount of the severance should be reduced to the amount of salary which would have been payable between the date of retirement and commencement of pension.
3. Application of the foregoing terms would be strictly conditional on completion of contract, unless the Board, in agreement with the appropriate Minister and the Minister for Finance, decides to terminate the CEO's employment before the termination of the contract. It is not therefore appropriate to make such payments where the initiative for the termination of a contract comes from the CEO concerned.
4. Application of these terms would also be conditional on there being no re-employment, direct or indirect, of the individual concerned by the body from which s/he is retiring, or another public sector body in the same sector.
5. Where subsequent employment is obtained in the public sector such that pension plus pay in the new job exceeds the equivalent of the retirement salary on the basis of which the pension is payable, then pension will be abated to bring the total down to the level of that salary. This abatement will not apply in relation to work after age 65. Where pension rights are acquired in respect of post-retirement work, the original pension (if based on actual service plus added years) would be reduced and based on actual service only. In such circumstances the uprated portion of the lump sum attributable to the added years would be required to be repaid. It should be explicitly stated that any grant of early retirement terms would be subject to these conditions.
6. The terms set out above are intended to be maximum ones, and a Board would be free to apply lesser benefits or not to apply early retirement benefits at all. Early retirement benefits might be denied, for example, if the Board wanted the contract renewed for a further term. It is not, therefore, intended to interfere with the freedom of Boards in this area, but rather to indicate the maximum limits which the Minister would be prepared to approve.
7. Adjustment to the terms set out above will be necessary where a retiring CEO has already availed of a severance or early retirement package from a public sector body, and in such cases this Department should be consulted.
8. The arrangements set out in this letter should be allowed strictly on the basis, accepted in writing by the CEO, that they are in full and final settlement of any claim which the CEO may have in relation to the early retirement or termination or non-renewal of a contract.
9. The Minister does not anticipate approving any improvement on the terms set out above, even in individual exceptional cases, other than on foot of a Government decision.
10. It is essential that Departments should convey to the Pensions Section of this Department details of each case dealt with under the terms of this letter. The contact point in this Department for telephone queries is Mr. Kevin Cardiff at (01) 604-5476.
Yours sincerely,
John Hurley
Secretary General, Public Service Management and Development.
An Roinn Airgeadais
Department of Finance
Ref: P18/126/98
4 June 1998
To: All Heads of Department
A Chara,
Severance and Early Retirement for Chief Executives of State Sponsored Bodies
I am directed by the Minister for Finance to refer to this Department's letter of 26 May 1998, in regard to the above. For the purposes of clarification, Departments should note that the grant of added years in accordance with paragraph 2(b) of that letter is subject to the following conditions, in accordance with the normal practice in relation to such added years, viz.
i. A person may not receive a greater number of added years than the additional service s/he would have if s/he served to his/her maximum retirement age. Thus a person retiring from a CEO position at 63 cannot receive more than 2 additional years service.
ii. The grant of additional pensionable service may not lead to a person having more than the maximum pensionable service for the relevant pension scheme (i.e. 40 years in most cases).
Yours sincerely
Kevin Cardiff
124 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the steps he has taken or proposes to take to improve or restore competitiveness here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37796/09]
288 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance when he expects to identify the issues most likely affecting the competitiveness of this economy over the past ten years; the steps he will take to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38145/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 124 and 288 together.
Ireland's recent loss of competitiveness and the need to improve it is something that we have been aware of for some time. Until last year, prices grew faster than those in the euro area, while wages grew at a rate greater than productivity would justify in many sectors. The recent appreciation of the euro against the dollar and sterling has not helped either. The National Competitiveness Council has outlined a range of wider cost factors that have damaged our competitiveness as well. These developments have left Ireland vulnerable in our international markets in the midst of the collapse in global demand.
We need to improve our competitiveness as quickly as possible and there are already a number of positive developments in this regard. Consumer prices in Ireland are now declining at the fastest rate in the euro area. In addition, we are also seeing the benefits of our labour market flexibility: much available evidence points to recent downward pressure on wages in the economy. As a small member of a currency union we have no control over the exchange rates we face so we must focus on improving competitiveness at home. While the falls in domestic prices, easing wage pressures and improvements in productivity are helpful we must not be complacent as further improvements in our competitiveness are essential if we are to position ourselves to benefit when EU and global growth resumes.
125 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the more stringent criteria being operated by financial institutions with respect to mortgage protection policies, even for existing mortgages and policies, in particular that a credit institution (details supplied) guaranteed by the State, has increased the amount of time a policy holder must wait before making a claim in the event of accident, job loss or long-term illness; his views on whether such changes are inappropriate, particularly for existing policy holders; the action he will take to prevent such arbitrary changes to mortgage protection policies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37697/09]
In recent months I understand that underwriters of payment protection insurance have been increasing their premiums in response to the rapid growth in unemployment which is leading to increases in claims and an increased risk profile.
I, as Minister for Finance, have no function in relation to the criteria for premiums being charged for payment protection insurance. However, I am informed that, while the Financial Regulator has no function in relation to the criteria being applied to premiums, this situation is being monitored to ensure that the Financial Regulators Consumer Protection Code is being complied with. The General Principles of the Code require that a regulated entity “acts honestly, fairly and professionally in the best interest of its customers and the integrity of the market”. In particular the Code requires a regulated entity must ensure that key items are brought to the attention of the consumer and that the method of presentation must not disguise, diminish or obscure important information. In addition information must be supplied on a timely basis, and where a regulated entity intends to amend or alter the range of services it provides, it must give at least one month’s notice to affected consumers.
126 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance his views on the problems of families experiencing difficulties meeting mortgage repayments; and the policy instruments which might be used to assist with this problem. [37762/09]
It is a particular priority of the Government to ensure as far 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. The preferred method of dealing with cases of arrears should be early intervention and engagement.
In the revised Programme for Government we have stated that we will be:
Introducing new measures to protect families having difficulties with their home mortgage payments;
Examining ways of expanding the existing options available for dealing with debt situations;
Examining ways of expanding existing state sponsored mortgage-support measures; There are already important arrangements in place to assist consumers who have fallen into arrears or are in danger of falling into arrears.
The Government provides support for payment of mortgages under the Mortgage Interest Supplement Scheme. This scheme is administered by the Community Welfare Service on behalf of the Department of Social and Family Affairs. It provides assistance where the mortgage relates to a person's principal private residence. Furthermore, people in debt or in danger of getting into debt can avail of the services of the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS). This is a national, free, confidential and independent service. The Irish Banking Federation (IBF) and the Money Advice and Budgeting Service recently agreed an Operational Protocol on consumer debt. The Operational Protocol will enable MABS and the IBF to continue to work together effectively when dealing with debt problems of personal debtors who approach the MABS Service for assistance.
The Financial Regulator's Consumer Protection Code sets out requirements that a regulated entity must contact the consumer as soon as it becomes aware that a mortgage account is in arrears and that it must have in place a procedure for handling accounts in arrears.
The Financial Regulator also has in place a Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears. This Code applies to mortgage lending activities to consumers in respect of their principal private residence in the State and is mandatory for all mortgage lenders registered with the Financial Regulator. Under the code where a borrower is in difficulty the lender has to make every reasonable effort to agree an alternative repayment schedule and the lender has to give consideration on a case-by-case basis to alternatives such as deferral of payments, extending the term of the mortgage, changing the type of mortgage, or capitalising arrears and interest. Obviously cases will arise where the arrears persist despite newly agreed changes in repayment schedules. The Code provides that where such situations persist, the lender may reserve the right to enforce the mortgage agreement. However, it must wait at least six months from the time arrears first arise before applying to the courts to commence enforcement of any legal action on repossession of a borrower's primary residence.
Furthermore, as part of their recapitalisation scheme, 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.
127 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Finance the impact on 2009 gross national product and gross domestic product from a €4 billion fiscal consolidation package in budget 2010; the number of months such a €4 billion fiscal consolidation package would delay the return to growth of the economy here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37676/09]
As the Deputy will be aware, it is not sustainable to continue to allow the gap between revenue and expenditure to grow and that it is essential to stabilise the General Government Deficit in that context. Stabilising the deficit in 2010 will facilitate confidence and the earlier return to growth in the economy than would occur if stabilisation is deferred and the national debt increases further as a result.
In relation to the specifics of the question, it is assumed that the Deputy is referring to the economic impact in 2010 of any consolidation package. There are considerable uncertainties regarding the economic impact of any fiscal measures, given that it is unknown how economic agents will react to the various policy changes. In addition, the composition of the fiscal package would be important, as different policy measures would have different economic impacts. Notwithstanding these uncertainties, the economic impact of fiscal measures can be estimated in broad terms.
A fiscal package designed to raise €4 billion in 2010 would be the equivalent of about 2½% of GDP. Taking account of a number of factors, such as the potential for significant ‘leakages' through imports and some impact on price rather than on the quantity of output it is estimated that GDP growth would be around 1 to 1½% lower than would otherwise be the case on foot of these measures.
However, as stated above, there is potential for considerable variation on the macroeconomic impact depending on the exact nature of any fiscal package. Furthermore, account of the potential for enhanced consumer and investor confidence and greater future certainty that such a package could have is also important and would have to be factored in. On balance, stabilising the deficit in 2010 is critical to restoring confidence and to positioning the economy for growth in the years ahead.
It is intended to publish model-based estimates of the economic impact of actual fiscal consolidation alongside the budget documentation.
128 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the ease of access to lending, particularly working capital, for small, medium and large businesses here; the progress made to date in respect of implementing the recommendations made in the Mazars Report on small medium enterprise lending here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37679/09]
The Independent Review of Credit Availability was published on 10 July. The review showed that demand had fallen sharply, with the value of new applications for credit down by 42% while refusal rates varied by size of company from 19% to 30%. Stock of credit remained static since June 2008, indicating that new credits broadly matched repayments.
A follow-on Review covering the period to end September 2009 is currently underway and is expected in the coming weeks.
In the context of the recapitalisation, Allied Irish Bank and Bank of Ireland made explicit commitments to increase lending capacity to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by 10% and to provide an additional 30% capacity for lending to first time buyers in 2009. If the mortgage lending is not taken up, then the extra capacity will be available to SMEs. AIB and Bank of Ireland have also committed to public campaigns to actively promote small business lending at competitive rates with increased transparency on the criteria to be met. The measures taken to date by the recapitalised banks, including those relating to lending, are outlined in the supplementary booklet on NAMA and I would direct the Deputy to Section 4 of that booklet. The Financial Regulator has been monitoring implementation of these commitments.
With regard to drafting regulations under the NAMA Bill 2009, I will be introducing a Report Stage amendment to the Bill to provide a power to issue guidelines to the participating institutions on lending practices and procedures which will improve the flow of credit to SMEs and, if necessary, other sectors. The power will be a wide ranging one and will allow for a response adapted to the particular circumstances of different institutions and sectors. This approach recognises that this is a complex situation and allows for a flexible response to changing credit needs.
129 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance the amount of money he expects to inject into Anglo Irish Bank over the 2009 to 2010 period; the number of tranches; if he expects the Exchequer to get any of this money back; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37669/09]
As per the Government announcement of 29 May last, €4 billion in capital has been provided to Anglo, in three tranches; €3 billion on 29 June, €827 million on 6 August following completion of the bank's debt buy back exercise, and the remainder, €173 million, on 25 September. This capital was provided to Anglo to protect the economy from the wider losses that would occur in the event of the failure of the bank, to protect the deposits in the bank and to prevent the bank becoming a systemic threat to the financial system.
As I stated in my speech on the Second Stage of the NAMA Bill in the Dáil on 16 September last, it is likely that some institutions will require additional capital in order to absorb the losses arising from the transfer of their impaired assets to NAMA and in order to maintain appropriate levels of capital. I made it clear that the Government would expect such an institution to explore all available options for raising such capital as it is the Government preference that private market solutions are found and implemented.
However, to the extent that sufficient capital cannot be raised independently or generated internally, the Government remains committed to providing such banks with an appropriate level of capital to continue to meet their requirements. This will be done in a manner consistent with EU State aid rules and the credit needs of the Irish economy. I have recently confirmed this position to the Financial Regulator in the case of Anglo to facilitate the FR in granting Anglo derogations from certain regulatory capital requirements.
The Board of Anglo is currently finalising a restructuring plan, which will consider all options for the future of the bank and set out the future strategy for Anglo. The restructuring plan will address the issue of compensatory measures for the capital provision. The restructuring plan will be submitted to the European Commission for approval under State aid rules by the end of November.
130 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Finance his plans to put the revised and extended bank guarantee before Dáil Éireann for consideration; the reason he is extending the guarantee for existing subordinated debt; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37674/09]
As the Deputy is aware, on 16 September last I published an outline of the main elements of the proposed new guarantee scheme for longer term funding, called the draft Credit Institutions (Eligible Liabilities Guarantee) Scheme or ELG Scheme. The ELG scheme must be approved in accordance with EU State aid rules and discussions are continuing in this regard with the European Commission. The Scheme is also subject to approval by the Houses of the Oireachtas and I plan to bring the necessary legislative proposals before the Dail and the Seanad shortly.
The ELG Scheme is intended to facilitate the ability of credit institutions in Ireland to issue debt securities and take deposits with a maturity post-September 2010 of up to five years, on either a guaranteed or unguaranteed basis.
As I have previously remarked, the new scheme will be somewhat more targeted, and in this regard dated subordinated debt (Lower Tier 2) or asset covered securities (including other forms of covered bonds) issued by a covered institution on or after the commencement date shall not be guaranteed either under this Scheme or the CIFS Scheme .
However, dated subordinated debt and asset covered securities (including other forms of covered bonds) issued by a covered institution before the commencement date and which are covered liabilities shall continue to be guaranteed under the CIFS Scheme. Existing liabilities will remain guaranteed under the CIFS scheme until the maturity of the debt or the 29 September 2010, whichever is the earliest.
The ELG scheme will apply to new debt issued or deposits accepted by participating institutions in accordance with the terms of the ELG scheme.
131 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Finance if the broad parameters of the 2010 and 2011 Budgets, outlined in April 2009, have been altered; and the details of the latest proposals. [39084/09]
In the Supplementary Budget last April, the Government set out a multi-annual plan to correct the public finances. This plan has been welcomed by the European Commission. The immediate need is the stabilisation of the deficit in 2010 and this is Government's proposed aim. This will require difficult decisions to be made for Budget 2010 which will presented to the Dáil on 9 December. The bulk of the corrective action in Budget 2010 will have to come from the expenditure side as further significant increases in the tax burden would impact on enterprise and growth prospects. The measures that must be introduced will undoubtedly be difficult, but the imperative for action is clear and we must make the necessary adjustments now in order to stabilise the public finances.
At the publication of the end-September Exchequer Returns, my Department announced that tax revenues could finish the year in the region of €32 billion. Later today, my Department will publish the most recent Exchequer Returns for the period covering to end-October. While the poor performance of tax revenue has continued, it is not out of line with what had been anticipated. To put this in perspective, overall tax revenue in 2009 is back to 2003 levels while gross voted expenditure has increased by about 70 per cent since 2003. Consequently, we will have to borrow approximately €26 billion this year to fund the forecast Exchequer deficit for 2009.
Bridging the gap between income and expenditure through ongoing increased borrowing is not a viable solution in the medium to long-term. Taking the necessary action now will ensure that confidence is maintained in the Irish economy and that Ireland is favourably placed to benefit from global recovery as it takes hold. Delaying taking action is not an option and would require harsher actions to be taken later as well as seeing ever increasing amounts of Government resources being used up in servicing the debt.
In 2009, gross voted spending divides into three main areas — with 37 per cent on Social Welfare spending, 35 per cent on the public service pay and pensions bill and 28 per cent on other programmes. The priority must be the stabilisation of the deficit next year. It is clear, therefore, that all areas of expenditure will have to be considered in the context of deciding on the adjustments.
The Pre-Budget Outlook, which my Department plans to publish in mid-November, will provide an update on the macroeconomic outlook and set out a technical fiscal forecast. The House will have the chance to discuss these forecasts in a Pre-Budget Outlook debate. The Budget will be published on 9 December and will provide full details of the nature of the corrective measures being undertaken.
132 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance the measures that are in place to address the smuggling of illegal cigarettes into this jurisdiction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31445/09]
The measures that are in place and the methodologies used to address the smuggling of illegal cigarettes into this jurisdiction have already been outlined in detail in a comprehensive reply that I issued to Deputy Flanagan on 13 October 2009 in response to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 84 (35772/09), 128 (35770/09) and 129(35771/09).
In summary, I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the overall approach is to tackle the problem using a combination of detection, seizure and prosecution by means of an amalgamation of profiling, intelligence gathering, sharing of information with other Customs Services and where appropriate using x-ray scanning technology to detect contraband.
Multi-agency operations involving Customs and An Garda Siochana and other Law Enforcement Agencies are mounted where appropriate. The strategy also involves working closely with the legitimate tobacco industry and the Office of Tobacco Control. In addition checks, both random and intelligence driven, are mounted at retail outlets and at markets and distribution centres to identify and seize illicit cigarettes that have evaded detection at the point of importation.
Furthermore, the Revenue Commissioners engage with the work of the European Anti Fraud Office which co-ordinates both international operations and other countermeasures undertaken by the authorities of the Member States against cigarette smuggling.
The above strategies, including the deployment of resources, are under continuous review. This approach has resulted in the seizure of almost 200m cigarettes to-date in 2009. These include the estimated 120m cigarettes seized in the course of the well-publicised multi-agency Operation Samhna mounted on 27 October 2009, which is a good illustration of the successful execution of a multi-agency operation.
133 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Finance his views on the Economic and Social Research Institute’s latest forecast, in their most recent quarterly economic bulletin, that the general Government balance is set to reach 12.8% in 2010, and that the debt to gross domestic product ratio is set to reach 75.7%, excluding the National Asset Management Agency, that this could be significantly higher depending on the level of capital injections into the banking system here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37701/09]
In the April Supplementary Budget my Department published economic and fiscal forecasts for the 2009-2013 period: since then there has been a further decline in the fiscal position in 2009 due to a shortfall in expected tax receipts in the region of €2 billion. It is now expected that the General Government Balance for 2009 will be approximately -12% of GDP, as opposed to -10¾% of GDP forecast last April. The updated position was notified to Eurostat as part of the end-September Maastricht Returns. Details were also published on the Department's website. The deterioration in the 2009 position will obviously impact on the outlook for 2010.
I am aware of the views of the ESRI, as recently stated in its Quarterly Economic Commentary, as I am of other forecasts. In broad terms, the views of most forecasters are within the range of the current workings of my Department. In the coming weeks my Department will publish a technical pre-Budget forecast GGB and GGD for 2010 as part of the Pre Budget Outlook. However, I have already indicated that the Government's aim in the December Budget is to stabilise the Deficit at the 2009 level. This will not be an easy task although the Government is endeavouring to do through a series of processes including our recent ongoing engagement with the Social Partners.
It should also be noted that the Gross Debt position does not take account of the fact that the NTMA had cash balances at the end of September in the region of €25 billion, or of the €20.9 billion assets of the National Pensions Reserve Fund, which substantially reduces the country's Net Debt.
The main reason for the increasing level of government debt is the need to borrow to bridge the gap between the high level of government spending and declining tax receipts. At present we have to borrow the equivalent of €500 million per week to meet existing commitments. We cannot afford to continue to do this and so we will take corrective action in the forthcoming Budget to return the level of public spending to a more sustainable level.
It is likely that some institutions will require additional capital in order to absorb the losses arising from the transfer of their impaired assets to NAMA and in order to maintain appropriate levels of capital, although the Government would expect such an institution to explore all available options for raising such capital. It is the Government preference that private market solutions are found and implemented. The banks and building societies will be expected to increase the equity component of their capital base as the NAMA asset transfers are implemented.
To the extent that sufficient capital cannot be raised independently or generated internally, the Government remains committed to providing such banks and building societies with an appropriate level of capital to continue to meet their requirements. This will be done in a manner consistent with EU State aid rules and the credit needs of the Irish economy.
134 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Finance if he has developed the implementation mechanisms necessary for the implementation of the rationalisation of public service structures outlined by the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programme, such as arrangements for moving staff, the terms of redundancy arrangements, the framework for outsourcing and shared services and so on. [39145/09]
The Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes has made a wide range of recommendations for reform and rationalisation within the public service. All of the recommendations of the Special Group are being considered by the Government in the context of the 2010 Estimates and Budgetary process and Government decisions on the proposals will be taken in that context.
As regards the specific issues highlighted, the Deputy will be aware of the range of measures in place to support the Government's overall numbers policy, including the incentivised scheme of early retirement, incentivised career breaks and the shorter working year scheme. My Department has also commenced discussions with the unions representing civil and public servants with a view to agreeing appropriate arrangements for the redeployment and placement of staff across the civil and public service. To date, no redundancy arrangements have been discussed or agreed.
In relation to shared services and outsourcing, the report of the Government's Task Force on the Public Service noted that experience in both the public and private sectors demonstrates that benefits can be realised by the adoption of shared services models under certain conditions. It recalled the view of the OECD that an incremental approach should be taken to the development of shared services which should be a strategy that is only pursued where a clear ex-ante case can be made for achieving either financial benefits or service improvement. It identified the most common areas of shared services as payroll, financial management, human resources management, means assessment, procurement and common ICT services.
Of course, no consideration of shared services would be complete without an assessment of the potential for services to be delivered by external providers. Towards 2016 recognises that there will be co-operation with the introduction of shared services between Public Service and related organisations where this can give rise to efficiencies or cost savings. Work on the development of shared services, which is taking place under the direction of the Cabinet Committee on Transforming Public Services, is ongoing. At present a number of pilot projects are being developed which it is envisaged will inform developments throughout the Public Service.
135 Deputy Shane McEntee asked the Minister for Finance if he has reviewed the evidence or the comparisons of pay in the public sector and in the private sector; his plans to introduce an extended benchmarking exercise to determine the appropriate level of public service remuneration. [37754/09]
I am aware of reports on the levels of pay in public service relative to the private sector. Earlier this year I requested the Review Body on Higher Remuneration in the Public Sector to conduct an examination of the pay of the top public service groups covered by its terms of reference including a comparison of how their remuneration compared with that of comparable posts in other countries. The report of the Review Body has recently been received and is under consideration at present.
I have no plans to carry out a similar exercise for other public service groups.
136 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Finance his views on the recent comments by a professor of economics and recipient of the Nobel Prize for Economics (details supplied), in respect of the National Asset Management Agency and, in particular, the intention to overpay for distressed assets through the long term economic value mechanism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37672/09]
The Government will of course take account of the opinions of expert commentators in relation to NAMA. However it is clear from recent commentaries that even the world's top economic commentators do not speak with one voice on this matter. It is a matter for us in Ireland to do what is necessary to protect our economy and our people having regard to our, perhaps more closely considered, understanding of the particular circumstances that apply.
137 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Finance his proposals for recapitalising Anglo Irish Bank; his assessment of the funds involved; his plans for sourcing these funds; and his views on the adequacy of the strategic plan of the bank. [37785/09]
As the Deputy will be aware, following European Commission approval, €4bn in capital has now been provided to Anglo. This capital was provided to protect the economy from the wider losses that would occur in the event of the failure of the bank, to protect the substantial deposit base in the bank and to prevent the bank becoming a systemic threat to the financial system.
As I stated in my speech on the Second Stage of the NAMA Bill in the Dail on 16 September last, it is likely that some institutions will require additional capital in order to absorb the losses arising from the transfer of their impaired assets to NAMA and in order to maintain appropriate levels of capital. I made it clear that the Government would expect such an institution to explore all available options for raising such capital as it is the Government preference that private market solutions are found and implemented.
However, to the extent that sufficient capital cannot be raised independently or generated internally, the Government remains committed to providing such banks with an appropriate level of capital to continue to meet their requirements. This will be done in a manner consistent with EU State aid rules and the credit needs of the Irish economy. I have recently confirmed this position to the Financial Regulator in the case of Anglo to facilitate the FR in granting Anglo derogations from certain regulatory capital requirements.
The Board of Anglo is currently finalising a restructuring plan which will consider all options for the future of the bank and set out the future strategy for Anglo. The preparation of the restructuring plan by the bank is at an advanced stage and it would not be appropriate to comment on the draft plan at this point. The restructuring plan will be submitted by the end of November to the European Commission for approval under State aid rules.
138 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Finance if he will comment on the most recent Central Statistics Office Quarterly National Accounts which showed a decline of 7.4% of Gross Domestic Product, and a decline of 11.6% of GNP, in the first six months of 2009 compared to the same period in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37684/09]
The Central Statistics Office published national accounts data for the second quarter of 2009 at the end of September. These data show that GDP and GNP fell at an annual rate of 7.4 and 11.6 per cent, respectively, in the second quarter of this year. Combined with the first quarter data, the figures show that the annual rate of decline in the first half of the year was 8.4 per cent in GDP terms and 12.4 per cent in GNP terms.
The sharp declines in housing output and in personal spending were the main reasons for the contraction in the second quarter. While these results are poor, one positive feature of the data is that the rate of export decline was not as large as that in many other export-oriented economies.
Data which have been published since then suggest that the rate of contraction has slowed in the intervening period. As a result, the forecast for a GDP contraction of 7¾ per cent this year contained in the April Supplementary Budget remains broadly valid. My Department will publish in mid-November the Pre-Budget Outlook and that will set out a revised macroeconomic outlook. At this stage I envisage only a minor revision to the Department's estimate for GDP for this year.
139 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Finance when he will publish the business plan for the National Asset Management Agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37673/09]
The Deputy will be aware that a draft business plan was published by the interim NAMA and presented by me to the Dáil on 15 October.
Once the NAMA legislation is passed and the NAMA Board is appointed, a revised business plan will be prepared for approval by the NAMA Board and will be laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas.
140 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Finance if his proposals for pension reform will be included in Budget 2010. [37768/09]
In line with the normal practice, I do not propose to comment at this time on what may or may not be included in Budget 2010.
141 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the tax refunds to banks and financial institutions arising from losses in relation to the transfer of loans to the National Asset Management Agency and the subsequent write downs on their balance sheets; the steps he has taken or will take to minimise these refunds in the interest of taxpayers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37705/09]
The question of possible refunds of tax to participating institutions as a result of the transfer of assets to NAMA does not yet arise since no such transfers have yet taken place. As the Deputy will appreciate, it will not be possible to quantify the losses until the transfers actually take place.
The Irish tax system provides that where a company incurs losses in the course of its trade, those losses may be carried back and used against the profits, if any, of the immediately preceding accounting period of the same length (an accounting period cannot exceed one year). For example, if, as a result of transfers of bank assets in the year to 31 December 2009, a participating institution makes an overall loss in that year then it would be entitled to set off that loss against profits, if any, arising to the institution in the year to 31 December 2008 only. Where there were no profits in 2008 against which to set the loss carried back, no refund would arise since no tax would have been chargeable. In such cases, the losses may be carried forward.
For the future, I have included in the National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009 a provision to limit the amount of relief that can be claimed by participating institutions for losses carried forward from earlier years. It will limit the set-off of carried-forward losses against trading income of a participating institution and all other participating institutions in the same group, to no more than 50 per cent of that income. The net effect of the provision is that the income of a group of participating institutions cannot be reduced by more than 50% by set-off of losses carried forward. A minimum of 50% of trading income of any year will continue to be chargeable notwithstanding claims for relief for losses carried forward into that year.
142 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Finance the guidelines that exist regarding the procedure applicable to the early retirement of a public servant or a chief executive or an employee of a State or semi-State body; the circumstances stated in such guidelines in which it is said to be appropriate to effect such early retirement; the financial arrangements applicable to same; if he will furnish a copy of the said guidelines; and if it is intended to make amendments to them. [34605/09]
In the civil and public service, Cost Neutral Early Retirement (CNER) has been available since 1 April 2004 for individuals who wish to retire with immediate pension up to 10 years before normal retirement age. More recently, the Incentivised Scheme of Early Retirement (ISER) has been available. The procedures and circumstances whereby these arrangements may be availed of are set out in Circulars 10 of 2005 (CNER) and 12 of 2009 (ISER). Civil and public service superannuation schemes provide for early retirement on grounds of ill-health, which may include some additional years of notional service, depending on age and service.
There are specific early retirement provisions in various areas of the Public service. Gardai, prison officers and psychiatric nurses who are not new entrants as defined in the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004 may retire on reaching the age of 50 if they have 30 years of service. This means that they have qualified for full pension entitlements because under their schemes each year of service in excess of 20 years reckons as 2 years of service for pension purposes. Primary and secondary school teachers may retire on or after age 55 if they have 35 years of service. In the Defence forces, officers who are not new entrants under the 2004 Act may retire with immediate pension after 12 years service regardless of age and similarly enlisted personnel may retire with immediate pension after 21 years service also regardless of age.
Section 6 of the Superannuation Act 1909 and sections 6 and 7 of the Superannuation and Pensions Act 1963 set out rules governing early retirement of civil servants as a consequence of abolition of office or for the purposes of facilitating improvements in the organisation of the department in order to effect greater efficiency and economy. Section 6 of the 1909 Act allows for the immediate payment of pension on retiring. Section 6 of the 1963 Act allows for the addition of up to 10 years of notional service and section 7 of that Act allows for the grant of a special severance gratuity of up to one-half of annual salary. These provisions apply to Secretaries General and similar provisions apply to County Managers under the Local Government Superannuation Scheme. In the wider public service the provisions of the 1909 and 1963 Acts serve as guidelines in dealing with similar cases. In operating these provisions, the practice in the main is not to grant additional years of notional service and a severance payment to any one individual.
For full-time board members and equivalent positions in the Competition Authority, Labour Court, Environmental Protection Agency and Bord Pleanála retirement is normally between age 60 and 65; however, members who have their appointment terminated (other than for stated misconduct), or are not re-appointed on expiration of their period of office, are entitled to immediate pension and lump sum where they have accrued more than two years' service. Preservation of benefits applies only in case of voluntary resignation after two or more years' service.
The Department of Finance letter of 26 May 1998 to all Heads of Departments sets out the enhanced retirement/severance terms for chief executive officers of non-commercial semi-State bodies whose contracts are not renewed or are terminated, and the conditions under which they may be made available. Such non-renewal or termination might arise where the board and Minister conclude that there is a need for a fresh approach in the interest of efficiency and effectiveness of the organisation. It is envisaged that the terms set out in the 1998 letter will be reviewed as part of a wider examination of public service pensions which is being undertaken with a view to developing a new and comprehensive pensions framework.
It is not possible to cover all the early retirement arrangements across the public service. The Deputy might wish to consult respective Ministers about specific circumstances pertaining to agencies and bodies under their aegis.
143 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Finance his views on the fact that some development sites could potentially have a negative value derived from the need to fence, clean, insure and make safe these sites; his further views on whether this could potentially have a negative impact on the public purse in certain instances when such properties are transferred to National Asset Management Agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37689/09]
The NAMA Bill sets out a detailed framework for the valuation of loan assets and the security underlying each loan asset. NAMA will conduct due diligence on each loan and examine in detail all documentation relating to the underlying security and the loan contract itself. As a consequence the circumstances to which the Deputy refers to will be factored into the valuation of a loan.
The legislation also allows NAMA to refuse to acquire a loan where for example the security is not adequate or has not been perfected.
144 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Finance if he will oblige banks, as part of the National Asset Management Agency legislation, to work with individual mortgage holders to renegotiate negative equity portions of their mortgages. [37611/09]
The National Asset Management Agency (NAMA) is being set up to remove land and development loans and associated loans from the balance sheets of participating institutions. The uncertainty associated with these loans has prevented banks from lending and supporting economic recovery. The Government has no plans at present to extend the scope of NAMA beyond land and development loans and associated loans.
The Deputy will also note that the revised Programme for Government includes a commitment to introduce new measures to protect families having difficulties with their home mortgage payments. The Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears and the recently agreed protocol between the Irish Bankers Federation (IBF) and the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) on debt default will be further reviewed with a view to expanding the options available for dealing with debt situations, including for example the use by banks and lenders of more flexible mechanisms to avoid foreclosure in appropriate circumstances. With reference to the measures adopted in other jurisdictions, the Government will also examine ways of expanding its own mortgage support measures.
145 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Finance his views on the September 2009 Exchequer figures; the way the September 2009 figures compare to profiles forecast six months ago; if he expects tax revenue to fall below 20% of gross domestic product for 2009; his further views on whether this proportion is expected to be the lowest of any OECD member; if he expects a significant amount of net emigration over the 2009 to 2010 period; the way he expects emigration trends to impact on tax revenues over this period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37677/09]
280 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Finance the updated tax yields for the months of October, November and December 2009; the way this compares to the previously forecasted yields for these months; if he will provide this information in tabular form under individual headings for each of the relevant taxes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38089/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 145 and 280 together.
At the end of September, €23.7 billion in tax revenue receipts had been collected. This was €965 million below the profile target for the first nine months of the year that was outlined in April. The Supplementary Budget forecast that total tax revenue in 2009 would total €34.4 billion. At the publication of the end-September Exchequer Returns, my Department stated that it now expects that tax revenue receipts in 2009 will be in the region of €2 billion below forecast.
The end-October Exchequer Returns will be published this afternoon. Tax revenue receipts have continued to show some weakness, but are broadly in line with what was anticipated.
Trends in incoming tax receipts are continually analysed by my Department and the prospective end-year outturn kept under constant review. At the aggregate level, taxes in the region of €32 billion — back to 2003 levels — are now thought likely for the year as a whole. Set out below are the original end-monthly totals for tax revenue for the months of October, November and December.
|
Target as per Supplementary Budget |
Outturn |
± on Target |
|
|
€m |
€m |
€m |
|
|
End-September |
24,671 |
23,706 |
-965 |
|
End-October |
27,170 |
||
|
End-November Target |
32,118 |
||
|
End-December Target |
34,400 |
-2,000 (forecast) |
In relation to migration matters, net outward migration was recorded in the year to April 2009, the first time this has happened since 1995. My Department is expecting further net outward migration over the remainder of this year and for this to continue in 2010. This is in line with the views of many other forecasting institutions.
Migration affects taxation revenue through a number of channels, such as lower levels of personal consumption and lower levels of employment. The impact of these developments on tax-heads such as VAT, Excise and Income Tax is included in forecasts of these tax-heads.
The Pre-Budget Outlook, which my Department plans to publish in mid-November, will provide an update on the macroeconomic outlook and set out a technical fiscal forecast.
146 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Finance if he will advise the Office of the Revenue Commissioner to meet with companies or self-employed persons who claim to be in difficulty in advance of tax returns in November 2009 to discuss ability to pay. [37604/09]
The Revenue Commissioners are charged with responsibility for the collection and recovery of a wide range of taxes and duties. They have a strong focus on making sure that everyone complies with their tax and duty responsibilities by paying the right amount within the appropriate deadlines. Revenue expects businesses to continue, notwithstanding the more difficult economic circumstances in which they are now operating, to organise their financial affairs so as to ensure that tax debts are paid as they fall due. Apart from the critical importance of timely compliance to the Exchequer, unfair competitive advantage achieved through persistent late or non-payment of tax can undermine compliant businesses. I fully support what Revenue is doing in that regard.
I know that the Revenue Commissioners are very conscious of the difficult economic and financial climate in this country and of the challenges posed for some businesses in meeting with their tax obligations within the appropriate deadlines. Revenue has responded to the changing environment by actively encouraging businesses experiencing particular tax payment difficulties to work proactively with them to find an agreed way through those difficulties and quickly restore timely compliance.
Revenue has developed an administrative framework to manage such cases and it has published material for businesses experiencing tax payment difficulties in a prominent position on the home page of its website www.revenue.ie. I am aware that the feedback from trade representatives and tax practitioner bodies to the initiative Revenue has taken in this regard has been positive and it is regarded as an effective way of supporting businesses in meeting their tax payment obligations at this time.
148 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Finance if he will request the Irish Credit Bureau to change or amend its criteria for placing people on its records for anything up to five years for missing small amounts of payments. [37605/09]
Decisions by the Irish Credit Bureau on the criteria for placing people on its records are a matter for the Irish Credit Bureau. The Irish Credit Bureau is owned by its members who are mainly financial institutions. The Irish Credit Bureau does not decide who should get credit, but the information it provides may help the lender to decide.
149 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Finance the action he will take regarding non-licensed money lenders in advance of Christmas 2009. [37609/09]
Non-licensed money lending activity is a matter for the Garda Síochána and any occurrence of such should, therefore, be brought to the immediate attention of a member of the Garda Síochána.
The underpinning legal provisions with regard to the prohibition on engaging in the business of moneylending without licence are set out in Section 98 of the Consumer Credit Act 1995. Related offences and consequent penalties are set out in Sections 12 and 13 of the Act.
150 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Finance if individuals who purchased shares in Anglo Irish Bank with loans financed by Anglo Irish Bank itself on a non-recourse basis will be able to write off the loss incurred against future Capital Gains Tax liabilities; if this is the case, if he will introduce some mechanism to prevent this from happening; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37688/09]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that loss relief for capital gains tax purposes arises where there is a disposal of an asset for a consideration that is less than its acquisition cost or where an asset has been lost or destroyed or becomes of negligible value. Subject to certain conditions (for example, relief cannot be given more than once in respect of a loss) a capital loss can be carried forward for set-off against future capital gains.
Section 546 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 provides that a loss is computed in the same way as a chargeable gain is computed in regard to Capital Gains Tax. Calculations of chargeable gains or allowable losses under this legislation take no account whatsoever of the financing arrangements (whether non-recourse or not) relating to the asset disposed of, or deemed to be of negligible value, or lost/destroyed, as the case may be.
The question of changing the legislation to disallow or limit the carry forward of losses in circumstances where the asset was financed through non-recourse loans would represent a significant change to our capital gains tax legislation because it would effectively link the taxation of an asset to the loan arrangements for the acquisition of the asset in question. Furthermore, the current symmetry of treatment between losses and gains would be affected. I have no plans at this stage to make a change in this area, but the matter will be kept under review.
152 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if the banks have given a guarantee to restore lending to the business and commercial sectors in return for the National Asset Management Agency rescue package; if his attention has been drawn to the current situation whereby it appears that the banking sectors are using the Government guarantee of NAMA to restore confidence in their own entity leaving the economy without a cash flow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37795/09]
As the Deputy will be aware, during the committee stage debate of the National Asset Management Agency Bill, I undertook to bring forward an amendment at Report Stage dealing with the requirements for participating institutions in the area of the provision of credit.
I can confirm that I will be doing so later this week.
153 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Finance his views on the down side risks facing Irish exporters, and the economy here more broadly, as a result of the strengthening euro; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37699/09]
For a very open economy such as Ireland's exchange rate movements can have a large impact on living standards. In this regard, the appreciation of the euro against both the dollar and sterling is clearly a concern as it undermines the competitiveness of the exporting sector.
The traditional-type industries exporting to the UK appear to be especially vulnerable to appreciation of the euro. In addition, indigenous firms competing with UK-based firms on the domestic market are exposed to euro appreciation. The retail sector is also exposed to euro-sterling developments given our land border with the UK. On the upside, the appreciation of the euro, particularly against sterling, brings some benefits in terms of reduced prices for domestic consumer goods as a large amount of these are imported by retailers from the United Kingdom.
As a member of a monetary union, it is not open to us to adjust our exchange rate, but also of course there are benefits to being a member of such a union during these very challenging times in which we live. What is vital, however, is that we concentrate on restoring our competitiveness through other mechanisms, such as adjusting pay and non-pay costs as well as increasing in productivity.
I would also point out that Government initiatives such as the Enterprise Stabilisation Fund provide targeted support to indigenous companies, including those engaged in exporting to assist them in the exceptionally difficult business environment in which they are operating at present.
154 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance if he will confirm that arrangements have been completed for the acquisition of a second mobile scanner to combat cigarette smuggling; if it is operational; if not, when it will be; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37617/09]
I can confirm that arrangements under the procurement process have been completed for the acquisition of a new mobile scanner for the Revenue Commissioners.Revenue has completed Factory Acceptance Testing, and the new Scanner is due to arrive in Dublin Port in November. Following testing the new scanner will be commissioned and operational soon after.
155 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Finance his views on the findings of the Draft Business Report on the National Asset Management Agency; the role his Department played in the decision to draft it; if the assumed 20% default rate reflects on his Department’s assumptions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39061/09]
While the actual NAMA Business Plan will not be published until the NAMA legislation has been enacted, and the Board has been appointed, I instructed the interim NAMA managing director to draw up a draft Business Plan, setting out how NAMA will carry out its functions and duties, on the basis of the information that was already available to him. I saw the draft Plan as a key element to informing the debate on the NAMA legislation as it progressed through its various stages. That is why I ensured that copies of the draft Plan were distributed to all members of both Houses of the Oireachtas as soon as possible after the interim managing director has submitted it to me.
I believe the draft business plan produced by the interim NAMA team is a substantial body of work, which casts a significant degree of light on the targets of the Agency, the way it will organise its business and the assumptions that underpin its targets.
I would remind the Deputy that the data on which the draft Plan is based, including the 20% default rate referred to by the Deputy, are provisional in nature. Definitive figures will not be available, until NAMA is established and it has had the opportunity to assess in detail the loan books involved.
156 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Finance if the levy which is proposed to be introduced into the National Asset Management Agency legislation will take account of both the time value of money and the opportunity cost of money pumped into NAMA; if, for example, a levy is to be calculated after a ten year period, if the nominal amount of the shortfall to be recouped will be increased and decreased, as appropriate, to match the ten years of interest payments made on these funds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37685/09]
The Deputy will be aware that I am proposing to introduce, by way of a Report Stage amendment to the NAMA Bill, a future tax surcharge on the participating institutions in the event of NAMA making a loss.
The basis of this charge, if applicable, will be a report by NAMA on its aggregate profits or losses from its establishment to the date that the Minister looks for the report. These profits or losses, will of course by their nature, take account of interest rate movements over the period. The report itself will be certified by the Comptroller and Auditor General.
157 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Finance the steps he is taking toaddress the cost of sub-prime mortgages; the discussions he has had with the Irish Financial Services Regularity Authority on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37603/09]
The decision on the interest rate to be charged by lending institutions for mortgages is a commercial decision for the financial institution concerned. This decision will reflect a range of different factors including funding costs, market conditions, profitability and business strategy as well as the competitive environment overall. The Deputy will appreciate it is a core function of the Board and senior management of each institution to assess where the appropriate balance lies between these competing objectives particularly in ensuring the financial health and commercial viability of the relevant institution. It is not an appropriate role for the Minister for Finance to seek to determine this decision making by financial institutions operating under competitive market conditions.
The Government took steps in October 2007 via an amendment to the Central Bank Act, 1997, to provide for an appropriate system of authorisation and supervision of retail credit firms by the Financial Regulator engaged in specialist or so-called sub-prime lending. Such lenders were not previously subject to financial regulation in respect of lending activities. The primary purpose of this amendment was to extend to customers of these firms the benefit of the consumer protections provided for in the Financial Regulator's Consumer Protection Code. This regulatory regime has been in place since 1 February 2008 and is being implemented by the Financial Regulator. Consumer credit, including sub-prime lending, is also regulated in Ireland under the Consumer Credit Act 1995. The Act makes detailed provision for the form and content of loan agreements and for advertising of consumer credit.
Some non deposit-taking mortgage lenders are required to notify charges under Section 149 of the Consumer Credit Act, 1995 (as amended) to the Financial Regulator for approval. However interest rates are excluded from this requirement. Also, legal fees tend to be imposed by 3rd parties and then passed on directly by the institution to the consumer. In general these do not require approval.
When approving fees, the Financial Regulator takes the following criteria into consideration:
promotion of fair competition;
commercial justification;
passing on any costs to customers; and
the effect on customers or a group of customers.
158 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance if he will appoint a High Court inspector to investigate irregularities and possible illegalities at Anglo Irish Bank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37670/09]
As the Deputy will be aware, several regulatory bodies are carrying out investigations of behaviour at Anglo Irish Bank including in particular, the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement, the Garda Fraud Office and the Financial Regulator. The various regulatory bodies will make their reports in due course. I am of course anxious that the investigations are completed as swiftly as possible.
159 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Finance his views on the September 2009 inflation figures indicating annual falls in harmonised index consumer prices and consumer price index of 3% and 6.5% respectively; his further views on whether the HICP is a better measure of changes in the cost of living for pensioners and other social welfare recipients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37678/09]
The Central Statistics Office (CSO) publishes monthly both the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP). The latter is compiled on a common basis across the European Union. The main difference between the CPI and the HICP is that the latter excludes mortgage interest costs. The CPI fell by 6.5 per cent in the twelve months to September while the HICP fell by 3.0 per cent over the same period. Much of the difference can be explained by changes in mortgage interest rates.
The CPI basket is based on average consumption patterns so price changes for particular individuals and households will invariably differ from the national average. The CSO does not publish indices by income decile or social group. Nevertheless, I would like to point out to the Deputy that prices of a wide range of goods and services have fallen on a year-on-year basis, not just mortgage interest. For instance, food prices have fallen sharply since the start of the summer. This is supporting disposable incomes right across society and not just for mortgage holders.
160 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance the proposals envisaged under the Revised Programme for Government to help those in debt; his plans to introduce personal insolvency regulations allowing for a statutory non-court based debt settlement system; when he expects these new regulations to come into force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37692/09]
The main points contained in the revised Programme for Government dealing with personal debt are:
Introducing new measures to protect families having difficulties with their home mortgage payments;
Examining ways of expanding the existing options available for dealing with debt situations;
Examining ways of expanding existing state sponsored mortgage-support measures;
Regulating debt collection agencies;
Introducing a new system of personal insolvency regulations allowing for a statutory non-court-based debt settlement system; and,
Seeking to establish a central Debt Enforcement Office to remove as many debt enforcement proceeds from the courts as possible.
I should point out that, as Minister for Finance, I have no function in relation to personal bankruptcy law. This is a function of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.
The commitments contained in the revised Programme for Government span the broad area of personal debt management and its legislative framework and, as several relate to the responsibilities of several Government Departments, they will require close collaboration in the period ahead.
In this regard, the Law Reform Commission's recently published Consultation Paper on Personal Debt Management and Debt Enforcement has made an important contribution to this whole area and the relevant Departments are examining their recommendations.
161 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Finance his plans to make institutional changes in the arrangements for financial regulation; if he will publish an assessment of issues in advance of presenting proposals to Government; and if he will present the heads of any legislative Bill to the committees of the Houses of the Oireachtas which are investigating regulatory failure for early consideration of reform proposals. [39090/09]
The Government has agreed a range of reforms of the financial regulatory structures. A new single fully integrated institution, the Central Bank of Ireland, will be established, replacing the current two pillar structure under the existing Central Bank and Financial Services Authority of Ireland. The new structure will be responsible for both the supervision of individual firms and the stability of the financial system generally, combining micro-prudential and macro-prudential supervision in the one institution to achieve the highest performance standards for the new organisation. The new Central Bank will be chaired by the Governor of the Central Bank. These reforms will underpin a much more effective and efficient financial services regulatory system that is aligned with best international practice.
Within the new regulatory structures, the consumer information and education role, currently carried out within the Consumer Directorate in the Financial Regulator will be re-assigned to the National Consumer Agency (NCA). Regulation for consumer protection, including the development and enforcement of codes of practice, remains within the new central bank structure as an integral part of conduct of business regulation.
Two top-level posts will be established within the new Central Bank of Ireland as ex-officio members of its Board. A Head of Financial Regulation will report to the Board on the regulatory and supervisory functions. A Head of Central Banking will report on the performance of central banking functions (other than those that relate to the independent role of the Governor under the EC Treaty and Eurosystem and ECB structure). The Deputy will be aware of the recent announcement that Mr Matthew Elderfield will take up the post of Head of Financial Regulation in the New Year.
A key supporting element of the reforms agreed by Government involves a significant expansion of regulatory capacity with substantial additional staff and skills to meet the objectives of the new structure. In the legislation to underpin the new structure I will seek to enhance the accountability of the new regulatory structure to the Oireachtas and to strengthen evaluation and quality assurance of regulatory performance. These measures will ensure Ireland is regulated to the best international standards.
A high level group, chaired by my Department and including representatives of the Central Bank and Financial Regulator, has been established to expedite the implementation of the Government's decision and undertake appropriate consultations. It is a priority to have the new regulatory framework in place quickly and I expect draft legislation to give effect to the Government's decision will be published early next year. Once published, it will be open to anyone to comment on the draft legislation including of course Committees of the Houses of the Oireachtas.
I have decided that it is necessary to make some immediate progress on the integration of the existing institutions and, as the Deputy is aware, introduced provisions through Committee Stage amendments to the NAMA Bill to enable a common membership of the Central Bank Board and the Regulatory Authority in the transition phase before the dissolution of the Regulatory Authority and the establishment of the new Central Bank of Ireland.
162 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Finance the way the National Asset Management Agency proposal, through the draft NAMA business plan in particular, will get credit flowing to small and medium enterprises here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37704/09]
Specifically in relation to the NAMA Bill 2009, I will be introducing a Report Stage amendment to the Bill to provide a power to issue guidelines to the participating institutions on lending practices and procedures to improve the flow of credit to SMEs and, if necessary, other sectors. The power will be a wide ranging one and will allow for a response adapted to the particular circumstances of different institutions and sectors. This approach recognises that this is a complex situation and allows for a flexible response to changing credit needs.
163 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Finance the breakdown of the financial institutions to which the loans of €16 billion to be taken over by National Asset Management Agency in December 2009 and €24 billion to be taken over in January 2010 relate to, in both number of projects and value terms and the discounts being applied to each individual institution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37798/09]
Summary information provided in the draft NAMA business plan, and by me during the Second Stage debate on the NAMA Bill, is of a provisional nature.
The figures provided to date relate to the covered institutions who have indicated they intend to apply to participate in NAMA. The loan quality, geographic distribution and loan type will all vary from institution to institution.
Any further breakdown of the information will be contingent on the finalisation of the NAMA legislation, the designation of participating institutions and the designation of eligible assets among other issues. Importantly, information on the level of loans to transfer and the discount rates to be applied will only become available following a loan by loan assessment and the application of the valuation methodology.
164 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Finance the opportunity cost of proceeding with the National Asset Management Agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37703/09]
The National Asset Management Agency (NAMA) is being established to address the systemic threat posed to the Irish financial system by certain portfolios of risky assets on the banks' balance sheets.
‘Opportunity cost', in economic terms, refers to the opportunities forgone in the choice one expenditure over another. As the Deputy is no doubt fully aware, the monetary costs involved in NAMA must be judged against the risks and costs of not taking sufficient action to maintain the stability of the banking system, the security of savings and the availability of credit. I am sure the Deputy will agree that the costs of inaction could be catastrophic.
165 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Finance the progress made regarding reforms of the Central Bank and the Financial Regulator, including appointments to key positions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37693/09]
The Government has agreed a range of reforms of the financial regulatory structures. A new single fully integrated institution, the Central Bank of Ireland, will be established, replacing the current two pillar structure under the existing Central Bank and Financial Services Authority of Ireland. The new structure will be responsible for both the supervision of individual firms and the stability of the financial system generally, combining micro-prudential and macro-prudential supervision in the one institution to achieve the highest performance standards for the new organisation. The new Central Bank will be chaired by the Governor of the Central Bank. These reforms will underpin a much more effective and efficient financial services regulatory system that is aligned with best international practice.
Within the new regulatory structures, the consumer information and education role, currently carried out within the Consumer Directorate in the Financial Regulator will be re-assigned to the National Consumer Agency (NCA). Regulation for consumer protection, including the development and enforcement of codes of practice, remains within the new central bank structure as an integral part of conduct of business regulation.
With regard to the appointment to key positions, the Deputy will no doubt be aware that Professor Patrick Honohan was recently appointed as Governor of the Central Bank. Additionally, two top-level posts will be established within the new Central Bank of Ireland as ex-officio members of its Board. A Head of Financial Regulation will report to the Board on the regulatory and supervisory functions. A Head of Central Banking will report on the performance of central banking functions (other than those that relate to the independent role of the Governor under the EC Treaty and Eurosystem and ECB structure). The Deputy will be aware of the recent announcement that Mr Matthew Elderfield will take up the post of Head of Financial Regulation in the New Year.
A key supporting element of the reforms agreed by Government involves a significant expansion of regulatory capacity with substantial additional staff and skills to meet the objectives of the new structure. In the legislation to underpin the new structure I will seek to enhance the accountability of the new regulatory structure to the Oireachtas and to strengthen evaluation and quality assurance of regulatory performance. These measures will ensure Ireland is regulated to the best international standards.
A high level group, chaired by my Department and including representatives of the Central Bank and Financial Regulator, has been established to expedite the implementation of the Government's decision and undertake appropriate consultations. It is a priority to have the new regulatory framework in place quickly and I expect draft legislation to give effect to the Government's decision will be published early next year. Once published, it will be open to anyone to comment on the draft legislation including of course Committees of the Houses of the Oireachtas.
I have decided that it is necessary to make some immediate progress on the integration of the existing institutions and, as the Deputy is aware, introduced provisions through Committee Stage amendments to the NAMA Bill to enable a common membership of the Central Bank Board and the Regulatory Authority in the transition phase before the dissolution of the Regulatory Authority and the establishment of the new Central Bank of Ireland.
166 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Finance if he will comment on the latest Quarterly National Household Survey which indicates an 8.2% year-on-year fall in employment to the end of June 2009 and that the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate is now at its highest level since 1996; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37690/09]
The Quarterly National Household Survey contains data for the period up to end June 2009. That survey shows an annual decrease in employment of 8.2%. The largest annual falls in employment have been in construction (down 86,000), wholesale and retail trade (down 29,600) and industry (down 29,000) sectors.
While the fall in employment is a cause for concern, it is nevertheless not unexpected — my Department forecast last April that employment would fall by 7.8% for the year as a whole. The latest seasonally adjusted unemployment rate is 12.6% in September, however the unemployment trend has slowed considerably in recent months. This government is not complacent about the very significant increase in job losses. One of the key policies that we can pursue is to strive to enhance our competitiveness so that demand for labour improves so that we can position ourselves to benefit when world and EU growth returns. It is also important that we bring stability and sustainability to the public finances, as that will facilitate confidence and growth in the economy. We are also investing in education, training, and up-skilling in order to ensure that workers have the means to move into expanding sectors. We have also doubled our support for job-search, training and activation places for the unemployed this year.
167 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Finance if he has carried out an impact study on the expected economic and social impact of across the board cuts in child benefit; his views on whether such a cut would impact on low income single parents and their children one of the social groups at greatest risk of falling into poverty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37671/09]
Any changes to child benefit will be considered in the context of the 2010 Budget.
168 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance his views on a transparent vetting process, involving public confirmation hearings before the Joint Committee on Finance, for appointments to boards under the aegis of his Department including, but not limited to, the proposed Banking Commission, the National Asset Management Agency, the National Treasury Management Agency, the National Pension Reserve Fund, the board of governors of the Central Bank; his further views on whether the lack of transparency in such board appointments is an important factor in the decline of public and market confidence in these boards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37706/09]
Appointments to the board of a State body, including those under the aegis of my Department, are generally made by the Minister with responsibility for the Body in question. The arrangements for such appointments are normally set out in the legislation establishing the State Body. In recent years the system of appointments to State boards has been refined and the overall calibre of appointees has improved. It has increasingly become the practice to specify in the governing legislation the attributes required of board members.
The Government is anxious to innovate in this area and is keen to bring more accountability into the system of State board appointments. The Renewed Programme for Government, which was agreed at the beginning of October, contains a commitment to a more global reform of the system of appointments to Public Bodies. The document provides that the Government will introduce on a legislative basis a more open and transparent system for appointments to public bodies. The legislation will outline a procedure for the publication of all vacancies likely to occur, invite applications from the general public and from the responses create a panel of suitable persons for consideration of appointment. The legislation will also specify numbers of persons to be appointed by a Minister and will facilitate the appropriate Oireachtas Committees to make nominations to the panel.
The Deputy refers to appointments to a number of State bodies under the aegis of my Department. With regard to appointments to the board of the National Assets Management Agency, as the Deputy is aware legislation on the establishment of NAMA is currently going through the Dáil, however, I intend to consult with the Opposition parties about the chairmanship of the agency and I have written to the Opposition leaders in that regard.
In the context of the reform of the institutional structure for financial regulation, it is a priority for the Government to ensure that the membership of the new Central Bank of Ireland Commission will comprise persons with substantial experience and recognised expertise in relevant specialist areas such as financial regulation, international finance, risk management and economics.
The position with regard to the National Treasury Management Agency Advisory Committee and the National Pensions Reserve Fund Commission is that appointments to both bodies are made by the Minister for Finance, there is no requirement for outside consultation. However, the NPRF Act 2000 requires those appointed to the NPRF Commission to have acquired substantial expertise and experience at senior level in any of the following areas.
Investment or international business management
Finance or economics
Law
Actuarial practice
Accountancy and auditing
The Civil Service of the Government of the Civil Service of the State
Trade union representation
The Pensions industry
Consumer protection
169 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Finance the steps he has taken to combat the trafficking of illicit drugs through private airports here, particularly in view of recent high profile legal actions relating to the smuggling of significant amounts of heroin through an airport (details supplied) in 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37702/09]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the Customs controls at the location in question and at private airports in general are risk-based. The controls are carried out by mobile Customs enforcement staff, whose attendance is selective and targeted, based on analysis and evaluation of national and international seizure trends, traffic frequency, routes and other risk indicators. Attendance can also be as a result of specific intelligence. Traffic with origins and destinations with a high-risk rating would attract particular interest.
It is important to note by way of context that the operating environment for Customs has been shaped to a significant degree by the introduction of the Internal Market and the related principles of freedom of movement within the EU. Of specific relevance are the abolition of routine and systematic Customs checks on goods and passengers moving within any part of the EU and the elimination of Customs controls on the baggage of intra-Community passengers other than anti-smuggling checks. This is particularly relevant in the case of small private airports where passenger traffic is predominantly intra-Community. The approach has of necessity been to balance the freedom of movement principle in regard to people and goods with the need to control smuggling and enforce prohibitions and restrictions.
I have been assured by the Revenue Commissioners that they are satisfied with the level of Customs controls at these locations. In particular, they are satisfied that the risk-based approach applied remains valid and that their operations are on par with, and may even exceed, those of many other EU Member States.
170 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Finance if he will comment on recent revelations that senior bankers at Anglo Irish Bank were involved in property deals which the bank itself was financing; the steps that have been taken to remove any immediate conflicts of interests which may arise in the course of managing the nationalised bank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37687/09]
As with all financial institutions, Anglo Irish Bank is subject to legal and regulatory requirements with regard to lending to its Directors and employees. Any breach of these obligations would be a matter for investigation by the relevant authorities, including the Financial Regulator, as appropriate. Also, I am informed by Anglo that, in order to avoid any potential conflicts of interest, the bank has taken steps to ensure that the individuals concerned, and any staff reporting to them, have no role in the management and oversight of loans in which they have a direct interest.
In addition, Anglo Irish Bank Corporation Limited is a public body for the purposes of the Ethics in Public Office Acts 1995 and 2001. Its directors and designated employees are required, inter alia, to furnish annual statements of their registrable interests. For directors these statements are also furnished to the Standards in Public Office Commission. If a conflict of material interests were to occur, the director or employee concerned must furnish a statement in writing of the facts and must abide by the provisions of the Ethics legislation on such matters.
Question No. 171 answered with Question No. 119.
172 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Finance the amount of tax revenue raised to date in 2009 from the €10 air travel tax; the impact this has had on air travel to and from here; if he will carry out a comprehensive review of the implementation of this tax; if he will make amendments to this tax in budget 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37695/09]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the air travel tax arising from travel undertaken in any month is payable by airline operators by the 23rd of the following month. The yields from the air travel tax received in the period from May to October 2009, in respect of travel undertaken during the months April to September 2009 are as follows:
|
Month |
€m |
|
May |
9.6 |
|
June |
11.5 |
|
July |
11.9 |
|
August |
12.5 |
|
September |
12.4 |
|
October |
9.4 |
|
Total |
67.3 |
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 300kms 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.
173 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Taoiseach the number and the proportion of the total that workers were paid at the minimum wage, no more than 5% above the minimum wage, no more than 10% above the minimum wage and no more than 20% above the minimum wage in 2009 and at the end of 2006, 2007 and 2008. [38251/09]
The information sought by the Deputy is contained in the National Employment Survey (NES), an annual workplace survey published by the Central Statistics Office. The most recent NES was published in July 2009 and uses data collected for October 2007 as its reference point. The previous NES had October 2006 as its reference period.
The National Minimum Wage (NMW) rate in operation in October 2006 was €7.65 per hour. An estimated 63,700 employees were paid that amount or less, equivalent to 3.8% of all employees. There were an estimated 101,200 employees (6% of all employees) paid less than or equal to €8.03 per hour, which is 5% above the minimum wage. 135,400 employees or 8% of all employees were paid less than or equal to €8.42 per hour, which is 10% above the minimum wage. Finally, 228,500 employees, equivalent to 13.5% of all employees, were paid less than or equal to €9.18 per hour, which is 20% above the minimum wage rate.
The NMW rate in operation in October 2007 was €8.65 per hour. An estimated 86,400 employees were paid that amount or less, equivalent to 5% of all employees. There were an estimated 148,500 employees (8.6% of all employees) paid less than or equal to €9.08 per hour, which is 5% above the minimum wage. 193,400 employees or 11.2% of all employees were paid less than or equal to €9.52 per hour, which is 10% above the minimum wage. Finally, 287,800 employees, equivalent to 16.7% of all employees, were paid less than or equal to €10.38 per hour, which is 20% above the minimum wage rate.
|
No. of employees |
Percent of employees |
|
|
Minimum Wage |
||
|
NMW = €8.65 in October 2007 |
||
|
Earning above €8.65 |
1,633,500 |
95.0 |
|
Earning €8.65 or less |
86,400 |
5.0 |
|
Minimum Wage b |
||
|
NMW +5% = €9.083 in October 2007 |
||
|
Earning above €9.083 |
1,571,400 |
91.4 |
|
Earning €9.083 or less |
148,500 |
8.6 |
|
Minimum Wage c |
||
|
NMW +10% = €9.52 in October 2007 |
||
|
Earning above €9.52 |
1,526,500 |
88.8 |
|
Earning €9.52 or less |
193,400 |
11.2 |
|
Minimum Wage d |
||
|
NMW +20% = €10.38 in October 2007 |
||
|
Earning above €10.38 |
1,432,100 |
83.3 |
|
Earning €10.38 or less |
287,800 |
16.7 |
|
No. of employees |
Percent of employees |
|
|
Minimum Wage |
||
|
NMW = €7.65 in October 2006 |
||
|
Earning above €7.65 |
1,631,500 |
96.3 |
|
Earning NMW or less |
63,700 |
3.8 |
|
Minimum Wage b |
||
|
NMW + 5% = €8.03 in October 2006 |
||
|
Earning above €8.03 |
1,594,000 |
94.0 |
|
Earning €8.03 or less |
101,200 |
6.0 |
|
Minimum Wage c |
||
|
NMW + 10% = €8.42 in October 2006 |
||
|
Earning above €8.42 |
1,559,800 |
92.0 |
|
Earning €8.42 or less |
135,400 |
8.0 |
|
Minimum Wage d |
||
|
NMW + 20% = €9.18 in October 2006 |
||
|
Earning above €9.18 |
1,466,700 |
86.5 |
|
Earning €9.18 or less |
228,500 |
13.5 |
174 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Taoiseach the average income in each decile of persons resident here and the mean, median and mode of the income of residents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38829/09]
The official source of information on average household income is the Survey on Income and Living Conditions (SILC) as compiled by the Central Statistics Office. The latest published SILC results are for the year 2007. The average net disposable income of individuals in the State and the components of income, classified by income decile, are presented in the table below, followed by overall median weekly income.
|
A |
B |
A+B |
C |
A+B-C |
||
|
Decile |
Net disposable income threshold |
Total direct income2 |
Total social transfers3 |
Total Gross Income |
Total Tax and Social Contributions4 |
Net Disposable Income |
|
€ |
Mean (€) |
Mean (€) |
Mean (€) |
Mean (€) |
Mean (€) |
|
|
1 |
<198.09 |
43.07 |
115.21 |
158.27 |
5.15 |
153.13 |
|
2 |
<240.69 |
80.78 |
150.73 |
231.51 |
10.53 |
220.98 |
|
3 |
<278.48 |
126.34 |
154.06 |
280.40 |
20.50 |
259.90 |
|
4 |
<321.19 |
226.55 |
110.55 |
337.10 |
38.84 |
298.26 |
|
5 |
<379.33 |
281.08 |
116.03 |
397.11 |
47.00 |
350.11 |
|
6 |
<440.32 |
397.17 |
92.35 |
489.52 |
82.90 |
406.63 |
|
7 |
<516.69 |
483.87 |
95.12 |
579.00 |
100.97 |
478.03 |
|
8 |
<606.31 |
643.86 |
77.45 |
721.31 |
162.91 |
558.40 |
|
9 |
<772.94 |
831.34 |
82.80 |
914.14 |
233.06 |
681.08 |
|
10 |
>772.94 |
1,427.92 |
113.40 |
1,541.32 |
421.95 |
1,119.37 |
|
State |
Overall Mean |
454.03 |
110.77 |
564.80 |
112.33 |
452.47 |
|
Median equivalised weekly net disposable income (€) |
€379.33 |
1 Equivalence scales assign each household type in the population a value in proportion to its needs. The national equivalence scale assigns the first adult a value of 1, each subsequent adult a value of 0.66 and each child a value of 0.33. These values are then summed and an equivalised household size is established. Disposable household income is divided by the equivalised household size to calculate equivalised disposable income. This value is essentially an approximate measure of how much of the household income can be attributed to each member of the household.
2 Total direct income is composed of employee income, employer’s social insurance contributions, gross cash benefits or losses from self-employment and any other direct income.
3 Total social transfers include unemployment and old-age benefit, children/family related allowances, housing allowances and other social transfers such as survivors, sickness or disability benefits.
4 Tax and social insurance contributions include employer’s social insurance contributions, regular inter-household cash transfers (paid), tax on income and social insurance contributions.
175 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Taoiseach the number of retailers here; the share of larger retailers of the Irish market; the penetration of large retail multiples here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38007/09]
The information requested by the Deputy is given in the following table. The table was compiled from the results of the Annual Services Inquiry, conducted by the Central Statistics Office.
The table gives the estimated number of enterprises, turnover and number of persons engaged in retail trade, broken down by employment size class. All the data refers to the year 2007, the latest year for which the data are available.
|
NACE (Economic sector) |
Size class (persons engaged) |
Number of Enterprises |
Turnover excl. VAT |
Number of Persons Engaged |
Share of Number of Enterprises |
Share of Persons Engaged |
Share of Total Turnover |
|
(€000s) |
(%) |
(%) |
(%) |
||||
|
< 10 |
13,609 |
6,374,361 |
45,479 |
81.1 |
23.0 |
20.4 |
|
|
10-19 |
1,950 |
3,691,470 |
26,006 |
11.6 |
13.2 |
11.8 |
|
|
52 (Retail) |
20-49 |
802 |
3,325,435 |
23,941 |
4.8 |
12.1 |
10.6 |
|
50-249 |
371 |
5,589,425 |
34,620 |
2.2 |
17.5 |
17.9 |
|
|
250+ |
46 |
12,316,864 |
67,588 |
0.3 |
34.2 |
39.4 |
|
|
Total |
16,777 |
31,297,554 |
197,634 |
100.0 |
100.0 |
100.0 |
*Persons engaged include working proprietors, full- and part-time employees.
**Number of persons engaged is a headcount during the week ending 7th September 2007.
176 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet Committee on Climate Change and Energy Security last held a meeting; and the plans for further meetings. [38624/09]
The last meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Climate Change and Energy Security took place on 7 October 2009. The next meeting of the committee has not been scheduled yet.
177 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Taoiseach if the revised programme for Government replaces all commitments in the Programme for Government 2007 to 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38819/09]
Last month, the Government parties agreed a renewed programme for Government.
Our initial Programme for Government, published following the 2007 General Election, made clear that its delivery was based on a growth rate of 4.5%. It was negotiated prior to the worst global downtown since the 1930s. The recent review is about ensuring the programme for Government reflects current economic realities.
Achievement of the goals set out in both documents, subject to resources, will provide the political basis of Government action, until we complete our term in 2012
178 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Taoiseach further to Parliamentary Question No. 160 of 20 October 2009, if he will provide the same information for 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38935/09]
179 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Taoiseach further to Parliamentary Question No. 160 of 20 October 2009, if his attention has been drawn to occasions on which a Minister did not comply with this provision of the Cabinet Handbook; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38936/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 178 and 179 together.
Our records show that the Taoiseach was consulted on 67 occasions in 2003, on 52 in 2004, on 26 in 2005 and on 25 in 2006 further to section 1.17 of the Cabinet Handbook. As I stated previously, Departments would not be likely to submit requests unless they considered them appropriate.
180 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Taoiseach further to Parliamentary Question No. 174 of 6 October 2009, the name and years of service of the persons in question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38937/09]
The persons in question are the former Director General of the Central Statistics Office, Mr. Donal Garvey and Mr. Gerry Hickey and Ms. Una Claffey, former Special Advisers to my predecessor. I will write to the Deputy directly and provide him with details of their service.
In each case, arrangements were made in accordance with comparable terms applied previously in similar circumstances, in the context of completion of contracts and were so approved by the Department of Finance.
181 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Taoiseach if his attention has been drawn to the calls being made to identify the number and geographic spread of children and adults with autism spectrum disorders in view of the lack of clear information available on a nationwide basis; if he will request the Central Statistics Office to include such a category in the next census; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39068/09]
As part of the preparatory work for the 2011 census the CSO conducted a public consultation by inviting members of the public and various interest groups to make submissions on the topics to be covered, and on the outputs to be produced. A notice to this effect was published in the national press in September 2008 seeking submissions, and all government departments were contacted for their input. This phase of the process has now concluded.
A Census Advisory Group was set up in autumn 2008 to consider the submissions received and advise on the questions to be tested in a pilot survey planned to be carried in April 2009. The Census Advisory Group is representative of central and local government, the social partners, universities, research bodies and other users of census data along with the relevant CSO personnel.
Over 90 submissions covering 31 topics were received in total, among them submissions on the subject of disability, and in particular on the subject of autism. A specific sub-group was convened to consider the disability questions on the census form. This sub-group was composed of representatives from the National Disability Authority, the Equality Authority, the Disability Federation of Ireland and the National Federation of Voluntary Bodies. The proposal to list specific disabilities within the disability question, namely to make specific reference to autistic spectrum disorder, or downs syndrome, in the category ‘A learning or intellectual disability' was considered at the second meeting of the group.
The group concluded that it would not be appropriate, nor would there be enough room on the census form, to list all individual disabilities. However, in order to go some way towards accommodating this request the existing (2006) category ‘ A learning or intellectual disability’ was split into two categories ‘An intellectual disability’ and separately ‘A difficulty with learning, remembering or concentrating’ for testing in the pilot survey. The group felt that this approach narrowed the categories and thus helped address the issue of autism, while allowing the question to remain as inclusive as possible.
The new wording of the disability questions which were tested in the Census Pilot Survey in April 2009 were as follows:
Census Pilot Survey 2009 — wording of Disability questions (Form B)
14 Do you have any of the following long-lasting conditions or difficulties?
182 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will respond to matters (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38662/09]
In the current global economic climate, multinational companies are restructuring their global operations leading to global job cuts. Ireland therefore will inevitably be affected. On a daily basis, IDA Ireland is working with its client companies making every effort to keep their operations in Ireland and minimise job losses.
Despite this, Ireland continues to be an attractive location for FDI. To date this year IDA has already had a significant number of new investment projects approved and announced. There have been 44 announcements with a combined investment of €622.5 million and the potential to create 2,560 jobs. These investments are spread right throughout the country. It is encouraging that so many companies are prepared to undertake and announce these investments in Ireland given the current global economic environment. With the global outlook for 2010 looking more optimistic Ireland's improving competitiveness position should help IDA to make a significant contribution to economic recovery and continue to secure FDI for Ireland.
It is the view of this Government that controlling pay costs, both in the public and private sector, is a key element in restoring competitiveness. The Central Bank recently highlighted how our deterioration in international wage competitiveness threatens a quick return to economic growth. Although it will be a painful adjustment, a reduction in unit labour costs will strengthen our longer-term competitiveness. For most exporting firms, labour costs account for more than half their input costs. Both the NCB Manufacturing and Services Purchasing Managers' Indices have shown a sustained and deep period of declining input costs for businesses in Ireland, driven, in part, by lower wage costs. This is matched by a decline in Irish inflation that reached minus 6.5% in the year to September 2009 — the sharpest fall in Ireland since the 1920s. This deflation also cushions against the effects of any nominal wage declines. These indicators emphasise how we are meeting the challenge of restoring competitiveness through the primary means at our disposal — strict control over costs by all key players in Ireland's economy. With the OECD predicting mild deflation in Ireland for the next two years, the prospects are good for maintaining the current downward pressure on wages and prices. In addition, I should point out that the national minimum wage directly affects only about 5% of full time workers and has little direct impact on Ireland's international competitiveness as the number of persons on the national minimum wage in our internationally traded sectors in likely to be low.
183 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of persons in the Community Employment Special Drug Projects; and the number of participants who are in receipt of double entitlements. [38699/09]
As of the 26 October there are currently 938 participants on Community Employment Drugs Taskforce projects, of these 522 participants are entitled to a dual payment i.e. to retain a portion or all of their Social Welfare payment while participating on community employment.
184 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if a limited company is obliged to pay their staff the minimum wage; if there are exceptions to the rule in cases of persons with a disability who are doing rehabilitative work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38883/09]
The National Minimum Wage Act applies to persons who have employee status. Under the National Minimum Wage Act, 2000 an employee is defined as a person who works under a contract of employment. A contract of employment (which can be written or implied) means a contract of service or apprenticeship or any other contract whereby an individual agrees with another person to do or perform personally any work or service for that person.
The only employees who are excluded from the provisions of the Act are close relatives of the employer and statutory apprentices within the meaning of the Industrial Training Act, 1967 and the Labour Services Act 1987. The Minimum Wage Act therefore would apply to those who are doing rehabilitative work if they have employee status.
185 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position regarding the Industrial Development Authority lands in Kildare south; if further meetings have taken place or are proposed with the relevant local authorities to discuss the sale of these lands; the result of such meetings; if the IDA will make such lands available for community development units; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38917/09]
The management of IDA Ireland's industrial property portfolio is a day-to-day operational matter for the agency, as part of the statutory responsibility assigned to it by the Oireachtas, and it is not a matter in which the Minister of the day has any involvement.
The use to which IDA property can be put is prescribed by legislation and the disposal of property for any alternative use requires the consent of the Minister of the day. However, the agency is always available to discuss proposals regarding availability or suitability of individual buildings with local authorities, enterprise boards or community groups and I will be happy to consider any request for such consent should it be required.
I have been informed by IDA Ireland that the position in relation to IDA lands in South Kildare has not changed since my reply to the Deputy's question of 6 May last. As I stated then, Kildare County Council confirmed to IDA in January 2009 that due to the financial position facing Kildare County Council at that time the local authority was not be in a position to purchase the sites in South Kildare.
The situation will be reviewed again early next year and should the same situation remain with Kildare County Council regarding the acquisition of the lands, IDA will consider open market disposal of some or all of these lands. This will be dependent on the open market conditions prevailing at that time.
186 Deputy Damien English asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on the impact the introduction of carbon taxes will have on competitiveness in industry and particularly within the small medium enterprise sector. [37919/09]
The proposed introduction of a carbon tax is a commitment in the renewed programme for Government and is in response to our international obligations under the Kyoto Protocol to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases.
Work is under way to design a carbon tax that will reflect our commitment and obligation to address climate change challenges. A crucial consideration in forming a carbon tax must be the minimisation of any negative impacts on the enterprise sector, including possible impacts on competitiveness and employment. My Department is actively engaged in this assessment as part of the budgetary process.
The potential implications for industry of the introduction of a carbon tax will depend on many complex and interconnected factors and not least the level of a carbon tax, whether the revenue from the tax is recycled and whether there will be exemption provisions for companies who are already engaged in other greenhouse gas reduction measures such as emissions trading and negotiated agreements.
It is important that the level of tax be balanced between the objectives of achieving appropriate realistic reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and realising these reductions at least cost to business, thereby maintaining competitiveness in the enterprise sector.
187 Deputy Damien English asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the measures that have been taken to generate new employment in the Industrial Development Authority park in Navan, County Meath since June to date in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37920/09]
IDA Ireland is the agency with statutory responsibility for the attraction of foreign direct investment (FDI) to Ireland and its regions. The marketing of individual areas for new or expansion FDI investments and jobs is a day-to-day operational matter for the agency and not one in which I have a function.
IDA Ireland's strategy for County Meath has been to promote the county as part of a wider East Region comprising Meath, Dublin, Wicklow and Kildare. This region has access to a population base of 1.5 million people, a diverse skills pool, educational infrastructure, international access connections, existing business activity across all sectors and extensive property solutions for future activity. Within the county, IDA focuses on the town of Navan. As Ireland competes for investments at the highest end of the value chain the concept of scale is crucial to our economic destiny. Leading corporations require a significant population of highly qualified talent, effective physical and digital infrastructure, coupled with availability of sophisticated professional support services.
The availability of suitable property solutions is one of the important attractions in encouraging FDI to Ireland and IDA Ireland has 25.5 hectares of serviced industrial lands available at the IDA Business Park in Navan, which it is marketing to prospective clients.
At present there are 15 IDA Ireland client companies in County Meath employing approximately 950 people. Six of these companies are located on the Business Park in Navan
IDA continues to work with its base of clients encouraging them to become involved in research and development and deepen their commitment to the local economy. In addition the agency is also involved in many local committees and task forces and is a Board Member of Meath County Development Board and the Economic Forum who are charged with developing initiatives to market the county.
188 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if a work permit application by a person (details supplied) in County Kildare over a period since 2001 to 2008 is within the remit of her Department guidelines to permit them to obtain a stamp four under the new work permit regulations to ensure that they can seek employment or social welfare payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37929/09]
The Employment Permits Section informs me that it appears from their records the above named has held employment permits for more than five consecutive years. On this basis it would appear that the individual might qualify for a Stamp 4 under the new regulations.
However, the issue of a Stamp 4 is a matter for the Immigration Authorities of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. In those circumstances, I would suggest that the above named contact his local immigration officer with the required supporting documentation. Details of the supporting documentation required can be found at www.inis.gov.ie.
189 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the FÁS budget in each year since its establishment in 1987 to date in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37979/09]
The budget for FÁS each year since its establishment in January 1988 under the Labour Services Act 1987 is set out in the attached table.
|
Year |
Annual Budget Non-Capital |
Capital Additions |
|
€millions |
€millions |
|
|
2009 |
1,070.696 |
10.000 |
|
2008 |
1,061.500 |
25.107 |
|
2007 |
1,032.495 |
35.804 |
|
2006 |
939.125 |
48.366 |
|
2005 |
908.770 |
37.299 |
|
2004 |
827.500 |
20.263 |
|
2003 |
813.313 |
13.359 |
|
2002 |
857.466 |
11.564 |
|
2001 |
821.200 |
11.791 |
|
2000 |
728.233 |
14.979 |
|
1999 |
683.577 |
11.791 |
|
1998 |
650.794 |
8.891 |
|
1997 |
600.777 |
3.516 |
|
1996 |
555.131 |
6.910 |
|
1995 |
537.856 |
3.185 |
|
1994 |
424.804 |
2.363 |
|
1993 |
352.120 |
1.939 |
|
1992 |
285.564 |
4.581 |
|
1991 |
273.432 |
10.317 |
|
1990 |
250.258 |
4.420 |
|
1989 |
219,929 |
2.266 |
|
1988 |
232.365 |
1.364 |
Sources
1. Annual Budget Non-Capital figures per FÁS Board reports.
2. Capital additions per published FÁS Annual Reports.
3. All figures in € Euro.
190 Deputy George Lee asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if a short term diploma in family law is eligible for funding by FÁS; if so, the criteria that must be met to be eligible to undertake this course; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37981/09]
The Technical Employment Support Grant is used by FÁS where it is identified that a 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 grant has a limited budget, which is focused on short-term interventions. It is not the intention of this fund to generally support full-time or part-time third level programmes. In this context, however, the short-term diploma course in family law may be funded by FÁS on a case-by-case basis.
191 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount that has been drawn down from the European Social Fund here to date in 2009 for the human capital investment operational programme; the details of funds which have been drawn down to date in 2009 according to beneficiary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38001/09]
An Amount of €9,384,059.25 — the maximum allowable under Regulation — has been drawn down from the European Social Fund to date in 2009 in the form of an advance payment from the European Commission. This drawdown is not claim-based according to beneficiary.
In accordance with normal practice in Ireland, the claim to drawdown from the European Social Fund according to beneficiary is scheduled to be submitted during the final quarter of the year. Therefore, the amount of the 2009 claim — both in total and according to beneficiary — will only be available after it has been approved and received later in the year.
192 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the penetration of own labelling of products in the grocery sector here in 2009; the penetration of own labelling of products in 1999; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38008/09]
My Department has no direct responsibility for the compilation of statistics associated with the market penetration of own brand goods in the Irish grocery sector. I understand such data would typically be available from market research companies and I would direct the deputy to these for detailed information.
I am aware that the Competition Authority has produced a number of recent reports focused on the grocery sector which may also assist the Deputy. These are available on the authority's website: http://www.tca.ie/PromotingCompetition/MarketStudies/MarketStudies.aspx
193 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she has received representations regarding an issue (details supplied); the action she has taken in relation to same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38077/09]
I am aware of the issue to which the Deputy refers and my Department has written to the Director General of FÁS to seek a full report on the matter.
194 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will make a statement on the decision of the City and Guilds to temporarily suspend accreditation of courses in the north east following the FÁS internal audit report (details supplied); the companies involved; and the cost of the course to the State. [38091/09]
I understand from FÁS that it requested City and Guilds to review the assessment material on courses run by the contractor in question. While the review of the material was taking place City and Guilds temporarily suspended certification of the courses at the centre of the controversy. This is standard procedure and was applied before any certificates were issued to the participants concerned.
Certification of the courses was reinstated following verification reports submitted to City and Guilds on completion of the review. I understand that there was no further suspension subsequent to the release of the FÁS Internal Audit Report in February 2009. I further understand that for legal reasons the company involved cannot be named. The costs of delivering the courses in question are set out in the following table.
|
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 |
195 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress she has made to date on the 60 applications forwarded to her Department from persons who were made redundant from a company (details supplied) and who are seeking compensation from the insolvent fund; and when the outstanding wages, holiday moneys and so on will be awarded to them. [38102/09]
I can confirm that my Department received on 8 October 2009 applications under the Insolvency Payments Scheme for Arrears of Wages, Holiday Pay and Minimum Notice on behalf of the former employees of Peter Casey and Sons Limited. I should point out that the impact on business of the severe economic circumstances currently pertaining has resulted in a significant rise in the level of company receiverships and insolvencies. Consequently, an increasing number of claims are being submitted to the Insolvency Payments Section, with 17,933 new claims recorded from January 1 to September 30 — an increase of over 144% against the corresponding figure for this period in 2008. My officials endeavour to process all claims as quickly as possible and claims are dealt with in order of date of receipt. At present applications received in June 2009 are being processed.
I am advised also that a number of rebate and lump sum redundancy claims in respect of the former employees of the company have been submitted to the Redundancy Payment Section of my Department during October 2009 and that these are awaiting processing. There are two types of redundancy claims — rebates to those employers who have paid statutory redundancy to eligible employees, and statutory lump sums to employees whose employers are insolvent and/or in receivership/liquidation.
Currently, the average time it takes to process rebate applications from employers filed online is seven months while claims submitted by post are taking eight months. The Redundancy Payments Section of my Department is currently processing applications filed online from March 2009 and those submitted by post from February 2009. In respect of lump sum payments paid directly to employees in instances where employers are unable to pay the statutory redundancy entitlements, the section is, in general, processing claims dating from June 2009.
Given the unprecedented increase in redundancy payment claims lodged with my Department in since late 2008 it has proved impossible to maintain the customer service targets that previously obtained. The scale of the challenge is evident from the statistics that show incoming redundancy claims with a cumulative figure for the first nine months of 2009 at 60,785 an increase of 122% on the same period last year (27,373). This figure of 60,785 exceeds the claims lodged for the full year 2008 (40,607) and 2008 was, of itself, an exceptional year as compared with earlier years when claims received were of the order of 25,000.
Efforts continue to be made by my Department to deliver more acceptable turnaround processing times for redundancy payments given the difficulties that this gives rise to for both individual employees and the business community. Measures already taken include: the reassignment of 26.7 additional staff (full time equivalents) from other areas of the Department to the redundancy payments area since early 2009 with ongoing review of trends and demands. The current number of staff serving in the redundancy payments section in terms of full time equivalents is 53.8; the prioritisation of the Department's overtime budget towards staff in the redundancy payments section to tackle the backlog outside normal hours; the establishment of a special call handling facility to deal with the huge volume of telephone calls from people and businesses who are naturally concerned about their payments, using the facilities and co-operation of the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA). This centre has received an average of 12,500 calls per month this year with an estimated 60% relating to redundancy payments; the provision of better quality information relating to current processing times on the Department's website; engagement with the Revenue Commissioners to facilitate the offset of redundancy rebate payments by employers against outstanding tax liabilities with the Revenue Commissioners.
The Tánaiste and I continue to monitor closely the impact of these changes against the continuing influx of redundancy claims and will consider further measures to deal with the situation should current measures prove to be inadequate.
196 Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of jobs that were created by the Industrial Development Authority in 2008; the cost per job; the number of jobs that were created by Enterprise Ireland in 2008; the cost per job; the number of jobs that were created by county enterprise boards in 2008; the cost per job; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38239/09]
The Forfás Annual Employment Survey shows that 8,837 new jobs were created in IDA supported companies in 2008. As part of the Forfás Annual Employment Survey, the overall cost per job is calculated each year by reference to the cost of jobs created during and sustained to the end of a seven-year period. All IDA expenditure on all firms in the period of calculation is included. For the period 2002 to 2008, at constant 2008 prices, the cost per job sustained was €13,202. This figure has declined steadily over the past seven years.
In 2008, Enterprise Ireland client companies created 10,522 new jobs. The accepted accounting measure for cost per job is ‘Cost per job Sustained'. This is calculated by taking into account all direct agency expenditure on all Enterprise Ireland client companies in a seven-year period. As with IDA, only jobs created during, and sustained at the end of each seven-year period are represented in the calculations. The cost per job calculation takes the total grants paid to companies to undertake development projects, at both start-up and expansion stages, and the new jobs that arise from these projects. The cost per job sustained created with assistance from Enterprise Ireland in 2008 was €8,235.
Since their inception in 1993, the county and city enterprise boards (CEBs) have provided grant assistance in excess of €201 million to 20,796 projects. This in turn has assisted in the net creation of 33,811 jobs, a figure that does not include jobs which existed in businesses prior to CEB support being provided to those businesses, at a cost of €5,944 per post. Whilst 2008 has seen a net decrease in job creation for the CEB Network, a number of CEBs reported an increase in job creation within their local area. This is a clear indication of the positive effect of CEB intervention on our economy at both local and national levels in the micro-enterprise sector.
197 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the minimum wage will not be reduced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38270/09]
In November 2008, ICTU requested the Labour Court to review the national minimum wage and to make a recommendation to me concerning its adjustment. The court subsequently invited submissions on the issue. Various submissions were received, including from IBEC, ICTU and the Department of Finance. The Labour Court also held discussions with these parties.
Under the National Minimum Wage Act 2000, the Labour Court is required to have regard to the prospects for any general agreement that may be reached between employer and employee representatives on the appropriate national minimum hourly rate of pay.
As the Deputy is aware, discussions are still under way between the Government and the social partners on the possibility of reaching an agreement on an integrated national response to the current crisis. Accordingly, I understand that the Labour Court has not concluded — as it is required to do under the Act — that there is no prospect of a general agreement being reached between the parties. It would be inappropriate for me to comment further while the matter is still under consideration by the court.
198 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will consider the circumstances of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6 and issue an employment permit. . [38312/09]
The Employment Permits Section informs me that it cannot issue an employment permit retrospectively. However, in the event that the above named sources another employer then an application can be submitted and it will be considered on its merits.
199 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the terms of reference of the Review Group on Employee Representation; its membership, the date on which it first met and the dates of all subsequent meetings; the activities of the group to date in 2009, the expected future activities of the group; the resources allocated to support the group; the date by which the group is expected to have completed its activities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38314/09]
The Towards 2016 Review and Transitional Agreement 2008 — 2009 (paras 9.1 — 9.3) provides for the establishment of a review process which would consider the legal and other steps necessary to enable the employee representation mechanisms that had been established under previous agreements — and in legislation — to operate as they had been intended. The agreement (para 9.4) also commits the Government to bringing forward legislative proposals to prohibit the victimisation of trade union members and to prohibit the incentivisation of persons not to be members of a trade union.
With a view to progressing work on both commitments, a Review Group on Employee Representation — chaired by the Secretary General of the Department of the Taoiseach and on which my Department; the Department of Finance; trade unions; and employers are represented — has been put in place to examine these issues.
Two informal meetings of the group have taken place to date — on 14 September and 13 October, 2009 — and position papers have been submitted by the employer and trade union representatives on the issues requiring the group's consideration. I understand that the group's work will now focus on the issues raised in these position papers and that further engagement between the parties is anticipated over the coming weeks. The group has not set a date for the completion of its activities.
The Social Partnership (IR & Workplace Change) Division of the Department of the Taoiseach is supporting the work of the group from within existing resources.
200 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 72 of 13 October 2009 in regard to the reference to outsourced contractors if she will comment on reports that these contractors are offering employees at a company (details supplied) working conditions that are inferior to that of the original contracts and which break the Protection of Employees on Transfers of Undertakings Regulations 2003 (S.I No. 131 of 2003); and the steps she will take to ensure that workers’ rights are fully protected.. [38344/09]
Following the intervention of the National Implementation Body and the ensuing appointment of a mediator to assist the parties, I am pleased to note that both the workers and the company have accepted the terms of a settlement agreement and the dispute at Coca Cola HBC Ireland has been resolved. I understand that the settlement agreement provides for redundancy terms in respect of the 130 Coca Cola workers who had been made redundant by the company in September.
In relation to the Transfer of Undertakings Regulations, it would be a matter for a Rights Commissioner to determine in law if any particular case does in fact constitute a transfer of undertakings situation, in the light of all previous case law, including European Court of Justice (ECJ) case law.
201 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she has conducted a survey of Irish suppliers of grocery products to the large supermarkets regarding the conduct of retail trade practices between supplier and supermarket; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38356/09]
The nature of the relationships between grocery goods businesses and, in particular, the relationships between suppliers and retailers of grocery goods has been the subject of debate for some time. During the course of that debate I have met with a variety of stakeholders in the grocery goods sector including a considerable number of retailers, suppliers and their representatives to discuss the reality of the relationships in the sector.
The Deputy will not be surprised by the fact that the various stakeholders have different analyses of the dynamics affecting the grocery goods sector and indeed that there are widely different views as to the nature of the practices occurring in the sector and, in particular, as to the fairness/unfairness of those practices.
Whilst contractual and commercial relationships between businesses is essentially a matter for discussion and agreement by the contracting parties themselves, the Government is concerned that there should be a balance in the relationship between the various players in the grocery goods sector, which takes account of the interests of all the various parties, including the consumer's interests.
To that end, the programme for Government contains a specific commitment "to implement a Code of Practice for doing business in the Grocery Goods sector, to develop a fair trading relationship between retailers and their suppliers and to review progress of the Code and if necessary to put in place a mandatory code".
The Deputy may be aware that I launched a public consultation process seeking the views of all stakeholders in relation to the introduction of a Code of Practice for Grocery Goods Undertakings earlier this year. A total of 29 responses were received to the consultation process. These responses are currently being analysed by my Department. It is intended that this analysis will inform how best to give effect to the commitment in the programme for Government.
The Government's efforts in this area are intended to ensure that Ireland continues to have vibrant and successful food and retail sectors, given the role these sectors play in the national economy, whilst also respecting the importance of ensuring that there is a fair balance in the relationships between the various players in the grocery goods sector, which takes account of the interests of all the various stakeholders, including the consumer's interests.
202 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the Labour Relations Commission has the ability to investigate workplace bullying; if not, her plans to strengthen legislation in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38378/09]
The Labour Relations Commission's "Code of Practice Detailing Procedures for Addressing Bullying in the Workplace" was introduced on foot of a recommendation in the Report of the Task Force on the Prevention of Workplace Bullying, presented to my predecessor in March 2001. The Code, prepared by the Labour Relations Commission, was subsequently designated as a statutory code of practice for the purposes of the Industrial Relations Act, 1990. In addition, the Labour Relations Commission's involvement in workplace bullying is cited in the Health and Safety Authority's revised "Code of Practice for Employers and Employees on the Prevention and Resolution of Bullying at Work", made under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, which came into effect on 1 May 2007. In the case of both Codes, the emphasis is on the resolution of incidents of bullying using an informal or formal process inside organisations and professional mediation services.
Where a case of workplace bullying arises and internal processes fail, the Codes provide that an appeal may be referred to the Rights Commissioner Service of the Labour Relations Commission under the Industrial Relations Acts. If the recommendation of the Rights Commissioner is not acceptable, an appeal may be made to the Labour Court.
Although these respective Codes do not have the force of law, they can be taken into account in the course of proceedings before the Labour Court and the Employment Appeals Tribunal where they are germane to the proceedings. The development of these Codes has been welcomed by industrial relations and HR professionals as a practical contribution to improving internal employment relations practices and procedures.
I have no plans to alter the status of these Codes, which have been developed following intensive consultation with the Social Partners and expert bodies, or to change the legislative provisions from which they derive.
203 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the way the tariff nomenclature can be amended at international level; the way national governments and Ministries can influence the tariff nomenclature at international or EU level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38398/09]
204 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the tariff nomenclature can be amended at EU level to distinguish agri-food products subject to substantial transformation; the way agri-food products subject to substantial transformation can become part of the tariff nomenclature set at international level by reference to Standard International Trade Classification or the Common Nomenclature; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38399/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 203 and 204 together.
Changes to tariff codes and the nomenclature are decided internationally and within the EU at committees serviced by the Revenue Commissioners. Consequently my Department is not responsible for deciding changes to the international tariff nomenclature and I have no involvement in the matters raised by the Deputy.
205 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when redundancy payments will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; the reason for delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38473/09]
My Department administers the Social Insurance Fund (SIF) in relation to redundancy matters on behalf of the Department of Social and Family Affairs. There are two types of payment made from the SIF — rebates to those employers who have paid statutory redundancy to eligible employees, and statutory lump sums to employees whose employers are insolvent and/or in receivership/liquidation.
The Redundancy Payments Section of my Department received a statutory redundancy lump sum application on behalf of the claimant concerned on 4 September, 2009. When an employer claims inability to pay, the onus is on the employer to provide sufficient proof to substantiate the claim. In this case, further information has been requested from the employer to allow a decision to be reached and the claim to be processed. If the former employer does not forward the required information it may be necessary for the employee to take a case to the Employment Appeals Tribunal.
In respect of lump sum payments paid directly to employees in instances where employers are unable to pay the statutory redundancy entitlements and where all of the required supporting documentation has been submitted, the section is, in general, processing lump sum claims dating from June 2009.
Given the unprecedented increase in redundancy payment claims lodged with my Department in since late 2008 it has proved impossible to maintain the customer service targets that previously obtained. The scale of the challenge is evident from the statistics that show incoming redundancy claims with a cumulative figure for the first nine months of 2009 at 60,785 an increase of 122% on the same period last year (27,373). This figure of 60,785 exceeds the claims lodged for the full year 2008 (40,607) and 2008 was, of itself, an exceptional year as compared with earlier years when claims received were of the order of 25,000.
Efforts continue to be made by my Department to deliver more acceptable turnaround processing times for redundancy payments given the difficulties that this gives rise to for both individual employees and the business community. Measures already taken include: the reassignment of 26.7 additional staff (full time equivalents) from other areas of the Department to the redundancy payments area since early 2009 with ongoing review of trends and demands. The current number of staff serving in the redundancy payments section in terms of full time equivalents is 53.8; the prioritisation of the Department's overtime budget towards staff in the redundancy payments section to tackle the backlog outside normal hours; the establishment of a special call handling facility to deal with the huge volume of telephone calls from people and businesses who are naturally concerned about their payments, using the facilities and cooperation of the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA). This centre has received an average of 12,500 calls per month this year with an estimated 60% relating to redundancy payments; the provision of better quality information relating to current processing times on the Department's website; engagement with the Revenue Commissioners to facilitate the offset of redundancy rebate payments by employers against outstanding tax liabilities with the Revenue Commissioners.
The Tánaiste and I continue to monitor closely the impact of these changes against the continuing influx of redundancy claims and will consider further measures to deal with the situation should current measures prove to be inadequate.
206 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when redundancy payments will issue to former employees of a company (details supplied) in County Tipperary; the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38476/09]
My Department administers the Social Insurance Fund (SIF) in relation to redundancy matters on behalf of the Department of Social and Family Affairs. There are two types of payment made from the SIF — rebates to those employers who have paid statutory redundancy to eligible employees, and statutory lump sums to employees whose employers are insolvent and/or in receivership/liquidation.
The company in question submitted a number of claims to my Department some of which were rebate applications as well as a number of lump sum applications. This involved an offsetting exercise of the rebate applications against the lump sum applications which delayed the processing of the claims somewhat.
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that the redundancy payments section completed processing of the statutory redundancy claims and that payment issued on 5 October last.
207 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when a redundancy payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; the breakdown of the payment; the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38477/09]
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that the redundancy payments section of my Department completed processing the statutory redundancy lump sum claim in respect of the individual concerned in early October 2009 and that payment issued at that time.
208 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 82 of 13 October 2009, the number of those client companies supported by the Industrial Development Authority and Enterprise Ireland since October 2008 that were newly supported companies; the specific amounts granted to each company; and the number of jobs created as a result. [38494/09]
In 2008, Enterprise Ireland supported the establishment of 71 new high potential start–up companies in sectors as diverse as life sciences, medical devices, software, services and food.The Government through Enterprise Ireland is investing €21.5 million in developing the businesses of these high potential start–up companies, which in turn will leverage a total investment of over €169 million. The investment is towards expenditures such as R&D, production and operations, key skilled employees and management development, all part of the essential mix to drive sustained growth and development in competitive international markets.
These highly innovative companies are forecast to create 1,000 new jobs over the next three years with total sales over the same period to reach €615 million, and exports will account for almost 75% of this. This is the result of ongoing initiatives by the agency and over the past four years, the agency supported almost 300 start-up companies. In 2009, Enterprise Ireland aims to support a further 66 start-up companies and despite difficult economic conditions, the pipeline for achieving this is healthy.
Between 1 October 2008 and 30 September 2009, Enterprise Ireland made financial payments of €164,705,000 direct to its client companies. This direct support to businesses does not include payments made by Enterprise Ireland to businesses under supports such as venture capital funding and infrastructural payments. The wide range of Enterprise Ireland financial supports are aimed at holistically developing companies across the business function. The intended outcome of this support is to develop the company with a view to maximising economic return to Ireland, which is typically in the form of exports and job creation.
The details of grant aid to Enterprise Ireland client companies that are no longer deemed to be commercially sensitive is available in the annual reports of Enterprise Ireland.
The Forfás Annual Employment Survey reports on job gains and losses in companies that are clients of the industrial development agencies. Information is collected on an annualised basis and is aggregated at county level. Figures for 2009 will not be available until early 2010.
I have been informed by IDA Ireland that in the period between 1 October 2008 and 30 September 2009 grant payments were made by the Agency to 18 "new-name" client companies.
It is not possible to give the actual number of jobs created as a result of these payments for the following of reasons:
Some grant support e.g. Training Grants and Research and Development grants are not directly linked to the creation specific numbers of new jobs;
Depending on the type of grant, there can be a considerable time lag between the payment of the grant and the actual generation of jobs; and
Information relating to the numbers of jobs created in IDA supported companies are contained in the Forfás Annual Employment Survey. Data is compiled on an annualized basis and is aggregated at county level. The information is provided by companies on a confidential basis for statistical purposes only. Information on individual companies is not disclosed for reasons of client confidentiality.
As information in relation to the amounts of grant approvals by IDA Ireland in respect of individual companies is commercially sensitive, you will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to comment further.
209 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when statutory redundancy will be awarded to persons, (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [38498/09]
My Department administers the Social Insurance Fund (SIF) in relation to redundancy matters on behalf of the Department of Social and Family Affairs. There are two types of payment made from the SIF — rebates to those employers who have paid statutory redundancy to eligible employees, and statutory lump sums to employees whose employers are insolvent and/or in receivership/liquidation.
I can confirm that my Department received statutory redundancy lump sum redundancy applications in July 2009 in respect of the two former employees of the company concerned. When an employer claims inability to pay, the onus is on the employer to provide sufficient proof to substantiate the claim. In this case, further information has been requested from the employer to allow a decision to be reached and the claims to be processed. If the employer does not forward the required information, it may be necessary for the employees to take a case to the Employment Appeals Tribunal.
Currently, the average time it takes to process rebate applications from employers filed online is seven months while claims submitted by post are taking eight months. The redundancy payments section of my Department is currently processing applications filed online from March 2009 and those submitted by post from February 2009. In respect of lump sum payments paid directly to employees in instances where employers are unable to pay the statutory redundancy entitlements as in this case, the section is, in general, processing claims dating from June 2009.
Given the unprecedented increase in redundancy payment claims lodged with my Department in since late 2008 it has proved impossible to maintain the customer service targets that previously obtained. The scale of the challenge is evident from the statistics that show incoming redundancy claims with a cumulative figure for the first nine months of 2009 at 60,785 an increase of 122% on the same period last year (27,373). This figure of 60,785 exceeds the claims lodged for the full year 2008 (40,607) and 2008 was, of itself, an exceptional year as compared with earlier years when claims received were of the order of 25,000.
Efforts continue to be made by my Department to deliver more acceptable turnaround processing times for redundancy payments given the difficulties that this gives rise to for both individual employees and the business community. Measures already taken include: the reassignment of 26.7 additional staff (full time equivalents) from other areas of the Department to the redundancy payments area since early 2009 with ongoing review of trends and demands. The current number of staff serving in the redundancy payments section in terms of full time equivalents is 53.8; the prioritisation of the Department's overtime budget towards staff in the redundancy payments section to tackle the backlog outside normal hours; the establishment of a special call handling facility to deal with the huge volume of telephone calls from people and businesses who are naturally concerned about their payments, using the facilities and cooperation of the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA). This centre has received an average of 12,500 calls per month this year with an estimated 60% relating to redundancy payments; the provision of better quality information relating to current processing times on the Department's website; engagement with the Revenue Commissioners to facilitate the offset of redundancy rebate payments by employers against outstanding tax liabilities with the Revenue Commissioners.
The Tánaiste and I continue to monitor closely the impact of these changes against the continuing influx of redundancy claims and will consider further measures to deal with the situation should current measures prove to be inadequate.
210 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if innovation vouchers are available to small and medium enterprises in every sector; if innovation vouchers are available to indigenous SME’s that are not export orientated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38522/09]
The objective of the Innovation Voucher Initiative is to facilitate and encourage enterprises, in particular small enterprise, to avail of the support available from research institutions.
Under the Initiative vouchers worth €5,000 are allocated to small businesses whose proposals, to work with public knowledge providers on specific innovation questions, meet basic criteria. Companies can apply for more than one voucher and up to ten companies may pool their vouchers for a single project.
All small companies, in every sector of the Irish economy are eligible to apply for an innovation voucher. The only exclusions, in line with State Aid guidelines, are small enterprises in the transportation and agricultural sectors. Applications are restricted to registered limited companies only.
The Innovation Voucher Initiative is therefore available to all eligible sectors and is available to indigenous SME's that are not export orientated. The initiative has already played a role in drive on-going innovation by promoting and encouraging a transfer of knowledge between Ireland's third level educational institutions or research providers and the small business community and creating greater synergies between the two.
Innovation vouchers can be used for any kind of innovation such as:
new business model development;
new service delivery and customer interface;
new service development; or
tailored training in innovation management.
Small companies have redeemed 292 vouchers worth €1.46 million to date in 2009 with applications received from all 26 counties, covering a wide range of sectors, with the areas of eCommerce, Digital Mechanisms and Communications Technologies prominent.
Northern Ireland also launched an innovation voucher initiative in May 2008. This move by Invest Northern Ireland, means that innovation vouchers are now acceptable in third level institutions or ‘knowledge providers' on both sides of the border. This means that companies North and South have the same level of choice when it comes to selecting the most suitable research team and to date 14 southern Irish companies have completed projects with Northern Irish knowledge providers and eight Northern Irish companies have completed projects with knowledge providers in the South to deliver solutions to their knowledge questions.
211 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the reduction in staff numbers at a company (details supplied) in County Tipperary; her plans to assist this company; if her further attention has been drawn to the difficulties at this company; the action she proposes to take to preserve the remaining jobs and help the company survive into the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38523/09]
I am aware that Taro Pharmaceuticals has announced its intention to make 20 of its 71 staff redundant at its Roscrea facility, by 1 December 2009. The redundancies were announced in response to continuing substantial losses at the Roscrea operation, due in part to the termination of contract business in Canada and the completion of an unprofitable tender contract in the UK.
Proposals are also in discussion for Taro to be acquired by Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, India.
IDA is in contact with Taro regarding the situation at the Roscrea plant and will assist the company in any way it can.
212 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of people in north Tipperary waiting on redundancy payments from her Department; the duration that they have been waiting; when it is envisaged that they will be paid; the number of people waiting nationally; the steps she will take to expedite the process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38524/09]
I can advise the Deputy that the latest figures available to end September 2009 indicate that the number of redundancy claims awaiting processing stands at 43,250. Unfortunately, I am unable to provide the Deputy with the specific information he has requested as the Department does not collate statistics for applications awaiting processing on the basis of local authority boundaries. I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that at this time my focus and that of my Department is on ensuring that redundancy payments are processed as quickly as possible.
Currently, the average time it takes to process rebate applications from employers filed online is seven months while claims submitted by post are taking eight months. The redundancy payments section of my Department is currently processing applications filed online from March 2009 and those submitted by post from February 2009. In respect of lump sum payments paid directly to employees in instances where employers are unable to pay the statutory redundancy entitlements, the section is, in general, processing claims dating from June 2009.
Given the unprecedented increase in redundancy payment claims lodged with my Department in since late 2008 it has proved impossible to maintain the customer service targets that previously obtained. The scale of the challenge is evident from the statistics that show incoming redundancy claims with a cumulative figure for the first nine months of 2009 at 60,785 an increase of 122% on the same period last year (27,373). This figure of 60,785 exceeds the claims lodged for the full year 2008 (40,607) and 2008 was, of itself, an exceptional year as compared with earlier years when claims received were of the order of 25,000.
Efforts continue to be made by my Department to deliver more acceptable turnaround processing times for redundancy payments given the difficulties that this gives rise to for both individual employees and the business community. Measures already taken include: the reassignment of 26.7 additional staff (full time equivalents) from other areas of the Department to the redundancy payments area since early 2009 with ongoing review of trends and demands. The current number of staff serving in the redundancy payments section in terms of full time equivalents is 53.8; the prioritisation of the Department's overtime budget towards staff in the redundancy payments section to tackle the backlog outside normal hours; the establishment of a special call handling facility to deal with the huge volume of telephone calls from people and businesses who are naturally concerned about their payments, using the facilities and cooperation of the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA). This centre has received an average of 12,500 calls per month this year with an estimated 60% relating to redundancy payments; the provision of better quality information relating to current processing times on the Department's website; engagement with the Revenue Commissioners to facilitate the offset of redundancy rebate payments by employers against outstanding tax liabilities with the Revenue Commissioners.
The Tánaiste and I continue to monitor closely the impact of these changes against the continuing influx of redundancy claims and will consider further measures to deal with the situation should current measures prove to be inadequate.
213 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on proposals submitted to her by an association (details supplied) for a supermarket code of practice and a supermarket ombudsman; her plans to enact this legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38525/09]
The programme for Government contains a specific commitment to "implement a Code of Practice for doing business in the Grocery Goods sector, to develop a fair trading relationship between retailers and their suppliers and to review progress of the Code and if necessary to put in place a mandatory code".
The Deputy may be aware that I launched a public consultation process seeking the views of all stakeholders in relation to the introduction of a Code of Practice for Grocery Goods Undertakings earlier this year. A total of 29 responses, including a response from the association concerned, were received to the consultation process. These responses are currently being analysed by my Department. It is intended that this analysis will inform how best to give effect to the commitment in the programme for Government.
The Government's efforts in this area are essentially based on the need to ensure that Ireland continues to have vibrant and successful food and retail sectors, given the important role these sectors play in the national economy. In this regard, the Government fully recognises the importance of achieving a balance in the relationships between the various players in the grocery goods sector, which takes account of the interests of all the various parties, including the consumer's interests and the need to ensure that there is no impediment to the passing-on of lower prices to consumers.
214 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will make a statement regarding the take up of the employment subsidy scheme announced by her Department; if she will comment on the ratio provision contained in the scheme which many employers see as an impediment to availing of this subsidy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38583/09]
The purpose of the Employment Subsidy Scheme is to support the maintenance of vulnerable jobs, help the economy retain its productive capacity and employers retain the labour, knowledge and skills of the workforce thereby supporting a faster return to sustainable growth.
The Scheme provides a subsidy of €9,100 per employee over fifteen months to qualifying enterprises. During this period the firm would continue to pay the employee their normal wages.
The Scheme was announced on the 6th August 2009 and Enterprise Ireland who are managing the scheme, received 561 eligible applications seeking employment subsidies for 9,130 jobs. Enterprise Ireland are currently assessing these applications.
Applications will be assessed on a competitive basis and the ratio provision contained in the Scheme provides a way of ensuring that the number of jobs retained by employers is maximised, thereby increasing the value for money return to the Exchequer for the funds provided.
215 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress she has made in addressing the difficulty being faced by companies involved in the building services area getting export credit insurance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38584/09]
As a result of the difficulties being experienced by some companies seeking Export Credit Insurance, I arranged that a forensic examination of the Credit Insurance market in Ireland should be carried out to establish what assistance the State could provide in enabling exporters and to assist recovery in the credit insurance market.
It should be appreciated that any intervention by the State in the area of trade finance must have regard to the effectiveness and tangible benefits of such a scheme for exporters across all sectors with a particular focus on job creation, in light of potential significant additional costs to the exchequer. Work is continuing in my Department and I intend to be in a position to communicate the outcome of our work to date with the groups concerned shortly.
216 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of trade unions registered in each of the past three years with the Registrar of Friendly Societies; if each one fulfilled their obligations to the registrar; if there was a breach of these obligations; and if the annual report was submitted for each of these years. [38604/09]
The number of trade unions registered with the Registrar of Friendly Societies in each of the past three years is set out below. There were no new registrations in any of the three years. This information is included in the report of the Registrar of Friendly Societies which is laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas annually.
The main obligation of trade unions with regard to their registration is the submission of an annual return specifying the receipts, funds, effects and expenditure of the trade union, and detailing changes of officers and any changes to rules. Non-submission of an annual return constitutes a breach of a union's obligations under the Trade Union Acts, 1871 to 1990.
The table below sets out the number of unions registered at the end of each year and the number of annual returns which have been filed in respect of that year.
|
Year |
Number of Unions |
Registered Annual Returns Filed |
|
2006 |
66 |
49 |
|
2007 |
65 |
47 |
|
2008 |
65 |
39 |
217 Deputy George Lee asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 138 of 21 October 2009, the date the data will be available; if a copy will be forwarded to this Deputy at that stage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38636/09]
I have been informed that FÁS expects the fieldwork of the 2008 Customer Survey to be completed by the end of November and the data tables to be compiled by the end of the year. A Report will then be written and, after internal review, the results will be published. Based on past experience, the report should be available in the second quarter of 2010. A copy will be made available to the Deputy.
218 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 5 of 17 September 2009 if she will ensure that statutory redundancy payment is awarded without any further delay to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38722/09]
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that the Statutory Redundancy lump sum claim has recently been authorized for payment for the individual concerned and I understand that payment should issue within the next week or two.
219 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when a payment due under the Redundancy Payment Acts, 1967 to 2003, will be awarded in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38728/09]
I understand that applications for payment in respect of the individual concerned have been submitted to my Department under both the Redundancy Payments Scheme and the Insolvency Payments scheme in respect of minimum notice and holiday pay.
In relation to the claim for a statutory redundancy lump sum payment, this was submitted to the Redundancy Payments Section on 13 July, 2009. I understand that the processing of this claim is at an advanced stage and, subject to the documentation received being in order, the claim may be processed for payment within the next few weeks.
As regards the application for the individual under the Insolvency Payments Scheme for arrears of holiday pay and minimum notice, I can confirm that my Department received this application on 13 June, 2009. It was necessary to seek further information from the Receiver and this was received on 15 July 2009. Given current processing constraints, it is expected to complete processing of this claim and to make payment within the next four to five weeks.
The impact on business of the severe economic circumstances currently pertaining has resulted in a significant rise in the level of company receiverships and insolvencies. Consequently, an increasing number of claims are being submitted to the Insolvency Payments Section, with 17,933 new claims recorded from January 1 to September 30 — an increase of over 144% against the corresponding figure for this period in 2008. My officials endeavour to process all claims as quickly as possible and claims are dealt with in order of date of receipt. At present applications received in June are being processed.
220 Deputy James Bannon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of jobs lost and provided in Mullingar, County Westmeath, in the past ten years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38745/09]
Employment/unemployment is measured by the Quarterly National Household Survey, published by the CSO. It does not provide data on particular counties but only on Regions. Employment in the Midlands Region, which includes County Westmeath, has dropped by 19,600 and unemployment has increased by 12,700 in the last 10 years from Quarter 2 (April-June) 2000 to Quarter 2 2009.
Live register figures for Mullingar have increased by 3,531 from September 2000 to September 2009. There was 4,840 signing on the Live Register in Mullingar in September 2009. The Live Register is not designed to measure unemployment. It includes part-time, seasonal and casual workers entitled to unemployment benefit.
In relation to the numbers of jobs lost, there is no exact measure, however, the Department records the number of redundancies notified to them on a monthly basis. The table below sets out the number of redundancy notifications received for County Westmeath from 2000 to 2009.
|
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 Jan-Oct |
Total |
|
|
Westmeath |
132 |
304 |
526 |
681 |
448 |
314 |
217 |
450 |
785 |
1158 |
5015 |
The table below provides details of full time job gains and job losses in enterprise agency supported companies in County Westmeath for the 10 year period 1999-2008.
|
Westmeath |
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
Change in Period |
|
Jobs Created |
300 |
716 |
547 |
562 |
358 |
388 |
651 |
429 |
572 |
212 |
4,735 |
|
Jobs Lost |
-436 |
-219 |
-320 |
-396 |
-812 |
-440 |
-184 |
-456 |
-435 |
-645 |
-4,343 |
|
Net Job Change |
-136 |
497 |
227 |
166 |
-454 |
-52 |
467 |
-27 |
137 |
-433 |
392 |
***Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland.
There were 4,735 jobs created in County Westmeath by the enterprise development agencies for the 10 year period of 1999 to 2009, while 4,343 jobs have been lost in the same period. Figures for 2009 will not be available until early 2010.
My Department has adopted a broad range of measures to upskill and in many cases reskill the unemployed and to keep as many people as possible close to the labour market, thereby facilitating their re-entry into employment as soon as possible. These measures include the provision of various training initiatives that are designed to provide portable and transferable skills in a range of areas that will increase participants' employability throughout all sectors of industry.
Several new activation measures have also been launched. These include a Work Placement Programme for those who are unemployed, and a programme to enable the unemployed participate in third level courses on a part time basis.
221 Deputy James Bannon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of jobs lost and provided in Granard, County Longford in the past ten years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38746/09]
222 Deputy James Bannon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of jobs lost and provided in Ballymahon, County Longford in the past ten years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38747/09]
223 Deputy James Bannon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of jobs lost and provided in Longford, County Longford in the past ten years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38748/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 221 to 223, inclusive, together.
Employment and unemployment is measured by the Quarterly National Household Survey, published by the CSO. It does not provide data on particular counties but only on Regions.
Employment in the Midlands Region, which includes County Longford, has dropped by 19,600 and unemployment has increased by 12,700 in the last 10 years from Quarter 2 (April-June) 2000 to Quarter 2 2009.
The Live Register collects data by social welfare office. There is only one social welfare office in Longford in which the CSO record data for which is Longford Town, which covers the whole of the county. Live register figures for Longford have increased by 3,689 from September 2000 to September 2009. There was 5,530 signing on the Live Register in Longford in September 2009. The Live Register is not designed to measure unemployment. It includes part-time, seasonal and casual workers entitled to unemployment benefit.
In relation to the numbers of jobs lost, there is no exact measure, however, the Department records the number of redundancies notified to them on a monthly basis. The table below sets out the number of redundancy notifications received for County Longford from 2000 to 2009.
|
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 Jan-Oct |
Total |
|
|
Longford |
131 |
94 |
101 |
50 |
63 |
135 |
265 |
195 |
304 |
427 |
1,765 |
The table below provides details of full time job gains and job losses in enterprise agency supported companies in County Longford for the 10 year period 1999-2008.
|
Longford |
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
Change in Period |
|
Jobs Created |
216 |
219 |
432 |
117 |
359 |
245 |
394 |
316 |
155 |
171 |
2,624 |
|
Jobs Lost |
-454 |
-231 |
-304 |
-310 |
-86 |
-140 |
-117 |
-343 |
-124 |
-252 |
-2,361 |
|
Net Job Change |
-238 |
-12 |
128 |
-193 |
273 |
105 |
277 |
-27 |
31 |
-81 |
263 |
There were 2,624 jobs created in County Longford by the enterprise development agencies for the 10 year period from 1999 to 2009, while 2,361 jobs have been lost in the same period. Figures for 2009 will not be available until early 2010.
My Department has adopted a broad range of measures to upskill and in many cases reskill the unemployed and to keep as many people as possible close to the labour market, thereby facilitating their re-entry into employment as soon as possible. These measures include the provision of various training initiatives that are designed to provide portable and transferable skills in a range of areas that will increase participants' employability.
Several new activation measures have also been launched. These include a Work Placement Programme for those who are unemployed, and a programme to enable the unemployed participate in third level courses on a part time basis.
224 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive the redundancy rebate payment for employees. [38812/09]
I can confirm that my Department received two statutory redundancy rebate applications in April and June 2009 from the former employer of the two individuals concerned.
There are two types of redundancy claims — rebates to those employers who have paid statutory redundancy to eligible employees, and statutory lump sums to employees whose employers are insolvent and/or in receivership/liquidation.
Currently, the average time it takes to process rebate applications from employers filed online is 7 months while claims submitted by post are taking 8 months. The Redundancy Payments Section of my Department is currently processing applications filed online from March '09 and those submitted by post from February '09. In respect of lump sum payments paid directly to employees in instances where employers are unable to pay the statutory redundancy entitlements, the Section is, in general, processing claims dating from June '09.
Given the unprecedented increase in Redundancy Payment claims lodged with my Department in since late 2008 it has proved impossible to maintain the customer service targets that previously obtained. The scale of the challenge is evident from the statistics that show incoming redundancy claims with a cumulative figure for the first nine months of 2009 at 60,785 an increase of 122% on the same period last year (27,373). This figure of 60,785 exceeds the claims lodged for the full year 2008 (40,607) and 2008 was, of itself, an exceptional year as compared with earlier years when claims received were of the order of 25,000.
Efforts continue to be made by my Department to deliver more acceptable turnaround processing times for redundancy payments given the difficulties that this gives rise to for both individual employees and the business community. Measures already taken include:
the reassignment of 26.7 additional staff (full time equivalents) from other areas of the Department to the Redundancy Payments area since early 2009 with ongoing review of trends and demands. The current number of staff serving in the Redundancy Payments Section in terms of full time equivalents is 53.8;
the prioritisation of the Department's overtime budget towards staff in the Redundancy Payments Section to tackle the backlog outside normal hours;
the establishment of a special call handling facility to deal with the huge volume of telephone calls from people and businesses who are naturally concerned about their payments, using the facilities and cooperation of the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA). This centre has received an average of 12,500 calls per month this year with an estimated 60% relating to redundancy payments;
The provision of better quality information relating to current processing times on the Department's website;
Engagement with the Revenue Commissioners to facilitate the offset of redundancy rebate payments by employers against outstanding tax liabilities with the Revenue Commissioners.
The Tánaiste and I continue to monitor closely the impact of these changes against the continuing influx of redundancy claims and will consider further measures to deal with the situation.
225 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the State expenditure on research and development for each year in the past ten years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38813/09]
Government Budget Appropriations or Outlays on R&D (GBAORD) is an internationally recognised indicator which measures spending by the government sector on R&D. It comprises Exchequer funding for R&D, EU public funding and funding for humanities and social science research performed by government departments or agencies.
It includes
Funding for R&D programmes in the higher education sector, administered by the Dept of Education and Science, the HEA, SFI, EI and others
Funding for business sector R&D, administered via State agencies such as IDA, EI and others
Funding for government sector performed R&D, e.g. Teagasc, the Marine Institute and others.
The following table shows GBAORD figures for each of the last ten years:
|
Year |
GBAORD |
|
(Million €) |
|
|
1999 |
231.6 |
|
2000 |
290.0 |
|
2001 |
359.6 |
|
2002 |
504.3 |
|
2003 |
518.1 |
|
2004 |
635.0 |
|
2005 |
755.9 |
|
2006 |
789.8 |
|
2007 |
934.2 |
|
2008 |
945.8 |
A concerted increase in state investment in R&D through the Government's Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation (SSTI) commenced on a full year basis in 2007. The SSTI represents an integrated whole-of-government approach to the realisation of an agreed vision — the transformation of Ireland into a competitive knowledge economy by building a world-class research system, driving economic growth and increased employment through research and innovation in enterprise and capturing, protecting and commercialising ideas and know-how. The recently published report ‘Science, Technology and Innovation — Delivering the Smart Economy' available online at:
www.entemp.ie/publications/science/2009/delivering_the_Smart_Economy.pdf confirms that substantial progress has been made in the achievement of SSTI objectives.
Some key indicators of progress include:
Business Expenditure on Research and Development rose to an estimated €1.56 billion in 2006 — a 17% increase on the previous year — almost double the level recorded in 2000. This trend continued in 2007 with BERD climbing to €1.60 billion.
Higher Education R&D spending has almost quadrupled in current terms over 10 years and is now at the EU and OECD average levels. This increased investment in the higher education sector is having a significant impact in terms of human capital development, feeding through to attraction of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and commercialisation.
Science Foundation Ireland funded world-class research teams now work with over 300 companies which include many blue chip multi-nationals. It is through this close industry engagement, primarily through their Centres for Science, Engineering and Technology and Strategic Research Cluster Programmes, that SFI is supporting the employment of over 56,000 people in Ireland.
By the end of 2008, EI's Campus Incubation Programme had supported 240 companies located in Business Incubation Centres employing over 1,000 people.
Enterprise Ireland and the IDA are also working closely with companies to strengthen the research and technological base of the enterprise sector in order to drive productivity, competitiveness, exports and jobs.
In 2008 EI assisted 698 companies to perform R&D.
Over 40% of IDA investments in 2008 were in R&D with approx. €420 millions of investment.
226 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount of State expenditure on enterprise support for indigenous firms, broken down by agency, for each of the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38814/09]
227 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount of State expenditure on enterprise support for indigenous firms, broken down by type of support, for each of the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38815/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 226 and 227 together.
Enterprise Ireland is the lead government agency responsible for the development of indigenous enterprise. The Agency assesses applications for financial assistance according to a number of criteria, including cost benefit modelling, commercial evaluation and technical assessment in order to ensure value for money to the exchequer. At any given time, Enterprise Ireland has approximately 3,300 client companies which it actively supports.
The following tabular statement illustrates the direct financial support to companies over the period 2004-2008, under the relevant category. This direct support to businesses does not include payments made by Enterprise Ireland under supports such as Venture Capital Funding; Infrastructural Payments, for example, Community Enterprise Centres, Incubation Centres, Webworks; Funding to Third Level Institutions and other third parties such as City & County Enterprise Boards, and Crafts Council of Ireland. The value of such direct support to companies increased year on year to almost €140m in 2008, driven by increases in support for R&D, management development, and latterly the Government's investment in the Dairy Investment Initiative.
Shannon Development has provided enterprise support for indigenous industries of €1,044,618 in 2004, € 474,555 in 2005 and €2,684,080 in 2006. From 1 January 2007, responsibility for providing support to indigenous industry in the mid-west region transferred to Enterprise Ireland and these grants are now paid directly by Enterprise Ireland.
The County and City Enterprise Boards (CEBs) provide support for micro-enterprises in the start-up and expansion phases, promote and develop indigenous micro-enterprise potential and stimulate economic activity and entrepreneurship at local level. The CEBs deliver a series of programmes to underpin this role. The costs associated with the operations of the CEBs are incurred in the delivery of a wide range of both financial and non-financial supports to the micro-enterprise sector across the Country. The CEBs expenditure details requested by the Deputy are provided in the following tabular statement.
|
Type of EI Supports |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
|
€’000 |
€’000 |
€’000 |
€’000 |
€’000 |
|
|
Employment |
4,265 |
3,315 |
4,169 |
4,817 |
7,271 |
|
Dairy Investment Fund |
2,985 |
25,084 |
|||
|
Fixed Asset Support |
5,259 |
7,911 |
4,567 |
6,017 |
7,182 |
|
Technology Infrastructure |
— |
— |
— |
223 |
56 |
|
Marketing& Knowledge Transfer Support |
8,168 |
11,106 |
12,725 |
13,610 |
14,206 |
|
R&D (including Feasibility) |
6,417 |
5,422 |
6,667 |
8,060 |
9,034 |
|
Management Development and Training |
4,586 |
4,347 |
5,063 |
5,308 |
12,193 |
|
Consultancy Grants |
153 |
603 |
1,029 |
1,671 |
1,722 |
|
eBIT Initiative |
1 |
— |
— |
— |
— |
|
Transforming R&D activity in Enterprise |
23,163 |
25,228 |
27,304 |
24,454 |
32,186 |
|
Investment in Shares |
25,684 |
21,509 |
25,033 |
23,679 |
30,702 |
|
Total |
77,696 |
79,441 |
86,557 |
90,824 |
139,636 |
|
Year |
Expenditure on Financial Supports (Grants) |
Expenditure on “Soft Supports” (Training and Mentoring) |
Total Enterprise Support |
|
€000 |
€000 |
€000 |
|
|
2004 |
10,550 |
6,484 |
17,034 |
|
2005 |
10,809 |
7,411 |
18,220 |
|
2006 |
10,622 |
9,212 |
19,834 |
|
2007 |
12,372 |
11,272 |
23,644 |
|
2008 |
11,648 |
9,895 |
21,543 |
228 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when redundancy payments will be awarded to the two staff members who lost their jobs as a result of the decision of FÁS to close the Carrick-on-Suir Jobs Club, County Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38825/09]
In line with the requirements of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and Department of Finance FÁS discontinued funding for the Carrick-on-Suir Jobs Club on 21st November 2008 because it was unable to achieve the nationally agreed targets set up for these programmes.
The two staff members were consequently entitled to a redundancy payment. This payment comprised a statutory amount of €10,860 and an enhanced amount of €23,307.57, giving a total of €35,167.57. The amount for both staff members was calculated and available to them.
229 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of applications outstanding for statutory redundancy payments to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38857/09]
As at the end of September 2009, the number of redundancy claims on hands awaiting processing stood at 43,250.
Currently, the average time it takes to process rebate applications from employers filed online is 7 months while claims submitted by post are taking 8 months. The Redundancy Payments Section of my Department is currently processing applications filed online from March '09 and those submitted by post from February '09. In respect of lump sum payments paid directly to employees in instances where employers are unable to pay the statutory redundancy entitlements, the Section is, in general, processing claims dating from June '09.
In the period January to mid-October 2009, payments relating to redundancy claims made out of the Social Insurance Fund amounted to €238.7m in respect of 35,301 claims. This represents an average weekly payout of c. €6.28m on claims issued by my Department and is a measure of the level of activity involved.
Given the unprecedented increase in Redundancy Payment claims lodged with my Department since late 2008 it has proved impossible to maintain the customer service targets that previously obtained. The scale of the challenge is evident from the statistics that show incoming redundancy claims with a cumulative figure for the first nine months of 2009 at 60,785 an increase of 122% on the same period last year (27,373). This figure of 60,785 exceeds the claims lodged for the full year 2008 (40,607) and 2008 was, of itself, an exceptional year as compared with earlier years when claims received were of the order of 25,000.
Efforts continue to be made by my Department to deliver more acceptable turnaround processing times for redundancy payments given the difficulties that this gives rise to for both individual employees and the business community. Measures already taken include:
the reassignment of 26.7 additional staff (full time equivalents) from other areas of the Department to the Redundancy Payments area since early 2009 with ongoing review of trends and demands. The current number of staff serving in the Redundancy Payments Section (full time equivalents) is 53.8;
the prioritisation of the Department's overtime budget towards staff in the Redundancy Payments Section to tackle the backlog outside normal hours;
the establishment of a special call handling facility to deal with the huge volume of telephone calls from people and businesses who are naturally concerned about their payments, using the facilities and cooperation of the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA). This centre has received an average of 12,500 calls per month this year with an estimated 60% relating to redundancy payments;
The provision of better quality information relating to current processing times on the Department's website;
Engagement with the Revenue Commissioners to facilitate the offset of redundancy rebate payments by employers against outstanding tax liabilities with the Revenue Commissioners.
The Tánaiste and I continue to monitor closely the impact of these changes against the continuing influx of redundancy claims and will consider further measures to deal with the situation should current measures prove to be inadequate.
230 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if an application for statutory redundancy by a person (details supplied) in County Cork is being expedited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38861/09]
My Department administers the Social Insurance Fund (SIF) in relation to redundancy matters on behalf of the Department of Social and Family Affairs. There are two types of payment made from the SIF — rebates to those employers who have paid statutory redundancy to eligible employees, and statutory lump sums to employees whose employers are insolvent and/or in receivership/liquidation.
I can confirm that my Department received an application for a statutory redundancy rebate in respect of the person concerned on 14 September, 2009 from their former employer.
Currently, the average time it takes to process rebate applications from employers filed online is 7 months while claims submitted by post are taking 8 months. The Redundancy Payments Section of my Department is currently processing applications filed online from March '09 and those submitted by post from February '09. In respect of lump sum payments paid directly to employees in instances where employers are unable to pay the statutory redundancy entitlements as in this case, the Section is, in general, processing claims dating from June '09.
Given the unprecedented increase in Redundancy Payment claims lodged with my Department in since late 2008 it has proved impossible to maintain the customer service targets that previously obtained. The scale of the challenge is evident from the statistics that show incoming redundancy claims with a cumulative figure for the first nine months of 2009 at 60,785 an increase of 122% on the same period last year (27,373). This figure of 60,785 exceeds the claims lodged for the full year 2008 (40,607) and 2008 was, of itself, an exceptional year as compared with earlier years when claims received were of the order of 25,000.
Efforts continue to be made by my Department to deliver more acceptable turnaround processing times for redundancy payments given the difficulties that this gives rise to for both individual employees and the business community. Measures already taken include:
the reassignment of 26.7 additional staff (full time equivalents) from other areas of the Department to the Redundancy Payments area since early 2009 with ongoing review of trends and demands. The current number of staff serving in the Redundancy Payments Section in terms of full time equivalents is 53.8;
the prioritisation of the Department's overtime budget towards staff in the Redundancy Payments Section to tackle the backlog outside normal hours;
the establishment of a special call handling facility to deal with the huge volume of telephone calls from people and businesses who are naturally concerned about their payments, using the facilities and cooperation of the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA). This centre has received an average of 12,500 calls per month this year with an estimated 60% relating to redundancy payments;
The provision of better quality information relating to current processing times on the Department's website;
Engagement with the Revenue Commissioners to facilitate the offset of redundancy rebate payments by employers against outstanding tax liabilities with the Revenue Commissioners.
The Tánaiste and I continue to monitor closely the impact of these changes against the continuing influx of redundancy claims and will consider further measures to deal with the situation should current measures prove to be inadequate.
231 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if a company (details supplied) in Dublin 11 will be supported. [38866/09]
Since the announcement by the company of its intention to make 77 staff redundant, I have met with worker representatives to hear their concerns and proposals. I have asked IDA Ireland to ensure that it offers its full range of supports to the company. I understand that the company and the unions have agreed to participate in talks with the Labour Relations Commission in the near future.
232 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if An Foras Áiseanna Saothair superannuation amendment scheme 2000 is a statutory instrument; the number it is; when it was laid before Dáil Éireann; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38942/09]
An Foras Áiseanna Saothair Superannuation Amendment Scheme 2000 is a Statutory Instrument.
It does not have a number as it was not published; under the Statutory Instrument Act, 1947 it was deemed to be of "personal application" and the then Attorney General granted an exemption from publication under section 2(3)(ii) of that Act. The Statutory Instrument granting the exemption was published in the Iris Oifigiúil.
The Statutory Instrument providing for An Foras Áiseanna Saothair Superannuation Amendment Scheme 2000 was laid before the houses of the Oireachtas on 12 September, 2000.
233 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if a person (details supplied) resigned as director general of FÁS and that this was done on their own initiative. [38943/09]
234 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if a person (details supplied) was dismissed as director general of FÁS. [38944/09]
235 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if a person (details supplied) availed of early retirement on their resignation as director general of FÁS; the scheme which they availed of; and the legislation and guidelines underpinning it. [38945/09]
236 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the superannuation and pension package granted to a person (details supplied) on their resignation as director general of FÁS was in accordance with the FÁS superannuation scheme of 1998, SI 514/1998; and if not, the legislation, scheme or guidelines which were used to grant their retirement package. [38946/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 233 to 236, inclusive, together.
The resignation of the person concerned from the position of Director General at FÁS was secured as it was considered to be in line with the best interests of the FÁS organisation and its clients. The resignation was not made under any early retirement scheme.
The agreed severance arrangements were granted in accordance with Section 6(3) of the Labour Services Act, 1987, and with the required approvals under SI 514/1998.
237 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if a matter (details supplied) will be supported. [38972/09]
FÁS have almost doubled the number of activation training and work experience places available to the unemployed to over 130,000. This is a substantial increase on the 66,000 places, which were available at the end of last year. For an unemployed graduate, I would recommend that they contact FÁS to avail of the job search and guidance services to advise them of their training and work experience options that they may be interested in pursuing.
FÁS currently offer the Work Placement Programme (WPP). The programme is designed to offer unemployed people, including unemployed graduates, the opportunity to obtain 6 months experience in a work situation. Under the programme there are 2,000 places available consisting of two streams of 1,000 places.
The first stream is for unemployed graduates who have attained a full award at level 7 or above on the National Framework of Qualifications and who have been receiving Job Seeker's Allowance for the last six months.
The second stream is for unemployed individuals who have been receiving Job Seeker's Allowance for the last six months. Under this stream 250 places have been ring fenced for under 25's.
Participants on both streams of the Work Placement Programme will continue to receive their existing social welfare entitlements for their duration on the programme. To register an interest in the Work Placement Programme individuals are advised to contact their local FÁS Employment Services Office.
238 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress made to date on the efforts by the Industrial Development Authority to promote County Monaghan as a location for inward investment since her hosting a meeting in Government Buildings on 3 December 2008; the steps she has taken to encourage greater focus and pro activity on the part of the IDA and its regional office in presenting County Monaghan as a keen location for new or expanding employment opportunities here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39018/09]
I am informed by IDA that, consequent upon the meeting last December, IDA officials engaged with interested parties on proposals which had been put forward at that meeting to enhance Monaghan's attractiveness as a place to invest.
Unfortunately, in the current economic climate, there is little scope to create employment opportunities from the existing base of foreign owned companies in County Monaghan, but I am glad to say that some discussions are underway with at least one company that may have potential to grow. We must not lose sight of the fact that, at the end of 2008, there were already 6 IDA supported companies in Monaghan employing 351 people.
In addition, IDA is in the process of appointing a contractor to carry out improvement works to its site at Knockaconny, Monaghan, which will greatly enhance its appearance and marketability. Work on the site should begin in the first quarter of 2010.
Meanwhile, through its network of overseas offices, IDA continues to market Monaghan, for new and expanded investment as part of a wider region, which also includes the counties of Louth and Cavan and has a total population of 231,267. The nature of Foreign Direct Investment has changed and Ireland now competes for premium mobile investments against the most advanced countries in the world. As Ireland competes for investments at the highest end of the value chain the concept of scale is crucial to our economic destiny. Leading corporations require a significant population of highly qualified talent, effective physical and digital infrastructure and the availability of sophisticated professional support services. If we are to continue to make progress in attracting FDI, we must think regionally not locally. In the final analysis it is the investor who decides where to locate.
239 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the grants that would be available to persons to participate in a distance learning course (details supplied); if there are grants offered by her Department or by FÁS for which they could apply; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39037/09]
The Technical Employment Support Grant is used by FÁS where it is identified that a 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 Grant has a limited budget, which is focused on short-term interventions. This fund is not intended to generally support full-time or part-time third level programmes.
240 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the industrial dispute at a company (details supplied) in County Kildare and the issues which led to the dispute; if she has issued any instructions or directives with a view to reaching a fair settlement; if it is true that the company has rejected the normal conciliation process; if this situation has her approval; the action she will take to bring matters to a satisfactory conclusion; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39047/09]
I understand that this dispute arose following a decision by the company to dismiss a number of workers following an investigation into improper use of the company's IT system. A number of workers affected by the company's decision were employed by a subcontractor at the company. The union representing the affected workers has disputed the company's stated reason for the dismissals and believes that the dismissals were a result of an earlier dispute over several workers sharing a confidential e-mail about redundancies, which had been sent to a union member in error.
I understand that the company does not recognise the trade union for collective bargaining purposes, nor is it obliged to do so.
I also understand that the union has referred the matter to the Labour Court. In my view, the experience and expertise of the Labour Court offer an appropriate avenue for resolving these issues. In this context, I would encourage both parties to engage fully with the Court in their efforts to resolve their differences.
Responsibility for the resolution of industrial disputes between employers and workers, whether in redundancy or other collective disputes, rests with the employer, the workers and their representatives. The State provides the industrial relations dispute settlement machinery free of charge to assist this process, which, in line with the general principles of industrial relations in Ireland, is voluntary in nature. The system of industrial relations in Ireland is designed to help and support parties in their efforts to resolve their differences, rather than imposing an extensive set of legislative conditions on the parties to an industrial dispute.
241 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of an application for redundancy by a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39060/09]
My Department administers the Social Insurance Fund (SIF) in relation to redundancy matters on behalf of the Department of Social and Family Affairs. There are two types of payment made from the SIF — rebates to those employers who have paid statutory redundancy to eligible employees, and statutory lump sums to employees whose employers are insolvent and/or in receivership/liquidation.
I can confirm that my Department received an application for a statutory redundancy lump sum payment on 23 September, 2009 in respect of the person concerned which is awaiting processing.
The Redundancy Payments Section of my Department is currently processing applications filed online from March '09 and those submitted by post from February 2009 but expects shortly to be processing online claims submitted from April '09 and manual claims from March '09. In respect of lump sum payments paid directly to employees in instances where employers are unable to pay the statutory redundancy entitlements as in this case, the Section is, in general, processing claims dating from June 2009.
Given the unprecedented increase in Redundancy Payment claims lodged with my Department in since late 2008 it has proved impossible to maintain the customer service targets that previously obtained. The scale of the challenge is evident from the statistics that show incoming redundancy claims with a cumulative figure for the first ten months of 2009 at 67,346. This figure exceeds the claims lodged for the full year 2008 (40,607) and 2008 was, of itself, an exceptional year as compared with earlier years when claims received were of the order of 25,000.
Efforts continue to be made by my Department to deliver more acceptable turnaround processing times for redundancy payments given the difficulties that this gives rise to for both individual employees and the business community. Measures already taken include:
the reassignment of 26.7 additional staff (full time equivalents) from other areas of the Department to the Redundancy Payments area since early 2009 with ongoing review of trends and demands. The current number of staff serving in the Redundancy Payments Section in terms of full time equivalents is 50.5 although the Section is currently carrying three vacant positions which are due to be filled;
the prioritisation of the Department's overtime budget towards staff in the Redundancy Payments Section to tackle the backlog outside normal hours;
the establishment of a special call handling facility to deal with the huge volume of telephone calls from people and businesses who are naturally concerned about their payments, using the facilities and cooperation of the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA). This centre has received an average of 12,500 calls per month this year with an estimated 60% relating to redundancy payments;
The provision of better quality information relating to current processing times on the Department's website;
Engagement with the Revenue Commissioners to facilitate the offset of redundancy rebate payments by employers against outstanding tax liabilities with the Revenue Commissioners.
The Tánaiste and I continue to monitor closely the impact of these changes against the continuing influx of redundancy claims and will consider further measures to deal with the situation should current measures prove to be inadequate.
242 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the comments by the chairman of the mid-west task force regarding the recommendations contained in the interim report which has been published by her Department; her views on these comments; the actions taken by her to date on the recommendations contained in the interim report; the date when the final report will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39183/09]
The Mid-West Task Force, which I established under the Chairmanship of Mr Denis Brosnan, completed an interim Report and presented it to me on the 2nd of July.
The wide range of recommendations in the report cover both local and national issues. In that respect, the Government has been responding to the economic downturn generally and has taken numerous initiatives, for example in relation to competitiveness and cost competitiveness, industrial employment stabilization, and employment activation measures. All of these measures have benefited regions affected by or threatened with job losses, including the Mid West region. Workers in the Mid West are the subject of a substantial package assembled by the Government in response to the redundancies arising from developments at Dell in Limerick and knock-on effects in other companies in the region. The package addresses many of the issues raised in the interim Task Force recommendations and it is expected to be co-funded by the European Union under an application I have made to the EU Globalisation Fund which is currently being decided on at EU level, with a decision expected soon.
In addition to the measures mentioned above, the state agencies IDA, Enterprise Ireland, Shannon Development and the County Enterprise Boards have redoubled their efforts to stimulate industrial employment in the Mid West region. For example, IDA is supporting eight industrial projects with a job potential of 1,073 which were announced by multinational companies in the Mid West in 2008 and 2009 and are now being brought into operation.
The measures mentioned above are outlined more fully in an initial response to its recommendations which I sent to the Task Force in late September. Given the wide range of recommendations in the report, I have also brought the report to the attention of my colleagues in Cabinet and it is currently being further considered in a number of other Government Departments as well as in my own Department. Ministers will, in the context of finalising their spending proposals for 2010, consider what further measures can be taken in response to the Task Force recommendations. I had asked the Task Force to feed into this process by indicating items in their recommendations which they see as having particular potential for the Mid West region. I am now examining its response, which has just been received, and I will also bring it immediately to the attention of the other Ministers who are examining the Task Force's interim recommendations.
I am very grateful for the work Mr Brosnan and the other members of the Task Force have undertaken to date. I shall continue to keep the Task Force informed on the Government's work on matters covered in the interim recommendations. The Task Force has identified a number of issues for further study in its Final Report which I look forward to receiving early in 2010.
243 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will ensure the processing of a redundancy claim in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [39203/09]
My Department administers the Social Insurance Fund (SIF) in relation to redundancy matters on behalf of the Department of Social and Family Affairs. There are two types of payment made from the SIF — rebates to those employers who have paid statutory redundancy to eligible employees, and statutory lump sums to employees whose employers are insolvent and/or in receivership/liquidation.
I can confirm that my Department received an application for a statutory redundancy lump sum payment on 04 September, 2009 in respect of the person concerned which is awaiting processing.
The Redundancy Payments Section of my Department is currently processing applications filed online from March '09 and those submitted by post from February 2009 but expects shortly to be processing online claims submitted from April '09 and manual claims from March '09. In respect of lump sum payments paid directly to employees in instances where employers are unable to pay the statutory redundancy entitlements as in this case, the Section is, in general, processing claims dating from June 2009.
Given the unprecedented increase in Redundancy Payment claims lodged with my Department in since late 2008 it has proved impossible to maintain the customer service targets that previously obtained. The scale of the challenge is evident from the statistics that show incoming redundancy claims with a cumulative figure for the first ten months of 2009 at 67,346. This figure exceeds the claims lodged for the full year 2008 (40,607) and 2008 was, of itself, an exceptional year as compared with earlier years when claims received were of the order of 25,000.
Efforts continue to be made by my Department to deliver more acceptable turnaround processing times for redundancy payments given the difficulties that this gives rise to for both individual employees and the business community. Measures already taken include:
the reassignment of 26.7 additional staff (full time equivalents) from other areas of the Department to the Redundancy Payments area since early 2009 with ongoing review of trends and demands. The current number of staff serving in the Redundancy Payments Section in terms of full time equivalents is 50.5 although the Section is currently carrying three vacant positions which are due to be filled;
the prioritisation of the Department's overtime budget towards staff in the Redundancy Payments Section to tackle the backlog outside normal hours;
the establishment of a special call handling facility to deal with the huge volume of telephone calls from people and businesses who are naturally concerned about their payments, using the facilities and cooperation of the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA). This centre has received an average of 12,500 calls per month this year with an estimated 60% relating to redundancy payments;
The provision of better quality information relating to current processing times on the Department's website;
Engagement with the Revenue Commissioners to facilitate the offset of redundancy rebate payments by employers against outstanding tax liabilities with the Revenue Commissioners.
The Tánaiste and I continue to monitor closely the impact of these changes against the continuing influx of redundancy claims and will consider further measures to deal with the situation should current measures prove to be inadequate.
244 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her plans to introduce a compensation scheme for employees who are experiencing health problems due to exposure to asbestos and who have no possibility of pursuing former employers or their insurers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39244/09]
I have no plans to introduce any scheme for financial support for those suffering from any form of occupational illness. The issue of financial support for those suffering from an occupational disease i.e. a disease contracted in the course of employment through, for example, contact with a chemical agent like asbestos, falls under the remit of the Minister for Social and Family Affairs. Such employees may be eligible for benefit under the Occupational Injuries Benefit Scheme or a number of other Schemes operated by the Department of Social and Family Affairs.
The remit of my Department, in relation to asbestos in the workplace, arises under occupational health and safety policy where the focus is on prevention. The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Exposure to Asbestos) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 386 of 2006), which is enforced by the Health and Safety Authority, places obligations on employers and employees to ensure that the risk of exposure to asbestos is eliminated or reduced to a minimum and that any remaining residual risk is adequately controlled in accordance with the legislation.
245 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position regarding the payment of statutory lump sum redundancy to a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [39399/09]
Under the Redundancy Payments Scheme, all eligible employees are entitled to a statutory redundancy payment on being made redundant. Payment of statutory redundancy is, in the first instance, a matter for the employer. If, however an employer is unable to pay the statutory redundancy entitlement to the employee, my Department will, upon submission by the employer of satisfactory documentary evidence proving inability to pay, make payment directly to the employee from the Social Insurance Fund (SIF).
Before payment can be made from the SIF, my Department must be assured that there is insufficient monies in a company's account to enable it to satisfy its statutory obligations.
In this case the Redundancy Payments Section of my Department has received an application from the individual concerned and requested documentation from the company confirming its inability to pay. An unaudited statement of affairs and a letter from the accountant was provided but confirmation of inability to pay was not. The employee was advised that in the absence of this confirmation (i.e. confirmation from the company's Accountant based on his own professional view of the company finances rather than a view based on information provided by the employer), he would need to seek a determination of redundancy from the Employment Appeals Tribunal.
If the Redundancy Payments Section receive the required information and if it is in order the claim will be processed for payment.
246 Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if a company pension scheme (details supplied) will qualify for inclusion in the pension insolvency protection scheme; if not, his proposals in relation to the said pension scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39400/09]
The Pension Insolvency Payments Scheme (PIPS) regulations are the responsibility of the Minister for Finance.
247 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the funding which will be provided in 2010 for the Steps engineering programme which is provided by an association (details supplied); if she will provide a commitment that the decision on funding for 2010 will be made early in order that the service which is provided to approximately 65,000 primary school children can be organised in a timely fashion; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38017/09]
STEPS to Engineering was established in 2000 to encourage primary and post primary students to explore the world of science and engineering. The programme is managed by Engineers Ireland and is supported by my Department, the Department of Education and Science, Forfas, FAS and a number of major engineering employers.
The programme aims to redress the shortage of engineers in Ireland by:
Increasing public awareness of the value of the engineering profession as a career
Making information available on engineering as a career for all interested parties
Initiating and developing projects that will encourage more students to study SET related subjects at school/college
Highlight the advantages, diversity, opportunities and excellent rewards offered by a career in the engineering profession
Introduce students to science and show the links with engineering
In 2009 my Department, through the National Training Fund, provided €300,000 to STEPS to Engineering to fund continuing professional development. The STEPS programme is also a key element of Discover Science and Engineering (DSE), the Government's national science and engineering awareness programme managed by Forfas which aims to increase interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics among students, teachers and members of the public. DSE provided €350,000 in support funding to STEPS in 2009. Additionally, my colleague the Minister for Education and Science has informed me that his Department provided a grant of €65,000 to STEPS in 2009.
Funding for this programme in 2010 will be considered as part of the 2010 Estimates process and I will endeavour to ensure timely decisions are reached
248 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Finance if a central procurement unit has been established to ensure costs are at a minimum and that the State can achieve economies of scale through pooling orders and resources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38219/09]
The National Public Procurement Operations Unit (NPPOU) has been established by Government Decision on 8 July 2008 and is based in the Office of Public Works, Trim, Co. Meath.
The Unit is actively working to reduce costs in public procurement through a number of initiatives that include:
Percentage reduction in goods and services contracts
A reduction of 8% in the cost of all goods and services supplied to Government Departments, Offices, Agencies and Third Level Institutions. To date, savings of €21,500,000 have been achieved.
Development of E-tenders website
The present e-tenders website is being upgraded and its applications expanded to make it more user friendly and informative.
Analysis of Public Spending
An analysis of all public spending is taking place to identify potential areas of saving by means of amalgamated future contracts / framework agreements.
Green Procurement
The NPPOU and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government have agreed a joint approach to green and sustainable procurement. This approach will require that green and sustainability issues must be considered in the development of market procurement strategies, and in the assessment of value for money.
Standardisation of Documentation
The NPPOU is working with the Chief State Solicitor's Office to standardise tender and contract documents, thus making the purchasing and supplying of goods/services more straight forward for all parties.
249 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the recent proposal to create a thousand posts in Departments for third level graduates; the way the jobs will be advertised; when the job will be advertised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38408/09]
The renewed Programme for Government provides for the taking on of 1,000 Third and Fourth level graduates to provide additional capacity and skills across the public service and in Government Departments and to provide valuable work experience.
My Department is currently examining the options in relation to this proposal and how it can best be implemented. In the context of the current moratorium on recruitment and promotion in the public service, a mechanism to facilitate a targeted intake of graduates to meet particular skills or capacity shortages is under investigation. Any such scheme would, of course, be advertised through the Public Appointments Service, FÁS or the relevant professional or graduate organisation, as appropriate. Assignments would be made in accordance with best practice.
The Deputy will be aware that the Work Placement Programme, under the auspices of FÁS, is an active labour market programme which was announced as part of the Government's package of measures to tackle rising unemployment in my Supplementary Budget last April. The programme provides valuable work experience for six months to 2,000 unemployed individuals of which 1,000 of the places are for graduates. The programme is already available to employers in the public and private sectors.
250 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance if he will report on the practice of unnumbered statutory instruments, for example, the An Foras Áiseanna Saothair superannuation amendment scheme 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38962/09]
In general, statutory instruments made on or after 1 January 1948 are allocated statutory instrument numbers under the Statutory Instruments Act 1947 (the Act). However, under section 2 of the Act, the Attorney General has the power, where certain criteria are met, to exempt certain statutory instruments from the operation of section 3(1) of the Act. Statutory instruments so exempted do not require to be issued with a statutory instrument number.
As the relevant criteria (namely the proposed Scheme's limited application) set out in section 2(3) of the Act were met by An Foras Áiseanna Saothair Superannuation (Amendment) Scheme 2000, that Scheme was exempted from the operation of section 3(1) of the Act by direction of the then Attorney General on 31 July 2000.
251 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance the reason there are a number of unallocated statutory instruments in 2000; if unnumbered statutory instruments exist to correspond with these; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38963/09]
Government Publications Section of the Office of Public Works is responsible for the printing of Statutory Instruments in accordance with the Statutory Instruments Acts 1947 and 1955. The performance of this function includes the assignment of a unique number to each Statutory Instrument received from a Government Department and/or Statutory Body.
In three cases during the year 2000, Statutory Instrument numbers were assigned in circumstances where the requesting Departments subsequently did not require them. In addition, one number was, in error, assigned to a Statutory Instrument that had already been allocated a number in 1999, and there was one duplicate number assigned.
The introduction of the Electronic Statutory Instrument System (eSIS) during 2007 ensures greater control over the production of Statutory Instruments and their numbering.
252 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to a scheme operated by the British revenue commissioners which allows companies experiencing temporary trading difficulties the opportunity to defer some revenue payments; if he has examined this scheme; and if elements of it could be applied in the situation here. [37898/09]
I am assuming the Deputy is referring to the Business Payment Support Service being operated by HM Revenue and Customs that was introduced in November 2008. I am aware of that service, which is designed to meet the needs of viable businesses affected by the current economic conditions. I think it is important to clarify that it is not a scheme for deferring tax payments per se but rather involves a phased payment approach that includes interest for the late payment of the tax involved.
I know that the Revenue Commissioners are also very conscious of the difficult economic and financial climate in this country and of the challenges posed for some businesses in being timely compliant with their tax obligations. Revenue has responded to the changing environment by actively encouraging businesses experiencing particular tax payment difficulties to work proactively with them to find an agreed way through those difficulties and quickly restore timely compliance.
Revenue has developed an administrative framework to manage such cases which is, in fact, broadly similar to the UK scheme. They have published material for businesses experiencing tax payment difficulties in a prominent position on the home page of their website www.revenue.ie. I am aware that the feedback from trade representatives and tax practitioner bodies to the initiative Revenue has taken in this regard has been positive and is regarded as an effective way of supporting businesses in meeting their tax payment obligations at this time.
The Revenue Commissioners are charged with responsibility for collection and recovery of a wide range of taxes and duties. They have had and continue to have a strong focus on making sure that everyone complies with their tax and duty responsibilities by paying the right amount and on time. Revenue expects businesses to continue, notwithstanding the more difficult economic circumstances in which they are now operating, to organise their financial affairs so as to ensure that tax debts are paid as they fall due. Apart from the critical importance of timely compliance to the Exchequer, unfair competitive advantage achieved through persistent late or non-payment of tax can undermines compliant businesses. I fully support what Revenue are doing in that regard.
253 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Finance when a scheme (details supplied) will be approved; and if reckonable service will be backdated. [37902/09]
As outlined in my reply of 20 October 2009 to Deputy Brian Hayes on this matter, the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources has primary responsibility for matters relating to the state body mentioned, including its pension schemes. With regard to pension arrangements, the relevant legislation requires that they be approved by the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources with the concurrence of the Minister for Finance.
Officials from my Department are involved in ongoing consultation with officials in the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources regarding the pension scheme referred to. Certain aspects must be clarified in order to ensure that the Scheme is in accordance with public service pension policy and with public expenditure policy. It is hoped that, with cooperation from all parties involved, the scheme will be in order for the Ministers to approve in the near future. I can assure you that we are making every effort in this regard.
I refer to the Deputy's specific query as to whether reckonable service will be backdated. Such details of the scheme are a matter in the first instance for the employer to determine and clarify and I am not in a position to advise on this point.
254 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Finance the number and volume of cheques returned unpaid by the banks supported by Government in the past six months. [37926/09]
I do not have the information the Deputy requests. However, I have not received any reports that there is anything unusual regarding the volume of cheques being returned by the covered institutions, now or since the introduction of the bank guarantee scheme last year.
255 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Finance the way the proposed 80% windfall tax will operate with farmers and any sale of part of their farms for whatever purpose including compulsory purchase order in an effort to fund their farm enterprise; and if such moneys, if reinvested in their farms or used for clearance of farming debts, will attract this tax. [37927/09]
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.
256 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Finance his views on the increasing level of tobacco smuggling here, the resulting loss of revenue to the Exchequer and loss of jobs in the retail sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37982/09]
I wish to assure the Deputy that my Department and I, and also the Revenue Commissioners, who are responsible for the collection of tobacco products tax and tackling the illicit trade in cigarettes and tobacco products, are concerned at the current level of cigarette smuggling. In this regard it is generally accepted that the high level of taxation levied on cigarettes in Ireland makes it a target for smugglers despite the comparatively small size of the market. This problem is exacerbated by the downturn in the economy which undoubtedly puts greater pressure on tax collection.
There is no internationally recognised method for determining the amount of tax lost as a result of the illicit trade in cigarettes. I am aware of various media reports based on tobacco industry statements that indicate that the level of cigarette smuggling is on the increase. However these are largely based on empty cigarette pack surveys that are at best an indicator of the presence of untaxed cigarettes on the market but are unreliable as a method of determining estimates of smuggling levels as they do not distinguish between illegal (smuggled) cigarettes and legal cross-border purchases imported for personal consumption.
The Revenue Commissioners have previously given a tentative estimate that approximately 20% of cigarettes consumed in Ireland in 2008 were untaxed in Ireland. It is important however, to emphasise that this estimate includes both illicit cigarettes and legal cross-border purchases brought into the State for personal consumption.
I am also informed by the Revenue Commissioners that current strategies to deal with the problem are under continuous review. This includes monitoring importations, reviewing profiling techniques and container scanning operations, exchanges of information with Customs Services in other Member States and the European Anti- fraud Office (OLAF), joint operations with the Gardai, co-operation with the legitimate tobacco industry and with the Office of Tobacco Control. I might add that a second mobile container scanner has been purchased and is due to arrive in Ireland before the end of this month. This scanner is expected to increase the overall level of detection at our major ports. Already this year almost 200m cigarettes have been seized. These include cigarettes seized in maritime freight and from passengers arriving by air. They also include the recent seizure on 27 October 2009 of an estimated 120m cigarettes concealed in animal feed that were seized at Greenore Port from the vessel MV Anne Scan following a multi-agency operation. This investigation is ongoing with follow-up investigations in the Philippines being co-ordinated by OLAF. The seizure statistics also include 8.6m cigarettes seized in the course of 190 seizures made inland at retail outlets, markets and distribution centres.
In addition, there have been 101 convictions for cigarette smuggling or dealing in smuggled cigarettes during the first nine months of 2009. A significant number of other cases are already before the Courts awaiting hearing or are being processed for prosecution.
As regards the loss of jobs in the retail sector, while legitimate retailers undoubtedly suffer some drop in business due to competition from the illicit trade in contraband or counterfeit cigarettes, it is difficult to attribute job losses in supermarkets, retail shops and shops in filling stations where cigarettes are normally purchased, solely to cigarette smuggling.
257 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Finance if, in view of the commitment to introduce a carbon budget in the revised Programme for Government and to introduce carbon taxes to keep Ireland’s Kyoto commitments and reduce the threat of millions of euro in penalties, he will clarify from a policy perspective if lower carbon fuels such as locally produced biofuels would be exempt from additional surcharges for carbon emissions on oil based fuels such as petrol and diesel; if this issue will be discussed in advance of the Budget 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37972/09]
266 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the expected yield in 2010 from the introduction of a carbon tax at the rate of €25 per tonne of carbon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38062/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 257 and 266 together.
These questions relate to potential Budgetary measures. It is the usual practice for the Minister for Finance not to speculate or comment in advance of the Budget what it will contain and I do not propose to deviate from that practice.
258 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Finance if there is a scheme operated by his Department or an agency under his remit to provide grants or assistance towards installation of house alarms for the elderly; if such a scheme is under consideration; the success or otherwise of the scheme previously run by his Department, whereby tax relief against the cost of an alarm was available. [37992/09]
There is no scheme of grants or assistance towards the cost of the installation of house alarms for the elderly available from my Department. Tax relief was available for expenditure incurred in the period from 23 January 1996 to 5 April 1998 for the cost of purchase and/or installation of alarm systems in the sole or main residence of individuals aged 65 years or over and who lived alone for the greater part of the tax year in which the expenditure was incurred. A relative of the individual was entitled to claim the relief provided the claimant incurred the expenditure on the purchase and/or installation of the alarm system. Tax relief was granted on expenditure of up to £800 at the standard of rate of tax in force at the time.
As to the success or otherwise of that scheme, in the period 23 January 1996 to 5 April 1998 (spanning the tax years 1995/96, 1996/97 and 1997/98), tax relief was claimed by or on behalf of 1,200 elderly individuals at a total cost of €200,000. The Deputy may also wish to note that under the Value Added Tax (Refund of Tax) (No. 15) Order 1981, it may be possible to obtain a VAT refund in respect of the purchase of a panic alarm system by or on behalf of a disabled person, as it may be considered a medical device for the purpose of this refund order. However, any VAT paid in respect of monitoring and maintenance fees is not recoverable.
259 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Finance if he will take action to ensure the immediate roll-out of the INTERREG IVA programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38043/09]
386 Deputy Rory O’Hanlon asked the Minister for Finance when approval will be given to commence spending Special EU Programmes Body funding under INTERREG IVA by cross-Border local authority groups (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38980/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 259 and 386 together.
The Cross Border INTERREG IVA Programme (Northern Ireland/Ireland/Scotland) aims to support strategic cross-border co-operation and economic development. The Programme (2007-2013) is managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). The Cross Border Local Authority Groups were established as a network of councillors from the Ireland/Northern Ireland border and offer the opportunity for a co-ordinated and strategic cross border response to local issues. The Groups, based on their experience of managing EU funding on a cross border basis in the previous round of funding, have been identified as a key implementation partner for the INTERREG IVA programme.
The Monitoring Committee which oversees the implementation of the programme met on 28th October 2009. It was reported at the meeting that 94 applications had been received by the INTERREG IVA Programme by September 2009 and 34 of these had been recommended for approval at a total value of €152.6m. It should be noted that proposed projects are subject to approved selection and assessment criteria under an agreed process and therefore individual projects must complete the process before spending can commence. The Monitoring Committee was informed that for some projects this is expected to be completed very shortly.
The SEUPB also advised at the meeting that the key 2009 N+2 EU expenditure target will be achieved. My Department, as co-sponsor of the SEUPB with the Department of Finance and Personnel in Northern Ireland, continues to monitor the performance of the programme and is working with its counterparts to ensure full implementation of the programme and full drawdown of the EU funds available.
260 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the expected yield in 2010 from an increase in the standard rate of tax by 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% or 5%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38054/09]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the full year yield to the Exchequer, estimated by reference to 2010 incomes, of changing the standard rate of tax by 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% or 5% would be approximately €420 million, €840 million, €1,260 million, €1,680 million and €2,100 million respectively.
The figures are estimates from the Revenue tax-forecasting model using actual data for the year 2007 adjusted as necessary for income and employment trends for the year 2010. They are therefore provisional and likely to be revised.
261 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the expected yield in 2010 from an increase in the higher rate of tax by 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% or 5%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38055/09]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the full year yield to the Exchequer, estimated by reference to 2010 incomes, of changing the higher rate of tax by 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% or 5% would be approximately €145 million, €290 million, €435 million, €580 million and €725 million respectively.
The figures are estimates from the Revenue tax-forecasting model using actual data for the year 2007 adjusted as necessary for income and employment trends for the year 2010. They are therefore provisional and likely to be revised.
262 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the expected yield in 2010 from a reduction in the personal income tax credit of €100; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38056/09]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the full year yield to the Exchequer, estimated by reference to 2010 incomes, of reducing the single person tax credit by €100 would be of the order of €155 million. The reduction mentioned in the Deputy's question is assumed to apply in similar measure to widowed persons and to include the normal consequential reductions in the tax credit for lone parents and the married tax credit.
The figures are estimates from the Revenue tax-forecasting model using actual data for the year 2007 adjusted as necessary for income and employment trends for the year 2010. They are therefore provisional and likely to be revised.
263 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the expected yield in 2010 from introducing a tax at the rate of 1 cent per text on mobile phone texts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38065/09]
Based on information available from ComReg, introducing a tax at the rate of 1 cent per text on mobile phone messaging would have a potential yield of €118 million.
However, this potential yield does not take account of any behavioural impact that might result if a levy was directly imposed on customers or imposed on the mobile phone companies and passed on to customers. It also ignores the very real difficulties presented in the development of such a tax in regard to collection and coverage.
Also, it should be noted that VAT is charged at 21½% on mobile phone transactions.
264 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the expected yield in 2010 from the imposition of a cap of €50,000 on the artists exemption; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38066/09]
It is assumed that the imposition of a cap of €50,000 as mentioned in the question would have the effect of withdrawing the tax exemption from all qualifying income in excess of €50,000. On this basis, I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the full year yield to the Exchequer, estimated by reference to the claims for the exemption made in income tax returns for the tax year 2007, the latest year for which the necessary detailed information is available, could be of the order of €20 million.
However, it must be stressed that this estimate assumes no significant behavioural change on the part of the affected taxpayers and therefore may not be an accurate measure of the yield that would actually be obtained. Moreover, the application of income tax to this income source could also lead to deductions for allowable expenses, personal allowances and other relevant costs, thereby reducing the level of income that would actually be subject to tax.
It should be noted that the exemption of certain earnings of writers, composers and artists is already affected by the measures to restrict the use of tax reliefs and exemptions by higher income earners, which was provided for in section 17 of the Finance Act 2006 and which took effect from 1 January 2007.
265 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the expected yield in 2010 from the introduction of a new rate of tax of 48% on individual incomes of more than €100,000 and married couple incomes of more than €200,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38061/09]
It is assumed that the threshold for the proposed new tax band mentioned by the Deputy would not alter the existing standard rate band structure applying to single and widowed persons, to lone parents and married couples.
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the estimated full year yield to the Exchequer, estimated by reference to 2010 incomes, of the introduction of a new 48% rate would be of the order of €355 million. Given the current band structures, major issues would need to be resolved as to how in practice such a new rate could be integrated into the current system and how this would affect the relative position of different types of income earners.
This figure is an estimate from the Revenue tax-forecasting model using actual data for the year 2007, adjusted as necessary for income and employment trends for the year 2010. It is therefore provisional and likely to be revised.
267 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the expected yield in 2010 from the abolition of tax relief on trade union subscriptions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38067/09]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the most recent year for which the necessary detailed information is available regarding tax relief for trade union subscriptions is the income tax year 2006, in which the cost to the Exchequer is estimated at approximately €19 million. On this basis, the full year yield to the Exchequer of abolishing tax relief for trade union subscriptions would be of the same order, although it should be noted that the value of the relief was increased from €300 to €350 in Budget 2008. At that time, it was estimated that the increase in the relief would cost approximately €3 million in a full year.
268 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the expected yield in 2010 from increasing the rate of capital acquisitions tax by 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% or 5%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38063/09]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the estimated full year yield to the Exchequer from increasing the Capital Acquisitions Tax rate by 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% or 5% could be in the region of €10 million, €20 million, €30 million, €40 million and €50 million respectively.
However, it should be noted that this estimate is based upon an assumption that there would be no behavioural impact of such an increase, which could lead to a less than expected result from a change to the tax rate. In addition, the realisation of any estimated yield from an increase in taxation on assets relating to property is subject to movements in the value of such assets, which are currently occurring in the economy.
269 Deputy Joan Burton 270. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the expected yield in 2010 from increasing the rate of capital gains tax by 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% or5%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38064/09]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that estimates of the full year cost to the Exchequer of tax reliefs for heritage items and property are contained in section 11 of Part 8 of the Commission on Taxation Report and are reproduced in the following table.
|
Heritage Relief |
Year |
Cost |
|
€m |
||
|
Payment of tax by means of donation of heritage items |
2008 |
5 |
|
Payment of tax by means of donation of heritage property to the Irish heritage trust |
2008 |
4 |
|
Income tax relief for expenditure on heritage buildings and gardens |
2006 |
6 |
|
BIK exemption for employer–provided art objects in a heritage building or garden |
Not available |
|
|
CAT exemption for heritage property and heritage property of companies |
20032008 |
10 |
On this basis, the full year yield to the Exchequer of abolishing these reliefs would be of the same order.
270 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the expected yield in 2010 from increasing the rate of capital gains tax by 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% or 5%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38064/09]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the estimated full year gain from increasing the rate of Capital Gains Tax (CGT) by 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% or 5% could be in the region of €13 million, €25 million, €38 million, €50 million and €63 million respectively, assuming no significant behavioural change on the part of taxpayers.
CGT is very dependent on individual behaviour and a change in rate may not produce a corresponding increase or decrease in tax yield. In current economic conditions any estimate of additional yield must be treated with caution. In addition increasing the rate could, in theory, lead to a reduction in yield from the tax.
271 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the expected yield in 2010 from the imposition of a cap of €200,000 on public sector salaries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38069/09]
272 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the expected yield in 2010 from the imposition of a cap of €175,000 on public sector salaries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38070/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 271 and 272 together.
It is estimated that if a cap was imposed on public sector salaries at €200,000 it would yield savings in the region of €30m on a full year basis, while it is estimated that a similar cap on salaries at €175,000 would produce savings of the order of €85M on an annual basis.
By far the most significant group encompassed by the suggested salary caps is the hospital consultants. A new contract for this group was agreed in 2008 and has been implemented during the current year. Salary rates under the new contract arrangements are determined by the options taken by the consultants in their assimilation to the new contractual arrangements. The savings indicated reflect the options exercised in 2009 by the consultants under the new contractual arrangements and are estimated on base salary only. If the caps were to be applied to all earnings and not just salary, the savings would be higher. Any savings accruing on the public sector paybill would be offset to an extent by consequential tax revenue forgone.
273 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the expected yield in 2010 from increasing the public sector pension levy by 1% on salaries between €150,000 and €200,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38071/09]
The yield would depend on how an increase was applied. The estimated yield in 2010 through the application of an increase of an additional 1% in the pension levy on all earnings in the case of those on salaries between €150,000 and €200,000 would be in the region of €2.5m. If the additional 1% were to be applied only to that element of salary in excess of €150,000 and up to €200,000 the annual yield would be less than €400,000.
274 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the expected yield in 2010 from the abolition of performance related pay in the public sector, including the civil service and the Health Service Executive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38072/09]
It is estimated that the abolition of performance related awards in the public service would yield approximately €8.0million in 2010.
275 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the expected cost to the Exchequer in 2010 of tax relief on rental income for residential properties and for commercial properties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38073/09]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that based on personal income tax returns filed by non-PAYE taxpayers for the year 2007, the latest year for which this information is available, the amount of tax foregone by allowing a deduction for interest on borrowings to be offset against rental income assessable under Case V, Schedule D is estimated to have been of the order of €877 million.
This estimate is based on assuming that tax relief was allowed at the top income tax rate of 41% and the figure provided could therefore be regarded as the maximum Exchequer cost in respect of those taxpayers. I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they are not in a position to provide data for 2008 as the tax returns for that year and subsequent years are not yet due.
It should be noted that any corresponding data returned by PAYE taxpayers in the income tax return form 12 is not captured in the Revenue computer system. However, any PAYE taxpayer with non-PAYE income greater than €3,174 is required to complete an income tax return form 11. This return is the source of the figures provided in this reply.
The Deputy will no doubt be aware that the level at which interest repayments can be claimed against tax for residential rental properties was reduced from 100% to 75% in section 5 of the Finance Act 2009 at an estimated full year yield of €95 million.
276 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the expected cost to the Exchequer in 2010 of property related tax schemes, including legacy schemes that are closed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38074/09]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the relevant information available on the cost to the Exchequer of each of the property based tax reliefs is based on personal income tax returns filed by non-PAYE taxpayers and corporation tax returns filed by companies for the year 2007, the latest year for which this information is available. These are as set out in the following table:
|
Scheme |
Tax Cost |
|
€m |
|
|
Urban Renewal |
109.3 |
|
Town Renewal |
34.6 |
|
Seaside Resorts |
8.0 |
|
Rural Renewal |
48.5 |
|
Multi-storey car parks |
9.6 |
|
Living over the shop |
3.0 |
|
Enterprise Areas |
2.8 |
|
Park and Ride |
1.4 |
|
Holiday Cottages |
12.4 |
|
Hotels |
118.0 |
|
Nursing Homes |
18.3 |
|
Housing for the Elderly/Infirm |
2.6 |
|
Hostels |
0.72 |
|
Guest houses |
0.02 |
|
Convalescent Homes |
0.5 |
|
Qualifying (Private) Hospitals |
12.0 |
|
Qualifying sports injury clinics |
1.8 |
|
Buildings used for Childcare Purposes |
9.8 |
|
Psychiatric Hospitals |
0.1 |
|
Mental Health centres |
0.0 |
|
Student Accommodation |
42.0 |
|
Total |
435.4 |
Data is not yet available in relation to the following schemes: Qualifying specialist Palliative Care Units (subject to commencement order) and Certain tourism infrastructure under the mid-Shannon scheme (scheme terminates 31 May 2013).
I am advised by Revenue that they are not in a position to provide data for 2008 as the tax returns for that year and subsequent years are not yet due. The estimated relief claimed has assumed tax foregone at the 41% rate in the case of individuals and 12.5% in the case of companies. The figures shown correspond to the maximum Exchequer cost in terms of income tax and corporation tax.
It should be noted that any corresponding data returned by PAYE taxpayers in the income tax return form 12 is not captured in the Revenue computer system. However, any PAYE taxpayer with non-PAYE income greater than €3,174 is required to complete an income tax return form 11.
277 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Finance his views on reducing the minimum cost threshold of €25,390 to qualify for relief under VAT refund order SI 58/92 in respect of medical equipment donated to hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38080/09]
Charities and non-profit groups engaged in non-commercial activity are exempt from VAT under the EU VAT Directive, with which Irish VAT law must comply. This means they do not charge VAT on the services they provide and cannot recover VAT incurred on goods and services that they purchase. In this regard, where a hospital or a charity purchases a good or engages a service, any VAT liable in the charge for that good or service must be borne by the hospital or charity.
However, there is provision for the refund of VAT incurred on the purchase of a new medical instrument or appliance by a person who donates such equipment to a hospital. The main conditions relating to this refund scheme are that: the appliance or instrument is new and is donated to a hospital; the appliance costs €25,390 or more in value (exclusive of VAT); the appliance is designed and manufactured for use solely in medical research or in diagnosis, prevention or treatment of illness; the appliance is purchased through voluntary donations, such that no part of the funds used in the purchase is provided directly or indirectly by the State, a State body or any public or local authority; and, the appliance is subject to a recommendation by the Minister for Health and Children that, having regard to the requirements of the health services in the State, a refund of tax would be appropriate.
The VAT refund Order was introduced to help defray the cost of more expensive items purchased by voluntary donations. Items costing less than the threshold of €25,390 are excluded from the relief in order to limit the relief to more expensive medical equipment.
The current threshold level has not changed since the refund was introduced in 1987 at £20,000, which was translated to €25,390 to coincide with the introduction of the euro in 2002. Given inflation since the introduction of the current threshold, in real terms the value of threshold has reduced significantly. Taking inflation into account the 1987 threshold would equate to around €46,500 in 2009 values. In this context a greater level of lower priced medical appliances now qualify under the Order than when the relief was originally introduced.
In the circumstances there are no plans to change the current threshold.
278 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Finance if consideration will be given to the penalty imposed on a person (details supplied) in County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38025/09]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the person in question filed his return for the 2006 tax year on 19 March 2009, which was 505 days after the due date. Prior to filing his return, the Revenue Commissioners had written to him on three occasions to inform him of his obligations to file a return. The person in question has a pattern of delays in submitting his returns, with his last 4 returns being substantially late.
The Taxes Consolidation Act provides for the imposition of surcharges for the late filing of returns. In addition to a surcharge of €36.28 for the delay in filing of his 2006 return, a fine of €750 was imposed at a District Court Hearing on 24 March 2009. The person in question was afforded 6 months to pay this fine or face a custodial sentence. He contacted the Collector Generals office by telephone on 11 September 2009 where his options for payment of the District Court fine were explained.
279 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Finance the reason money paid to former workers of a company (details supplied) was classified as income as opposed to a redundancy or lump sum payment which would give an exemption from income tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38088/09]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that, for reasons of confidentiality, they cannot comment on the details of payments from the fund referred to in the Deputy's question.
I am assured, however, that the Revenue Commissioners took account of all the facts and circumstances involved (including the basis under which entitlement to payments from this fund arose) in coming to the conclusion as to whether any payments made out of the fund are chargeable to income tax under Schedule E in accordance with Section 112 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997. It should be noted that lump sum payments are not automatically exempt from taxation.
281 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the full extent of funds from the proceeds of the National Lottery allocated to or through his Department in each of the past five years to date in 2009 and future years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38108/09]
Funding from the National Lottery which is allocated to this Department is used for the Charitable Lotteries Scheme. Under this Scheme, funding is made available to supplement the income of certain private charitable lotteries whose products are competing directly with National Lottery products. The amount of funding provided from the National Lottery to this Department for this Scheme in each of the past 5 years is as follows:
|
Year |
€m |
|
2004 |
7.618 |
|
2005 |
7.730 |
|
2006 |
8.618 |
|
2007 |
8.618 |
|
2008 |
8.618 |
A list of the beneficiaries under the Charitable Lotteries Scheme in each of the past five years is set out below. Comparable data for 2009 is not yet available.
Name of Body: Arts Council
Date of Transfer:
|
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
|
|
€000 |
€000 |
€000 |
€000 |
€000 |
|
|
Pension-related payments |
127 |
127 |
127 |
127 |
|
|
Pension-related receipts |
89 |
89 |
89 |
89 |
|
|
Net Impact on Vote Expenditure |
38 |
38 |
38 |
38 |
Vote: CERT and TRO Pension Schemes
Name of Body:
Date of Transfer:
|
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
|
|
€000 |
€000 |
€000 |
€000 |
€000 |
|
|
Pension-related payments |
2,032 |
2,248 |
2,787 |
2,156 |
|
|
Pension-related receipts |
1,016 |
979 |
864 |
855 |
|
|
Net Impact on Vote Expenditure |
1,016 |
1,269 |
1,923 |
1,301 |
282 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the national debt as of 31 December 1997, 31 December 2007 and the projections for 31 December 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38139/09]
329 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Finance the level of the National Debt at 31 December for each of the past ten years in tabular format; the percentage increase or decrease year on year; the projections for the debt levels at the end of 2009 and 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38456/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 282 and 329 together.
The level of national debt for the period 1997-2008 is outlined in the table below along with the percentage year-on-year change.
|
Year End |
Total National Debt |
% change year-on-year |
|
€m |
% |
|
|
1997 |
38,966 |
2.6 |
|
1998 |
37,510 |
-3.7 |
|
1999 |
39,851 |
6.2 |
|
2000 |
36,511 |
-8.4 |
|
2001 |
36,183 |
-0.9 |
|
2002 |
36,361 |
0.5 |
|
2003 |
37,611 |
3.4 |
|
2004 |
37,846 |
0.6 |
|
2005 |
38,182 |
0.9 |
|
2006 |
35,917 |
-5.9 |
|
2007 |
37,559 |
4.6 |
|
2008 |
50,398 |
34.2 |
Taking into account the estimated end-year Exchequer Borrowing Requirement for 2009, which is forecast to be in the region of €26 billion, the anticipated level of national debt by end-2009 is some €76 billion. In respect of 2010, in the absence of any corrective action, an Exchequer deficit of the order of €25 billion would be in prospect and this would increase the level of national debt to approximately €100 billion by end-2010. As you know the Government plans to seek adjustments which would reduce the amount required to be borrowed next year by about €4 billion.
Continuing to borrow at a high level to bridge the gap between revenue and expenditure is not a sustainable solution in the medium to long-term. Therefore we must make the necessary adjustments in Budget 2010 to stabilise the deficit. Taking this action now will ensure that confidence is maintained in the Irish economy and that Ireland is favourably placed to benefit from global recovery as it takes hold. As part of the budgetary process, and taking account of the Budget day decisions, I will publish revised debt forecasts on Budget day.
It is intended that my Department will publish in mid-November the Pre-Budget Outlook (PBO). This will set out an updated macroeconomic assessment, based on the latest available data, and the emerging technical budgetary position.
283 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the cost of the proposals on decentralisation including the cost and or acquisitions of buildings, sites or other development costs associated therewith; the degree to which disposal of surplus building has been achieved; the prices received; if they were in line with market trends; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38140/09]
The total amount of expenditure on the property aspects of the programme is approximately €321m. This is comprised of the costs of site/property acquisitions, fit out works and rent of approximately €315m expended by the OPW up to the end of July 2009, together with some €6m incurred directly in respect of property costs by other organisations.
The property costs have been offset by the sales/reallocation of some €556m. Of this, €356m has been received from property sales while transfers to the Affordable Homes Partnership account for a further €75m. In addition, the OPW has agreed joint venture redevelopment schemes with an approximate value of €125m, subject to current market fluctuations.
The total expenditure on non-property costs to the end of June 2009 for all decentralising organisations is approximately €14.5m. In addition the OPW has recently advised that its spend to date on staffing costs on the property aspects of the Programme up to June 2009 is €12.6m.
284 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if he has sought or received an indication from the banks regarding lending to small and medium sized enterprises in return for the rescue package provided for such institutions by the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38141/09]
289 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance when he expects conventional lending best practice to be restored having particular regard to the guarantees given by the State to the banking sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38146/09]
290 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance when he expects lending to be restored with particular reference to meeting the needs of persons seeking to borrow on the basis of good and practical proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38147/09]
291 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the steps he will take to ensure that the banking sector responds to the various guarantees given by the State in a positive manner with particular reference to meeting the ongoing needs of the business and commercial sectors in accordance with good practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38148/09]
292 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the steps he will take to address the matter of the starvation in respect of working capital throughout the business sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38149/09]
293 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the discussions he has had with the business community with a view to achieving banking support for business in line with good business practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38150/09]
294 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the discussions he has had with the banking sector with a view to restoration of lending to the business sector with particular reference to small and medium sized businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38151/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 284 and 289 to 294, inclusive, together.
The Covered Institutions Financial Support Scheme which guarantees the liabilities of the covered institutions was put in place in September 2008 to maintain the stability of the financial system in Ireland. Without it the covered institutions would not have been in a position to lend to the real economy. Both AIB and Bank of Ireland have made explicit commitments on lending in the context of the recapitalisation package which was announced on 11 February this year.
Specifically, Allied Irish Bank and Bank of Ireland reconfirmed their December commitment to increase lending capacity to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by 10% and to provide an additional 30% capacity for lending to first time buyers in 2009. If the mortgage lending is not taken up, then the extra capacity will be available to SMEs. AIB and Bank of Ireland have also committed to public campaigns to actively promote small business lending at competitive rates with increased transparency on the criteria to be met.
Building on the banks' commitment to the indigenous venture capital sector, AIB and Bank of Ireland have further committed in excess of €15m each to new or existing seed capital funds, in collaboration with Enterprise Ireland's Seed and Venture Capital Programme, to further create and develop indigenous enterprise. The banks' funding will be matched as appropriate by funding under Enterprise Ireland's Seed and Venture Capital Programme and/or by funding from other national or international investors. The supplementary documentation on NAMA issued in September, gives details of SME lending by AIB and Bank of Ireland.
Prompt payment is important to underpin cash flow, particularly for small businesses. The recapitalised banks have committed to prompt payment arrangements in future customer contracts which will involve payment within thirty days and a late payment interest charge on any payments made after thirty days.
I would direct the Deputy to Section 4 of the supplementary booklet on NAMA for further detail on the above. The Financial Regulator has been monitoring compliance with the above commitments and no issues have arisen requiring attention. The Government has introduced arrangements to reduce the payment period by Government Departments to business from 30 to 15 days.
Additionally, the Deputy might like to be aware that my colleague, the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment has set up a Clearing Group including representatives from the main banks, business interests and state agencies, which is chaired by her Department. The purpose of the group is to identify specific patterns of events or cases where the flow of credit to viable businesses appears to be blocked and to seek to identify credit supply solutions. Businesses have been invited to send details of such credit refusals to a dedicated e-mail contact point at the Department.
Although the Group cannot act as an appeal mechanism for individual cases of credit refusal, it is charged with seeking to identify credit supply solutions relating to any patterns identified. Information provided by businesses will inform and assist this work. A comprehensive independent review of SME lending from both the demand and supply perspective was undertaken and was published in July. The review showed that demand had fallen sharply, with the value of new applications for credit down by 42%. Stock of credit remained static, indicating that new credits broadly matched repayments. I understand that in a normal year, 15% to 20% of outstanding credit might be repaid, so that significant lending must take place even to keep the figure constant.
The Review, conducted by Mazars, found that refusal rates vary markedly by sector from 6% to 48% according to the SMEs surveyed. This finding clearly contradicts the allegation of a blanket refusal to lend. Mazars also examined a sample of files where credit was refused and found that, in general, "refusal seemed reasonable in the context of normal commercial and business criteria". A follow up review covering the period to September is currently underway.
In addition, I announced during the Committee Stage debate on the NAMA Bill last week that I will be introducing a Report Stage amendment to the Bill to provide a power to issue guidelines to the participating institutions on lending practices and procedures to improve the flow of credit to SMEs and, if necessary, other sectors. The power will be a wide ranging one and will allow for a response adapted to the particular circumstances of different institutions and sectors. This approach recognises that this is a complex situation and allows for a flexible response to changing credit needs.
285 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which receipts through the various forms of taxation are likely to form the basis for budgetary policy in the next 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38142/09]
Based on the emerging data, tax receipts for the year as a whole are now anticipated to be in the region of €32 billion. This revised position, down from the €34.4 billion set out in the April Supplementary Budget, was signalled at the end-September Exchequer Returns.
This weaker tax base forms the aggregate basis for revenue next year. Trends in incoming tax receipts are continually analysed by my Department and the prospective end-year outturn kept under constant review. The Pre-Budget Outlook, which my Department plans to publish in mid-November, will provide an update on the macroeconomic outlook and set out a technical fiscal forecast, including tax revenue for 2010. The Budget will be published on 9 December and will provide a post-Budget assessment taking account of policy decisions.
286 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if he has received information with a view to calculation of the cost of tribunals; the extent to which this includes legal fees, witnesses expenses, accommodation and or other costs associated with all tribunals conducted over the past 12 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38143/09]
287 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if he has received any indication as to the estimated cost of the various tribunals conducted over the past number of years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38144/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 286 and 287 together.
Based on bi-monthly reports made to the Department of Finance by the Departments with responsibility for the individual tribunals, up to end-August 2009 the cumulative cost of completed and sitting Tribunals as listed below was €290.51 million, of which €67.64 million comprised administration and €222.87 million derived from legal costs. The legal costs figures include €113.51 million for third-party legal costs that are already paid. Further third party legal costs have yet to be presented and taxed.
The table below sets out the costs of the various tribunals. While the cost figures include some element of accommodation and witnesses expenses, the breakdown of the costs of witnesses expenses, accommodation and other associated costs would have to be obtained from the relevant line Departments as this Department does not hold such information.
An estimate of the ultimate costs of three major tribunals, Mahon, Morris and Moriarty Tribunals is provided in the report of the Comptroller and Auditor General published in December 2008 on the timescale, cost and efficiency of these tribunals. The report is available at www.audgen.gov.ie. The Comptroller and Auditor General estimated, subject to caveats and contingencies, that these three tribunals could cost something in the order of €336 million to €366 million based on the costs being experienced to date by the tribunals themselves or alternatively, €418 million to €434 million if the pattern of third party costs experienced in the Beef Processing Industry Tribunal were to emerge in these cases also. The Report makes clear that these figures take no account of revenue that has or may in future accrue to the State arising from the Tribunals' work.
|
Tribunal Costs to End-August 2009 |
Admin Costs |
State Legal Costs |
3rd Party Legal Costs |
Total Costs |
|
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
|
|
Beef Tribunal of Inquiry to enquire into allegations of improper practices within the beef industry and the abuse of the EU export credit refund scheme (established 1991) |
5.320 |
4.630 |
17.283 |
27.233 |
|
McCracken Tribunal of Inquiry into the Dunne’s payments to politicians (established 1997) |
0.100 |
0.860 |
5.600 |
6.560 |
|
Finlay Tribunal of Inquiry into the Blood Transfusion Service Board (established 1996) |
0.500 |
0.700 |
3.500 |
4.700 |
|
Lindsay Tribunal of Inquiry into the Infection with HIV and Hepatitis C of Persons with Haemophilia and Related Matters (established 1999) |
3.133 |
4.350 |
39.166 |
46.649 |
|
Moriarty Tribunal of Inquiry into Payments to Messrs. Haughey and Lowry (established 1997) |
7.664 |
29.668 |
2.504 |
39.836 |
|
Mahon Tribunal of Inquiry into Certain Planning matters and Payments (established 1997) |
26.687 |
50.822 |
10.439 |
87.948 |
|
Morris Tribunal of Inquiry into certain Garda activities in Donegal (established 2002) |
17.253 |
10.490 |
23.724 |
51.467 |
|
Barr Tribunal of Inquiry into the Facts and Circumstances Surrounding the Fatal Shooting of John Carthy at Abbeylara, Co. Longford (established 2002) |
4.170 |
5.077 |
11.242 |
20.489 |
|
Smithwick Tribunal of Inquiry into the Fatal Shootings of RUC Chief Superintendent Harry Breen and Superintendent Robert Buchanan (established 2005) |
2.809 |
2.762 |
0.056 |
5.627 |
|
Total |
67.636 |
109.359 |
113.514 |
290.509 |
295 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Finance if a P45 will be verified for a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38161/09]
I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that this issue is a matter for the employer. The person concerned should contact the employer directly to have form P45 fully completed.
296 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Finance the expenditure to date on building the new headquarters for the Department of Defence; the scheduled cost for building the new headquarters; the scheduled cost for equipping the building for usage, and all ancillary costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34756/09]
The Office of Public Works (OPW) placed a contract with P. Elliott & Co. Ltd. in the sum of €24,894,841, including VAT, for the Design and Build of the Department of Defence new headquarters at Station Road, Newbridge, Co. Kildare. Work on site is well advanced and is expected to be completed by the end of 2009.
Expenditure of approximately €25,500,000 has been incurred up to end September 2009. This figure includes the cost of site acquisition.
The fitting out of the canteen and the supply and installation of furniture will follow under separate contracts. The cost of these items will be known when contracts have been placed. Tenders for this element will be invited in due course. The provision of equipment, such as I.T., telephones, staff training and transfer of files, will be a matter for the Department of Defence.
297 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Finance the procedure available to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare to obtain a P45 certificate; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that a correctly completed form P45 is required, under PAYE regulations, to be given by an employer to an employee on cessation of employment. The form P45 is a notification to Revenue that an employee has ceased employment with that employer. The form also contains details of the employee's pay, tax and PRSI contributions from the start of the year to the date of cessation of employment. The P45 will show the date of commencement of that employment if the period of employment commenced since 1st January in the current tax year.
If an employee does not get a form P45 when leaving he or she should ask the employer for a P45 and repeat the request if necessary. If the employer still fails to provide a P45, the employee should notify their local Revenue District, in this case the Revenue Kildare District, by telephone, email or in writing, that they have failed, after several attempts, to get a P45 and stating what the problem is. The matter will then be followed up quickly by Revenue with the employer.
298 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Finance the number of local authorities which have implemented the new rateable valuation calculation; the procedure used for the new valuation process; the way it differs from the old; his views on the impact that the new rateable valuation will have on business costs; if he will continue the process; if he will confirm that the procedure has resulted in an increase of 48% in one shopping centre and 62% in another (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38046/09]
The Valuation Act, 2001, which came into effect on 2nd May 2002 provides for the revaluation of all commercial and industrial property. I have been informed by the Commissioner of Valuation that the revaluation programme began in November 2005 in the South Dublin County Council area and has since been rolled out to the areas covered by 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. It is intended to roll out the programme to a further local authority area in the coming months and the necessary process of consultation is underway.
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. I should point out that under the 2001 Valuation Act, the Commissioner of Valuation is independent in the exercise of his duties under the Act and I, as Minister for Finance, have no functions in this regard.
The basis of rateable valuation for all commercial property is net annual value (NAV) i.e. the rental value of the property. In a revaluation properties are assessed, in accordance with statute, by reference to rental values at a specific valuation date and a new list of valuations is produced. This new list is then used by the rating authority to levy rates on individual ratepayers. The old valuation lists date from the Griffith Valuation carried out in the 19th century. Maintaining these lists requires the Valuation Office to determine valuations by reference to the values of comparable properties on the same valuation list. The result is a list of valuations that bear no resemblance to modern valuation levels and contain many anomalies.
The Act provides for the rates income to be capped in the year following a revaluation so that the total amount of rates income of a local authority in the year following a revaluation shall not exceed the total amount of rates income of the preceding year, adjusted to take account of changes to the Consumer Price Index. Revaluation is essentially about the redistribution of the commercial rates burden between ratepayers depending on the relative shift in the rental values of the properties they occupy. It is the relative value of properties to each other rather than the absolute value of an individual property, which will determine whether the rates liability of any given property decreases or increases, following a revaluation.
The revaluation in the South Dublin County Council area resulted in 39% of ratepayers having an increased rates liability and 49% of ratepayers a reduced rates liability. The two major shopping centres in South Dublin had contrasting outcomes; one had a reduced rates liability overall of 6% while the other had an increased rates liability of 55%. The Fingal revaluation is not finalised yet and definitive figures will not be available until December 2009.
Any individual ratepayer who is dissatisfied with the outcome of the revaluation of their property may appeal to the Commissioner of Valuation in the first instance and subsequently to the independent Valuation Tribunal as provided for in the Valuation Act, 2001. The purpose of revaluation is to bring more equity, fairness and transparency into the local authority rating system and following completion of the initial national revaluation programme, I am satisfied that there will be a much closer and uniform relationship between rental values of property and their commercial rates liability and that this relationship will thereafter be maintained by means of the recurring revaluations provided for in the Act. In essence the exercise is aimed at ensuring a fair sharing of the rates burden across all categories of ratepayers.
299 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Finance the cost to his Department of the vacant building at the Kells Road, Navan, County Meath since its closure; his plans for the premises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37917/09]
The former Government Offices at Kells Road, Navan are State-owned, so no rental costs arise. While the OPW has no immediate use for the building, it is a very valuable and strategic site, which will be retained by the State. A range of options for its longer-term use is being considered.
To maintain the basic fabric of the building and prevent its further deterioration, limited services were maintained. It is estimated that the costs to date are approximately €50,000.
300 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Finance the breakdown of the State capital expenditure costs incurred since 1 January to date in 2009, with expected further costs to be incurred to the end of 2009 in tabular form; if he will provide this in comparison with the original budgeted cost amounts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38165/09]
The following table compares net capital expenditure Issues to end-October, as provided to my Department by the other Departments of State, to the published profile of expenditure for the same period. I also attach the net 2009 Revised Estimates Volume capital allocations. At this time, the REV allocation sets out the published forecast outturn of expenditure for the year.
|
Department/ Office |
Net REV Capital Allocation |
Profile to End-October (Net) |
End-October Net Capital Issues |
Profile Vs. issues |
|
Finance |
1,410 |
1,245 |
364 |
-881 |
|
Revenue Commissioners |
5,185 |
2,953 |
2,700 |
-253 |
|
Office of Public Works |
202,792 |
165,937 |
107,139 |
-58,798 |
|
Justice, Equality and Law Reform |
20,240 |
14,098 |
3,881 |
-10,217 |
|
Garda Síochána |
44,854 |
32,693 |
19,441 |
-13,252 |
|
Prisons |
38,683 |
29,406 |
23,796 |
-5,610 |
|
Courts Service |
28,758 |
23,420 |
18,136 |
-5,284 |
|
Property Registration Authority |
3,195 |
3,034 |
3,289 |
255 |
|
Environment, Heritage and Local Government |
1,807,257 |
1,383,047 |
1,298,387 |
-84,660 |
|
Education and Science |
840,908 |
663,947 |
523,492 |
-140,455 |
|
Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs |
114,925 |
92,980 |
83,944 |
-9,036 |
|
Foreign Affairs |
12,078 |
8,227 |
5,500 |
-2,727 |
|
International Co-operation |
970 |
850 |
691 |
-159 |
|
Communications, Energy and Natural Resources |
164,958 |
111,282 |
54,488 |
-56,794 |
|
Agriculture, Fisheries and Food |
476,191 |
435,412 |
444,095 |
8,683 |
|
Transport |
1,985,211 |
1,554,372 |
1,449,652 |
-104,720 |
|
National Gallery |
2,000 |
1,484 |
1,791 |
307 |
|
Enterprise Trade and Employment |
488,311 |
382,736 |
369,505 |
-13,231 |
|
Arts, Sport and Tourism |
133,491 |
104,556 |
103,339 |
-1,217 |
|
Defence |
17,394 |
10,932 |
9,529 |
-1,403 |
|
Social and Family Affairs |
13,808 |
11,050 |
9,613 |
-1,437 |
|
Health and Children |
15,450 |
13,214 |
4,712 |
-8,502 |
|
Health Service Executive |
403,263 |
336,809 |
377,008 |
40,199 |
|
Office of the Minister for Children |
62,509 |
49,184 |
43,625 |
-5,559 |
|
Total Vote |
6,883,841 |
5,432,868 |
4,958,117 |
-474,751 |
301 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Finance the direction given by the EU Commission on further injections of capital by the Government into Anglo Irish Bank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38167/09]
No direction has been given by the EU Commission in relation to further injections of capital to Anglo Irish Bank by the Government.
As the Deputy may be aware, following EU approval to the provision of €4 billion in capital to Anglo, a restructuring plan for the bank is required. The Board of Anglo is currently finalising the restructuring plan which will consider all options for the future of the bank and set out the future strategy for Anglo. The restructuring plan will be submitted to the European Commission for approval under EU State aid rules by the end of November.
Any possible future capital provision to Anglo would also need to have the approval of the European Commission under EU State aid rules.
302 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance if he will make available to the public the loans made to directors of Anglo Irish Bank and connected persons on the same basis as this information is made available to shareholders of banks that are public limited companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38193/09]
As the Deputy will be aware, following the taking into public ownership of Anglo, the bank made extensive disclosures in its Annual Report and its Interim Report for the period to 31 March in relation to loans to Directors, other key management personnel and related parties. These disclosures were made in accordance with the requirements applicable to banks that are public limited companies.
Anglo Irish Bank will continue to comply with all relevant public disclosure requirements applicable to banks that are publicly quoted.
303 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Finance the tax reliefs and tax breaks currently available; the estimated taxes forgone on a yearly basis per relief; if he will provide this information in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38216/09]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the total identifiable costs to the Exchequer of all income tax and corporation tax allowances, reliefs, exemptions and tax credits available, are set out in the following tables for 2005 and 2006, the most recent year for which the necessary historical information is available in the required detail. Relevant notes relating to items in the tables are also included.
Index of Tables and Notes
(a) Note on the Cost of Tax Credits, Allowances and Reliefs 2005 & 2006
(b) Table of Tax Credits, Allowances and Reliefs 2005 & 2006
(c) Notes on Table IT 6
(d) Green Paper on Pensions — updated estimate of cost for 2007
(e) Estimate of cost of Tax Incentives/Income Exemption for 2007.
(a) Cost of Tax Credits, Allowances and Reliefs 2005 and 2006
The following table IT 6 shows the estimated cost in terms of revenue forgone of the personal tax credits and the main reliefs and deductions allowable under the income tax system. A number of reliefs which apply both to individuals and companies is also included and the cost shown in relation to these reliefs covers income tax and corporation tax.
An adjustment is included in the cost figures applying to income tax to compensate for incomplete numbers of tax returns on record at the time of compiling the estimates.
The tax credits and reliefs listed in the table serve varying purposes. Many are essentially structural reliefs through which individual tax liabilities are adjusted to reflect relative taxable capacity. The main personal tax credits are a good example of this since they may be regarded as part of the progressive income tax structure representing a band of income chargeable at a zero rate. Others, such as relief for interest paid in full or investment in corporate trades, are tax-based incentives in favour of specific groups or activities which are designed to promote certain aspects of public policy.
In computing taxable profits, account needs to be taken in some way of the depreciation of capital assets incurred in earning those profits. To this extent, the figures in the table of the "costs" of capital allowances should not be regarded as measuring a "loss of tax revenue" on profits. To compute such "loss", regard would have to be had to the excess of the amount of the capital allowances at current rates over the amount of the normal allowances.
The figures shown for the basic personal tax credits (married, single and widowed) are the costs of these tax credits as if all other tax credits and the exemption limits did not apply. They do not include individuals who are not on Revenue records because their incomes are below the income tax thresholds. The cost figures for the exemption limits are based on the excess of the exemption limits over the basic personal tax credits.
The figures of cost are for 2005 and 2006 and all figures are based on tax due in respect of assessments for each year and not on tax receipts within that year.
The figure against each credit or allowance represents the additional tax which would become payable if the tax credit or allowance were withdrawn assuming no consequent change in the behaviour of taxpayers (for example, in relation to the reliefs for savings), or the amounts of payments (for example, interest payable on certain savings schemes might need adjustment to take account of the new tax liability).
The numbers of claimants of each credit or relief are shown for both years to the extent that they are available. The numbers included are the taxpayers who would be adversely affected by the withdrawal of the respective credit or relief.
In the calculations, each tax credit or allowance has been dealt with separately and on the assumption that the rest of the tax system remained unchanged. It would be therefore inaccurate to calculate the effect of withdrawing all the credits, reliefs and allowances by simply totaling the figures. For example, the costs shown for capital allowances and stock relief are also calculated on the basis of separate withdrawal of these reliefs. Their combined cost would be greater than the sum of the separate costs because allowances are not always fully set off against available profits. For instance, a person with €1,000 gross trading profits, €1,000 capital allowances and €1,000 stock relief would pay no tax if either of the reliefs were withdrawn but would pay tax on €1,000 profits if both reliefs were withdrawn. In this case, the cost of each relief separately is nil but the combined cost is tax on €1,000. Basic data is not available to enable an estimate of the combined cost of these reliefs to be made.
The figures for estimates based on tax returns have been grossed up to an overall expected level to adjust for incompleteness in the numbers of returns on record at the time the data was extracted for analytical purposes.
Finally, the estimates shown in many cases are tentative and are subject to revision in the light of later information. Some of the cost figures included in the table for 2005 reflect revisions to figures previously published in the 2007 Report.
(b) Income Tax and Corporation Tax
|
(1) Estimated cost for |
||||
|
2005 |
2006 |
|||
|
Tax Relief Provision |
€m |
Numbers |
€m |
Numbers |
|
INCOME TAX |
||||
|
Exemption limits: |
||||
|
General Exemption(2) |
0.0 |
0 |
0.0 |
0 |
|
Child Addition(2) |
0.3 |
1,000 |
0.2 |
800 |
|
Age Exemption (2) |
61.5 |
49,600 |
62.0 |
50,100 |
|
Married Person’s Credit(3) |
2,268.9 |
756,500 |
2,396.9 |
777,700 |
|
Single Person’s Credit(3) |
1,854.3 |
1,330,100 |
2,137.2 |
1,494,700 |
|
Widowed Person’s Credit(3) |
132.2 |
71,500 |
155.2 |
78,400 |
|
Additional Credit to Widowed Person in Year of Bereavement |
4.7 |
4,000 |
4.5 |
4,000 |
|
Additional Bereavement Credit to Widowed Parent |
4.3 |
2,400 |
4.9 |
2,300 |
|
Additional Personal Credit for Lone Parent |
194.1 |
124,900 |
186.1 |
123,100 |
|
Homecarer Credit |
63.9 |
87,900 |
61.8 |
85,000 |
|
Additional Credit for Incapacitated Child |
10.3 |
10,400 |
16.0 |
11,000 |
|
Employee (PAYE) Credit |
2,030.8 |
1,493,300 |
2,522.0 |
1,626,700 |
|
Dependent Relative Credit |
1.0 |
15,200 |
1.4 |
15,500 |
|
Person Taking Care of Incapacitated Taxpayer |
1.8 |
660 |
2.8 |
820 |
|
Age Credit |
20.6 |
68,800 |
28.3 |
76,700 |
|
Blind Person’s Credit |
0.8 |
890 |
1.2 |
880 |
|
Medical Insurance Premiums (4) |
229.6 |
1,073,400 |
260.5 |
1,134,800 |
|
Health Expenses |
134.0 |
260,700 |
167.2 |
348,800 |
|
Contributions Under Permanent Health Benefit Schemes, after Deduction of Tax on Benefits Received(5) |
3.2 |
21,600 |
3.1 |
23,000 |
|
Employees’ Contributions To Approved Superannuation Schemes(6) |
423.4 |
565,200 |
543.3 |
693,100 |
|
Employers’ Contributions To Approved Superannuation Schemes(6) |
90.0 |
296,500 |
120.0 |
363,100 |
|
Exemption of Investment Income and Gains of Approved Superannuation Funds(6) (7) (11)* |
1,050.0 |
N/A |
1,200.0 |
N/A |
|
Exemption of employers’ contributions from employee BIK (6) |
370.0 |
296,500 |
510.0 |
363,100 |
|
Tax Relief on “tax free” lump sums(6) |
120.0 |
N/A |
130.0 |
N/A |
|
Retirement Annuity Contracts(6) |
357.7 |
121,200 |
435.9 |
125,900 |
|
Personal Retirement Savings Account(6) |
42.2 |
32,900 |
56.4 |
45,200 |
|
Interest paid: |
||||
|
Loans relating to Principal Private Residence |
279.0 |
587,800 |
351.6 |
668,400 |
|
Other(8) |
22.2 |
4,800 |
31.1 |
4,900 |
|
Rent Paid in Private Tenancies |
48.1 |
144,500 |
64.0 |
171,800 |
|
Expenses Allowable to Employees under Schedule E |
65.0 |
908,800 |
71.2 |
960,400 |
|
Third Level Education Fees |
14.3 |
29,900 |
15.7 |
30,800 |
|
Exemption of Certain Earnings of Writers, Composers and Artists |
34.8 |
2,220 |
65.9 |
2,890 |
|
Dispositions (Including Maintenance Payments made to Separated Spouses) |
18.9 |
6,100 |
20.2 |
7,640 |
|
Exemption of Interest on Savings Certificates, National Installment Savings & Index Linked Savings Bonds |
129.5 |
N/A |
216.3 |
N/A |
|
Rent a Room |
3.3 |
2,820 |
3.9 |
3,560 |
|
Exemption of Income of Charities, Colleges, Hospitals, Schools, Friendly Societies, etc.(9) |
19.8 |
N/A |
35.0 |
N/A |
|
Donations to Approved Bodies |
34.0 |
63,800 |
49.5 |
107,100 |
|
Donations to Sports Bodies(10) |
0.2 |
430 |
0.3 |
580 |
|
Retirement Relief for certain Sports Persons.(10) |
0.3 |
42 |
0.2 |
32 |
|
Exemption of Irish Government Securities where owner not ordinarily resident in Ireland(11)* |
169.3 |
N/A |
197.0 |
N/A |
|
Exemption of Statutory Redundancy Payments |
72.8 |
22,000 |
77.7 |
22,100 |
|
Service Charges |
17.2 |
304,700 |
21.4 |
363,900 |
|
Top Slicing Relief — Reduced Tax Rate for Payments in Excess of Exemption Amounts Made as Compensation for Loss of Office |
11.1 |
1,480 |
20.2 |
2,050 |
|
Revenue Job Assist allowance |
0.4 |
550 |
0.3 |
360 |
|
Allowance for seafarers |
0.4 |
200 |
0.3 |
170 |
|
Trade Union Subscriptions |
11.8 |
272,100 |
19.2 |
294,300 |
|
Exemption From Tax of Certain Social Welfare Payments: |
||||
|
Child benefit* |
366.6 |
373,500 |
377.4 |
375,300 |
|
Early childcare Supplement* |
N/A |
N/A |
64.9 |
192,000 |
|
Maternity allowance* |
9.6 |
10,800 |
12.2 |
14,900 |
|
Exemption of Income arising from the Provision of Childcare Services |
N/A |
N/A |
0.3 |
230.0 |
|
Approved Profit Sharing Schemes* |
55.8 |
55,000 |
87.8 |
87,500 |
|
Savings-Related Share Option Schemes* |
6.2 |
N/A |
2.8 |
N/A |
|
Approved Share Option Schemes* |
0.4 |
464 |
3.4 |
1400 |
|
Relief for New Shares Purchased by Employees |
N/A |
N/A |
0.2 |
184 |
|
Investment in Corporate Trades (BES) |
16 |
1,650 |
21.4 |
2,000 |
|
Investment in Seed Capital |
1.3 |
42 |
1.2 |
42 |
|
Stock Relief* |
2.0 |
N/A |
2.0 |
N/A |
|
Relief for expenditure on significant buildings and gardens |
3.3 |
84 |
6.2 |
180 |
|
Donation of Heritage items |
5.8 |
7 |
5.7 |
5 |
|
Special Savings Incentive Scheme |
597.4 |
1,083,600 |
438.9 |
718,570 |
|
INCOME TAX AND/OR CORPORATION TAX (12) |
||||
|
Employee Share Ownership Trusts* |
1.8 |
16,800 |
6.3 |
16,300 |
|
Total Capital Allowances:(13) |
1877.5 |
266,200 |
2036.3 |
260,700 |
|
Rented Residential Relief — Section 23(14)* |
239.7 |
4,126 |
252.4 |
4,132 |
|
Effective Rate of 10% for Manufacturing and Certain Other Activities(15) |
396 |
3,034 |
384.1 |
2,831 |
|
Double Taxation Relief |
439.1 |
13,200 |
590.0 |
15,400 |
|
Investment in Films* |
15.7 |
1,500 |
36.4 |
3,500 |
|
Group Relief |
421.6 |
1,578 |
255.6 |
1,592 |
|
Research & Development Tax Credit(16) |
65.2 |
135 |
74.7 |
141 |
(c) Notes on Table IT6
(1) Figures accompanied by an asterisk* are particularly tentative and subject to a considerable margin of error.
(2) The cost figures for the exemption limits are based on the excess of the exemption limits over the basic personal tax credits. They include the cost of marginal relief for taxpayers whose incomes are not greatly in excess of the exemption limits.
(3) The figures shown for the basic personal tax credits (married, single and widowed) are the costs of these tax credits as if all other tax credits and the exemption limits did not apply. They do not include individuals who are not on Revenue records because their incomes are below the income tax thresholds.
(4) Arising from the change over to Tax Relief at Source the figures relate to the number of policies issued. These include policies where subscriptions were paid by businesses on behalf of their employees.
(5) Part of the cost of contributions to Permanent Health Benefit Schemes is not identifiable as a result of the move to a “net pay” basis for contributions by PAYE taxpayers from 6 April 2001.
(6) See the following table “Green Paper on Pensions” for background commentary and cost figures for 2007.
(7) Arising from the work on the “Green Paper on Pensions” (2007) the basis for costing this item was changed for 2005 and is not directly comparable with the figures for earlier years. See also the following table “Green Paper on Pensions” for more recent figures.
(8) “Other” relates to borrowings for purposes such as acquiring an interest in a company or partnership or to pay death duties.
(9) The cost of exempting the income of charities, colleges, hospitals, schools, friendly societies, etc. from income tax includes the sums repaid in respect of tax credits, income tax deducted at source (certain dividends, other investment income and payments received under covenant), and also includes tax on (see Note 10) (a) donations made by the PAYE and self-employed sectors to approved bodies (b) income tax repayments on foot of PAYE donations. It also includes the cost of exempting certain bodies from the deduction on income arising from government securities. Information is not available about other income received gross.
(10) The cost figures for relief for donations to Approved Sports Bodies and for certain Sports Persons are based on self assessment returns.
(11) In the absence of other information, tax has been assumed at the standard rate of income tax even though a different rate might be appropriate in many cases.
(12) The costs included for corporation tax are by reference to accounting periods which ended in the years 2005 and 2006.
(13) The cost shown for capital allowances does not include any cost associated with “unused capital allowances”, that is, capital allowances which are not absorbed by a company in the accounting period in which they arise because they exceed the amount of the company’s profits of that accounting period which are available for offset. Unused capital allowances can be offset as losses against taxable profits arising in the previous accounting period and against certain profits arising in future accounting periods and can be offset against the profits of another company in the same group of companies. It is estimated that €3,340 million of unused capital allowances were claimed in respect of 2006 accounting periods but as the proportion of this item which is included in previous years losses and in group relief is not separately identifiable a reliable estimate of the cost of the capital allowance element cannot be provided.
(14) The tax cost shown for section 23 type relief is the estimated ultimate tax cost relating to the total allowable expenditure in respect of claims made in 2005 and 2006 tax returns for the first time. The cost shown is for income tax cases only.
(15) The cost does not include any notional cost associated with IFSC companies. The International Financial Services activity in Ireland represents new business which has developed as a result of, among other things, the concessionary tax rate. This means that as the cost of the concessionary rate is not just the difference between the concessionary tax rate and the full tax rate, it is therefore not quantifiable. In regard to the cost shown for the effective rate of 10 per cent for manufacturing and certain other activities, no account is taken of the fact that without these incentives, many enterprises may not have set up here. To the extent that profits earned by such enterprises would not have been available for Irish tax purposes, part of the cost figure shown might be regarded as notional.
(16) The costs shown for R&D is for claims for R&D on corporation tax returns for accounting periods ending in 2005 and 2006. However, the cost includes the cost associated with claims where the company was entitled to the credit but was unable to absorb it in that accounting year.
(d) Green Paper on Pensions — updated estimates of cost for 2007
As part of the work on the Green Paper on Pensions, a review was carried out of the current regime of incentives for supplementary pension provision with a view to developing more comprehensive and reliable estimates of the cost of reliefs in this area. The review examined, among other things, the current reliefs and incentives for investment in supplementary pensions and the data available on which to base reliable estimates of the costs in revenue foregone to the Exchequer.
The review drew on newly available 2007 aggregate data on contributions to pension schemes by employers and employees arising from a P35 initiative introduced on foot of provisions that were included in Finance Act 2004 with a view to improving data quality. Estimates of the cost of tax for private pension provision updated for 2007 are included in the table below.
|
Estimated costs |
Numbers* |
|
|
€ million |
||
|
Employees’ Contributions to approved Superannuation Schemes |
590 |
708,100 |
|
Employers’ Contributions to approved Superannuation Schemes |
150 |
**385,100 |
|
Estimated cost of exemption of employers’ contributions from employee BIK |
540 |
385,100 |
|
Exemption of investment income and gains of approved Superannuation Funds |
900 |
Not available |
|
Retirement Annuity Contracts (RACs) |
420 |
Not available for 2007 |
|
Personal Retirement Savings Accounts (PRSAs) |
65 |
56,400 |
|
Estimated cost of tax relief on “tax-free” lump sum payments |
130 |
|
|
Estimated cost of PRSI and Health Levy relief on employee and employer contributions |
240 |
Not available |
|
Gross cost of tax relief |
3,035 |
|
|
Estimated tax yield from payment of pension benefits |
410 |
|
|
Net cost of tax relief |
2,625 |
*Numbers as included in P35 returns from employers to Revenue for 2007. Figures are as verified to date but may be understated and subject to revision.
**This is numbers of employees for whom employers are contributing to occupational pension funds as included in P35 returns to Revenue for 2007. Figures are as verified to date but may be understated and subject to revision.
The breakdown and make-up of these estimated costs of reliefs differ from presentations of costs in this area for previous years in a number of respects and are not directly comparable. For further details on the cost of tax and other reliefs and the changes in the methodology, refer to pages 106 and 107 of the Green Paper on Pensions which is available at www.pensionsgreenpaper.ie.
(e) Certain property-based tax incentives and incomes exempt from tax — uptake and estimated potential cost to the Exchequer in terms of income tax and corporation tax forgone based on 2006 tax returns
Provisions were included in the Finance Acts of 2003 and 2004 to enable new statistical data on the uptake of tax relief for certain property-based tax incentives and incomes exempt from tax to be obtained from tax returns. This information, derived from changes introduced by the Revenue Commissioners to income tax returns and corporation tax returns for 2006, is set out in the following table.
The figures shown include the amounts claimed in the year but exclude amounts carried forward into the year either as losses or capital allowances, and include any amounts of unused losses and/or capital allowances which will be carried forward to subsequent years.
|
Tax Incentive/Income Exemption |
Amount Claimed |
Assumed maximum tax cost |
Number of claimants |
|
€m |
€m |
||
|
Urban renewal |
351.7 |
140.5 |
3,436 |
|
Town Renewal |
93.0 |
38.7 |
1,149 |
|
Seaside Resorts |
15.7 |
6.4 |
1,167 |
|
Rural Renewal |
94.0 |
38.0 |
2,137 |
|
Multi-storey car parks |
40.2 |
16.6 |
119 |
|
Living Over the shop |
7.1 |
2.7 |
82 |
|
Enterprise Areas |
7.4 |
3.0 |
129 |
|
Park and Ride |
6.9 |
2.8 |
32 |
|
Holiday Cottages |
22.9 |
9.5 |
660 |
|
Hotels |
277.1 |
106.6 |
1,515 |
|
Nursing Homes |
35.5 |
14.7 |
538 |
|
Housing for the Elderly/infirm |
3.4 |
1.4 |
95 |
|
Hostels |
1.96 |
0.82 |
23 |
|
Guest Houses |
0.2 |
0.1 |
7 |
|
Convalescent Homes |
4.1 |
1.7 |
18 |
|
Qualifying Private Hospitals |
25.2 |
10.6 |
284 |
|
Qualifying sports injury clinics |
0.1 |
0 |
3 |
|
Buildings Used for certain childcare purposes |
14.3 |
6.0 |
304 |
|
Student Accommodation |
162.5 |
64.3 |
1,059 |
|
Exemption of profits or gains from Greyhounds |
0.4 |
0.1 |
6 |
|
Exemption of profits or gains from Stallions |
90.7 |
22.5 |
185 |
|
Exemption of profits or gains from Woodlands |
13.6 |
5.4 |
1,231 |
|
Exempt Patents (section 234, TCA 1997) |
395.0 |
83.8 |
1,120 |
|
Totals |
1,662.9 |
576.2 |
5,299 |
Notes:
The figures shown relate to the various reliefs/incentives and exemptions as specified in the 2006 form 11 and CT1.
There were concerns that in some instances the new, separately categorised data on property incentives may not have been correctly entered on the Tax returns. Revenue drew the attention of the relevant tax practitioner bodies to these deficiencies to rectify them in the future returns and also increased awareness among its own staff involved in processing tax returns of the need to ensure, through closer examination of the returns, that they are correctly completed.
The estimated costs have assumed tax foregone at the 41% rate in the case of income tax and 12.5% in the case of corporation tax. This means the figures shown correspond to the maximum Exchequer cost in terms of income tax and corporation tax. However, the actual Exchequer cost could be lower, particularly in relation to the exempt income items, as the income could be subject to deductions for allowable expenses and other costs thereby reducing the level of income that would be actually subject to tax.
Some of the costs shown above are included in the costs shown for capital allowances and section 23 relief in Table IT6. For example, exempt income included above is not part of capital allowances.
Reliefs in Respect of which Costs are not Currently Quantifiable or are Negligible or are not Identifiable within Total Aggregates
Exemption in respect of certain income derived from the leasing of farm land
Relief for new shares purchased on issue by employees;
Relief from averaging of farm profits;
Exemption for income arising from payments in respect of personal injuries;
Exemption of certain payments made by Hemophilia HIV Trust;
Exemption of Pensions, Benefits or Gratuities Payable to Veterans of the War of Independence their Widows or Dependents;
Exemption of lump sum retirement payments;
Relief for allowable motor expenses;
Tapering relief allowable for taxation of car benefits in kind;
Reduced tax rate of 10% for authorised unit trust schemes;
Reduced tax rate of 10% for special investment schemes;
Exemption of certain grants made by Údarás na Gaeltachta;
Relief for investment income reserved for policy holders in life assurance companies;
Relief for various business related expenses such as staff recruitment, rent, legal fees, and other general expenses;
Exemption in certain circumstances on the interest on quoted bearer Eurobonds;
Exemption of payments made as compensation for loss of office;
Exemption of scholarship income;
Exemption for income received under Sceim na bhFoghlaimeoiri Gaeilge
304 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Finance if, in view of the amount of money spent on the reinstatement of Leinster Lawn, he will open up this facility to the general public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38221/09]
While the reinstatement of Leinster Lawn was undertaken by the Office of Public Works out of funds provided to that Office, the management of the Leinster House complex, including the question of permitting access to the Lawn by the general public, is a matter for the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission.
305 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Finance the reason, further to the proposed National Asset Management Agency legislation, the Exchequer will be paying fees to the banks during the operation of NAMA if non-performing loans are being taken off their books; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38223/09]
The National Asset Management Agency (NAMA) is being set up to remove land and development loans and associated loans from the balance sheets of participating institutions. These loan assets will be purchased at prices significantly below book value following a detailed loan by loan assessment and application of the valuation methodology contained in the NAMA Bill.
The NAMA interim management team have indicated that the loans of the largest borrowers will be managed directly by NAMA but that it intends to outsource management of the loans of smaller borrowers. Part 8 of the NAMA Bill anticipates this and provides for the payment to participating institutions for servicing loans. The draft NAMA business plan sets out how such arrangements will work and be ring fenced.
The retention of participating institutions to conduct loan administration work will help ensure that NAMA can operate on a streamlined basis, keep costs to a minimum and help ensure a return to the State on its investment in NAMA. Banks will be incentivised to manage loans efficiently under contractual agreements.
306 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Finance the reason, regarding the National Asset Management Agency legislation, he considers Irish Nationwide Building Society and Anglo Irish Bank as systemic to the financial system given that the majority of their loans are to the development and property sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38224/09]
As the Deputy will be aware, Anglo Irish Bank and Irish Nationwide Building Society were specified as covered institutions under the bank guarantee Scheme, established pursuant to the Credit Institutions (Financial Support) Act 2008. The systemic importance of each institution covered by the Scheme, including Anglo and Irish Nationwide, was confirmed by the Governor of the Central Bank, and the Scheme was approved by the European Commission under EU State aid rules. The European Commission also specifically acknowledged the systemic importance of Anglo Irish Bank, in its approval of the Government's provision of €4 billion in capital to Anglo.
As with our other major financial institutions, the systemic importance of Anglo Irish Bank and Irish Nationwide derives from their scale and their integration with our economy. As per each institution's latest published accounts, Irish Nationwide has a balance sheet of some €14 billion, while Anglo's balance sheet exceeds €88 billion. Each institution has a substantial deposit base, sourced through thousands of customers, companies and through other financial institutions, in Ireland and internationally. While a significant portion of the loan book of each institution relates to lending for land and development or associated exposures, these institutions also have significant levels of lending for commercial, investment, and residential property and to other sectors, which is not eligible for transfer to NAMA.
A key principle of the Government's action in addressing the financial crisis has been to maintain the viability of such systemic institutions, to prevent wider implications and costs for our economy, and eligibility for coverage by the bank guarantee Scheme and transfer of assets to the National Asset Management Agency is therefore structured on the basis of systemic importance.
NAMA is being established to restore confidence in the Irish banking sector and facilitate the flow of credit into the real economy. Section 2 of the NAMA Bill also provides that NAMA is being established, inter alia, to protect the taxpayers and the State's interest relating to the guarantees issued by the State in September 2008 and to facilitate the restructuring of credit institutions of systemic importance.
As regards NAMA, each institution wishing to participate must apply and will be assessed in line with the eligibility criteria outlined in Section 65(2) of the NAMA Bill.
307 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 128 of 13 October 2009, if he make available all reports on the European Anti-Fraud Office database that are available to his Department regarding illicit cigarette trade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38225/09]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the legal basis for communications between the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) and the competent authorities of the Member States is Council Regulation (EC) No. 515/97 on Mutual Assistance in Customs Matters.
All such communications, including the reports referred to by the Deputy, are subject to a strict confidentiality clause under Article 45 of this Regulation. In the circumstances, it is not possible to make such reports available to the Deputy.
308 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Finance if customs and excise officers have evaluated the impact the recently introduced public display ban could have on illegal and contraband trade now and in the future; if such evaluation has been provided to his Department; if he will publish such information; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38227/09]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners who are responsible for the collection of tobacco taxes and for tackling the illicit trade in tobacco products that they have not received any adverse reports from their enforcement officers that the display ban referred to is affecting checks carried out at retail outlets for the presence of counterfeit or contraband cigarettes on such premises. However, as this ban, which was introduced by the Department of Health and Children, has only been operative since 1 July 2009, it is too soon to evaluate its overall impact, if any, on enforcement operations. I might add that the Revenue Commissioners continue to liaise and share information with the Office of Tobacco Control which is centrally involved in the operation of the display ban.
On a general note, Revenue Enforcement Officers have found that prior to the ban, counterfeit and contraband cigarettes were rarely on open display at retail outlets and in any event, checks on suspect premises usually required a thorough search of the premises concerned.
Enforcement Officers have been conducting checks at retail outlets, markets, and distribution centres in an ongoing operation entitled Operation Downstream since 2008. This operation focuses on seizing illicit cigarettes that evaded detection at the point of importation. During the first nine months of 2009, 190 seizures totalling 8.6m cigarettes have been made in the course of this operation.
309 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance if he will set out for each percentile or earners the total income earned, the total tax paid, the average rate of tax paid and the standard deviation from this average. [38252/09]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the information requested is not readily available and could not be obtained without conducting a protracted examination of the Revenue Commissioners' records.
310 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the names of each director of each credit institution covered by the bank guarantee; the date the guarantee was granted; the main occupation of said directors and a list of all related directorships and interests for each director; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38261/09]
General information, such as the names and background information of the Directors of the institutions covered by the Bank Guarantee Scheme can be found in the Annual Reports and the websites of those covered institutions. Information on the Directors, including details of other directorships, can also be accessed by the Deputy from the Companies Registration Office. Detailed information regarding Postbank's Directors can be obtained directly from that institution.
Under the Building Societies Act, 1989, every building society must keep a register of each director which contains the Director's name, address, business occupation, and particulars of any other directorships of bodies corporate. Section 66(3) of that Act provides that any person may request a copy of the register, having paid a fee as the Central Bank may fix.
Most of the institutions joined the Scheme on 24th October 2008, with the exceptions of Postbank Ireland Ltd which was added on 5th November 2008, and EBS Mortgage Finance added on 4th December 2008.
Those institutions that have executed a guarantee acceptance deed and have then been designated in an order by the Minister for Finance are "covered institutions". The list of "covered institutions", including their subsidiaries is as follows:
|
Covered Institution |
Subsidiary |
Date added to the Scheme |
|
Allied Irish Bank plc |
AIB Mortgage Bank AIB Bank (CI) Limited AIB Group (UK) plc AIB North America Inc. |
24 October 2008 |
|
Anglo Irish Bank Corporation Ltd. |
Anglo Irish Bank Corporation (International) Ltd. |
24 October 2008 |
|
The Governor and Company of the Bank of Ireland |
Bank of Ireland Mortgage Bank ICS Building Society Bank of Ireland (I.O.M.) Limited |
24 October 2008 |
|
EBS Building Society |
EBS Mortgage Finance |
24 October 2008 4 December 2008 |
|
Irish Life and Permanent plc |
Irish Permanent (I.O.M.) Limited |
24 October 2008 |
|
Irish Nationwide Building Society |
Irish Nationwide (I.O.M.) Limited |
24 October 2008 |
|
Postbank Ireland Limited |
5 November 2008 |
311 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance if benefit in kind is applied to the company cars of chief executive officers of State agencies; if the tax treatment differs from the private sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38278/09]
Benefit in kind taxation is applicable to all cars made available to an employee or office holder (including Chief Executive Officers of State Agencies) by their employer or by a person connected with their employer in accordance with the provisions of section 121 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997.
There is no difference in treatment between the public and private sector.
316 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance if he will elaborate on the interest rate assumptions underlying the yield curve scenarios outlined in scenarios 1, 2 and 3 of the draft National Asset Management Agency business plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38299/09]
The NAMA draft business plan includes projections for interest income and outflows over a ten year period. These projections were calculated by reference to the forward Euro swap rate curve.
The draft business plan goes on to examine NAMA's interest rate exposure and its sensitivity to changes in the yield curve. Pages 11 and 12 of the plan contain an analysis of the sensitivity of NAMA's projected net present value to various yield curve scenarios. The yield scenarios assume various interest rate changes and confirm that under a number of yield curve adjustments NAMA's net present value remains positive.
Of course this is a draft plan prepared at my request by the interim NAMA management and published by me to help inform the debate on NAMA. A revised business plan will be prepared by the NAMA Board and laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas.
317 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Finance when drainage and maintenance works will be carried out by the Office of Public Works in respect of its obligation under the 1932 Act and specifically relating to boglands (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38329/09]
The Office of Public Works has no statutory responsibility for the boglands at the townlands referred to by the Deputy in his question.
It is the understanding of the Commissioners of Public Works that responsibility for the drainage of the particular boglands lies with the Sugarstown and Kilfane Drainage District, which is overseen by the Local Authority.
318 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Finance the savings that would be made to the Exchequer if all salaries in both the Civil Service and semi-State bodies were capped at five and half times the basic entry wage in the public sector. [38332/09]
333 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Finance the savings that would be made to the Exchequer if the maximum salary available to civil servants and semi-State bodies was capped at five times the lowest entry grade pay to the Civil Service. [38493/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 318 and 333 together.
Following clarification from the Deputy and for the purposes of reply, I will take the basic entry wage in the private sector to be the current national minimum wage, set at €18,054 per annum based on a 40 hour week. This results in a suggested cap figure of approx. €100,000 per annum in the public service, with an estimated saving to the Exchequer, if such a cap were applied of around €450m per annum.
The entry rate of a clerical officer grade in the Civil Service of €24,397 per annum results in a suggested cap figure of approx. €122,000 per annum in the public service, with an estimated saving to the Exchequer, if such a cap were applied of around €250m per annum.
319 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Finance when a report from ecologists (details supplied) will be finalised. [38343/09]
The Commissioners of Public Works expect that the ecologists report regarding potential measures to address the flood problem at Roundfort — Hollymount will be finalised by mid-November.
320 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Finance if he will make a statement on a shortfall of €5 million in a pension scheme (details supplied); if the scheme has been transferred to the Department of Finance; and if so the details and circumstances of the transfer. [38350/09]
The published Financial Statements for the Body (details supplied) for the year 2008 show the present value of funded pension obligations as €40.8 million while the value of scheme assets is stated to be €20.7 million. The Financial Services (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 enables the Fund's assets to be transferred to the National Pensions Reserve Fund on the making of a Transfer Order under section 5 of the Act. While no date has been finalised for the proposed transfer, it is expected to take place in 2010.
321 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that persons who go into arrears on their credit cards can be charged interest rates which can be set at will by the credit lender and some companies can charge punitive interest rates which can be as high as 26% APR; if his proposals to strengthen the Financial Regulator will ensure credit card customers are made aware of the risks of such punitive interest rates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38354/09]
I am concerned about the problems of credit card arrears raised by the Deputy. Individual institutions set rates based on their cost of funds, market conditions and commercial considerations which in turn determine the interest rates charged to customers on various products.
The Financial Regulator has no statutory role in the setting of interest rates by regulated entities. However, the Financial Regulator provides a cost comparison of credit cards with up-to-date information on the providers APR, fees etc, on the website www.itsyourmoney.ie. On this same website there is a downloadable publication entitled “Credit Cards — What you should know” which includes details on how to keep credit card costs down. Also, the Financial Regulator has produced all its information booklets in hard copy. These booklets can be sent out on request or are available from its information centre in Dame Street. While the regularly updated cost comparisons are only available on-line, its website is accessible for free from all libraries in the country, in its information centre and from its lo-call helpline.
In relation to requirements on credit card companies, the consumer protection code applies to all regulated entities which would include credit card providers. The Code has some specific provisions in relation to loans (Chapter 4, rule 1 and 2) that apply to credit facilities. These are that: a regulated entity must not offer unsolicited pre-approved credit facilities; and a regulated entity may only increase a consumer's credit card limit following a request from the consumer. In addition the Consumer Protection Code requires that a regulated entity must: act honestly, fairly and professionally in the best interests of its customers and the integrity of the market; and act with due skill, care and diligence in the best interests of its customers.
The Code has specific requirements in relation to charges stating that consumers must be provided with details of all charges, prior to a service being provided and where such charges cannot be ascertained the entity must advise the consumer that such charges will be levied as part of the transaction.
The Code also has specific suitability requirements which require that a regulated entity ensures that any product or service offered to a consumer is suitable for that consumer.
322 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the number of individual taxpayers and jointly assessed married couples who have claimed tax relief for the payment of service charges in each of the tax years 2006, 2007 and 2008. [38355/09]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the most recent year for which final information is available on the numbers of claimants for tax relief in relation to service charges is the income tax year 2006. A breakdown of the numbers between married 2 earner couples and other income earners on tax records is as follows:
|
Year |
Married 2 Earners |
Others |
Total |
|
2006 |
169,600 |
194,300 |
363,900 |
These figures relate to the number of income earners in a position to absorb the tax relief either partly or fully, but does not include the numbers of qualifying claimants who, because of the operation of other deductions and reliefs, have their taxable income reduced to nil or have their tax liability reduced to nil by the impact of other tax credits. Accordingly, potential claimants for the tax relief for service charges whose tax liability has been reduced to nil in this way are not included in the numbers given in this reply.
Projections for income tax receipts are based on assumed movements in macroeconomic parameters and not by reference to the costs of individual tax reliefs. Accordingly, I am not in a position to provide the data requested by the Deputy for the years 2007 to 2008.
A married couple which has elected or has been deemed to have elected for joint assessment is counted as one tax unit.
323 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the number of individual taxpayers and jointly assessed married couples who have claimed tax relief for health or medical expenses in each of the tax years 2006, 2007 and 2008, and the percentage of total taxpayers that this represents. [38357/09]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the most recent year for which final information is available on the numbers of claimants for tax relief in relation to health and medical expenses is the income tax year 2006. A breakdown of the numbers between married 2 earner couples and other income earners on tax records is as follows:
|
Year |
Married 2 Earners |
% of Total Income Earners |
Others |
% of Total Income Earners |
Total |
% of Total Income Earners |
|
2006 |
160,450 |
6.8% |
188,350 |
7.9% |
348,800 |
14.7% |
These figures relate to the number of income earners in a position to absorb the tax relief either partly or fully, but does not include the numbers of qualifying claimants who, because of the operation of other deductions and reliefs, have their taxable income reduced to nil or have their tax liability reduced to nil by the impact of other tax credits. Accordingly, potential claimants for the tax relief for health and medical expenses, whose tax liability has been reduced to nil in this way, are not included in the numbers given in this reply.
It should be noted that a married couple, which has elected or has been deemed to have elected for joint assessment, is counted as one tax unit.
324 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to correspondence of 20 May 2009 from a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12; when he will reply to the various points raised by the person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38366/09]
My attention has been drawn to the existence of the correspondence dated 20 May 2009 from the person referred to. I can confirm that the letter has been acknowledged.
The issues raised by the person have been dealt with comprehensively in previous correspondence with public representatives, and through FOI requests and direct correspondence with the person. I am satisfied that there is no benefit to be derived from further correspondence on this matter and the person on behalf of whom the matter is now being raised has been so advised.
325 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the status of a proposal by Dublin City Council to carry out a combined project of flood protection and layout of a water main along the Clontarf seafront, Dublin 3; and if money has been allocated for the project in 2010. [38370/09]
The Office of Public Works understands that Dublin City Council has completed detailed design for the North City Arterial Water Main, which incorporates the Clontarf Flood Defence Project. The water main project is to be funded by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Dublin City Council and the Office of Public Works have had discussions in relation to funding the flood defence aspects of the project. This will, of course, depend on future budget provisions.
326 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Finance if he will ensure that persons (details supplied) in County Sligo receive their tax relief at source for mortgage interest relief payments as soon as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38388/09]
The Revenue Commissioners have informed me that an application for mortgage interest relief through the Tax Relief at Source (TRS) system was received in late September in respect of a mortgage held by the persons concerned.
Processing of this application has been completed. Mortgage interest relief for 2009, and thereafter for as long as relief is due, will be applied by the mortgage provider from December 2009. Mortgage interest relief in respect of interest paid on the mortgage for 2007 and 2008 is being paid directly to the taxpayer's nominated bank account.
327 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Finance the grades and associated salary scales in regard to permanent and pensionable posts within the Civil Service from entry level to Secretary General; the number employed at that grade in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38401/09]
The numbers of staff serving in the main General Service grades at end-September 2009 are set out in the following table.
|
General Service Grades |
Numbers |
|
Secretary General |
17 |
|
Deputy Secretary |
2 |
|
Assistant Secretary |
150 |
|
Principal Officer |
752 |
|
Assistant Principal Officer |
2,101 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
3,395 |
|
Administrative Officer |
233 |
|
Executive Officer |
5,140 |
|
Staff Officer |
1,518 |
|
Clerical Officer |
10,736 |
|
Total |
24,044 |
The numbers correspond to full-time equivalent staff and do not include Department of Foreign Affairs local staff serving abroad. In addition to staff in General Service Grades who serve across all Departments and Offices, there is a further 12,208 staff in Professional, Technical and Departmental grades who typically serve in only one or two Departments/Offices.
The salaries for General Service grades are set out in Circular 18/2008 which is available on the Department's website at:
http://www.finance.gov.ie/documents/circulars/circulars2008/paysept2008.pdf.
328 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Finance if he will confirm that the interest accruing to the social insurance fund over the past ten years was credited to this fund on an annual basis; if not, the way these moneys were spent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38455/09]
Over the past ten years all interest accruing to the surplus, and any balances, have been credited to the Social Insurance Fund annually.
330 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Finance the major sources of borrowings that have financed our national debt; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38457/09]
I am advised by the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) that they have already raised more than €34 billion in long-term funding in 2009. Of the total funding, €32.8 billion refers to sales of Irish Government Bonds — €23 billion by way of syndicated bond issues and €9.8 billion through a series of bond auctions. Irish Government Bonds are bought by a broad range of investors, both domestic and international, but mainly financial institutions including fund managers, banks, Central Banks and insurance companies. The NTMA advise that international investors took up approximately 75 per cent of the bonds issued by syndication in 2009.
The balance of the long-term funding raised in 2009, currently €1.26 billion, was raised under the government savings schemes — these are domestic retail products operated on behalf of the NTMA by the Prize Bond Company and An Post.
In addition, the NTMA borrows in the short-term markets, mainly in order to manage liquidity risks and to assist in the timing of borrowings. These cash balances stood at around €25 billion at end-September. In 2009, the NTMA launched two new short-term programmes — Treasury Bills and a US Commercial Paper Programme — to diversify further the sources of borrowing available to it. The NTMA advise that both programmes have been highly successful and have seen strong demand from international banks and corporate treasuries.
While the nature of the international markets makes it difficult to quantify, the NTMA have advised that it is estimated that almost 80 per cent of Ireland's gross debt is currently held by international investors.
331 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Finance the level of funds in the pension reserve fund at 31 December for each of the past five years in tabular format; the outgoings from this fund to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38459/09]
The National Pensions Reserve Fund (NPRF) was established on 2 April 2001 with the objective of meeting as much as possible of the cost to the Exchequer of social welfare pensions and public service pensions to be paid from the year 2025 until at least 2055. The National Pensions Reserve Fund Act 2000 provides, inter alia, for the annual payment into the Fund from the Exchequer of an amount equivalent to 1% of GNP and that the NPRF Commission, which is responsible for the investment and management of the Fund, shall not make any payment to the Exchequer until the year 2025.
The value of the NPRF at 31 December for each of the past five years was as follows:
|
Year |
Value of NPRF |
|
€ billion |
|
|
2004 |
11.689 |
|
2005 |
15.419 |
|
2006 |
18.900 |
|
2007 |
21.153 |
|
2008 |
16.142 |
The value of the Fund at 30 September 2009, the most recent value published by the NPRF Commission, was €20.9 billion.
In relation to the end-September figure, it should be noted that the National Pensions Reserve Fund Act 2000 was amended by the Investment of the National Pensions Reserve Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2009. The amendments in the 2009 Act allow the Minister for Finance to give a direction to the NPRF Commission to invest in a listed credit institution and to make payments into the Fund for the purposes of such an investment, such additional contributions to be offset against the contribution liability in future years. These amendments reflected the Government decision, announced on 11 February 2009, that the recapitalisation of Allied Irish Bank and Bank of Ireland through the purchase of preference shares by the NPRF would be funded by €4 billion of the Fund's own resources and €3 billion from the Exchequer through the frontloading of the 2009 and 2010 Exchequer contributions to the Fund.
Accordingly, it should be noted that the figure of €20.9 billion given as the value of the Fund at end-September includes the full Exchequer contribution of 1% of GNP for 2009, €1.584 billion, plus an additional sum of €1.416 billion to give the total of €3 billion referred to in the Government decision. As a result of these payments, no contribution to the Fund is expected to be required in 2010.
The NPRF Commission publishes annual reports as a statutory obligation and quarterly reports providing an update on the Fund's performance. Both the annual reports and the quarterly reports are available on the Commission's website www.nprf.ie
332 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Finance if organisations and agencies in receipt of State funding are statutorily obliged to answer questions from the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38478/09]
Obligations are imposed by statute on organisations and agencies in receipt of State funding under a number of headings.
Freedom of Information legislation applies to a range of State organisations and the full spectrum of organisations is reviewed by my Department to ensure that FOI coverage is extended to new public bodies as soon as possible. Rights are also extended to individuals under the provisions of data protection legislation. A guide to these rights is set out at:
www.dataprotection.ie.
In addition, the Comptroller and Auditor General (C & AG) audits the accounts of non-commercial state sponsored bodies, third-level educational institutions and other bodies specified in legislation.
The C & AG also has statutory powers of inspection over the books, accounts and other records of any person or body for a particular financial year in which they receive from a Government Department or Office, or direct from the Exchequer, an amount which constitutes not less than 50% of their gross receipts in that year.
334 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the cost to the Exchequer of the mortgage interest relief at source scheme for each of the years 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; the projected cost to the Exchequer for the years 2009, 2010 and 2011; the number of taxpayers for each of these time periods benefiting from the mortgage interest relief scheme who claimed tax relief at source of €0 to €200, less than €400, less than €600, less than €800, less than €1000, less than €1200, less than €1400, less than €1600, less than €1800, less than €2000, less than €2200, less than €2400, less than €2600, less than €2800, less than €3000, less than €3200, less than €3400, less than €3600 and less than €3800; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38537/09]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the cost to the Exchequer of mortgage interest relief by way of tax relief at source (TRS) and the associated number of claimants in each of the years 2005 to 2009 inclusive is as follows:
|
Tax Year |
Numbers |
Cost |
|
€m |
||
|
2005 |
587,800 |
280 |
|
2006 |
668,400 |
350 |
|
2007 |
720,000 |
545 |
|
2008 |
750,000* |
705 |
|
2009 (9 months) |
not available |
365* |
*These figures are provisional and subject to revision.
It should be noted that married couples are counted as a single claimant. The cost to the Exchequer of tax relief allowed for mortgage interest in 2009 is provisionally estimated at €462 million.
A breakdown, by range of amount, of tax relief provided at source could not be identified without carrying out a significant development of the Revenue Commissioners' TRS computer system.
I am not in a position to provide the information requested in relation to forecasts of mortgage interest relief for the years 2010 and 2011.
335 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the cost to the Exchequer of the rent relief for private accommodation scheme for each of the years 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; the projected cost to the Exchequer for the years 2009, 2010 and 2011; the number of taxpayers who availed of the rent relief for private accommodation scheme in each of those time periods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38538/09]
336 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the cost to the Exchequer of the tax relief on service charges scheme for each of the years 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; the projected cost to the Exchequer for the years 2009, 2010 and 2011; the number of taxpayers who availed of the tax relief on service charges scheme in each of these time periods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38539/09]
337 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the cost to the Exchequer of the trade union subscription scheme for each of the years 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; the projected cost to the Exchequer for the years 2009, 2010 and 2011; the number of taxpayers who availed of the trade union subscription scheme in each of those time periods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38540/09]
338 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the cost to the Exchequer of the health and medical expenses relief scheme for each of the years 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; the projected cost to the Exchequer for the years 2009, 2010 and 2011; the number of taxpayers who availed of the health and medical expenses relief scheme in each of these time periods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38541/09]
339 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the cost to the Exchequer of the tuition fees tax relief scheme for each of the years 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; the projected cost to the Exchequer for the years 2009, 2010 and 2011; the number of taxpayers who availed of the tuition fees tax relief scheme in each of these time periods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38542/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 335 to 339, inclusive, together.
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the most recent years for which final information is available on the cost to the Exchequer, and the numbers of taxpayers availing, of the tax reliefs mentioned by the Deputy is for the income tax years 2005 and 2006. The relevant figures are shown in the following table.
|
2005 |
2006 |
|||
|
Tax relief |
Estimated cost to the Exchequer |
Estimated numbers availing |
Estimated cost to the Exchequer |
Estimated numbers availing |
|
€m |
€m |
|||
|
Rent paid in private tenancies |
48 |
144,500 |
64 |
171,800 |
|
Service charges |
17 |
304,700 |
21 |
363,900 |
|
Trade union subscriptions |
12 |
272,100 |
19 |
294,300 |
|
Health and medical expenses |
134 |
260,700 |
167 |
348,800 |
|
Tuition fees |
14 |
29,900 |
16 |
30,800 |
I am not in a position to provide the data requested by the Deputy for the years 2007 to 2011 in relation to the above mentioned reliefs.
The numbers availing represent income earners who were in a position to absorb at least some of the tax relief and thereby give rise to an Exchequer cost. They do not include the numbers of potential claimants whose entitlements to other tax reliefs were sufficient to reduce their liability to tax to nil without reference to the specific relief. The numbers availing are rounded to the nearest hundred as appropriate.
A married couple who has elected or has been deemed to have elected for joint assessment is counted as one tax unit.
340 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the cost to the Exchequer of the medical insurance premiums tax relief at source scheme for each of the years 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; the projected cost to the Exchequer for the years 2009, 2010 and 2011; the number of taxpayers who availed of the medical insurance premiums tax relief at source scheme in each of these time periods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38543/09]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the cost to the Exchequer of tax relief allowed for medical insurance premia by way of tax relief at source (TRS) and the associated number of policies in each of the years 2005 to 2009 inclusive is as follows:
|
Tax Year |
Numbers |
Cost |
|
€m |
||
|
2005 |
1,073,400 |
230 |
|
2006 |
1,134,800* |
260 |
|
2007 |
1,195,400* |
300 |
|
2008 |
1,017,400* |
321 |
|
2009 (9 months) |
not available |
283 |
*These figures are provisional and subject to revision.
The cost to the Exchequer of tax relief allowed for medical insurance premia in 2009 is provisionally estimated at €362 million.
The cost projections above do not include the cost to the Exchequer of the age-related tax relief at source which is established by the Health Insurance (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009.
This tax credit is part of a scheme designed to address the issues covered by the Supreme Court judgement of 2008 that found against the risk equalisation scheme for the provision of private health insurance. The scheme is two-fold, an age-related tax credit to compensate for the higher cost of insurance for older persons, which is funded by a levy on health insurance companies based on the number of people covered by policies underwritten by them.
This scheme is a temporary measure for three years from 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2011. It is intended that it will be revenue-neutral over its duration.
It should be noted that the numbers provided relate to the number of policies issued as it is not possible to compile a reliable count of the number of individual claimants.
I am not in a position to provide the information requested in relation to forecasts of tax relief for medical insurance for the years 2010 and 2011.
341 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the cost to the Exchequer of the home carer tax credit scheme for each of the years 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; the projected cost to the Exchequer for the years 2009, 2010 and 2011; the number of taxpayers who availed of the home carer tax credit scheme in each of these time periods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38544/09]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the most recent years for which final information is available on the cost to the Exchequer, and the numbers of taxpayers availing, of the home carer tax credit is for the income tax years 2005 and 2006. The relevant figures are as follows:
|
Tax Year |
Estimated cost to the Exchequer |
Estimated numbers availing |
|
€m |
||
|
2005 |
64 |
87,900 |
|
2006 |
62 |
85,000 |
In addition, provisional estimates, on a preliminary basis, of the cost to the Exchequer of the home carer's tax credit and the associated number of income earners availing of it for the income tax years 2007, 2008 and 2009 are as follows:
|
Tax year |
Estimated cost to the Exchequer |
Estimated numbers availing |
|
€m |
||
|
2007 |
62 |
85,600 |
|
2008 |
68 |
81,500 |
|
2009 |
61 |
73,700 |
The figures for 2008 to 2009 are estimates from the Revenue tax forecasting model using actual data for the year 2007, adjusted as necessary, for income and employment growth for the years in question and are therefore provisional and subject to revision.
I am not in a position to provide the data requested by the Deputy for the years 2010 and 2011.
The numbers availing represent income earners who were in a position to absorb at least some of the home carer tax credit and thereby give rise to an Exchequer cost. They do not include the numbers of potential claimants whose entitlements to other tax credits were sufficient to reduce their liability to tax to nil without reference to the home carer credit. The numbers availing are rounded to the nearest hundred as appropriate.
A married couple who has elected or has been deemed to have elected for joint assessment is counted as one tax unit.
342 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the cost to the Exchequer of the tax relief for pension investment scheme for each of the years 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; the projected cost to the Exchequer for the years 2009, 2010 and 2011; the number of taxpayers who availed of the tax relief for pension investment scheme in each of these time periods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38545/09]
The following tables provide a breakdown of the estimated cost of tax and PRSI reliefs for private pension provision for 2006 and 2007, the latest year for which the most up-to-date data is available. The 2007 figures represent an update of the 2006 cost estimates set out in table 7.2 of the Green Paper on Pensions published in the autumn of 2007. Figures have been rounded where appropriate.
Corresponding estimates are also provided for 2005 to the extent that it has been possible to provide them on a consistent and comparable basis.
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that sufficient data to enable estimates to be provided for the tax year 2008 is not yet available as the early tax returns due for that year are only now being processed and the Revenue On-line Service (ROS)- based returns, the majority, are not yet due.
As regards projections for 2009-2011, projections for income tax receipts are based on assumed movements in macro-economic parameters and not by reference to the costs of individual tax reliefs. Accordingly, I am not in a position to provide the projected cost data requested by the Deputy for the years 2009 to 2011 in relation to the above-mentioned reliefs.
|
Estimated costs |
Numbers* |
|
|
€ million |
||
|
Employees’ Contributions to approved Superannuation Schemes |
425 |
565,200 |
|
Employers’ Contributions to approved Superannuation Schemes |
90 |
**296,500 |
|
Estimated cost of exemption of employers’ contributions from employee BIK |
370 |
296,500 |
|
Exemption of investment income and gains of approved Superannuation Funds |
1,050 |
Not available |
|
Retirement Annuity Contracts (RACs) |
358 |
121,200 |
|
Personal Retirement Savings Accounts (PRSAs) |
42 |
32,900 |
|
Estimated cost of tax relief on “tax-free” lump sum payments |
120 |
*Numbers as included in P35 returns from employers to Revenue for 2005.
**Numbers of employees for whom employers are contributing to occupational pension funds as included in P35 returns to Revenue for 2005.
|
Estimated costs |
Numbers* |
|
|
€ million |
||
|
Employees’ Contributions to approved Superannuation Schemes |
540 |
693,100 |
|
Employers’ Contributions to approved Superannuation Schemes |
120 |
**363,100 |
|
Estimated cost of exemption of employers’ contributions from employee BIK |
510 |
363,100 |
|
Exemption of investment income and gains of approved Superannuation Funds |
1,200 |
Not available |
|
Retirement Annuity Contracts (RACs) |
435 |
125,900 |
|
Personal Retirement Savings Accounts (PRSAs) |
55 |
45,200 |
|
Estimated cost of tax relief on “tax-free” lump sum payments |
130 |
|
|
Estimated cost of PRSI and Health Levy relief on employee and employer contributions |
220 |
Not available |
|
Gross cost of tax relief |
3,210 |
|
|
Estimated tax yield from payment of pension benefits |
320 |
|
|
Net cost of tax relief*** |
2,890 |
*Numbers as included in P35 returns from employers to Revenue for 2006.
**Numbers of employees for whom employers are contributing to occupational pension funds as included in P35 returns to Revenue for 2006.
***The figure for this heading differs marginally from the figure in table 7.2 of the Green Paper on Pensions due to an update of the actual cost figures for RACs and PRSAs for 2006.
|
|
Estimated costs |
Numbers* |
|
€million |
||
|
Employees’ Contributions to approved Superannuation Schemes |
590 |
708,100 |
|
Employers’ Contributions to approved Superannuation Schemes |
150 |
385,100 ** |
|
Estimated cost of exemption of employers’ contributions from employee BIK |
540 |
385,100 |
|
Exemption of investment income and gains of approved Superannuation Funds |
900 |
Not available |
|
Retirement Annuity Contracts (RACs) |
420 |
123,900 |
|
Personal Retirement Savings Accounts (PRSAs) |
65 |
56,400 |
|
Estimated cost of tax relief on “tax-free” lump sum payments |
130 |
|
|
Estimated cost of PRSI and Health Levy relief on employee and employer contributions |
240 |
Not available |
|
Gross cost of tax relief |
3,035 |
|
|
Estimated tax yield from payment of pension benefits |
410 |
|
|
Net cost of tax relief |
2,625 |
*Numbers as included in P35 returns from employers to Revenue for 2007. Figures are as verified to date but may be understated and subject to revision.
**Numbers of employees for whom employers are contributing to occupational pension funds as included in P35 returns to Revenue for 2007. Figures are as verified to date but may be understated and subject to revision.
343 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Finance the savings that would be made to the Exchequer if Ministers’ pay were reduced to €100,000; and the pay of Ministers of State reduced to €85,000. [38580/09]
The Taoiseach, Tánaiste, Ministers and Ministers of State have all accepted a voluntary pay cut of 10% in their salaries. Their salaries are also subject to the public service pension levy. If the salaries of all Ministers, including the Taoiseach and Tánaiste, were reduced further to €100,000, and those of Ministers of State to €85,000, the savings arising would be €2.43m in a full year.
344 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Finance the savings that would be made to the Exchequer if the expenses of Ministers and Ministers of State were cut by half. [38581/09]
I understand that the Deputy is referring to domestic motor travel and subsistence arrangements for Ministers and Ministers of State. Ministers of State are reimbursed for official travel up to a limit of 96,540 km (60,000 miles) per annum. Their mileage rates were reduced by 25% from 5 March 2009. Ministers are provided with a State car and Garda drivers and have no expense allowance in this regard.
Subsistence is payable where a Minister is absent from their headquarters and home on official business in Ireland and abroad. In Ireland Ministers may claim the vouched cost of a hotel room, including tax and up to 15% for service charges and a subsistence allowance of €72.66 per night. The latter amount reflects a reduction of 25% from 5 March 2009 and is designed to provide for meals and a small amount for incidentals. I am responsible for the policy for the travel and subsistence regime of Ministers excluding State cars which is a matter for the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.
As regards the savings that would arise from a further reduction in travel and subsistence arrangements, this would depend on the expenses arising in each case. Individual Departments and offices are responsible for the day to day allocation and management of expenditure on travel and subsistence for Ministers.
345 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Finance the savings that would be made to the Exchequer if all bonuses due to be paid to members of semi-State boards, or employees of semi-State boards, in the remainder of 2009 and the whole of 2010 were cancelled. [38582/09]
I have approved schemes for the CEOs of some 35 Non Commercial State Sponsored Bodies, with 6 of the larger bodies also having schemes for 2nd level grades. A list of the bodies is set out in the following tables for the information of the Deputy.
Once such schemes have been approved all decisions on the making of any such awards for chief executives, and any other senior staff if appropriate, are a matter for the Boards concerned. In this context, my Department does not hold details of the level of awards that have been made in this sector. However, in April of this year my Department asked Secretaries General of Government Departments to inform such bodies and agencies under the remit of their Departments that, in view of the current economic and budgetary difficulties, it was appropriate that consideration of any bonus payments should be suspended.
|
Parent Department |
Name of Body |
Date Approved |
|
|
Agriculture, Fisheries and Food |
1 |
Teagasc |
26 November 2004 |
|
Arts, Sport and Tourism |
2 |
Fáilte Ireland |
12 May 2004 |
|
3 |
Irish Sports Council |
20 December 2006 |
|
|
4 |
National Concert Hall |
13 July 2006 |
|
|
Communications Energy & Natural Resources |
5 |
National Oil Reserve Agency |
12 June 2008 |
|
Enterprise, Trade and Employment |
6 |
Enterprise Ireland |
26 September 2003 |
|
7 |
FÁS |
31 March 2004 |
|
|
8 |
Forfás |
24 August 2005 |
|
|
9 |
Health and Safety Authority |
15 August 2003 |
|
|
10 |
IASSA |
9 November 2007 |
|
|
11 |
IDA |
11 July 2003 |
|
|
12 |
National Consumer Agency |
25 September 2007 |
|
|
13 |
National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) |
30 July 2008 |
|
|
14 |
Personal Injuries Assessment Board |
23 September 2005 |
|
|
15 |
Science Foundation Ireland |
2 March 2004 |
|
|
Environment, Heritage and Local Government |
16 |
Heritage Council |
19 May 2008 |
|
17 |
Local Government Management Service Board |
01 Feb 2007 |
|
|
Health and Children |
18 |
Adoption Board |
15 July 2008 |
|
19 |
Crisis Pregnancy Agency |
5 January 2009 |
|
|
20 |
Food Safety Authority of Ireland |
29 June 2007 |
|
|
21 |
Irish Medicines Board |
29 June 2007 |
|
|
22 |
Mental Health Commission |
7 July 2007 |
|
|
23 |
National Treatment Purchase Fund |
15 January 2009 |
|
|
Justice, Equality and Law Reform |
24 |
Courts Service |
7 April 2004 |
|
25 |
Equality Authority |
7 April 2004 |
|
|
26 |
Human Rights Commission |
25 May 2006 |
|
|
27 |
Irish Prison Service |
7 April 2004 |
|
|
28 |
Land Registry and Registry of Deeds |
7 April 2004 |
|
|
29 |
Legal Aid Board |
7 April 2004 |
|
|
Social and Family Affairs |
30 |
Combat Poverty Agency |
30 July 2003 |
|
31 |
Comhairle |
14 March 2005 |
|
|
32 |
Family Support Agency |
15 February 2006 |
|
|
33 |
The Pensions Board |
10 July 2003 |
|
|
Transport |
34 |
Road Safety Authority (was Driver Testing Standards Authority) |
13 February 2006 |
|
35 |
National Roads Authority |
21 July 2005 |
|
Parent Department |
Name of Body |
Date Approved |
|
|
Arts, Sport and Tourism |
1 |
Fáilte Ireland — Second Level Managers |
12 May 2004 |
|
Enterprise, Trade and Employment |
2 |
Enterprise Ireland — Executive Directors & Divisional Managers |
10 March 2004 |
|
3 |
Forfás — CEO & A/Sec related grades |
24 August 2005 |
|
|
4 |
IDA — Executive Directors & Grade 1 Managers |
9 July 2004 |
|
|
5 |
Science Foundation Ireland — Senior Management Team |
1st January 2009 |
|
|
Environment, Heritage and Local Government |
6 |
Local Government Management Services Board — CEO & AssistantChief Executives & Directors of OLAM |
January 2007 |
346 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Finance if a payment for education fees to a company in Northern Ireland be allowable for income tax purposes in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38590/09]
Tax relief at the standard rate of tax is available for tuition fees for certain full-time and part-time undergraduate courses of at least two years duration and postgraduate courses of at least one but not more than four years duration. The full definition for approved courses is set out in Section 473A of the Taxes Consolidation Act (TCA) 1997. In order to qualify for the tax relief, the course must be an approved course, which is undertaken in an approved college.
On the information provided, the course in question would appear to of twelve months duration. However it is not clear if it is an undergraduate or postgraduate course. Therefore, the Revenue Commissioners cannot make a determination as to the whether the fees paid in respect of this course would qualify for tax relief. The individual concerned is advised to contact their Revenue District Office regarding the matter.
347 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Finance the amount the National Treasury Management Agency has invested in Irish banks; the worth of the initial investment; the value of the NTMA investment in Irish banks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38595/09]
I am replying to this question on the basis that the Deputy is referring to the National Pensions Reserve Fund (NPRF) of which the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) is currently manager.
In March and May 2009, under the terms of the Investment of the National Pensions Reserve Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2009, the National Pensions Reserve Fund Commission invested, at my direction, a total of €7 billion in preference shares issued by Bank of Ireland and Allied Irish Banks (AIB) plc (€3.5 billion in each institution). The investments followed intensive discussions between the Government and Bank of Ireland and AIB with a view to securing the position of these two banks. As a result of these discussions, the Government decided on a comprehensive recapitalisation package to reinforce the stability of the Irish financial system, increase confidence in the banking system in Ireland and facilitate the banks involved in lending to the economy.
The preference share investments pay an annual non-cumulative fixed dividend of 8% payable in cash or, in the case of non-payment by either bank of the cash dividend, ordinary shares in lieu. These preference shares can be repurchased at par up to the fifth anniversary of the issue and at 125% of face value thereafter. The preference share investments are held by the Fund at cost. Warrants issued with, but detachable from, the preference shares give an option to purchase up to 25% of the enlarged ordinary share capital of each bank following exercise of the warrants. The strike price of the warrants exercisable by the Fund for the first 15% of the ordinary share capital is €0.975 for AIB and €0.52 for Bank of Ireland. The strike price of the balance of the warrants is €0.375 for AIB and €0.20 for Bank of Ireland. The warrants are exercisable at any time from the fifth to tenth anniversary of issue of the preference shares or immediately prior to any takeover or merger of the bank concerned, whichever is earlier. If either bank redeems up to €1.5 billion of the Fund's investment in preference shares from privately-sourced core Tier 1 capital prior to 31 December 2009, then the warrants will be reduced pro rata to that redemption to an amount representing not less than 15% of the ordinary shares of the bank concerned.
The Commission has also made a number of private placement investments in credit securities issued by Irish financial institutions. At end-2008 — the date of the latest published annual accounts of the Fund — the value of these investments was €662 million. Finally, the Fund's third-party investment managers had investments on behalf of the NPRF Commission in quoted equities and debt securities issued by Irish financial institutions to the value of €13.4 million at end-2008.
348 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Finance if an application to use Kilkenny Castle in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will be expedited and approved. [38599/09]
Venues in the Parade Tower and the Duchess Boardroom, Kilkenny Castle can be made available for hire for the purpose indicated. The person in question should contact the Events Manager in Kilkenny Castle to arrange viewings of the venue and discuss terms and arrangements for the hire of the facility.
349 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Finance his plans to carry out a river drainage scheme on the River Barrow between Milford and Leighlinbridge in County Carlow; if the Office of Public Works is responsible for the works; if not, the agency or body responsible; his intentions regarding the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38601/09]
The Commissioners of Public Works have no responsibility for maintenance of the River Barrow. Responsibility for the section of the river referred to lies with the Barrow Drainage Board, that is, the Local Authorities in Counties Carlow, Kildare and Laois. Waterways Ireland carries out a certain amount of maintenance of the Barrow in relation to its navigational aspect.
350 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Finance the address of properties rented by the State for the use of each Department, State or semi-State agency; the date of commencement of the lease of each such property; the square meterage or square footage of such property; the number of persons working in each such property; the rent payable in respect of each such property; the date from which the current rent payable commenced; the purpose for which each property is utilised; the name of the landlord of each such property; the steps taken to date in 2009 to determine if the rent currently payable accords with current market rents for similar properties; and the steps taken to effect, where appropriate, a downward review of such rents. [38619/09]
In the time available to answer the question, it has not been possible to compile the information sought by the Deputy. However, the information will be compiled shortly and forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
351 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Finance his proposals for funding for coastal protection works in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38637/09]
The Commissioners of Public Works wrote to Local Authorities in July 2009 requesting them to identify significant coastal erosion issues in their areas, their proposals for dealing with them and the order of priority in which they consider they should be addressed. Waterford County Council did not submit an application for funding at that time. It is intended to invite proposals from Local Authorities towards the end of 2009 for consideration in respect of 2010 funding. Waterford County Council will have a further opportunity to submit a proposal at that time.
352 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Finance the plans that will be put in place under the National Asset Management Agency legislation to compensate small-scale developers who are owed money by large developers whose loans will be taken over by NAMA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38648/09]
NAMA is being set up to acquire Land and Development and associated loans from participating institutions. In effect, NAMA will step into the shoes of the lender concerned and take over management of the loans with a view to generating a return over time. NAMA will have no role in relation to compensating developers, large or small, as anticipated in this question. NAMA will be mandated to operate in a commercial manner in relation to all contracts it acquires.
353 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Finance when an investigation will be finalised in relation to the affairs of a person (details supplied) in order to permit the testimony distributions to take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38665/09]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the investigation covered in the Deputy's question is ongoing. The Inspector of Taxes will be writing to the person's agent within the next week and a substantive reply to this letter with payment of any outstanding liability should allow the Inspector to bring the investigation to a conclusion and facilitate the distribution of the estate.
354 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance further to his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 156 of 21 October 2009, if he will provide a similar breakdown for income earners under a classification other than PAYE; if he will provide a breakdown of the total tax paid by each income category cited in that reply for PAYE public, PAYE private, non-PAYE sectors, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38669/09]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the latest relevant sector-based information available is derived from income tax returns filed for the income tax year 2007 and is set out in the following table.
|
Private Sector Employees |
Public Sector Employees |
Non-PAYE |
|||||
|
Range of Gross Income |
Numbers |
Tax |
Numbers |
Tax |
Numbers |
Tax |
|
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
|||
|
0 |
10,000 |
364,551 |
672,651 |
49,747 |
89,522 |
26,589 |
1,838,156 |
|
10,000 |
20,000 |
328,581 |
21,546,692 |
64,116 |
2,742,617 |
51,268 |
16,828,248 |
|
20,000 |
30,000 |
309,414 |
311,580,709 |
69,766 |
59,425,420 |
58,225 |
54,736,846 |
|
30,000 |
40,000 |
193,622 |
513,203,695 |
69,954 |
193,330,953 |
56,906 |
117,561,704 |
|
40,000 |
50,000 |
112,318 |
578,814,545 |
55,586 |
318,793,585 |
46,205 |
174,966,322 |
|
50,000 |
60,000 |
68,711 |
532,300,354 |
34,562 |
302,479,138 |
37,452 |
222,385,707 |
|
60,000 |
70,000 |
45,221 |
466,681,589 |
22,555 |
256,634,470 |
31,874 |
262,988,627 |
|
70,000 |
80,000 |
29,602 |
398,576,812 |
15,635 |
218,447,610 |
24,705 |
266,430,992 |
|
80,000 |
90,000 |
19,289 |
327,792,207 |
10,379 |
171,747,083 |
19,165 |
263,330,323 |
|
90,000 |
100,000 |
12,823 |
263,781,090 |
7,045 |
137,722,555 |
14,396 |
240,758,319 |
|
Over |
100,000 |
31,516 |
1,266,711,256 |
15,278 |
479,356,598 |
70,800 |
4,012,210,167 |
|
1,515,648 |
4,681,661,600 |
414,623 |
2,140,769,551 |
437,585 |
5,634,035,409 |
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 for both the Public and Private Sectors 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. The relevant information on these income earners is included in the figures provided for Non-PAYE.
355 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Finance the cost to the Exchequer of reducing excise duty on alcohol by 10% for a two-month period starting the 15 November 2009; the cost to the Exchequer of reducing excise duty on alcohol by 20% for a two month period starting 15 November 2009; the cost to the Exchequer of reducing excise duty on alcohol by 30% for a two-month period starting 15 November 2009. [38706/09]
374 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Finance the cost to the Exchequer of reducing excise duty on alcohol for a two-month period starting 15 November 2009. [38874/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 355 and 374 together.
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the cost of reducing excise duty on alcohol products by 10%, 20% and 30% for a period of two months as suggested, would be in the region of €18m, €37m and €57m respectively. These estimates include excise and VAT on the excise reduction.
356 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Finance if he will discuss and act on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38718/09]
With regard to the VAT differential between Ireland and the UK, given the current Exchequer deficit position, the policy decision of increasing the standard VAT rate in Budget 2009 continues to be necessary in order to support the public finances. We are borrowing to fund day to day public services which is unsustainable as future generations will be required to pay higher taxes unless we correct our public finances.
Although the UK cut its standard rate of VAT from 17.5% to 15% on a temporary basis from 1 December 2008 to the end of 2009, at the same time they increased excise duty on alcohol, cigarettes, petrol and diesel in order to offset the 2.5% reduction in VAT on these items. Consequently there was no reduction in the price of these products in Northern Ireland as a result of the reduction in the UK VAT.
The VAT rate is not the only factor in the price differential between North and South of the border. The weakening of sterling has had a far more significant impact on relative prices than any VAT changes. Furthermore, as a small open economy, many of our goods and services are imported, especially in the case of those at the standard rate. Cutting the VAT rates could benefit the economies from which we import more than our own. In other words, while, it might help the consumer, it would not be the most effective way of helping our own economy.
It is argued that reducing VAT rates would create some buoyancy and encourage additional consumer spending. However, it should be noted that with the notable exception of the UK, EU Member States have generally not opted for VAT rate cuts as a way to boost consumer spending. In contrast some Member States have increased VAT rates, curtailed the scope of exemptions and of reduced rates, to help cover the budgetary shortfall generated by the slump. Indeed it is understood that some Member States are now considering increasing their VAT rate as a part of the ongoing response to the general fiscal crisis.
There are other means of stimulating the economy, outside of the VAT system. The Government is funding capital investment of €7.3bn or 5% of GNP in 2009, a significant sum in times of constrained resources. This funding will be targeted at economically valuable infrastructure which will enhance our long term productive capacity and support employment.
357 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some banks are accepting a P60 as proof of income for the purpose of securing a mortgage; his views on requiring a P21 to be used as proof of income; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38723/09]
The Financial Regulator's Consumer Protection Code contains requirements which must be followed by both lenders and intermediaries at point of sale. The mortgage provider must demonstrate that it has gathered sufficient information from the consumer to allow it to provide a recommendation to that consumer. It is therefore incumbent upon mortgage providers to satisfy themselves as to the financial situation of prospective customers, how they do this is a matter for the institutions themselves, subject to their processes being acceptable to the Regulator.
358 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance his views on ending the situation in which an estate agent can also operate as a mortgage broker; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38724/09]
Mortgage Intermediaries are authorised in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Consumer Credit Act 1995. This sets out the necessary conditions which must be met prior to authorisation and also sets out a number of grounds where an authorisation may be refused, some of which relate to the holding of other types of licences (section 116 (9)). These restrictions do not include the holding of a licence to operate as an estate agency.
However, the Financial Regulator's Consumer Protection Code applies to mortgage intermediaries. Among the provisions included in this Code is the requirement to seek to avoid conflict of interest. The Code states that “where conflicts of interest arise and cannot be reasonably avoided, a regulated entity may undertake business with or on behalf of a consumer with whom it has directly or indirectly a conflicting interest, only where that consumer has acknowledged, in writing, that he/she is aware of the conflict of interest and that he/she still wants to proceed.”
In addition, Section 127 of the Consumer Credit Act 1995 prohibits mortgage lenders from making the granting of a loan subject to a requirement that the borrower uses the services of a particular individual or firm. Section 127 reads as follows—
(1) A mortgage agent shall not make or offer to make to any person, or arrange or offer to arrange for any person, a housing loan which would be subject to a condition that any financial services, conveyancing services, auctioneering services or other services relating to land which that person may require, whether or not in connection with the loan, shall be provided by the agent or through a subsidiary or other associated body of such agent.
(2) Where, in connection with the making or arranging of a housing loan, more than one service is made available by a mortgage agent or one or more of his subsidiaries, the agent shall not, and shall ensure that each of his subsidiaries does not, make the services available on terms other than terms which distinguish the consideration payable for each service so made available; nor shall any of the subsidiaries make the services available on terms other than terms which make that distinction.
(3) Where a person is providing auctioneering services, or constructing houses for sale, and is also a mortgage intermediary, he, or a subsidiary or other associated body, shall not sell, offer to sell or arrange to sell a house which is to be purchased with the aid of a housing loan, on terms which differentiate as between a person who purchases the house with the aid of a housing loan arranged by or on behalf of such intermediary and a person who purchases the house with the aid of a housing loan otherwise arranged.
The Financial Regulator conducted a themed inspection in 2008 to examine how mortgage intermediaries handle potential conflicts of interest when also providing property services to consumers. The inspection found that it was the policy of most intermediaries to avoid potential conflicts of interest or where a potential conflict of interest could arise that the intermediary would write to the customer advising them of the position before proceeding with the business.
It is my view that the existing legislation in this area sufficiently empowers the Financial Regulator to regulate effectively situations where conflicts of interest or potential conflicts of interest arise.
359 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the number of judgments registered by the Collector General against persons and companies in the years 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009 within the bands of under €25,000, €25,001 to €50,000, €50,001 to €75,000, €75,001 to €100,000, €100,001 to €200,000, over €200,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38767/09]
360 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide an analysis by trade or profession in respect of judgments registered by the Collector General against persons and companies in the years 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38768/09]
361 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the amount of the judgments registered by the Collector General against persons and companies in the years 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; the amount subsequently received in satisfaction of those liabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38769/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 359 to 361, inclusive, together.
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that data is not recorded in such a manner as would enable all of the information requested by the Deputy to be provided. Such information could not be obtained without conducting a protracted examination of the Revenue Commissioners records.
Details of the number of judgments registered by the Collector General against individuals and companies, in the specified value ranges, for the years 2004-2008, and to date in 2009, are outlined in Tables 1 & 2 below.
|
Individual |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 (at 23/10/09) |
|
< €25,000 |
498 |
338 |
393 |
485 |
521 |
93 |
|
€25,001 – €50,000 |
126 |
94 |
108 |
106 |
148 |
39 |
|
€50,001 – €75,000 |
33 |
37 |
32 |
46 |
44 |
20 |
|
€75,001 – €100,000 |
21 |
20 |
23 |
26 |
25 |
8 |
|
€100,001 – €200,000 |
29 |
31 |
17 |
23 |
42 |
11 |
|
> €200,000 |
22 |
13 |
8 |
22 |
13 |
7 |
|
Total Numbers |
729 |
533 |
581 |
708 |
793 |
178 |
|
Total Value |
€23.8m |
€20.3m |
€19m |
€30m |
€25.1m |
€10.4m |
|
Companies |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 (at 23/10/09) |
|
< €25,000 |
195 |
95 |
109 |
92 |
148 |
153 |
|
€25,001 – €50,000 |
48 |
29 |
25 |
41 |
36 |
54 |
|
€50,001 – €75,000 |
23 |
21 |
16 |
7 |
18 |
25 |
|
€75,001 – €100,000 |
16 |
9 |
7 |
6 |
5 |
13 |
|
€100,001 – €200,000 |
14 |
8 |
9 |
11 |
13 |
11 |
|
> €200,000 |
8 |
8 |
5 |
7 |
2 |
10 |
|
Total Number |
304 |
170 |
171 |
164 |
222 |
266 |
|
Total Value |
€10.5m |
€7.9m |
€10.2m |
€7.4m |
€7m |
€10.7m |
Data with regard to satisfaction of judgments is not available.
An analysis of the judgments registered by trade or profession in respect of individuals is included in Table 3. Revenue is not in a position to provide an analysis of the judgements registered against companies by trade or profession.
|
Occupation |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
|
Accountant |
15 |
10 |
17 |
|||
|
Contractor — Agricultural/ General |
39 |
30 |
10 |
22 |
||
|
Architect |
10 |
|||||
|
Blocklayer |
21 |
24 |
27 |
|||
|
Builder |
37 |
36 |
39 |
10 |
||
|
Businesswoman |
19 |
9 |
13 |
18 |
||
|
Businessman |
171 |
77 |
50 |
55 |
74 |
12 |
|
Carpenter |
17 |
18 |
13 |
22 |
41 |
9 |
|
Courier |
11 |
|||||
|
Director |
10 |
14 |
||||
|
Drycleaner |
12 |
|||||
|
Electrician |
10 |
|||||
|
Engineer |
8 |
|||||
|
Fabrication & Welding |
9 |
|||||
|
Farmer |
14 |
13 |
11 |
15 |
11 |
|
|
Gentleman |
117 |
70 |
77 |
66 |
52 |
30 |
|
Grocer |
10 |
|||||
|
Hairdresser |
11 |
11 |
9 |
|||
|
Haulier |
32 |
12 |
20 |
20 |
28 |
|
|
Painter and Decorator |
10 |
18 |
15 |
14 |
||
|
Plant Hire |
9 |
|||||
|
Plasterer |
11 |
18 |
28 |
30 |
8 |
|
|
Plumber |
9 |
9 |
14 |
|||
|
Publican |
20 |
18 |
16 |
25 |
32 |
7 |
|
Restaurant Owner |
11 |
|||||
|
Roofing Contractor |
11 |
8 |
||||
|
Scaffolder |
8 |
9 |
||||
|
Solicitor |
12 |
10 |
||||
|
Sub Contractor |
9 |
|||||
|
Taxi Driver |
10 |
9 |
11 |
|||
|
Other |
252 |
263 |
234 |
276 |
308 |
102 |
|
Grand Total |
729 |
533 |
581 |
708 |
793 |
178 |
362 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the number of times the Collector General took bankruptcy proceedings against persons; the outcomes in those case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38770/09]
363 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the Revenue Commissioners’ policy towards using bankruptcy when persons fail to discharge their tax liabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38771/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 362 and 363 together.
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that bankruptcy proceedings are instigated to pursue and conclude collection activity in appropriate cases of serious debt owed by individuals where routine enforcement action is not successful.
|
Year |
Number of cases where bankruptcy proceedings were instigated |
Number of tax payers adjudicated bankrupt |
|
2004 |
1 |
0 |
|
2005 |
4 |
2 |
|
2006 |
2 |
2 |
|
2007 |
2 |
1 |
|
2008 |
5 |
3 |
|
2009 (to date) |
13 |
4 |
|
Total |
27 |
*12 |
Note: *Includes cases instigated prior to 2004.
364 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide an analysis of outstanding unpaid taxes at 30 September 2009 for customs, excise duties, capital gains tax, capital acquisitions tax, stamp duties, income taxes, corporation tax and VAT; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38772/09]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the latest published figures for outstanding taxes are available for the year ended 31 March 2009. Due to the varying nature of the different taxes, it is the practice to publish data in relation to tax debts on an annual basis. This facilitates meaningful comparative analysis. An analysis of this debt is set out in table 1. As at 31 March 2009, outstanding taxes and PRSI amounted to €1,861 million which represented some 3.10% of gross taxes collected (€60,061 million) for 2009.
In regard to 31 March 2008, outstanding taxes amounted to €1.286 million or 1.94% of the gross level of taxes (€66,148 million) collected for 2008. Of this figure of €1,861 million, €628 million was under appeal and therefore not available for collection. Of the total of €1,233m available for collection, €794m was under active collection while €326m was at enforcement and €113m was being managed through agreed instalment arrangement, where additional time to pay is given by Revenue.
|
31 March 2008 |
Activity between 1 April 2008 and31 March 2009 |
31 March 2009 |
|||||
|
Debt |
Net Charges Raised |
Net Paid |
Writeouts |
Total Debt |
Debt available for collection |
Debt Under Appeal |
|
|
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
|
|
Income Tax (Excluding PAYE) |
313 |
2,928 |
2,872 |
6 |
363 |
276 |
87 |
|
Deposit Interest Retention Tax |
0 |
648 |
648 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
RCT |
12 |
7 |
-45 |
12 |
52 |
43 |
9 |
|
VAT |
242 |
12,358 |
12,082 |
57 |
461 |
352 |
109 |
|
PAYE |
130 |
11,879 |
11,846 |
13 |
150 |
143 |
7 |
|
PRSI |
169 |
9,363 |
9,302 |
18 |
212 |
210 |
2 |
|
Corporation Tax |
219 |
6,080 |
5,932 |
3 |
364 |
91 |
273 |
|
Capital Gains Tax |
190 |
1,094 |
1,032 |
1 |
251 |
110 |
141 |
|
Capital Acquisitions Tax |
3 |
343 |
343 |
0 |
3 |
3 |
0 |
|
Abolished Taxes |
8 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
5 |
5 |
0 |
|
Total |
1,286 |
44,700 |
44,012 |
113 |
1,861 |
1,233 |
628 |
|
Debt as a % of Gross Collection (Note 1) |
1.94% |
3.10% |
2.05% |
Note 1. Gross collection in 2007 was €66,148m and gross collection in 2008 was €60,061m.
365 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide an analysis of unpaid taxes written off by the Revenue Commissioners in the years 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009 under the headings of customs, excise duties, capital gains tax, capital acquisitions tax, stamp duties, income taxes, corporation tax, VAT, schedule E income tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38773/09]
The Revenue Commissioners are charged with responsibility for collection and recovery of a wide range of taxes and duties. Inevitably, however, cases do arise where, because of the particular circumstances, collection of the tax is not possible or the tax cannot be collected without disproportionate cost to Revenue. In these circumstances arrangements are made to pass the tax as irrecoverable. This is commonly referred to as writing-off the tax concerned.
The attached Table details the amount of unpaid taxes and duties written off by the Revenue Commissioners in the years 2004-2009 (to end September). It is not possible to provide details of write off in relation to Schedule E as distinct from other schedules. There have been no instances of write off of Excise Duties or Capital Acquisitions Taxes in the period 2004-2009.
|
2009 |
2008 |
2007 |
2006 |
2005 |
2004 |
|
|
Amount |
Amount |
Amount |
Amount |
Amount |
Amount |
|
|
€000’s |
€000’s |
€ 000’s |
€ 000’s |
€ 000’s |
€ 000’s |
|
|
VAT |
68,172 |
57,710 |
46,195 |
45,253 |
48,433 |
72,369 |
|
PAYE |
26,675 |
19,831 |
24,009 |
21,623 |
23,992 |
36,862 |
|
PRSI |
33,088 |
25,438 |
21,899 |
23,799 |
24,689 |
36,618 |
|
IT |
5,382 |
5,310 |
6,219 |
14,181 |
23,839 |
16,385 |
|
CT |
2,261 |
3,016 |
1,496 |
3,505 |
15,431 |
8,326 |
|
CGT |
2,041 |
985 |
479 |
799 |
2,264 |
868 |
|
Customs |
200 |
0 |
75 |
382 |
45 |
95 |
|
Other |
13,697 |
16,706 |
17,340 |
10,486 |
4,653 |
1,120 |
|
TOTAL |
151,516 |
128,996 |
117,712 |
120,028 |
143,346 |
172,643 |
Note: The category "Other" includes automatic write off and RCT for the years 2005-2009. For 2004 category "Other" refers to RCT only, the auto figure is accounted for under the other tax heads for that year. Auto write off consists of cases with balances of less than €1000, which are considered uneconomic to pursue and are written off on an automated basis.
366 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Finance if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare is due a tax rebate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38793/09]
I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they have written to the person concerned requesting additional information. The taxpayer's tax liability will be reviewed on receipt of that information.
367 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Finance his views, in regard to recruitment to the public service, on extending panels rather than abolishing existing panels in view of the public service recruitment embargo; if a person who has applied for the position of trades officer can be transferred from trades officer to regular recruit officer; how he can justify the expense of new recruitment campaigns in the future when successful candidates are dismissed when the panel expires; if the panels will be extended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38797/09]
The recruitment and promotion moratorium announced on Friday 27th March 2009 applies to the civil service, local authorities, non-commercial state bodies, the Garda Síochána and the Permanent Defence Forces. It is not an embargo. An embargo would imply that no filling of vacancies whatsoever could take place. The Minister for Finance has the authority to allow for the filling of some vacancies in very exceptional circumstances. The Government decision also provides that vacancies may be filled by redeployment of staff from other Departments or public bodies with the sanction of the Department of Finance. In addition, arrangements for the health and education sectors have been modulated to ensure that key services are maintained insofar as possible.
The position regarding persons on panels arising from Civil Service competitions is that panels from open competitions generally stay in place until the next competition is held. Interdepartmental promotion panels have a definite life span and this is agreed centrally with the relevant Civil Service union. In the context of the Moratorium, a decision has been taken that interdepartmental promotion panels will be allowed to lapse as the closure dates are reached. Decisions in respect of Departmental promotion panels are taken at Departmental level. In respect of the wider public service, decisions on the continuation or otherwise of recruitment panels is a matter for the relevant Minister and organisation, in the context of the Moratorium. Decisions in respect of future recruitment campaigns will be taken in the context of the business needs of the relevant organisation, the Moratorium on recruitment and promotion and any redeployment arrangements agreed for the civil and public service.
I presume that, on the question of Trades Officers, Deputy Neville is referring to positions in the Irish Prison Service. I am informed by the Irish Prison Service that separate recruitment competitions are held for Trades Officer and Recruit Prison Officer. Panels of successful candidates are drawn up in respect of each competition. It is not possible to transfer a candidate from a Trades Officer panel to a Recruit Prison Officer panel. A candidate must be successful in the competition for Recruit Prison Officer in order to be placed on a panel for recruitment at that grade. There is currently no date set for the holding of a competition for future recruitment at Recruit Prison Officer Grade.
368 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Finance his proposals to increase the overseas development budget (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38821/09]
The allocation for overseas development aid is a matter for consideration by the Government in the context of the 2010 Budget.
369 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Finance his proposals to stem the loss of revenue to the State arising from the illegal importation of cigarettes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38828/09]
I wish to assure the Deputy that both my Department and the Revenue Commissioners, who are responsible for the collection of tobacco products tax and tackling the illicit trade in cigarettes and tobacco products, are concerned at the current level of cigarette smuggling. It is generally accepted that the high level of taxation levied on cigarettes in Ireland makes it a target for smugglers despite the comparatively small size of the market.
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that their strategy in relation to tobacco smuggling involves a combination of cargo and passenger profiling, intelligence gathering and mutual assistance co-operation with other Customs services. Where appropriate, x-ray scanning technology is used to detect and seize contraband in maritime and air transport. In this regard a second mobile container scanner has been purchased and is due to arrive in Ireland later this month. This scanner is expected to increase the overall level of detection at our major ports.
Revenue and an Garda Síochána also carry out multi-agency operations, particularly in relation to controlled deliveries. Where relevant, these operations also involve international law enforcement agencies. The service continuously reviews its strategy which includes analysis of resource requirements and its optimum staff deployment. Revenue policy also entails close liaison with the legitimate tobacco industry and the Office of Tobacco Control. In addition, intelligence driven and random checks are mounted at retail outlets and markets and other distribution centres in order to detect and seize illicit tobacco products which have evaded detection at the point of importation.
This combined approach has resulted in the seizure of almost 200m cigarettes to-date in 2009. Included in this amount is the seizure of an estimated 120 million cigarettes at Greenore on 27 October 2009 in the course of the multi-agency Operation Samhna. This is a prime example of the fruits of multi-agency cooperation in the fight against this organised crime. The intelligence and operational strategy is backed up by a robust prosecution policy which has resulted in 101 convictions for cigarette smuggling or dealing in smuggled cigarettes during the first nine months of 2009. A significant number of other cases are already before the Courts awaiting hearing or are being processed for prosecution.
370 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Finance if there has been new policy direction for the activities and conduct of revenue sheriffs or county registrars in view of the tightening of credit lines for small businesses and the cash flow problems caused by the downturn in the economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38835/09]
The Revenue Commissioners are charged with responsibility for the collection and recovery of a wide range of taxes and duties. I know that Revenue has a strong focus on making sure that everyone complies with their tax and duty responsibilities by paying the right amount within the appropriate deadlines. Revenue expects businesses to continue, notwithstanding the more difficult economic circumstances in which they are now operating, to maintain a clear focus and organise their financial affairs to ensure that tax debts are paid as they fall due. Apart from the importance of timely compliance to the Exchequer, unfair competitive advantage achieved through persistent late or non-payment of tax can undermine compliant businesses. I fully support what Revenue is doing in that regard.
I know also that Revenue is very conscious of, and appreciates that, the difficult economic and financial climate in this country poses challenges for business in meeting with their tax obligations within the appropriate deadlines. Revenue responded to the changing environment by encouraging businesses experiencing particular payment difficulties to work proactively with them when such difficulties start to arise so that an agreed way can be identified to work through those difficulties and quickly restore voluntary timely compliance. Revenue has developed an administrative framework to manage such cases, and has published material for businesses experiencing tax payment difficulties on its website www.revenue.ie. I am aware that the feedback from trade representative and tax practitioner bodies to the initiatives Revenue has taken has been positive and is regarded as an effective way of supporting businesses who are disposed to addressing payment difficulties in a positive, realistic and proactive way at this time.
It is only where a business refuses to deal with a tax debt in a realistic way or continues to be non-compliant that a debt is referred by Revenue to the Sheriff for collection and recovery. I should emphasise that Revenue Sheriffs are officers of the courts holding office under Section 12 of the Court Officer Act, 1945. The Revenue Sheriffs' debt collection activities, including seizure procedures, are governed principally by the Enforcement of Court Orders Act, 1926, as amended. Sheriffs are answerable before the Courts for any breach of the civil debt collection code and are not directly accountable to the Revenue Commissioners. Nevertheless, I am advised by Revenue that the Sheriffs will have due regard to the circumstances of the businesses in trying to effect collection
371 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 210 of 20 October 2009, his views on amending the legislation to state that at the time the approved retirement fund option is exercised, or at any time before the 75th birthday, the approved minimum requirement funds requirement does not arise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38848/09]
In my reply to the previous question referred to by the Deputy, I explained the circumstances in which a qualifying individual could exercise the Approved Retirement Fund (ARF) option on retirement, including the rationale for and the circumstances in which investment into an Approved Minimum Retirement Fund (AMRF) could arise. In particular, I provided the requested explanation of section 784C(4)(a) of the Taxes Consolidation Act which states, in effect, that the requirement to invest in an AMRF does not arise where an individual is in receipt of specified (pension) income for life of €12,700 at the time the ARF option is exercised.
I have no plans to remove the requirement to invest in an AMRF if the relevant conditions are not met. If, however, the Deputy's concern is that a person who may not satisfy the specified income requirement at the point of retirement may subsequently be in a position to satisfy that requirement but under the existing provisions would not be able to transfer from AMRF to ARF status until age 75, then I will examine that issue in the context of the next Budget and Finance Bill and will bear his views in mind in that regard.
372 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Finance his views on rescinding VAT refund order SI 58/92 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38858/09]
There is provision in Irish legislation for the refund of VAT incurred on the purchase of a new medical instrument or appliance by a person who donates such equipment to a hospital. The main conditions relating to this refund scheme are that:
the appliance or instrument is new and is donated to a hospital;
the appliance costs €25,390 or more in value (exclusive of VAT);
the appliance is designed and manufactured for use solely in medical research or in diagnosis, prevention or treatment of illness;
the appliance is purchased through voluntary donations, such that no part of the funds used in the purchase is provided directly or indirectly by the State, a State body or any public or local authority, and,
the appliance is subject to a recommendation by the Minister for Health and Children that, having regard to the requirements of the health services in the State, a refund of tax would be appropriate.
The VAT refund Order was introduced to help defray the cost of more expensive items purchased by voluntary donations. Items costing less than the threshold of €25,390 are excluded from the relief in order to limit the relief to more expensive medical equipment. The current threshold level has not changed since the refund was introduced in 1987 at £20,000, which was translated to €25,390 to coincide with the introduction of the euro in 2002. Given inflation since the introduction of the current threshold, in real terms the value of threshold has reduced significantly. Taking inflation into account the 1987 threshold would equate to around €46,500 in 2009 values. In this context a greater level of lower priced medical appliances now qualify under the Order than when the relief was originally introduced.
In the circumstances there are no plans to change the current threshold.
373 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance if a person (details supplied) in County Cork is receiving a tax credit in respect of their pension payments. [38870/09]
I have been informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the person in question is in receipt of a tax credit in respect of their PRSA with Irish Life. If the person has any further queries they should contact: Mr Pearse Penney, South West Region, Revenue House, Cork. Telephone 021 6027266
375 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the proposal to impose an 80% windfall tax on rezoned land or lands acquired from landowners under compulsory purchase orders for road and infrastructure construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38876/09]
The proposed 80% windfall capital gains tax to which the Deputy refers is being considered as part of the NAMA legislation. An amendment is being brought forward for consideration at Report Stage of the Bill, under which disposals under a compulsory purchase order will not be subject to the windfall rate. This legislation is subject to further consideration by the Oireachtas and it would not be appropriate for me to comment further in advance of that debate.
376 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance his views on extending the concession on the year in which capital gains tax must be paid in the case of compulsory purchase orders under section 542 to include persons other than those engaged in farming. [38894/09]
The difference in the capital gains tax treatment of farmers and of other landowners when an interest in land is acquired, otherwise than under a contract, by an authority possessing compulsory purchase powers, is not a concession. It is provided for in section 542(1)(d) of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 as amended.
As the Deputy is aware, all taxes and potential taxation measures are constantly reviewed in the context of the Budget and Finance Bill. It is not customary for the Minister for Finance to comment on possible tax and expenditure changes in advance of the Budget.
377 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Finance if first-time buyer’s status will be restored to a person (details supplied) due to their special circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38915/09]
I have been informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the provisions, as outlined in Section 92(B) of the Stamp Duties Consolidation Act 1999, allow a first-time buyer exemption to any person who has not previously purchased or built a residential property either individually or jointly. While special provisions are allowed under certain qualifying circumstances for separated spouses, based on the information provided, the applicant would not appear to qualify as a first time buyer. If the person requires further information they should contact: Ms Deirdre O'Connor, Stamping Section, Revenue House, Blackpool, Cork. Telephone 021 6027693
378 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance if he will explain the tax status of the Royal College of Surgeons, Ireland and the rationale for this designation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38948/09]
I am assuming that the "tax status" referred to in the Deputy's question is charitable tax exemption, as defined under section 207 of the Taxes Consolidation Act (TCA) 1997. A list of bodies which have been granted charitable tax exemption under section 207 is available on the Revenue website at www.revenue.ie. The organisation referred to by the Deputy has charitable tax exemption and is on that list.
While, for reasons of taxpayer confidentiality, the Revenue Commissioners cannot comment upon the tax affairs of individual bodies, they have advised me that to qualify for charitable tax exemption, a body must be established for charitable purposes and must apply all of its income for charitable purposes only. The provision of undergraduate and postgraduate education, training, and research is considered a charitable purpose. A charity can also make investments and derive income from such investments provided they do not put the assets of the charity at undue risk. The underlying principle is that the interest of the charity must be paramount and investment of the resources of the charity must be made purely for the benefit of the charity.
Appropriate procedures are in place to ensure that all applications for charitable tax exemption are assessed to ensure that the necessary criteria for the exemption are met before granting such exemption. Furthermore, bodies that are granted charitable tax exemption are subject to periodic risk-focused reviews towards ensuring that the terms of the exemption continue to be fulfilled. All relevant matters are taken into consideration in the context of such reviews.
379 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Finance the cost in the past seven years of refurbishing and upgrading the courthouse in Westport, County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38949/09]
380 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Finance the cost in past seven years of refurbishing and up grading the courthouse in Kiltimagh, County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38950/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 379 and 380 together.
The provision of Court accommodation is the responsibility of the Courts Service, in accordance with the Courts Service Act, 1998. I have forwarded your specific questions to the Courts Service for direct response to you.
381 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance if guidelines on the superannuation of chief executives of State sponsored bodies on severance, early retirement or resignation have been issued since those issued on 26 May 1998; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38960/09]
Further guidelines were issued in June 1998 clarifying that a person may not receive a greater number of years than the additional service he or she would have if the person served to maximum retirement age. They also clarified that the grant of additional service may not lead to a person having more than the maximum pensionable service allowed under the relevant pension scheme (i.e. 40 years in most cases).
382 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance if, with regard to the superannuation and pension package granted to a person (details supplied) which he approved, his views on the fact that subsection 3 of section 6 of the Labour Services Act 1987 gave him carte blanche to approve a package without limitations; if not, the legislation, scheme or guidelines that were used to grant their retirement package; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38961/09]
The Labour Services Act 1987 provides that terms and conditions, including those in relation to remuneration and superannuation, of the office of the Director General, may be determined by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, with the consent of the Minister for Finance. Accordingly, in the case in question, it was under section 6(3) of the Labour Services Act that the superannuation arrangements were approved. The approved superannuation terms were broadly in line with the guidelines in the letter of 26 May 1998 from the Department of Finance to the Heads of Departments/Offices. In addition to the superannuation terms above, an additional 3 months severance was agreed as part of the final package which was on top of the 3 months salary in lieu of notice that was provided for in the individual's contract.
383 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance if he had discussions with his directors on the board of a bank (details supplied) prior or subsequent to their decision to authorise a pay increase for staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38964/09]
There were no prior or subsequent discussions with the Public Interest Directors of the mentioned Bank on the issue raised by the Deputy. I would point out that the award arose from an agreed interim Labour Relations Commission recommendation on remuneration matters before it involving non-senior staff and does not, as has been reported, cover the payment of National Wage Agreement increases.
384 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Finance the number of people who have availed of the early retirement scheme as announced by him in budget 2009 in tabular form; the sections of the public service they are from; and the level of position they held. [38978/09]
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in tabular form below. In summary, the information reported to my Department by the end of September indicates that some 995 civil servants had applied for the Incentivised Scheme for Early Retirement (ISER) and that 815 of these had been approved. These Civil Service numbers are based on returns from all Departments and Offices. The Department of Arts, Sports and Tourism provided an overall number.
In the wider public service, some 352 public servants had applied and 138 of these have been approved. However, it should be noted that information from the Education Sector is currently being examined by officials from my Department and information is not expected from the Local Authorities until November. Also, processing of applications under the ISER has been suspended in the Health Sector as a result of a direction by IMPACT and some other health unions to their members not to cooperate with redeployment. As the closing date for the Scheme was extended to 23rd October, and the monitoring process is continuing, additional information is expected to become available in due course.
|
S/Gen |
D/Gen |
A/Sec |
PO |
AP |
AO |
HEO |
EO |
SO |
CO |
HSO |
SVO |
SA |
Other |
Total |
||
|
Department of Agriculture, Food & Fisheries |
||||||||||||||||
|
Department |
||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
1 |
3 |
5 |
16 |
10 |
5 |
21 |
21 |
82 |
|||||||
|
Approved |
0 |
3 |
2 |
10 |
6 |
4 |
12 |
14 |
51 |
|||||||
|
Department of Arts, Sports & Tourism |
||||||||||||||||
|
Department |
||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
4 |
4 |
||||||||||||||
|
Approved |
2 |
2 |
||||||||||||||
|
Department of Communications, Energy & Natural Resources |
||||||||||||||||
|
Department |
||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
1 |
4 |
1 |
3 |
9 |
|||||||||||
|
Approved |
1 |
4 |
1 |
1 |
7 |
|||||||||||
|
Department of Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs |
||||||||||||||||
|
Department |
||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
1 |
1 |
4 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
10 |
|||||||||
|
Approved |
1 |
1 |
4 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
10 |
|||||||||
|
Department of Defence |
||||||||||||||||
|
Department |
||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
2 |
1 |
6 |
2 |
11 |
|||||||||||
|
Approved |
2 |
1 |
6 |
2 |
11 |
|||||||||||
|
Department of Education & Science |
||||||||||||||||
|
Department |
||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
1 |
4 |
3 |
5 |
7 |
2 |
11 |
33 |
||||||||
|
Approved |
0 |
3 |
2 |
0 |
4 |
1 |
2 |
12 |
|
S/Gen |
D/Gen |
A/Sec |
PO |
AP |
AO |
HEO |
EO |
SO |
CO |
HSO |
SVO |
SA |
Other |
Total |
||
|
Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment |
||||||||||||||||
|
Department |
||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
2 |
6 |
11 |
11 |
9 |
2 |
41 |
|||||||||
|
Approved |
2 |
4 |
8 |
8 |
8 |
1 |
31 |
|||||||||
|
Department of Environment, Heritage & Local Government |
||||||||||||||||
|
Department |
||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
1 |
7 |
11 |
5 |
3 |
2 |
4 |
14 |
47 |
|||||||
|
Approved |
1 |
6 |
10 |
4 |
3 |
2 |
4 |
9 |
39 |
|||||||
|
Department of Finance |
||||||||||||||||
|
Department |
||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
1 |
6 |
14 |
7 |
2 |
1 |
31 |
|||||||||
|
Approved |
1 |
5 |
12 |
6 |
2 |
0 |
26 |
|||||||||
|
OPW |
||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
10 |
5 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
9 |
27 |
|||||||||
|
Approved |
9 |
5 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
9 |
26 |
|||||||||
|
Valuation Office |
||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
1 |
1 |
||||||||||||||
|
Approved |
1 |
1 |
||||||||||||||
|
Office of the Ombudsman |
||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
0 |
|||||||||||||||
|
Approved |
0 |
|||||||||||||||
|
CPSA |
||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
2 |
2 |
||||||||||||||
|
Approved |
2 |
2 |
|
S/Gen |
D/Gen |
A/Sec |
PO |
AP |
AO |
HEO |
EO |
SO |
CO |
HSO |
SVO |
SA |
Other |
Total |
||
|
PAS |
||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|||||||||||||
|
Approved |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|||||||||||||
|
Revenue |
||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
16 |
73 |
110 |
82 |
9 |
26 |
6 |
322 |
||||||||
|
Approved |
16 |
73 |
110 |
82 |
9 |
26 |
6 |
322 |
||||||||
|
State Laboratory |
||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
1 |
1 |
||||||||||||||
|
Approved |
1 |
1 |
||||||||||||||
|
C&AG |
||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
9 |
9 |
||||||||||||||
|
Approved |
9 |
9 |
||||||||||||||
|
Department of Foreign Affairs |
||||||||||||||||
|
Department |
||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
2 |
3 |
1 |
3 |
3 |
1 |
3 |
16 |
||||||||
|
Approved |
2 |
3 |
1 |
3 |
3 |
1 |
3 |
16 |
||||||||
|
Department of Health & Children |
||||||||||||||||
|
Department |
||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
7 |
10 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
3 |
25 |
|||||||||
|
Approved |
7 |
10 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
3 |
25 |
|
S/Gen |
D/Gen |
A/Sec |
PO |
AP |
AO |
HEO |
EO |
SO |
CO |
HSO |
SVO |
SA |
Other |
Total |
||
|
Department of Justice, Equality & Law Reform |
||||||||||||||||
|
Department |
||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
6 |
11 |
7 |
6 |
3 |
18 |
51 |
|||||||||
|
Approved |
6 |
11 |
7 |
6 |
2 |
18 |
50 |
|||||||||
|
Irish Prison Service |
||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
2 |
1 |
3 |
|||||||||||||
|
Approved |
2 |
1 |
3 |
|||||||||||||
|
Courts Service |
||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
4 |
10 |
12 |
3 |
1 |
2 |
32 |
|||||||||
|
Approved |
3 |
6 |
7 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
20 |
|||||||||
|
Property Registration Authority |
||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
2 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
17 |
25 |
||||||||||
|
Approved |
0 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
13 |
19 |
||||||||||
|
Garda Civilians |
||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
4 |
5 |
1 |
7 |
10 |
27 |
||||||||||
|
Approved |
2 |
3 |
1 |
4 |
6 |
16 |
||||||||||
|
Legal Aid Board |
||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
1 |
1 |
||||||||||||||
|
Approved |
1 |
1 |
||||||||||||||
|
Department of Social & Family Affairs |
||||||||||||||||
|
Department |
||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
8 |
20 |
46 |
26 |
18 |
9 |
127 |
|||||||||
|
Approved |
2 |
14 |
27 |
13 |
13 |
6 |
75 |
|
S/Gen |
D/Gen |
A/Sec |
PO |
AP |
AO |
HEO |
EO |
SO |
CO |
HSO |
SVO |
SA |
Other |
Total |
||
|
Department of the Taoiseach |
||||||||||||||||
|
Department |
||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
1 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
||||||||||||
|
Approved |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
||||||||||||
|
CSSO |
||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
2 |
3 |
5 |
|||||||||||||
|
Approved |
2 |
2 |
4 |
|||||||||||||
|
OAG |
||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|||||||||||||
|
Approved |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|||||||||||||
|
DPP |
||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
2 |
2 |
||||||||||||||
|
Approved |
0 |
0 |
||||||||||||||
|
CSO |
||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
1 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
9 |
|||||||||
|
Approved |
1 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
8 |
|||||||||
|
Department of Transport |
||||||||||||||||
|
Department |
||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
2 |
8 |
9 |
7 |
5 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
35 |
|||||||
|
Approved |
1 |
7 |
6 |
3 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
23 |
|||||||
|
Total by Grade |
||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
0 |
0 |
12 |
85 |
209 |
0 |
254 |
170 |
55 |
86 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
124 |
995 |
|
|
Approved |
0 |
0 |
9 |
69 |
183 |
0 |
207 |
146 |
44 |
67 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
90 |
815 |
|
Total |
|||||||||
|
Department of Agriculture, Food & Fisheries |
Public Servants |
||||||||
|
BIM |
EO Higher |
||||||||
|
Applications |
1 |
1 |
|||||||
|
Approved |
1 |
1 |
|||||||
|
Sea Fisheries Protection Authority |
Sea Fisheries Officer |
||||||||
|
Applications |
1 |
1 |
|||||||
|
Approved |
1 |
1 |
|||||||
|
Teagasc |
Head of Directorate |
Admin |
Other |
||||||
|
Applications |
2 |
2 |
17 |
21 |
|||||
|
Approved |
2 |
2 |
17 |
21 |
|||||
|
Department of Arts, Sports & Tourism |
Public Servants |
||||||||
|
National Library of Ireland |
SO |
HEO |
Ass. Keeper |
||||||
|
Applications |
1 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
|||||
|
Approved |
1 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
|||||
|
Failte Ireland |
Level 2c |
Level 3 |
Level 5 |
||||||
|
Applications |
1 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
|||||
|
Approved |
1 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
|||||
|
Department of Communications, Energy & Natural Resources |
Public Servants |
||||||||
|
Department of Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs |
Public Servants |
||||||||
|
Western Development Commission |
APH |
||||||||
|
Applications |
1 |
1 |
|||||||
|
Approved |
1 |
1 |
|||||||
|
Údarás na Gaeltachta |
1 |
2 |
4 |
Bainisteoir |
LPF |
||||
|
Applications |
1 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
6 |
|||
|
Approved |
1 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
6 |
|
Total |
|||||||||
|
Department of Defence |
Public Servants |
||||||||
|
Civil Employees |
BFW/Trade Foreman |
||||||||
|
Applications |
1 |
1 |
|||||||
|
Approved |
1 |
1 |
|||||||
|
Department of Education & Science |
Public Servants |
||||||||
|
Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment |
Public Servants |
||||||||
|
Health & Safety Authority |
Inspector I |
||||||||
|
Applications |
1 |
1 |
|||||||
|
Approved |
1 |
1 |
|||||||
|
Competition Authority |
Case Officer |
||||||||
|
Applications |
1 |
1 |
|||||||
|
Approved |
1 |
1 |
|||||||
|
FÁS |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
||||
|
Applications |
7 |
5 |
21 |
3 |
2 |
||||
|
Approved |
7 |
4 |
17 |
3 |
2 |
||||
|
11 |
13 |
||||||||
|
9 |
2 |
49 |
|||||||
|
9 |
2 |
44 |
|||||||
|
Shannon Development |
E1 |
E3A |
E4 |
E5 |
|||||
|
Applications |
2 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
6 |
||||
|
Approved |
2 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
6 |
||||
|
PIAB |
AP |
||||||||
|
Applications |
1 |
1 |
|||||||
|
Approved |
1 |
1 |
|||||||
|
Forfás |
D |
E |
F |
1 |
|||||
|
Applications |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
4 |
||||
|
Approved |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Total |
|||||||||
|
Enterprise Ireland |
B |
C |
D |
E |
F |
||||
|
Applications |
1 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
||||
|
Approved |
1 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
||||
|
PSO |
SSO |
SPSO |
|||||||
|
1 |
1 |
1 |
11 |
||||||
|
1 |
1 |
1 |
11 |
||||||
|
Science Foundation Ireland |
Director |
||||||||
|
Applications |
1 |
1 |
|||||||
|
Approved |
1 |
1 |
|||||||
|
NSAI |
E |
EO |
SSO |
||||||
|
Applications |
1 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
|||||
|
Approved |
1 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
|||||
|
IDA Ireland |
D |
E |
F |
Grade 1 |
|||||
|
Applications |
1 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
6 |
||||
|
Approved |
1 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
6 |
||||
|
Department of Environment, Heritage & Local Government |
Public Servants |
||||||||
|
An Bord Pleanála |
SEO |
||||||||
|
Applications |
1 |
1 |
|||||||
|
Approved |
1 |
1 |
|||||||
|
Environmental Protection Agency |
|||||||||
|
Applications |
2 |
2 |
|||||||
|
Approved |
0 |
0 |
|||||||
|
Local Government Management Services Board |
8 |
||||||||
|
Applications |
1 |
1 |
|||||||
|
Approved |
1 |
1 |
|||||||
|
DDDA |
PO |
||||||||
|
Applications |
1 |
1 |
|||||||
|
Approved |
1 |
1 |
|
Total |
|||||||||
|
RPII |
Principal Scientific Officer |
||||||||
|
Applications |
1 |
1 |
|||||||
|
Approved |
0 |
0 |
|||||||
|
Department of Finance |
Public Servants |
||||||||
|
Department of Foreign Affairs |
Public Servants |
||||||||
|
Department of Health & Children |
Public Servants |
||||||||
|
HSE |
|||||||||
|
Applications |
113 |
113 |
|||||||
|
Approved |
15 |
15 |
|||||||
|
Voluntary Sector |
|||||||||
|
Applications |
109 |
109 |
|||||||
|
Approved |
5 |
5 |
|||||||
|
Department of Justice, Equality & Law Reform |
Public Servants |
||||||||
|
Department of Social & Family Affairs |
Public Servants |
||||||||
|
Department of the Taoiseach |
Public Servants |
||||||||
|
Department of Transport |
Public Servants |
||||||||
|
Road Safety Authority |
HEO |
EO |
|||||||
|
Applications |
1 |
2 |
3 |
||||||
|
Approved |
1 |
2 |
3 |
||||||
|
National Roads Authority |
E2F |
||||||||
|
Applications |
1 |
1 |
|||||||
|
Approved |
1 |
1 |
|||||||
|
Total |
|||||||||
|
Applications |
352 |
||||||||
|
Approved |
138 |
385 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Finance the number of people who have availed of the career break scheme as announced by him in budget 2009 in tabular form; the sections of the public service they are from; and the level of position they held. [38979/09]
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in tabular form below. In summary, the information reported to my Department by the end of September indicates that some 608 civil servants had applied for the Special Incentive Career Break Scheme and that 526 of these had been approved. These Civil Service numbers are based on returns from all Departments and Offices.
In the wider public service, some 425 public servants had applied and 109 of these had been approved. However, it should be noted that information from the Local Authorities will not be available until November. Processing of applications under the Special Incentive Career Break Scheme has been suspended in the health sector as a result of a direction by IMPACT and some other health unions to their members not to cooperate with redeployment. As information is still being updated in respect of some areas of the public service, the above figures may be revised in due course.
|
S/Gen |
D/Gen |
A/Sec |
PO |
AP |
AO |
HEO |
EO |
SO |
CO |
HSO |
SVO |
SA |
Other |
Total |
||
|
Department of Agriculture, Food & Fisheries |
||||||||||||||||
|
Department |
||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
5 |
11 |
1 |
28 |
12 |
57 |
||||||||||
|
Approved |
4 |
11 |
1 |
27 |
8 |
51 |
||||||||||
|
Department of Arts, Sports & Tourism |
||||||||||||||||
|
Department |
||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
0 |
|||||||||||||||
|
Approved |
0 |
|||||||||||||||
|
Department of Communications, Energy & Natural Resources |
||||||||||||||||
|
Department |
||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
1 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
7 |
||||||||||
|
Approved |
1 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
7 |
||||||||||
|
Department of Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs |
||||||||||||||||
|
Department |
||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
1 |
3 |
4 |
|||||||||||||
|
Approved |
1 |
3 |
4 |
|||||||||||||
|
Charitable Donations & Bequests |
||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
1 |
1 |
||||||||||||||
|
Approved |
1 |
1 |
||||||||||||||
|
Department of Defence |
||||||||||||||||
|
Department |
||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
1 |
3 |
4 |
8 |
||||||||||||
|
Approved |
1 |
3 |
4 |
8 |
||||||||||||
|
Department of Education & Science |
||||||||||||||||
|
Department |
||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
2 |
3 |
11 |
1 |
5 |
22 |
||||||||||
|
Approved |
2 |
3 |
11 |
1 |
5 |
22 |
|
S/Gen |
D/Gen |
A/Sec |
PO |
AP |
AO |
HEO |
EO |
SO |
CO |
HSO |
SVO |
SA |
Other |
Total |
||
|
NCSE |
||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
1 |
1 |
||||||||||||||
|
Approved |
1 |
1 |
||||||||||||||
|
SEC |
||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
1 |
1 |
||||||||||||||
|
Approved |
1 |
1 |
||||||||||||||
|
Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment |
||||||||||||||||
|
Department |
||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
1 |
2 |
2 |
4 |
2 |
19 |
30 |
|||||||||
|
Approved |
1 |
2 |
2 |
4 |
2 |
19 |
30 |
|||||||||
|
Department of Environment, Heritage & Local Government |
||||||||||||||||
|
Department |
||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
4 |
4 |
10 |
2 |
5 |
18 |
43 |
|||||||||
|
Approved |
4 |
4 |
10 |
2 |
5 |
14 |
39 |
|||||||||
|
Department of Finance |
||||||||||||||||
|
Department |
||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
1 |
2 |
1 |
4 |
8 |
|||||||||||
|
Approved |
1 |
2 |
1 |
3 |
7 |
|||||||||||
|
OPW |
||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
3 |
15 |
18 |
|||||||||||||
|
Approved |
3 |
11 |
14 |
|||||||||||||
|
Valuation Office |
||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|||||||||||||
|
Approved |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|||||||||||||
|
Office of the Ombudsman |
||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
1 |
1 |
||||||||||||||
|
Approved |
1 |
1 |
|
S/Gen |
D/Gen |
A/Sec |
PO |
AP |
AO |
HEO |
EO |
SO |
CO |
HSO |
SVO |
SA |
Other |
Total |
||
|
CPSA |
||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
1 |
1 |
||||||||||||||
|
Approved |
1 |
1 |
||||||||||||||
|
PAS |
||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
2 |
1 |
3 |
|||||||||||||
|
Approved |
2 |
1 |
3 |
|||||||||||||
|
Revenue |
||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
1 |
1 |
6 |
33 |
4 |
58 |
1 |
104 |
||||||||
|
Approved |
1 |
1 |
6 |
32 |
4 |
57 |
1 |
102 |
||||||||
|
State Laboratory |
||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
1 |
1 |
||||||||||||||
|
Approved |
1 |
1 |
||||||||||||||
|
C&AG |
||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
1 |
1 |
||||||||||||||
|
Approved |
1 |
1 |
||||||||||||||
|
Department of Foreign Affairs |
||||||||||||||||
|
Department |
||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
1 |
1 |
3 |
3 |
1 |
12 |
1 |
22 |
||||||||
|
Approved |
1 |
1 |
3 |
3 |
1 |
12 |
1 |
22 |
||||||||
|
Department of Health & Children |
||||||||||||||||
|
Department |
||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
1 |
5 |
4 |
3 |
13 |
|||||||||||
|
Approved |
1 |
5 |
4 |
3 |
13 |
|
S/Gen |
D/Gen |
A/Sec |
PO |
AP |
AO |
HEO |
EO |
SO |
CO |
HSO |
SVO |
SA |
Other |
Total |
||
|
Department of Justice, Equality & Law Reform |
||||||||||||||||
|
Department |
||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
1 |
1 |
7 |
12 |
1 |
24 |
12 |
58 |
||||||||
|
Approved |
1 |
1 |
6 |
12 |
1 |
23 |
8 |
52 |
||||||||
|
Irish Prison Service |
||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
0 |
0 |
||||||||||||||
|
Approved |
0 |
0 |
||||||||||||||
|
Courts Service |
||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
1 |
4 |
8 |
13 |
||||||||||||
|
Approved |
0 |
4 |
5 |
9 |
||||||||||||
|
Property Registration Authority |
||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
1 |
4 |
1 |
4 |
1 |
11 |
||||||||||
|
Approved |
1 |
4 |
1 |
3 |
0 |
9 |
||||||||||
|
Garda Civilians |
||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
3 |
3 |
21 |
27 |
||||||||||||
|
Approved |
1 |
2 |
13 |
16 |
||||||||||||
|
Legal Aid Board |
||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
1 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
16 |
|||||||||||
|
Approved |
1 |
3 |
3 |
2 |
9 |
|||||||||||
|
Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission |
||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
1 |
2 |
4 |
7 |
||||||||||||
|
Approved |
1 |
2 |
4 |
7 |
|
S/Gen |
D/Gen |
A/Sec |
PO |
AP |
AO |
HEO |
EO |
SO |
CO |
HSO |
SVO |
SA |
Other |
Total |
||
|
Department of Social & Family Affairs |
||||||||||||||||
|
Department |
||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
1 |
5 |
9 |
3 |
43 |
2 |
63 |
|||||||||
|
Approved |
1 |
4 |
8 |
2 |
36 |
0 |
51 |
|||||||||
|
Department of the Taoiseach |
||||||||||||||||
|
Department |
||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
3 |
2 |
2 |
7 |
||||||||||||
|
Approved |
3 |
2 |
2 |
7 |
||||||||||||
|
CSSO |
||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
3 |
2 |
5 |
|||||||||||||
|
Approved |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|||||||||||||
|
OAG |
||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
2 |
2 |
||||||||||||||
|
Approved |
1 |
1 |
||||||||||||||
|
DPP |
||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
1 |
4 |
5 |
|||||||||||||
|
Approved |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|||||||||||||
|
CSO |
||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
2 |
5 |
2 |
13 |
7 |
29 |
||||||||||
|
Approved |
0 |
3 |
2 |
11 |
3 |
19 |
||||||||||
|
Department of Transport |
||||||||||||||||
|
Department |
||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
1 |
2 |
5 |
8 |
1 |
17 |
||||||||||
|
Approved |
1 |
2 |
4 |
8 |
0 |
15 |
||||||||||
|
Total by Grade |
||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
19 |
15 |
53 |
135 |
23 |
277 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
82 |
608 |
|
|
Approved |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
18 |
15 |
42 |
129 |
21 |
247 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
52 |
526 |
|
Total |
|||||||||
|
Department of Agriculture, Food & Fisheries |
Public Servants |
||||||||
|
Teagasc |
Admin |
Other |
|||||||
|
Applications |
1 |
4 |
5 |
||||||
|
Approved |
1 |
3 |
4 |
||||||
|
Department of Arts, Sports & Tourism |
Public Servants |
||||||||
|
National Museum of Ireland |
Attendant |
Education Assistant |
Technical Assistant |
||||||
|
Applications |
1 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
|||||
|
Approved |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|||||
|
Failte Ireland |
Level 3 |
Level 4 |
Level 5 |
Level 6 |
Level 7 |
||||
|
Applications |
3 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
9 |
|||
|
Approved |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
5 |
|||
|
Arts Council |
EA |
||||||||
|
Applications |
1 |
1 |
|||||||
|
Approved |
0 |
0 |
|||||||
|
IMMA |
Technical |
||||||||
|
Applications |
1 |
1 |
|||||||
|
Approved |
1 |
1 |
|||||||
|
Department of Communications, Energy & Natural Resources |
Public Servants |
||||||||
|
Department of Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs |
Public Servants |
||||||||
|
Department of Defence |
Public Servants |
||||||||
|
Craftsman |
|||||||||
|
Applications |
1 |
1 |
|||||||
|
Approved |
1 |
1 |
|
Total |
|||||||||
|
Department of Education & Science |
Public Servants |
||||||||
|
HEA |
EO |
CO |
|||||||
|
Applications |
3 |
1 |
4 |
||||||
|
Approved |
3 |
1 |
4 |
||||||
|
VEC |
CO |
CO G3 |
III |
IV |
VI |
||||
|
Applications |
1 |
2 |
4 |
4 |
1 |
||||
|
Approved |
1 |
2 |
2 |
3 |
1 |
||||
|
VII |
Admin Assist |
Liaison Officer |
Total |
||||||
|
3 |
1 |
1 |
17 |
||||||
|
1 |
1 |
1 |
12 |
||||||
|
FETAC |
3 |
4 |
5 |
||||||
|
Applications |
1 |
1 |
2 |
4 |
|||||
|
Approved |
1 |
0 |
2 |
3 |
|||||
|
NQAI |
VII |
||||||||
|
Applications |
1 |
1 |
|||||||
|
Approved |
1 |
1 |
|||||||
|
NEWB |
EWO |
||||||||
|
Applications |
1 |
1 |
|||||||
|
Approved |
0 |
0 |
|||||||
|
Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment |
Public Servants |
||||||||
|
NSAI |
SSO |
C |
|||||||
|
Applications |
2 |
1 |
3 |
||||||
|
Approved |
2 |
1 |
3 |
|
Total |
|||||||||
|
Health & Safety Authority |
Inspector III |
Inspector II |
HEO |
EO |
CO |
||||
|
Applications |
2 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
7 |
|||
|
Approved |
2 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
7 |
|||
|
Competition Authority |
Case Officer |
||||||||
|
Applications |
4 |
4 |
|||||||
|
Approved |
4 |
4 |
|||||||
|
FÁS |
8 |
9 |
10 |
11 |
|||||
|
Applications |
1 |
2 |
1 |
16 |
20 |
||||
|
Approved |
1 |
2 |
1 |
16 |
20 |
||||
|
Shannon Development |
E3A |
||||||||
|
Applications |
1 |
1 |
|||||||
|
Approved |
1 |
1 |
|||||||
|
Science Foundation Ireland |
B |
||||||||
|
Applications |
1 |
1 |
|||||||
|
Approved |
0 |
0 |
|||||||
|
Forfás |
B |
C |
D |
||||||
|
Applications |
2 |
2 |
2 |
6 |
|||||
|
Approved |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|||||
|
IDA Ireland |
E |
||||||||
|
Applications |
1 |
1 |
|||||||
|
Approved |
1 |
1 |
|||||||
|
Department of Environment, Heritage & Local Government |
Public Servants |
||||||||
|
An Bord Pleanála |
SEO |
EO |
AA |
Planning Inspector |
|||||
|
Applications |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
4 |
||||
|
Approved |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
4 |
|
Total |
|||||||||
|
LGCSB |
VII |
VIII |
|||||||
|
Applications |
2 |
1 |
3 |
||||||
|
Approved |
2 |
1 |
3 |
||||||
|
National Building Agency |
Eng. D/person |
||||||||
|
Applications |
1 |
1 |
|||||||
|
Approved |
1 |
1 |
|||||||
|
An Chomhairle Leabharlanna |
4 |
||||||||
|
Applications |
1 |
1 |
|||||||
|
Approved |
1 |
1 |
|||||||
|
Department of Finance |
Public Servants |
||||||||
|
Department of Foreign Affairs |
Public Servants |
||||||||
|
Department of Health & Children |
Public Servants |
||||||||
|
HSE |
|||||||||
|
Applications |
196 |
196 |
|||||||
|
Approved |
26 |
26 |
|||||||
|
Voluntary Sector |
|||||||||
|
Applications |
110 |
110 |
|||||||
|
Approved |
0 |
0 |
|||||||
|
Health Research Board |
Support |
Research II |
|||||||
|
Applications |
1 |
1 |
2 |
||||||
|
Approved |
0 |
0 |
0 |
||||||
|
National Cancer Screening Service |
Clerical IV |
Sen. Radio. |
|||||||
|
Applications |
2 |
1 |
3 |
||||||
|
Approved |
0 |
0 |
0 |
||||||
|
National Council for Nursing and Midwifery |
Grade IV |
||||||||
|
Applications |
1 |
1 |
|||||||
|
Approved |
1 |
1 |
|
Total |
|||||||||
|
Department of Justice, Equality & Law Reform |
Public Servants |
||||||||
|
Legal Aid Board |
Sol. I |
Sol. III |
|||||||
|
Applications |
1 |
3 |
4 |
||||||
|
Approved |
0 |
1 |
1 |
||||||
|
Department of Social & Family Affairs |
Public Servants |
||||||||
|
Citizens Information Board |
HEO |
Grade IV |
|||||||
|
Applications |
1 |
2 |
3 |
||||||
|
Approved |
0 |
2 |
2 |
||||||
|
Family Support Agency |
EO |
||||||||
|
Applications |
1 |
1 |
|||||||
|
Approved |
1 |
1 |
|||||||
|
Department of the Taoiseach |
Public Servants |
||||||||
|
DPP |
HLE |
PS |
|||||||
|
Applications |
1 |
3 |
4 |
||||||
|
Approved |
0 |
0 |
0 |
||||||
|
Department of Transport |
Public Servants |
||||||||
|
National Roads Authority |
LBF |
||||||||
|
Applications |
1 |
1 |
|||||||
|
Approved |
1 |
1 |
|||||||
|
Commission for Taxi Regulation |
EO |
||||||||
|
Applications |
1 |
1 |
|||||||
|
Approved |
1 |
1 |
|||||||
|
Total |
|||||||||
|
Applications |
425 |
||||||||
|
Approved |
109 |
Question No. 386 answered with Question No. 259.
387 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 298 of 6 October 2009, the amount of tax revenue which would be raised on a 2010 and full year basis by introducing a minimum effective tax rate for persons availing of all tax reliefs at earnings thresholds of €500,000, €250,000, €200,000, €150,000, €125,000, €100,000, €90,000 to €80,000 and €75,000; and his estimate of the amount of tax revenue which would be raised on a 2010 and full year basis at each of these thresholds if the minimum effective tax rate was set at 20%, 21%, 22%, 23%, 24%, 25%, 26%, 27%, 28%, 29%, 30%, 31%, 32%, 33%, 34% and 35%. [38989/09]
It is assumed that the Deputy is referring to the restriction of reliefs measure relating to higher income earners announced in Budget 2006, which took effect on 1 January 2007. It is estimated by the Revenue Commissioners that reducing the existing threshold of €250,000 by the stated amounts, assuming double the stated amounts as the appropriate marginal relief limit and applying the stated tax rates to both the existing and altered thresholds, would result in the following full year yields to the Exchequer.
These estimates are based on personal income tax data for 2007, the latest year for which the relevant information is available.
The calculations requested by the Deputy on the basis of restricting all tax reliefs could only be provided by a significant development of the costing model, which would be prohibitive in terms of the resources required.
|
Existing and new tax rates — % |
Existing and new thresholds & marginal relief limits |
Full year yield |
|
€ |
€m |
|
|
20 |
250,000 – 500,000 |
No change |
|
200,000 – 400,000 |
2.8 |
|
|
150,000 – 300,000 |
6.3 |
|
|
125,000 – 250,000 |
8.7 |
|
|
100,000 – 200,000 |
11.2 |
|
|
90,000 – 180,000 |
12.3 |
|
|
80,000 – 160,000 |
13.3 |
|
|
75,000 – 150,000 |
13.8 |
|
|
21 |
250,000 – 500,000 |
2.7 |
|
200,000 – 400,000 |
5.8 |
|
|
150,000 – 300,000 |
9.7 |
|
|
125,000 – 250,000 |
12.4 |
|
|
100,000 – 200,000 |
15.3 |
|
|
90,000 – 180,000 |
16.7 |
|
|
80,000 – 160,000 |
17.9 |
|
|
75,000 – 150,000 |
18.5 |
|
|
22 |
250,000 – 500,000 |
5.6 |
|
200,000 – 400,000 |
9.0 |
|
|
150,000 – 300,000 |
13.3 |
|
|
125,000 – 250,000 |
16.4 |
|
|
100,000 – 200,000 |
19.8 |
|
|
90,000 – 180,000 |
21.4 |
|
|
80,000 – 160,000 |
22.8 |
|
|
75,000 – 150,000 |
23.6 |
|
|
23 |
250,000 – 500,000 |
8.7 |
|
200,000 – 400,000 |
12.4 |
|
|
150,000 – 300,000 |
17.2 |
|
|
125,000 – 250,000 |
20.7 |
|
|
100,000 – 200,000 |
24.6 |
|
|
90,000 – 180,000 |
26.4 |
|
|
80,000 – 160,000 |
28.1 |
|
|
75,000 – 150,000 |
29.0 |
|
|
24 |
250,000 – 500,000 |
12.0 |
|
200,000 – 400,000 |
16.2 |
|
|
150,000 – 300,000 |
21.5 |
|
|
125,000 – 250,000 |
25.3 |
|
|
100,000 – 200,000 |
29.8 |
|
|
90,000 – 180,000 |
31.9 |
|
|
80,000 – 160,000 |
33.9 |
|
|
75,000 – 150,000 |
34.9 |
|
|
25 |
250,000 – 500,000 |
15.5 |
|
200,000 – 400,000 |
20.0 |
|
|
150,000 – 300,000 |
25.9 |
|
|
125,000 – 250,000 |
30.3 |
|
|
100,000 – 200,000 |
35.3 |
|
|
90,000 – 180,000 |
37.7 |
|
|
80,000 – 160,000 |
39.9 |
|
|
75,000 – 150,000 |
41.1 |
|
|
26 |
250,000 – 500,000 |
19.2 |
|
200,000 – 400,000 |
24.2 |
|
|
150,000 – 300,000 |
30.7 |
|
|
125,000 – 250,000 |
35.5 |
|
|
100,000 – 200,000 |
41.1 |
|
|
90,000 – 180,000 |
43.9 |
|
|
80,000 – 160,000 |
46.5 |
|
|
75,000 – 150,000 |
47.8 |
|
|
27 |
250,000 – 500,000 |
23.1 |
|
200,000 – 400,000 |
28.6 |
|
|
150,000 – 300,000 |
35.8 |
|
|
125,000 – 250,000 |
41.1 |
|
|
100,000 – 200,000 |
47.4 |
|
|
90,000 – 180,000 |
50.4 |
|
|
80,000 – 160,000 |
53.4 |
|
|
75,000 – 150,000 |
54.9 |
|
|
28 |
250,000 – 500,000 |
27.1 |
|
200,000 – 400,000 |
33.2 |
|
|
150,000 – 300,000 |
41.2 |
|
|
125,000 – 250,000 |
47.0 |
|
|
100,000 – 200,000 |
54.2 |
|
|
90,000 – 180,000 |
57.4 |
|
|
80,000 – 160,000 |
60.8 |
|
|
75,000 – 150,000 |
62.5 |
|
|
29 |
250,000 – 500,000 |
31.5 |
|
200,000 – 400,000 |
38.1 |
|
|
150,000 – 300,000 |
46.9 |
|
|
125,000 – 250,000 |
53.4 |
|
|
100,000 – 200,000 |
61.3 |
|
|
90,000 – 180,000 |
64.9 |
|
|
80,000 – 160,000 |
68.7 |
|
|
75,000 – 150,000 |
70.7 |
|
|
30 |
250,000 – 500,000 |
36.1 |
|
200,000 – 400,000 |
43.4 |
|
|
150,000 – 300,000 |
53.1 |
|
|
125,000 – 250,000 |
60.3 |
|
|
100,000 – 200,000 |
69.0 |
|
|
90,000 – 180,000 |
73.0 |
|
|
80,000 – 160,000 |
77.3 |
|
|
75,000 – 150,000 |
79.6 |
|
|
31 |
250,000 – 500,000 |
41.1 |
|
200,000 – 400,000 |
49.1 |
|
|
150,000 – 300,000 |
56.8 |
|
|
125,000 – 250,000 |
64.9 |
|
|
100,000 – 200,000 |
74.9 |
|
|
90,000 – 180,000 |
79.6 |
|
|
80,000 – 160,000 |
84.6 |
|
|
75,000 – 150,000 |
87.5 |
|
|
32 |
250,000 – 500,000 |
46.5 |
|
200,000 – 400,000 |
55.3 |
|
|
150,000 – 300,000 |
64.1 |
|
|
125,000 – 250,000 |
73.0 |
|
|
100,000 – 200,000 |
84.0 |
|
|
90,000 – 180,000 |
89.1 |
|
|
80,000 – 160,000 |
94.7 |
|
|
75,000 – 150,000 |
97.9 |
|
|
33 |
250,000 – 500,000 |
52.4 |
|
200,000 – 400,000 |
62.0 |
|
|
150,000 – 300,000 |
72.0 |
|
|
125,000 – 250,000 |
81.9 |
|
|
100,000 – 200,000 |
93.9 |
|
|
90,000 – 180,000 |
99.6 |
|
|
80,000 – 160,000 |
105.7 |
|
|
75,000 – 150,000 |
109.3 |
|
|
34 |
250,000 – 500,000 |
58.9 |
|
200,000 – 400,000 |
69.5 |
|
|
150,000 – 300,000 |
80.8 |
|
|
125,000 – 250,000 |
92.6 |
|
|
100,000 – 200,000 |
105.0 |
|
|
90,000 – 180,000 |
111.2 |
|
|
80,000 – 160,000 |
118.0 |
|
|
75,000 – 150,000 |
122.0 |
|
|
35 |
250,000 – 500,000 |
66.0 |
|
200,000 – 400,000 |
77.7 |
|
|
150,000 – 300,000 |
90.5 |
|
|
125,000 – 250,000 |
102.4 |
|
|
100,000 – 200,000 |
117.0 |
|
|
90,000 – 180,000 |
123.9 |
|
|
80,000 – 160,000 |
131.5 |
|
|
75,000 – 150,000 |
136.1 |
388 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Finance if he will revise the 21.5% VAT rate on a basket of goods likely to be Christmas gifts (details supplied) in view of the fact that the Northern Ireland VAT rate on these goods is 15%, and that Ireland lost €700 million to Northern Ireland in cross-Border shopping in 2008. [39031/09]
The VAT treatment of goods and services is determined by EU VAT law, with which Irish VAT law must comply. In general, the EU VAT Directive provides that VAT rates are determined by the nature of the particular good or service being supplied. The changes made to the EU VAT Directive in May of this year related to Annex III of the VAT Directive, which lists those goods and services to which Member States may apply a reduced rate of VAT. This list was expanded to include locally supplied labour intensive services, which had already been subject to the reduced rate in Ireland because such services were reduce rated here on 1 January 1991. To this end, the option is not available to apply a reduced rate to goods such as CDs, cosmetics, furnishings, jewellery, toys and furniture.
With regard to the VAT differential between Ireland and the UK, given the current Exchequer deficit position, the policy decision of increasing the standard VAT rate in Budget 2009 continues to be necessary in order to support the public finances. We are borrowing to fund day to day public services which is unsustainable as future generations will be required to pay higher taxes unless we correct our public finances.
Although the UK cut its standard rate of VAT from 17.5% to 15% on a temporary basis from 1 December 2008 to the end of 2009, at the same time they increased excise duty on alcohol, cigarettes, petrol and diesel in order to offset the 2.5% reduction in VAT on these items. Consequently there was no reduction in the price of these products in Northern Ireland as a result of the reduction in the UK VAT.
The VAT rate is not the only factor in the price differential between North and South of the border. The weakening of sterling has had a far more significant impact on relative prices than any VAT changes. Furthermore, as a small open economy, many of our goods and services are imported, especially in the case of those at the standard rate. Cutting the VAT rates could benefit the economies from which we import more than our own. In other words, while, it might help the consumer, it would not be the most effective way of helping our owneconomy.
There are other means of stimulating the economy, outside of the VAT system. The government is funding capital investment of €7.3bn or 5% of GNP in 2009, a significant sum in times of constrained resources. This funding will be targeted at economically valuable infrastructure which will enhance our long term productive capacity and support employment.
With regard to incentivising environmentally friendly goods, there is no provision in European VAT law that would allow the application of a reduced VAT rate, or an exemption from VAT, on supplies of goods or services based on their environmental impact per se.
The supply of certain environmental products, such as insulation materials, wind turbine equipment, wood pellet boilers and solar panels, are chargeable at the standard VAT rate which in Ireland is 21.5%. However, the reduced VAT rate of 13.5% may be applied to such products where they are provided under a single supply and install contract where the VAT exclusive cost of the goods does not exceed two-thirds of the total VAT exclusive charge to the customer.
The Programme for Government contains a commitment to examine the current VAT classifications with a view to reducing the rate of VAT applied to certain environmental goods and services from the standard VAT rate to the reduced VAT rate of 13.5%. While the scope for reduced rates is limited, the Finance Act 2008 provided for the VAT rate applicable on the supply of miscanthus rhizomes, seeds, bulbs, roots and similar goods used for the agricultural production of bio-fuels being reduced from the standard VAT rate to the reduced rate of 13.5%. This and other measures under the Programme for Government clearly demonstrate the Government's commitment to addressing the environmental challenges which we face.
I would draw to your attention that the EU Commission recently undertook a study of the possibility of using reduced VAT rates as a tool to support the climate change agenda. Ireland expressed support for such a study. However, at a Council of Finance Ministers meeting earlier this year the Ministers noted that reduced VAT rates as a tool for achieving environmental policy objectives are relevant only to a certain extent.
389 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Finance the penalties for smuggling cigarettes and tobacco into Ireland; the penalties for trading in cigarettes and tobacco without a trading licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39173/09]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the penalties for smuggling cigarettes and tobacco products into Ireland are as follows.
On summary conviction, the penalty is a fine of €5,000 and/or a term of imprisonment not exceeding 12 months. The trial judge may mitigate the monetary fine by up to 50%.
On conviction on indictment, the penalty is a fine of three (3) times the value of the cigarettes inclusive of all taxes and duties, or €12,695, whichever is the greater, and/or a term of imprisonment not exceeding 5 years. The trial judge may mitigate the monetary fine by up to 50%.
In the case of offering for sale/keeping for sale or delivering packs of cigarettes which do not have the requisite tobacco tax stamp affixed thereto, the penalties are as follows.
On summary conviction, the penalty is a fine of €5,000 and/or a term of imprisonment not exceeding 12 months. The trial judge may mitigate the monetary fine by up to 50%.
On conviction on indictment, the penalty is a fine not exceeding €12,695 and/or a term of imprisonment not exceeding 5 years. The trial judge may mitigate the monetary fine by up to 50%.
In addition to the above, the cigarettes or tobacco products, along with the carrying conveyance concerned, are liable to forfeiture
Trading in tobacco products is not subject to licensing by the Revenue Commissioners but is subject to registration by the Office of Tobacco Control with effect from 1 July 2009.
390 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will establish an advisory group on public procurement; the role and functions of such a group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39177/09]
I intend to establish an advisory group shortly on public procurement. The purpose of this group will be to provide advice and knowledge to the newly established NPPOU.
My Office is currently putting together proposals for the establishment of such a group, together with the role and function of the group.
I will inform the Deputy when this process has been completed.
391 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 234 of 20 October 2009, if he will introduce an exemption in the Finance Bill to exempt airlines using Shannon Airport from the air travel tax until 2011 at the earliest in view of the current difficulties facing airlines operating through this airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39185/09]
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 300kms 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. In the circumstances it is not proposed to exempt airlines using Shannon airport from the air travel tax.
392 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Finance the amount that will be paid per annum in national debt payments in 2009 and every year up to 2013 if the State delivers a goal of debt as a percentage of national income of 3%; the way this splits into actual debt repayments and interest payments on the debt itself; the amount of interest rate payments would increase if the adjustment period was to be lengthened to 2017; and if he will make a statement on the option of increasing the repayment period. [39218/09]
The Supplementary Budget in April set out a multi-annual consolidation plan to restore stability to the public finances. The table below sets out the 2008 outturn for debt servicing costs and the projections for 2009-2013 as contained in the Supplementary Budget. On the basis of the Supplementary Budget estimates, it is forecast that about one-fifth of our tax revenue would be required to service the national debt by 2013. It is important to note that servicing of the debt has a first call on the State's resources and as it rises the amount available for other aspects of public services is reduced.
|
Outturn 2008 |
Forecast 2009 |
Forecast 2010 |
Forecast 2011 |
Forecast 2012 |
Forecast 2013 |
|
|
€bn |
€bn |
€bn |
€bn |
€bn |
€bn |
|
|
Interest |
1.5 |
3.2 |
5.0 |
6.4 |
7.5 |
8.2 |
|
Sinking Fund* and other debt management expenses |
0.6 |
0.7 |
0.8 |
0.8 |
0.9 |
0.9 |
|
Total Debt Service Cost |
2.1 |
3.9 |
5.8 |
7.3 |
8.4 |
9.1 |
Rounding may affect totals.
*The sinking fund provision is a transfer from the current account of the Exchequer to the capital account of the Exchequer — it has no impact on the overall Exchequer balance — and represents an element of paying off the principal.
The National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) have advised that, as is usual, the above estimates for debt servicing costs were prepared on the basis of the prevailing market conditions for Irish Government bonds at the time of the Supplementary Budget. As with other budgetary estimates, these forecasts will be reviewed as part of the preparatory process in respect of Budget 2010, taking account of budgetary decisions.
The overall national debt level will be increasing over the forecast period. At end-2008 the national debt was some €50 billion and, by end-2009 the national debt is projected to rise to approximately €76 billion. If no action was taken to stabilise the public finances it is forecast that this would result in Exchequer deficits of approximately €25 billion a year. On this basis it is forecast that the national debt level would rise to about €175 billion in 2013. Delaying correction beyond 2013 means that the annual deficit would continue to rise, and could result in a national debt level of €275 billion by end-2017.
In considering the implications of rising national debt levels we must also take account of the costs that are associated with servicing this debt. Debt servicing costs have a first call on resources; therefore an increase in these costs would have a significant impact on the level of resources that would be available to meet other needs. Delaying adjustment would also impact on medium and long-term growth and much harder decisions would be required in the future to stabilise the public finances. In this regard, it is estimated that in the absence of corrective adjustments, and based on technical estimates taking into account current debt dynamics it is considered likely that debt servicing costs could be in the region of between a third and two-fifths of tax revenue by 2017.
What is clear is that allowing the deficit to rise and adding further to our growing debt levels is not a sensible option. Therefore we must take action now to stabilise the deficit and Budget 2010 will be framed in this context.
393 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the increase in the number of customers from the Republic of Ireland who are now purchasing in Northern Ireland; the serious implication for traders in the Republic of Ireland and particularly in Border counties such as Donegal; the measures he proposes to implement to save these Border businesses from going into liquidation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39219/09]
With regard to the VAT differential between Ireland and the UK, given the current Exchequer deficit position, the policy decision of increasing the standard VAT rate in Budget 2009 continues to be necessary in order to support the public finances. We are borrowing to fund day to day public services which is unsustainable as future generations will be required to pay higher taxes unless we correct our public finances.
Although the UK cut its standard rate of VAT from 17.5% to 15% on a temporary basis from 1 December 2008 to the end of 2009, at the same time they increased excise duty on alcohol, cigarettes, petrol and diesel in order to offset the 2.5% reduction in VAT on these items. Consequently there was no reduction in the price of these products in Northern Ireland as a result of the reduction in the UK VAT.
The VAT rate is not the only factor in the price differential between North and South of the border. The weakening of sterling has had a far more significant impact on relative prices than any VAT changes. Furthermore, as a small open economy, many of our goods and services are imported, especially in the case of those at the standard rate. Cutting the VAT rates could benefit the economies from which we import more than our own. In other words, while, it might help the consumer, it would not be the most effective way of helping our own economy.
It is argued that reducing VAT rates would create some buoyancy and encourage additional consumer spending. However, it should be noted that with the notable exception of the UK, EU Member States have generally not opted for VAT rate cuts as a way to boost consumer spending. In contrast some Member States have increased VAT rates, curtailed the scope of exemptions and of reduced rates, to help cover the budgetary shortfall generated by the slump. Indeed it is understood that some Member States are now considering increasing their VAT rate as a part of the ongoing response to the general fiscal crisis.
There are other means of stimulating the economy, outside of the VAT system. The government is funding capital investment of €7.3bn or 5% of GNP in 2009, a significant sum in times of constrained resources. This funding will be targeted at economically valuable infrastructure which will enhance our long term productive capacity and support employment.
394 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the delays being encountered by lawyers as a result of the delay with the publication of new legislation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39257/09]
As the Deputy is aware, I have no direct role in the provision of translation services in respect of Acts of the Oireachtas. Section 3(2) of the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission (Amendment) Act 2006 sets out clearly that this is a function of the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission. Notwithstanding this, in order to provide an answer to the Deputy's question, I have obtained the following information from the Office of the Houses of the Oireachtas:
Under Section 7 of the Official Languages Act 2003, all Acts of the Oireachtas must be published simultaneously in both language versions, i.e. the enacted version and the official translation produced by Rannóg an Aistriúcháin. A temporary delay affecting some Acts occurred around the summer recess this year in regard to the publication of some Official Translations as a result of staff vacancies and the considerably high level of legislation passed in the last weeks before the summer recess.
This delay is now rectified, with the exception of the Health Insurance (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009, which is now in the final stages of translation.
395 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Finance the cost of translation of new legislation in 2006, 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39258/09]
As the Deputy is aware, I have no direct role in the provision of translation services in respect of Acts of the Oireachtas. Section 3(2) of the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission (Amendment) Act 2006 sets out clearly that this is a function of the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission.
With regard to the cost of translation of Acts, I understand that Rannóg an Aistriúcháin has other areas of responsibility that take up a significant proportion of staff time. These include the daily Order Papers for both Houses, a simultaneous translation service for both Houses and an Oireachtas Committee, translation of material for Imeachtaí (Proceedings) for both Houses, managing An Caighdeán Oifigiúil (the Official Grammar), oversight of the Irish text of EU Treaties and managing miscellaneous translation requirements of the Office of the Houses of the Oireachtas.
Accordingly, it is not possible in the time available to provide an accurate costing for the translation of new legislation from 2006 to date as requested. I will forward the information to the Deputy shortly.
396 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance his estimate of the savings that would accrue to the Exchequer if a 1% levy was applied to tracker bonds sold by banks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39376/09]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that sufficient basic data are not available on which to base an estimate of the yield to the Exchequer from this proposal.
397 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Finance if he will take steps to have the bridge repaired at or near Ballydorney, Rathowen, County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39408/09]
I am advised by the Commissioners of Public Works that the bridge in question is a public road bridge and, as such, is the responsibility of Westmeath County Council.
398 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Finance if he will take steps in view of the existing public service recruitment embargo or moratorium, that existing panels, which are in place for various positions, and for which applicants have been successful and have been indicated their place on the said panel, will be extended; if, in this context, he will liaise with the Public Appointments Commission to ascertain if same can be achieved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39417/09]
The recruitment and promotion moratorium announced on Friday 27th March 2009 applies to the civil service, local authorities, non-commercial state bodies, the Garda Síochána and the Permanent Defence Forces. It is not an embargo.
An embargo would imply that no filling of vacancies whatsoever could take place. The Minister for Finance has the authority to allow for the filling of some vacancies in very exceptional circumstances. The Government decision also provides that vacancies may be filled by redeployment of staff from other Departments or public bodies with the sanction of the Department of Finance. In addition, arrangements for the health and education sectors have been modulated to ensure that key services are maintained insofar as possible.
The position regarding persons on panels arising from Civil Service competitions is that panels from open competitions generally stay in place until the next competition is held. Interdepartmental promotion panels have a definite life span and this is agreed centrally with the relevant Civil Service union. In the context of the Moratorium, a decision has been taken that interdepartmental promotion panels will be allowed to lapse as the closure dates are reached. Decisions in respect of Departmental promotion panels are taken at Departmental level.
In respect of the wider public service, decisions on the continuation or otherwise of recruitment panels is a matter for the relevant Minister and organisation, in the context of the Moratorium.
Decisions in respect of future recruitment campaigns will be taken in the context of the business needs of the relevant organisation, the Moratorium on recruitment and promotion and any redeployment arrangements agreed for the civil and public service.
399 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Finance if the National Asset Management Agency legislation will contain a provision for an automatic extension of planning permissions to include stages subsequent to those completed, despite the existing planning permission under consideration being due to run out in December 2009 as in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39425/09]
The Deputy will be aware that I cannot comment on individual cases. However, the NAMA Bill as currently drafted contains a provision for amending the Planning and Development Act 2000 to extend the planning permission in certain circumstances.
400 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of the investigation into an allegation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38368/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
401 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Health and Children the sell by date regulations currently in place for agri-food products; the sell by date regulations that are in place in relation to imported agri food products; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38688/09]
At present EU food labelling legislation is harmonised by Council Directive 2000/13/EC, transposed in 2002, with several amendments since. These regulations apply to prepackaged foods whether produced in Ireland or elsewhere. These regulations include a provision which requires that prepackaged foods carry a date of minimum durability on the label. The date of minimum durability is defined as the date until which a foodstuff retains its specific properties when properly stored. The current rules on date of minimum durability, as set out in Article 9 of 2000/13/EC, require one of two options. Foodstuffs, which from a microbiological point of view are highly perishable and are, therefore, likely after a short period to constitute an immediate danger to human health, must indicate a "use by date". However, other foodstuffs which can reasonably be expected to retain the specific properties that are normally associated with that foodstuff carry a "best before date".
EU food labelling requirements look to provide consumers with the information needed to make informed choices and to make safe use of food. A key principle underlying the labelling of food is that the purchaser must not be misled. The information on the label must be clear and unambiguous and must not be such as could mislead the consumer to a material degree.
402 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that, under the new proposals to introduce free preschool education, the new proposed payments to preschool or Montessori teachers per child per month are significantly less than the service providers are currently charging; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38837/09]
403 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Health and Children if, under the new proposals for the introduction of free preschool education, she will allow service providers in the preschool or Montessori sector to supplement the payment received per child per month with a top up payment from parents; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38838/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 402 and 403 together.
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.
Under the ECCE scheme, participating services will be paid a standard annual capitation fee of €2,450 in return for the provision of the free preschool year. The payment will be made, in advance, at the beginning of each term. I am satisfied that the capitation fee as provided for is sufficient to accommodate the majority of services as borne out by the fact that 90% of preschool services operating in the State have applied for entry to the scheme.
Participating services may charge parents for additional services, provided these are clearly optional and children not availing of such services continue to receive appropriate programme based provision. Mandatory charges are not permitted under the scheme.
Sanction was given recently by the Government for the introduction of a higher rate of capitation of €75 a week (€2,850 per annum), for sessional services with highly qualified staff. To qualify for the higher capitation fee all preschool leaders must hold a Level 7 or 8 qualification relating to childcare and have 3 years experience working in the sector, and all assistants must hold a relevant level 5 qualification.
404 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position with regard to capital grant funding for a project (details supplied) in County Leitrim. [39508/09]
442 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a company (details supplied) was refused capital funding to provide a new childcare building at the Health Service Executive site in Ballinmore, County Leitrim; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that this is the third successive rejection for the company and the children are catered for in a building that was condemned as a school 40 years ago; and the reason they are being ignored for funding. [38083/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 404 and 442 together.
As the Deputies will be aware, I have responsibility for the National Childcare Investment Programme (NCIP) 2006 — 2010 under which capital grant funding was made available to community and commercial childcare providers for the development of childcare facilities.
Prior to the NCIP, capital grant funding was also available under the EU co-funded Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000 — 2006 (EOCP). I understand from Pobal, who manage the day to day operation of the programmes on behalf of my Office, that the company in question applied for capital grant funding under the EOCP in April 2004 but its application did not proceed as it was unsuccessful in securing a site for the project.
With the introduction of the NCIP in 2006, I understand that the company made a further application for capital grant in June 2008. However, with the economic downturn in September 2008 it was necessary to review public expenditure, particularly in the area of new capital commitments. As a result, with the exception of a limited number of projects, all NCIP capital grant applicants including the company in question were advised in April of this year that the capital grant programme was closed to new applications.
405 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children the waiting time periods and number of children seeking speech therapy in each Health Service Executive region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37906/09]
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
406 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if a value for money audit has been carried out on the work undertaken for her Department by private companies (details supplied). [37900/09]
468 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the length of time private companies (details supplied) have been working for her Department pursuant to an act; and the estimated time frame of the completion of their work. [38321/09]
469 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of claims, fully processed but not awarded under a scheme pursuant to an act (details supplied) on a county basis in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38322/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 406, 468 and 469 together.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has responsibility for administering the health repayment scheme in conjunction with the appointed scheme administrator K.P.M.G. and McCann Fitzgerald.
A Value for Money audit would normally be carried out on completion of a particular project or assignment of work. The work in relation to the health repayments scheme is ongoing at present.
The HSE has advised my Department that an initial Tender and Procurement Process had been completed and a second Tender and Procurement Process was entered into to create a more competitive market environment, guided by the principle of obtaining value for money for the taxpayer. The result of this second Tender and Procurement Process achieved this objective. The scheme has been audited by the HSE internal audit team, the Comptroller and Auditor General and by an external auditing firm. It is at the discretion of the Comptroller and Auditor General to conduct specific Value For Money audits and this applies to the Repayments Scheme also.
KPMG and McCann FitzGerald have been employed by the HSE since August 2006. Their work is almost complete with less than 1% of claims outstanding and these will be concluded over the next number of weeks. However it is expected that there will be ongoing involvement of the Scheme Administrator until all of the Appeals have been determined.
The number of claims offered but not accepted (237) by county are as follows:
|
County |
No. of Claims Offered but not Accepted |
|
ANTRIM |
|
|
ARMAGH |
|
|
CARLOW |
4 |
|
CAVAN |
2 |
|
CLARE |
6 |
|
CORK |
90 |
|
DERRY |
|
|
DONEGAL |
7 |
|
DOWN |
|
|
DUBLIN |
54 |
|
FERMANAGH |
|
|
GALWAY |
9 |
|
KERRY |
4 |
|
KILDARE |
4 |
|
KILKENNY |
8 |
|
LAOIS |
2 |
|
LEITRIM |
2 |
|
LIMERICK |
2 |
|
LONGFORD |
5 |
|
LOUTH |
5 |
|
MAYO |
5 |
|
MEATH |
1 |
|
MONAGHAN |
7 |
|
OFFALY |
3 |
|
ROSCOMMON |
3 |
|
SLIGO |
4 |
|
TIPPERARY |
2 |
|
TYRONE |
|
|
WATERFORD |
2 |
|
WESTMEATH |
3 |
|
WEXFORD |
1 |
|
WICKLOW |
2 |
|
TOTAL |
237 |
407 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health and Children the hospitals here that have temporarily closed patient wards and temporarily withdrawn surgical services and medical services to date in 2009; the financial savings made by the Exchequer as a result; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37914/09]
408 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health and Children the hospitals here that will temporarily close patient wards and temporarily withdraw surgical services and medical services until the end of 2009; the financial savings that will be made by the Exchequer as a result; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37915/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 407 and 408 together.
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
409 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will take steps to ensure the National Cancer Screening Service protects women’s right to self-refer to their general practitioner for their free cervical smear test under the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37922/09]
CervicalCheck commenced on 1 September 2008. Under the Programme women aged 25-44 will be screened every 3 years and women aged 45-60 will be screened every 5 years. For the first year CervicalCheck operated on an open access system of screening. However, from September 2009, in line with best international practice, CervicalCheck changed from that open access entry system to an organised call, re-call system of invitation. This change will ensure that an effective and efficient population approach to screening that maximises target population coverage is maintained.
CervicalCheck has a national register of women aged 25 to 60. Over each screening round, all eligible women aged 25 to 60 will be invited for screening and invitation letters will be issued to women evenly across all age ranges.
The criteria for eligibility under the Programme are clearly set out on the CervicalCheck website. Any woman who has not had a smear test in the last three years can opt into the Programme simply by registering online, by completing and returning a form by Freepost, or by calling CervicalCheck on Freephone1800 45 45 55 to request an invitation. Certain women are eligible for a free smear test without a CervicalCheck invitation letter. These include women aged over 60 who have never had a smear test and women of any age post colposcopy.
410 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the CervicalCheck changed their procedure from 1 September 2009 requiring women who have never had a cervical check smear test to require a letter of invitation from CervicalCheck to have a free smear test; if international best practice was considered before this decision was made; if this decision will result in budget savings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37923/09]
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.
411 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount spent by her Department and CervicalCheck, the National Cancer Screening Programme, on their advertising and publicity campaigns for CervicalCheck in 2008 and to date in 2009; the main aims of the publicity campaign; if the main aim of the campaign was to encourage women in the target age group to make appointments themselves; the way the recent changes, that will require a letter of invitation, will impact on this publicity campaign; the projected budget for a publicity campaign for 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37924/09]
My Department has not spent any money on advertising for CervicalCheck. As uptake levels have remained high under the Programme, my Department advised the National Cancer Screening Service (NCSS) in May this year that advertising should cease in order to focus scarce resources on service delivery. The NCSS is confident that it will reach its annual target of screening 240,000 women per year under CervicalCheck through the operation of a call-recall system which was put in place with effect from 1 September 2009.
Neither the NCSS Budget, nor its Service Plan for 2010 have been agreed.
The other issues raised by the Deputy are the responsibility of the NCSS. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Chief Executive Officer of the Service to respond directly to the Deputy in relation to these matters.
412 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children if the maximum a patient will pay under the high tech scheme is €100 per month as in the drugs payment scheme if given permission by the Health Service Executive; the treatments and conditions that are covered in the high tech scheme, rather than DPS; the reason three cycles are considered an appropriate benchmark for funding; and the basis for the claim that overstimulation increases after three cycles. [37903/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
413 Deputy Brendan Kenneally asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the lack of dermatology services in the south east; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that there is one dermatologist to cover the population of 460,000 people and the recommendations by Comhairle na nOspidéal in 2003 that there should be four dermatologists based in the south east; the steps she is taking to ensure the situation is improved in the short term particularly in view of the increasing incidence of skin cancer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37909/09]
One of the guiding principles of the report by the former Comhairle na nOspidéal's Committee on Dermatology Services is that services should be equitable and patient-centred, with a strong emphasis on regional self-sufficiency and collaboration between primary and secondary care.
This is in line with the Government commitment to ensuring quality health services, delivered efficiently and effectively. Patient safety is paramount, so that people can have confidence in the services and that the best possible patient outcomes are achieved.
The HSE recognises that dermatology services in the HSE South East require further development. At present there is one consultant dermatologist working in the South East region. The dermatology service includes in-patient care where required; day cases and out-patient consultations. Outreach clinics are provided in Wexford, Kilkenny and Clonmel. In Waterford Regional Hospital, the dermatology services include a range of facilities including out-patient clinics, cryotherapy, minor surgery and nurse-led phototherapy services.
The HSE has identified the provision of a second consultant dermatology post among its priorities for development. This year I allocated funding to the HSE for demographic service pressures, and the HSE decided to prioritise posts in vascular surgery and orthopaedics in the South East. I am pleased to say that these posts were approved and are now being progressed.
The HSE is faced with difficult choices in delivering its services within the resources available. It will continue to keep the scope for further developments in dermatology services under consideration bearing in mind the funds it has available.
In line with the National Service Plan 2009 and its Transformation Programme, the HSE is at present undertaking a review which will inform the development of proposals for the future configuration of acute hospital services in the South. The arrangements for the delivery of dermatology services in the region must also be viewed in this context.
414 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will reply to correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37911/09]
I understand the Deputy has raised a number of issues with the Health Service Executive (HSE) regarding the medical card application and review process in respect of persons aged 70 or over. As these are service matters, they have been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
415 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the renewal of a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11; and if, in view of the fact that this application was lost, she will expedite a decision. [37952/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
416 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children when funding for day care services in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly will be approved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37942/09]
As the Deputy's question related to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
417 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the renewal of a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11; if, in view of the fact that this application was lost and that this person is expected to undergo surgery in a matter of weeks, she will expedite a decision. [37953/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
418 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the agencies that have been notified that they will receive funding for day service places in counties Laois and Offaly; the amount that each respective agency has been given in the same area; when this funding will be made available to these agencies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37944/09]
As the Deputy's question related to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply
419 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [37956/09]
As this is a service matter the question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
420 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when a CAT scanner will be back in service at Ennis General Hospital, County Clare, following the suspension of this service; the position regarding the recruitment of a consultant radiologist at the hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37947/09]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
421 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if work has begun on a bilateral agreement to allow adoption from Ethiopia; when she anticipates this agreement will be concluded; if the agreement will be in place before the Adoption Bill 2009 becomes law; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37961/09]
509 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Health and Children the outcome of adoptions between Ireland and Ethiopia once the Hague Agreement is ratified here; if a similar position to the one which has arisen with Vietnam will be repeated if parents who are in the process of adopting have not completed this process; if she will agree a bilateral treaty with Ethiopia on adoptions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38562/09]
537 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of negotiations on a bilateral adoption agreement with Ethiopia; the consultation to date in 2009 with the Australian authorities on the issue;; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38716/09]
593 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Health and Children if, in view of comments made (details supplied) at the annual general meeting of an association, she will confirm that adoptions from Ethiopia will continue for the foreseeable future, irrespective of Ireland’s forthcoming ratification of the Hague Convention; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39073/09]
594 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm, irrespective of a final decision on whether to postpone adoptions from Ethiopia once Ireland ratifies the Hague Convention, and pending bilateral agreement between the two countries, that parents who are nearing the declaration stage with the Health Service Executive and who have chosen this country as a place from which to adopt children and have invested time and effort into researching the culture and history of the country should be allowed to continue with the process until its completion, whilst not permitting further selection of Ethiopia by other parents who have not declared a choice, should this decision be made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39074/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 421, 509, 537, 593 and 594 together.
The Adoption Bill, 2009, which is designed to give force of law to the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Inter-country Adoption, has passed through the Seanad and is scheduled to be debated in Dail Eireann in the current Dáil session. The new legislation, which incorporates the provisions of the Hague Convention, is designed to provide a framework to ensure that appropriate procedures have been followed and that all adoptions are effected in the best interests of the child. Future intercountry adoption arrangements will be governed by the terms of the Adoption Bill 2009 when enacted.
The current policy position, as set out in the Adoption Bill 2009, is that for an adoption to be registered under the Bill it must be effected in a country with which Ireland has a bilateral agreement or have been effected prior to the commencement of the new law.
There are transitional provisions contained in the Bill. However, the issue of further transitional measures for prospective parents who are at an advanced stage when the Bill is enacted, and who wish to continue with an adoption from a non-Hague, non-bilateral country, have been raised with me by representative groups. I am currently examining this and other related matters.
My officials, in consultation with officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs, have been doing preparatory work on a possible bilateral agreement with Ethiopia. Consideration of this is at an early stage.
422 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of contracts or leases that have been signed by the Health Service Executive with general practitioners regarding primary care centres; the list of these centres; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37978/09]
As the Deputy's question relates to a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
423 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the cost to the Exchequer of external public relations consultants hired by her Department in 2009; the number that were hired; the contract terms; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38004/09]
No external public relations consultants have been hired by the Department of Health and Children in 2009.
424 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the provision of funding for an organisation (details supplied). [38019/09]
Funding for the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind's Assistance Dog Programme for Children with Autism has been provided through the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform's Enhancing Disabilities Programme and a grant from the Department of Education and Science.
The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform has informed my Department that there will be some residual funding under the Enhancing Disabilities Programme in 2010 for some projects, including the Assistance Dog Programme for Children with Autism.
I have advised the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind that in light of the unprecedented fiscal and expenditure challenges facing the country, I am not in a position to provide a commitment for funding from the health sector for the Assistance Dog Programme.
425 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Health and Children the supports she has given to general practitioners and dentists here; the reason dentists received no supports towards equipment, accommodation and so on whereas general practitioners do, and as a result dentistry here is more expensive and unable to cope with subsidised services in Northern Ireland; if the matter will be explained; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37995/09]
There are significant differences in the contractual arrangements under which general practitioners, on the one hand, and dentists in private practice, on the other hand, provide services to eligible patients on behalf of the Health Service Executive (HSE). These differences stem from agreements reached with the respective representative organisations over many years.
Dentists in private practice participate in two State-funded dental schemes — the Dental Treatment Services Scheme for medical card holders, operated by the HSE, and the Dental Treatment Benefit Scheme, operated by the Department of Social and Family Affairs.
Approximately 1400 dentists participate in the two schemes. They are reimbursed on a fee per item of service basis and will receive approximately €150 million this year for services provided. The Competition Authority's report on dental services in 2007 identified a number of factors which contribute to the high cost of dental services in the State. The report, did not, however, cite the lack of State supports as a contributory factor.
426 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of staff employed within her Department working in the area of public relations; the cost to the Exchequer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38036/09]
There are no civil servants employed in my Department to work solely in the area of Public Relations. However, I do have a Special Advisor in my Department who acts as a media advisor.
There are six Civil Servants (5.6 WTE) assigned to my Department's Communications Unit, which incorporates a Press Office, as well as an internal communications function. The Unit is headed by an Assistant Principal Officer and also includes two Higher Executive Officers and three Executive Officers (2.6 WTE). One Higher Executive Officer and two Executive Officers work in the Press Office.
The Press Office is responsible for liaising with the media on my behalf, as well as on behalf of the Ministers of State and my Department. Among its functions are the timely processing of, and responding to, a large volume of media queries and requests for information on health issues from a wide range of media outlets. These include broadcast and print media at both local and national level and specialist medical publications.
The Press Office also makes the necessary media and communications arrangements for health announcements and works with sections in my Department to plan for upcoming launches, events and emerging issues. Liaison also occurs with Departmental sections to issue press releases and to provide timely responses to queries. An information sharing service is also provided whereby media alerts, transcripts, and notification of press announcements are provided to my Office, Ministers of State, Ministerial Advisors, senior managers and sections, as appropriate.
The Press Office also liaises with international organisations including the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) as well as providing representation on the National Public Health Emergency Team. In addition, liasion also occurs with the Government Information Services, other Departments and the HSE Press Office on issues regarding a coordinated response and more generally in relation to emerging issues. The Office also shares information with other stakeholders, such as the Health Protection Surveillance Centre.
In addition there are four staff (3.6 WTE) working in the Communications and Participation Team of the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs. However, these staff have other functions in addition to communications work. There is one person on contract working in the Ombudsman for Children's Office who is involved in public relations work.While the Ombudsman for Children's Office is an independent body, it is part of the Department of Health and Children with regard to overall numbers reporting etc.
427 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of permanent teeth that were extracted from children under the age of 16 years in each of the past four years in County Meath; the number of children who have been seen under the school dental service in each of the past four years in County Meath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38042/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
428 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children when the Prospectus Review of Critical Care Services will be published; the reason it has not been published to date; if it will form part of the forthcoming round of cuts to acute services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38044/09]
The Review in question was commissioned by the Health Service Executive in order to inform plans for the organisation and delivery of adult critical care services within the acute hospital system. I understand that the report is being finalised at present. A decision on publication will be made when the report is completed.
429 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will make a statement on the case of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if the Health Service Executive will release section 20 which has been completed and submitted to the court to the person. [38045/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
430 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an application for national lottery funding by a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [38049/09]
My Department has received an application for funding from the 2009 National Lottery allocation from the person in question. This is one of a large number currently being assessed by my Department. The Deputy will be informed of the outcome of the application as soon as a decision has been made.
431 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will review a claim made under the health repayment scheme in respect of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38050/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
432 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will further strengthen legislation on the sale of products in head shops particularly with regard to controlling sale of products to persons under 18 years of age; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38051/09]
The Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 and regulations made thereunder regulate and control the import, export, production, supply and possession of a range of named narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances listed in the Schedules to the Act. Substances are scheduled under the Act in accordance with Ireland's obligations under international conventions and/or where there is evidence that the substances are causing significant harm to public health in Ireland.
Items available for sale in so-called ‘head shops' such as "Snow" and "Spice" are currently not scheduled under Misuse of Drugs legislation. The list of scheduled substances is kept under ongoing review. For example, in 2006 psychotropic (‘magic') mushrooms, which were on sale in such outlets, were banned and their possession and sale is now illegal. On 31 March 2009, BZP was similarly subjected to legislative control measures and criminal sanctions.
My colleague Minister John Curran, Minister of State at the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, who has responsibility for co-ordinating the National Drugs Strategy, has identified head shops as an area of concern, and is currently considering the options available to more effectively control the activities of head shops. Officials of my Department are in contact with their counterparts in the Office of the Minister for Drugs in this matter.
433 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children if medical cards are printed outside of Ireland; if so, if she will ensure that this is reviewed in view of the rate of unemployment here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38052/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
434 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made at the adolescent unit at Bessborough care centre, County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38079/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
435 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons awaiting speech therapy and occupational therapy services in County Clare; the time they are on the waiting list; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38081/09]
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
436 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children if there is a facility for Houses of the Oireachtas Members to access information through a direct line to obtain information on medical card entitlements for persons over 70 years of age; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38087/09]
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has the operational responsibility for the General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme. Up to the start of this year, medical card and GP visit card applications were processed in the 32 local health areas. However, under the HSE's 2009 Service Plan, the processing of all medical card and GP visit card applications will transfer to the Executive's Primary Care Reimbursement Service (PCRS) in Dublin. The change is being implemented on a phased basis and has commenced with the PCRS processing all medical card applications for persons aged 70 or over. The PCRS is committed to responding to all queries from Oireachtas members and the wider public. Its phone number is 01-8647100. I have conveyed the Deputy's suggestion regarding a dedicated line for Oireachtas Members' queries relating to medical card entitlements for persons aged 70 and over to the HSE for consideration.
437 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare is entitled to treatment under the National Treatment Purchase Fund; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38090/09]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
438 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the full extent of funds from the proceeds of the national lottery allocated to or through her Department in each of the past five years to date in 2009 and future years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38110/09]
Grants to health agencies and similar organisations are provided annually by my Department through voted expenditure as set out in the table below.
|
Subhead |
€ |
|
|
2005 |
B2 |
3,722,000 |
|
2006 |
B2 |
3,815,000 |
|
2007 |
B2 |
3,903,000 |
|
2008 |
B2 |
3,985,000 |
|
2009 |
B2 |
2,795,561 (to date) |
This funding is financed in part by the National Lottery with the remainder being made up by the exchequer since 2006.
In relation to future lottery funding, deliberations by Government on the expenditure allocations for next year are likely to continue up until Budget time.
439 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a medical card will be awarded in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38115/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
440 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the information outstanding to facilitate the process an application for a medical card in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38116/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
441 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38104/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
443 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will respond to correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38181/09]
466 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will clarify Ireland’s adoption procedures with non-Hague Convention countries; her plans to speed up the bilateral adoption process; the reason the Adoption Bill includes a condition that is not required by the Hague agreement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38313/09]
536 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 183 of 8 October 2009 if she will provide transitional arrangements for persons with a declaration prior to the commencement to the Adoption Bill; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38715/09]
554 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has clarified the processes regarding transitional arrangements with the Adoption Board upon ratification of the Hague Convention specifically where applicants have received a declaration or referral. [38804/09]
561 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will establish a transitional measure with a defined methodology for families who are currently in the process of adopting children from non-Hague Convention countries; if she will incorporate this transitional measure into the Adoption Bill, which is on the Dáil Order Paper; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38844/09]
596 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm that the Government is planning to implement the Hague Convention with no transitional arrangements; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that this contradicts the convention’s guide to good practice and would therefore not be in the interests of the children concerned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39077/09]
628 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will outline the transition measures that will be introduced for adoptions which have progressed under the old system and are close to completion in relation to the Adoption Bill and the ratification of the Hague Convention; if these adoptions will be allowed to continue or if they have to be restarted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39184/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 443, 466, 536, 554, 561, 596 and 628 together.
The Adoption Bill, 2009, which is designed to give force of law to the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Inter-country Adoption, has passed through the Seanad and I am actively seeking time for its progression in the current Dáil session. As I have stated on many previous occasions, under the new legislation, prospective adoptive parents will be able to adopt from countries that have also ratified the Hague Convention and from countries with which Ireland has a bilateral agreement that meets Hague standards.
I firmly believe that legislation and, specifically, the regime of the Hague Convention, provides an assurance for individual children, their families, and the State, that appropriate procedures have been followed and that the adoption was effected in the best interests of the child. This applies in the case of countries who have not, as yet, ratified the Hague Convention, and would seem unlikely to do so in the immediate future. Only adoptions effected before the commencement of the Act can be registered on the Register of Inter-Country Adoptions to be established under the Bill.
There are transitional provisions contained in the Bill. However, the issue of further transitional measures for prospective parents who are at an advanced stage when the Bill is enacted, and who wish to continue with an adoption from a non-Hague, non-bilateral country, have been raised with me by representative groups. I am currently examining this and other related matters.
I am familiar with the provisions of the Guide to Good Practice. It should be noted that these provisions refer to situations where countries are moving from bilateral arrangements to Hague Convention arrangements. Bilateral agreement adoptions are provided for in the Bill. Difficulties now being raised relate to countries with which Ireland has no bilateral agreement. While that matter is under consideration, I must emphasise that I must be guided at all times by the best interests of the individual child as well as the need to uphold standards which are for the protection of all children being considered for inter country adoption in specific sending countries.
444 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the statue of the renewal of a medical card by a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38185/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
445 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children if Ocuvite will be provided to patients with a medical card when they have been diagnosed with macular degeneration and have been advised to take it by a specialist ophthalmologist; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38190/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
446 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason there is little progress made on implementing the 33 recommendations on suicide prevention made by the Joint Committee on Health and Children in 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38196/09]
447 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the tangible deadlines set for the implementation of the 33 recommendations on suicide prevention made by the Joint Committee on Health and Children in 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38197/09]
448 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on a special supplement on suicide in a newspaper (details supplied) which described the Government’s record on implementing suicide prevention recommendations as a litany of failure; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38198/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 446 to 448, inclusive, together.
The recommendations of the Joint Committee on Health and Children regarding the ’High Level of Suicide in Irish Society’ published in 2006 and the Committee’s recent updated Report are consistent with the actions identified in ’Reach Out’ the National Strategy for Action on Suicide Prevention 2005 -2014. The strategy provides a policy framework for suicide prevention activities in Ireland and calls for a multi-sectoral approach to the prevention of suicidal behaviour in order to foster cooperation between health, education, community, voluntary and private sector agencies. The HSE, through the National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP), oversees the implementation of the strategy and publishes an annual report which is laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas.
Reach Out identifies four levels of action aimed at the general population, target groups who may be particularly vulnerable, responding to those affected by suicide and information and research requirements. Twenty-six action areas were identified with specific points of action to be implemented in three phases over the period 2005-2014. All actions in phase 1 have been progressed or completed including developing and implementing national training programmes; developing a media monitoring mechanism, progressing the availability of self-harm services through Hospital Emergency departments; developing a standardised approach to deliberate self harm presentations at Hospital Emergency departments; implementing recommendations arising from a review of bereavement services; supporting voluntary organisations working in the field of suicide prevention and developing mental health awareness campaigns. Implementation of Phase 2 actions is ongoing. In addition to the €8m available for suicide prevention initiatives, once-off funding of €1 million was provided in 2009 to further develop services for those bereaved by suicide and to develop an information and awareness campaign aimed at young people, which was launched recently.
A target to achieve a 10% reduction in suicide by 2010 has been agreed with the National Office for Suicide Prevention. Targets to reduce deliberate self-harm (DSH) have also been agreed. The aim is to reduce the incidence of repeated deliberate self-harm by 5% by 2010 and a further 5% by 2016.
449 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure the protection of funding for youth services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38210/09]
As the Deputy is aware the youth work sector has received considerable financial support over the past number of years. Funding for youth services by the Youth Affairs Unit of my Department has expanded from €35.5 million in 2004 to €52.6 million in 2008. While this funding has allowed for some expansion in the sector, there has been a growing emphasis on consolidation of existing services. It is my intention that the 2009 Youth Affairs budget of over €48m will continue to focus on supporting existing youth programmes and services for young people including those with fewer opportunities. I wish to assure the Deputy that every effort will continue to be made to minimise the impact of any reduction in funding available to the youth sector and to preserve and maintain existing provision in so far as is possible.
450 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on whether adoptions from Vietnam are secure; the grounds on which she allowed the bilateral agreement to lapse; the reason for her lack of communication with the relevant organisations and prospective adoptive parents; the action being taken to investigate previous adoptions if she does not consider adoptions from Vietnam to be secure; the further reason she is trying to secure 20 of the hundreds of applicants who are left in limbo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38220/09]
455 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Health and Children the state of negotiations to finalise a new draft bilateral inter-country adoption agreement between Ireland and the socialist Republic of Vietnam; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38238/09]
474 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will confirm the position regarding the signing of a new bilateral agreement with Vietnam; his views on the contents of the two reports as per her last reply to this Deputy on the matter; when this matter will be resolved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38352/09]
540 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health and Children if she raised the matter of the 228 outstanding applicants who applied before the 1 May 2009 deadline for Vietnamese adoptions, including the case of persons (details supplied) in County Westmeath, in her talks with the Deputy Prime Minister of Vietnam, who was here between 21 and 24 October 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38744/09]
548 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason she has postponed efforts to seek a new bilateral agreement with Vietnam until after receipt of the International Social Services report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38798/09]
549 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Health and Children the date for intended receipt of the International Social Services report and the intended rationale in the pursuant decision whether to seek a new bilateral agreement with Vietnam for inter-country adoptions. [38799/09]
550 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Health and Children the most recent communication with the Vietnamese authorities in terms of the next steps in progressing a new bilateral agreement; and if the Vietnamese authorities are waiting for further communication from the Government in terms of attaining this agreement. [38800/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 450, 455, 474, 540 and 548 to 550, inclusive, together.
Adoptions entered in the Register of Foreign Adoptions by the Adoption Board are considered to be safe and secure. In August, I was made aware of two significant reports regarding child welfare, protection and adoption in Vietnam, namely the Vietnamese Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MoLISA) Report and the International Social Services (ISS) Report. My Office has received the MoLISA Report and the finalised version of the ISS Report is expected to be received in November. I will be considering these two reports jointly and will not be taking further decisions until I have done so.
It was a matter of particular concern that 20 cases had applications completed and lodged with the Vietnamese side but had not received referrals by the 1 May deadline and could not therefore proceed. During my subsequent private visit to Vietnam, I requested the Vietnamese Government to give consideration to processing these 20 applications which were on hand in the Department of International Adoptions in Hanoi. In light of our continuing positive dialogue regarding a future adoption agreement between the two countries, the Vietnamese side acceded to this request.
I met the Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister, Hoang Trung Hai, on 23 October to discuss adoption matters in general. The Deputy Prime Minister was leading a trade mission to Europe. The meeting was most amicable and allowed both Governments to outline their current positions in relation to the bilateral agreement and legislative developments in each jurisdiction, including Hague Convention ratification. Both Governments restated their desire to achieve the highest standards in inter-country adoption and they committed to ongoing dialogue to advance these goals.
I have sought at all times to ensure that prospective adoptive parents are kept fully informed of the position with regard to adoptions from Vietnam. This has been done through meetings with relevant support groups, updates on the website of the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs and through the issuing of statements as and when developments have arisen. I will continue to ensure that this level of communication is maintained.
451 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will respond to criticism by Amnesty International of the Health Service Executive’s accounting system for the national mental health budget; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38230/09]
467 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will consider implementing two urgent recommendations of a recent report’s new performance indicators along with up to date data should be developed and published by Health Service Executive to enable accurate monitoring of mental health budget and to ensure the most effective use of scarce resources to improve value for money; and if she will consider a greater move to community based care away from long stay institutional beds. [38316/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 451 and 467 together.
Under the Health Act 2004 the Health Service Executive is required to prepare and submit an annual Service Plan to the Minister for approval. The Service Plan must, inter alia, reflect the policies and objectives of the Minister and the Government.
Significant progress was made in the HSE Service Plan 2009 in terms of incorporating more explicit links between funding, staffing and services and the development of an improved set of activity measures, performance indicators and deliverables in key service areas, including in the mental health area, which are matched with timescales. These improvements form a framework for achieving greater clarity at an individual service unit level within the HSE on performance expectations regarding service delivery, staffing levels and funding. My Department has an agreed monitoring framework with the HSE and receives detailed comprehensive monthly reports on all aspects of progression of the National Service Plan, including information on activity measures and performance indicators. These Performance Reports are published on the HSE’s website each month following approval by the HSE Board.
My Department is working on an ongoing collaborative basis with the HSE to further develop and refine performance measures across all service areas, including mental health, to ensure that they are as robust and meaningful as possible and reflect key priorities and international best practice as well as being comparable both within the EU and further afield.
The modernisation of mental health services in line with ‘A Vision for Change’is the responsibility of the HSE. It can be achieved to a significant extent through the remodelling of existing resources which will result in the creation of a patient-centred, flexible and community based mental health service, where need for hospital admission is greatly reduced, whilst still providing in-patient care when appropriate. In January 2008, the Office for Disability and Mental Health was established and one of its priorities is to drive implementation of ‘A Vision for Change’. In April 2009, the HSE adopted an implementation plan for the five year period 2009-2013 and it has also recently appointed a national lead for mental health who will bring a new impetus to the implementation of ‘A Vision for Change’.
452 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when orthodontic treatment will be provided for a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38234/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
453 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health and Children if funeral directors have access to the facilities at the morgue at Our Lady’s Hospital in Navan, County Meath; if there is a limit in using this facility; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38235/09]
454 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health and Children if family members of the deceased have access to the facilities at the morgue at Our Lady’s Hospital, Navan, County Meath; if there is a limitation in using this facility; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38236/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 453 and 454 together.
As these are service matters, they have been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
456 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the future of rheumatology services at Our Lady’s Hospital, Manorhamilton, County Leitrim; if there are plans to change the location of this service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38240/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
457 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will change the early child care education regulations to allow community playschools to take on children on a reduced number of days in the week. [38249/09]
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 will be introduced in January 2010. The objective of the ECCE scheme, is to provide all qualifying children with a full year of preschool early education in the year before they commence primary school. A regular pattern of preschool attendance, for periods up to 15 hours each week, is in line with international practice in this area, and is currently the norm for the majority of sessional playschool services operating in the State and availed of by parents who can afford to pay.
The scheme recognises that some sessional playschool services accommodate a greater number of children than they have daily places for. To accommodate these services and the children attending them during the introductory period in January to August 2010, transitional arrangements will be allowed. Services in this category will receive a capitation grant set by reference to the number of children attending each day rather than the total number of children in a week. However, as I have stated, the objective of the scheme is to provide all qualifying children with a full year of preschool early education and the transitional arrangements will not extend beyond September 2010 when the first full year of the scheme comes into effect.
458 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 192 of 7 July 2009, the position regarding same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38253/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
459 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children the effect the current embargo on the recruitment in the Health Service Executive is having on the hospital services in County Clare, particularly in frontline services; if there is increased pressure on staff; if there is are health and safety concerns; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38264/09]
In order to implement savings measures on public service numbers, the Government introduced a moratorium on recruitment, promotion, or payment of an allowance for the performance of duties at a higher grade with effect from 27 March 2009 to end 2010. A HSE circular has issued which gives effect to the Government decision in the public health services and other specific aspects of the employment control framework for the health services.
The HSE will be focussing on the scope that exists within the health services for reorganising and restructuring of work in order to minimise the impact on essential service delivery. The redeployment and reassignment of existing staff will also support the reorientation of care from hospitals to the community and to facilitate the development of integrated care. It is seeking a high level of flexibility from staff and unions to achieve this. The Government decision has been modulated to ensure that key services are maintained in so far as possible in the health services, particularly in respect of children at risk, older people and persons with a disability.
In addition, the employment control framework specifically exempts certain front line grades in the health sector from the moratorium and it allows for a growth in the number of those posts within the overall approved employment ceiling (111,800 wtes) for the health sector. The framework also includes provision for the creation of 225 new development posts this year for cancer, mental health and disability services. In addition, special provisions apply in relation to certain specialist grades under the National Cancer Control Programme. The focus on these key grades is in line with existing Government policy on the prioritisation of certain development areas, for which significant funding has already been provided. The overall result will be to assist in the reorientation of health employment to services delivered in primary and community care.
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
460 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of frontline staff employed in our public hospitals in County Clare for the years 2006, 2007, 2008 and up to 30 September 2009; the level of funding provided each year per hospital in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38265/09]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
461 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on setting up the primary care teams in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38266/09]
As the Deputy's question relates to a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
462 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children if a decision has been made on the reopening of a unit with additional beds at a hospital (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38267/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
463 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children the waiting time to be seen for autism assessment on the Cork south Lee area; the waiting time on the Cork north Lee area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38276/09]
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
464 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children the length of time it takes for autism assessments to be completed in the Cork south Lee area; the time it takes for assessments to be completed in the north Lee area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38277/09]
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
465 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the efforts she has made to secure appropriate services for a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38289/09]
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
470 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if assistance will be given with an application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [38327/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
471 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if assistance will be given in having long term care provided for a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [38328/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
472 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of beds in the Curragh hospice unit, Curragh, County Kildare; the number of nurses and doctors employed at the unit; her plans or those of the Health Service Executive for this unit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38334/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
473 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the position of an application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38351/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
475 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support a matter (details attached). [38358/09]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
476 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health and Children the cost to the Health Information and Quality Authority to carry out nursing home inspections; if this cost is levied on the nursing homes and ultimately the nursing home residents; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38386/09]
The Health Information and Quality Authority has been allocated €13.571million from my Department's vote in 2009 and the costs of operating the nursing home registration and inspection regime were taken into account when this allocation was decided.
The estimated fee income which will arise from the nursing home registration and inspection regime in a full year is €4.6 million and it was intended that this income would provide the Authority with sufficient funds overall to enable commencement of the nursing home inspectorate function on 1 July 2009.
The Deputy will be aware that it was decided that the new registration and inspection regime would mainly be self-financing. In this regard the 2007 Act provides for the following fees: Applications for registration or renewal of registration under Section 48, this section states that the applicant shall include with the application the prescribed application fee; an annual fee payable by the registered provider under Section 99; a fee for variation or removal of any conditions of the registration under Section 52; a registered provider making an application under this section must include the fee with their application.
Following analysis of the types of centres, numbers of places, etc. it was decided to set a registration fee of €500, payable every 3 years by each nursing home together with an annual fee of €190 per place in each registered centre. It is estimated that the fee will represent an average weekly cost of €3.73 per registered place. The fees are payable by the registered provider (or in the case of applications for registration by the applicant, who for existing designated centres would normally be the registered provider). These fees are not due or payable by the resident or their family.
The Deputy may be aware that article 28 of the Health Act 2007 (Care and Welfare of Residents in Designated Centres for Older People) Regulations 2009 states that:
"(1) The registered provider shall agree a contract with the resident within one month of the admission of that resident to the designated centre.
(2) Such contract shall deal with the care and welfare of the resident in the designated centre and shall include details of the services to be provided for that resident and the fees to be charged."
Therefore, only those fees, including any agreed increases, set out in the contract should be charged by the registered provider to the resident.
HIQA commenced the new system of registration and inspection on July 1st, 2009. The Authority's inspection process comprises three parts: pre-assessment, the inspection visit and report completion including a process of fact-checking and verification. Since July 1, the Authority has commenced 106 inspections. Of these, 59 were announced and 47 were unannounced visits. The average duration of inspection visits to date has been two days. Of the inspection processes commenced, 9 have reached conclusion with the publication of reports along with the publication of one additional inspection report. The remaining reports will be published shortly.
477 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will report on plans she announced in October 2009 for the development of the new children’s hospital at the Mater Hospital site, Dublin; the costings and the schedule being followed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38394/09]
609 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the development of the new national paediatric hospital for children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39115/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 477 and 609 together.
The National Paediatric Hospital Development Board (NPHDB) was established in May 2007 to plan, design, build, furnish and equip the new National Paediatric Hospital. This will involve the transfer of services from the three existing Dublin children's hospitals currently based at Crumlin, Temple Street and Tallaght.
The details of the High Level Framework Brief for the new National Paediatric Hospital were announced by the HSE in late 2007. The Brief was prepared by RKW, an established UK-based health care planning company. The content of the report was informed by the views of a range of international experts, including architectural, clinical and nursing. The detailed assessment of the capacity of the Mater site indicates that all the space requirements of the new hospital, and a maternity hospital, can be accommodated on the site and still allow expansion capacity beyond the year 2021.
A pre-qualification selection process for an Integrated Design Team was completed by Q1 2009, with 6 candidates qualifying to compete to tender for the design of the new children's hospital. Invitations to tenders were issued to these 6 candidates and assessments were completed in September 2009. The successful Integrated Design Team for the project was announced on 15th October 2009.
The HSE have indicated that the capital development cost of the hospital will be approximately €750m. It is intended that €400m of this funding will be provided from the Exchequer. The remainder will be raised from other sources, including philanthropic contributions. The current timetable for the completion of the project is Q4 2014 when the hospital is expected to be operational.
478 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of money spent revamping the Health Service Executive website; the company contracted to carry out this service; the budget this spend came out of; when the spend was approved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38396/09]
The Health Service Executive has responsibility for the content and format of the website referred to in the Deputy's question. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
479 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons awaiting admission to a long-term bed in public nursing homes in County Roscommon; their circumstances, be it in acute hospital beds, living at home, or in private nursing homes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38402/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
480 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons awaiting admission to a long-term bed in public nursing homes in County Leitrim; their circumstances, be it in acute hospital beds, living at home, or in private nursing homes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38403/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
481 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has been kept informed by the Health Service Executive of the outcome of an investigation into allegations of child abuse in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38418/09]
As the Deputy is aware the management and delivery of health and social services are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, the Department referred your correspondence to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply. The Department asked to be kept informed by the Health Service Executive of the outcome of their investigation and a copy of the response that issued to the family has since been received by my Office.
482 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be facilitated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38429/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
483 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will consider the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who is seeking to have a piece of medical equipment deemed necessary to address their ongoing condition funded by the Health Service Executive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38441/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
484 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children the funding that is available to medical card holders who cannot obtain the drug, MacuShield, on the medical card and cannot afford to purchase it; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38451/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
485 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan will expect to receive a decision on their over 70 years medical card application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38452/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
486 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an application for renewal of their medical card in respect of persons (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38453/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
487 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) will be issued with a medical card as a priority; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38458/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
488 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount paid by her Department under the early child care supplement each year since it was introduced and to date in 2009 in tabular format; the number of families who benefited; the average family size of those recipients; the number of those persons in receipt of this payment where the children are living abroad; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38461/09]
As the Deputy is aware, my Office has responsibility for the Early Childcare Supplement (ECS) which is administered on its behalf by the Department of Social and Family Affairs.
The ECS was introduced in April 2006 as an additional payment to assist parents with the additional costs of caring for children in their preschool years. Due to the need to reduce public expenditure, over the course of this year a number of reductions have been made to the ECS including halving the amount of the payment from 1 May 2009. From 1 January 2010, the ECS will be replaced by the new free Pre-School Year in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) scheme which will be implemented by my Office and which is intended to give all preschool children the opportunity to avail of a preschool education in the year before they commence primary school.
As a direct payment to parents of children aged less than 6 years, now 5 years, my Office does not have details in regard to the number of families which benefited, or their size. The following is the position in regard to annual expenditure on the ECS during 2006-2009 which includes the numbers of children in respect of whom the payment was made.
|
Year |
Expenditure |
Number of Children |
|
€ million |
||
|
2006 (April to December) |
282 |
420,000 |
|
2007 |
418 |
420,000 |
|
2008 |
480 |
435,000 |
|
2009 (estimated) |
231 |
455,000 |
The number of recipients being paid outside the State, including those living in Northern Ireland, amount to 1,328, and these payments are made in respect of 2,401 children, i.e. some 5% of the overall total.
489 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support a matter (details supplied). [38463/09]
Based on data received from the HSE, expenditure on overtime amounted to approximately €350 million in 2008. Overtime is paid in the health service to allow additional work to be done, including the provision of clinical services, outside of core contracted hours. The Government will be considering a number of options in framing public expenditure projections for 2010.
490 Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Health and Children the entitlements of a person (details supplied) in County Meath to receive more frequent respite care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38465/09]
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
491 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Health and Children when an application for a medical card will be finalised in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary, the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38474/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
492 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an application for renewal of their medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38480/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
493 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an application for renewal of their medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38485/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
494 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support the case of a person (details supplied). [38505/09]
As this is a service matter the question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
495 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support a matter (details supplied) in Dublin 3. [38510/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
496 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the impact the revised programme for Government to proceed with the current programme of co-location limited to already committed projects under the existing project contractual agreements will have on the co-location proposals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38513/09]
497 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of the co-location projects at Waterford Regional and Sligo General Hospital for which project agreements have not been signed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38514/09]
498 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of the co-location project at St. James’s Hospital, Dublin 8; if the hospital has been granted planning permission for the development; if not, the reason for the delay in approval; when a decision will be made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38515/09]
499 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of projects involved in the co-location proposal; the location of same; the number of beds planned for each site; the estimated cost to the taxpayer in terms of tax relief; the duration of the lease in each case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38516/09]
500 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children in view of the termination of capital allowances for private hospital developments provided under the Finance Act 2009, if all co-location projects have satisfied the transitional arrangements for projects already under development and will retain tax relief; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38517/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 496 to 500, inclusive, together.
The co-location programme is aimed at freeing up public acute hospital capacity for use for public patients and to enhance overall acute capacity at public hospital sites. It envisages that the private sector will finance and operate private bed capacity and, also, that there will be a substantial degree of co-operation and innovation by public and private managements working together at each site.
The Renewed Programme for Government re-affirms the Government's commitment to the current co-location programme. The procurement process which is underway will continue. Projects will be operated within the terms of those project agreements in place that are signed or may be signed. Value for public money criteria remain in place and are to be met by each project.
Progress has been made in advancing individual co-location projects. The Board of the HSE has approved preferred bidder status for the development of co-located hospitals at Beaumont, Cork University, the Mid-Western Regional Limerick, St. James's, Sligo General, and Waterford Regional Hospitals, and project agreements for the ventures at Beaumont, Cork, Limerick and St. James's have already been signed. Each co-location project is subject to a 65-year lease.
Planning permission has been granted for the Beaumont, Cork University and Mid-Western Regional Limerick Hospitals projects. A planning application in respect of St James's Hospital has been lodged with the local authority. The necessary preparatory work for the project agreements in respect of Waterford Regional and Sligo General Hospitals is proceeding. When completed, the planned capacity of these facilities will be as follows:
|
Hospital |
Number of in-patient beds |
Number of day beds |
|
Beaumont |
170 |
54 |
|
Cork University |
175 |
66 |
|
M-W Regional Limerick |
150 |
62 |
|
St James’s |
168 |
72 |
|
Sligo General |
92 |
25 |
|
Waterford Regional |
140 |
77 |
These bed figures are exclusive of critical care beds — which will be provided in proportion to the in-patient capacity in each hospital.
In addition to the hospitals to which I have already referred, two further projects at Connolly and Tallaght Hospitals are at earlier stages of the procurement process.
The Finance Act 2009 provides that the schemes of capital allowances for private hospitals and certain other health facilities will be terminated, subject to transitional arrangements for projects already in development, including the requirement that planning permission must be applied for by the end of 2009. This applies to all private hospital developments. Provided that a private hospital project — and this includes co-located hospitals — conforms to the requirements of these transitional arrangements, and otherwise satisfies the general requirements of the scheme of capital allowances, the tax relief will apply. The value of the tax relief in each case will depend on the level of qualifying capital expenditure involved.
501 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the case of a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38519/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
502 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of an application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; when a decision will be made on same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38527/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
503 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [38547/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
504 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will explain the disparity between replies given by her Department on a specific topic (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38551/09]
The Health Service Executive has responsibility for administering the health repayment scheme in conjunction with the appointed scheme administrator KPMG/McCann Fitzgerald. Since the scheme commenced in 2006, a total of €18.654m has been paid to date to all companies that have been involved with the scheme. A breakdown of payments made to each of the companies is as follows:
|
Company |
YTD 30/9/09 |
2008 |
2007 |
2006 |
Total |
|
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
|
|
HSE |
|||||
|
Scheme Administrator |
|||||
|
KPMG & McCann Fitzgerald |
2.017 |
8.653 |
2.274 |
1.118 |
14.062 |
|
IT Consultancy |
|||||
|
Client Solutions |
Nil |
0.011 |
Nil |
Nil |
0.011 |
|
IBM |
0.001 |
0.031 |
0.034 |
0.028 |
0.094 |
|
Iron Mountain |
0.002 |
0.001 |
0.002 |
0.002 |
0.007 |
|
Contract Consultancy |
|||||
|
Accenture |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
0.012 |
0.012 |
|
Advertising |
|||||
|
Drury Communications |
Nil |
0.069 |
0.019 |
0.097 |
0.185 |
|
BBDO |
Nil |
Nil |
0.417 |
0.727 |
1.144 |
|
Legal Expenses |
|||||
|
Various Solicitor Firms |
0.514 |
1.245 |
0.770 |
0.486 |
3.015 |
|
Appeals Office |
|||||
|
IT Consultancy |
|||||
|
Complete Network Technology |
Nil |
0.015 |
0.007 |
0.005 |
0.027 |
|
IT Force |
0.009 |
0.024 |
0.009 |
0.044 |
0.086 |
|
Office Expenses |
|||||
|
Brunswick Press Ltd. |
Nil |
0.005 |
Nil |
Nil |
0.005 |
|
Audit |
|||||
|
Grant Thornton |
0.006 |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
0.006 |
|
Totals |
2.549 |
10.054 |
3.532 |
2.519 |
18.654 |
The replies provided to previous questions referred to payments made to companies working on the administration of the scheme as at the relevant dates. PQs 16923/08 and 23910/08 referred to payments made to various companies whereas the reply to PQ 37120/09 referred only to payments made to the Scheme Administrator. When responding to PQ 37120/09, the HSE inadvertently provided information on payments made to the scheme administrator excluding VAT, which explains the lower expenditure amounts made to the Scheme Administrator when compared to amounts previously reported. In respect of the decreased figure for Client Solutions, credits were issued to the HSE by Client Solutions against invoices charged in error to the Repayment Scheme.
I wish to confirm now that the total payments made to date in respect of all companies working on the administration of the scheme since 2006 amounts to €18.654m.
505 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7 will be informed of the outcome of their application for renewal of their medical card; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38556/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
506 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support a matter (details supplied). [38558/09]
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
507 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support the case of a person (details supplied) in County Galway. [38559/09]
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
508 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support the case of a person (details supplied) in County Galway. [38560/09]
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply
510 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of adults and children on the waiting list for rheumatology assessment or treatment in Naas General Hospital, County Kildare; if such patients are entitled under the National Treatment Purchase Fund to seek alternative appointments if they are on the list for longer than three months; if there are mechanisms available to them to obtain consultative appointments and treatment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38565/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
The National Treatment Purchase Fund arranges treatment for patients who have been on a surgical waiting list for more than three months. It is open to the person in question or anyone acting on their behalf to contact the Fund directly in relation to their case.
511 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress that is being made in the programme to transfer people with an intellectual disability inappropriately placed in psychiatric hospitals to more suitable accommodation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38578/09]
The position in relation to the transfer of people with an intellectual disability currently residing in psychiatric hospitals is being addressed as part of the HSE's Vision for Change Implementation Plan. Closure plans which are currently being developed for large psychiatric hospitals, where there are approximately 300 people with intellectual disability, will include arrangements for the transfer of those individuals to appropriate community residential facilities.
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.
512 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Laois will be assessed in order that they can be put on a waiting list; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38589/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
513 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if an appointment will be arranged in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [38597/09]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
514 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if an operation will be provided in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow before December 2009 and if she will expedite the matter. [38605/09]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
515 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the home care package for the elderly in the west Wicklow area; if funding is available; the funding available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38611/09]
516 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the home care package for the elderly in County Wicklow; if funding is available; the funding available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38612/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 515 and 516 together.
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
517 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of outstanding applications for medical cards and medical card renewals in respect of persons over 70 years regarding the primary care reimbursement service in Finglas, County Dublin; the number of outstanding medical card applications and applications for medical card renewals in respect of individuals and families under 70 years of age; the number of applications awaiting assessment on medical grounds by the unit manager; and the waiting time for each category. [38614/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
518 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 is not in receipt of an adequate home care package; if the health service will reassess their needs and ensure that they receive support; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38621/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
519 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the provision of a service in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [38627/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
520 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will expedite an application for a medical card in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [38632/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
521 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of rheumatologists within the Health Service Executive service; the geographical positioning or health areas of same; if this number is compliant with the World Health Organisation standards; if not, her plans or those of the HSE to deal with this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38635/09]
522 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the actions she or the Health Service Executive has taken to date to deal with the waiting lists for children seeking paediatric rheumatology treatment; the number of children on the waiting list; the waiting period involved; if the waiting list is increasing; if so if research has been completed or is planned to investigate such an increase; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38640/09]
546 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children if she or her officials have met with or propose to meet with an organisation (details supplied) to discuss their campaign in relation to increasing the number of paediatric rheumatologists within the Health Service Executive or available to medical card holders through schemes as determined by the HSE in regard to problems in general that arthritis suffers have to contend with in seeking to have a normal lifestyle; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38785/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 521, 522 and 546 together.
I have met with Arthritis Ireland from time to time to discuss how best to deliver services to those suffering from arthritis. The most recent meeting was in June of this year.
I am keenly aware of the distress caused by this condition to those who suffer from it, and I am happy to say that as a result of the 2005 report of Comhairle na nOspidéal there have been significant developments in this area. One of the key recommendations of the report was the recruitment of a number of additional Consultant Rheumatologists. The number of consultant posts overall increased from 16 in 2002 to 25.7 at present, including a post for children and young people at Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin.
As the other issues raised by the Deputy are service matters, I have referred them to the HSE for direct reply.
523 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will quantify financially and in terms of bed days lost, the cost arising from the delay in the transfer of patients with a neuro disability in the Health Service Executive area to the National Rehabilitation Hospital, Dún Laoghaire during the past three years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38646/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
524 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children when the Regional Forum on the Provision of Neurological Rehabilitation Services in the Cork and Kerry region is due to make its report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38647/09]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
525 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to facilitate couples who wish to engage with other countries for adoption purposes in view of the breakdown in agreements between Ireland and Vietnam; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38660/09]
The Adoption Bill, 2009, which is designed to give force of law to the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Inter-country Adoption, has passed through the Seanad and is scheduled to be debated in Dail Eireann in the current Dáil session.
Under the proposed new legislative regime, prospective adoptive parents will be able to adopt from countries which have ratified the Hague Convention, and from those countries with which Ireland has a bilateral agreement based on Hague standards. As part of the preparations for the likely passage and entry into force of these new legislative arrangements, my Office has been liaising with the Department of Foreign Affairs to identify and negotiate with countries who continue to seek homes abroad for children in need of alternative care which cannot be provided domestically.
526 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will address matters arising from a recent Dáil motion (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38663/09]
527 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will address matters arising from a recent Dáil motion (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38664/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 526 and 527 together.
Following the Dáil debate earlier this year, I met representatives of Duchenne Ireland to discuss the issues raised by the Deputies — research, clinical trials and the registry and standards of care for the treatment of boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The issues raised by Duchenne Ireland are under active deliberation and are receiving detailed consideration at the highest levels in the Department of Health and Children. While the Department is working through the issues raised by Duchenne Ireland, it may not be possible to present a full resolution of all the issues. The Health Research Board is the statutory agency for funding projects in all areas of health research. The board, through the medical research charities group, recently approved a number of awards for research projects in the area of muscular dystrophy. I intend to respond to Duchenne Ireland as soon as possible.
528 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will make available a copy of the document NAT/398 of the European Economic and Social Committee on Agriculture, Rural Development and the Environment entitled Opinion of the Section for Agriculture, Rural Development and the Environment on the Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the provisions of food information to consumers. [38683/09]
529 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Health and Children when she expects the results of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland consumer survey to be available; if she will circulate the results of the survey to Members; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38684/09]
530 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will make available the proposals of the European Commission published in January, 2008 on updating and harmonising food labelling legislation; if any subsequent correspondence, other than Ireland’s position paper, has passed between the Commission, Ireland and other member states in relation to the Commission’s proposals; if she will make available any subsequent correspondence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38685/09]
531 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide a briefing on the meeting of the 26 October 2009 attended by her Department officials and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland at European level working group level on the European Commission food labelling proposals. [38686/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 528 to 531, inclusive, together.
The paper produced by the European Economic and Social Committee on Agriculture, Rural Development and the Environment and the January 2008 proposals on labelling are freely available on the Internet. I have arranged for details of the paper and the proposals to be sent to the Deputy's office. I have also arranged for the relevant correspondence between Ireland and the European Commission to be sent to the Deputy's office. I have been informed by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland that the results of its labelling survey will be made known by the end of November. I have asked the authority to ensure the results are made publicly available. At the most recent meeting of the working group on labelling on 26 October 2009, Ireland restated its position on national schemes and on trans-fats, as outlined in its position paper of November 2008.
532 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be facilitated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38691/09]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. The National Treatment Purchase Fund arranges treatment for patients who have been on a surgical waiting list for more than three months. It is open to the person in question — or anyone acting on his or her behalf — to contact the fund directly in relation to their case.
533 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children when a medical card will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare. [38692/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
534 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if the early intervention team for north Dublin is in place and fully staffed; the current waiting times for assessment and services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38709/09]
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
535 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children when further funding will be made available to facilitate the completion of treatment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38710/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
538 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if an appointment will be arranged for a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [38733/09]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
539 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be facilitated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38734/09]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
541 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a child (details supplied) in County Longford who is in need of orthodontic care has to wait two years for treatment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38752/09]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
542 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Longford has not been awarded their entitlements in relation to subsistence and mileage with regard to their employment with the Health Service Executive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38755/09]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
543 Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Question No. 262 of 7 October 2009, if she will grant approval to fill the vacant dental posts in County Meath in view of the cutbacks in the service in the county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38775/09]
In order to implement savings measures on public service numbers, the Government introduced a moratorium on recruitment, promotion or payment of an allowance for the performance of duties at a higher grade with effect from 27 March 2009 to the end of 2010. A HSE circular has issued which gives effect to the Government decision in the public health services and other specific aspects of the employment control framework for the health services. The HSE will focus on the scope that exists in the health services for reorganising and restructuring work to minimise the impact on essential service delivery. The redeployment and reassignment of existing staff will also support the reorientation of care from hospitals to the community and to facilitate the development of integrated care. It is seeking a high level of flexibility from staff and unions to achieve this. The Government decision has been modulated to ensure that key services are maintained insofar as possible in the health services, particularly in respect of children at risk, older people and persons with a disability. In addition, the employment control framework specifically exempts certain front line grades in the health sector from the moratorium and allows for a growth in the number of those posts within the overall approved employment ceiling (111,800 whole-time equivalents) for the health sector. The framework also includes provision for the creation of 225 new development posts this year for cancer, mental health and disability services. In addition, special provisions apply in relation to certain specialist grades under the National Cancer Control Programme. The focus on key grades is in line with existing Government policy on the prioritisation of certain development areas, for which significant funding has already been provided. The overall result will be to assist in the reorientation of health employment to services delivered in primary and community care. Correspondence from the HSE requesting derogations from the moratorium on recruitment, for three dental surgeon posts in HSE Dublin North East, was received in my Department on 21 October last. This request is being examined in conjunction with the HSE.
544 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the position with regard to the renewal of a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11; and if she will expedite a decision on this application. [38781/09]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
545 Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Health and Children the HSE plan to provide a replacement community welfare officer service for an area (details supplied) in County Meath. [38782/09]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
547 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the position of an application by a person (details supplied) in County Laois for a medical card; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38795/09]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
551 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason Ireland is one of the last receiving countries to ratify the Hague Convention. [38801/09]
The Government's objective in regard to adoption is to provide a regime in which the child is at the centre of the adoption process, whether it is an inter-country adoption or a domestic adoption, and that adoptions are effected in manner that is legal, safe and secure. The most important development in achieving that objective is the development of an appropriate legislative regime that recognises the changed and changing global situation vis-à-vis adoption over the last 20 years. The Adoption Bill that was published on 23 January 2009 and which includes the regime of the Hague Convention, provides an assurance for individual children, their families and the State that appropriate procedures have been followed and that the adoption was affected in the best interests of the child. The Hague Convention, which is given the force of law in the Adoption Bill, effectively puts in place an agreement between states to regulate the standards that will apply in each jurisdiction. It will put in place safeguards that acceptable standards are applied in other countries over which we have no jurisdiction. It is hoped to bring the Bill into the Dáil in the coming weeks and that we will be in a position to ratify the Hague Convention early in 2010. The Adoption Bill, which is a consolidated Bill, is complex, and for this reason has taken quite some time to bring to fruition.
552 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will explain the inconsistencies that exist in different Health Service Executive areas here in terms of waiting times for assessment and preparation courses for inter-country adoption; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38802/09]
553 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the process of inter-country adoption here as a receiving country is one of the longest processes for inter-country adoption in Europe. [38803/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 552 and 553 together.
I acknowledge that people applying for inter-country adoption are experiencing delays in waiting times for assessment. Requests for assessment for inter-country adoption are continuously increasing. Ireland has one of the highest rates for inter-country adoption in Europe. When an inquiry is received by the Health Service Executive regarding an application for inter-country adoption, the prospective applicants are invited to attend an information meeting within four weeks. Applicants wait an average of 20 months before their application is activated. Section 8(1) of the Adoption Act 1991 provides that a health board shall carry out an assessment, whenever so requested and as soon as practicable, of a person or persons intending to adopt from abroad. Assessment involves a number of stages and generally includes an initial assessment; a considerable level of education and preparation work, including an exploration with prospective adoptive parents of the challenges and issues that are likely to arise when undertaking adoption; and a home study assessment. The length of the assessment process can vary between applicants depending on the particular circumstances of each case, bearing in mind at all times the best interests of the child. Applicants deemed suitable to be adoptive parents are granted a declaration of eligibility and suitability by the Adoption Board and may then pursue the adoption of a child abroad with the selected sending country.
Steps are being taken to improve the process. Monthly information meetings are assisting prospective applicants in self-selecting whether they are suitable adoptive parents and have resulted in reduced waiting lists. More significantly, they are ensuring that those applicants who are eligible and suitable are being given a more expedient service. In 2006, 2,450 prospective applicants who made inquiries were invited to these information meetings and 300 new applications were made. In 2007, 1,974 prospective applicants were invited and 275 new applications were made. In 2008, 1,083 prospective applicants were invited and 234 new applications were made. The Health Service Executive has also introduced a nationwide system of application to reduce the waiting lists by over 35% in the coming 12 months. Under this new system, which was introduced in Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow in September 2008, prospective applicants are invited to provide their complete pack of documentation at the point of application and these are then screened by the administration and social work teams with a view to highlighting any areas of concern as quickly as possible. This affords suitably motivated prospective applicants the opportunity to progress their application while others who are considered less suitable are fully informed before proceeding.
My office is continuing to work to create the appropriate legislative, policy and administrative frameworks to ensure a well regulated regime of adoption. The aim is to support children for whom adoption services are devised and provided and to protect prospective adoptive parents. Further, the Adoption Bill 2009, which is designed to give force of law to the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Inter-country Adoption, has passed through the Seanad and is scheduled to be debated in Dáil Éireann in the current Dáil session. The new legislation, which incorporates the provisions of the Hague Convention, is designed to provide a framework to ensure that appropriate procedures have been followed and that all adoptions are effected in the best interests of the child. Future intercountry adoption arrangements will be governed by the terms of the Adoption Bill 2009 when enacted. The Health Service Executive is responsible for the assessments of applicants for adoption. This service is provided by the social work service of the executive. As the social work service also has responsibility for child welfare and protection services in Ireland, urgent crisis work and adoption assessments have to be balanced out in terms of prioritisation. I have asked the Health Service Executive to do everything possible to reduce waiting times and assessment times for prospective adopters which are excessively long at present.
555 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in completion of post-placement reports for Russia; and if the addition of more personnel would assist in the resolution of this matter. [38805/09]
564 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will intervene with the Russian authorities to resolve outstanding issues including transitional arrangements for applicants; the timescale for resolution of bilateral agreements and other outstanding matters; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38854/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 555 and 564 together.
The Adoption Bill, 2009, is designed to give force of law to the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Inter-country Adoption. The Bill has passed through the Seanad and is scheduled to be debated in Dail Eireann during the current session. The new legislation is designed to provide a framework to ensure that appropriate procedures have been followed and that all adoptions are effected in the best interests of the child. This applies in the case of adoptions from Russia and other countries who have not, as yet, ratified the Hague Convention and would seem unlikely to do so in the immediate future. Future intercountry adoption arrangements will be governed by the terms of the Adoption Bill 2009 when enacted.
Neither the Adoption Board nor the HSE have a statutory function in relation to the provision of post placement reports, though they have, and continue to, facilitate the preparation of same. The key commitment given is the legal affidavit, required of all applicants, to cooperate with the provision of such reports. Recent discussions have focussed on the completion and submission to the Russian authorities of a number of outstanding post-placement reports from adoptive parents in respect of children already adopted from Russia. This issue is being followed up by the Adoption Board and the HSE with the parents involved. I understand that the greater number of the outstanding reports have been competed and are with the adoptive parents for translation, apostilling and notarisation — that is, the social workers have already conducted the home visit and the report. In a small number of cases, parents have neglected or have been unwilling or unable to arrange for a home visit with their social worker. Further contact has been made again to arrange for all outstanding visits to be undertaken and is being prioritised by the Health Service Executive Adoption Services to ensure that parents can have the required reports forwarded to the Russian embassy in Dublin. Preliminary work has been undertaken on the development of a bilateral agreement with the Russian authorities on intercountry adoption and discussions in this regard take account of the provisions of the Adoption Bill 2009.
556 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the impact the revised programme for Government will have on the 75% of commitments relating to children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38820/09]
The actions contained in the initial Programme for Government 2007 — 2012 and the Renewed Programme for Government, October 2009 include a number of key objectives and commitments with a strategic focus on children that fall within the area of responsibility of my Office. The implementation of these commitments will continue to be a priority for my Office.
557 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of Health Service Executive posts of dedicated officer for elder abuse created as a response to her policy on elder abuse; the location of these posts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38824/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
558 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if drugs used for in vitro fertilisation are covered under the drugs refund scheme; if there are plans to restrict access to this support; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38830/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
559 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Health and Children the qualifications required of teachers or carers in schools operating in the free early childhood care and education scheme; if there is a mechanism which allows qualified Montessori teachers to upgrade their existing qualification to the required standard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38840/09]
As the Deputy will be aware, I have responsibility for the free Pre-School Year in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) scheme which is being introduced in January 2010.
To qualify for the standard capitation fee of €2,450 per eligible child per annum, all Pre-School Leaders should hold a Major Award (qualification) in childcare/early education, at a minimum of Level 5 or its equivalent on the National Framework of Qualifications. A higher capitation rate of €2,850 per eligible child per annum, will be available to sessional playschool services in which all Pre-School Leaders hold a relevant qualification at a minimum of Level 7 (degree level) and have 3 years experience working in the sector, and in which all Pre-School Assistants hold a relevant qualification at a minimum of Level 5.
A Major Award at Level 5 is made up of a number (usually 8) of component awards or certificates, known as Minor Awards. Learners can build up to a Major Award over a period of time if they have the required number of component certificates which includes the mandatory modules. Education and training providers will be able to provide individuals with information on the required modules to obtain a Major Award.
During the first two full years of the scheme the minimum qualification requirement for the standard capitation fee, will be considered to be met where a person demonstrates that he or she has achieved certification for a recognised award in ECCE that includes significant content covering the core knowledge areas i.e. child development, early learning, health and welfare, and has at least 2 years experience of working in a position of responsibility with children in the 0-6 age range.
Many Montessori teachers already meet the full educational requirements of the scheme, whether these pertain to the standard or higher capitation fee rate. Others meet the interim requirements in place until September 2012 while some hold qualifications which were designed as introductory courses and did not cover significant content in the core areas of child development, early learning and health and welfare. In these cases, the modules required to obtain a Major Award can be studied through a number of different means and persons in this position should contact their local City or County Childcare Committee for information on course modules available locally.
Persons wishing to obtain qualifications to meet the requirements of the ECCE scheme are strongly advised to ensure that both the awarding body and the particular course they are considering are recognised through the National Framework of Qualifications. As I have indicated, the City and County Childcare Committees can provide information on all locally available courses while a list of nationally available courses is available from the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland at www.qualifax.ie.http://www.qualifax.ie/
560 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Health and Children if the rates exemption applied to sessional services to schools or crèches operating only the free early childhood care and education scheme will be applied to existing schools or crèches who provide sessional services under the ECCE scheme in rooms that are solely used for this purpose and are not otherwise used by the crèche or school. [38841/09]
As the Deputy will be aware, I have responsibility for the implementation of the new free Pre-School Year in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) scheme, which will be introduced in January 2010.
The Valuation Office, which comes under the remit of the Minister for Finance, is responsible for interpreting and implementing the Valuation Act 2001. In July of this year the Valuation Office clarified that the ECCE scheme will result in certain services participating in the scheme being considered exempt from commercial rates.
Services covered by the exemption must be solely and exclusively used for the provision of educational services which are available to the general public and the expenses incurred in providing these services must be defrayed wholly or mainly by the State. I understand that the Valuation Act also allows for community childcare services which are operated exclusively for charitable purposes to be exempt from the payment of commercial rates. This is decided by the Valuation Office on a case by case basis. Childcare services which do not satisfy the conditions of the exemption, as outlined above, will continue to be liable to commercial rates.
562 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding a medical card appeal for a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38845/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
563 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the problem at Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin due to a shortage of necessary ICU beds as in the case of a person (details supplied); if she will ensure this issue is addressed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38851/09]
627 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has received correspondence from the friends and family of a person (details supplied); when it is expected that surgery will proceed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39180/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 563 and 627 together.
I am very conscious of the importance of providing high quality services across all three children's hospitals in Dublin — Crumlin, Temple Street and Tallaght. All three hospitals prioritise their services in accordance with clinical need.
Careful planning of critical care services, including those for cardiac patients, is vital. To this end, the HSE commissioned the DNV Consortium management consultancy to review current paediatric critical care facilities and services in Our Lady's Children's Hospital and the Children's University Hospital, Temple Street with a view to developing paediatric intensive care services in the period leading up to the opening of the new national paediatric hospital.
The Irish Paediatric Critical Care network has been established by the HSE with an independent chair to progress the report's recommendations. Additional revenue funding has been allocated to the hospitals this year to commence the implementation of these recommendations. Three new posts of consultant paediatric intensivists have been approved recently.
The HSE has committed to progressing a capital development at Our Lady's Hospital Crumlin to secure additional high quality critical care beds at the hospital as quickly as possible. It must also be stressed that the provision of additional ICU beds is an interim measure pending the completion of the new National Paediatric Hospital, which will combine the services provided by the three paediatric hospitals in Dublin.
The HSE has committed to replacing 13 of Crumlin Hospital's existing ICU beds and to introduce 4 new ICU beds, within 18 months. This will bring the total number of ICU beds at the hospital to 25. The design allows for the provision of an additional 5 ICU beds, subject to approval. A tender for design consultancy services relating to this project has recently been approved. The project team has already met the design team to advance the project in as short a time frame as possible.
The HSE and Crumlin Hospital are examining options to address the current cardiac waiting list service need in advance of the new ICU project being completed. Correspondence has been received in my Department in relation to the specific case mentioned by the Deputies and the HSE has been asked to respond directly to the Deputies in this matter.
565 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Health and Children the position of an application for a medical card by a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38863/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
566 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [38871/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
567 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people waiting for a colonoscopy in public hospitals here; the number of people waiting more than four weeks, up to three months, between three and six months, between six and 12 months, between one and two years and more than two years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38873/09]
The matters raised by the Deputy relate to the provision of healthcare services and accordingly, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond directly to the Deputy on these matters.
568 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the provision of a dedicated stroke unit for the Health Service Executive south. [38875/09]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
569 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will receive a date for physiotherapy treatment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38877/09]
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
570 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an application for a medical card in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38882/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
571 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive a hearing aid test. [38910/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
572 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the length of paid sick leave entitlement for Health Service Executive employees; if there are circumstances in which full pay can be paid for a longer period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38924/09]
573 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of Health Service Executive staff on paid leave for more than six months due to outstanding industrial relations issues and bullying; the date on which each of them was placed on paid leave; the amount paid to them since they were placed on paid leave; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38925/09]
574 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of Health Service Executive staff who are on paid leave for more than six months; the date on which each of them was placed on paid leave; the amount paid to them since they were placed on paid leave; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38926/09]
575 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of Health Service Executive staff on paid leave more than six months for humanitarian purposes; the date on which each of them was placed on paid leave; the amount paid to them since they were placed on paid leave; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38927/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 572 to 575, inclusive, together.
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
576 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Health and Children when funding will be sanctioned for an organisation (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38938/09]
As this is a service matter the question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
577 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when a vaccine (details supplied) will be delivered to the Health Service Executive for its swine flu vaccination programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38965/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
578 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon has not been reissued with their over 70 years medical card; when this will issue; if they are covered for medical services in the interim; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38966/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
579 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure that a person (details supplied) in Dublin 1 has adequate carer assistance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38967/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
580 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if children with special needs who are enrolled in the early childhood care and education scheme will have a special needs assistant provided for the full 15 hours per week of the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38990/09]
I have responsibility for the implementation of the free Pre-School Year in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) scheme which is being introduced in January 2010. All services participating in the ECCE scheme will be required to make reasonable accommodation for children with special needs, as required under the Equal Status Acts 2000 to 2004. Where additional assistance is sought for children enrolled in participating services, the Health Service Executive (HSE) will assess the level of assistance required. The level of assistance provided will vary depending on the level of need assessed and the availability of resources.
The ECCE scheme includes a number of provisions to address issues which may arise in relation to children with special needs. These include extending the upper age limit for qualification under the scheme to allow children who have been assessed by the HSE as being developmentally delayed or having a physical or sensory disability which prevents them from availing of age-appropriate education. In such cases, the pre-school year relevant to such children will be taken as their qualifying year.
To apply for an exemption to be made on either of these grounds, a letter should be forwarded to the Childcare Directorate in my Office stating the reasons for the exception sought. The letter should be accompanied by a copy of the child's birth certificate, details of his or her Personal Public Service (PPS) number and the name and address of the pre-school service in which s/he will be enrolled. In addition, the letter should be accompanied either by a supporting assessment report from the HSE or, where relevant, by a letter from the Principal of the local primary school confirming the age admissions policy applied. Given the timeframe available before the introduction of the first period of free pre-school provision in January next, it is accepted that not all parents will have had time to apply for and receive an assessment report in advance of this date. To accommodate parents in this position, a professional assessment other than from the HSE may be accepted. This would not include assessments provided, for example, by a General Practitioner.
Additionally, the general requirement that a child would be expected to attend 4 or 5 days each week will not apply to children with special needs where a shorter week would be more appropriate to their needs. Many specialist pre-school services arrange for children attending their services to also attend a mainstream service for 1, 2, or 3 days a week and this will continue to be facilitated under the ECCE.
581 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to the home care package for the elderly in west Wicklow which is administered by the Health Service Executive in Naas, County Kildare; if this payment will be transferred from one HSE area to another HSE area; if not, if funding is available from the HSE in Naas for home care in west Wicklow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38999/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
582 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children the weekly average number of step-down or convalescent patients who were patients at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin from October 2008 to October 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39005/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
583 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children if she is satisfied that the swine influenza vaccination is suitable and safe for pregnant women in view of the medical concerns being expressed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39019/09]
All of the medical evidence, both national and international, available to my Department is that the swine flu vaccine is suitable and safe for pregnant women. It is recommended that pregnant women of more than 14 weeks gestation and women six weeks post partum should avail of the vaccine.
584 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Health and Children the details of any Traveller health initiatives undertaken by her; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39023/09]
Traveller health status is a cause of concern with Travellers experiencing higher levels of mortality and morbidity than the population in general leading to a lower life expectancy. The provision of targeted health services for travellers has long been a priority for my Department and for the HSE. Additional development funding of over €12 million has been allocated for traveller health services since 1997. There are a number of specific initiatives as follows.
Traveller Health Units: There are eight such units, operating in each HSE area, in partnership with local Traveller organisations with equal representation of members of the Travelling community and representatives of the HSE and other agencies.
Traveller Health Advisory Committee: This committee was set up in 1998 with the primary function of advising the Minister on policy in relation to Traveller health. It comprises representatives from the HSE, the Department of Health and Children and from Traveller organisations, including members of the Travelling community. The committee’s main functions are:
drawing up a national policy for a health strategy to improve the health status of the Traveller community;
ensuring that Traveller health is a priority area within the Department of Health and Children and setting targets against which performance can be measured;
ensuring co-ordination and liaison in the implementation of national strategies of relevance to the health status of Travellers;
ensuring the co-ordination, collection and collation of data on Traveller health;
supporting health boards in developing strategies to improve Traveller access to health services;
providing a forum for the discussion of health initiatives for Travellers and for on-going consultation with Travellers and Traveller organisations on health service delivery to Travellers;
liaising with Traveller Health Units and the formulation of national policy.
“Traveller Health — A National Strategy 2002-2005”: This document aimed to improve the health status of Travellers. Although the period covered by the Strategy has expired, its actions continue to be implemented. The Traveller Health Advisory Committee plays a key role in its implementation.
Primary Healthcare Projects: These projects play a key role in the delivery of health services to Travellers. The projects were initiated in 1994 as a joint partnership initiative with the former Eastern Health Board and Pavee Point. There are currently over 40 such projects established around the country with over 450 participants. In particular, the projects:
provide a model for Traveller participation in the development of health services;
train and employ Traveller women as community health workers;
enable primary health care to be developed based on Traveller values so that positive, long-term outcomes are achieved.
Primary healthcare training has recently been accredited by FÁS at FETAC level 3.
Inter-Departmental Co-operation: My Department is represented on the High Level Group on Traveller Issues and on the National Traveller Monitoring and Advisory Committee: both these bodies operate under the aegis of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform.
All-Ireland Traveller Health Study: My Department, together with the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety in Northern Ireland, commissioned the All-Ireland Traveller Health Study, which commenced in 2007. This is a comprehensive study of the health and social status of the Traveller community in Ireland. The study will be completed in 2010 and the findings will be used to evaluate progress to date with regard to Traveller health and to plan future policy in the area. The Study, which is costing in the order of €1.7 million, is being conducted by UCD. The elements of the study include:
a census of the Traveller population;
an examination of the health status of Travellers;
a quantitative study on the factors influencing the health status of Travellers and their access to health services;
a quantitative study on the perceptions and attitudes of service providers towards Travellers and their health;
a review of services with a view to ascertaining best practice;
a qualitative exploration of health status, uptake of health and social services, health needs and health determinants as perceived by Travellers;
a qualitative exploration of health status, uptake of health and social services, health needs and health determinants as perceived by service providers.
While the health of members of the Travelling community continues to present challenges, a wide range of initiatives have been put in place to address this issue and my Department will continue its active involvement in this important matter.
585 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (detail supplied) in County Laois who needs surgery on their shoulder will be assessed and the procedure carried out; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39028/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
586 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the H1N1 immunisation programme; the categories of population that have been immunised to date in 2009; her plans for the further roll out of the immunisation programme; the consultations which she has had to date in 2009 with regard to all aspects of the immunisation programme with the Irish Medical Organisation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39048/09]
My Department and the Health Service Executive have been preparing for some years for the probability of an influenza pandemic. As part of these extensive preparations, a National Pandemic Preparedness Plan was published in January 2007. This plan was accompanied by an Expert Guidance document which has been updated in 2009. Upon receipt of the WHO declaration in April, this Plan was immediately put into operation.
Vaccination is a key strategy that is being used to mitigate the effects of the pandemic. Every person in the country will be offered the vaccine. However, initially the vaccine is arriving in small quantities due to the demand for the vaccine worldwide. Ireland is not unique in the difficulties which we have been experiencing in sourcing the vaccine in the quantities which we would require. Obviously, therefore, vaccination will be prioritised to ensure those who require it most will be first to receive it. The National Immunisation Advisory Committee and the Pandemic Influenza Expert Group have advised that the vaccine should be given to the population in the following order of priority:
People with long term medical conditions aged between 6 months and 65 years and all pregnant women of more than 14 weeks gestation and for women six weeks post partum, i.e. the "clinically at risk" groups;
Health Care Workers;
Children between 6 months and 18 years of age;
Adults over 65 years of age;
The rest of the population.
It is generally agreed that the preferred option for the administration of the pandemic vaccine to people under 65 in the ‘clinically at risk' groups is through general practice. GPs hold their medical records and are in a position to identify patients with underlying medical conditions for vaccination. It is estimated that there are approximately 410,000 people in this category. GPs have been receiving vaccine over the last two weeks and many patients have already been vaccinated. However, not all GPs are in a position to participate in the vaccination programme and the HSE has set up special vaccination clinics in order to vaccinate the "clinically at risk" patients of such GPs. A typical HSE vaccination clinic will comprise at least 1 doctor, 6 nurses and appropriate support staff. It will have the capacity to vaccinate up to 500 people a day but the numbers actually vaccinated at these clinics will clearly depend on the demand from the public for this service. The intention is to start vaccinating other priority groups, like health care workers and children, as soon as possible. However, depending on uptake, vaccine supplies and other factors, it could take 6 to 8 months to vaccinate the entire population.
The HSE has had consultations with the Irish Medical Organisation on the vaccination programme.
587 Deputy M. J. Nolan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a child (details supplied) in County Carlow will receive an appointment for speech therapy. [39051/09]
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
588 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of patients travelling abroad for life essential treatment not available here under the E112 treatment abroad scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39054/09]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
589 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the transfer of services between locations in the Health Service Executive south (details supplied). [39058/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
590 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Health and Children the way information is gathered to clearly identify children with autism spectrum disorders; her views on whether including such a category within the census would assist her Department, the Health Service Executive and other agencies in providing a targeted response in a cost effective and timely manner; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39070/09]
The Central Statistics Office has indicated to the Department that a specific question on autistic spectrum disorder will not be included in the 2011 Census of Population. It is planned to include a general question on the number of persons with a disability but not to include questions on specific disabilities. This approach is being taken following a consultation process in 2008, in relation to the contents of the 2011 Census of Population, which included representatives of the National Disability Authority, the Equality Authority, the Disability Federation of Ireland and the National Federation of Voluntary Bodies. 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.
591 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Health and Children the initiatives which have taken place in recent years to educate the public about autism spectrum disorders and the way it affects the people with such conditions in view of the lack of understanding amongst the general public and some agencies which leads to misunderstandings in schools and social situations; if such an information campaign could be put together cheaply over the coming months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39071/09]
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
592 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Health and Children if her Minister of State with responsibility for children will meet an organisation (details supplied) in view of the request made by that organisation for a meeting and the expertise built up by that group in relation to adoptions from Ethiopia; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39072/09]
I met with this organisation on the 30th of October 2009.
595 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Health and Children the formal assessment process which exists for sole applicants wishing to adopt from overseas; if none exists, if there are plans to formalise such a process with all the necessary checks and balances; her views on whether sole applicants, with the necessary checks and balances, make excellent adoptive parents and would benefit from more clarity in this process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39075/09]
Section 10 of the Adoption Act 1991 allows for a sole applicant to adopt a child. This provision has been carried forward in the Adoption Bill 2009.
597 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to the home care package for the elderly in west Wicklow which is administered by the Health Service Executive in Naas, County Kildare for persons (details supplied) in County Dublin; if payment can be transferred from one HSE area to another HSE area; if not, if funding is available from the HSE in Naas for home care in west Wicklow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39099/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
598 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason persons over the age of 65 years with serious underlying health conditions are not able to avail of the swine influenza vaccine; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39100/09]
The National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) and the Pandemic Influenza Expert Group have advised that the pandemic vaccine should be given to the population in the following order of priority:
People with long term medical conditions aged between 6 months and 65 years and all pregnant women of more than 14 weeks gestation and women six weeks post partum;
Health Care Workers;
Children between 6 months and 18 years of age;
Adults over 65 years of age;
The rest of the population.
Children and young adults remain the most affected groups; 82.3% of cases to date have occurred in people of less than 35 years of age. People aged 65 and over are thought to have some immunity to Swine Flu. As a result, the NIAC has recommended that they are not in the most at-risk group. They therefore will be vaccinated as soon as is practicable.
599 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the details of the 45 Health Service Executive vaccination clinic locations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39104/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
600 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the bonuses awarded to Professor Brendan Drumm, chief executive officer of the Health Service Executive; the date these bonuses were awarded; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39105/09]
As the approval of performance-related bonus payments to individuals in State bodies is a matter for the boards of such bodies this question has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
601 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of general practitioner training places here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39106/09]
There are 12 General Practitioner (GP) Specialist Training Programmes currently in operation which are all of four years duration — two years spent in hospital posts, under the supervision of hospital consultants, and two years in an approved general practice at registrar level, under the supervision of a general practice trainer. In 2009, there were 120 GP training places available for new trainees. The HSE is in discussion with the Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP) regarding the scope for increasing the 120 GP training places currently available per year by streamlining existing programmes in a cost effective manner.
602 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the details on the new Health Service Executive structure; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39107/09]
The HSE proposed to Government last year that it put in place a number of changes to drive operational performance and accountability at local level, to provide clinical leadership to improve quality and standards and to deliver hospital and community services in a fully integrated way. These changes included:
the appointment of a new Director of Clinical Care and Quality;
the establishment of an Integrated Services Directorate to replace the National Hospitals Office and the Primary, Community and Continuing Care Directorates;
the establishment of four regional management teams, headed by Regional Directors of Operations who would be accountable and responsible for all local health and social care services in the four geographical areas; HSE South, HSE Dublin North East, HSE Dublin Mid Leinster and HSE West;
the appointment of four Care Group leads (Children and Families, Disability, Mental Health and Older People) at national level to ensure that the delivery of services for these groups is planned and provided in an integrated way across the country.
The HSE has worked closely with my Department to implement these changes. The National Director of Clinical Care and Quality has been appointed along with the National Director for Integration (Performance and Financial Management) and the National Director for Integration (Reconfiguration). A recruitment process has been underway for the four Regional Operations Director posts and the four Care Group leads. The HSE announced last month that three of the four Regional Operations Posts (HSE South, HSE Dublin North East, HSE Dublin Mid Leinster) had now been filled, and the process continues for the remaining posts.
The next step is to put in place the regional level structures for all services. Until this work is complete, existing hospital networks and local health offices will remain unchanged and will continue to be responsible for meeting their 2009 responsibilities and accountabilities for service delivery and budgets. They will now report at regional level to their Regional Director.
603 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the details of the revised programme for Government commitment to take further progressive, detailed steps towards building universal health services that provide high quality care, fair access and affordability for all; if she will explain what this commitment includes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39108/09]
607 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the details of the expert group on resource allocation in the health sector; when it is expected to report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39113/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 603 and 607 together.
The Deputy will be aware that the Revised Programme for Government states the following in relation to Financing "......also taking account of the report of the Expert Group on Resource Allocation in the Health Sector, we will examine the most appropriate future mix of sources of finance to support this vision of the health services, from among general taxation, social insurance/health levy, private health insurance and individual co-payments." I established the Expert Group on Resource Allocation and Financing in the Health Sector under the chairmanship of Professor Frances Ruane, Director, ESRI in April this year to examine how the existing system of resource allocation within the Irish public health service can be improved to support better the aims of the health reform programme. I have asked this Group to recommend the best ways to achieve this within the level of resources available to health and to report to me and the Minister for Finance in April 2010.
Specifically, I have asked the Group:
to analyse the strengths and weaknesses of the current resource allocation arrangements for health and personal social services;
to recommend appropriate changes in these arrangements, which would support and incentivise the achievement of the core objectives of the health reform programme;
in the light of its work, to take a view on the most appropriate financing mechanism for the Irish health service, and
to base its examination and recommendations on the existing quantum of public funding for health.
The membership of the group comprises representatives from the Department of Health and Children, Department of Finance, HSE, economists, voluntary hospitals, medical consultants, non-acute sector/primary care, non-statutory disability sector, public sector and private sector. The Expert Group has met five times while sub-groups established by the plenary group have been meeting on a regular basis since the first meeting of the Group on 28 April.
The Deputy will also be aware that there are a range of services that are provided on a universal or whole population basis such as public hospital in-patient and out-patient services including consultant services,while also available to the whole population are maternity and infant care and child health services. In regard to high quality care the Deputy will be aware that the Revised Programme for Government also refers to the commitment to organise hospital services on the basis of clear patient safety and quality care standards, drawn from best international practice, and progressively move towards mandatory licensing of services based on explicit standards. In that connection the continuing work of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) together with the work being done by the Implementation Steering Group for the Report of the Commission on Patient Safety and Quality Assurance in the area of licensing for example, is relevant.
The Deputy will also be aware that with regard to equity of access the Revised Programme for Government states "Equity of Access; implement key features of the new consultants' contract to ensure that public and private patients are treated equally for access to key outpatient and diagnostic services, for example in cancer care and colonoscopies."
604 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans, in relation to the revised programme for Government commitment, to create more primary care teams, through redeploying existing staff; the number of staff to be redeployed; when they will be redeployed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39110/09]
The Renewed Programme for Government contains a commitment by Government to lead a major re-orientation of health care delivery to primary and community-based care as the location where most healthcare is provided and to create more primary care teams by re-deploying existing staff so that they can deliver more planned and integrated care to patients, particularly those with chronic diseases. In line with the objectives of the Primary Care Strategy, the Health Service Executive has identified 530 Primary Care Teams and 134 Primary Care and Social Networks to be developed by 2011. Almost 130 Teams are already in place and the HSE aims to have 210 Teams in place by the end of 2009.
The HSE is reassigning staff working in primary, community and continuing care services to work in Primary Care Teams. The HSE also intends to redeploy into community services a significant number of staff from acute hospitals and corporate functions. As operational responsibility for the establishment of primary care teams and redeployment of staff rests with the Health Service Executive, the part of the question which relates to numbers being redeployed and timing of the redeployment has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
605 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the details of the revised programme for Government commitment to ensure that the primary care service is supported in modernised health eligibility legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39111/09]
As the Deputy will be aware, the current legislation for health and personal social services has been in place for many years and there is a need now to have a clear set of statutory provisions that ensure equity and transparency and to bring the system up to date with developments in service delivery and technology that have occurred since the Health Act 1970. Accordingly, work is underway in the Department on a new legislative framework to provide for clear statutory provisions on eligibility and entitlement for health and personal social services.
The legislation will define specific health and personal social services more clearly; set out who should be eligible for what services, as well as criteria for eligibility; establish when and in what circumstances charges may be made and provide for an appeals framework. As the Deputy will appreciate, this is a very complex undertaking as the current legislation has been in place since 1970, and there have been significant developments in services since then, with a growing emphasis on delivery of care in a community rather than institutional setting. As a consequence, eligibility for primary care services will be considered as part of the proposed new legislation framework underpinning eligibility for health and personal social services.
606 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the details of the revised programme for Government commitment to implement key features of the new consultants contract to ensure that public and private patients are treated equally for access to key outpatient and diagnostic services; the details of these features; the timeframe for implementation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39112/09]
The Renewed Programme for Government affirms the implementation of key features of the new consultants' contract to ensure that public and private patients are treated equally for access to key outpatient and diagnostic services. Specifically, Consultant Contract 2008 provides that a common waiting list operated by the public hospital will apply to both public and private patients undergoing diagnostic investigations, tests and procedures (including radiology and laboratory procedures) on an out-patient basis in public hospitals (including referrals from General Practitioners). Status on the common waiting list is to be determined by clinical need only. The list is subject to clinical validation by the relevant Clinical Director.
One of the key features of Consultant Contract 2008 is the introduction of new private practice provisions ranging from a total prohibition (Type A contract) to an upper limit of 20% of overall clinical throughput for new consultants. To date the HSE has appointed 49 Clinical Directors who will monitor compliance by individual consultants with the agreed ratio of public to private practice, taking corrective action where the private practice limit is being exceeded. I regard equity of access for public and private patients to public hospital services as being of fundamental importance in the delivery of our health services. In this regard Consultant Contract 2008 specifies that the implementation of the 80:20 ratio of public to private practice shall be the subject of audit including audit by my Department.
The Health Service Executive is responsible for the detailed implementation of Consultant Contract 2008. I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's question to the Executive and asked it to reply to him directly on the operational details sought.
608 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the details of the revised programme for Government commitment to improve income eligibility limits in the assessment for medical cards for children with intellectual disabilities and what this improvement will involve; the timeframe for implementation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39114/09]
Under the recent review of the Programme for Government, the Government affirmed its commitment to improve income eligibility limits in the assessment for medical cards for children with intellectual disabilities. The details of this commitment are still to be finalised and are subject to available resources.
610 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the details of the revised programme for Government commitment to commence a bio-monitoring programme in 2010 to measure fluoride levels; the estimated cost of same; the way it will be executed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39116/09]
In 2007, the HSE joined an EU Human Bio Monitoring programme along with 23 other Member States. Human bio monitoring is monitoring activities in human beings, using biomarkers that focus on environmental exposures, diseases and/or disorders and genetic susceptibility, and their potential relationships.
The HSE will use this Human Bio Monitoring programme to collect information regarding the total exposure in the population to fluoride which will satisfy the Programme for Government commitment. I expect results from this programme in 2012. As the cost and the operational aspects of this Bio Monitoring Programme are service issues, they have been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
611 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the details of the revised programme for Government commitment to increase research and development in the health sector making Ireland a leading country for timing, access and relevance of clinical trials; the way she will increase research and development; the funding for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39117/09]
The Revised Programme for Government together with other Government documents such Building Ireland's Smart Economy, highlight the value of health research and the contribution it can make not just to health related goals but to broader social and economic ones. The Government is fully committed to health research. The Renewed Programme for Government contains a commitment to increasing and supporting research and development in the health sector as there is no doubt that without a dynamic and innovative health research system, our ability to develop health services and secure social progress and economic gain will be compromised.
As a further initial step in increasing and developing health research, I will tomorrow launch an Action Plan for Health Research. The Action Plan was developed by the cross-Departmental Health Research Group which is chaired by my Department. I am satisfied that the implementation of the Plan will meet the commitments set out in the Renewed Programme for Government and chart the way forward for health research in the coming years.
It is important to note that a number of Departments and funding agencies support health research activity across the third level sector, hospitals and other health care settings and in industry. The Action Plan for Health Research will provide a coherent set of actions designed to develop and coordinate research activities so as to fully exploit the health and economic benefits.
612 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the details of the revised programme for Government commitment to introduce stricter requirements for labelling of alcohol products; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39118/09]
My Department's legislative programme includes a proposal to provide for the placing of health advice/warnings about the consumption of alcohol during pregnancy, and other health messages, on all alcoholic drink containers and promotional materials. A public consultation has taken place and the submissions received are being considered. The legislation will be developed in the normal way subject to the competing priorities of the Department's legislative programme.
613 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding mandatory licensing of hospital services based on explicit standards; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39119/09]
Following on from recommendations by the Commission on Patient Safety and Quality Assurance and in line with commitments made in the Renewed Programme for Government, my Department has begun preparatory work on the development of legislative proposals for a mandatory licensing system to cover both public and private healthcare providers, based on explicit standards to be set by the Health Information and Quality Authority. I intend to bring such proposals to Government by end 2010.
614 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the details of the revised programme for Government commitment to implement reforms to hospice and palliative care, in line with international best practice; if she will arrange for the Health Service Executive to collect national data on waiting times for hospice services as part of this reform; if she will ensure that the HSE national action plan for palliative care services 2009 to 2013 will be published and that funding will be ring-fenced for its implementation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39120/09]
Government policy is to develop and improve health services in all regions of the country and to ensure quality and patient safety. An important function of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) is the setting of standards on safety and quality and to monitor compliance on the part of the HSE and service providers with these standards in an open and transparent way. The Health Information and Quality Authority is currently developing National Standards for Quality and Safety, linked to their work on safety, quality and excellence in service provision. They will continue to work with service providers to ensure the provision of the highest standard of service possible including Hospice and Palliative Care. The implementation of the Revised Programme for Government commitment in relation to reforms to hospice and palliative care, is ongoing. The Health Service Executive has advised my Department that at present no waiting lists are kept in respect of hospice services. Most patients are seen within 7 days depending on urgency of service required.
On the matter of the collection of national data on waiting lists for Hospice services the Health Service Executive has recently commissioned a subgroup to begin implementation of the Minimum Data Set for Palliative Care. Currently this group is arranging to collect data in relation to Specialist In-patient Units and Home Care services. The HSE has stated that this data should be available towards the end of the year. During 2010, they intend to roll out the Minimum Data Set in relation to Palliative Care Services available in Acute Hospitals and Day Care. When this process is complete the HSE should be in a position to extrapolate detailed data in relation to waiting times where they exist for palliative care services. The HSE are continuing to collect monthly activity data for palliative care services.
The ‘Medium Term Strategy for the Development of Palliative Care Services' to which the Deputy refers was published by the Health Service Executive in June and is available on the Health Service Executive Website. This framework sets national priorities which have been agreed by all stakeholders based on solid needs analysis to ensure that services do not develop in an ad-hoc fashion and that any developments proposed in future reflect areas of greatest need. This methodology ensures an equitable approach to service provision as well as consistency in inputs such as pay and non-pay costs as well as levels of staff. The national priorities reflect the gaps that currently exist in particular areas and services and the prioritisation reflects the largest gaps. When this work was initiated its purpose was to provide a sound planning framework for resource utilisation. It was anticipated that funding for the agreed priorities might be achieved through a combination of reorientation and reconfiguration of existing resources and the identification of additional resource requirements when further funding might come on-stream.
At a meeting following the completion of the report, chaired by the Department of Health and Children and at which the Irish Hospice Foundation, the Irish Cancer Society and the Irish Association of Palliative Care as well as the Health Service Executive were represented, it was agreed that the priorities identified in the Framework should be carried out in the context of reconfiguration and re-allocation of existing resources/services; increasing and developing capacity within existing resources, developing skills in community care and care of the elderly settings specifically in relation to palliative care services and taking the opportunity afforded by integration to identify ways of enabling the delivery of these agreed national priorities. However all developments are subject to current budget and economic considerations.
615 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the details of the revised programme for Government commitment in respect of mental health, to reduce admission rates to acute units; the timelines and targets in relation to same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39121/09]
The provisions in the Revised Programme for Government in relation to mental health are consistent with ‘A Vision for Change' the Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy (2006), which has been adopted as Government policy. That Report provides a framework for action to develop a modern high quality mental health service over a 7 to 10 year period. The aim is to migrate from traditional institutional based model to a patient-centred, flexible and community based mental health service, where need for hospital admission is greatly reduced, whilst still providing in-patient care when appropriate.
In April 2009, the HSE adopted an implementation plan for ‘A Vision for Change' for the five year period 2009-2013. The HSE recently appointed a national lead for mental health who will drive the implementation of ‘A Vision for Change'. The Department of Health and Children will be engaging with the HSE, in the context of progressing its Service Plan for 2010, to set targets for reductions in admission rates.
616 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the details of the revised programme for Government commitment to reduce waiting times for child and adolescent services; the timelines and targets in regard to same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39122/09]
One of the key priorities for mental health in the Revised Programme for Government is to reduce waiting times for child and adolescent services. On 9th October last, the HSE launched the first annual report on the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) which provides a comprehensive picture of the stage of development of CAMHS services. The HSE now has comprehensive information from which to monitor the mental health of children and adolescents and this will inform the development of services which respond to their needs.
The Report indicates that the waiting list for child and adolescent services has declined by 13.6% (492 cases) to 3,117 since 2007. Almost 46% of new cases referred to the service were seen within four weeks of being referred and 67.4% were seen within 13 weeks, which is the widely accepted norm for waiting times. The Department of Health and Children will be engaging with the HSE to further reduce waiting times and targets will be agreed in the context of the preparation of the Service Plan for 2010. Additional CAMHS teams have been established following the appointment of 7 additional Consultant Child Psychiatrists and a further 36 multidisciplinary team members will be appointed to these new teams in the coming months. Funding was also provided in Budget 2009 for the provision of 35 additional therapy posts for the CAMHS, and these posts are currently at the recruitment stage.
617 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the details of the revised programme for Government commitment to progress the transfer of the Central Mental Hospital to a new site; the site to which it will be transferred; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39123/09]
In May 2006 the Government confirmed the decision to develop a new Central Mental Hospital (CMH) at Thornton Hall, County Dublin. Since then, a draft project brief has been prepared and a Cost Benefit Analysis has been completed but none of the work undertaken to date has been site specific. A number of difficulties have now emerged with the Thornton Hall site; the HSE has identified a need for an Intellectual Disability Forensic Mental Health Unit and a Child and Adolescent Forensic Mental Health Unit but the twenty acre site at Thornton Hall is not large enough to allow for these additional developments. Neither of the units would be viable as a stand alone facility and they should be co-located with the CMH. Moreover, the construction of these additional units at a location separate to the CMH would incur increased capital and revenue costs. In these circumstances and in the context of the commitment in the Revised Programme for Government, the question of the relocation of the CMH to an alternative site is currently under consideration.
618 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the details of the revised programme for Government commitment to use the proceeds of the sale of older assets in the mental health area to fund new capital developments for mental health; the amount of funding for same; if she will use the proceeds of all future sale assets to fund mental health services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39124/09]
One of the key priorities for mental health in the Revised Programme for Government, is the use of the proceeds of the sale of psychiatric lands to fund new mental health capital developments. This commitment reflects the recommendation in ‘A Vision for Change' the Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy, that a plan to bring about the closure of all psychiatric hospitals should be drawn up and implemented and that the resources released by these closures should be re-invested in the mental health service.
The HSE has disposed of a small number of psychiatric properties in recent years and the proceeds of these sales, which amount to just over €42m, have been surrendered to the Exchequer. A submission detailing the priority projects to be funded from these historic disposals has been received from the HSE. Discussions are ongoing between my Department and the Department of Finance with a view to the re-voting of these funds for approved projects and for the use of funds generated by future sales for investment in mental health infrastructure, in line with ‘A Vision for Change.'
619 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in respect of the provision of appropriate intervention services to a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [39126/09]
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
620 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will respond to a query regarding the operation of the new free preschool year under the early childhood care and education scheme. [39127/09]
As the Deputy will be aware, I have responsibility for the implementation of the new free Preschool Year in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) scheme, which will be introduced in January 2010. At present, some preschool services accommodate a greater number of children than they have daily places for. During the introductory period of the scheme, in January to August 2010, transitional arrangements will apply to facilitate services in this position, and the children currently attending them. The services in question will receive a capitation grant set by reference to the number of children attending each day rather than the total number of children in a week. As the objective of the scheme is to provide all qualifying children with a full year of preschool early education, the transitional arrangements will not extend beyond September 2010 when the first full year of the scheme comes into effect.
A range of options are available to child care providers to ensure the flexible delivery of the free preschool year. Sessional playschool services participating in the scheme will, normally, be required to provide the preschool year for 3 hours a day, five days a week over 38 weeks in a year. Where for good reason a sessional playschool year is unable to operate over 5 days a week, consideration will be given to allowing it provide the preschool year over 4 days a week in which case the daily provision will be 3 hours 30 minutes and the number of weeks will increase to 41. Sessional playschool services may also choose to provide the preschool year for 2 hours 15 minutes a day, five days a week over 50 weeks in a year.
Full or part-time daycare services participating in the scheme will, normally, be required to provide the preschool year for 2 hours 15 minutes a day, five days a week over 50 weeks in a year. Full or part-time services may also choose to provide the preschool year for 3 hours 45 minutes a day, 3 days a week over 50 weeks in a year. They may also provide the preschool year as a sessional playschool service by providing the preschool year for 3 hours a day, five days a week over 38 weeks in a year.
621 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for a waiting list of three and a half years for knee and hip replacements at Tullamore Regional Hospital, County Offaly. [39162/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
622 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if it is the case that when inpatients in nursing homes or psychiatric homes die intestate, their next of kin inherit the total remaining from weekly contributions to the patient private property account under the health repayment scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39163/09]
The Health Service Executive (HSE) administers a patient private property account system to manage the private money of patients in long stay care. When clients die while in the residential care of the HSE their estate is dealt with as per law. In cases where a client has not made a will, all funds or other property of that client being administered by the HSE will be passed to the person most entitled to act as Legal Personal Representative, for the client's estate to be distributed as per law.
In situations where a client dies intestate and where there are no blood relatives to inherit, any proceeds of an individual's estate held on their behalf by the HSE are forwarded to the Chief State Solicitor's office, who acts on behalf of the Minister for Finance, as required by law. In no circumstance does the HSE transfer any funds of a deceased client to its own funds.
623 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will review the maintenance charges of nursing homes in accordance with the charges of inpatient services under the health regulations 2005 and 2008. [39164/09]
My Department is currently reviewing the level of charges for publicly funded long stay care. The purpose of the review is to ensure an effective and equitable charging regime is put in place for the provision of long stay care. With regard to the particular issue of long-term nursing home care the new Nursing Homes Support Scheme, A Fair Deal, commenced on the 27th October 2009. The scheme will replace the current regime of public in-patient charges and the private nursing home subvention scheme for all new entrants to nursing home care from the 27th October 2009 onwards. However, anyone who entered public nursing home care prior to the 27th October 2009 can continue with their existing arrangements and does not have to apply for the new Nursing Homes Support Scheme.
Under A Fair Deal, a person will make the same contribution towards their care regardless of whether they enter public or private long-term nursing home care. Each person's contribution will be calculated based on a national standardised financial assessment and will be based on a maximum of 80% of their assessable income and 5% of their assets, subject to the following important safeguards:
Nobody will pay more than the actual cost of care.
Applicants will keep a personal allowance of 20% of their income or 20% of the maximum rate of the State Pension (non-Contributory), whichever is the greater.
If there is a spouse/partner remaining at home, he/she will be left with 50% of the couple's income or the maximum rate of the State Pension (non-Contributory), whichever is the greater.
The first €36,000 of the applicant's assets, or €72,000 in the case of a couple, will not be counted at all in the financial assessment.
Where a person's assets include land and property, the 5% contribution based on such assets may be deferred and can be collected from their estate. This is an optional element of the scheme called the "Ancillary State support" or the Nursing Home Loan.
A person's principal residence will only be included in the financial assessment for the first 3 years of their time in care. This is known as the 15% or ‘three year' cap. It means that individuals will pay a 5% contribution based on their principal residence for a maximum of three years regardless of the time they spend in nursing home care.
The ‘three year' cap will also extend to farms and business in certain circumstances.
If there is a partner or certain dependants living in the principal residence, the repayment of contributions may be further deferred for their lifetime.
624 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the additional services which will be provided by the establishment of constituency children’s services committees which were sanctioned in December 2007 under The Agenda for Children Services: A Policy Hand Book and confirm whether this is another layer of bureaucracy for the provision of children’s services. [39166/09]
The national social partnership agreement Towards 2016 outlines a framework on the needs of children and young people and the establishment of the National Children’s Strategy Implementation Group (NCSIG). This high-level group is chaired by the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (OMCYA).
The vision of the NCSIG is that children, young people and their families will receive the support and services they need to create better futures for children, through all local agencies and organisations working together. The aim is to avoid duplication of effort, support sensible collaboration in service delivery and also provides an opportunity for agencies to assess the gaps sometimes caused by agency or service boundaries.
The model for integrated service delivery is being developed through the establishment of Children's Services Committees (CSCs) on a phased basis. Four initial multi-agency Children's Services Committees have been established in Dublin City, South Dublin, Limerick City and Donegal. They are not an additional layer to services but the coming together of local service providers in an effort to ensure that the needs of children and families are being met by service providers.
All organisations and agencies working locally on behalf of children and young people are represented on the Children's Services Committees. These Committees will be responsible for improving the lives of children and families at local and community level through integrated planning, working and service delivery. They will also ensure that professionals and agencies work together in order that children and families receive better and more accessible services.
The learning from the set-up and early operation of these four committees will help to inform the most effective way of establishing the other 30 Children's Services Committees in the remaining City and/or County Development Boards. The OMCYA is currently liaising with new sites in the pre-development phase and working on their establishment based on learning from the first four CSCs.
625 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm if it is intended to downgrade services at Midlands Regional Hospital, Mullingar, and Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe, and transfer services to Tullamore Regional Hospital. [39168/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
626 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children when temporary bed closures for summer 2009 will be reopened at Midlands Regional Hospital, Mullingar, Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe, and Tullamore Regional Hospital. [39169/09]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
629 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Galway will receive orthodontic treatment from the Health Service Executive west; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39188/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
630 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Health and Children when a decision will be made on an application for an over 70 years medical card in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39194/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
632 Deputy Brendan Kenneally asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that there are nurses wishing to avail of the incentivised retirement scheme who cannot do so as discussions are continuing between management and unions; when these discussions will come to fruition; her views on whether those applicants should have their lump sum entitlement calculated under current conditions regardless of when a final decision is made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39256/09]
The problems being experienced by the Health Service Executive and the unions with regard to the introduction of the incentivised scheme for early retirement have not yet been resolved. As you may be aware, members of all eligible grades who meet the criteria set down in Circular 8/2009 had access to the ISER provided the grades/staff groups concerned cooperate with the requirements in relation to redeployment, mobility, skill mix and flexibility which are outlined in the employment control framework: this is designed to allow individuals to avail of the ISER while still protecting services. Because staff who retire under the scheme will not be replaced (save in very exceptional cases), employers must pay particular attention, when considering applications, to the scope that exists within the organisation for reorganising and restructuring work in order to minimise the impact on essential service delivery. Staff cooperation and flexibility in that regard is essential.
My Department understands that the directive issued by the health service trade unions instructing their members not to cooperate with redeployment and reassignment requests from management is still in place. This instruction severely restricts the ability of management to organise/restructure work practice and contravenes the qualification criteria for the scheme. Therefore, HSE suspended the schemes including ISER from 18th June and this suspension continues. However, applications continued to be accepted by the relevant employer up to the closing date (23rd October) in anticipation of a resolution of the industrial relations issues. I have been informed that the HSE has had discussions with the health service unions regarding its policy on redeployment/reassignment and these discussions are ongoing.
633 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Leitrim. [39259/09]
As this is a service matter the question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
634 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of clients who are currently outside the jurisdiction from each Health Service Executive area in the service user groups regarding mental health, learning disabilities and acquired brain injury; the locations of same; the cost for each area, including weekly fees, travel and accommodation for staff and relatives; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39409/09]
As this is a service matter the question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
635 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of patients living in long stay hospital wards here, in each of the client groups, namely mental health, learning disability, and acquired brain injury; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39410/09]
As this is a service matter the question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
636 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm having received correspondence from the Department of Social and Family Affairs in relation to a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; if she will take steps to ensure that this person will have 11 or 12 months of the respite care grant awarded to them; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39432/09]
In accordance with the governing circular the Respite Care Grant paid by the Health Service Executive was paid to those who were in receipt of the Domiciliary Care Allowance on the first Thursday in June 2009.
There is no provision for pro rata payment of the Respite Care Grant. Accordingly, the person named by the Deputy is not eligible to receive a Respite Care Grant.
637 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children the interaction she has had with the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, or the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, to address the problem of homeless rough sleepers in Dublin who are injecting bath salts acquired from head shops; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35685/09]
The Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 and regulations made thereunder regulate and control the import, export, production, supply and possession of a range of named narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances listed in the Schedules to the Act. Substances are scheduled under the Act in accordance with Ireland's obligations under international conventions and/or where there is evidence that the substances are causing significant harm to public health in Ireland.
Items available for sale in so-called ‘head shops' such as "Snow" (the substance referred to by the Deputy) are currently not scheduled under Misuse of Drugs legislation. The list of scheduled substances is kept under ongoing review. For example, in 2006 psychotropic (‘magic') mushrooms, which were on sale in such outlets, were banned and their possession and sale is now illegal. On 31 March 2009, BZP was similarly subjected to legislative control measures and criminal sanctions.
My colleague Minister John Curran, Minister of State at the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, who has responsibility for co-ordinating the National Drugs Strategy, has identified head shops as an area of concern, and is currently considering the options available to more effectively control the activities of head shops. Officials of my Department are in contact with their counterparts in the Office of the Minister for Drugs in this matter.
While officials of my Department are in regular contact with their counterparts in the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in regard to homelessness and with their counterparts in the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs in regard to a range of issues related to drugs misuse, there has been no contact on the specific issue raised by the Deputy as the provision of services for drug misusers (whether homeless or not) is a matter for the HSE. The HSE has been asked to respond directly to the Deputy in regard to this aspect of his question.
638 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health and Children the action she is taking to remove the health hazard that is being caused by a house (details supplied) in County Longford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38032/09]
Responsibility for this issue rests with the relevant local authority who operate under the aegis of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Accordingly, I will bring this matter to the attention of the above named Department and request that they reply directly to the Deputy.
639 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Transport the status of the rail link to Navan; his plans to expedite the delivery of the phase of the project connecting Navan to Pace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37916/09]
Transport 21 provides for the development of the Navan Rail Link on a phased basis in the period to 2015.
Work commenced on the construction of the Clonsilla — Pace section (Phase 1) in December 2008 and is on target for delivery next year.
The current position regarding the Pace — Navan section (Phase 2) is that the preferred route was chosen earlier this year. The selected route follows the route of the original Navan rail line.
Approval has been given to Iarnród Éireann by my Department to progress the detailed planning and design necessary to lodge a Railway Order application with An Bord Pleanála. Iarnród Éireann expect to lodge the application in early 2011. The completion date of the project is contingent on the outcome of the planning and procurement processes.
640 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if an environmental assessment has been completed for the proposed deep water port on the Bremore-Gormanstown coastline, County Meath; if so, if it is available for the public; and the status of application P0039. [37904/09]
Drogheda Port Company, together with their private sector partners Castlemarket Holdings, are continuing to progress their plans to develop a deepwater port facility at Bremore.
I understand that pre-planning consultations have taken place with An Bord Pleanála. However, to date no planning application has been lodged in respect of the development. Any such planning application would be subject to the normal requirements regarding environmental assessment for such projects.
641 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Transport the subsidy provision made to Iarnród Éireann from 2004 to date in 2009 in respect of mainline to commuter services and DART services; and the breakdown of passenger numbers carried in the same period in tabular form. [37940/09]
642 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Transport the subsidy provided to the CIÉ group of companies in 2009 with an estimate of the number of passengers expected to be carried by Bus Éireann, Iarnród Éireann and Dublin Bus in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37941/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 641 and 642 together.
The information requested by the Deputy in relation to Iarnród Éireann is as follows:
|
Year |
Subvention |
No. of Passengers (DART) |
No. of Passengers (Mainline Intercity & Commuter |
|
€000 |
|||
|
2004 |
171,421 |
20.6m |
13.8m |
|
2005 |
179,991 |
16.2m |
21.3m |
|
2006 |
188,716 |
19.7m |
23.6m |
|
2007 |
189,910 |
20.2m |
25.3m |
|
2008 |
181,152 |
19.4m |
23.9m |
The allocation of the subvention across DART, suburban, other commuter and InterCity services is a matter for the company.
The subvention provision for each of the CIÉ companies for 2009 and the estimated number of passenger carryings as advised by the companies is as follows:
|
Subvention |
Estimated No. of Passengers |
|
|
€000 |
||
|
Iarnród Éireann |
175,782 |
38.5m |
|
Bus Éireann |
44,982 |
45.3m |
|
Bus Átha Cliath |
82,425 |
127m |
643 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the rural transport programme in view of the revised Programme for Government; if he will make a commitment that this scheme will not be abolished; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38053/09]
646 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Transport if the existing rural transport initiative will be retained; the way the scheme will be extended; and his plans following the recent announcement. [38257/09]
648 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Transport the number of passengers carried by providers covered by the rural transport subsidy scheme for the years 2004 to 2008 together with an estimate of the number for 2009 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38272/09]
655 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Transport, in view of the revised Programme for Government, if he will confirm that the existing providers of the Rural Transport Programme will continue to receive grant assistance to provide services to the public; and if he plans to dismantle the existing service and replace it with one provided by Bus Éireann. [38591/09]
674 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the rural transport programme which uses 36 local companies nationwide in order to deliver its services; and if he will make a statement regarding its future viability. [39002/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 643, 646, 648, 655 and 674 together.
There are commitments to the Rural Transport Programme (RTP) in the National Development Plan, Towards 2016 and the Department of Transport's Sectoral Plan under the Disability Act 2005. The renewed Government Programme also contains a commitment to explore the provision of a full-scale transport system in rural areas using the network expertise of Bus Eireann and the resources of the school and health transport systems.
The Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes recommended the abolition of the RTP. The Government will consider the Group's recommendations as part of its preparations for Budget 2010. The Government has also referred the Group's report to the Oireachtas Committee on Finance and General Affairs for consideration prior to the Budget.
Separate to and before the report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes, my Department had decided that a Value for Money Review would be undertaken on the RTP in 2010. Subject to the outcome of the deliberations and decisions referred to earlier, it is the intention to proceed with the review next year and all relevant matters relating to the operation of the Programme will be examined.
On rural transport generally, it is important that existing resources in this area are utilised as cost-effectively as possible and in that context a number of initiatives are currently underway exploring the potential for improved synergies between existing transport providers (namely, the Health Service Executive for health transport, Department of Education and Science for school transport, Bus Éireann for rural transport, and Pobal for RTP services). These initiatives involve pilot transport projects in the North East and North West, an exercise to map all transport services in County Louth and a cross-border pilot rural community transport project under the auspices of the British/Irish Council. The outcome of these initiatives will feed into the process for developing rural transport policy.
The number of passenger journeys recorded on RTP services in the years 2004 to 2008 together with an estimate for 2009 are as follows:
|
Year |
Passenger Journeys |
|
2004 |
514,137 |
|
2005 |
651,391 |
|
2006 |
791,264 |
|
2007 |
998,350 |
|
2008 |
1,197,764 |
|
2009 |
1,500,000 (estimated) |
644 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Transport the steps which will be taken in response to the recent calls by a person (details supplied) regarding a review of security at private airports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38076/09]
My Department's role in relation to security at airports is to ensure the application of European and international aviation security standards to prevent civil aviation against acts of unlawful interference that jeopardise the security of civil aviation. My Department has no role in relation to the prevention of the illegal importation of goods or substances which is clearly what is at issue in this case. This is a matter for the Customs Division of the Revenue Commissioners which falls under the remit of my colleague the Minister for Finance, and An Garda Síochána.
645 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding an organisation (details supplied); the control he has of this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38199/09]
The Vehicle and Operator Service Agency (VOSA) is an agency providing a range of licensing, testing and enforcement services for vehicles, drivers and operators in the United Kingdom. In this State vehicle standards, roadworthiness testing, driver hours, tachograph and driver licensing regulations are functions of the Road Safety Authority, and enforcement is a matter for an Garda Síochána.
647 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport the dates of all audits of the Irish Aviation Authority conducted since its inception under section 32(3) of the Irish Aviation Authority Act 1993; the name of the firms and persons who conducted all of these audits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38262/09]
The Irish Aviation Authority Act, 1993 (Section 32(3)(a)) requires me, as Minister for Transport, to appoint a person to carry out an examination of the performance by the company of its functions in so far as they relate to the application and enforcement of technical and safety standards in relation to aircraft and air navigation every three years.
Since the establishment of the IAA three Section 32 audits have been conducted. The first audit was conducted in 1996 and was carried out by PARC Aviation Limited, the second audit was conducted in 2000 and was carried out by Schleiss Trading & Consulting Denmark, and the third of the Section 32 audits was conducted in 2004 and was carried out by Booz Allen Hamilton.
The IAA is also subject to frequent independent auditing of the same activities by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), Eurocontrol and more recently by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) which was established in 2003. ICAO will conduct a comprehensive audit of Ireland's system for safety oversight of civil aviation early in 2010. Prior to the audit a very significant amount of information must be submitted to ICAO. Both my Department and the IAA are intensively engaged in those preparations at present.
Recently I announced my intention to amalgamate the safety regulation functions of the IAA and the Commission for Aviation Regulation with the planned new National Transport Authority. Detailed proposals will be developed to implement this decision in the coming months.
In light of the above, and of the need to ensure efficiency and value for money in the current economic climate, I do not propose to proceed with a further independent examination of the IAA at this time. The requirements under Section 32 of the 1993 Act will be considered in the context of the legislation I will bring forward to provide for the amalgamation of the IAA's safety regulatory functions into the National Transport Authority.
649 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the contact he has had with CIE since January 2008, the dates of meetings held and topics discussed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38290/09]
651 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the contact he has had with Dublin Bus since January 2008; the dates of meetings held and topics discussed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38292/09]
652 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the contact he has had with Irish Rail since January 2008; the dates of meetings held and topics discussed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38293/09]
653 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the contact he has had with Bus Éireann since January 2008; the dates of meetings held and topics discussed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38294/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 649 and 651 to 653, inclusive, together.
Following are the dates of formal meetings I have had with the Chairman and senior management of the CIÉ companies since January 2008:
|
Date |
Meeting |
|
06/03/08 |
CEOs of Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann & Irish Rail |
|
09/04/08 |
Chairman of CIÉ |
|
23/07/08 |
Chairman of CIÉ |
|
30/10/08 |
Chairman of CIÉ |
|
01/12/08 |
CEOs of Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann & Irish Rail |
|
17/12/08 |
Chairman of CIÉ |
|
26/01/09 |
Chairman of CIÉ |
|
09/03/09 |
Chairman of CIÉ, CEOs of Dublin Bus & Bus Éireann |
|
17/06/09 |
Chairman of CIÉ and CEO of Dublin Bus |
|
11/08/09 |
Chairman of CIÉ |
|
22/10/09 |
Chairman of CIÉ |
The matters discussed at the meetings related, inter alia, to the financial position of CIÉ and its subsidiary companies, their costs recovery plans, implementation of the Deloitte Report on Cost and Efficiency Review of Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann and the implementation of Transport 21.
There is also ongoing contact between my officials and the CIE and its operating companies on which I am briefed regularly.
650 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the contact he has had with the National Roads Authority since January 2008; the dates of meetings held and topics discussed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38291/09]
I met with representatives of all the relevant agencies, including the National Roads Authority (NRA), on 13 February 2008 to discuss Transport 21 issues.
In addition, I met with the Chief Executive of the National Roads Authority (NRA) and with senior officials and Board members to discuss a number of policy issues, including the NRA's national roads programme, on four separate occasions between April and December of 2008.
I also had a meeting with the Chairman of the NRA in May of this year. A number of issues were discussed at this meeting including Transport 21 and budgetary and corporate governance issues.
More generally, my Department maintains regular contact with the NRA in relation to policy and funding issues in respect of the national roads programme element of Transport 21 and in relation to corporate governance of the Authority.
654 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Transport when a decision will be made on an application for a bus licence by a person (details supplied) in County Galway to run a workers’ bus from Ballygar, County Galway, to Galway City; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38488/09]
I can confirm that an application for a bus passenger licence from the operator in question was received in my Department on 1st September 2009. This application is currently being processed by my Department and a decision is expected later this month.
656 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on the recent relocation of a company (details supplied) from here to Bermuda; the number of ships which have now been added to the Irish shipping register because of this relocation; the number of ships that are registered under the Irish flag; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38680/09]
657 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on the activities of the Irish Maritime Development Office; if the IMDO played any role in attracting a company (details supplied) here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38681/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 656 and 657 together.
The company referred to in the questions recently announced plans to domicile in Ireland. As part of its role to develop and market the shipping services sector in the State, the Irish Maritime Development Office has had discussions with the company. A press release regarding the announcement is available on the IMDO's website.
The company's decision to domicile in Ireland is not related to the flagging of its vessels or indeed availing of the Irish tonnage tax regime.
658 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport his views on the function of the State’s 25% shareholding in Aer Lingus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38762/09]
The State retained a 25% ownership in Aer Lingus to protect strategic interests. The primary interest the State wanted to protect was the key aims of our Aviation policy
(1) to maximise connectivity for Ireland
(2) to encourage competition and competitiveness The 25% stake has already ensured that competitiveness is maintained in the Irish aviation market by ensuring at least two major airlines continue to operate in the sector.
In addition to providing a basis to oppose takeovers, a stake of over 25% also allows a shareholder to block special resolutions. One notable example of where such a resolution is required is for the purpose of making changes in the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Company. This provides a protection for two specific interests of the State. It means that the relevant provisions of the Memorandum and Articles of Associations that (a) ensure that the State will have the right to appoint three directors and (b) provide for a safeguard against any disposal of Heathrow slots, cannot be changed without the approval of the State.
659 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 204 of 21 October 2009, if he will request the State agencies and organisations under the remit of his Department to provide the amount each agency paid to the Irish Business and Employers Confederation for the years 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that other Ministers were able to instruct their agencies to respond to the previous parliamentary question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38776/09]
Membership of the Irish Business and Employers Confederation by agencies under the aegis of my Department is a day-to-day operational issue for the agencies concerned. The Department does not hold this information.
660 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport the number of private bus operators licensed here; the number of vehicles in the nationwide private bus fleet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38788/09]
As of 2 November 2009, the number of private bus transport operators that hold a Road Passenger Transport Operator's Licence from my Department is 1,942. The number of vehicles authorised on those licences is currently 6,902.
661 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the progress to date with regard to Metro North; the position regarding the tendering process; if he will ascertain from the Railway Procurement Agency when construction work is expected to begin; and the cost of the project to date, including legal fees. [38859/09]
On 30th June, the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) announced that it had short-listed two bidding groups, Celtic Metro Group and Metro Express, to proceed to the final stage of the Metro North PPP procurement process. The formal commencement of the final stage of the procurement process is subject to a decision by An Bord Pleanála (ABP) on the railway order application for the project.
The Oral Hearing before ABP on the railway order application commenced on 1st April last and was adjourned on 29th April to allow consideration of further information requested from the RPA. On 26th June last, ABP wrote to the RPA requesting that further detailed information on various aspects of the project be submitted to it by 1st October 2009 and this information has now been put on public display. ABP has yet to announce a date for the recommencement of the Hearing.
The implementation of this project is subject to the outcome of the statutory planning and procurement processes and a final decision by the Government following the completion of these processes.
The expenditure incurred, including legal fees, on Metro North, to end September 2009 is €133.5m.
662 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he received reports (details supplied) that concluded that there were faults with the safety systems in the Dublin Port Tunnel which could not be relied upon in the event of a major incident; if his attention has been drawn to their contents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38884/09]
663 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the action he took on receipt of reports (details supplied) into the Dublin Port Tunnel’s safety systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38885/09]
664 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he has documentary evidence that states all 46 faults in reports (details supplied) relating to the Dublin Port Tunnel have been fully addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38886/09]
665 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he will release the safety audits and reports on the Dublin Port Tunnel that were conducted following the July 2008 EGIS Tunnel’s Report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38887/09]
666 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if the supervisory control and data acquisition and communications system in the Dublin Port Tunnel has been fully replaced, and not just upgraded, as was recommended by EGIS Tunnels Report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38888/09]
670 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he will investigate the reason the Dublin Port Tunnel was kept open from 2006 to 2008 when at least two detailed safety reports stated that the tunnel’s systems were not in a safe condition and could lead to dangerous situations in the case of a serious incident; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38892/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 662 to 666, inclusive, and 670 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme element of Transport 21. The construction, improvement and maintenance of individual national roads (such as the Dublin Port Tunnel), including safety related issues, is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Act 1993 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Neither I nor my Department have seen the reports to which the Deputy refers. I understand that the NRA has not and will not allow the Port Tunnel to be operated in circumstances which would compromise the safety of the public.
667 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport his views on the fact that a decision was taken to open the Dublin Port Tunnel when it was not in a safe condition at the time of its opening in December 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38889/09]
668 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the person who made the decision to open the Dublin Port Tunnel in December 2006 despite it having safety deficiencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38890/09]
669 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the additional budget he allocated to replace or upgrade inappropriate and failing systems in the Dublin Port Tunnel in the past year as was confirmed by the National Roads Authority on 22 October 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38891/09]
671 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he has satisfied himself regarding public safety in the Dublin Port Tunnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38893/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 667 to 669, inclusive, and 671 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme element of Transport 21. The construction, improvement and maintenance of individual national roads (such as the Dublin Port Tunnel), including safety related issues and the allocation of funding to individual projects, is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Act 1993 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
I understand that the NRA has not and will not allow the Port Tunnel to be operated in circumstances which would compromise the safety of the public.
672 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the circumstances under which the gardaí or the local authority can remove a vehicle that is parked on the road but no longer in use and neither taxed nor insured; if an owner can leave it parked indefinitely on the public road and withhold their agreement to move it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38896/09]
Powers are available, to the Gardaí and local authorities, under the Road Traffic (Removal, Storage and Disposal of Vehicles) Regulations, 1983 to 1998 to remove, store and dispose of vehicles which are abandoned or unlawfully parked on a public road or in a local authority car park.
Separate powers under the Road Traffic Act, 1994 (Section 41) Regulations, 1995 and 1998 provide for the detention, removal, storage and disposal of vehicles detained by the Gardaí where the driver has no motor insurance cover, where the road tax is more than three months out of date or where the vehicle is being driven by an under age driver.
Owners of vehicles in use on the public road are required to display evidence of payment of the appropriate amount of motor tax. A range of actions are available to Gardaí (and in some cases local authority traffic wardens) to enforce these provisions beginning with the issuing of a fixed charge notice for non display of a motor tax disc and eventually culminating in detention of the vehicle under Section 41 of the Road Traffic Act 1994.
673 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on the licensing of bus services between Dublin and Galway, in particular the operation of a non-stop service by a company (details supplied) between Dublin and Galway which allegedly has not been awarded a licence by his Department; if this matter has been referred to An Garda Síochána; if there are other bus routes or services that are being investigated for operating without a licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38922/09]
I can confirm that there are 3 licensed operators on the Galway-Dublin City/Airport route offering a range of multi stop and non stop services. Only one of these operators is licensed to operate a non stop service. My Department is aware that one of the operators in question is operating an unlicensed non stop service between Galway-Dublin City/Airport and that this matter has been referred to An Garda Síochána. I can confirm that 3 other unlicensed services on other routes are currently being investigated by my Department.
675 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Transport the action he is taking regarding the issue of development works in Arklow Harbour, County Wicklow, to prevent the reoccurrence of flooding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39097/09]
For over four years now, my Department has been funding remedial works to protect the fabric of the regional harbours, including Arklow, at an average cost of approximately €4m per annum in total pending the transfer of these harbours to local authority or port company control.
The primary purpose of the works at Arklow has been to remediate the infrastructure of the harbour itself and is not directly linked to flood prevention.
676 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport if he has received independent reports on health and safety conditions for LUAS drivers; if he has reviewed the health and safety conditions for LUAS and other public transport drivers; his views on the allegedly high levels of fatigue and stress among public transport workers and the potential impact on road safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39401/09]
I have not received reports on health and safety conditions for Luas drivers. These are matters for the Railway Procurement Agency and the operator of the Luas service in conjunction, as appropriate, with the Railway Safety Commission and the Health and Safety Authority.
677 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport his views on the role of the national rail network in the current era of peak oil and climate change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39402/09]
678 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport his views on the energy and CO2 efficiency of rail transport; the reason there was no meaningful discussion of rail in the recent Smarter Travel policy document; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39403/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 677 and 678 together.
As acknowledged in SMARTER Travel the Government is undertaking major investment under Transport 21 in public transport including in mainline rail, suburban rail, light rail and metro services as a key means of improving the sustainability of our transport system by improving its fuel efficiency and reducing its carbon emissions. In the period 2000-2008 over €2.5 billion has been invested in the upgrading of the mainline and suburban rail network. This has resulted in a 36% increase in passenger numbers.
Luas has attracted a further 27 million passengers per annum to rail services. SMARTER Travel, Transport 21, and the recently agreed revised Programme for Government envisage an increasing role for rail transport. This support for rail is one element of the overall strategy of Smarter Travel to get people to shift to alternative modes from the car.
679 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport if he envisages extension of the rail network outside Dublin as part of the increased public transport expenditure to occur from 2011 onwards as part of a Revised Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39404/09]
680 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport his views in principle on the re-opening of former rail routes and links here when there is a positive business case for doing so; the routes and links which should be examined in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39405/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 679 and 680 together.
In the Renewed Programme for Government, we have committed ourselves to ‘the provision of a safe and efficient network of rail services'. We have restated our commitment to the completion of the first phase of the Western Rail Corridor and have also made clear that work will continue on the subsequent phases of the Corridor for earliest possible delivery.
Work is ongoing on Phase 1 of the Navan Rail link, and services are expected to commence towards the end of 2010. As we have stated in the Renewed Programme for Government, we will progress work on Phase 2 of the Navan link for the earliest possible completion.
My Department will in due course working on the development of a successor to Transport 21. In this context my Department has recently asked Iarnród Éireann to undertake a strategic review of the national rail network in anticipation of the development of a successor to Transport 21. Of course, decisions on investment in the rail network in future years will be taken in light of the overall exchequer allocation available to my Department, which will be contingent on the prevailing economic circumstances.
681 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if an appeal against a decision not to grant an visa to a person (details supplied) has been adjudicated upon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38567/09]
The visa application referred to by the Deputy was received in the Visa Office, New Delhi on the 30 June 2009. Further documentation was received on the 18 August 2009. It was refused by the Visa Officer on the 18 August 2009 for the following reasons: The evidence of finances shown was deemed insufficient; There was insufficient documentation submitted in support of the application, specifically the previous passports of the applicant's father were not provided; It was the opinion of the Visa Officer that the granting of a visa may result in a cost to public funds and\or public resources.
The applicant submitted an appeal on the 15 October 2009 and this is under consideration. Once a decision has been made it will be published on the website of the Irish Embassy, New Delhi (www.embassyofireland.in).
682 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of times the 2002 criminal trespass legislation was used in dealing with members of the Traveller community for the years 2005, 2006 and 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39026/09]
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 am informed that the specific information requested by the Deputy is not available from the CSO.
683 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will support a matter (details supplied) in Dublin 3. [37925/09]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that an objection to the renewal of licences held by the premises referred to by the Deputy was made by An Garda Síochána in 2008 at the annual licensing court. The licences were renewed by the court.
I am further informed 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 public order issues which may arise.
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 has been put in place in the Garda District concerned generally to target, in a proportionate manner, 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, 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 the 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 continue to 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. This strategy will continue to be central to the delivery of a policing service to the area in question.
684 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 171 of 16 June 2009 and 231 of 17 October 2006, and other related questions, if his attention has been drawn to ongoing incidents generated by the same perpetrator involving intimidation and violence; if action has been taken to address these ongoing issues; if discussions have taken place between the gardaí and the person concerned; the nature of such discussions; if incidents of the past number of years have been re-examined; if it is intended to take action to address the concerns originally expressed by the parents of a juvenile victim and ultimately the subject of a civil action by the parents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37905/09]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that an incident in respect of the persons referred to by the Deputy is under Garda investigation. The Deputy will appreciate that, as an investigation is ongoing, it would be inappropriate for me to comment further at this time.
I am also informed that matters raised previously with An Garda Síochána have been investigated.
685 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to a motion (details supplied) on the Stardust tragedy of 8 July 2009, the position regarding the establishment of the committee to monitor the counselling and medical needs of the survivors and bereaved; when the committee will be established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37935/09]
I wish to refer the Deputy to my response to Parliamentary Questions numbers 340, 345 and 371 on Tuesday 20th October, 2009 which sets out the position with respect to the recommendations made in Mr. Paul Coffey SC's report. I can also inform the Deputy that the planned public information notice referred to in that question appeared on Tuesday 27th October.
686 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be made on an application for naturalisation in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow. [37949/09]
A valid application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in April 2009.
All valid applications are dealt with in chronological order as this is deemed to be the fairest to all applicants.The average processing time from application to decision is now at 24 months. More complicated cases can at times take more than the current average, while an element of straight forward cases can be dealt with in less than that timescale.
The length of time taken to process each application should not be classified as a delay, as the length of time taken for any application to be decided is purely a function of the time taken to carry out necessary checks. There is a limit to the reduction in the processing time that can be achieved as applications for naturalisation must be processed in a way which preserves the necessary checks and balances to ensure that it is not undervalued and is only given to persons who genuinely satisfy the necessary qualifying criteria.
I am also informed that the address provided by the Deputy does not correspond to the address that my Department holds on file, please note that it is the responsibility of the applicant to keep the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service informed of any change of address promptly and in writing.
687 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the extent to which the Courts Service is obliged to report to him or the Secretary General of his Department on their expenditure and policy initiatives; and if approval for same is required from him or the Secretary General. [37968/09]
The Courts Service operates under comprehensive provisions contained in the Courts Service Act 1998.
The Courts Service is independent in the performance of its functions, which include management of staff and resources, accommodation matters, provision of support services for the judiciary and provision of information. The Board of the Service considers and determines policy in relation to the Service and oversees the implementation of that policy by the Chief Executive who is the accounting officer for the Service.
However, the Service is required to prepare a strategic plan every three years which must be submitted for the Minister's approval. This strategic plan must comprise the key objectives, outputs and related strategies of the Service and have regard to the need to ensure the most beneficial, effective and efficient use of the resources of the Service. The Service must report to the Minister in writing on its activities on an annual basis. The Reports are laid before each House of the Oireachtas.
The Service must, if requested by the Minister, furnish to the Minister such information as the Minister may request relating to the Annual Report, any matter concerning the policy and activities of the Service generally, or any specific matter or account prepared by it.
Expenses incurred in the administration of the Courts Service must in general be as sanctioned by the Minister for Finance.
688 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9 who retired in 2009; if this case can be re-examined and an established pension paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37985/09]
The position is that membership of the Pension Scheme for Established Civil Servants is only open to established civil servants. As the officer in question was employed in an unestablished capacity he could not have been a member of the established scheme.
The Deputy may wish to note that the benefits payable to the officer under both the established and unestablished schemes are the same in this case.
689 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps that he will take regarding calls by a person (details supplied) to review the security at private airports and the use of ready to go mobile phones to assist criminal investigations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38106/09]
The Customs Service of the Revenue Commissioners has primary responsibility for the prevention, detection, interception and seizure of controlled drugs at their point of importation. The service has particular responsibility for implementing import controls at points of entry to the State. The Garda Síochána, the Customs Service and other relevant national and international agencies co-operate closely in taking action against smuggling and drug trafficking on an ongoing basis. General policy on the regulation of the operation of aerodromes is a matter for the Minister for Transport; such aerodromes are licensed by the IAA. There are provisions in place under the Air Navigation and Transports Acts, relating to the power of entry by members of the Garda Síochána which may be used for the purpose of monitoring aerodromes.
The registration of prepaid mobile 'phones would present a number of challenges, not least the costs of such a system given the volume of prepaid SIM cards in use and the wide range of retail outlets where they are available. It could raise issues of telecommunications regulation policy, which are of course a matter for the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. It could also raise significant privacy and data protection issues. EU Justice Ministers have asked the European Commission, in the context of reporting under the 2006 Directive on Data Retention, to consider whether there are technical solutions that might help improve identification of the users of, for example, mobile 'phones with prepaid SIM cards. The matter is, of course, kept under constant review.
690 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for residency or citizenship in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38119/09]
The person concerned claimed asylum in the State on18/08/1999 and had her claim examined by the Asylum Division and the Appeals Authority, following which it was recommended that she should be recognised as a refugee. Based on this recommendation, the person concerned was advised of my decision to issue her with a formal declaration of refugee status. This communication also advised the person concerned of the rights and entitlements accompanying refugee status in the State. The person concerned continues to hold the status of refugee in the State.
Officials in Citizenship Division of my Department informed me that there is no record of an application for a Certificate of Naturalisation from the person referred to in the deputy's question.
691 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for citizenship in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38120/09]
A valid application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in April 2008.
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question 138 on 18 June, 2009 in which I advised him that on examination of the application submitted it was determined that the application form had not been fully completed. It was returned to the person in question for further attention on 18 April, 2008. The person in question returned the application form to the Citizenship Division but the application form was returned again to the applicant on 1 July, 2008 as the application form was still incomplete. The Citizenship Division of my Department wrote to the person in question on 16 October, 2008 requesting she return her completed application form and supporting documentation in order for her application to be processed further. A 21 day letter was issued on 22 January, 2009. To date the Citizenship Division of my Department has not received the requested documentation and the application has been deemed ineligible.
It is open to the person in question to lodge a new application for a certificate of naturalisation if and when she is in a position to meet the statutory requirements.
692 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will grant leave to remain in the State in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Kildare. [38121/09]
The first named person concerned, then a minor, was granted permission to remain in the State, as part of his mother's decision, for an initial one year period until 22 November 2005. This permission was subsequently extended, in conjunction with his mother's permission, until 19 March 2009. As the person concerned had become of age when this most recent permission expired, he was not included in his mother's renewal decision. The person concerned should now make an application in his own right for renewal of his permission to remain in the State.
In relation to the second named person concerned, the position is that his position in the State is currently being considered under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. All representations submitted will be considered before the file is passed to me for decision. Once a decision has been made, this decision and the consequences of the decision will be conveyed in writing to the second named person concerned.
693 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for residency in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38122/09]
I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question No. 340 of Wednesday, 6 May, 2009, and the written Reply to that Question.
As stated in my earlier Reply, the person concerned has submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State which is under consideration at present. When consideration of this application has been completed, the person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome.
In the event that the application for Subsidiary Protection is refused, the position in the State of the person concerned will then be decided by reference to the provisions of Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. All representations submitted will be considered before the file is passed to me for decision. Once a decision has been made, this decision and the consequences of the decision will be conveyed in writing to the person concerned.
694 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38123/09]
The person referred to by the Deputy applied for Asylum on 10 November 2005. The claim was assessed by the Refugee Applications Commissioner who concluded that the person concerned did not meet the criteria for recognition as a refugee. The Commissioner's recommendation was communicated to her by letter dated 8 March 2006 and re issued 30 March 2006. This communication advised the person of her entitlement to appeal the Commissioner's recommendation to the Refugee Appeals Tribunal, which she duly did. The applicant initiated Judicial Review Proceedings against the RAT which were settled in favour of the applicant.
The Refugee Appeals Tribunal re-examined the person's appeal, following which the Tribunal reaffirmed the Commissioner's earlier recommendation to reject her claim. The outcome of the appeal was made known to the applicant by letter dated 6 October 2009.
In accordance with normal procedures, the applicant's file has been forwarded to my Department's Ministerial Decisions Unit for final processing of the Asylum claim. A letter has issued to her from my Department advising her formally that her asylum claim has been rejected and affording her three options as follows: 1. return home voluntarily, 2. consent to the making of a deportation order, or 3. make written representations to me within 15 working days for temporary leave to remain in the State and/or make an application for subsidiary protection under the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006 (SI No. 518 of 2006).
My Department currently awaits a response from the person concerned.
695 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38124/09]
I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that an application for residence by the person referred to by the Deputy is currently under review. Further documentation has been requested from the person concerned through his legal representatives and a decision will issue on receipt of this documentation.
696 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for naturalisation in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38125/09]
Valid applications for certificates of naturalisation from the persons referred to in the Deputy's Question were received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in February 2008.
All valid applications are dealt with in chronological order as this is deemed to be the fairest to all applicants. The average processing time from application to decision is now at 24 months. More complicated cases can at times take more than the current average, while an element of straight forward cases can be dealt with in less than that timescale. However, I understand that the persons concerned are refugees. In accordance with the Government's obligations under the United Nations Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, every effort is made to ensure that applications from persons with refugee status are dealt with as quickly as possible. Officials in the Citizenship Division inform me that further processing of both applications has commenced and the files will be submitted to me for a decision in due course.
The length of time taken to process each application should not be classified as a delay, as the length of time taken for any application to be decided is purely a function of the time taken to carry out necessary checks.
There is a limit to the reduction in the processing time that can be achieved as applications for naturalisation must be processed in a way which preserves the necessary checks and balances to ensure that it is not undervalued and is only given to persons who genuinely satisfy the necessary qualifying criteria.
697 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for residency in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38126/09]
I refer the Deputy to his earlier Parliamentary Questions, Nos. 271 of Tuesday, 13 October, 2009 and 125 of Thursday, 12 February, 2009, and the written Replies to those Questions.
As stated in my last Reply, the case file of the person concerned now falls to be decided by reference to the provisions of Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. All representations submitted will be considered before the file is passed to me for decision. Once a decision has been made, this decision and the consequences of the decision will be conveyed in writing to the person concerned.
698 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for residency in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5; if a full investigation of the circumstances of this case has been undertaken. [38127/09]
The person concerned applied for asylum on 19 March 2009. In accordance with Section 9 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended), the person concerned was entitled to remain in the State until his application for asylum was decided. His asylum application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Arising from the refusal of his asylum application, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was notified, by letter dated 31 August 2009, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why a Deportation Order should not be made against him. In addition, he was notified of his entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006).
The person concerned submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with these Regulations and this application is under consideration at present. When consideration of this application has been completed, the person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome.
In the event that the application for Subsidiary Protection is refused, the position in the State of the person concerned will then be decided by reference to the provisions of Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. This refoulement consideration will include a detailed assessment of the prevailing political and human rights conditions in the country of origin of the person concerned. Additionally, all representations submitted will be considered before the file is passed to me for decision. Once a decision has been made, this decision and the consequences of the decision will be conveyed in writing to the person concerned.
The Deputy might wish to note that following the initial refusal of the asylum application of the person concerned, he applied to be re-admitted to the asylum process in accordance with the provisions of Section 17(7) of the Refugee Act 1999 (as amended). This application was approved which gave rise to the fresh, and ultimately unsuccessful, consideration of his asylum claim.
699 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for long-term residency in respect or a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38128/09]
The person concerned applied for asylum on 2 October 2001. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 15 October 2002, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. Representations were received from the person concerned.
On 2 November 2006 the person concerned submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006). Following consideration of the information submitted, the application was refused. The person concerned and his legal representative were notified of this decision by letter dated 18 September 2009.
His case was then examined under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999, (as amended), and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended), on the Prohibition of Refoulement. Consideration was given to representations submitted on his behalf by his legal representative for permission to remain in the State. On 23 September 2009, I refused permission to remain temporarily in the State and instead signed a Deportation Order in respect of him.
The person concerned was notified by letter dated 6 October 2009 of the requirement that he present himself at the Offices of the Garda National Immigration Bureau on 27 October 2009 in order to make arrangements for his removal from the State. He failed to present and was classified as evading his deportation. Should he come to the notice of the Gardaí, he would be liable to arrest and detention. He should, therefore, present himself to the GNIB without any further delay.
I am satisfied that the applications made by the person concerned for asylum, for temporary leave to remain in the State and for Subsidiary Protection, together with all refoulement issues, were fairly and comprehensively examined and, as such, the decision to deport him is justified.
The effect of the Deportation Order is that the person concerned must leave the State and remain thereafter out of the State.
The enforcement of the Deportation Order is an operational matter for the GNIB.
700 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding a reunification application in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38129/09]
I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that the person referred to made a Family Reunification application in December 2007.
A decision in this case issued to the applicant on 15th September 2009. It is open to the applicant to submit any further documentation or new information in relation to her application and this will be taken into consideration.
701 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will review the order to deport in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6 whose circumstances have changed since the original decision to deport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38130/09]
I refer the Deputy to the Reply to Parliamentary Question No. 222 of Thursday, 3 April 2008. The status of the person concerned remains as set out in that Reply.
The person concerned continues to meet the presentation requirements of the Garda National Immigration Bureau (G.N.I.B.) in accordance with Section 8(1)(b) of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended. He last presented on 15th October 2009 and he is due to present again on 12th November 2009.
I am satisfied that the applications made by the person concerned for asylum and for temporary leave to remain in the State, together with all refoulement issues, were fairly and comprehensively examined and, as such, the decision to deport him is justified.
The effect of the Deportation Order is that the person concerned must leave the State and remain thereafter out of the State. The enforcement of the Deportation Order is, and remains, an operational matter for the GNIB.
702 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding a residency and citizenship application in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38131/09]
The first named person concerned applied for asylum on 21 May 2002. In accordance with Section 9 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended), the first named person concerned was entitled to remain in the State until his application for asylum was decided. His asylum application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Arising from the refusal of his asylum application, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the first named person concerned was notified, by letter dated 24 May 2004, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why a Deportation Order should not be made in respect of him.
His case was examined under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. Consideration was given to all representations submitted on his behalf. On 21 July 2005 a Deportation Order was signed in respect of him. This Order was served by registered post requiring the first named person concerned to present himself at the Offices of the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB), 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2 on Thursday, 4 August, 2005 in order to make travel arrangements for his removal from the State. He ‘presented' as required and was given further presentation dates which he kept.
By letter dated 23 July 2008, the legal representatives of the first named person concerned applied for the revocation of his Deportation Order. Following consideration of this application, a decision was made to refuse the application with the consequence that, on 9 October 2008, the Deportation Order was affirmed. Notice of the affirmation of the Deportation Order was served by registered post requiring the first named person concerned to present himself at the Offices of the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB), 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2 on Thursday, 6 November, 2008 in order to make travel arrangements for his removal from the State. The first named person concerned failed to keep that appointment but cited medical reasons for his failure to do so. He is not currently subject to any presentation requirements with the GNIB.
On 14 November 2008, the legal representative of the first named person concerned again applied for the revocation of the Deportation Order. This application, under Section 3(11) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), is currently being considered.
The second named person concerned, the wife of the first named person concerned, applied for asylum on 20 December 2004. Separate applications for asylum were lodged on 28 October 2008 on behalf of the third and fourth named persons concerned, infant children of the first and second named persons concerned, born in the State in 2005 and 2007.
Arising from the refusal of their respective asylum applications, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the second, third and fourth named persons concerned were notified, by letters dated 24 March 2006, 11 June 2009 and 15 June 2009 respectively, that the Minister proposed to make Deportation Orders in respect of them. They were each given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of Deportation Orders or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why Deportation Orders should not be made against them. In addition, the third and fourth named persons were notified of their respective entitlements to apply for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006).
The case files of the second, third and fourth named persons concerned will now be decided by reference to the provisions of Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. All representations submitted will be considered before the files are passed to me for decision. Once decisions have been made, these decisions and the consequences of the decisions will be conveyed in writing to the second, third and fourth named persons concerned.
In relation to the Deportation Order made in respect of the first named person, a request was made by my officials to the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB), on 14 November 2008, to not enforce this Order until such time as the asylum applications of his two children had been considered.
703 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress to date of an application for residency or naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38132/09]
The person concerned applied for asylum on 21 May 2004. In accordance with Section 9 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended), the person concerned was entitled to remain in the State until her application for asylum was decided. Her asylum application was refused following consideration of her case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Arising from the refusal of her asylum application, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was notified, by letter dated 14 October 2009, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of her. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why a Deportation Order should not be made against her. In addition, she was notified of her entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006).
The 15 working day period referred to in my Department's letter of 14 October 2009 expires on 5 November 2009. It is open to the person concerned to make representations and/or apply for Subsidiary Protection in the State within that period. In any event, the case of the person concerned will not be further processed until the 15 working day period referred to has elapsed.
704 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for extended residency or family reunification or citizenship in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38133/09]
I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question No. 686 of Wednesday, 16 September, 2009 and the written Reply to that Question.
As stated in my earlier Reply, the person concerned has submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State which is under consideration at present. When consideration of this application has been completed, the person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome. In the event that the application for Subsidiary Protection is refused, the position in the State of the person concerned will then be decided by reference to the provisions of Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. All representations submitted will be considered before the file is passed to me for decision. Once a decision has been made, this decision and the consequences of the decision will be conveyed in writing to the person concerned.
705 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress to date of an application for residency or citizenship in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38134/09]
I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that a decision regarding their Family Reunification application was issued to the person referred to on the 6 October 2009.
706 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for citizenship in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38135/09]
A valid application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in May 2006.
All valid applications are dealt with in chronological order as this is deemed to be the fairest to all applicants. The average processing time from application to decision is now at 24 months. More complicated cases can at times take more than the current average, while an element of straight forward cases can be dealt with in less than that timescale. Officials in the Citizenship Division inform me that processing of the application is ongoing and the file will be submitted to me for a decision in due course.
The length of time taken to process each application should not be classified as a delay, as the length of time taken for any application to be decided is purely a function of the time taken to carry out necessary checks.
There is a limit to the reduction in the processing time that can be achieved as applications for naturalisation must be processed in a way which preserves the necessary checks and balances to ensure that it is not undervalued and is only given to persons who genuinely satisfy the necessary qualifying criteria.
707 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 699 of 6 October 2009, if an application has been received for a visa to enter the State from a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38136/09]
Based on the information provided by the Deputy, my department has no record of a visa application for the person referred to.
708 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the basis for the determination that a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7 did not meet the criteria for naturalisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38137/09]
The Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 1956, as amended, provides that the Minister may, in his absolute discretion, grant an application for a certificate of naturalisation provided certain statutory conditions are fulfilled. The conditions are that the applicant must be of full age; be of good character; have had a period of one year's continuous residency in the State immediately before the date of application and, during the eight years immediately preceding that period, have had a total residence in the State amounting to four years; intend in good faith to continue to reside in the State after naturalisation; have made, either before a Judge of the District Court in open court or in such a manner as the Minister for special reasons allows, a declaration in the prescribed manner, of fidelity to the nation and loyalty to the State
In the context of naturalisation, certain periods of residence in the State are excluded. These include periods of residence in respect of which an applicant does not have permission to remain in the State; periods granted for the purposes of study; periods granted for the purposes of seeking recognition as a refugee within the meaning of the Refugee Act, 1996.
Applications for certificates of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question were received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in March 2006, January 2008 and January 2009. On examination of the applications submitted it was determined on each occasion that the person concerned did not meet that statutory residency criteria as set out in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 1956, as amended. The applicant's initial reckonable permission had not been granted for at least 5 years at the date of each application, therefore it is not possible for him to comply with the statutory residency requirement.
It is open to the person concerned to lodge an application for a certificate of naturalisation with the Citizenship Division of my Department if and when she is in a position to meet the statutory requirements.
709 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will renew a visa application in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38138/09]
754 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will renew a visa in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38741/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 709 and 754 together.
I have been informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that the person referred to by the Deputy has been granted 5 years residence in the State based on his marriage to an EU national.
710 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding a residency or family reunification application in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; if he will return the original documentation sent to his Department in July 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38157/09]
I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that the person referred to made a Family Reunification application in January 2006.
A decision in this case was issued to the person referred to on the 11th July 2008 enclosing original documentation submitted in support of their application. This decision letter was returned to INIS by An Post as it was not called for. The decision letter was reissued on 28th July 2008 and was again returned to INIS as it was not called for.
I am further informed by INIS that the person referred to notified INIS on 9th March 2009 that he had changed address and the decision of 11th July 2008 was reissued to him at the new address provided. I am also informed that no additional documentation was received by the INIS in July 2009 from the person referred to.
711 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the future plans for a centre (details supplied) in Dublin 11; if there are plans for the unit to be re-located; if this applies to the full complex or part of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37990/09]
In March 2008 the Government approved proposals to develop national children detention facilities to be located on the existing State-owned Oberstown campus near Lusk, Co. Dublin. The Government also approved the establishment of a Working Group to consider the possible future role for, and use of the site of, Finglas Child and Adolescent Centre (FCAC), the only children detention school not located on the Oberstown campus.
The Working Group presented its report (available at www.iyjs.ie) earlier this year and I have accepted the Group’s recommendations. This will involve the closure of the Centre, which will be completed by the end of March 2010, and the transfer in the meantime of all children, staff and services to the Oberstown campus. The site will be returned to the Office of Public Works to determine its appropriate future use.
712 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will support a matter (details supplied) in Dublin 3. [38162/09]
In the time available it has not been possible for the Garda authorities to provide the information requested by the Deputy. I will be in contact with the Deputy when the information is to hand.
713 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5 will be supported. [38203/09]
Under the Coroners Act, 1962, a Coroner is a statutory officer exercising quasi-judicial functions in relation to which he/she is independent and neither I nor my Department has any role in individual cases. However, to be of assistance to the family in question, inquiries have been made. Based on the information provided, it is understood that this case is with the Dublin City Coroner.
I can inform the Deputy that many factors influence the time it takes to establish the cause of someone's death. Post mortem reports can take some time to complete. I understand from the Dublin City Coroner's Office that in their experience it generally takes between 3 and 6 months for a post-mortem report to be received from a pathologist but that this may take longer where further specialist tests are required (e.g. toxicology, histology and microbiology tests).
The family in question can contact the Dublin City Coroner's Office at anytime directly where they will be informed of any developments.
714 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the amount of Garda time and resources spent in combating the illicit and counterfeit cigarette trade here; if Garda resources in this area have increased in the past five years; the number of gardaí assigned to this area over the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38226/09]
I am informed by the Garda Authorities that all members of An Garda Síochána are tasked with enforcing criminal legislation in collaboration with other relevant agencies within and outside the State. The Anti-Racketeering Unit, within the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, provides expert guidance and support to Divisional and District Garda personnel tasked with the investigation of the importation and sale of illicit and counterfeit goods, including cigarettes.
I am also informed by the Garda authorities that records on PULSE indicate that, in 2008, members of An Garda Síochána seized 430,000 cigarettes with almost 12,500,000 cigarettes seized up to recently in 2009. In addition to this, a multi-agency law enforcement operation, which included An Garda Síochána and the Revenue Commissioners, resulted in the seizure of a very significant quantity of cigarettes and the arrest of nine (9) persons last week in Louth.
Records on PULSE do not differentiate between counterfeit and contraband products, as they are recorded as ‘cigarettes seized'. An Garda Síochána along with the Revenue Commissioners continue to adopt a proactive approach on an interagency basis to combating the sale and supply of illicit cigarettes in this country.
The Criminal Assets Bureau, in conjunction with the Revenue Commissioners (Customs & Excise) and Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs have been involved in a number of operations targeting the large scale importation of cigarettes by organised crime gangs. These investigations have resulted in a number of actions by the Criminal Assets Bureau against individuals involved in this activity. As part of its statutory remit the Criminal Assets Bureau will continue to target the proceeds of this criminal activity.
At the end of 2004 the personnel strength of an Garda Síochána was 12,209 and the current strength, on the latest date for which figures are readily available, is 14,716 which shows an increase of over 2,500 in that time frame. Responsibility for the allocation of personnel within the force, including to the National Criminal Bureau of Investigation, rests with the Garda Commissioner, in consultation with his senior management team. Resource levels are constantly monitored, in conjunction with crime trends and other demands made on An Garda Síochána and the situation will be kept under review.
715 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the circumstances surrounding the detention of a person (details supplied); if their application for a transfer will be granted. [38229/09]
I am informed by the Director General of the Irish Prison Service that a transfer request has been received from the person referred to and is currently being considered.
716 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the action he proposes to take to protect mortgage holders in arrears (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38285/09]
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.
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 in proceedings in relation to housing loan mortgages. 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. This area of civil law will continue to be kept under review by my Department.
The Government is of course aware of the Law Reform Commission's recently published Consultation Paper on Debt Management and Debt Enforcement. This will also be the theme of the Commission's Annual Conference to be held later this month. The Commission is at present giving priority to producing a Final Report which will contain definitive recommendations for reform.
717 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to correspondence of 14 May 2009 from a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12; if the Garda report to which he referred in Parliamentary Question No. 120 of 25 June 2009 is available; when he will reply to the correspondence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38367/09]
I am aware of the correspondence referred to by the Deputy. I am replying to the person concerned.
718 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will consider an application for the payment of a pension to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38373/09]
The person in question resigned from An Garda Síochána on 14 July, 2008 and did not qualify for immediate payment of superannuation benefits as he had not reached minimum retirement age. However, his superannuation benefits have been preserved and he will qualify for payment of a pension and gratuity when he reaches age 60.
719 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has had a communication from the president of the Circuit Court in relation to a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38409/09]
The subject which the Deputy has referenced relates to a court case. It is not open to me to comment or intervene in any way on the conduct or decision of any individual case.
720 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for refugee status by persons (details supplied) in County Cork; if an application has been received from them for subsidiary protection in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38420/09]
The first and second named persons concerned, a husband and wife, made separate applications for asylum on 8 July 2008. In accordance with Section 9 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended), the first and second named persons concerned were entitled to remain in the State until their applications for asylum were decided. Their asylum applications were refused following the separate consideration of their individual cases by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Arising from the refusal of their asylum applications, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the first and second named persons concerned were notified, by separate letters dated 29 September 2009, that the Minister proposed to make Deportation Orders in respect of them. They were given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of Deportation Orders or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why Deportation Orders should not be made against them. In addition, they were notified of their respective entitlements to apply for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006).
The first and second named persons concerned have each submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with these Regulations and these applications are under consideration at present. When consideration of these applications has been completed, the first and second named persons concerned will be notified in writing of the outcomes.
In the event that the applications for Subsidiary Protection are refused, the position in the State of the first and second named persons concerned will then be decided by reference to the provisions of Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. All representations submitted will be considered before the files are passed to me for decision. Once decisions have been made, these decisions and the consequences of the decisions will be conveyed in writing to the first and second named persons concerned.
The third named person is the infant child of the first and second named persons. If an application for asylum has been made by the third named person concerned, the Deputy should note that it is not the practice to comment in detail on individual asylum applications where a final decision has not been made.
721 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a person (details supplied) will be granted leave to remain here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38442/09]
The person concerned applied for asylum on 18 December 2006. In accordance with Section 9 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended), the person concerned was entitled to remain in the State until his application for asylum was decided. His asylum application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Arising from the refusal of his asylum application, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was notified, by letter dated 18 June 2009, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why a Deportation Order should not be made against him. In addition, he was notified of his entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006).
The person concerned submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with these Regulations and this application is under consideration at present. When consideration of this application has been completed, the person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome.
In the event that the application for Subsidiary Protection is refused, the position in the State of the person concerned will then be decided by reference to the provisions of Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. All representations submitted will be considered before the file is passed to me for decision. Once a decision has been made, this decision and the consequences of the decision will be conveyed in writing to the person concerned.
722 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will support the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24. [38481/09]
A valid application for a certificate of naturalisation on behalf of the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in May 2009. I decided in my absolute discretion not to grant a certificate of naturalisation and the reason for refusal was disclosed to the parent of the person concerned in a letter issued on 20 October, 2009.
It is open to the parent of the person in question to lodge a new application for a certificate of naturalisation with the Citizenship Division of my Department at anytime. However, in doing so she should bear in mind the reason for refusal of the previous application.
723 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the number of burglaries that occur in rural areas, particularly in south Galway in more recent times; his views on whether there are enough gardaí to contend with this development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38489/09]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that on 30 September, 2009, the latest date for which figures are available, the personnel strength of Galway Garda Division was 601.
The Garda Commissioner, with his senior managers and Divisional Officers, arranges for the allocation of Garda personnel throughout the State. Garda management is aided in this by a distribution model known as the Garda Establishment Redistribution Model (GERM).
I am advised by the Commissioner that this model indicates the most effective means to distribute Garda personnel and acts as a guide to Garda management decision making. It takes into account many different policing variables, including crime trends, socio-economic factors, census information and the minimum establishment required for each District. The allocation of Garda personnel is determined by these factors and also takes account of the policing requirements of each individual Division.
724 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will support a matter (details supplied) in Dublin 3. [38507/09]
In the time available it has not been possible for the Garda authorities to provide the information requested by the Deputy. I will be in contact with the Deputy when the information is to hand.
725 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will support a matter (details supplied) in Dublin 3. [38508/09]
In the time available it has not been possible for the Garda authorities to provide the information requested by the Deputy. I will be in contact with the Deputy when the information is to hand.
726 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will support a matter (details supplied). [38511/09]
The General Scheme of the Mental Capacity Bill was published in September 2008. The scheme implements recommendations made by the Law Reform Commission in its 2006Report on Vulnerable Adults and the Law. The Commission’s Report followed extensive research and consultation since 2002 with representative organisations, service providers, medical experts and frontline carers.
On publication of the General Scheme, written submissions from interested parties were invited. A conference was held in Dublin Castle in February 2009, co-hosted by my Department and the National Disability Authority. Attendees at the conference came from a broad range of groups and organisations including those representing brain injured persons, the elderly and the intellectually disabled. Submissions received and views expressed at the conference have been examined for consideration during drafting of the detailed provisions of the Bill, which is now underway.
I have no function in relation to the matter of the investment of court funds. Under the Courts Service Act 1998, the Courts Service is independent in the performance of its functions. Court funds which are held for the benefit of wards of court are private funds under the control of the Courts Service. The General Scheme of the Mental Capacity Bill provides for the appointment by the court of a person as personal guardian with a range of functions including the control and management of the personal finances of an incapacitated person. A function of the Office of Public Guardian under the Scheme will be to supervise personal guardians appointed by the court.
727 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of people committed to prison for non payment of fines in the years 2006, 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009. [38536/09]
I expect the number of such committals to fall substantially once the Fines Bill 2009 has been enacted.
A breakdown of the number of persons committed to prison solely for non-payment of fines for each of the years 2006, 2007, 2008 is set out in the following table.
|
Year |
Number of Persons |
|
2006 |
1,089 |
|
2007 |
1,335 |
|
2008 |
2,520 |
|
2009* |
1,897 |
*The figure for 2009 is for the first six months of the year.
I can advise the Deputy that the number of such persons held in custody at any one time is a tiny fraction of the overall prisoner population. To illustrate this point, on 30 October, 2009 approximately 0.17 % of the numbers in prison custody that day fell into this category.
728 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of the review of the Equality Authority’s budget and the delay on its decentralisation which he announced on 22 April 2009. [38568/09]
742 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of the review of the Equality Authority’s budget and the delay on its decentralisation which he announced in the Dáil on 22 April 2009. [38649/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 728 and 742 together.
All matters regarding the Equality Authority's budget will be considered in the context of the preparation of the Estimates for 2010.
As I previously indicated to the House, I have agreed in principle to a request from the Chair of the Equality Authority to suspend the transfer of staff from Dublin to Roscrea on the grounds of hardship.
I asked my officials to work out the details on a case-by-case basis with the Chief Executive Officer of the Authority and to review the situation again in 2011 when other aspects of the wider decentralisation programme are due to be reviewed.
729 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if there is any substance in the previously leaked revised programme for Government proposal by a newspaper (details supplied) that equality will move from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform to another Department. [38569/09]
752 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if there is any substance in the previously leaked revised programme for Government proposal by a newspaper (details supplied) that equality will move from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform to another Department. [38659/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 729 and 752 together.
The Renewed Programme for Government was published on 10 October 2009. I do not propose to comment on press speculation.
730 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the recommendation within the special group on public service numbers and expenditure programmes report that the non-pay budget of the Equality Authority should be reduced by 10%. [38570/09]
743 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the recommendation within the special group on public service numbers and expenditure programme’s report that the non-pay budget of the Equality Authority should be reduced by 10%. [38650/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 730 and 743 together.
The recommendations of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes are being considered in the context of the preparation of the Estimates for 2010.
731 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the commencement date and completion date of the value for money audit of the Equality Authority carried out by consultants Deloitte Touche. [38571/09]
732 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the cost of the audit of the Equality Authority carried out by consultants Deloitte Touche; and when the audit will be made public. [38572/09]
744 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the commencement date and completion date of the value for money audit of the Equality Authority carried out by consultants Deloitte Touche. [38651/09]
745 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the cost of the audit of the Equality Authority carried out by consultants Deloitte Touche. [38652/09]
746 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the audit of the Equality Authority carried out by Deloitte Touche will be made public. [38653/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 731, 732 and 744 to 746, inclusive, together.
Work commenced on the value for money review (VFM) of the Equality Authority in August 2008. The final draft of the VFM report is currently being reviewed by the Steering Group which was established to assist with this report. When the Group have completed their review in the very near future, the report will be sent to my office for consideration. It is intended that the report be published as soon as possible thereafter.
To date the VFM project has cost €36,450. A significant amount of time has been spent on this review and a broad range of stakeholders have been interviewed to get an appreciation of the work being carried out by the Equality Authority.
733 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason the Irish Human Rights Commission and the Equality Authority are not directly answerable to the Houses of the Oireachtas. [38573/09]
747 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason the Irish Human Rights Commission and the Equality Authority are not directly answerable to the Houses of the Oireachtas. [38654/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 733 and 747 together.
The Human Rights Commission and the Equality Authority are established under legislation which provides, as is the case of other statutory bodies such as the Courts Service, for funding out of moneys voted by the Oireachtas. The Commission and the Authority are responsible to my Department in such matters as staff and finance, also the expenses incurred in their administration must be sanctioned by the Minister for Finance, and their Chief Executives are accountable in one form or other to Committees of the Oireachtas.
Moreover, the legislation in the case of the Human Rights Commission provides that it is independent in the exercise of its functions.
I have no proposals for amending legislation to provide that the Human Rights Commission and the Equality Authority be further administratively linked to the Oireachtas.
734 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the procedure for the formal selection of Equality Authority board members. [38574/09]
735 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his proposals for the vacant Equality Authority board seats. [38575/09]
736 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if organisations or sectors are listed or consulted in the selection of the Equality Authority Board. [38576/09]
737 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has responded to congress on the status of and the refilling of its allocated board members. [38577/09]
748 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the procedure for the formal selection of Equality Authority board members. [38655/09]
749 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his proposals for the vacant Equality Authority board seats. [38656/09]
750 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has responded to congress on the status of and refilling of its allocated board members. [38657/09]
751 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if organisations or sectors are listed or consulted in the selection of the Equality Authority board. [38658/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 734 to 737, inclusive, and 748 to 751, inclusive, together.
The procedure for making appointments to the Board of the Equality Authority is set out in Part V of the Employment Equality Act 1998 as amended. Section 44 of the Act provides that two persons (one male and one female) shall be appointed on the nomination by organisations representative of employees and two persons (one male and one female) shall be appointed on the nomination by organisations representative of employers. The section provides that the remaining number of ordinary members of the Authority shall be such persons as appear to the Minister to be persons who have knowledge of, or experience in—
(i) consumer, social affairs or equality issues, including issues relating to the experience and circumstances of groups who are disadvantaged by reference to gender, marital status, family status, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin or membership of the Traveller community,
(ii) issues related to the provision of goods and services, or
(iii) such other subject-matter (including law, finance, management or administration) as appears to the Minister to be relevant to the issues to which the functions of the Authority relate.
Apart from the provision relating to nominations from employee or employer organisations, the Act does not list organisations or sectors to be consulted prior to the making of appointments.
Section 44 provides that where a casual vacancy occurs among any members of the Authority nominated by employee or employer organisations the Minister shall forthwith invite the organisation which made the nomination concerned to nominate a person for appointment to fill the vacancy and the Minister shall appoint to fill the vacancy the person so nominated.
When the members of the Authority appointed on the nomination of ICTU and IBEC resigned, I immediately wrote to ICTU and IBEC requesting them to nominate persons for appointment. IBEC made such nominations but ICTU have not done so to date.
The Act provides that the Authority shall consist of not less than 12 and not more than 16 members. There are 13 members at present.
738 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the report on the Cosc priority research programme for 2009; the stage of completion of each project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38641/09]
739 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will clarify which projects in the Cosc priority research programme have been deemed not feasible to proceed in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38642/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 738 and 739 together.
The stages of completion of each of the projects in Cosc's Priority Research Programme for 2009 are set out in the tabular statement below.
|
Project |
Stage of Completion |
|
A mapping of services provided by both State and non-State organisations to those affected by domestic, sexual and gender-based violence/abuse |
The fieldwork and data analysis completed |
|
A mapping of the programmes on domestic, sexual and gender-based violence/abuse currently delivered in post-primary schools in Ireland |
The fieldwork and data analysis completed |
|
An examination of court system responses to domestic, sexual and gender-based violence/abuse and models of best practice |
Completed |
|
A mapping of programmes working with perpetrators of domestic violence/abuse and an examination of models of best practice |
Completed |
|
An examination of data collection systems and procedures in relation to domestic, sexual and gender-based violence/abuse in Ireland |
At the final stage of the fieldwork |
|
A general population attitudinal survey on sexual violence/abuse |
Not proceeded with in 2009 |
|
A survey of prevalence of sexual violence/abuse in the general population |
Not proceeded with in 2009 |
|
An examination of the economic cost in various sectors of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence/abuse |
Not proceeded with in 2009 |
The projects not proceeded with in 2009 will be reconsidered in the context of the preparation of Cosc's Priority Research Programme for 2010.
740 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if additional gardaí will be assigned to the Killaloe electoral area; if an extra garda will be appointed to a village (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38643/09]
I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that as of the latest date for which figures are readily available, the personnel strength of Killaloe Garda District was 46.
Responsibility for the allocation of personnel rests with the Garda Commissioner, in consultation with his senior management team. Resource levels are constantly monitored, in conjunction with crime trends and other demands made on An Garda Síochána. The situation will be kept under review and the needs of the areas referred to by the Deputy will be fully considered by the Commissioner within the overall context of the needs of policing requirements throughout the country.
741 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will provide temporary travel documents for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38645/09]
The Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) informs me that the person in question was refused Refugee Status in 2005 and is therefore not entitled to be issued with an Irish Travel Document. The person concerned was granted leave to remain in 2007 until 12 November 2010.
In exceptional cases an application for an Irish temporary travel document may be considered. In all such cases INIS must be satisfied that there is no alternative open to the applicant before an Irish temporary travel document will issue.
An application for an Irish temporary travel document will only be considered by the Immigration Services Section in INIS on receipt of a fully completed application form. Supporting documentation accompanying any such application should include original correspondence from the relevant consular authority outlining the steps necessary to be followed by the person to facilitate the procurement of a national passport if their presence is required outside the State.
I am informed by the Immigration Services Section of INIS that the person concerned has been facilitated with a temporary travel document on several occasions over the last few years primarily to allow her to obtain her national passport. An application for a temporary travel document was refused on 17 September 2009 in respect of the person in question as the application received was not accompanied by the requisite original correspondence from her own consular authorities.
It remains open to the person in question to submit a new application for a temporary travel document accompanied by the relevant supporting documentation to the Travel Document Unit of INIS which is located at 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2.
753 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of persons taken off the panel for trade officer since 2007; and when the last person was employed. [38739/09]
I am advised by the Director General of the Irish Prison Service that there are three Trades Officer panels established since 2007. Four persons have been appointed from the Trades Officer (Plumber) panel; the last person was employed on 19th January 2009. Two persons have been appointed from the Trades Officer (Electrician) panel; the last person was employed on 31st March 2008. Three persons have been appointed from the Trades Officer (Carpenter) panel; the last person was employed on 19th January 2009.
755 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will respond to correspondence (details supplied) on the Civil Partnership Bill 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38823/09]
The Civil Partnership Bill is intended to be as comprehensive as possible. I note the positive comments made by the correspondent in relation to the Bill and the need that is identified for support of those in same-sex relationships.
756 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be made on the application for naturalisation by a person (details supplied) in County Dublin. [38839/09]
A valid application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in February 2007.
All valid applications are dealt with in chronological order as this is deemed to be the fairest to all applicants. The average processing time from application to decision is now at 24 months. More complicated cases can at times take more than the current average, while an element of straight forward cases can be dealt with in less than that timescale. Officials in the Citizenship Division of my Department inform me that further processing of application has commenced and the file will be submitted to me for a decision in due course.
The length of time taken to process each application should not be classified as a delay, as the length of time taken for any application to be decided is purely a function of the time taken to carry out necessary checks. There is a limit to the reduction in the processing time that can be achieved as applications for naturalisation must be processed in a way which preserves the necessary checks and balances to ensure that it is not undervalued and is only given to persons who genuinely satisfy the necessary qualifying criteria.
757 Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the decision on an EU treaty rights application for residency in the State by persons (details supplied) in County Meath; and the further documentation needed to be submitted by same. [39014/09]
I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that the persons in question made an application to the EU Treaty Rights Section for residence in the State as a family member of an EU National on 13 May 2009.
The applications were refused on 16 October 2009 and the applicants were advised that they could request a review of this decision in accordance with Schedule 11 of Regulation 656/2006 as amended.
Should the applicants decide to seek a review of the decision to refuse their applications they should forward the following information to The Review Officer, EU Treaty Rights Section, Department of Justice Equality and Law Reform, 13/14 Burgh Quay Dublin 2.
If the EU citizen is in employment, the following documents should be provided:
Contract of employment OR current letter from employer with full contact details
2 recent payslips
Most recent P60 or Tax Credit Certificate.
If the EU citizen is unemployed, the following documents should be provided:
Current letter from Department of Social and Family Affairs with details of current benefit claims
Current letter from FÁS acknowledging registration as a jobseeker
P60s for last 2 years of employment
P45 for last employment.
For the dependent parents of the spouse of the EU citizen:
Evidence showing their dependance on the EU citizen in their country of origin or the country from which they came prior to joining the EU citizen.
758 Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the decision on an application for the renewal of business permission by a person (details supplied) in County Meath. [39020/09]
The Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) informs me that an application for renewal of business permission was received by the Business Permission Unit on 08 September 2009 in respect of the person in question.
The person in question was informed by letter dated 22 October 2009 that the application for renewal of business permission had been refused as the required documentation submitted with the renewal application did not satisfy the current requirements of the Business Permission scheme.
It remains open to the person in question to lodge an appeal within 30 days of the date of refusal to the Business Permission Unit addressing the issue which led to the application for renewal to be refused.
759 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 545 of 9 July 2009, if he will confirm that all gardaí on duty at immigration in Dublin Airport are fully aware of section 11(4) of the Immigration Act 2004, and that in future they accept the free travel pass as evidence of nationality; and his views on the possibility of reinstating the Irish citizens entry point at this airport. [39221/09]
Ireland and the United Kingdom operate a Common Travel Area (CTA), a result of which is that citizens of both jurisdictions may travel between the two jurisdictions without possessing a passport. However, in Dublin Airport passengers arriving from airports in the UK are not segregated from passengers arriving from other destinations. It is, therefore, necessary for Immigration Officers to establish where passengers have arrived from, and in order to do this, an Immigration Officer may ask passengers questions with a view to establishing their nationality and port of embarkation. Once satisfied that a person is a citizen of the Common Travel Area (CTA) and that such person has travelled from the United Kingdom, the Immigration Officer will make no further requirement of that person.
Members of An Garda Síochána who engage in immigration control related duties at Dublin airport, and other approved airports in the State, have been appointed as immigration officers in accordance with the provisions of section 3 of Immigration Act, 2004. All such persons are appropriately acquainted with the provisions of immigration related legislation and procedures. In particular, members of An Garda Síochána who are Immigration Officers and perform immigration related duties at Dublin Airport, are aware of the provisions of section 11 of Immigration Act, 2004. Section 11(4) of the Immigration Act, 2004, excludes persons other than non-nationals, from the requirement made at Section 11(1) that every person (other than a person under the age of 16 years) landing in the State be in possession of a valid passport or other equivalent document, issued by or on behalf of an authority recognised by the Government, which establishes his or her identity and nationality to the satisfaction of an immigration officer, only when they have come from or are embarking for a place in the State, Great Britain or Northern Ireland.
A person who is a national of the jurisdictions that form the Common Travel Area (CTA) is not required to be in possession of a passport, or other equivalent document, when arriving at an aerodrome in the State, having travelled from within the CTA. However, in so far as Dublin Airport is concerned, Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) does not segregate passengers based on the location from where they have travelled. Consequently, Immigration Officers performing immigration control duties at Dublin airport do not know where passengers have travelled from when such passengers present at immigration control desks.
It is a fact that a significant number of nationals of the jurisdictions that form the Common Travel Area do carry passports, even when travelling within the CTA, because of requirements placed on them by the airline companies. When such passengers produce their passports to Immigration Officers, the need for them to establish that they have, in fact, travelled from within the CTA does not arise.
In circumstances where a person, who is a national of the jurisdictions that form the Common Travel Area, and who has travelled from within the CTA and is not in possession of a passport, an Immigration Officer, in compliance with their duties under immigration legislation, is duty-bound to ask questions designed to establish that the person is a national of the jurisdictions that form the CTA and has travelled from within the CTA.
In recent years, personnel at the Garda National Immigration Bureau and in the UK Border Agency have detected abuses within the Common Travel Area including movements of illegal persons, suspected human trafficking, illegal immigration and substantial levels of social welfare fraud are among the consequences of such abuse. The co-operation of all passengers arriving in the State, including Irish and UK citizens who have travelled from the UK, greatly enhances the ability of Immigration personnel, both here and in the UK, to prevent and detect illegal immigration and associated criminality.
In fulfilling their duties at the frontiers of the State members of An Garda Síochána utilise a range of legislative provisions. In particular, such officers will, where necessary, enforce the provisions at section 33 of Air Navigation & Transport Act, 1988, which states, an authorised officer, in the interest of the proper operation or the security or safety of an aerodrome, or the security or safety of persons, aircraft or other property thereon, require any person on an aerodrome to—
(i) give his name and address and to produce other evidence of his/her identity;
(ii) state the purpose of his being on the aerodrome;
(iii) account for any baggage or other property which may be in his possession.
As outlined above, where a person, who is a national of the jurisdictions that form the Common Travel Area, and who has travelled from within the CTA and is not in possession of a passport, but produces a travel pass issued by the Department of Social and Family Affairs, an Immigration Officer is duty-bound to ask questions designed to establish that the person is a national of the jurisdictions that form the CTA and has travelled from within the CTA. However, as such documents as referred to, do not include the nationality of the holder, the Immigration Officers will ask additional questions with a view to establishing that the person is, in fact, a national of one of the jurisdictions that form the CTA.
760 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in relation to his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 735 of 6 October 2009, he will review the decision not to release the information sought relative to the complaint in question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39392/09]
I refer the Deputy to my response to Parliamentary Question No. 735 of 6 October 2009. The position remains unchanged.
761 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 211 on 14 October 2009, if he will explain the way the property referred to in the question represents the best value for money solution when no lease has been agreed; if a lease has been agreed since 14 October 2009; if so, if he will confirm that a rent free period has been agreed with the owner of the property concerned; the number of bidders who offered a rent free period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39396/09]
I am advised that all terms offered by all bidders were taken fully into account before a decision was taken to enter into an agreement with the supplier of the selected accommodation. I am also advised that lease arrangements will be concluded shortly.
762 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to introduce legislation to reform the law on begging; the key provisions that will be contained in the new legislation; the expected date of publication; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39406/09]
The drafting of new legislation on begging is at an advanced stage. I hope to be in a position to bring the Bill to Government shortly, for its approval to publish.
The new legislation will take account of the High Court judgement in the Dillon case. The Court held in that case that the current law, i.e. Section 3 of the Vagrancy (Ireland) Act 1847, was unconstitutional.
In addition to defining the offence, the Bill is likely to provide the Gardaí with new powers under which they may direct a person who is begging to desist and to move away from the area. I believe that will provide an effective means of addressing the issue in most instances.
763 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position of an application for naturalisation by a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39420/09]
A valid application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in July 2007.
All valid applications are dealt with in chronological order as this is deemed to be the fairest to all applicants. The average processing time from application to decision is now at 24 months. More complicated cases can at times take more than the current average, while an element of straight forward cases can be dealt with in less than that timescale. Officials in the Citizenship Division of my Department inform me that processing of application is in the final stages and the file will be submitted to me for a decision in due course.
The length of time taken to process each application should not be classified as a delay, as the length of time taken for any application to be decided is purely a function of the time taken to carry out necessary checks. There is a limit to the reduction in the processing time that can be achieved as applications for naturalisation must be processed in a way which preserves the necessary checks and balances to ensure that it is not undervalued and is only given to persons who genuinely satisfy the necessary qualifying criteria.
764 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his plans to introduce a new Irish debt policy in so far as the funding arrangements in the third world countries are concerned; if the European Union has any proposals to initiate a similar policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38490/09]
773 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, in the review of debt policy here, he has received representations from an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39001/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 764 and 773 together.
Ireland has played an important role internationally on the issue of alleviation of the debt burden on developing countries. The Government's policy strategy, which was prepared jointly by the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Finance, was published in 2002. It supports the total cancellation of the debts of the world's poorest countries. A review of the strategy is now being undertaken by the two Departments and I expect it will be completed within the coming months.
Ireland's bilateral assistance to the developing world is strongly focused on the poorest countries in sub-Saharan Africa, and has always been exclusively in the form of grants rather than loans. The Government has also provided significant resources for initiatives to ease or cancel the debt burden on developing countries. The two main international instruments which have been established to address the issue are the Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative (MDRI) and the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative. The MDRI came into effect on 1 July 2006, and provides for cancellation of eligible debt from the World Bank, the African Development bank and the International Monetary Fund for many of the world's poorest and most indebted countries. To date, 25 countries have benefited from debt relief under the MDRI. Ireland's share of the total cost of debt relief provided by the World Bank under the initiative is €58.64 million. The Government contributed this amount in full in 2006.
Ireland has also contributed over €20 million to the HIPC initiative, which is implemented by the World Bank and the IMF, with the objective of reducing the debt burden of qualifying countries to sustainable levels. Overall, some $70 billion in debt service relief has been approved under the HIPC initiative for 33 countries, 27 of which are in Africa.
The Department of Foreign Affairs is working closely with the Department of Finance on the details of an updated debt policy strategy, taking account of developments since 2002, and of the views of interested parties. These include the organisation referred to by the Deputy, which has made a detailed submission to both Departments.
The issue of the debt burden is considered regularly at EU level. The most recent meeting of EU Development Ministers at the General Affairs and External Relations Council, which I attended in Brussels on 18 May, focused on EU support for developing countries in coping with the international economic crisis. The Council underlined that heavily indebted countries eligible for debt relief will not be able to experience the full benefits unless all creditors contribute their fair share and become involved in the international debt resolution mechanisms. The EU is strongly committed to finding solutions to unsustainable debt burdens. Working with our partners, Ireland will ensure that the EU continues to address the issue of debt effectively in its development policies and programmes.
765 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the campaign backed by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions regarding the conduct of trials against persons (details supplied); if Irish diplomatic representatives have sought a briefing on these cases or expressed concern regarding aspects of the proceedings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37899/09]
The case to which the Deputy refers relates to five Cuban men, known as the Miami Five, who were convicted in the US in 2001 on charges ranging from espionage to first degree murder. On 4 June 2008, the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta, Georgia, issued its judgement on appeals lodged on behalf of the five.
The Circuit Court concluded that the appellants' arguments, which centred on the suppression of evidence, sovereign immunity, discovery, jury selection, and the trial itself, were without merit and that there was sufficient evidence to support each conviction. The sentences of two of the defendants were affirmed, while the remaining three men were sent for re-sentencing. The re-sentencing hearing for two of these men was recently postponed while the third was sentenced on 13 October.
While I am aware of the campaign backed by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, as I have previously stated, the Government has no standing in this matter, which is a bilateral consular question between the US and the Cuban authorities. I did, however, have an exchange on such matters with Minister Pérez Roque during my visit to Cuba in February, during which he stressed to me the importance which the Cuban government attaches to the release of the so-called Miami Five.
766 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he, directly and or through the EU or the UN, has pursued the issue of the release of an Irish priest kidnapped in the Philippines; the effort to make direct contact; if indication has been given regarding their treatment; if an agency has made contact with the captors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38107/09]
I remain extremely concerned for the welfare of Fr. Michael Sinnott, who is now in his third week of captivity. I can assure you that the Government is making every possible effort to secure Fr. Sinnott's release.
On hearing of his abduction, I immediately asked our Ambassador to the Philippines, Mr. Richard O'Brien, who is based in Singapore, to travel to Manila to impress upon the Government there our concerns for the safety and health of Fr. Sinnott and to work with the authorities to help secure his early release. He was joined in Manila on 25 October by an official from Ireland's Mission in Timor-Leste.
Ambassador O'Brien has been engaged in talks with the Government of the Philippines, representatives of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), local officials in Mindanao, members of the Columban Order in the Philippines and several international NGOs. We are working closely with our EU partners, and Ambassador O'Brien has had helpful discussions with senior officials of EU embassies and the European Commission Delegation. He has also met with the Papal Nuncio and with Philippine Church leaders. In addition, the US Embassy has been supportive.
Our Ambassador to the Holy See, Mr. Noel Fahy, has also been in contact with the Columban Order in Rome. On 21 October, Ambassador O'Brien travelled to Mindanao as part of a high-level delegation of EU ambassadors, and while there he made a strong plea for Fr. Sinnott's release. In the course of the visit the Ambassador was also briefed by UN officials.
I myself have been in direct contact with my Philippine counterpart, Foreign Secretary Romulo, on two occasions, to convey the great concerns held both by the Government and by the Irish public. He assured me that the Government of the Philippines will do all in its power to secure Fr. Sinnott's immediate release.
The Philippine authorities are briefing the Ambassador on an ongoing basis on the progress of their efforts. They have established a Crisis Management Committee (CMC) as well as a dedicated Police Task Force to identify the whereabouts of Fr. Sinnott and secure his safe release. The CMC last week offered a reward of Php200, 000 (€3,000) for information leading to his safe return. A joint police/military operation is underway to secure suspected locations. We have received assurances that the pressing issue of Fr. Sinnott's medication is being addressed at a local level.
Significantly, on Saturday 31 October, the kidnappers released a video clip, dated 24 October, which showed Fr. Sinnott in apparently reasonable health. Immediately following the release of the video, the Philippine authorities held a series of meetings aimed at deciding on a strategy for the way forward, and the Ambassador will shortly receive a comprehensive briefing from the Secretary of the Interior.
The video contained a ransom demand. The Government, in common with the Philippine Government and the Columban Order, have made clear that no ransom will be paid. I have been in direct contact with the head of the Columban Order both here and in the Philippines, and with the Sinnott family. The Consular Division of my Department remains in constant contact with the family and with the Columbans. In conclusion, I would like to once again appeal to the kidnappers to release Fr. Sinnott, a selfless man who has made such an enormous contribution to the welfare of the ordinary people of the Philippines.
767 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding the developing relationship with Cuba. [38164/09]
As the Deputy is aware, Cuba is undergoing a major transformation, and its relations with the EU have entered a new phase. Given this new context, I visited Cuba in February of this year and discussed a wide range of political, economic and social issues, including human rights. Following that visit, we are now examining how we might strengthen our bilateral relationship with Cuba and work is being taken forward with the Cuban authorities on that basis. In addition, following the Universal Periodic Review of Cuba at the fourth Universal Periodic Review Session, we have engaged bilaterally and in the EU framework in a human rights dialogue with Cuba.
The June General Affairs and External Relations Council assessed the EU's relations with Cuba, in the context of the annual review of its 1996 Common Position on Cuba. The Council welcomed the resumption of political dialogue with Cuba, which allows both sides to discuss openly issues of mutual interest. However, a high level political dialogue meeting between the EU and Cuba, due to take place en marge of the UN General Assembly in New York in September, was postponed. It is hoped that it can be rescheduled to take place before the end of the Swedish Presidency.
768 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, in conjunction with his EU colleagues, a review is planned of the security arrangements for Irish aid workers who are working in various locations all over the world; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38171/09]
The kidnapping, and eventual release, of Sharon Commins and Hilda Kawuki and the continuing ordeal of Fr. Michael Sinnott have highlighted the strength of the commitment demonstrated by aid workers and missionaries working with poor and vulnerable communities across the developing world. The security of aid workers is a priority for the Government, and for aid donors internationally. We maintain regular contact with our partners at EU level and at the UN on the complex issues involved.
A recent independent report on the provision of aid in insecure environments found that attacks against humanitarian aid workers have increased sharply in recent years, with 122 aid workers killed, 76 injured and 62 kidnapped in 2008. Some 60% of these incidents occurred in three areas: Darfur, Afghanistan and Somalia.
It is clear that there are no simple security solutions for humanitarian aid workers operating in difficult and unstable situations, often during or in the aftermath of serious conflict. There is no comprehensive, universally applicable international convention on the protection of personnel engaged in humanitarian assistance. During armed conflict, or military occupation, the International Committee of the Red Cross and other relief organisations benefit from the protections provided by the 1949 Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols. The 1994 Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel and its 2007 Optional Protocol prohibit attacks on UN or associated personnel, including those deployed by a humanitarian Non-governmental Organisation under an agreement with the UN. They require States to take all appropriate measures to ensure their safety and security. Some NGOs and their personnel are also protected by the terms of specific bilateral agreements between a donor country and the State in which they operate as part of a programme of official development aid.
The role of the United Nations is particularly important in relation to the security of aid workers in humanitarian emergencies and other volatile situations. The UN Department of Safety and Security plays a pivotal role, overseeing security management, and often making available resources for the wider humanitarian community, including information, security officers, and dedicated security radio channels. Many NGOs cooperate with the UN on security matters, exchanging information, agreeing security standards and coordinating emergency planning.
Ireland is at present co-chairing the international Good Humanitarian Donorship group of 35 donor countries and the European Commission, which works to promote best practice in humanitarian aid and adherence to an agreed set of humanitarian donorship principles. In this role, we are planning to encourage consideration over the coming months of the complex range of issues involved in assisting the security and effective operation of humanitarian aid workers.
Through Irish Aid, the Government will also continue to work closely with the development NGOs on the issues of access and security for aid workers. In the past year, the Irish Aid Rapid Response Initiative has sponsored the attendance of representatives of a number of NGOs, including Concern, Christian Aid, Goal and Trócaire at field security training courses for humanitarian aid workers run by the Defence Forces. The Department of Foreign Affairs also supports the work of Cómhlámh, the Irish Association for Development Workers, in protecting the interests of development workers and volunteers. In particular, Irish Aid funded the development of the Cómhlámh Code of Practice for organisations sending volunteers to developing countries, which commits organisations to ensuring the protection, safety and well being of the volunteers. The Code also highlights the need to ensure that volunteers are fully informed about health, safety and security issues relating to their assignment. More than 30 Irish volunteering organisations are involved in this important initiative. Irish Aid also provides funding for a counselling service organised by Cómhlamh for aid workers when they return to Ireland.
The Government will continue to work closely with our partners internationally and with the development NGOs in order to ensure that the security of Irish aid workers is safeguarded to the maximum degree possible.
769 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the recent arrest of human rights activists in Morocco who are being held without charge; his views on same; if this matter has been discussed at international level, at the European Union or United Nations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38258/09]
I am aware of the arrest of seven Saharawi human rights activists in Casablanca, Morocco, on 8 October this year. I understand that Moroccan police arrested the group at Casablanca Airport, on their return from a visit to the Saharawi refugee camps in South Western Algeria. While the Moroccan police authorities have confirmed the arrest, there are no further official details on the group's whereabouts or their current situation. However, unofficially, we understand that they continue to be held and that they may face serious charges, including treason. Unfortunately, prior to their return, the group's visit to the camps had been highlighted and strongly condemned in the Moroccan press, which has accused the group of treason.
Through our embassy in Lisbon, which is accredited to Morocco, we have been in contact with our EU partners on the ground in Rabat, who have been in discussions with the Moroccan authorities about the case. The embassy will continue to monitor the situation of the group and remain in contact with our EU partners on the ground. I understand that the President of the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), has expressed his concerns for the safety of these seven Saharawi detainees directly to the President of the United Nations Security Council and that he has also written to the President of the European Council.
The plight of the people of Western Sahara remains an issue of great concern to the Irish government and to the international community. I spoke on this issue and about the grave humanitarian aspects of frozen conflicts at the Ethical Development Action Conference in Cork in April. We would wish to see that human rights activists in Western Sahara and in Morocco enjoy freedom of movement and expression and that they are able to carry out their legitimate human rights activities without fear of reprisals, in accordance with international law. We will continue to follow this matter and to raise the importance of human rights protection with the Moroccan authorities at every available opportunity.
770 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his recent visit to the United States; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38268/09]
I visited Washington and New York from 14-18 October 2009. During my visit, I met with American politicians, members of the Irish community and the wider business community, including with clients of the IDA and Enterprise Ireland. Every effort was made to promote Irish-American political, economic and cultural relations during the visit.
I addressed the European Institute in Washington on the theme of "Equipping the EU for global challenges: an Irish view". This was an invaluable opportunity to explain Irish attitudes to the EU and the Lisbon Treaty and to set out how the EU and US are working together to address global challenges. I then travelled to Capitol Hill, where I met senior members of Congress, including Senators John McCain, Chris Dodd, Paul Kirk, Lindsey Graham, Bob Casey, Jeanne Shaheen and Pat Leahy. I also met with 16 members of the House of Representatives, including Congressman Richie Neal, who is Chairman of the Friends of Ireland group in the US Congress, Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren and Congressman Patrick Kennedy. Our discussions covered a wide range of subjects, including the outcome of the Lisbon referendum in Ireland, the current economic climate, the situation in Northern Ireland, the Global Irish Economic Forum held at Farmleigh in September and, of course, the issue of the undocumented Irish in the United States.
In New York, I chaired the inaugural meeting of the new Ireland-US Leadership Council. The formation of the Council was a key proposal of the Ireland-US Strategic Review, which was launched by the Taoiseach in March. The grouping brings together leaders of the main Irish-American organisations in the business, community and cultural fields.
In New York, I also met with a broad range of Irish community representatives including those from the main Irish advice and support centres across the US and the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform (ILIR). I also had an opportunity to see how we are providing practical support to Irish communities in the US when I visited a project in Rockland County, where the Irish Government and the GAA have jointly supported the development of local sports grounds for around 700 boys and girls who are actively involved in Gaelic games.
I addressed a business breakfast for 60-70 guests at Ireland House in New York and briefed them on the outcome of the Lisbon referendum and on the steps we are taking to address the economic challenges we face. The guests included key clients of the IDA and Enterprise Ireland and I also met with business media.
Other engagements included attending an interfaith service on Staten Island, in memory of Irish famine emigrants who died while quarantined on arrival in New York.
The Irish-US relationship is of enormous importance and benefit to Ireland and my visit was an opportunity to maintain and further develop key relationships in Washington and New York.
771 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the recent election in Afghanistan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38271/09]
On 20 October, some two months after the first round of voting in the Afghanistan Presidential and provincial elections on 20 August, official results for the Presidential election were announced by the Independent Election Commission. Results are still awaited in the provincial elections.
On the basis of preliminary results released in mid-September, President Karzai had declared himself the outright winner in the Presidential election, on the grounds that these results appeared to show that he had won more than the 50%+ of the vote required to avoid a second round run-off. However, the official results released on 20 October, which took on board the substantial number of votes invalidated by the Electoral Complaints Commission, showed that neither President Karzai nor his closest rival, former Foreign Minister, Dr Abdullah Abdullah, had secured more than the 50% necessary to avoid a run-off. On this basis, a second round of voting was scheduled to take place on 7 November. This vote was, however, cancelled on 2 November, following Dr Abdullah's withdrawal from the contest on 31 October, and President Karzai has been declared the winner of the election.
I am deeply dismayed by the extent of the irregularities and fraud which surrounded the August Presidential election. The EU Election Observation Mission was among the first of those monitoring the elections to report concerns in this respect. That irregularities and fraud occurred on a very large scale was subsequently confirmed by the Electoral Complaints Commission, which invalidated roughly one quarter of the votes investigated and one third of President Karzai's previously estimated total. Some reassurance, however, may be found in the fact that Afghan institutions — the Electoral Complaints Commission in particular — were prepared to expose the fraud, to ensure that a fraudulent outcome did not result in the unchallenged victory of one of the candidates, and to insist on a second round of voting, in accordance with the Afghan Constitution.
The situation in Afghanistan remains a very difficult one, with many challenges to be faced. The country needs a credible, effective and accountable Government. It will be important that President Karzai loses no time in demonstrating effective leadership to provide the people of Afghanistan with security, stability, justice, basic services and security of livelihood. The international community has pledged to support Afghanistan in this task and, despite the very grave difficulties, it remains important for this international support to continue, both for the Afghan people and for the security of our own societies.
772 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will contact the Egyptian authorities to urge them to facilitate a humanitarian convoy of medical aid for Palestinians in Gaza which is being detained in Port Said; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38911/09]
I have not been contacted by any charitable group in connection with this convoy. However, I have had enquiries made with the Egyptian authorities in relation to it.
I understand that the convoy in question is a very large shipment of aid organised by Palestinian groups in a number of European countries, primarily the UK. It was organised in proper consultation with the Egyptian authorities, and permissions issued. Unfortunately, however, the shipment was sent to Port Said, whereas all shipments for Gaza are now to be routed through the port of Arish, closest to Gaza. I understand Egyptian officials and the Egyptian Red Crescent are arranging its transfer to Arish.
A separate difficulty is that a very large number of persons have travelled with the convoy intending to enter Gaza, and the Egyptian authorities had not been notified of this. They are now processing these individuals and will in due course decide if some or all of them can be admitted to Gaza.
774 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the reports in North Korea where almost nine million people are suffering from food shortages; if any discussions have taken place at EU level in an effort to assist these people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39206/09]
The widespread food shortages which continue to affect millions of the most vulnerable people in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) are a matter of serious concern. It is estimated that over one third of the population of the country is in need of food assistance. The situation is compounded by lack of access to safe drinking water, serious constraints in agricultural production and inadequate healthcare facilities. Urban households, particularly in the northeast of the country are among the worst affected.
In view of the gravity of the situation, the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), to which Ireland is the seventh largest donor, recently announced a second funding contribution to the DPRK for 2009. It brings the CERF response so far this year to more than €12 million. This includes support for immediate food assistance, and for crop production and healthcare interventions. During 2008, two members of the Irish Aid Rapid Response Corps were deployed to support the operations of the World Food Programme in the DPRK.
Discussions are taking place at EU level on the situation in DPRK. It is clear that a solution to the food shortages over the longer term is dependent not just on food aid from the international community, but also on addressing the underlying structural issues.
775 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if Horse Racing Ireland has received almost €500 million in grant assistance since 2001; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38929/09]
Government support for the horse and greyhound racing industries is provided under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund, which was established under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001.
In 2004, the Government put in place regulations to increase the limit of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund from €254m to €550m to continue the Fund for a further four years to 2008. By the end of 2008 a total of €545.8m was paid out of the Fund. The remaining balance in the Fund at the start of 2009 was €4.2m. €68.1m has been allocated to the Fund for 2009 and a regulation which increased the level of the fund by €63.907m has been made.
Of the €545.8m paid out of the Fund to end 2008, Horse Racing Ireland received €436.6m. Horse Racing Ireland's allocation from the Fund in 2009 is €54.5m.
776 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on suggestions to abolish the Irish Film Board; if a decision has been made on this matter; if his attention has been drawn to the threat to tourism and 2000 jobs if the recommendation is implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37988/09]
I refer the Deputy to my answer to Parliamentary Question No 390 of Tuesday 20 October 2009.
777 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he has investigated a potential national endowment fund for the arts; the cost of such an endowment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38037/09]
This Department does not have plans to introduce a national endowment plan for the arts.
778 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when he will publish the report commissioned by his Department entitled Economic impact of the Cultural Sector; the cost of this report; the reason there was no expertise within his Department to produce such a document; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38038/09]
While the Report referred to by the Deputy was compiled and produced by DKM, they were assisted in the terms of reference and the identification of research material by qualified economists in my own Department. While the Department has previously produced related documents viz the Arts and Culture programme in 2008 it was considered that added value would be obtained by having an independent view on the impact of the cultural sector and it was in that context that DKM was commissioned to take on this assignment at a vat inclusive cost of €11,846. It is my intention to publish the report shortly.
779 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of swimming pool projects which remain outstanding under the local authority swimming pool project; the estimated cost per pool in each year since the programme began, categorised by refurbishment and new builds in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38039/09]
The information requested by the Deputy is below in Tabular format.
Under the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme, which is administered by my Department, grant aid to a maximum of €3.8 million is provided to Local Authorities towards the capital costs of new swimming pools or the refurbishment of existing pools, subject in both cases to the total grant not exceeding 80% of the eligible cost of the project or, in the case of projects located in disadvantaged areas, 90% of the eligible cost. Proposals must comply with the standards set out in the Department's "Procedures for the Planning, Approval and Financing of Swimming Pools and Technical Guidelines."
Under the Guidelines there are four principal stages in a swimming pool project following the submission of a feasibility study. These, in order of progress, are: Preliminary Report; Contract Documents; Tender and Construction. Grant-aid is allocated only when tenders have been approved for the project and is capped at the time of allocation. The Department and its technical advisors, the Office of Public Works, evaluate each stage and local authorities cannot proceed to the next stage of a project unless prior approval issues from the Department of Arts, Sport & Tourism.
The policy since 2000 has been to give priority to the completion of the 57 projects within the current round. Of these 57 projects, 45 have been completed and open to the public, 2 are under construction or about to start construction and ten other projects are at various other stages.
Cumulative grant expenditure by the Department under the programme from 2000 to date this year is €139.15m and this grant aid has leveraged total investment of almost €400m in public swimming pool facilities. Grant aid of €12.4m has being provided in the Revised Estimates for 2009.
|
Town/City |
New, or Refurbish |
Est. total coston Project (includesnon eligiblecost) |
Grant allocateion |
Paid to end 2002 |
Paid in 2003 |
Paid in 2004 |
Paid in 2005 |
Paid in 2006 |
Paid in 2007 |
Paid in 2008 |
Paid in 2009 (to 20/10/2009) |
Not yet drawn down |
|
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
|||
|
1 |
Enniscorthy |
New |
3,555,151 |
2,693,565 |
2,541,196.65 |
0 |
152,368.57 |
0 |
|||||
|
2 |
Wicklow Town |
New |
4,204,482 |
2,679,147 |
2,679,147.00 |
0 |
0 |
||||||
|
3 |
Monaghan town |
Refurbish |
404,381 |
380,921 |
380,921.00 |
0 |
0 |
||||||
|
4 |
Arklow |
Refurbish |
3,308,751 |
2,349,015 |
2,231,564.67 |
0 |
117,451 |
||||||
|
5 |
Navan |
New |
5,306,436 |
3,174,345 |
3,015,627.94 |
158,717.26 |
0 |
||||||
|
6 |
Ennis |
New |
5,713,821 |
2,920,398 |
2,920,398.00 |
0 |
0 |
||||||
|
7 |
Dundalk Town |
New |
7,413,413 |
3,809,214 |
3,618,752.25 |
0 |
190,461.75 |
0 |
|||||
|
8 |
*Roscommon town |
Refurbish |
5,306,108 |
3,809,214 |
3,618,734.00 |
0 |
190,480.14 |
||||||
|
9 |
Gorey/Courtown |
New |
6,711,391 |
3,809,214 |
3,618,753.52 |
190,460.70 |
0 |
||||||
|
10 |
*Ballinasloe |
New* |
7,280,676 |
3,809,214 |
1,275,193.09 |
2,343,560.20 |
190,461 |
0 |
|||||
|
11 |
*Finglas |
New* |
21,978,208 |
3,809,214 |
1,222,356.58 |
2,396,396.72 |
190,461 |
0 |
|||||
|
12 |
Tralee (Aquadome) |
Refurbish |
114,017 |
86,400 |
0.00 |
86,400.00 |
0 |
||||||
|
13 |
*Tralee Sports & Leisure Centre |
Refurbish |
4,406,866 |
3,809,214 |
0.00 |
1,379,338.65 |
2,239,414.65 |
190,461 |
0 |
||||
|
14 |
Grove Island |
New |
10,186,100 |
3,809,214 |
0.00 |
2,108,526.17 |
1,510,227.13 |
190,461 |
0 |
||||
|
15 |
Clonmel |
Refurbish |
2,052,418 |
1,641,934 |
0.00 |
336,600.30 |
1,223,237.00 |
82,097 |
0 |
||||
|
16 |
*Churchfield |
Refurbish |
8,748,380 |
3,809,214 |
0 |
0 |
3,618,753.30 |
190,461 |
0 |
||||
|
17 |
*Tuam |
New* |
7,379,206 |
3,809,214 |
0 |
0 |
2,050,678.21 |
1,568,075 |
190,461 |
0 |
|||
|
18 |
*Ballymun |
New* |
19,500,000 |
3,809,214 |
0 |
0 |
3,618,753.30 |
190,461 |
0 |
||||
|
19 |
Cobh |
New* |
7,250,000 |
3,809,214 |
0 |
0 |
273,488.54 |
1,105,961 |
2,239,304 |
190,461 |
|||
|
20 |
Youghal |
New |
7,826,305 |
3,809,214 |
0 |
0 |
460,484.84 |
959,915 |
2,198,353 |
190,461 |
0 |
||
|
21 |
*Ballyfermot |
New* |
20,563,000 |
3,809,214 |
0 |
0 |
395,397.16 |
1,346,979 |
1,876,377 |
190,461 |
|||
|
22 |
*Drogheda |
New* |
8,838,000 |
3,809,214 |
0 |
0 |
523,195.28 |
3,095,558 |
190,461 |
0 |
|||
|
23 |
Jobstown |
New |
17,570,000 |
3,809,214 |
256,920.40 |
1,416,642 |
1,754,730 |
380,921 |
0 |
||||
|
24 |
Letterkenny |
New* |
16,800,000 |
3,809,214 |
882,142.85 |
927,198 |
1,618,952 |
380,921 |
0 |
||||
|
25 |
Monaghan town |
New* |
7,350,000 |
3,809,214 |
0 |
2,188,846 |
1,239,446 |
380,921 |
0 |
||||
|
26 |
Ballybunion |
New |
5,015,398 |
3,782,896 |
0 |
295,105 |
1,339,354 |
2,148,436 |
0 |
|
Town/City |
New, or Refurbish |
Est. total coston Project (includesnon eligiblecost) |
Grant allocateion |
Paid to end 2002 |
Paid in 2003 |
Paid in 2004 |
Paid in 2005 |
Paid in 2006 |
Paid in 2007 |
Paid in 2008 |
Paid in 2009 (to 20/10/2009) |
Not yet drawn down |
|
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
|||
|
27 |
Clondalkin |
New* |
14,380,000 |
3,809,214 |
0 |
311,570 |
2,745,861 |
370,862 |
380,921 |
0 |
|||
|
28 |
Killarney |
New Pool |
12,638,471 |
3,809,214 |
0 |
504,248 |
1,137,768 |
1,784,991 |
382,207 |
||||
|
29 |
Askeaton |
New* |
4,948,498 |
3,809,214 |
0 |
0 |
1,446,352 |
1,981,940 |
380,921 |
0 |
|||
|
30 |
Portlaoise |
New* |
10,740,000 |
3,809,214 |
0 |
985,564 |
2,442,728 |
380,921 |
0 |
||||
|
31 |
*Portarlington |
Refurbish |
5,659,752 |
3,809,214 |
0 |
1,345,565 |
2,076,189 |
387,460 |
0 |
||||
|
32 |
Longford |
New* |
7,000,000 |
3,809,214 |
0 |
1,437,798 |
1,990,494 |
380,922 |
|||||
|
33 |
*Thurles |
New* |
5,481,000 |
3,809,214 |
0 |
580,171 |
2,538,210 |
309,911 |
380,922 |
||||
|
34 |
St Michael’s House |
New |
4,998,000 |
3,700,000 |
445,842 |
2,222,220 |
661,938 |
370,000 |
0 |
||||
|
35 |
*Athy |
New* |
6,001,000 |
3,809,214 |
893,790 |
2,534,502 |
380,921 |
||||||
|
36 |
Birr |
Refurbish |
2,270,000 |
1,498,200 |
08-Feb-06 |
08-Aug-06 |
tender docs to PO 7/9/06 |
1,260,000 |
88,380 |
149,820 |
0 |
||
|
37 |
*Naas |
New* |
9,880,000 |
3,809,214 |
1,161,459 |
2,266,834 |
380,921 |
||||||
|
38 |
*Kilkenny City |
New* |
18,600,000 |
3,809,214 |
2,134,015 |
1,294,277 |
380,922 |
||||||
|
39 |
Tullamore |
New* |
12,800,000 |
3,809,214 |
1,517,415 |
1,910,878 |
380,921 |
||||||
|
40 |
Bray |
New* |
11,250,000 |
3,809,214 |
1,714,983 |
1,713,309 |
380,921 |
||||||
|
41 |
Greystones |
New |
17,600,000 |
3,809,214 |
1,088,597 |
2,339,695 |
380,922 |
0 |
|||||
|
42 |
St Joseph’s School |
Refurbish |
300,000 |
300,000 |
270,000 |
30,000 |
0 |
||||||
|
43 |
*Dundrum |
New* |
11,200,000 |
3,809,214 |
3,428,292.60 |
380,921 |
|||||||
|
44 |
*Claremorris |
New* |
7,195,000 |
3,809,214 |
1,762,624.23 |
1,502,642.20 |
543,948 |
||||||
|
45 |
Roscrea |
New |
10,300,000 |
3,809,214 |
1,345,936.86 |
609,223.35 |
1,854,054 |
||||||
|
46 |
*Ferrybank, Wexford |
Refurbish |
5,178,000 |
3,809,214 |
2,055,938.82 |
1,753,275 |
|||||||
|
47 |
Loughrea |
New |
6,669,027 |
1,700,000 |
1,700,000 |
||||||||
|
Overall Totals |
399,871,256 |
142,222,706 |
27,122,645 |
9,000,000 |
17,586,003 |
14,101,019 |
22,772,360 |
27,786,792 |
20,448,421 |
8,131,543 |
9,471,317 |
N.B. New*new pool in a different location in the same town, also known as replacement pools.
780 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress made on the commitment in the 2007 programme for Government to produce a Green Paper on Animal Welfare in Sport and Recreation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38040/09]
The most effective process for giving effect to this commitment is being considered by my Department in the context of input to the Animal Health and Welfare Bill which is being drafted by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.
781 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the full extent of funds from the proceeds of the national lottery allocated to or through his Department in each of the past five years to date in 2009 and future years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38109/09]
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.
The financial allocations (outturns) in respect of Subheads C.1, C.3 and D.7 for the years 2004 to 2008, inclusive, and in 2009 (as at end September) are as set out in tabular form below.
|
Year |
Sports Capital Programme |
Irish Sports Council |
Arts Council |
|
(€’000) |
(€’000) |
(€’000) |
|
|
2009 |
44,297* |
47,520* |
62,080* |
|
2008 |
60,137** |
57,182 |
81,620 |
|
2007 |
63,724** |
54,025 |
83,000 |
|
2006 |
60,053** |
40,914 |
82,310 |
|
2005 |
56,782 |
34,425 |
66,233 |
|
2004 |
80,704 |
30,753 |
54,500 |
*Figures as at end September 2009.
**Includes capital carryover from previous year.
Financial provisions in respect of these Subheads in future years will be a matter for determination as part of the Annual Estimates process.
782 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the documents produced by external consultants on his behalf in each of the past five years; the cost of each document; the rationale in each case for using an external consultant instead of his departmental staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38215/09]
Details, including costs, of the documents produced by external consultants on behalf of the Department from 2005 to 2009 (to date) are set out in tabular form below.
In accordance with Department of Finance guidelines, the Department commissions reports from consultants only where specialised knowledge or expertise, which is not available in the Department or elsewhere in the public service, is required for a temporary period or where independent evaluation of the Department's work is required.
|
Title/Purpose of Consultancy Document/Report |
Cost |
|
€ |
|
|
Review of and Outline Business Plan for the James Joyce Centre |
27,830 |
|
Feasibility Study Beckett (Beckett Centenary Festival 2006) |
9,163 |
|
Evaluation of Local Sports Partnership Programme |
54,450 |
|
Advisory Services re Target for Increased Visitor Numbers to be Achieved by Spencer Dock International Conference Centre |
12,342 |
|
Culture Ireland Strategy Report |
10,890 |
|
Singapore/Hong Kong Culture Initiative Report |
8,470 |
|
Analysis of the Effect of Possible Changes to Section 481 of Finance Bill 2006 |
9,438 |
|
Report on Future Opportunities to Promote Contemporary Art from Ireland through International Engagements |
8,500 |
|
Showcasing and Networking Opportunities Abroad and in Ireland (Theatre) |
11,500 |
|
Close-Up — The International Promotion of Irish Film and Irish Filmmakers |
15,000 |
|
Report on Certain Matters Affecting Bord na gCon |
37,667 |
|
National Concert Hall (Redevelopment) |
19,273 |
|
Advisory Report on International Strategy for the Promotion of Classical Music for Culture Ireland |
6,122 |
|
Church Records Framework Strategy |
7,623 |
|
Evaluation of Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme Value for Money and Policy Review Report |
3,354 |
|
Review of Operation of Heritage Fund |
8,800 |
|
Progress on Implementation of James Joyce Centre Business Plan |
20,570 |
|
Analysis and Evaluation of the Potential Economic Benefits to Ireland from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games |
114,000 |
|
Analysis of the Sports Facility Provision in Ireland |
113,740 |
|
Evaluation of Irish Sports Council Value for Money and Policy Review |
3,267 |
|
Update of the Cost Benefit Analysis for the National Museum at Collins Barracks |
3,146 |
|
Chair of the Tourism Strategy Implementation Group (which produced the Report) |
15,660 |
|
Review of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund |
19,465 |
|
Church Records Microfilm and Records Numbers Survey |
5,808 |
|
Economic Impact of the Cultural Sector |
11,846 |
783 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if his attention has been drawn to the drop in visiting golfers from overseas to approximately one third of what they were at peak ten years ago; if he will request Tourism Ireland to carry out a review of the market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38246/09]
Operational responsibility for both tourism marketing and the development of specific products, such as golf tourism, rests with the tourism agencies.
There is no doubt but that the period to date in 2009 has been very difficult for tourism globally with all major international tourism destinations showing decreased numbers of visitors. In that context, the golf tourism market is, like other product areas, exposed to the challenges of negative consumer sentiment and adverse currency movements in key markets.
In terms of reviewing the golf market, Fáilte Ireland has established a Golf Industry Development Forum drawing on representation from all sectors of the golf tourism industry and some external business practitioners, with a view to developing a new and holistic business development plan for the sector. I understand the Forum has consulted widely with industry players, conducted significant consumer research and agreed a prioritised set of actions that all in the industry are aligned behind.
Three industry working groups have been established to deliver:
A new Golf Holidays brand for Ireland
A new online business development strategy (including a new website with real-time booking facilities for tee times)
A new Tourist-Friendly quality standard, covering both the conditioning of the course and the associated customer services available to visitors. The system is currently being piloted in 19 courses.
All three working groups are making good progress and it is expected that the new Business Development Plan will be fully operational in Quarter 1, 2010.
In addition, Fáilte Ireland has recently appointed a specialist sales development agency to sell the Irish golf product in the UK marketplace, targeting individuals, societies and corporate incentive business. This specialist agency has relations with all of the key golf marketing groups in Ireland and is working to very specific sales targets which are being regularly reviewed by the Fáilte Ireland executive.
Tourism Ireland, as the agency responsible for the promotion overseas of the island of Ireland as a tourist destination, also continues to promote Ireland overseas as a premier golfing destination and is at present placing strong emphasis on tactical offers and value for money, including excellent value golf deals.
Furthermore, I am confident that the television exposure of the 3 Irish Open Golf Tournament in Killarney from 29th July to August 1st 2010 will also help to market Ireland as an attractive golfing destination.
784 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if a national audit of arts and cultural facilities has been carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38260/09]
As the Deputy may be aware, a national audit of sports facilities is underway. This is being carried out in two phases. Phase one of the audit is complete and focused on national and regional sports facilities. Phase two is the compilation of a list of facilities at local level and commenced in 2008 with the assistance of local authorities. The opportunity was taken to gather information on publicly funded arts facilities in local authority areas. Guidelines were issued to the local authorities to assist them in carrying out the audit. To date 32 of the 34 Local Authorities have submitted their returns which contain over 6,000 records of sports and arts facilities. In tandem with this, the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government is undertaking an audit of community facilities.
The Department will collate the information on arts facilities provided by the local authorities when it is complete as well as relevant records from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. At that point the Department will assess the merits of as well as the costs involved in undertaking the necessary actions to complete a national audit of arts and cultural facilities.
785 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress on the per cent for arts scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38263/09]
The Per Cent for Art scheme, when launched, was accompanied by a set of guidelines to assist with its implementation. The Guidelines included a commitment to review the scheme and this process is currently underway.
The review of the working and implementation of the Per Cent for Art Guidelines has been undertaken through an Inter-Departmental Group, chaired by the Department. This Group, which is representative of a wide range of Government Departments, Agencies, the Arts Council and Local Authority Arts Officer Association, has been working to revise and achieve an agreed and constructive set of guidelines and significant progress has been made.
The Public Art Advisory Panel, convened by the Arts Council, is currently liaising with the Interdepartmental Group so that the revised guidelines can be agreed, finalised and published.
The group also examined ways in which information on public art could be made more easily accessible to the public. A working version of the public art website called publicart.ie, was launched in early summer. When complete, the website will be an important resource for all those interested and working in the area of public art.
786 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism further to Parliamentary Question No. 391 of 20 October 2009, the name of each body under the aegis of his Department where the chairperson and board of management have taken a 10% reduction; the bodies and agencies where a 10% pay cut has not been secured; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38622/09]
As previously stated in the response to Parliamentary Question No. 391 of 20 October 2009, the Government approved a reduction of 10% in the fees for non-executive chairpersons and members of boards of state bodies with effect from 1 May 2009. The Department informed all relevant bodies accordingly and all these bodies are obliged to comply with this requirement.
The bodies in question are The Arts Council, The National Concert Hall, The National Gallery, The Irish Museum of Modern Art, The Chester Beatty Library, The Crawford Gallery, The National Museum of Ireland, The National Library of Ireland, The Irish Film Board, The Irish Sports Council, The National Sports Campus Development Authority, Fáilte Ireland, Horse Racing Ireland and Bord na gCon.
787 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if the list of recommended allocations submitted to him following completion of the assessment process is always approved in the allocation of funding under the sports capital programme; if not, the circumstances which have led to non-approval of such list of recommended allocations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38701/09]
788 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the circumstances in which allocations are approved by him in respect of applications which, following completion of the assessment process, are not on the list of recommended allocations submitted to him for approval; and the list of such applications which have been approved by him for each of the past three years. [38702/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 787 and 788 together.
Full details of the assessment process were set out in my reply to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 112 and 122 (37219/09 and 37218/09) put down by the Deputy on 21 October 2009.
All applications which were recommended for funding following the assessment process were allocated funding in 2006, 2007 and 2008.
Full details of all allocations under the Sports Capital Programme are available on the Department's website dast.gov.ie.
In 2008 I approved three additional grantees to the list of recommended allocations. These allocations were to:
Catholic Institute Athletics Clubs, Limerick;
Fethard Community Sports Field, Tipperary; and
Killarney Celtic FC, Kerry.
All of these grantees satisfied the terms and conditions of the Programme for an allocation to be made and will be required to meet all of the prescribed conditions before the payment of the grant is made.
789 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on the possibility of creating a protected name that could be used by approved bed and breakfast establishments registered under the Tourist Traffic Act 1939; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38920/09]
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 establish and maintain registers of hotels, guesthouses, holiday camps, holiday hostels, caravan sites, camping sites, approved holiday cottages, holiday apartments, motor hotels and youth hostels. Fáilte Ireland has no legislative authority to maintain a register of bed and breakfast establishments.
At the outset I think it worthwhile to draw the Deputy's attention to a number of documents which are the framework for the promotion and development of our tourism policy generally. That policy is set out in the Agreed Programme for Government, and the strategic drivers are set out in the 2003 Report of the Tourism Policy Review Group, "New Horizons for Irish Tourism — An Agenda for Action", as well as the subsequent reports of the Tourism Action Plan Implementation Group and more recently the Tourism Renewal group. These documents are available on my Department's website, www.dast.gov.ie, and that of the Department of the Taoiseach, www.taoiseach.gov.ie. It is worth noting that none of these documents recommend or propose a mandatory registration system for B&Bs. More recently the Irish Bed and Breakfast Working Group established by Fáilte Ireland recommended a local authority licensing system for Bed and Breakfast establishments and I understand that this proposal and other options are under review by the B&B implementation group with support from Fáilte Ireland.
B&Bs operate primarily as family homes, with many open only for short periods during the high season, or where there is peak demand, such as during festivals. While a compulsory approval system for all B&B accommodation would have some advantages from a tourism promotion policy viewpoint, it is considered that there may be difficulty in gaining acceptance for such a system in respect of what are, in many cases, primarily, non-commercial enterprises. It is considered also that such a system would likely require substantial administration and policing to be effective and the value of putting this in place is questionable where there is no evidence to show that the unlisted sector is causing a major concern for visitors.
I believe that the best approach to develop this sector is to ensure that listed B&Bs have certain advantages over those who choose not to carry Fáilte Ireland accreditation. In this regard unapproved operators are obliged to comply in the same way as the approved sector with requirements in the area of taxation, planning, fire and safety and hygiene. On the other hand, they do not have access to official marketing through Fáilte Ireland and the Tourist Information Offices, nor do they have access to the various training and business skills initiatives that are available to the approved sector.
In keeping with that policy Fáilte Ireland is working with the Irish Homes Bed and Breakfast Implementation Group in the development of a licensing, voluntary classification and categorisation system, supported by a new brand that will be readily identifiable to domestic and international tourists allowing them to choose an establishment that meets their individual expectations in terms of facilities and standards.
790 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the review and working groups under the remit of his Department created to deal with matters arising from the social partnership agreements; the terms of reference of each such group; the membership of each such group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38940/09]
The Department has not established any specific review or working groups to deal with matters arising from the social partnership agreements. However the Department's internal Partnership Committee has a role in the implementation, in the organisation, of the Civil Service modernisation agenda which forms part of the social partnership agreements including Towards 2016.
This Committee also formed Sub-Groups to progress specific aspects of this agenda, including in the areas of human resources, communications and information technology. The Partnership Committee and its Sub-Groups comprise representatives of management, unions and staff, with membership changing over time to reflect changes in staffing and volunteerism.
791 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his plans to continue funding activities under the sports inclusion disability officer programme beyond 2010; his views on continuing to provide dormant accounts funding to the programme activities; if he has requested the Irish Sport Council to examine the possibilities for continuing the programme beyond the expiry date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39103/09]
Special funding of €2.5 million was allocated from the dormant accounts fund for the appointment of 20 Sports Inclusion Development Officers (SIDOs) in Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs) in 2008. The SIDOs were appointed on two-year contracts to provide opportunities for persons with a disability to participate in sport and physical activity.
A network of 33 LSPs have been set up throughout the country by the Irish Sports Council (ISC) to coordinate and promote sport at local level especially amongst specific target groups such as older people, girls and women, people with disabilities, unemployed people and those who live in identified disadvantaged communities. The special dormant accounts funding was in addition to the annual funding provided to the LSPs by the ISC for programmes and initiatives aimed at increasing participation in recreational sport. The ISC has allocated €6 million to the LSPs in 2009.
The continuation of the SIDO scheme from 2010 will be dependent on negotiations on the 2010 Estimates.
792 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if his attention has been drawn to the impending closure of a cinema (details supplied) in County Cork; the steps he will take to prevent this closure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39253/09]
793 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the amount a cinema (details supplied) in County Cork has received in grants and funding from his Department and the Arts Council since it was established; if steps will be taken to prevent the State’s investment being wasted in view of the plans to close the cinema; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39254/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 792 and 793 together.
In 1997, the venue referred to by the Deputy received capital funding of IR£100,000 (€127,000) from the Department of Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht & the Islands under a scheme called the Cultural Development Incentive Scheme.
I understand that in 2003/2004, under a scheme operated by the Cultural Cinema Consortium, a capital grant of €750,000 was awarded for the expansion of the cinema. The manager of the Cinema decided ultimately not to avail of this grant.
Exchequer funding is not provided for current day-to-day operation of the cinema, either through my Department or agencies under its remit.
794 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the cost of the local sports partnerships per year; if he is committed to maintaining this funding as vital to increasing participation in sport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38041/09]
The Irish Sports Council (ISC), which is funded by my Department, has a statutory role in the promotion and development of sport, including initiatives such as the Local Sports Partnership network, through which sports initiatives at local level are coordinated and delivered. The network was launched in May 2001 and fully established in 2008, bringing the number of sites to 33. I am informed by the Council that in 2009 the ISC's contribution to the LSP network is €6.2m.
While funding of the LSPs is a matter for the ISC, I understand that the Irish Sports Council, even with a reduced budget, intends to continue with its support of the LSP initiative.
795 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his proposals to make funding available for the provision of country walks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38826/09]
The Department of Community Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs operates a Walks Scheme for the development, enhancement and maintenance of waymarked ways and other priority walks. This Scheme has been developed within my Department in consultation with Comhairle na Tuaithe. It was introduced in 2008 and currently operates on 18 trails. There are currently 1,091 participant landowners on the scheme.
Funding of €1.12 million was provided for the scheme in 2008 and expenditure to date in 2009 amounts to €1.288 million.
The evidence is that the Scheme is working well and in this context, there is a significantly higher standard of maintenance on trails where the Scheme is in operation. Whilst the farmers and landowners who participate in the Walks Scheme are responsible for routine maintenance work, it is generally participants on the Rural Social Scheme that undertake maintenance work such as the installation of stiles and bridges.
The number of walks available is constantly increasing and details are available on the Coillteoutdoors and the DiscoverIreland websites. Figures provided by Fáilte Ireland are very encouraging with over 500,000 walkers visiting Ireland in 2008. These figures also indicate that the numbers of walkers visiting the country are increasing year-on-year, despite the difficulties in some areas of tourism.
796 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the success of the dial to stop drug dealing scheme in Athlone with reference to the number of calls made to the hot-line, the number of calls that were deemed useful to An Garda Síochána in the detection and arrest of drug dealers in Athlone; and his views on the importance of having a continuous service available. [39167/09]
As the Deputy is aware, the Dial to Stop Drug Dealing Campaign was launched on September 30th 2008. Since then, over 5,300 calls have been made to the phone line and over 1,450 information reports relayed to the Gardaí as a result.
The Gardaí have confirmed that there have been 17 reports received to date in relation to Westmeath, of which 9 relate to Athlone. All of those reports contained sufficient information to launch a preliminary investigation and all investigations are ongoing.
The Deputy should note that calls are spread right across the country including areas that have not directly run a campaign. This highlights the fact that the confidential number used in the campaign is open to all to use regardless of the area one comes from.
The campaign was originally due to cease operation in September of this year, but due to the positive outcomes being achieved, I decided to continue it with further funding from my Department.
797 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if a Leader company (details supplied) has started to implement the rural development programme; the funding that has been signed over for this programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37996/09]
The Company referred to by the Deputy is delivering axis 3 and Axis 4 (LEADER) of the Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2007-2013.
The RDP commenced in February 2009 and I can confirm that all Local Action Groups contracted to deliver the Programme, are now fully operational and available to consider grant applications.
The Company in question has been given an indicative allocation of €10,751,894 over the lifetime of the Programme covering both administration and project activity.
While project expenditure to date by the group is relatively low (of the order of €170,366), I understand that they currently have further projects to the value of approx. €1.3m in development, of which €536,332 are firm project commitments.
Payments in respect of these commitments will be maturing on an ongoing basis as projects are completed.
798 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if legislation will be required to effect the proposed changes to community development projects; if CDPs will continue to develop their work plans and service agreements; the way funding from sources other than his Department will be managed; the savings which are proposed by the transfer of the administrative burden to local partnerships; if additional resources have been identified to assist with the additional administration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37975/09]
802 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his plans for the future direction of community development projects here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38426/09]
803 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the action he will take to support the work of the community development programme in this time of budget cutbacks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38436/09]
806 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will support an organisation (details supplied) in Dublin 17. [38506/09]
809 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the planned cuts in the combined budget of community development and local development social inclusion; the impact it will have on numbers employed in the programmes and the number of clients served in various categories; and his proposals to protect a project (details supplied) in Dublin 17 which is operating in a disadvantaged area. [38895/09]
814 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm his financial support in the future under the community development programmes for a centre (details supplied) in County Leitrim. [39059/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 798, 802, 803, 806, 809 and 814 together.
I have previously indicated that my strong view is that a single focussed programme with a single integrated delivery structure is appropriate in order to maximise the impact of the Local Development Social Inclusion and Community Development Programmes, which serve disadvantaged communities. My overall aim is to ensure that, from 2010, disadvantaged communities will benefit from a more focussed programme with clear objectives and simplified and streamlined delivery structures.
The practicalities of the new arrangements will be addressed over the coming period and I am not contemplating fresh legislation in connection with this initiative.
The Centre for Effective Services is currently preparing proposals in this regard, which will draw on good international practice and independent advice. I hope to receive this in the near future with a view to rolling out a new programme early next year.
In tandem with the redesign work, my Department is currently undertaking a review of the Community Development Programme (CDP) and will shortly have a full report on the findings and recommendations that arise from that review. I am personally committed to protecting funding for 2010 to the greatest extent possible for CDP projects endorsed by the review. In the event of projects not recommended for continued funding, an appropriate appeals mechanism will be provided. Also the review will not intrude on alternative, non core sources of CDP funding.
My overall aim is to ensure that, from 2010 onwards, notwithstanding the difficult budgetary position, disadvantaged communities will benefit from a more focused programme and better integrated actions. As previously indicated to the House, my primary concern, in this most difficult economic climate, is to make every effort to ensure that the front-line services provided by, or supported through, my Department — especially those focused on the needs of the most disadvantaged communities — are protected and to minimise overheads and ancillary costs.
In advance of decisions in the context of the of the 2010 Budget it is not feasible to anticipate levels of funding available for the integrated programme for next year.
799 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when provision will be made for a panic alarm in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38118/09]
My Department is responsible for the Scheme of Community Support for Older People. The Scheme supports qualifying older people, aged 65 and older, by providing funding towards the once-off cost of installing monitored personal alarms and other items of security and safety equipment. Applications should be made through the individual applicant's local community or voluntary organisation.
My Department has contacted the relevant local community group operating the Scheme in the North Kildare area and this group has already been in touch with the person referred to with a view to submitting an application on their behalf.
800 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the support and help Údarás na Gaeltachta will give to recommence a project (details supplied) in view of the earnings potential of this industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38186/09]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No 436 on 9 June 2009. The position in regard to assistance to recommence the project referred to by the Deputy is a matter for Údarás na Gaeltachta and, as the Deputy will be aware, I have no statutory function in the day to day administration of the organisation. I understand from an tÚdarás, however, that while further discussions on the matter took place since 9 June 2009, a sufficient case to support the re-establishing of the project has not been made. In terms of funding, the overall viability of the project and the benefit to the Gaeltacht would have to be assessed in line with an tÚdarás' statutory functions regarding developing and maintaining industries and productive schemes in the Gaeltacht.
801 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will ensure the protection of funding for youth services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38212/09]
The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs is responsible for a range of schemes, which provide assistance, including financial assistance, to the youth services sector. However, while not having direct responsibility for the area, my Department implements and funds some measures that have a positive impact on the provision of services and facilities for youth.
The Deputy will be aware that across Government as a whole, we are taking a number of difficult decisions, but our approach is to do this in as balanced a way as possible. We will do what we can regarding youth services funding within the broader public policy and forthcoming 2010 budgetary context.
804 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his proposals to ensure the continuation of the community facilitator post and the language facilitator post in the Déise Gaeltacht; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38444/09]
I am advised that a community facilitator is employed by MFG one day a week in the Na Déise area. This position is currently funded through the Rural Development Programme Ireland 2007-2013. The continuation or otherwise of this post is purely a matter for MFG within their existing resources.
The language facilitator post referred to by the Deputy was established as part of a pilot scheme in a number of Gaeltacht areas to support the language planning process. This pilot scheme — including the Na Déise project — will conclude at the end of 2009 as intended. As the Deputy will be aware, the preparation of a 20 year strategy for the Irish language is in hands at present and plans for the further development of language planning supports in the Gaeltacht will be addressed in that context.
805 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of those client companies supported by Udarás na Gaeltachta since October 2008 that were newly supported companies; the specific amounts granted to each company; and the number of jobs created as a result. [38496/09]
I have been informed by Údarás na Gaeltachta that of the projects approved from 1 October 2008 to date, some 86 were for newly supported clients, with an expected new employment yield over the next few years of 204 full-time jobs and 13 part-time or seasonal jobs. Total assistance approved in respect of these projects amounts to €2.86 million, of which €150,569 has been paid to date. Actual employment figures for 2009 are not yet available as the annual employment survey carried out by an tÚdarás will not be completed until the end of the year.
As the Deputy will be aware, comprehensive details about Údarás-supported employment are contained in the organisation's Annual Reports and Accounts. I will be presenting the Report and Accounts in respect of 2008 to Government shortly, following which they will be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas.
807 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the financial support that is available from local authorities to a sports club that wishes to employ a development officer co-funded by the sports own governing body; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38533/09]
Special funding of €2.5 million was allocated from the Dormant Accounts Fund for the appointment of 20 Sports Inclusion Development Officers (SIDO's) in Local Sports Partnerships in 2008. While my Department has an overall management and administrative role in relation to the Dormant Accounts Fund, the management of individual priority measures is a matter for the relevant lead Department. The Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism are the lead Department with regard to this measure and the employment of Sports Inclusion Development Officers is a matter for that Department.
808 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if funding will be made available for personal alarms under the recent review of the scheme of community support for older people; the community groups in County Cork who have received funding under this new scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38561/09]
My Department has been conducting a comprehensive review of the arrangements underpinning the operation of the Scheme of Community Support for Older People. In line with previous commitments, the review has been completed and a draft report is being prepared and will be circulated in due course.
The revised scheme will not be launched until early 2010 therefore no funding has been issued to any group under the new scheme.
Pending consideration of the review and the putting in place of revised arrangements for 2010, I agreed to lift the suspension of the old scheme. Applications are currently being processed and hereunder is information concerning community groups successful in County Cork to date. I expect to announce further successful applications in the coming weeks.
|
County |
Group |
Total Amount |
|
Cork |
Cobh Community Care |
5,100.00 |
|
Cork |
Farran Community Alert |
1,252.00 |
|
Cork |
Westgate Foundation |
4,445.25 |
|
Cork |
Cobh Community Care |
160.00 |
|
Total |
10,957.25 |
810 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the wage bill of Waterways Ireland in 2008 and to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38930/09]
As the Deputy will be aware, Waterways Ireland is one of six Cross Border Implementation Bodies established under the British-Irish Agreement Act 1999. It is jointly funded by my Department (85% of current funding) and the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure in Northern Ireland (15% of current funding), with the proportions reflecting the present distribution of the navigable waterways. Capital expenditure is funded fully by the jurisdiction in which it is incurred.
I am advised by Waterways Ireland, which has some 346 staff at present, that its wage bill was €18.557m in 2008 and €13.989m in 2009 to date (end-October). These figures include pension costs for staff in this jurisdiction.
811 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount of money invested in companies (details supplied) in tabular form and divided in preference and ordinary shareholding; the year of investment and annual dividend payments received by Údarás na Gaeltachta in respect of its shareholding in these companies since the year of investment; if the investment was repaid at any time; the proportion that was repaid to Údarás na Gaeltachta; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38933/09]
I can confirm that Údarás na Gaeltachta has been requested to supply any information relevant to the Question. The Deputy will appreciate, however, that the details sought by him, which relate to investments in 14 companies, are extensive and it has not been possible to collate them within the time available. I can assure the Deputy that the information will be forwarded to him as soon as it becomes available.
812 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the staffing levels in each of the local drugs task forces in each of the past three years; the funding allocated by him to each task force in each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38973/09]
The following table attached provides details of funding allocated to the Local Drugs Task Forces (LDTFs) in each of the years 2007, 2008 and 2009 to support projects in their respective areas.
The Deputy should note that, with regard to 2009, the original current funding sum allocated to the LDTFs following the April 2009 Budget was €22.3m. When carryover from 2008 is taken into account, the net amount required in 2009 is estimated to be €21.8m.
In terms of staffing levels, the Deputy should note that each Task Force has a staffing compliment of three — a co-ordinator, a development worker and an administrative assistant.
In terms of staffing in the various projects supported through the Task Forces, the details are outlined in the following table. Incremental funding over recent years has facilitated increased staffing — full and part time — for (i) the strengthening of existing Task Force and Emerging Needs Fund projects in the LDTF areas and (ii) new initiatives and responses to address cocaine misuse and measures to support rehabilitation. These measures are recognised by Government as supporting communities to help address the harm caused by problem drug use.
|
Local Drugs Task Force Area |
Funding allocated 2007 |
Staffing levels |
Funding allocated 2008 |
Staffing levels |
Funding allocated 2009 |
Staffing levels |
|
€m |
€m |
€m |
||||
|
Ballyfermot |
1.52 |
21 |
1.83 |
19 |
1.57 |
22 |
|
Ballymun |
1.13 |
42 |
1.43 |
52 |
1.26 |
47 |
|
Blanchardstown |
1.12 |
19 |
1.39 |
20 |
1.29 |
22 |
|
Bray |
1.65 |
37 |
1.8 |
40 |
1.77 |
41 |
|
Canal Communities |
1.79 |
27 |
1.82 |
29 |
1.72 |
34 |
|
Clondalkin |
1.48 |
23 |
1.65 |
24 |
1.58 |
28 |
|
Cork |
1.64 |
31 |
1.84 |
35 |
1.76 |
35 |
|
Cross Task Force projects* |
0.85 |
0 |
0.12 |
1 |
0.1 |
1 |
|
Dublin 12 |
0.05 |
15 |
1.41 |
17 |
1.23 |
18 |
|
Dublin NE |
1.24 |
19 |
1.48 |
19 |
1.26 |
22 |
|
DLR |
1.12 |
18 |
1.06 |
19 |
1.03 |
18 |
|
Finglas Cabra |
0.89 |
11 |
1.06 |
11 |
0.91 |
15 |
|
NIC |
2.36 |
51 |
2.97 |
53 |
2.62 |
56 |
|
SIC |
1.84 |
38 |
2.63 |
43 |
2.43 |
47 |
|
Tallaght |
1.21 |
17 |
1.41 |
26 |
1.28 |
34 |
|
Total |
19.89 |
369 |
23.9 |
408 |
21.81 |
440 |
*These projects cater for clients from a number of different Task Force areas.
813 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will respond to a query (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39010/09]
Each Local Action Group contracted to deliver the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 is a company limited by guarantee and allocates its project funding on the basis of detailed local development strategies and following extensive evaluation and approval processes. In line with the bottom-up nature of the LEADER approach, the Group is the decision maker in the allocation of project funding. My Department does not have a role to play in this regard. Funding is available to community groups and private promoters for project activity under the following measures of the Programme:
Diversification into non-agricultural activities
Support for business creation and development
Encouragement of tourism activities
Basic services for the economy and rural population
Village renewal and development
Conservation and upgrading of the rural heritage
Training and Information
Implementing co-operation projects
Community Child Care facilities, of themselves, are not eligible under the Rural Development Programme.
The Company in question has been given an indicative allocation of €14,028,529 over the lifetime of the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 covering both administration and project activity. Clare Local Development Company has been given a project allocation of €2,184,253 so far for the period 2009-2011. The group have completed or committed to project activity amounting to €963,162.00 and currently have a further €1,221,091 to allocate for this period.
I am arranging for the contact details of the company in question to be sent directly to the Deputy.
815 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if a fire alarm will be provided to a person (details supplied) in County Galway under the community alert scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39191/09]
My Department is responsible for the Scheme of Community Support for Older People. The Scheme supports qualifying older people, aged 65 and older, by providing funding towards personal alarms and other items of security and safety equipment including smoke alarms. Applications should be made through the individual applicant's local community or voluntary organisation.
My Department has contacted the relevant local community group operating the Scheme in the area and this group will be in touch with the person referred to with a view to submitting an application on their behalf.
816 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the basis on which it is estimated that €21,000 is the average cost in welfare payments and lost taxes for every person who loses his or her job and signs on the live register; the secondary benefits that are included in reaching this estimate; and if the cost of redundancy payments has been factored into this estimate. [38362/09]
Earlier this year, my Department estimated that the additional cost in social welfare payments of each 1,000 on the live register (LR) amounted to approximately €12.95 million in respect of jobseekers payments and secondary benefits. The Department of Finance estimated that lost tax revenue amounted to around €8 million in a full year for each 1,000 losing employment. Combined these estimates amounted to €20.95 million giving the basis for the figure of €21,000 per person mentioned in the question.
The cost of increased jobseekers payments was based on the estimated average cost of each 1,000 additional claimants of jobseekers benefit (JB) and jobseekers allowance (JA) in 2008. As part of this exercise, the predicted average live register figure for the year was adjusted to include those eligible for JA or JB but who are not recorded on the LR such as systematic short-term workers, those over 65 years of age and the formerly self employed. People signing on the live register for social insurance credits only were deducted and some provision was also made for the estimated average number of claims which are not likely to be in payment during the year because they are pending a decision.
The secondary benefits which were included in the estimate were Supplementary Welfare Allowance Basic Payments, Rent and Mortgage Interest Supplements, Exceptional and Urgent Needs Payments and Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance. Where the data were not available, the cost was based on the percentage of recipients receiving these secondary benefits who were in receipt of a jobseekers payment. Insolvency and redundancy payments were not included in the estimate.
The cost of rising unemployment on social welfare expenditure is influenced by the composition of the live register. The actual impact at any one time depends on the particular circumstances of the individuals concerned such as whether the claimant is married or single, has children or not, is fully unemployed or on reduced working hours, their social insurance contribution history or any other income or means that they may have. Over time the average cost will change reflecting the changing dynamic of unemployment.
The situation in relation to tax revenues is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Finance.
817 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will rectify the anomaly whereby a person who is in all other respects qualified for back-to-education allowance would be disqualified if the benefit runs out immediately prior to the course, for example, if the course starts on 1 September 2009 and benefit finishes on 2 September 2009 the person qualified, however if the benefit finishes on 31 August 2009 the person is disqualified; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38670/09]
Since its introduction, the underlying objective of the back to education allowance (BTEA) scheme has been to equip people on social welfare payments with qualifications that will enable them to obtain employment in the labour market. It is a second chance educational opportunities scheme for people on welfare payments who wish to participate in full time education and who would not otherwise be able to do so.
In order to qualify for participation, an applicant must be in receipt of a relevant social welfare payment for 3 months if pursuing a second level course or 12 months if pursuing a third level course. The qualifying period for access to third level courses is reduced to 9 months for those who are participating in the National Employment Action Plan process or engaging with the Department's facilitator programme. People who are awarded statutory redundancy may access the scheme immediately, provided an entitlement to a relevant social welfare payment is established prior to commencing an approved course of study.
If a person exhausts their entitlement to jobseekers benefit and if they do not qualify for jobseekers allowance which is means tested, they may be entitled to sign for credited contributions.
A person signing on for credits is eligible to participate in the BTEA scheme provided the relevant qualifying conditions are fulfilled. The qualifying conditions relate to the primary scheme for which an entitlement to credits is established. Persons signing on for credits do not receive a weekly payment but they can avail of the cost of education allowance. This is a once off payment of €500 at the start of each academic year.
The Government recognises that the back to education scheme has an important role to play in enhancing the employability skills of jobseekers. The conditions of the scheme will continue to be monitored in the context of the objectives of the scheme and changes in the economic climate.
818 Deputy Michael Noonan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when responsibility for the rent allowance scheme will be transferred from the Department of Health and Children and the Health Service Executive to the Department of Social and Family Affairs; if the scheme will be amended; if the amendments will include a role for the Department of Social and Family Affairs in monitoring the behaviour of tenants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38732/09]
The Community Welfare Service (CWS) administers the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme (SWA), which includes rent supplement on behalf of the Department of Social and Family Affairs. In February 2006 the Government decided that the (CWS) would transfer to this Department. Provision has been made in the Social Welfare and Pensions Acts 2007 and 2008 for the transfer of the administration of the SWA scheme from the HSE to the Department. These provisions are subject to a Commencement Order.
A considerable amount of preparatory work, to allow for the transfer, has been completed but progress has been stalled due to industrial relations issues. Following consultation between the Department and the Health Sector Management the Labour Relations Commission (LRC) was asked to intervene. A meeting of the parties took place on 22 September in the LRC and further meetings have taken place in October. The management side's intention is to reach a collective agreement with the unions as soon as is practical so that the transfer can be implemented as early as possible in 2010. Discussions have also taken place with the unions representing the staff in the Department in relation to the transfer proposal.
There are no plans for a specific review of the rent supplement scheme, when the administration of the SWA scheme transfers to the Department. However, the operation of the rent supplement scheme will continue to be monitored on an ongoing basis.
With regard to anti-social behaviour, tenancy arrangements involve a contract between the landlord and tenant and tenant behaviour in private rented accommodation is a matter for the landlord in the first instance. There is a number of avenues open to landlords in such cases, including the mediation service for landlords and tenants operated by the Private Residential Tenancies Board and/or recourse to the Garda Síochána and/or the Courts in relation to enforcement of the law in relation to anti-social behaviour. If necessary, the landlord may seek termination of the tenancy which, if effected, would result in the termination of rent supplement. There are no plans to make changes to the social welfare legislation in this regard.
819 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of households whose application for rent supplement was refused from August to September 2009; the number of households whose application for mortgage supplement was refused in the same period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37912/09]
The number of people who applied for and were awarded rent and mortgage interest supplement in August and September 2009 is provided in the following tabular statements.
Claim details are recorded electronically in cases where it is established that rent and mortgage interest supplement is payable. However, claim details are not always recorded electronically where no entitlement has been established to a supplement, unless an appeal has been lodged with an appeals officer of the HSE, in which case claim details are recorded electronically.
For this reason, reliable statistics are not available on the total number of people who applied for and were refused rent and mortgage interest supplement.
|
Month |
Claims Registered |
Claims Awarded |
|
Aug-09 |
6,018 |
5,321 |
|
Sep-09 |
6,369 |
5,580 |
Notes
Claims registered include:
claims not pursued by the applicant and
re-applications where a rent supplement recipient moves to new accommodation.
Claim details are recorded electronically where it is established that rent supplement is payable. Where an appeal has been lodged, claim details are also recorded electronically.
Given the pressure on the community welfare service, claim details are not always recorded on the system where no entitlement has been established to rent supplement and no appeal is made.
The difference between claims registered and claims awarded is not necessarily a refusal rate, for the reasons outlined above.
In these circumstances, fully reliable statistics are not available on the total number of people who applied for and were refused rent supplement.
|
Claims Received and Awarded in August and September 2009 |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Month |
Claims Registered |
Claims Awarded |
|
Aug-09 |
1,123 |
802 |
|
Sep-09 |
1,245 |
868 |
Notes
Claims registered include claims not pursued by the applicant.
Claim details are recorded electronically where it is established that mortgage interest supplement is payable. Where an appeal has been lodged, claim details are also recorded electronically.
Given the pressure on the community welfare service, claim details are not always recorded on the system where no entitlement has been established to mortgage interest supplement.
The difference between claims registered and claims awarded is not necessarily a refusal rate, for the reasons outlined above.
In these circumstances, fully reliable statistics are not available on the total number of people who applied for and were refused mortgage interest supplement.
A survey of mortgage interest supplement claims, to be conducted shortly, will include an examination of the rate of refusal and refusal reasons.
820 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a carer’s allowance appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly will be processed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37946/09]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that, in accordance with statutory requirements, the relevant Departmental papers and comments of the Department have been sought in this case. On receipt of its response the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer for early consideration.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
821 Deputy John Cregan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a decision will be made on an appeal submitted by a person (details supplied) in County Limerick in respect of the domiciliary care allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37966/09]
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that, in accordance with statutory requirements, the relevant Departmental papers and comments of the Department have been sought in this case. On receipt of its response the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer for early consideration.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
822 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding the Christmas bonus for pensioners, etc. in 2009; if the anti-fraud campaign was successful enough to allow for a partial bonus to be awarded in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37986/09]
In the Supplementary Budget in April, it was announced that the December Bonus payment would not be paid this year. There are no plans to alter this decision.
The annual control target for my Department in 2009 is €616.5m of which nearly €355m was achieved by the end of last September. These target control savings for 2009 are incorporated in my Department's Revised Estimate for 2009.
823 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding a carer’s allowance appeal in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38000/09]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that, in accordance with statutory requirements, the relevant Departmental papers and comments of the Department have been sought in this case. On receipt of its response the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer for early consideration. The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
824 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if an appeal for a carer’s allowance application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will be expedited. [38005/09]
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that the case has been referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration as the relevant Departmental papers and comments of the Department have been received. As regards waiting times, I am advised that the average time taken in 2008 to process all appeals (i.e. those decided summarily and by way of oral hearing) was 22 weeks. However, if allowance is made for the 25% most protracted cases, the average time fell to just over 14 weeks. Those average processing times replicate those for 2007 notwithstanding the fact there was an increase of 27% in the number of appeals received during 2008.
There has been an increase of 32% in the number of appeals received so far this year compared to last year and, having regard to the current volume of appeals awaiting determination, two additional Appeals Officers were appointed to the Social Welfare Appeals Office earlier this year. Furthermore, I am advised that the Chief Appeals Officer is keeping current processes under continuous review with a view to achieving a more effective throughput of appeals having regard to due process in terms of the rights of appellants and adherence to the requirements of natural justice.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
825 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if expenses earned from a source (details supplied) are fully assessed as income; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38086/09]
I understand the Deputy is referring to the assessment of means for the purposes of the jobseeker's allowance scheme. In assessing means for jobseeker's allowance purposes account is taken of any cash income the person may have, together with the value of capital and property (except a person's family home). Cash income may be derived from a wide variety of sources including earnings from employment, income from self-employment including farming, income from foreign social security pensions and income from occupational pensions. Means are assessed according to different formulae, depending on their source. Legislation provides for the assessment of all income in cash and any non-cash benefits which the person or his or her spouse may reasonably expect to receive during the succeeding year.
It is not possible to give a definitive answer in relation to payments received by amateur soccer referees without knowing the specific details of such payments. However, normal out of pocket expenses in respect of travelling and/or meal allowances would not be assessable as means.
826 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if disability benefit or invalidity pension is payable to foreign nationals living outside the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38113/09]
The social security rights of people living and working in the EU are governed by EU Regulations 1408/71 and 574/72. The Regulations co-ordinate social security systems and are designed to ensure that people are not disadvantaged by moving within the EU to take up work. This is achieved primarily by setting out rules as to which State's social security system a person will pay contributions to when, for example, they move from one Member State to another to take up work, or where they live in one State and work in another. In addition, the Regulations also set out rules as to which State will pay benefit in the event of the usual contingencies arising, e.g. sickness, unemployment, old-age etc.
The general rule is that a person is insured in the State in which they work. Equally, the State of employment has, in general, responsibility for paying benefits when, for example, a person becomes incapacitated. Accordingly, a person who last worked in Ireland and who meets the qualifying conditions for Invalidity Pension or Illness Benefit may continue to receive that benefit in accordance with Irish legislation regardless of which Member State the person is residing or staying in. Invalidity Pension may also be payable to foreign nationals resident outside the State, provided that they meet the relevant qualifying conditions, in line with the terms of bilateral social security agreements in place between Ireland and a number of other non-EU countries.
827 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the grounds on which an appeal was disallowed in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38153/09]
The person concerned appealed a decision by a Community Welfare Officer of the Health Service Executive to disallow her application for Supplementary Welfare Allowance (Rent Supplement). I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that her appeal against this decision was disallowed on the grounds that she failed to justify the family's move from social housing in Waterford to private rented accommodation in Dublin. The reasons for the disallowance were explained in full to the person concerned in a letter to her dated 9th October 2009, informing her of the outcome of her appeal.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
828 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if all details requested have been supplied in respect of a rent allowance application in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38154/09]
The position remains, as advised in question number 253, which I answered for the Deputy on 14 October 2009. A community welfare officer issued a letter to the person concerned on 17 September 2009, seeking documentary evidence in relation to a number of matters, including details of the lease on her rented property and her financial position. The Executive has advised that it has not received any additional supporting documentation from the person concerned since the date of issue of the letter.
829 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of instances in which applications for domiciliary care allowance have been refused on medical grounds in respect of children with dyspraxia, autism and Asperger’s syndrome; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38155/09]
In order to qualify for Domiciliary Care Allowance a child must have a disability so severe that it requires the child needing care and attention and/or supervision substantially in excess of another child of the same age. This care and attention must be given by another person, effectively full-time so that the child can deal with the activities of daily living. The child must be likely to require this level of care and attention for at least 12 months.
Eligibility for Domiciliary Care Allowance is not based primarily on the medical or psychological condition, but on the resulting lack of function of body or mind necessitating the degree of extra care and attention required. Each application is assessed on an individual basis taking account of the evidence submitted.
In the period 1st April 2009 to 9th October 2009 a total of 2430 applications have been received in the required format of which 1688 cases have been fully processed by the Department. Of these applications, 633 were awarded while 1055 were deemed not to be eligible for Domiciliary Care Allowance. 742 applications are currently pending. Of the processed applications, at the beginning of September, 62 have a medical condition of Dyspraxia, 7 of which have been deemed eligible; 115 applications have a medical condition of Autism/Autism Spectrum Disorder, 58 of which have been deemed eligible; and 74 have a medical condition of Asperger's Syndrome, 18 of which have been deemed eligible for Domiciliary Care Allowance.
Where a person is not satisfied with the decision of a Deciding Officer they may seek to have the decision reviewed or they may appeal the decision to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office.
830 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the expected yield in 2010 from an increase of 1% in the rate of employees PRSI; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38057/09]
831 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the expected yield in 2010 from an increase of 1% in the rate of employers PRSI; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38058/09]
832 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the expected yield in 2010 from the abolition of the PRSI ceiling; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38060/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 830 to 832, inclusive, together.
The most recent estimates indicate that:
An increase in the employee PRSI rate of 1% for Class A contributors would yield some €373 million additional contribution income in a full year.
An increase of 1% in the employers PRSI rate for Class A contributors is estimated to yield some €482 million additional contribution income in a full year.
The abolition of the PRSI ceiling would yield some €119.5 million additional contribution income in a full year.
Any future changes to PRSI rates or the ceiling would have to be considered in a budgetary context.
833 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason for delay in processing claims for jobseeker’s allowance and jobseeker’s benefit in County Louth by location; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38166/09]
Jobseeker Benefit and Allowance claims for the County Louth area are administered from the Department's Dundalk and Drogheda Social Welfare Local Offices and for Ardee by a Social Welfare Branch office. The average processing times for claims decided in September 2009 for these offices is detailed in the following table:
|
Office |
Average Processing Time |
Scheme |
|
Dundalk |
1.4 weeks |
Jobseekers Benefit |
|
Dundalk |
5.3 weeks |
Jobseekers Allowance |
|
Drogheda |
3.5 weeks |
Jobseekers Benefit |
|
Drogheda |
11.98 weeks |
Jobseekers Allowance |
|
Ardee |
4.00 weeks |
Jobseekers Benefit |
|
Ardee |
12.00 weeks |
Jobseekers Allowance |
The length of time it takes to process claims varies depending on the complexity of the claim, the availability of the necessary documentation from the applicant and or his/her employer. In the case of jobseekers allowance, the need to carry out additional inquiries include the assessment of means and whether the claimant satisfies the Habitual Residence Condition.
In the case of the Drogheda office and Ardee Branch Office it is acknowledged that processing times are too long and steps are being taken to bring them back to acceptable levels. In this regard, a range of process improvement initiatives have been put in place to deal with the increased volume of claims and processing times including:
An appointments and fast track service decisions service has been introduced. This involves the customer attending their Social Welfare Local Office by appointment at which time the claim is taken and concurrently decided. This system has been introduced in both Drogheda and Dundalk Local offices. Some 40% of new Jobseeker Benefit claims for both offices were processed in October 2009 via this initiative.
Additional Social Welfare Investigative resources have been assigned for the South Louth area — to address the backlog of claims awaiting investigation and consequently improve processing times.
The Regional Local Support Office Unit (LOSU) is providing dedicated staff resources for the processing of Jobseeker Benefit and Allowance claims for Drogheda Local Office and Ardee Branch Office to address the issue of claims pending decisions and processing times.
A more streamlined procedure for claimants moving to Jobseekers Allowance when their jobseekers benefit expires has been introduced.
A streamlined process for people who had a claim in the previous two years is also in operation.
While every effort is made to ensure that applications are processed as quickly as possible, anyone who is under financial pressure while awaiting a decision on their claim for a jobseekers payment can apply for Supplementary Welfare Allowance.
834 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a decision has been made on future funding for the Family Support Agency and the Mountview and Corduff Resource Centres in view of the recommendations in the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes Report; the criteria for her decision; and when she will make an announcement to end uncertainty on the matter. [38191/09]
The Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes made a range of recommendations relating to the Department of Social and Family Affairs including recommendations relating to the Family Support Agency and its programmes. The Department will consider, as part of the Estimates and budgetary process for 2010, the Report's recommendations and decisions on all of the issues arising will be a matter for Government. It would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this stage pending the outcome of these deliberative processes.
835 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the Exchequer savings arising from the abolition of the Christmas bonus in 2009 for social welfare recipients; the number of payments involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38194/09]
868 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she still proposes to abolish the Christmas bonus in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38629/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 835 and 868 together.
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. The payment of a 100% Christmas bonus in 2009 would cost an estimated €223 million while the overall number of recipients affected is estimated to be 986,000.
836 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a decision will be made on an appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Cork in respect of their application for carer’s allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38208/09]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that, in accordance with statutory requirements, the relevant Departmental papers and comments on the grounds of appeal in the case of the person concerned have been sought. When received, the appeal in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer for early consideration. The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
837 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the steps she is taking to ensure that an analysis of proposed cuts in budget 2010 will be undertaken in order that persons do not lose across a number of sectors, that is, in social welfare payments, medical card, free transport and so forth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38213/09]
Government is very conscious of the need to take account of the cumulative impact of measures on individuals and groups when finalising the Budget package. I have requested the newly-formed Social Inclusion Division of my Department to prepare an analysis of the impact of the social welfare and other measures proposed in the Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure (McCarthy Report) on families. The analysis is nearing completion and will contribute to the Government's deliberations in the Budgetary process.
838 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of people who are in receipt of disability benefit; if she will explain the application and testing process; the measures she has taken to reduce the risk of fraud; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38214/09]
Illness Benefit (previously known as Disability Benefit) is a payment made to insured people who are unable to work due to illness and who satisfy certain Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI) conditions. As of 23 October 2009 the number of persons in receipt of Illness Benefit was 77,552. Illness Benefit claims are based on a first social welfare medical certificate and an application form (both included on an MC1 form). On receipt of a second and further medical certificates payment issues to the person. In general, certificates are submitted on a weekly basis until the person's doctor declares them fit for work and they submit a final medical certificate. People who remain ill over a long period may only be required to submit certificates at longer intervals.
From time to time cases are referred for review by Medical Assessors who are medical practitioners employed by the Department. The Medical Assessor expresses an opinion regarding the claimant's capacity for work. A Deciding Officer may, having reviewed all the facts of the case, decide whether to allow or disallow the claim. If a claimant is dissatisfied with the decision of the Deciding Officer she/he may appeal it to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. The Department carries out a number of other control activities including possible cases of concurrent working and claiming of Illness Benefit. These cases can come to light in a number of ways, including notification from Revenue of commencement of employment, overlaps of employment contributions and credits, discovery of employment by Social Welfare Inspectors and reports from members of the public. Cases of concurrent working and claiming, give rise to an overpayment and, if appropriate, are referred for prosecution.
839 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will reply to correspondence by an organisation (details supplied). [38242/09]
The Family Support Agency administers the Scheme of Grants to voluntary and community organisations providing marriage, relationship, child and bereavement counselling services. This year, funding of over €11 million is being granted to some 600 organisations. The organisation in question received funding of over €447,000 under the 2009 Scheme of Grants.
In the last couple of weeks, a number of representations have been received on behalf of the organisation in question regarding the possible implications for them if the recommendations of the Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes are implemented. These representations have been replied to.
The position, as outlined in these replies, is that the Report made a range of recommendations relating to the Department of Social and Family Affairs including recommendations relating to the Family Support Agency and its programmes. The Department will consider, as part of the Estimates and budgetary process for 2010, the Report’s recommendations and decisions on all of the issues arising will be a matter for Government. It would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this stage pending the outcome of these deliberative processes.
840 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if the basic social welfare payments will not be cut in the forthcoming budget; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38269/09]
Adjustments to social welfare rates of payment will be considered in the context of the forthcoming Estimates and Budget processes. It would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this stage pending the outcome of these deliberative processes.
841 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the outcome of a revised means review carried out in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo for a farm assist claim. [38281/09]
Following a review of the means of the person concerned his weekly rate of farm assist has been increased to €193.80 with effect from 11 August 2008. He has been notified of the position. The disposal of €10,000 by way of a gift was disregarded in the calculation of weekly means.
842 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Longford has been refused unemployment assistance or benefit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38324/09]
One of the conditions for receipt of Jobseeker's Allowance is that the person must satisfy the means test. The person concerned was refused the allowance on the basis that his means exceeded the statutory limit. His means of €489 a week are derived from his spouse's earnings and income from property. Accordingly, his application was disallowed. He was notified of this decision on 2 October 2009 and of his right of Appeal. To date no notice of appeal has been received by the Department.
843 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason an appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Kildare has not been finalised in view of the long period of time that it has been submitted to her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38338/09]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that, following receipt of the relevant Departmental papers including comments on the grounds of appeal, the appeal from the person concerned has been referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration. As regards waiting times, I am advised that the average time taken in 2008 to process all appeals (i.e. those decided summarily and by way of oral hearing) was 22 weeks. However, if allowance is made for the 25% most protracted cases, the average time fell to just over 14 weeks. Those average processing times replicate those for 2007 notwithstanding the fact there was an increase of 27% in the number of appeals received during 2008.
There has been an increase of 32% in the number of appeals received so far this year compared to last year and, having regard to the current volume of appeals awaiting determination, two additional Appeals Officers were appointed to the Social Welfare Appeals Office earlier this year. Furthermore, I am advised that the Chief Appeals Officer is keeping current processes under continuous review with a view to achieving a more effective throughput of appeals having regard to due process in terms of the rights of appellants and adherence to the requirements of natural justice. The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
844 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will provide details of landlords of all properties at which rent supplement payments are paid to local authorities to enable them to identify tenancies where the non-principal private residence €200 charge has not been paid in order to facilitate the necessary follow up action; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38364/09]
850 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will make it a condition of the rent supplement scheme that all rent supplemented tenancies, which are liable for registration with the Private Residential Tenancies Board, which fail to register within one month of the start date of a tenancy, should be then disqualified from the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38430/09]
851 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding the landlord details her Department has provided to the Private Residential Tenancies Board in respect of rent supplement payments; the frequency with which same is provided by her Department to the PRTB; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38431/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos 844, 850 and 851 together.
Rent supplement is administered on behalf of the Department by the Community Welfare Service of the Health Service Executive as part of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. The Department provides details of all current rent supplement recipients and landlords to the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government on a quarterly basis, with a view to assisting local authorities with a range of housing issues, including the transfer of rent supplement recipients to the Rental Accommodation Scheme and inspections of standards for private rented houses.
Under the Residential Tenancies Act 2004, landlords are legally obliged to register tenancies with the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB). The Department is working closely with the PRTB to ensure that all tenancies where rent supplement is in payment are registered with the PRTB. To that end, the Department provides details of new rent supplement payments to the PRTB to enable them identify tenancies that are not registered and to take any follow-up action necessary. The most recent data file was transferred by the Department to the PRTB on 14 October 2009 and included new rent supplement claims up to end September 2009. The next data file is due for transfer in January 2010.
Landlords are legally obliged to register tenancies with the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB) within one month from the start date of the tenancy or at a later date on payment of an increased fee. For this reason, it is not practicable for the Department to insist that a tenancy be registered with the PRTB before payment of rent supplement can be made. There are also instances where a rent supplemented tenancy need not be registered with the PRTB, for example, in the case of renting a room in a house or where a premises is owner occupied.
Rent supplemented tenancies which are liable for registration with the PRTB, should be so registered. In that regard, the close working arrangements which the Department has with the PRTB should ensure that, over time, all tenancies that come with the area of rent supplementation comply with the statutory system of tenancy regulation and safeguards.
845 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the amount paid to An Post for services rendered in 2008; the amount to be paid in 2009; and the breakdown of the way this overall figure is arrived at and the services covered. [38383/09]
An Post provide an agency service for the Department for the delivery of payments to customers. The transaction fees paid to An Post are based on a four point matrix. In March 2007 the Department of Finance sanctioned an increase based on the Consumer Price Index in respect of the period 2003 to 2006. The current scale of fees is as follows:
First 35 million transactions €1.46
Next 5 million €1.03
Next 5 million €0.66
Each additional transaction €0.49.
In 2008 An Post were paid €53.5 million based on transaction volumes of some 37,300,000. In 2009 An Post will receive approximately €52m based on transaction volumes of some 35,800,000. The agency fee payable to An Post in any given year is calculated on the basis of transaction numbers incurred two years previously. In 2009 An Post received an arrears payment of €3.9m in respect of 2007. An Post also provide postal services for the Department which includes a delivery and collection service at all the Department's headquarter and local offices on a daily basis.
In 2008 some €10.5 million was paid to An Post in respect of postal services and postage costs. It is anticipated that postal service costs in 2009 will be in the order of €10.8 million. The breakdown of postage expenditure to end September 2009 is as follows:
Bulk Mail (Ceadúnas mail only) 5.226m
Franked Post €2.436m
Freepost envelopes €0.653m
Pouch / Internal mail €0.322m
Total €8.637m
846 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will ensure that an application to refund PRSI contributions in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9 is decided as soon as possible. [38389/09]
The application for a refund of PRSI was received from the person concerned on 1 September 2009 as he continued to pay PRSI at the full rate after reaching 66 years of age in 2006. The volume of applications for refunds of PRSI has increased dramatically in recent years. For example in the first ten months of 2009 some 17,600 applications have been received. This compares with 14,000 in 2008 and 9,000 in 2007. The increased volume of applications has inevitably given rise to a backlog in processing refund applications which currently stands at about eight months.
The Department endeavours to process applications for refunds of PRSI as efficiently as possible. To address the current volume of applications received a review of the processes and procedures is underway in the area. The technical supports currently provided are also being reviewed with a view to making better use of modern technology e.g. payment of refunds by electronic fund transfer, online applications, enhancement of the current calculation functionality etc. When the reviews are completed and the recommendations implemented I am confident that significant improvements will be made in the processing of applications for refunds.
847 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding an appeal against the decision to refuse jobseeker’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38406/09]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that, in accordance with statutory requirements, the relevant Departmental papers and comments on the grounds of appeal in the case of the person concerned have been sought. When received, the appeal in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer for early consideration. The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
848 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a decision will be made on an appeal in respect of a claim for illness benefit by a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38416/09]
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that, following receipt of the grounds of appeal from the person concerned, the relevant Departmental papers and comments of the Department have been sought. On receipt of its response the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer for early consideration.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
849 Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the procedures and checks carried out by her Department to ensure that a person who is in receipt of jobseeker’s allowance is not working at the same time; and the conditions whereby jobseeker’s allowance is awarded to a person who voluntarily leaves paid employment. [38421/09]
When a person makes a claim for jobseekers' payment they sign a declaration stating among other things that they are unemployed, available for work and unable to find suitable work. On an on-going basis throughout their claim they will sign a similar declaration to confirm that they continue to satisfy the conditions of the jobseeker's schemes. The majority of claimants do this on a monthly basis.
During the life of the claim a number of checks and reviews are carried out to ensure compliance with scheme conditions. This year over 100,000 jobseeker claims have been reviewed up to the end of September.
When a person commences or recommences employment the Department receives data from Revenue which is compared with the jobseekers' files to determine whether any claimant has continued to claim a jobseekers' payment beyond the date of employment. Where such cases are identified, the customer will be contacted and any overpayment will be assessed.
Within the Department there is a Special Investigation Unit (SIU) comprising some 88 inspectors who are engaged on a full-time basis on work related to the control of fraud and abuse of the social welfare system. After a period of 3 months on the Live Register, all claimants are referred for interview with a FÁS Placement Officer under the Employment Action Plan (EAP) process. Those referred will be offered any appropriate training or work opportunities. Those who do not engage with the process are subject to interview in the local office at which time their entitlement to continued payment is reviewed.
There are over 82,000 claimants on a reduced working week who are entitled to receive a jobseekers' payment for the days that they are not working. Furthermore where a person is self-employed and claiming a jobseeker's allowance payment, they can get a payment for a full week, provided any income from their self-employment has been assessed as means. A person who voluntarily leaves work may be disqualified for receiving jobseekers' allowance, for up to 9 weeks from date of leaving employment, if they have left the employment without good cause.
Factors that may be taken into account by a deciding officer in deciding whether to impose a disqualification include the circumstances surrounding any changes in working conditions; the financial situation of the firm; whether leaving the employment may have amounted to constructive dismissal (i.e. the person left the employment following harassment/abuse from the employer). The claimant would also have to show that they were making genuine efforts to find alternative employment.
852 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a social welfare payment will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38439/09]
A claim for Illness Benefit was received on 29th October 2009 from the person concerned. The incapacity quoted on the claim form was "fractured ankle".
According to the records of the Department the last PRSI contributions reckonable for Illness Benefit paid by the person concerned were 14 class A contributions in the 1990/91 year. Since then she has been paying class D contributions which are not reckonable for Illness Benefit purposes.
The person's spouse is currently in receipt of Jobseeker's Allowance at a reduced weekly rate of €185.90, including an increase in respect of his spouse. The rate is reduced due to the assessment of means based on his spouse's income from employment. The rate of Jobseeker's Allowance payable to the person's spouse will be reviewed in light of the new circumstances.
853 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a carer’s allowance appeal will be finalised for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38454/09]
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that, an oral hearing of this case took place on 15 October 2009 and the Appeals Officer is now considering the appeal in the light of all the evidence submitted, including that adduced at the oral hearing. The Chief Appeals Officer will write to the Deputy when the appeal has been determined.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
854 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the amount paid by her Department under the child benefit scheme in 2008 and to date in 2009 in tabular format; the number of families who benefited; the average family size of those recipients; the number of those persons in receipt of this payment where the children are living abroad; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38460/09]
The table details the total amount paid under the Child Benefit Scheme both in 2008 and to date in 2009, the total number of families and children for which payments are being made, and the number of those children who are living abroad.
|
End Dec 2008 |
2009 to end Sept |
|
|
Total Families |
596,108 |
593,233 |
|
Total Children |
1,141,938 |
1,129,105 |
|
Total Cost |
€2.46b |
€1.78b |
|
Number of Children Living Abroad |
9,909 in 5820 families |
10,623 in 6577 families |
The average family size is currently 1.9 children.
855 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of households in the Dublin city area who are in receipt of rent allowance; the number in receipt of the allowance in the rest of the country; the cost in each of these areas; the number of households in receipt of rent allowance who are also on the local government or voluntary housing lists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38472/09]
The number of recipients of rent supplement in Dublin and the rest of the country, together with the weekly and average cost, is provided in the tabular statement. The detail requested is not available for the Dublin city area. Information in relation to the number of rent supplement recipients who are also on the local government or voluntary housing lists is available from the local authorities.
The 2009 Supplementary Budget introduced new arrangements for applications for rent supplement. In order to qualify for rent supplement, from the 27th July 2009, a person must have been residing in private rented accommodation or accommodation for homeless persons (or any combination of these) for a period of 183 days within the preceding 12 months of the date of claim for rent supplement. A person may also qualify for rent supplement where an assessment of housing need has been carried out within the 12 months preceding the date of claim and the person is deemed by the relevant local authority to be eligible for and in need of social housing support.
In all other cases, a person who wishes to apply for rent supplement is referred, in the first instance, for an assessment of eligibility for social housing support by the local housing authority in the area where claim to rent supplement is made (and the person intends to reside). Only when the person has been assessed as being eligible for and in need of social housing support, does the person become eligible for consideration for rent supplement.
The aim of this restriction on entitlement to rent supplement and the new working arrangements is to ensure that housing authorities remain the principal agents both for assessing housing need and for meeting the long-term housing needs of people.
Details of people receiving rent supplement for 18 months or more are notified regularly by the Department to local authorities who operate the Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS). The Department continues to work closely with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and local authorities in ensuring that RAS meets its objective of catering for those on long term rent supplementation while enabling rent supplement to return to its original role of a short-term income support.
|
Region |
No Claims |
Weekly Cost |
Average Cost Per Claim |
|
€ |
€ |
||
|
Outside Dublin |
60,032 |
5,318,310 |
88.60 |
|
Dublin |
30,790 |
4,154,666 |
134.94 |
|
Total |
90,822 |
9,472,976 |
104.30 |
856 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will support a matter (details supplied). [38482/09]
Rent supplement is intended as a short-term income support to eligible tenants whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs. There are currently 91,600 people in receipt of rent supplement, an increase of 23% since the end of December 2008.
Rent supplements are subject to a limit on the amount of rent that an applicant may incur. The objective is to ensure that rent supplement is not paid in respect of overly expensive accommodation having regard to the size of the household and market conditions. Maximum rent limits are prescribed in regulations and are time limited so that they can be adjusted in the light of rent levels generally.
Rent limits were reviewed earlier this year. In testing the level at which basic accommodation can be secured, the Department was informed by analysis of a number of data sources including data published by the CSO on trends in the private rental market. Rent limits and payments to existing rent supplement recipients were reduced to reflect the downward trends in the private rental market. The minimum weekly contribution that individuals make towards their rent under the rent supplement scheme was also increased to align more closely with the rents that local authority tenants have to pay.
The fact that there are 91,600 people receiving rent supplement indicates that the scheme is effective in meeting the needs of those who require support towards the cost of private rented accommodation. The operation of the rent supplement scheme is monitored on an ongoing basis and rent limits are reviewed in the light of trends in the private rental market. A review of rent limits includes an assessment of the impact of recent changes made to the rent supplement scheme and take account of the views of interested parties, including voluntary agencies working in the housing area. It is essential to ensure that state support for rent supplemented tenants, who form a substantial section of the rental market, does not give rise to inflated rental prices with particular negative impact on those tenants on lower incomes, including people in low paid employment.
The Department will also continue to work closely with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to ensure that the rental accommodation scheme (RAS) meets its objective of catering for those on long term rent supplementation while enabling rent supplement to return to its original role of a short-term income support.
857 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her guidelines regarding the permission to work or train exemption in relation to people on illness benefit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38499/09]
858 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her guidelines in relation to extensions to work or train exemptions in relation to people on illness benefit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38500/09]
859 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason decisions regarding permission to work or train exemptions in respect of persons on illness benefit cannot be appealed to the social welfare appeals office; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38503/09]
860 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason decisions on extensions to work or train exemptions in respect of people on illness benefit cannot be appealed to the social welfare appeals office; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38504/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 857 to 860, inclusive, together.
Illness Benefit is a payment made to insured people who are unable to work due to illness and who satisfy certain Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI) conditions. Customers who have been in receipt of Illness Benefit for at least six months may apply for permission to work part-time (not more than 20 hours per week) or to participate in a Community Employment (C.E.) or FÁS training course. This permission is known as an "exemption".
The aim of allowing people in receipt of Illness Benefit to return to part-time work or training and retain their Illness Benefit payment is for rehabilitative and occupational therapy purposes. The objective is that this will enable them, subsequently, to return to the workplace on a full-time basis.
A customer applies for an exemption by completing an application form and providing a report from their doctor. In general, these are sent to one of the Department's Medical Assessors for consideration. In examining exemption applications the Medical Assessor considers the nature of the particular illness/injury, treatment to date and prognosis. They assess the nature of the proposed employment or training and consider both whether the work or training is appropriate in light of the person's incapacity and how, in light of rehabilitation/occupational therapy, it would progress a return to full-time work. In some cases the customer may be required to attend a medical assessment by a Medical Assessor.
Approval for an exemption is provided for a given period which, in cases of part-time employment can be six or twelve months and in cases of CE schemes or FÁS courses is the duration of the course. If the employment or training is to continue beyond the period of the initial approval the person's continuing suitability for an exemption is reviewed. At each review of a person's exemption, the progress of the rehabilitation and occupational therapy is considered by a Medical Assessor of the Department. This process takes into account the customer's observations on how the exemption is facilitating their return to full-time work at some point in the future. A determination is then made as to whether an extension is appropriate.
The Illness Benefit exemptions process is administrative in nature which means that decisions on new applications or further extensions of the exemption cannot be appealed to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. However, if a customer is dissatisfied with a decision on their application or their request for an extension they can request a review which involves referring the case to the Department's Chief Medical Adviser for his consideration. The person has the opportunity at that stage to provide any additional medical evidence or other documents in support of their case.
Exemptions are approved to help improve a person's chances of returning to full-time employment. When a point is reached at which it is considered that the rehabilitative and occupational therapy benefits of the work or training have been exhausted their entitlement to an exemption ceases.
861 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 426 of 20 October 2009 to outline the adaptations envisaged and to refrain from outlining the scheme as it currently exists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38552/09]
The programme for government contains a commitment to continue to support low-income farmers through the Farm Assist Scheme and adapt it in consultation with the relevant farming organisations.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Rural Environment Protection Scheme, REPS 4, was closed to new entrants in July of this year. However, under the Rural Development Programme, a new agri-environment measure will be introduced and individuals who have been affected by the closure of REPS 4 can apply for this new scheme.
It would be prudent to examine the effects of these new arrangements prior to consideration of any substantive changes to the Farm Assist Scheme. In due course, consideration of any changes to the scheme would take place in a budgetary context.
862 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a decision will be made on a disability allowance appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38554/09]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that, in accordance with statutory requirements, the relevant Departmental papers and comments of the Department have been sought in this case. On receipt of its response the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer for early consideration.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
863 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when an appeal for the State non-contributory pension in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be finalised. [38579/09]
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all the evidence, disallowed the appeal of the person concerned. The person concerned has been 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.
864 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a review of an application for mortgage interest relief will be undertaken in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; if an appeal of same will be accepted. [38608/09]
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 (HSE). The Department has no function in deciding entitlement in individual cases.
Mortgage interest is defined in Section 187 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 (as amended). In accordance with this provision, a mortgage interest supplement may be paid on the full amount of interest payable, where the loan has been taken out for the purchase, repair or essential improvement of the sole or main residence of a person or to pay off another loan used for that purpose. Where a loan, or a portion of the loan, has been used for expenditure not associated with the purchase or repair of the sole or main residence of the person, a proportion or all of the interest on the loan is not reckonable for the purpose of mortgage interest supplement scheme.
Under Article 10 of the Social Welfare (Consolidated Supplementary Allowance ) Regulations 2007 (S.I. 412 of 2007), a supplement towards mortgage interest may be payable where the Executive is satisfied that the amount of mortgage interest payable by the claimant does not exceed such amount as it considers reasonable to meet his or her residential and other needs and where the Executive considers it is reasonable to award a supplement having regard to the amount of any arrears outstanding on the loan.
The Executive has advised that mortgage interest supplement has been refused to the people concerned as the qualifying conditions, as outlined above, are not satisfied. Notification of this decision issued on 7 October 2009.
This parliamentary question has been accepted as an appeal against the decision to refuse mortgage interest supplement to the person concerned and notification of the appeal has been forwarded to a designated Appeals Officer of the HSE. The person concerned will be contacted by the Appeals Officer and requested to outline in writing the specific grounds of his appeal.
865 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when respite care grant will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38610/09]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that, in accordance with statutory requirements, the relevant Departmental papers and comments on the grounds of appeal in the case of the person concerned have been sought. When received, the appeal in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer for early consideration.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
866 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her views on introducing a requirement on parents to collect their monthly child benefit payment in person each month instead of by electronic transfer; and if she will conduct a cost benefit analysis to ascertain if a significant saving could be achieved in fraud prevention over and above the extra costs associated with administering such a system. [38618/09]
The policy of the Department of Social and Family Affairs is to provide the widest possible range of payment options to customers. Of circa 600,000 Child Benefit customers, 60% are currently being paid by Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) and 40% by card-based Electronic Information Transfer (EIT). EFT is highly cost effective in terms of encashment costs, and over 80% of new claimants currently opt for this payment method.
The control policy for the Child Benefit scheme is continually reviewed to ensure that controls against fraud and abuse continue to be effective and relevant. As a result, 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.
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. 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.
Certificates are 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 it is estimated that a total of 315,000 will have issued by the end of 2009. Savings in 2008 arising from this exercise were just under €27m. In 2009 to date, savings total €58m and are expected to be in the region of €80m by the end of the year.
It is evident from mailshots issued down the years that EFT does not pose a significant risk in respect of the generality of claimants. The most recent of these was a mailshot issued to 80,000 mainly Irish-national customers regarding the Early Childcare Supplement scheme. A further mailshot issued to 1,500 Irish customers who had not cashed their child benefit payment within the six month period allowed. The level of non-compliance with these mailshots has to date been extremely low — and confirms the findings of a previous Fraud and Error survey. Both of these mailshot projects will conclude in November — when the outcome will inform the nature of further control initiatives.
At this time, I am satisfied that a requirement on parents to collect their monthly Child Benefit payment in person each month — instead of by electronic transfer — is not warranted.
867 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the status of an appeal for disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38626/09]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that, following receipt of the relevant Departmental papers including comments on the grounds of appeal, the appeal from the person concerned has been referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
869 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of mortgagees who were in receipt of financial assistance towards payment of their mortgages in 2008; the number of same to date in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38630/09]
The number of people in receipt of mortgage interest supplement in 2008 and 2009 is provided in the tabular statement.
|
Mortgage Interest Supplement |
|
|
2008 |
8,091 |
|
2009* |
14,457 |
*At 23 October 2009.
870 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a decision will be made regarding a disability allowance appeal application in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38675/09]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeal from the person concerned has been referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing in the case. The person concerned will be notified when the necessary arrangements have been made.
As regards waiting times, I am advised that the average time taken in 2008 to process all appeals (i.e. those decided summarily and by way of oral hearing) was 22 weeks. However, if allowance is made for the 25% most protracted cases, the average time fell to just over 14 weeks. Those average processing times replicate those for 2007 notwithstanding the fact there was an increase of 27% in the number of appeals received during 2008.
There has been an increase of 41% in the number of appeals received so far this year compared to last year and, having regard to the current volume of appeals awaiting determination, two additional Appeals Officers were appointed to the Social Welfare Appeals Office earlier this year. Furthermore, I am advised that the Chief Appeals Officer is keeping current processes under continuous review with a view to achieving a more effective throughput of appeals having regard to due process in terms of the rights of appellants and adherence to the requirements of natural justice.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
871 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork has been refused a disability payment. [38679/09]
Payment of illness benefit to the person concerned was discontinued following an examination by a Medical Assessor of the Department who expressed the opinion that he was capable of work. An appeal was opened and in the context of that appeal, his case was reviewed by a second Medical Assessor who also expressed the opinion that he was capable of work. A claim for disability allowance was also disallowed following two medical assessments.
Both of these decisions are now under appeal and I am informed by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that following receipt of the grounds of appeal the relevant Departmental papers and comments of the Department have been sought. On receipt of its response both cases will be referred to an Appeals Officer for early consideration.
The person concerned is currently in receipt of Jobseeker's Benefit, which is payable for a maximum of 312 days. As this payment is due to exhaust shortly a form was issued on 4 August 2009 advising him regarding Jobseeker's Allowance. This form has not been returned to date. If the person concerned wishes to apply for Jobseeker's Allowance he should return the completed form to the Social Welfare Local Office, Hanover Street, Cork.
872 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her views on whether the State’s authorities must now insert a child’s father’s name on birth certificates, pursuant to Article 9.3 of the European Convention on the Rights of the Child that states parties shall respect the right of the child who is separated from one or both parents to maintain personal relations and direct contact with both parents on a regular basis, except if it is contrary to the child’s best interests; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38717/09]
The current position in relation to births registrations is that no man can be named as the father of a child in an entry unless he consents to do so or unless he is found to be the father of the child by the Courts, in proceedings relating to guardianship or maintenance or by way of a declaration of parentage, made under section 35 of the Status of Children Act, 1987.
Under the provisions of the Civil Registration Act, 2004, where the parents are not married to each other at the time of the birth, the father's particulars can be registered if the parents make a joint application to do so, or if either makes an application, accompanied by a statutory declaration from the other parent, naming the father, or if either parent makes an application accompanied by a court order naming the father.
Where a father's details are not registered initially, the parents may re-register the birth to add his details. The procedures for such re-registrations are similar to those for registrations. Also, if the parents marry each other following the birth, they are legally obliged to re-register the birth, under the provisions of section 24 of the Act.
I believe that, in his question, the Deputy is referring to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (Article 9.3). The status of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) in Irish law is that Ireland ratified the UNCRC without reservation on 21 September 1992. The Convention entered into force for Ireland on 21 October 1992. Ireland signed the European Convention on the Exercise of Children's Rights in 1996 and proposes to ratify the European Convention as soon as possible.
Similar to other common law countries, Ireland has a ‘dualist' system under which international agreements, to which Ireland becomes a party, are not automatically incorporated into domestic law, under the following Constitutional provisions:
Article 29.3 of the Constitution of Ireland states: ‘Ireland accepts the generally recognised principles of international law as its rule of conduct in its relations with other States.'
Article 29.6 of the Constitution of Ireland provides: ‘No international agreement shall be part of the domestic law of the State save as may be determined by the Oireachtas.'
These Constitutional provisions have been interpreted as precluding the Irish courts from giving effect to an international agreement if it is contrary to domestic law or grants rights or imposes obligations additional to those of domestic law. Consequently, whereas Ireland has ratified the UNCRC, the Convention did not thereby automatically become part of Irish law.
The Houses of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Social and Family Affairs has strongly recommended that it should be made compulsory for the father's name to be registered on a child's birth certificate (First Report — October 2009).
The Law Reform Commission (LRC) recently issued a discussion document on Legal Aspects of Family Relationships, which included the issue of the registration of the father's particulars. They have invited submissions from interested parties and will, in due course, issue recommendations in a further report. Any recommendation in relation to the compulsory registration of the father's details on a birth record will be of considerable significance and will be seriously considered, especially in light of the Joint Committee's recommendation.
873 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will be awarded jobseeker’s benefit or assistance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38740/09]
The person concerned applied for a jobseeker's allowance on 31 March 2009. One of the conditions for receipt of Jobseeker's Allowance is that the person must satisfy the means test. The person concerned refused to disclose his means and provide sufficient proof of his residence. Accordingly, his application was disallowed. He was notified of this decision on 23 September 2009 and of his right of Appeal. To date no notice of appeal has been received by the Department.
874 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding the appeal of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare against the decision to refuse their application for jobseeker’s allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38842/09]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that, following receipt of the relevant Departmental papers including comments on the grounds of appeal, the appeal from the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration. The Appeals Officer has referred the case to the Deciding Officer for clarification on certain matters. Every effort will be made to have this appeal dealt with as quickly as possible.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
875 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a decision will be made on an illness benefit appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38862/09]
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.
876 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position of a carer’s allowance appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38864/09]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that, following receipt of the relevant Departmental papers including comments on the grounds of appeal, the appeal from the person concerned has been referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
877 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of staff on paid leave for more than six months; the date on which each of them was placed on paid leave; the amount paid to them since they were placed on paid leave; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38928/09]
There are currently no staff on paid leave from my Department for more than six months in any circumstance, other than where there is a health issue. In relation to paid sick leave, staff in the Department with health problems are on paid sick leave in accordance with Department of Finance regulations i.e. full pay for six months, half pay for six months and pension rate of pay where applicable. At present, forty nine staff are on paid sick leave for more than sick months. These staff are certified with serious illnesses and the situation is kept under continuous review.
878 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when an appeal on a decision for carer’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary will be considered. [38931/09]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that, following receipt of the relevant Departmental papers including comments on the grounds of appeal, the appeal from the person concerned has been referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration. The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
879 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if the responsibility to initiate inspections of employers for breaches of PRSI rules or social welfare fraud lies with inspectors of her Department or the Revenue Commissioners; the number of such inspections that have taken place in the past three years; and the outcome of these inspections in terms of breaches detected, prosecutions made, sums recovered and so on. [38934/09]
The Department's Inspectorate, appointed under Section 250 of the Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act 2005 is responsible, inter alia, for ensuring that employers and self employed people comply with the Act in relation to Pay Related Social Insurance contributions. Employer compliance, in this regard, is monitored through inspections which include detailed examinations of employers' records to ensure that correct PRSI payments are being made in respect of all employees. These officers carry out inspections of employers in relation to their PRSI obligations as well as investigating cases where fraud or abuses of the schemes are suspected. In addition to the general inspectorate, the Department has a Special Investigation Unit (SIU), comprising some 88 Inspectors working full-time to combat fraud and abuse, they also undertake employer inspections to ensure compliance with their PRSI obligations. In 1986 a Joint Inspection Unit (JIU), drawn from inspectors from both the SIU and the Revenue Commissioners was established. This co-ordinated approach, combining the powers of both agencies, monitors compliance with both the PRSI and taxation systems.
Details of the number of PRSI Inspections carried out in the past 3 years are:
|
Year |
Number of Employer Inspections |
Arrears of PRSI Assessed |
Arrears of PRSI collected to date |
|
€m |
€m |
||
|
2006 |
4,853 |
7.251 |
3.232 |
|
2007 |
4,763 |
5.692 |
2.219 |
|
2008 |
3,203 |
5.829 |
3.640 |
Where PRSI undercharges are confirmed, the Inspector sets out the PRSI arrears or underpayment in respect of each employee for each tax year and issues a demand to the employer for payment. Should the employer fail to respond satisfactorily, a statutory demand will issue by registered post and the employer given 14 days to respond. If the employer fails to respond the case is considered for prosecution. Equally, if other offences are detected in the course of an Inspection, for example failing to record employees, understating of earnings etc, the case may be considered for prosecution even where the employer makes full restitution.
The number and type of employer cases finalised in court for years 2006, 2007 and 2008 are shown in the tabular statement.
|
Year |
Failure to pay PRSI on foot of demand |
Failure to produce/maintain wages records |
Failure to provide employment details for employees |
Total employer cases finalised in court |
Court outcome |
|
2006 |
2 |
3 |
2 |
7 |
6 fined 1 POA* |
|
2007 |
7 |
9 |
— |
16 |
10 fined 2 POA* 4 struck out |
|
2008 |
9 |
6 |
— |
15 |
9 fined 2 POA* 3 struck out 1 withdrawn |
*Probation of Offenders Act.
The Department is committed to ensuring that employers comply with their statutory obligations thereby ensuring that employees do not suffer delay in securing any social welfare entitlements and those contributions to the Social Insurance Fund are made in an accurate and timely manner.
880 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the percentage, in relation to the 5,000 child benefit payments to non-Irish nationals that were terminated due to her certification process, which were for payments that were initially granted to a parent whose child was in the State; the percentage granted to a parent where the child was outside the State; and the percentage of those benefits terminated which were subsequently restored on the basis that entitlement was demonstrated. [38956/09]
Of the 5140 claims terminated as a result of Certification review activity in 2008, some 95% — c 4,880 -were in respect of children declared resident in Ireland, with the balance of 5% — c 260 claims — relating to payments in respect of children resident in other EU member states, but who had a parent working in Ireland. Of these terminated claims, 85% — some 4,370 — remain stopped. The 15% (c 770 claims) which were ultimately restored would mainly have been as a result of the customer advising the Department of a new address and satisfactorily verifying the family's residency in Ireland. Of these 770 restored claims, some 84% (647 claims) are in respect of children resident in Ireland, the balance of 16% (123 claims) are in respect of children living abroad. To date in 2009, around 6500 claims have had their payment suspended pending further contact from customers and a further 4500 claims are fully terminated.
881 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the social welfare payments, the pension payments and the child care payments in June 2009 in counties Donegal, Sligo, Cavan, Monaghan and Louth in tabular form on a county basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38975/09]
882 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the social welfare payments made in January to June 2009 in counties Donegal, Sligo, Cavan, Monaghan, Louth; the pension payments in January to June 2009 in Donegal, Sligo, Cavan, Monaghan, Louth; the child-care payments in January to June 2009 in Donegal, Sligo, Cavan, Monaghan, Louth in tabular form on a county and monthly basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39004/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 881 and 882 together.
The latest published figures are available in the Department's Statistical Information on Social Welfare Services 2008 Report on www.welfare.ie
883 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding a disability allowance appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [39006/09]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that, in accordance with statutory requirements, the relevant Departmental papers and comments on the grounds of appeal in the case of the person concerned have been sought. When received, the appeal in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer for early consideration. The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
884 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number signing on the unemployment register in each of the counties Cavan, Monaghan and Louth; the number of local sign on centres in each county, their locations and the status of these facilities; when an assessment was last undertaken at each of these locations to establish if they are suitable to cater for the basic requirements of the growing queue of claimants, and in all weathers; her plans to address inadequacies already highlighted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39009/09]
Social Welfare Local and Branch Offices have dealt with very significant increases in the number of persons registering as unemployed. As of 23 October 2009 the number of persons signing on the Live Register for Counties Cavan, Monaghan and Louth is 7,018, 6,035 and 16,399 respectively. Details of each centre that persons sign on for Jobseeker payments are set out in the tabular format.
Having regard to the offices concerned, Cavan, Drogheda and Dundalk are Social Welfare Local Offices where accommodation and facilities are a matter for the Department and the Office of Public Works. In the case of Dundalk local office this is a relatively new office with adequate facilities to deal with all service delivery requirements. In the case of Cavan Local Office the office has with effect from 27 October moved to enhanced facilities in Cavan town that meet all service requirements. Renovations are scheduled to take place and be completed in Drogheda Local Office before the end of 2009 which again will lead to enhanced facilities and meet service requirements. In the case of Monagahan, Carrickmacross, Clones, Castleblaney, Ballyconnell and Ardee these are Branch Offices of the Department and are operated on a contract basis. Within the terms of these contracts is the specific requirement to provide adequate staffing and suitable accommodation to enable the transaction of social welfare services including certification for Jobseeker payments. Under the terms and conditions of these contracts the Department regularly reviews the arrangements for delivering services in the area served by Branch Offices. The Department will continue to actively review its service arrangements with these Branch offices and makes changes it considers necessary in that regard.
Under the existing arrangements persons are only required to sign once a month to certify themselves as unemployed at Branch Offices.
|
County |
Centre |
Location |
Status |
Register |
|
Cavan |
Cavan |
Farnham St Cavan |
Local Office |
5,800 |
|
Cavan |
Ballyconnell |
Main St. Ballyconnell |
Branch Office |
1,218 |
|
Monaghan |
Carrickmacross |
Ardee Rd |
Branch Office |
1,534 |
|
Monaghan |
Castleblaney |
Monaghan Rd |
Branch Office |
1,567 |
|
Monaghan |
Clones |
2 McCurtin St |
Branch Office |
714 |
|
Monaghan |
Monaghan |
Rooskey |
Branch Office |
2,220 |
|
Louth |
Dundalk |
St Alphonsus Rd |
Local Office |
6,053 |
|
Louth |
Ardee |
Moore Hall |
Branch Office |
2,313 |
|
Louth |
Drogheda |
Custom House Quay |
Local Office |
8,033 |
885 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding an application for jobseeker’s allowance by a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [39015/09]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that, following receipt of the relevant Departmental papers including comments on the grounds of appeal, the appeal from the person concerned has been referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration. The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
886 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will investigate the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [39034/09]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that, following receipt of the relevant Departmental papers including comments on the grounds of appeal, the appeal from the person concerned has been referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration. As part of this consideration, the Appeals Officer will examine all evidence submitted. The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
888 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if plans are being considered to means-test the contributory State pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39101/09]
The state pension (contributory) is one of a number of social welfare schemes based upon social insurance. Payments based on social insurance contributions are funded through pay-related contributions to the social insurance fund by employers, employees and the self-employed with subvention, where necessary, by the State. In the case of contributory pensions, payment is made on reaching pension age provided the qualifying conditions, which include having paid a minimum number of contributions at an appropriate rate and reaching a minimum average annual contribution rate, have been met. The state pension (non-contributory) is a means-tested payment funded entirely by taxation. There are no plans to means test the state pension (contributory).
889 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the criteria for granting domiciliary allowance for children with an intellectual disability; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39161/09]
Domiciliary Care Allowance is payable in respect of children under 16 years of age who have a disability so severe that it requires the child needing care and attention and/or supervision substantially in excess of another child of the same age. This care and attention must be given by another person, effectively full-time so that the child can deal with the activities of daily living. The child must be likely to require this level of care and attention for at least 12 months.
Eligibility for Domiciliary Care Allowance is not based primarily on the medical or psychological condition, but on the resulting lack of function of body or mind necessitating the degree of extra care and attention required. Each application is considered by a Departmental Medical Assessor on an individual basis taking account of the evidence submitted.
In addition to the medical criteria for the scheme there are a number of other qualifying conditions relating to, the provision of care, the residency of the child and the residency of the person making the claim.
Where a person is not satisfied with the decision of a Deciding Officer they may seek to have the decision reviewed or they may appeal the decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.
890 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will expedite an appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [39182/09]
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.
891 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding a disability benefit appeal in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39197/09]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that, in accordance with statutory requirements, the relevant Departmental papers and comments on the grounds of appeal in the case of the person concerned have been sought. When received, the appeal in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer for early consideration. The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
892 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when an appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be finalised. [39201/09]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that, in accordance with statutory requirements, the relevant Departmental papers and comments on the grounds of appeal in the case of the person concerned have been sought. When received, the appeal in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer for early consideration.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
893 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a decision will be made on an application in respect of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39205/09]
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all the evidence, including that adduced at an oral hearing, disallowed the appeal of the person concerned. The person concerned has been 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.
894 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when acarer’s allowance appeal will be finalised for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [39217/09]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeal from the person concerned has been referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing in the case. The person concerned will be notified when the necessary arrangements have been made. The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
895 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a decision will be made on an application by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry for invalidity pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39223/09]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that, following receipt of the relevant Departmental papers including comments on the grounds of appeal, the appeal from the person concerned has been referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration. The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
896 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her views on correspondence (details supplied); the actions she proposes to take to address the concerns expressed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39226/09]
The correspondence referred to is a submission received in relation to the operation of the Family Resource Centre Programme in light of the Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes.
The Report made a range of recommendations relating to the Department of Social and Family Affairs including recommendations relating to the Family Support Agency and its programmes. The Department will consider, as part of the Estimates and budgetary process for 2010, the Report's recommendations and decisions on all of the issues arising will be a matter for Government. It would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this stage pending the outcome of these deliberative processes.
897 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of appeals pending a decision in the social welfare appeals office, by social welfare payment category and the average length of time each category takes to finalise the appeal in tabular format; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39241/09]
898 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of carer’s allowance appeals lodged with the social welfare appeals office over 12 months ago, over nine months ago and over six months ago as compared to the number of carer’s allowance appeals on hand in October 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39242/09]
899 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the frequency with which oral hearings are held on appeals in County Mayo; the number of cases on appeal waiting to be dealt with by the appeals office; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39243/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 897 to 899, inclusive, together, which seek statistical information on the work of the Social Welfare Appeals Office.
I am advised by the Chief Appeals Officer that the information requested by the Deputy is not readily available in this format and that the assembly and collation of such information would take some time and, of necessity, divert resources away from the processing of appeals which is the top priority for the office. I do not think it would be appropriate to cause further delays for people awaiting a decision on their appeal by diverting the efforts of the Appeals Office towards compiling this information.
900 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo had their disability allowance stopped; when a decision on their appeal will be made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39248/09]
The claim for disability allowance, by the person concerned, was disallowed by a Deciding Officer of the Department on 19 September 2009 following an assessment by a Medical Assessor who expressed the opinion that she was not medically suitable.
An appeal was opened on 30 September 2009 and the Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me 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 advised when the arrangements 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.
901 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of appeals awaiting processing in the central social welfare appeals office; the length of the waiting list for an appeal to be processed there; the number of staff employed in that office, the number of appeals processed centrally in that office every year for the last five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39261/09]
I am informed by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that there are, currently, just over 14,000 appeals awaiting processing by that office and that, during 2008, the average time taken to process all appeals (i.e. those decided summarily and by way of oral hearing) was 22 weeks. However, if allowance was made for the 25% most protracted cases, the average time fell to just over 14 weeks. Those processing times replicate those for 2007 notwithstanding the fact that there was an increase of 27% in the number of appeals received during 2008. I am advised that there has been a further increase of 41% in the number of appeals received to date this year over the corresponding period in 2008 and, while average processing times for 2009 are not yet available, I am concerned they will have deteriorated when compared to the 2008 position.
The number of staff employed in the Social Welfare Appeals Office is, as outlined in the Annual Report of the Chief Appeals Officer, 59. These comprise the Chief Appeals Officer, the Deputy Chief Appeals Officer, 17 Appeals Officers and 40 administrative staff.
Two additional Appeals Officers were appointed to the Social Welfare Appeals Office earlier this year in recognition of the increased workload in the office.
The number of appeals processed by the Social Welfare Appeals Office during the last five years is as follows:
2004 — 14,089
2005 — 13,419
2006 — 14,006
2007 — 13,845
2008 — 15,724
Improving processing times and introducing efficiencies remains a major objective of the Social Welfare Appeals Office, however, it is necessary at all times, given the quasi-judicial nature of the appeals process, to ensure that progress in this regard is achieved in a manner which is not in conflict with due process in terms of the rights of appellants and adherence to the requirements of natural justice.
902 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the cost to the State of the rent supplement scheme in 2008 and in 2009 respectively; and the average cost in both years for every family unit housed under the scheme. [39379/09]
904 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of families in receipt of rent supplement; and the number of people benefitting from rent supplement. [39381/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 902 and 904 together.
The tabular statement sets out the number of rent supplement recipients in 2008 and 2009, expenditure and the average weekly payment in both years. The additional number of people benefiting from the rent supplement scheme and the average cost for each family unit is not readily available.
|
Date |
No Claims |
Expenditure |
Average Weekly Cost |
|
€ |
€ |
||
|
End Dec ’08 |
74,038 |
440 million |
126.10 |
|
End Sept ’09 |
90,825 |
382 million |
104.30 |
903 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the average number of days per staff member in whole time equivalent terms lost to absenteeism in 2007 and 2008 with a breakdown by grade. [39380/09]
The average number of days lost to sick-leave per staff member in whole time equivalent terms and per grade in 2007 and 2008 is as follows:
|
Grade |
Average working days Lost |
|
Senior Mgt |
6.18 |
|
AP |
7.06 |
|
HEO |
9.74 |
|
AO |
3.42 |
|
EO |
12.18 |
|
SO |
10.13 |
|
CO |
19.01 |
|
Service Grades |
15.68 |
|
Total |
14.74 |
Question No. 904 answered with Question No. 902.
905 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if it is the case that between 1999 and 2009 the number of persons on disability allowance has increased from 45,000 to 110,000; the reason that in just ten years there has been such an increase; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39390/09]
The numbers in receipt of Disability Allowance have increased from 50,431 at the end of 1999 to some 98,898 at the end of September 2009. A review of the Disability Allowance scheme, currently underway, has sought to identify the causes for this increase. While that review has not been finalised, the evidence suggests that the increase in the numbers claiming Disability Allowance is attributable to a range of factors. These factors include demographic changes; progressive amendments to the means-testing arrangements for the scheme; the extension of entitlement to Disability Allowance to persons resident full-time in institutions; and migration from other welfare schemes. It is likely also that changes in the medical sphere such as, for instance, improved diagnoses will have played a role in the increase in numbers availing of the scheme.
While any increase in the numbers having recourse to welfare supports is a matter for concern, it is important to recognise that the Disability Allowance scheme is designed to meet the income maintenance needs of people who are ill and people with disabilities and their dependents in ways that recognise their diverse needs, by way both of providing income supports and encouraging and enabling the take-up of employment, training, education and other self development opportunities, where appropriate.
906 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when an application for an appeal hearing by a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath will take place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39412/09]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that, following receipt of the relevant Departmental papers including comments on the grounds of appeal, the appeal from the person concerned has been referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration. As part of this consideration, the Appeals Officer will decide if an oral hearing is appropriate in this case. The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
907 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a decision will be made in relation to contributory State pension entitlement arising from pension claims that have resulted from partnerships and when the claimants have paid up their PRSI contributions on the understanding that they would have an entitlement; the number of applications that fall into this category; when she expects to make a decision in relation to entitlement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39424/09]
The publication of the booklet SW124 — "Working with your spouse: how it affects your social welfare contributions and entitlements" — clarified existing procedures in relation to the recognition of commercial partnerships between husbands and wives for social insurance purposes. It did not involve a change in existing policy or administration and applicants for the state pension (contributory) still have to satisfy the eligibility conditions as contained in legislation. There are 37 cases with decisions pending at present and the Department will notify customers of their pension entitlements as soon as possible.
908 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Defence the reason a person (details supplied) in County Donegal was found to be unsuitable for enlistment in the Permanent Defence Force on 30 October 2001; the further reason they failed security clearance; if any of these reasons referred to non-immediate family members; if he will review the way this decision was reached; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37907/09]
The position is that it is a matter for the Military Authorities to select candidates based on specific criteria and in accordance with Defence Force Regulations for positions in the Defence Forces. In relation to this particular case, the Military Authorities have advised that the individual referred to did not satisfy the requirements for enlistment in the Permanent Defence Force. I am unable to comment any further on this matter, as it is the policy of the Department of Defence to treat all applications for enlistment in the Defence Forces as strictly private and confidential.
909 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence the number of physical education degree holders serving in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38159/09]
910 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence the number of physical training instructors in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38160/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 909 and 910 together.
I am advised by the Military authorities that there are 42 physical education degree holders and 236 physical training instructors currently serving in the Defence Forces. The Military authorities have further advised that these figures are proving adequate at present to meet the needs of the Defence Forces at home and overseas.
911 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Defence the number of beds actively used in the Curragh Military Hospital, County Kildare; the number of doctors and nurses employed at the hospital; his plans for the hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38333/09]
I am advised by the Military authorities that the Curragh Military Medical Facility has a sick bay capacity of seventeen beds. I am further advised that three Military Medical officers and six civilian General Practitioner Locums are employed at the hospital in addition to seven Army Nursing Service personnel.
The focus of the military medical service is on primary care, acute trauma management, preventative medical programmes and field medical training and to this end the Medical Corps provides a range of services. Defence Forces personnel requiring medical treatment are getting the care they need.
Under the Government decision to relocate the Defence Forces headquarters to the Curragh, an upgrading of the Curragh Military Medical Facility is planned. In view of the changed economic circumstances since, I am not in a position to specify when this upgrade will take place.
912 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence the number of physical education degree holders in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38981/09]
913 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence the number of qualified physical training instructors in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38982/09]
914 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence the National Council for Exercise and Fitness or equivalent qualification holders in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38983/09]
915 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence the number of coaches in field games with at least foundation level qualification from relevant national governing bodies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38984/09]
916 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence the number of coaches in court games with at least foundation level qualification from relevant national governing bodies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38985/09]
917 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence the number of coaches in athletics with at least foundation level award from Athletics Association of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38986/09]
918 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence the number of life guards, swimming teachers and lifesaving instructors with appropriate qualifications from relevant national governing bodies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38987/09]
919 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence the number of outdoor pursuits or adventure sports with appropriate qualifications or leadership awards from relevant national governing bodies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38988/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 912 to 919, inclusive, together.
I am advised by the Military authorities that there are 42 physical education degree holders and 236 physical training instructors currently serving in the Defence Forces. The Military authorities have further advised that these figures are proving adequate at present to meet the needs of the Defence Forces at home and overseas. The additional information requested by the Deputy is not readily available and is being compiled at present. This information will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it becomes available.
920 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 411 of 13 October 2009 if he will ensure that Rockhill and Lifford Army barracks, County Donegal, will be available to community, youth, and voluntary organisations from now until their sale; if he will formally communicate this to local groups; when the barracks will be sold; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39030/09]
In relation to community, youth and voluntary groups using the properties in question, any request will be considered and a decision will be made taking into account the proposed use of the premises, the stage that my Department is at in relation to disposal of the property concerned and the length of time any group wishes to use it. In this connection, my Department has given permission to a community organisation to use the football pitch at Rockhill. Arrangements are being made for the disposal of the properties and I would anticipate that the matter will be concluded early next year.
921 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Defence his views on the recent escalation of violence in Afghanistan; the implications for Irish troops serving there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39209/09]
Ireland has participated in the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan since 5 July 2002, following the Government Decision of 2 July 2002, authorising the provision of seven (7) members of the Permanent Defence Force for service with the force. Since then, the Government has reviewed and approved, on an annual basis, the continued participation by seven (7) members of the Permanent Defence Force in ISAF.
The seven Irish personnel, comprising 4 Officers and 3 Non Commissioned Officers, serving with the force are currently located in ISAF HQ, Kabul and in the Headquarters of ISAF Joint Command (HQ IJC) at Kabul International Airport. The Irish personnel work in staff appointments.
The security situation in Afghanistan requires constant vigilance. Armoured protection vehicles and other additional security measures have been provided to the Irish Defence Forces personnel serving in Kabul and other security measures in relation to routes and travel have also been taken. The security situation in Kabul is closely monitored by the Defence Forces and the level of threat to Defence Forces personnel serving there is constantly reviewed.
922 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on electing a portion of the Members of Seanad Éireann by the overseas diaspora; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38222/09]
The renewed Programme for Government contains a commitment to establish an Electoral Commission. The Commission will be tasked with proposing reforms to the electoral system in a number of areas, including outlining new electoral systems for Seanad Éireann. I have arranged to hold the final meeting of the All-Party Group on Seanad Reform on Wednesday 4 November. The aim of the Group has been to establish the extent of cross-party agreement on the reform of the Upper House. Following the Group's final meeting, I intend to report to Government on its conclusions.
923 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has received the comprehensive review of corporate governance of the Dublin Docklands Development Authority which he requested in August 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39172/09]
All State Bodies must ensure that their procedures and practices are in accordance with the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, an updated version of which was published by the Department of Finance in May 2009. My Department wrote to the Dublin Docklands Development Authority in August requesting that a comprehensive review of corporate governance be undertaken. I understand that the review is currently underway in the Authority and a report is due to be submitted to the Department shortly.
924 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will respond to correspondence from a person (details supplied). [39178/09]
Earlier this year, I announced my intention to review the provisions of the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 under which the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB) operates. The purpose of this review is to consider whether the Act best supports the PRTB's key functions and whether legislative amendments would support either the achievement of additional operational efficiencies by the PRTB in the delivery of those functions or the broader good working of the private rented sector. Full details in relation to the background to the review and the associated terms of reference are available on my Department's website, www.environ.ie.
Issues surrounding the retention by landlords of deposits have been brought to my attention during the public consultation phase of the review and I understand that the PRTB itself is examining the various issues around the retention of deposits. The outcome of this research has not yet been communicated to my Department by the PRTB but I would expect it to feed into the review process outlined above. I expect to be in a position to announce the preliminary outcomes of the review shortly.
925 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has received correspondence of representations to change the colour of wind turbines from white to a more neutral environmental colour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37948/09]
I have not received any correspondence or representations in relation to the colour of wind turbines. On the particular issue of Wind Farm development, my Department issued Wind Energy Development Guidelines in June 2006. A copy of the Guidelines is available on my Department's website www.environ.ie. The Guidelines offer advice to planning authorities, developers and the wider public on planning for wind energy through the development plan process and in determining applications for planning permission, including the colour of wind turbines. The Guidelines do not preclude the use of a colour other than white for a wind turbine. It is a matter for each planning authority to assess an application for a wind turbine on its own merits in accordance with the Development Plan and according to site specific conditions.
926 Deputy Brendan Kenneally asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the new €200 charge for a second residence applies in a case in which a person is allowing an elderly relative to live rent free in the house; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37960/09]
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.
927 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the level of information and communication made available to persons who are required to meet the housing regulations 2008, particularly in relation to the penalties for non-compliance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37963/09]
Minimum standards for rental accommodation are prescribed by regulations made under section 18 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1992. In the Partnership Agreement Towards 2016, the Government committed to updating and more effectively enforcing the minimum standards regulations and delivered on this commitment by approving a package of measures last year.
Those elements of the package not requiring primary legislation were introduced through new regulations to update the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 1993. The new regulations, entitled the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2008, were made by me on 10 December 2008 and notice of the making of these Regulations was published in Iris Oifigiúil on 16 December 2008. Copies of the Regulations are available in the Oireachtas library and on my Department's website at www.environ.ie.
Copies of the Regulations were also provided to various sectoral interests, including landlord and tenant representative bodies. In addition, the coming into effect of the Regulations was advertised in the print media on Monday 26 January 2009. All landlords have a legal obligation to ensure that their rented properties comply with these regulations. Failure to do so is an offence, subject, on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding €3,000, or a term of 6 months in prison or both, and €250 for each day of a continuing offence. Responsibility for enforcing the regulations rests with the relevant local authority, supported by a dedicated stream of funding allocated by my Department.
The remaining elements of the above-mentioned package of measures required amendments of primary legislation and these are addressed in the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009. These include increased penalties for non-compliance and the introduction of a more robust sanctions regime. The relevant provisions will be commenced as soon as possible and notice of their coming into effect will be advertised in the print media and on my Department's website.
928 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on facilitating a trade up process by which households, whose existing affordable home is inadequate, can move to more suitable accommodation from the unsold affordable housing stock without triggering the clawback; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37970/09]
There is no provision under the current affordable housing schemes for upgrading to a larger affordable home. However, as is the case with all forms of private housing, an owner of an affordable home wishing to trade up may sell their existing house and purchase a larger dwelling in the market, subject of course to the repayment of the appropriate clawback.
While first-time buyers are a particular target group for affordable housing, current legislation provides that previous ownership of a house does not render an applicant ineligible for an affordable house and, therefore, a person may apply again for affordable housing. It will, of course, be a matter for the local authority concerned to consider the priority to be given to that individual's application for further affordable housing having regard to their needs and the needs of those currently on the authority's affordable housing list awaiting their first homes.
929 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if funding will be provided to Donegal County Council to address sewerage problems in the Bredagh River at Moville-Greencastle, County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37974/09]
The Moville/Greencastle Sewerage Scheme is included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009, at an estimated cost of €9.3m. My Department is awaiting the submission by Donegal County Council of the Preliminary Report for the scheme.
Local authorities were asked in July to submit an assessment of needs for water and sewerage services to my Department by 23 October 2009. These assessments will form a key input to the development of the 2010 to 2012 Water Services Investment Programme, which it is anticipated will be published in early 2010. In conducting their assessments, local authorities have been asked to prioritise schemes and contracts for progression over the coming years based on key environmental and economic criteria.
930 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of cases with the strategic infrastructure division of An Bord Pleanála; and the number which have been awaiting a decision for at least six months, at least eight months, at least ten months and at least 12 months. [38021/09]
931 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of normal planning appeals currently with An Bord Pleanála which have been awaiting a decision for a period of at least six months, at least eight months, at least ten months and at least 12 months. [38022/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 930 and 931 together.
To date the Strategic Infrastructure Division of An Bord Pleanála has received 30 formal applications for major strategic infrastructure projects under the provisions of the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006, and 18 cases have been disposed of. There are 12 major Strategic Infrastructure cases currently on hand. The specific information sought in relation to 2009 is set out in the following table:
|
> 6 months |
> 8 months |
> 10 months |
> 12 months |
|
|
Strategic Infrastructure Cases on hands (as at 19 Oct, 2009): |
2 |
2 |
3 |
2 |
As of 19 October 2009, An Bord Pleanála had 1,506 normal planning cases on hand, a decrease of 45% compared to the same period in 2008. The specific information sought in relation to 2009 is set out in the following table:
|
> 6 months |
> 8 months |
> 10 months |
> 12 months |
|
|
Appeals on hands (as at 19 Oct, 2009): |
177 |
95 |
64 |
50 |
932 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the commitment he has made to Cork County Council with regard to the refurbishment and regeneration of flats (details supplied) in County Cork; if costs have been identified; if a budget, a timeframe and a completion date have been agreed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38082/09]
In response to a call for proposals for projects for inclusion in my Department's Remedial Works Schemes 2009-2011, an application for this project was received in Autumn 2008 from Cork City Council. The proposal was evaluated against the criteria set out for the programme, e.g. the age and condition of the dwellings, the unit cost of refurbishment, the priorities of the City Council, etc. The project was not rated sufficiently highly to merit funding under the Programme and my Department's decision was conveyed to the City Council in February, 2009.
933 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will extend the slurry spreading period due to meteorological and other conditions in view of the fact that the heavy rain in summer 2009 has left farmers unable to complete slurry spreading by the deadline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38028/09]
942 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will extend the date for the spreading of farmyard manure and slurry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38279/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 933 and 942 together.
I refer to the reply to Questions Nos. 158, 265 and 290 of 14 October 2009.
The Nitrates Directive and Ireland's National Nitrates Action Programme are given legal effect by the consolidated European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations 2009. The objective of the Regulations is to protect ground and surface waters, including drinking water sources, primarily through the management of livestock manures and other fertilisers.
Good agricultural practice involves the land spreading of organic fertilisers as early as practicable in the growing season in order to maximise the uptake of nutrients by crops and to minimise pollution risks to water courses and groundwaters. In accordance with the requirements of the Nitrates Directive, the Regulations include provisions regarding periods when the land application of certain types of fertilisers is prohibited. In addition, the Regulations prohibit such application at any time of the year when the ground is frozen, waterlogged or heavy rain is forecast.
In view of the prolonged period of favourable weather that prevailed prior to the deadlines, the risk to water quality posed by an extension to the periods for land spreading and the major investment on the part of the State and farmers in the provision of adequate waste storage facilities in recent years, the question of an extension to the periods for spreading organic fertilisers does not arise.
934 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount which has been expended to date on all aspects of the development of a waste facility at Poolbeg, Dublin 4; if he will provide an itemised breakdown of this expenditure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38097/09]
On 17 July 2001 my Department approved 100% grant assistance towards the appointment by Dublin City Council (DCC) of a consortium to act as Client's Representative for the proposed waste to energy facility at Poolbeg. This approval was explicitly only in respect of the planning costs that would be incurred by Dublin City Council, principally of the client representative appointed to act on their behalf. No assistance was sought or granted in respect of construction or operation of the facility.
A total of €7,561,841.48 was paid to DCC by the Department over a period from August 2001 to December 2005 in respect of client representative costs.
In line with national policy the Exchequer does not provide capital funding for new heavy waste infrastructure, landfills or waste to energy (incineration) plants. My Department does not hold information on expenditure on the proposed development other than that outlined above.
935 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding an application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38026/09]
The Housing Adaptation Grant Scheme for Older People and People with a Disability is administered by the local authorities and all matters relating to compliance with the terms and conditions of the scheme, the processing and approval of applications and the payment of grants to individual applicants are the responsibility of the relevant local authority.
The initial 2009 combined allocation in respect of the grant schemes to Longford County Council, incorporating the Exchequer contribution and the co-funding provided by the Council, amounted to €727,500, an increase of almost 14% on the 2008 initial allocation of €638,820. Following an evaluation of the ongoing level of demand for grants, the level of expenditure to date and the capacity of local authorities to process and approve additional applications in the current year, I approved a supplementary allocation of approximately €12.5 million to some twenty eight local authorities on 12 October, 2009. The combined supplementary allocation for Longford County Council is €523,500.
936 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount which has been expended to date on all aspects of the development of a waste facility at Poolbeg, Dublin 4; the itemised breakdown of this expenditure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38169/09]
On 17 July 2001 my Department approved 100% grant assistance towards the appointment by Dublin City Council (DCC) of a consortium to act as Client's Representative for the proposed waste to energy facility at Poolbeg. This approval was explicitly only in respect of the planning costs that would be incurred by Dublin City Council, principally of the client representative appointed to act on their behalf. No assistance was sought or granted in respect of construction or operation of the facility.
A total of €7,561,841.48 was paid to DCC by the Department over a period from August 2001 to December 2005 in respect of client representative costs.
In line with national policy the Exchequer does not provide capital funding for new heavy waste infrastructure, landfills or waste to energy (incineration) plants. My Department does not hold information on expenditure on the proposed development other than that outlined above.
937 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the legal requirements for dumping waste from a construction site on private land; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38179/09]
Construction and demolition (C&D) material would be regarded as a waste if the holder discards or intends or is required to discard it, e.g. in the context of construction or development activity. However, there are circumstances where the material might not be considered a waste, having regard to this concept of discard. The primary responsibility for the management of any waste, including costs for removal or disposal, lies with the holder of the waste, i.e. the natural or legal person in possession of the waste, or the producer of the waste. The Waste Management Acts 1996 — 2008 impose a general duty of care on holders of waste. A person may not hold, transport, recover or dispose of waste in a manner that causes or is likely to cause environmental pollution. A person transferring control of the waste should ensure that the person taking the waste is authorised under the waste management legislation to undertake the collection, recovery or disposal of the waste in question. If a person wishes to recover or dispose of waste from a construction site on private land they will require either a waste licence from the EPA or a waste permit or certificate of registration from the local authority in whose functional area the proposed recovery/disposal is to take place. The nature of the proposed activity (recovery or disposal), the type of waste and the quantity of waste will determine the type of authorisation, which will apply.
The Office of Environmental Enforcement issued guidance — Aspects of Construction and Demolition Waste Regulation — in December 2008, which provides guidance on the legal framework covering the recovery or disposal of construction and demolition wastes in Ireland. It is directed at regulators and persons undertaking site activities such as site owners, developers and C&D companies. It provides guidance on determining whether a material arising from a C&D activity is waste or not, the type of authorisation that applies and the classification of this material.
Under planning legislation, planning permission is required for any development unless it is specifically exempted under the legislation. While the interpretation of planning legislation is a matter for the planning authorities in the first instance, it is considered that the dumping of any significant amount of construction waste on land would comprise development under planning law and would therefore require planning permission.
When granting permission for a development planning authorities may attach conditions requiring C&D waste to be recovered or disposed of in such a manner and to such an extent as may be specified by the planning authority. My Department's Development Management Guidelines for Planning Authorities advise that in dealing with the planning issues in relation to C&D waste planning authorities should have regard to my Department's Circular Letter WPR 7-06 and Best Practice Guidelines on the Preparation of Waste Management Plans for Construction and Demolition Projects.
938 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the international review of waste management strategy will be published; if he will confirm that the closing date for submissions and observations with regard to the review was mid-June 2009 and that meetings were held with some interested parties after this date to the exclusion of others; if a meeting was held with waste industry representatives, the date it was held, the minutes taken and the names of those in attendance; the reason this group was facilitated after the closure of the submission period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38187/09]
As provided for in the Programme for Government, my Department initiated the major review of waste management policy foreseen in the Programme and designed to support the necessary legal, institutional and policy framework to achieve international best practice in the management of waste. This involved a comprehensive examination of a broad range of waste management issues, including in respect of regional waste management planning, regulation issues and infrastructure provision.
As a first step in initiating the review a steering group was established comprising of representatives of the Department and of the other public bodies with statutory responsibility in the area of waste management and three experts who were nominees of the Minister and acting in a personal and non-representative capacity. The purpose of the steering group was to guide the progress of the review.
Also, to ensure maximum stakeholder involvement a broader consultative group was established to receive periodic briefings from the consultants and were also invited to make submissions to the consultants. Stakeholders invited to nominate up to three representatives to this group included:
Environmental Protection Agency,
Competition Authority,
Irish Waste Management Association,
City and County Managers Association,
Cré
IBEC,
Repak,
Comhar,
Environmental NGOs,
Forfás,
Small Firms Association,
ICTU,
Department of Finance,
Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment,
Department of Agriculture & Food,
Combat Poverty Agency,
Community and Voluntary Pillar of Social Partnership
National Consumer Agency,
Confederation of European Waste-to Energy Plants,
Construction Industry Federation,
Alcohol Beverage Federation of Ireland,
Consumer Association of Ireland
and
relevant academics.
In order to keep costs to a minimum my Department facilitated some of the larger consultations undertaken by the consultants by providing the venue and equipment while a large number of further consultations with different stakeholders were also undertaken at other venues by the consultants. My Department for reasons of impartiality and to insure the independence of the process had no other role in the consultation process undertaken as part of the International Review of Waste Management Policy. I understand that the consultants sought at all times to facilitate stakeholder views and inputs to the extent possible up until the final report was delivered on 29 September 2009. I am currently examining the report and its recommendations and I will be publishing it shortly.
My Department and I hold regular consultations with a broad range of stakeholders in the context of the ongoing implementation of Government policy on waste management. Consulting widely, with a range of stakeholders, is designed to ensure that my Department and I have as full as possible an understanding of the issues and concerns of stakeholders and are therefore in a position to address them, where it is possible and appropriate to do so. Such consultations are also useful to assist me and my Department in keeping up to date on the development of new waste management technologies.
939 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if funding has been made available and disbursed to Cork County Council to complete the work on the Little Island sewerage scheme which will connect the residents of Clash and Well Road, Little Island, County Cork to the nearby waste treatment plant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38195/09]
The Little Island Sewerage Scheme is included for funding in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009. The Department approved Cork County Council's design proposals for this scheme in May 2007 which, under devolved procedures, allowed the Council to advance the scheme to construction. The Council has now submitted revised design proposals for this scheme to my Department and these are currently being examined.
Local authorities were asked in July to submit an assessment of needs for water and sewerage services to my Department by 23 October last; these assessments will form a key input to the development of the 2010 to 2012 Water Services Investment Programme. In conducting their assessments, authorities were asked to prioritise schemes and contracts for progression over the coming years based on key environmental and economic criteria. It is anticipated that the Water Services Investment Programme 2010 to 2012 will be published in early 2010.
940 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he expects the Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2009 to come before Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38218/09]
The Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2009 is currently at Second Stage in Seanad Éireann. I expect the Bill to come before Dáil Éireann in early December.
941 Deputy Michael Kennedy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the refurbished library in Rush, County Dublin will officially be opened in view of the fact that the original date for its opening was summer 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38232/09]
This is a matter for the library authority — in this case Fingal County Council.
943 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the powers available to him under the Planning and Development Act 2000 and other Acts to investigate and remedy the failure of local authorities to carry out their duties in respect of planning matters including enforcement issues; the action he has taken or will take regarding matters brought to his attention pertaining to a lack of enforcement by Kerry County Council with regard to planning issues (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38286/09]
Under planning legislation, enforcement of planning control is a matter for the planning authority, which can take action if a development does not have the required permission, or where terms of permission have not been met.
Planning authorities have substantial powers and duties in relation to enforcement under the Planning and Development Act 2000. A planning authority must issue a warning letter in relation to written complaints regarding unauthorised development, or other unauthorised development it becomes aware of (except in the case of trivial or minor development). There is also a statutory obligation to carry out an investigation and expeditiously decide whether an enforcement notice should be issued. The planning authority's decision on whether to issue an enforcement notice must be entered on the planning register and, in cases where it is decided not to issue an enforcement notice, any complainant must be informed.
Limited powers of investigation are available under section 255 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 and Section 224 of the Local Government Act. These powers would have to be exercised in a manner consistent with the general prohibition in section 30 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 on the Minister using any power or control in relation to any particular case, including an enforcement matter, with which a planning authority or An Bord Pleanála is or may be concerned.
It is also open to any person who considers that there is any breach of statutory duty by a planning authority to make a complaint to the Ombudsman.
944 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of officers employed by a local authority (details supplied). [38307/09]
Information supplied to my Department by Mayo County Council indicates that as of 30 October 2009, two Environmental Enforcement Officers are employed by the Council.
945 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of unclaimed waste management charges which remain uncollected across all Dublin local authorities; the breakdown of same according to each authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38310/09]
Local authorities have statutory responsibility under Section 33 of the Waste Management Act 1996 (WMA) to collect, or arrange for the collection of, household waste within their functional areas. In accordance with section 52 of the Protection of the Environment Act 2003, the determination of waste management charges is a matter for the relevant local authority. My Department does not hold the information being sought in respect of the Dublin local authorities.
946 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when a decision will be made on the application of Waterford County Council to clean a site (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38330/09]
Waterford County Council, initially on 6 July 2009, has requested financial assistance from my Department for the remediation of the site in question. My Department has advised the Council that no funding is currently available to assist in this matter.
947 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the action he proposes to take in regard to banks refusing the requests of local authorities to draw down bonds of developers who have gone into receivership (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38331/09]
I understand that Waterford County Council is taking legal advice on the matter raised in the question.
The day to day operation of the planning system, including the attachment of planning conditions in relation to bonds and the drawing down of such bonds in appropriate circumstances, is a matter for the planning authorities. My Department has issued general advice on the matter covering issues such as the necessity for bonds, the adequacy of bonds, etc.
My Department will liaise with the County and City Managers Association to determine whether the matter has arisen in any other local authority areas, the nature of any such problem arising and whether the Department can be of any assistance through, for example, the circulation of any relevant advice.
948 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the legal fees paid by each local authority for the years 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005 and 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38360/09]
This information requested is not held by my Department and is a matter for individual local authorities.
949 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he can clarify if a person (details supplied) in County Sligo who is in a shared ownership arrangement with Sligo County Council, is allowed to sell her house; if the council will accept the percentage loss that will be incurred due to the current economic climate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38375/09]
A person occupying a house under the shared ownership scheme can sell their house at any time provided he or she has bought out the local authority's share and has acquired full ownership of the dwelling. Full ownership may be achieved either by purchasing, from time to time, additional shares of the authority's equity or a single outright purchase of its remaining equity. The cost of purchasing an additional share or the redemption value of the outstanding share, for transactions commenced from 1 January 2003, is based on its initial cost adjusted annually to compensate for differences between the rent paid on the local authority's share and the interest calculated by reference to the prevailing interest rates.
The scheme is structured so that, on redemption, the price of the outstanding share is not determined on the basis of a percentage of current market value, but is, rather, a function primarily of its initial capital cost. Accordingly, the issue of an authority accepting a loss due to the current economic climate may not arise and is, in any event, not relevant to any decision to allow the sale to proceed.
950 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of people in receipt of rent supplement who have refused an offer under the rental accommodation scheme. [38376/09]
Based on information provided by local authorities to my Department, in relation to the Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS), the total number of RAS offers refused since the inception of the Scheme until the end of September 2009 is 609. My Department does not collect information in relation to the specific number of households that have refused accommodation.
951 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding funding for Cooraclare sewerage scheme, County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38382/09]
The Cooraclare Sewerage Scheme is included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009.
My Department approved grant assistance of €1.016 million for the scheme in November 2006 with further progress being a matter for Clare County Council.
Local authorities were asked in July to submit an assessment of needs for water and sewerage services to my Department by 23 October last. My Department has commenced consideration of these assessments, which will form a key input to the development of the 2010 to 2012 Water Services Investment Programme. In conducting their assessments, local authorities were asked to prioritise schemes and contracts for progression over the coming years based on key environmental and economic criteria. It is anticipated that the Water Services Investment Programme 2010 to 2012 will be published in early 2010.
952 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when a decision will be made on a loan approval for a council (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38390/09]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 162 of 23 September 2009.
Consideration of borrowing applications for 2010 in respect of water services schemes will not arise until next year, at which stage local authorities will be asked to confirm their borrowing requirements and decisions will be made on individual applications in the light of the overall amount of borrowing available for water services schemes in 2010.
953 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to consider zoning land in an area (details supplied) in Dublin 18 as a strategic development zone; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38433/09]
971 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has received a request from Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council regarding a strategic development zone in Cherrywood, Dublin 18; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38836/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 953 and 971 together.
Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council has submitted a request to my Department for the designation of lands at Cherrywood, Dublin 18, as a strategic development zone under Section 166 of the Planning and Development Act 2000. The request is currently under consideration in my Department.
954 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of county and city councils that have established a business support to act as a point of contact and support for local businesses; the councils that have implemented the business support unit; those who have not or may be in the process or doing so, following the request from him earlier this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38484/09]
Earlier this year, I wrote to all city and county councils, requesting that each establish a Business Support Unit to act as a point of contact to ensure a quick, co-ordinated response to businesses from local authorities in areas such as planning, water and roads. I understand that the Units or equivalent alternative arrangements are in place in each city/county council.
955 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, to provide an integrated and coordinated long-term housing strategy, he will make each local authority solely responsible for all social housing allocations, payments and supplements in their area and transfer all housing related funds currently being distributed by the Department of Social and Family Affairs and the Health Service Executive to the housing department of each local authority for administration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38563/09]
Rent supplement, as provided by the Department of Social and Family Affairs and administered by the Health Service Executive, is an income support payment made to people living in private rented accommodation who cannot provide for the cost of their accommodation.
Housing authorities are responsible for meeting housing need, in particular long term housing need, through the provision of social housing. Housing authorities use a variety of delivery mechanisms, including the Rental Accommodation Scheme and long term leasing to meet these needs. Authorities do not make direct payments to tenants.
One of the primary objectives of the Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS), which was initiated in 2004, is to ensure that local authorities take responsibility for accommodating rent supplement recipients, where it is deemed that they now have a long-term housing need. Since the scheme was initiated local authorities have transferred over 22,000 households from rent supplement to RAS or other forms of social housing.
956 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some councils have taken persons off the housing list and will not consider them for a housing offer if they have entered into a rent accommodation scheme arrangement either with their own council or with another council, however other council are willing to house persons even if they have entered into a rent accommodation scheme arrangement; if he will review this inconsistency of policy in order that persons who enter into rent accommodation scheme arrangements will have confidence that they would still be considered for a suitable local authority tenancy that arose; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38598/09]
Under the current operation of the Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS), households who are accommodated under the scheme are entitled to remain on the housing waiting list and my Department has issued guidance on this matter to local authorities. However, it is matter for each authority, under its Scheme of Letting Priorities, to determine a household's priority for housing and an authority under their scheme may re-assess a household's priority where their circumstances have changed.
It should be noted, however, that the new Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 provides for a broadening of the definition of social housing support to encompass not only local authority accommodation, but also voluntary/co-operative accommodation and accommodation in the Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS). Accordingly, once this section is commenced, households accommodated under RAS will be regarded as having had their housing need met. In tandem with this, new procedures for the allocation of social housing support, which will also be introduced on foot of the Act, will make it easier for social housing tenants (including tenants of the Rental Accommodation Scheme) to transfer between different types of social housing.
957 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the work of the national housing strategy for people with disabilities will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38617/09]
Work on the development of the National Housing Strategy for People with a Disability is well advanced and I envisage publication in the first quarter of 2010.
958 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the outcome of his meetings in Luxembourg on climate change and carbon emission reduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38625/09]
At its scheduled meeting on 21 October 2009 in Luxembourg, the EU Council of Environment Ministers adopted a comprehensive set of conclusions as a contribution to development of a final EU policy position for the climate change conference which will be held in Copenhagen in December. This contribution from Environment Ministers is reflected in the conclusions subsequently adopted by the European Council at its meeting on 29 and 30 October.
One of the most important outcomes from an environmental perspective is the EU agreement to an objective, in the context of the scientific advice on the level of reductions required from developed countries as a group, to reduce emissions by 80-95% by 2050 compared to 1990 levels. This level of ambition is consistent with EU leadership on climate change and I hope it will influence other countries to embrace the objective of limiting the increase in average global temperature to no more that 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
I am pleased that, in the conclusions adopted by the Council, the EU has reinforced its commitment, determination and leadership in pursuit of a positive outcome at the Copenhagen conference.
959 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the area in square kilometres for every county that is designated as special areas of conservation, special protection areas and national heritage areas; what is the percentage of total area of each county that is designated as special areas of conservation, special protection areas and national heritage areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38628/09]
A breakdown of the nature conservation designations of special area of conservation, special protection area and natural heritage area on a county by county basis is provided in the table.
It should be noted that, for the purpose of this exercise, designations were reconciled to an Ordnance Survey Ireland county dataset. Marine areas were excluded and area figures were rounded to the nearest whole number. In many cases the areas of designation overlap and, accordingly, the overall percentage of a county's area that is subject to designation cannot be deduced by adding the percentage figures for each designation type.
|
County |
Area in HA. |
Designation |
Area HA. |
% of County |
Designation |
Area HA. |
% of County |
Designation |
Area HA. |
% of County |
|
% |
% |
% |
||||||||
|
Carlow |
89,625 |
SAC |
4,416 |
4.93 |
SPA |
0 |
0.00 |
NHA |
0 |
0.00 |
|
Cavan |
193543 |
SAC |
11,833 |
6.11 |
SPA |
2,622 |
1.35 |
NHA |
730 |
0.38 |
|
Clare |
324,154 |
SAC |
38,328 |
11.82 |
SPA |
33,546 |
10.35 |
NHA |
3,000 |
0.93 |
|
Cork |
746,496 |
SAC |
23,847 |
3.19 |
SPA |
26,006 |
3.48 |
NHA |
1,567 |
0.21 |
|
Donegal |
485,796 |
SAC |
85,485 |
17.60 |
SPA |
24,213 |
4.98 |
NHA |
5,291 |
1.09 |
|
Dublin |
92,560 |
SAC |
3,866 |
4.18 |
SPA |
745 |
0.80 |
NHA |
62 |
0.07 |
|
Galway |
615,156 |
SAC |
130,395 |
21.20 |
SPA |
56,433 |
9.17 |
NHA |
15,971 |
2.60 |
|
Kerry |
474,866 |
SAC |
119,302 |
25.12 |
SPA |
44,866 |
9.45 |
NHA |
1,661 |
0.35 |
|
Kildare |
169536 |
SAC |
1,723 |
1.02 |
SPA |
30 |
0.02 |
NHA |
260 |
0.15 |
|
Kilkenny |
206,215 |
SAC |
4,285 |
2.08 |
SPA |
0 |
0.00 |
NHA |
35 |
0.02 |
|
Laois |
172,002 |
SAC |
6,437 |
3.74 |
SPA |
15,103 |
8.78 |
NHA |
278 |
0.16 |
|
Leitrim |
159,008 |
SAC |
17,847 |
11.22 |
SPA |
632 |
0.40 |
NHA |
4,399 |
2.77 |
|
Limerick |
268,672 |
SAC |
6,085 |
2.26 |
SPA |
23,056 |
8.58 |
NHA |
173 |
0.06 |
|
Longford |
109,127 |
SAC |
5,990 |
5.49 |
SPA |
4,888 |
4.48 |
NHA |
1038 |
0.95 |
|
Louth |
82,572 |
SAC |
3,880 |
4.70 |
SPA |
815 |
0.99 |
NHA |
0 |
0.00 |
|
Mayo |
559,562 |
SAC |
124,708 |
22.29 |
SPA |
45,482 |
8.13 |
NHA |
7896 |
1.41 |
|
Meath |
234,206 |
SAC |
2,424 |
1.03 |
SPA |
680 |
0.29 |
NHA |
436 |
0.19 |
|
Monaghan |
129,545 |
SAC |
58 |
0.04 |
SPA |
3,470 |
2.68 |
NHA |
1136 |
0.88 |
|
Offaly |
200108 |
SAC |
6,467 |
3.23 |
SPA |
9,647 |
4.82 |
NHA |
1,417 |
0.71 |
|
Roscommon |
254,801 |
SAC |
13,689 |
5.37 |
SPA |
9047 |
3.55 |
NHA |
4,135 |
1.62 |
|
Sligo |
183660 |
SAC |
25,118 |
13.68 |
SPA |
4,624 |
2.52 |
NHA |
1593 |
0.87 |
|
Tipperary |
430,465 |
SAC |
16,671 |
3.87 |
SPA |
22,629 |
5.26 |
NHA |
4,509 |
1.05 |
|
Waterford |
183,803 |
SAC |
10,343 |
5.63 |
SPA |
2,290 |
1.25 |
NHA |
0 |
0.00 |
|
Westmeath |
183,949 |
SAC |
9,487 |
5.16 |
SPA |
8,797 |
4.78 |
NHA |
2791 |
1.52 |
|
Wexford |
235,891 |
SAC |
6,573 |
2.79 |
SPA |
4,093 |
1.73 |
NHA |
0 |
0.00 |
|
Wicklow |
202,667 |
SAC |
32,714 |
16.14 |
SPA |
17856 |
8.81 |
NHA |
0 |
0.00 |
960 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the serious effect on the finances of local authorities of the cost of regulation initiated by the Environmental Protection Agency in regard to water treatment plants and to waste water plants in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38633/09]
The Waste Water Discharge (Authorisation) Regulations 2007 were made in September 2007 to provide for an authorisation regime for local authority wastewater discharges, which is being administered by the EPA. The Regulations are intended to prevent and reduce the pollution of waters as required under the European Union Water Framework Directive. Furthermore, the regulations are part of a range of measures to address an adverse judgement of the European Court of Justice, concerning Ireland's transposition and implementation of the Dangerous Substances Directive (76/464/EEC).
The European Communities (Drinking Water) (No.2) Regulations 2007, which were made in June 2007, conferred new supervisory powers on the EPA and local authorities in relation to drinking water supplies in order to improve the quality of drinking water. Under these Regulations, the EPA can issue a direction to a local authority to take appropriate action to ensure the safety of public drinking water supplies. The strengthening of the regulatory regime in 2007 was one of the key measures agreed with the European Commission in order to address the 2002 judgement of the European Court of Justice, concerning Ireland's transposition and implementation of the Drinking Water Directive (98/83/EC).
Capital funding for infrastructural works, that are required to meet the regulatory requirements of the EPA, is available from my Department under the Water Services Investment and Rural Water Programmes, as appropriate. In addition, specifically ear-marked funding from the Local Government Fund was allocated to local authorities in 2008 and 2009 to assist in meeting costs associated with monitoring of drinking water supplies and wastewater treatment, and for effluent discharge licensing.
961 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that County Waterford library service has lost five staff members who cannot be replaced because of the public service embargo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38634/09]
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. Therefore, it is a matter for each local authority to decide how best to allocate resources and personnel.
962 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the €200 charge for second houses will be paid over to local authorities in 2009 and in future years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38638/09]
The Government decided to broaden the revenue base of local authorities through the introduction in the Local Government (Charges) Act 2009 of this charge on non-principal private residences. The charge is intended to make available to local authorities a locally-based, relatively stable stream of income.
Monies from the charge are being retained by individual local authorities and are being used to support the provision of local services. I have no plans to change these arrangements.
963 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the revised preliminary report on Faithlegg water supply scheme submitted to his Department by Waterford County Council in July 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38639/09]
The Faithlegg Water Supply Scheme is included for funding in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009 at an estimated cost of €2.1 million. Waterford County Council's revised Preliminary Report for the scheme is currently being examined in my Department and a decision on it will be notified to the Council in due course.
Local authorities were asked in July to submit an assessment of needs for water and sewerage services to my Department by 23 October last; these assessments will form a key input to the development of the 2010 to 2012 Water Services Investment Programme. In conducting their assessments, local authorities were asked to prioritise schemes and contracts for progression over the coming years based on key environmental and economic criteria. It is anticipated that the Water Services Investment Programme 2010 to 2012 will be published in early 2010.
964 Deputy Mary Wallace asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 482 of 20 October 2009 if he will provide a separate figure for the cost of the provision of those library services; and if he will confirm if those figures are included in the amount provided in the table in reply to the original question. [38694/09]
My Department provided capital grant aid to Meath County Council towards Ashbourne library in the amount of €2,049,565.81 in 2006 and €74,752.05 in 2008, in addition to the amounts outlined in the previous Question in relation to funding for one-stop shops in earlier years.
965 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 257 of 21 October 2009, if he will request the State agencies and organisations under the remit of his Department to provide the amount each agency paid to the Irish Business and Employers Confederation for the years 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that other Ministers were able to instruct their agencies to respond to the previous parliamentary question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38777/09]
Details of expenditure incurred by the agencies, offices or bodies under the remit of my Department in relation to any membership of the Irish Business and Employers Confederation are a matter for the agencies themselves. My Department does not hold this information.
966 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of dog licences issued in each of the past five years for which figures are available; the breakdown of the amount issued by each local authority in the past year for which figures are available; the revenue raised; and his plans to make legislative changes in this area. [38786/09]
The number of dog licences issued in the last five years is as follows:
|
Year |
No. of Dog Licences Issued |
|
2008 |
215,190 |
|
2007 |
217,420 |
|
2006 |
198,174 |
|
2005 |
196,160 |
|
2004 |
197,017 |
The breakdown of the number of dog licences issued by each local authority in 2008 is as follows:
|
2008 Dog Licences |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Local Authority |
Individual licence |
General licence |
Total |
|
Carlow |
2,840 |
7 |
2,847 |
|
Cavan |
8,158 |
13 |
8,171 |
|
Clare |
4,531 |
3 |
4,534 |
|
Cork City |
1,124 |
1 |
1,125 |
|
Cork County |
32,761 |
104 |
32,865 |
|
Donegal |
6,595 |
12 |
6,607 |
|
Dublin City |
7,685 |
2 |
7,687 |
|
Dún Laoghaire/ Rathdown |
5,084 |
3 |
5,087 |
|
Fingal |
3,249 |
6 |
3,255 |
|
Galway City |
1,501 |
0 |
1,501 |
|
Galway County |
5,867 |
7 |
5,874 |
|
Kerry |
18,748 |
28 |
18,776 |
|
Kildare |
6,539 |
19 |
6,558 |
|
Kilkenny |
7,383 |
35 |
7,418 |
|
Laois |
4,858 |
4 |
4,862 |
|
Leitrim |
1,969 |
4 |
1,973 |
|
Limerick City |
807 |
0 |
807 |
|
Limerick County |
8,721 |
37 |
8,758 |
|
Longford |
1,876 |
1 |
1,877 |
|
Louth |
7,330 |
2 |
7,332 |
|
Mayo |
5,818 |
10 |
5,828 |
|
Meath |
8,125 |
18 |
8,143 |
|
Monaghan |
4,087 |
24 |
4,111 |
|
North Tipperary |
3,505 |
9 |
3,514 |
|
Offaly |
4,356 |
7 |
4,363 |
|
Roscommon |
3,856 |
9 |
3,865 |
|
Sligo |
4,399 |
5 |
4,404 |
|
South Dublin |
10,152 |
1 |
10,153 |
|
South Tipperary |
4,681 |
20 |
4,701 |
|
Waterford City |
1,317 |
2 |
1,319 |
|
Waterford County |
5,436 |
14 |
5,450 |
|
Westmeath |
3,987 |
11 |
3,998 |
|
Wexford |
11,433 |
34 |
11,467 |
|
Wicklow |
5,946 |
14 |
5,960 |
|
Totals |
214,724 |
466 |
215,190 |
The estimated revenue for dog licences issued in 2008 is €2,845,359.
Work is underway 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 which was 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 5 female dogs, aged over 4 months, with breeding potential'.
The draft Bill proposes that dog breeding establishments be required to register with the relevant local authority, that they pay a registration fee and that they meet a minimum set of veterinary, welfare and other standards, together with some associated requirements. It will also update the legislative provisions in relation to dog licences.
967 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, further to his review of the condition of bogs here in 2008, he will provide scientific evidence of the implications of climate change on this habitat; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38791/09]
The long-term health of Ireland's bogs may be affected by changes in temperature and precipitation patterns brought about by climate change. While research published by the EPA in 2008: Climate Change — Refining the Impacts for Ireland (NUIM) — and available on the EPA's website outlines a range of potential climate change impacts on Irish ecosystems including bogs, projected impacts on bog habitat has not been specifically modelled to date. The above-mentioned report acknowledges the need for further research to inform policy-making. Bogs also have a role in mitigating climate change through the sequestration and storage of carbon, and they act as a defence to predicted adverse impacts of climate change such as floods and droughts.
968 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has received the report of the international waste review group; when it will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38809/09]
The Programme for Government contains a commitment to carry out an international review of waste management plans, practices and procedures and act on its conclusions. Consultants were engaged to undertake a major international study on waste management policy to underpin this review and I can confirm that this report has recently been delivered. I am currently examining the report and its recommendations and I expect to publish it shortly.
969 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his proposals to improve the national record in regard to climate change (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38822/09]
The National Climate Change Strategy 2007-2012 sets out the measures on foot of which Ireland will meet its target for the purposes of the Kyoto Protocol. Since the publication of the Strategy, work has continued across Government Departments on the development of measures to reduce national greenhouse gas emissions.
Progress in implementing such measures, and the coordination of work across Government with respect to the climate change agenda is overseen by the Cabinet Committee on Climate Change and Energy Security. That Committee has established two inter-departmental groups to support its work. The Senior Officials Group is tasked with addressing the challenges posed to Ireland in achieving its greenhouse gas emission targets and informing and implementing policy in this regard, while the Technical Advisory Steering Group, which includes representatives from relevant agencies, provides the modelling expertise which underpins the analysis. An informal Expert Advisory Panel has also been established by the Cabinet Committee to assist in the analysis of possible policy measures.
In addition, the Joint Committee on Climate Change and Energy Security is also important in developing cross-party consensus both on targets and on the measures required to achieve them.
In the period 2008-2012, Ireland is required to meet a challenging greenhouse gas emission reduction target under the Kyoto Protocol; this target is binding in international law. In addition, by 2020, Ireland is committed under the EU climate and energy package agreed in December 2008 to achieve a 20% reduction on 2005 levels of greenhouse gas emissions in the sectors of the economy not covered by the EU emissions trading scheme. This 20% target is binding in EU law, as will any adjustment to it in the light of the outcome to the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in Copenhagen in December 2009.
The most recent analysis of carbon emission projections by the EPA indicates a distance to target for the Kyoto period 2008-2012 in the range of 1.3-1.8 million tonnes per annum, a reduction of around 3 million tonnes from the projections of autumn 2008.
Tackling climate change is a core national priority, one which I believe needs to be underpinned by framework legislation. To this end the Government, in July, 2009, endorsed my proposal to begin drafting a Climate Change Bill. This framework legislation will enshrine the policies and principles to reflect the core national objective of combating climate change and will also act as a driver towards achieving that objective across all sectors of society in Ireland.
970 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the provision a new fire station in a town (details supplied) in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38831/09]
Laois County Council has submitted a detailed design and cost plan seeking approval to proceed to tender stage for a new fire station at Rathdowney. My Department is examining the proposal which will be considered for inclusion in the 2010 Fire Services Capital programme having regard to competing demands of fire authorities and the resources to be made available for the 2010 programme.
972 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide 100% grant aid towards the cost of the provision of water tanks and pumps and water storage tanks and pumps to collect rainwater that can then be recycled and used for all purposes other than drinking water in schools and other buildings such as sporting facilities, offices and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38912/09]
Rainwater harvesting has the potential to benefit the environment and contribute to reducing the cost of water services for certain uses. However, the introduction of a grants scheme for any purpose must be managed within current budgetary constraints and, insofar as the funds administered by my Department are concerned, there are currently no plans to introduce a scheme for the installation of Rainwater Harvesting systems.
973 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if legislation will be brought forward, similar to that introduced in New South Wales, Australia, to ensure that every home in this State has a working smoke alarm; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39021/09]
The Fire Services Act 1981 provides that it is the duty of every person having control over premises to take all reasonable measures to guard against the outbreak of fire on the premises and to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the safety of persons on the premises in the event of an outbreak of fire.
The Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2008, with effect from 1 February 2009, prescribe minimum standards for rented accommodation. Article 11 sets out the requirements in respect of fire safety and requires that where the house is located in a multi-unit building, it must have a mains-wired smoke alarm. All common areas within a multi-unit building must be provided with emergency lighting linked to the fire alarm system. Rented houses that do not form part of a multi-unit building must have either a mains-wired smoke alarm or at least two 10 year self-contained battery operated smoke alarms.
The Technical Guidance Document relating to Part B of the Building Regulations on fire safety covers fire safety in buildings including fire detection and alarm systems. It requires newly constructed houses to have mains operated smoke alarms and a recent revision of Part B introduced the requirement that a heat detector be installed in the kitchen and a smoke alarm in the living room. My Department will be reviewing the Technical Guidance Document B in 2010.
My Department organises an annual National Fire Safety Week in October each year, in conjunction with the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service. This year's theme was "Working Smoke Alarms Save Lives" and a media campaign, which includes television and radio, press, online and outdoor advertising, is in progress and will run until February 2010. The Department's fire safety awareness campaigns emphasise the importance of working smoke alarms, including the battery life in alarms.
The Fire Services Change Programme 2005 to 2007 addressed key priority areas of change in the fire service including the development of community fire safety programmes. The programmes include the "Safety Team" pack primary schools programme, which is delivered by local firefighters around the country and educates third class primary school pupils about fire safety. The Community Smoke Alarm Scheme 2007/2008 was a two year Community Fire Safety initiative, aiming to target the 20% of households in Ireland that do not have smoke alarms fitted. Local authorities, with the assistance of the voluntary sector, identified households where there were no smoke alarms and arranged for the supply and installation of two ten-year self-contained smoke alarms. The cost of these alarms was recouped to the local authorities by the Department. A Pilot Scheme was extended to 10 local authority areas in 2006. Up to 3,000 homes benefited under the Pilot Scheme and sufficient alarms to benefit 17,800 households were purchased by local authorities under the two year scheme. The Scheme has been very successful and it has continued this year.
974 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide full details of all Traveller specific units of accommodation completed during the years of 2005, 2006, 2007; the location and type of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39024/09]
The information requested is published in the annual reports of the National Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee (NTACC), copies of which are available in the Oireachtas library and on my Department's website at www.environ.ie
975 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress that has been made in the matter of the provision of the Traveller transient halting sites in the greater Dublin region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39025/09]
The position regarding transient halting sites in the greater Dublin area is outlined in the Traveller Accommodation Programmes (TAPs) of the relevant local authorities, which are available from those authorities.
In accordance with the provisions of the Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act 1998, responsibility for the assessment of the accommodation needs of Travellers and the preparation, adoption and implementation of multi-annual TAPs rests with individual housing authorities. My Department's role is to ensure that there is an adequate legislative and financial system in place to assist the authorities in providing such accommodation.
The relevant legislation requires each authority, in preparing their TAPs, to address the existing accommodation needs of Travellers and the projected need that will arise during the period of the programmes, across a range of accommodation options, including standard social housing and traveller-specific accommodation such as group housing schemes and permanent and transient halting sites. In August 2008, my Department issued a memorandum to all local authorities on the preparation, adoption and implementation of their TAPs for the period 2009-2013, requesting them to have regard to the need for transient sites in the preparation of their TAPs.
976 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 262 of 21 October 2009 if a local authority which introduces a waiver scheme is acting ultra vires the terms of the Local Government (Charges) Bill 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39029/09]
The Local Government (Charges) Act 2009 does not make any explicit provision for a waiver scheme in respect of the €200 charge on non-principal private residences. It places the charge under the care and management of the relevant local authority, and the question as to whether or not a waiver scheme introduced by a local authority in respect of the charge would be ultra vires is ultimately a matter for the courts to determine.
977 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will respond to Cobh town councillors and Cork county councillors regarding his undertaking to investigate a complaint by a former worker involved in the State sponsored clean up of the former Irish Steel plant at Haulbowline, County Cork. [39033/09]
I understand that this relates to a query raised at a meeting with Cobh Town Councillors, Passage West Town Councillors and Cork County Councillors held in Cobh Town Hall and asking whether the concrete foundations for a crematorium at Rocky Island were poured over hazardous dust waste stored on that island.
Rocky Island did not form part of the former Ispat site that transferred back to State hands from the liquidator in June 2003 and did not feature in any works undertaken by the State at Haulbowline since it reverted to State hands. My Department understands that Rocky Island was used as a secure temporary storage facility during the period in which the steel plant was in operation and also during a short period when still in the hands of the liquidator.
The following material, which was properly removed and disposed of, was known to have previously been stored temporarily on Rocky Island and my Department is unaware of Rocky Island being used for the storage of any other waste materials.
In 1990 the plant inadvertently melted a caesium-137 source that had been included in a consignment of scrap metal from Scotland. Residual radioactive dust in the fume extraction system was removed and bagged for disposal. For a time these bags were stored on the East Tip, prior to being removed to Rocky Island for safe storage under the auspices of the RPII. Eventually, disposal of this dust to the UK was carried out by Rolls-Royce Nuclear Engineering Services Ltd. The RPII then surveyed the Rocky Island caverns and confirmed that no external radiation levels above natural background levels were detected.
Following this incident, radiation detectors were installed to monitor in-coming scrap. Over the years these detected a small number of low-level radioactive items which, if the supplier could not be identified, were also consigned to Rocky Island, from where they were finally removed in 2004 and sent to the USA for decontamination/recycling. The RPII again surveyed the caverns and found only background levels of radiation.
Caster level gauges were used to control the level of liquid steel in the continuous casting moulds. At the time the plant closed in 2001 there were six of these gauges on site. These were initially dismantled and consigned to a secure area on Rocky Island. There was a requirement on the liquidator to dispose of them and they were finally removed early in 2004. Four old sources were returned to the original manufacturer in the USA and two newer sources were disposed of via the manufacturer's agent.
978 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 592 of 1 July 2008, the status of a project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39160/09]
The Ballyvaughan, Corofin and Doolin Sewerage Scheme is included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009.
I approved funding of up to €6.025m for the scheme in August 2007 following my Department's examination of Clare County Council's Water Services Pricing Policy and Economic Review Reports.
I understand that, while construction is underway on the Corofin scheme, the Council is further reviewing its proposals for the Ballyvaughan and Doolin schemes. Detailed information in this regard may be obtained from the Council.
Local authorities were asked in July to submit an assessment of needs for water and sewerage services to my Department by 23 October last. My Department has commenced consideration of these assessments, which will form a key input to the development of the 2010 to 2012 Water Services Investment Programme. In conducting their assessments, local authorities were asked to prioritise schemes and contracts for progression over the coming years based on key environmental and economic criteria. It is anticipated that the Water Services Investment Programme 2010 to 2012 will be published in early 2010.
979 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the legislative provisions, ministerial orders or regulations regarding the sealing of ballot boxes between the time polls close and the commencement of counts; if there is a statutory or regulated method of sealing ballot boxes using wax seals or otherwise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39210/09]
The primary role of my Department in electoral matters is to provide an appropriate policy and legislative framework for a modern and efficient electoral system. Within this framework, Returning Officers are responsible for all matters in connection with the conduct of elections and referenda, including the provision of premises for use as polling stations and for oversight of their operation on polling day.
Section 110 of the Electoral Act 1992 provides that, as soon as practicable after the close of the poll, the presiding officer shall seal each ballot box in his or her charge so that no further ballot papers can be inserted therein and that the Returning Officer shall make adequate arrangements for the safe custody of the ballot boxes and of all documents connected with the poll.
980 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the cost to the State of the rental accommodation scheme in 2008 and in 2009, respectively; and the average cost in both of these years for every family unit housed under the scheme. [39378/09]
The total cost to the State of the Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) was €53.03 million in 2008 and €59.11 million in 2009 (up to end September). The average rental cost per household in 2008 was €4,284, while the corresponding figure in 2009 (up to end of September) was €3,933. As the household cost data relate to the average cost per annum, it should be noted that this does not equate to a full year cost per household, as rent supplement recipients are transferring into the RAS at different times in any given year.
981 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount which was expended in total on the bailing facility at Ballyogan, Dublin 18; the future plans for this facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38101/09]
The cost of, and future plans for, this baling facility are the responsibility of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council. My Department's grant aiding of local authority waste facilities is confined to civic amenity sites and other recycling facilities.
982 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the total amount which has been expended to date on the development of a waste facility at Nevitt, Rush, County Dublin; if he will provide an itemised breakdown of this expenditure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38099/09]
The development of the waste facility at Nevitt, Rush is the responsibility of Fingal County Council. In line with national policy, the Exchequer does not provide capital funding for new heavy waste infrastructure, including landfills. My Department does not hold the information being sought.
983 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the escalation in anti-social activity in an area (details supplied) in Dublin 11 due to the delay in demolishing the near vacant blocks of flats; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that many residents in the new and old housing are living in fear as a result and that residents in the new housing are seeking transfers out of the area; and if, in view of this, he will sanction funding to enable the regeneration work. [37951/09]
The Government continues to demonstrate strong commitment to the Ballymun Regeneration Project with almost €630m in Exchequer funding devoted to the project to date. While an allocation of €45m was provided in 2009, it has been possible, on foot of significant progress made on the project and the reallocation of funds between programmes, to recoup some €52.4m in respect of Ballymun Regeneration Limited (BRL) projects to date this year. It is anticipated that further recoupments will be made over the remainder of the year. In addition, further specific funding of €20m was identified in Dublin City Council's main Social Housing allocation for 2009 to fund de-tenanting associated with its various regeneration projects including Ballymun.
My Department is currently finalising its consideration of BRL's recently submitted Housing Strategy, and associated documentation, with a view to ensuring the successful delivery of the programme in terms of prioritisation, scheduling, protection of public investment so far and maximising value for money from proposed public and private investments in its component parts. This will provide a clear and robust framework for bringing the regeneration of Ballymun to completion.
The development, encouragement and protection of communities is paramount in my Department's social housing policy. A crucial element of this approach is our commitment to supporting the development of sustainable communities in existing local authority estates through various improvement and regeneration initiatives. The Ballymun Regeneration Project, in particular, is focused on addressing the issues of social, educational and economic disadvantage.
This holistic approach goes beyond the physical infrastructure and considers all aspects of life in the Ballymun area. In addition to improving the fabric of Ballymun, the project has taken a strategic approach to addressing the underlying causes of deprivation in the area, including physical decay, a lack of educational supports, community facilities, and issues of security and anti-social behaviour for which there are specific initiatives in place.
Safer Ballymun is a partnership involving An Garda Síochána, Dublin City Council, Ballymun Regeneration Ltd and local residents. This working group meets on a monthly basis, and has an action based, problem solving focus. The group assesses, monitors and aims to control the level of anti-social activity in the area. The Safer Ballymun Community Safety Strategy which was launched in June 2007 and is the first of its kind in Dublin, sets out a series of goals, objectives and actions to be undertaken by the agencies working in Ballymun in collaboration with local people to make Ballymun a cleaner, safer, greener place in which to live, work and visit, and addresses issues including:
Improving estate management
Reducing crime and disorder
Tackling the adverse impact of alcohol and drug abuse
Enhancing local policing
Involving residents in decision making Safer Ballymun's main aim is to ensure that Ballymun becomes a safer, more pleasant place in which to live.
More generally, the matter of anti-social behaviour is the subject of new statutory provisions under the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009. Of particular importance are the new provisions relating to anti-social behaviour in the social housing stock. There is a new requirement, coming into operation shortly, that the elected members of each authority must adopt a strategy for the prevention and reduction of anti-social behaviour in its housing estates and complexes. The strategy must set out measures to promote good estate management and co-operation with other bodies, such as An Garda Síochána, that have a role to play in combating anti-social behaviour. The new strategies, combined with statutory initiatives to promote consultation between the Gardaí and local authorities, will help secure a multi-faceted approach to dealing with instances of anti-social behaviour in local authority housing estates.
The new Act also extends the definition of "anti-social behaviour" in the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1997 to cover graffiti and damage to property, and to bring it more into line with the approach in recent legislation relating to behaviour orders that may be sought by the Gardaí. Furthermore, the 2009 Act applies the existing anti-social behaviour powers of housing authorities, including the power to exchange information about housing applicants or beneficiaries engaged in anti-social behaviour, to a broader range of social accommodation, including accommodation provided through rental arrangements.
Criminality associated with anti-social behaviour is addressed under the Criminal Justice Acts, responsibility for which rests with my colleague, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.
984 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 1064 and 1065 of 16 September 2009, his views on issuing draftnet licences or snapnet licences to those fishermen in the Suir estuary who still have driftnet licences, on a temporary basis until driftnet fishing may be resumed on the River Suir; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38631/09]
As I outlined in my reply to previous questions referred to by the Deputy, the primary motivation in aligning the management of the wild salmon fishery with the scientific advice and the introduction of the appropriate regulations to cease mixed stock fishing is the conservation of the wild salmon stocks.
It is not possible to relax the conservation measures other than where river stocks recover and it is established from the results of the scientific analysis that significant numbers of fish destined for other rivers are not intercepted. It should be possible, in those circumstances, to exploit the identified surplus in rivers, bays and estuaries by all methods, within the constraints permitted by the Habitats Directive.
As regards the fishery on the River Suir, if, in the future, stocks recover to the extent that there is a harvestable surplus of salmon, it should be possible to allow commercial fishing to resume, subject to quota restrictions as necessary.
The allocation of licences will be provided for in the normal way under the provisions of the relevant Control of Fishing for Salmon Order, amended to provide for the inclusion of the appropriate fishing methods. The Order would also provide that those fishermen who did not avail of the Salmon Hardship Scheme will retain priority status since they last had an opportunity to fish.
985 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress and savings that have been made on reducing the energy bills of Departments and buildings through energy efficiency methods; the targets that have been set on this as a cost saving mechanism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39202/09]
The Government has set a target of achieving 20% energy efficiency savings across the economy in 2020. Recognising the opportunity for the public sector to fulfil an exemplary role in this context, the Government has set a higher target of achieving 33% savings on energy use across this sector, in 2020.
On 8 May this year I published the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (NEEAP) which sets out 90 actions that Government are either already taking or will take in the period to 2020 to achieve the national energy efficiency targets. Importantly, the NEEAP contains a list of specific actions designed to improve the energy efficiency of the public sector, including all Government Departments.
I have provided some €6 million to Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) in 2009 for two new energy efficiency programmes which will assist the Public Sector, in achieving its targets, whilst demonstrating to the wider community the benefits of energy efficiency. €1 million of these funds is available for a new Public Sector Energy Efficiency Programme and €5 million for a new Scheme of Supports for Exemplar Energy Efficiency Projects.
The Public Sector Energy Efficiency Programme is designed as the main delivery mechanism for coordinating and encouraging energy efficiency actions by our public sector bodies. It is providing free energy assessments of up to 400 public buildings in 2009. It is providing professional advice on energy management and energy efficiency improvement measures and aims to train 150 public sector building managers this year. SEI is also developing best practice guidance materials and facilitating specialist workshops on matters such as public street lighting, water services, and ICT.
The new Scheme of Supports for Exemplar Energy Efficiency Projects provides grants to public bodies for specific retrofit energy efficiency projects. A similar parallel programme of the same name is available to the private sector. To be eligible for support, projects have had to demonstrate that they are innovative, lead to significant energy savings and have high value in terms of the showcasing of savings opportunities to the wider public sector. The scheme closed at the end of September and attracted some 49 applications from right across the public sector, including schools, Government offices, local authorities and hospitals. For the Exchequer's investment of €5 million in this scheme, SEI estimates that the supported projects will deliver annual energy savings of €2.5 million.
In recognition of the ambitious target of 33% energy savings, the Office of Public Works (OPW) piloted an energy efficiency programme in 2007 and subsequently targeted all large buildings (<1000m2) throughout the State with an intensive staff energy awareness campaign (Optimising Power @ Work). Phase 1 of the campaign is now complete and savings of approximately 12% in CO2 emissions have been achieved. In my own Department, we have reduced our energy use and CO2 emissions in Adelaide Road by 19.9% and 16% respectively.
Phase 2 of this programme will be rolled out next year to maintain these savings into the future, improving participation and ensuring further gains. A similar programme is envisaged for smaller buildings in 2010.
Lighting is a major energy consuming process in office buildings. For this reason, the OPW has had a policy for many years of utilising energy efficient lighting solutions, wherever practicable, for all new buildings and in refits of existing buildings. In conjunction with this, the OPW also uses either intelligent lighting controls or lighting management systems, whenever possible. Incandescent lighting is only used in exceptional circumstances, and solely for technical reasons, where there are unavoidable circumstances.
With regard to new buildings, the OPW utilises the latest design techniques including computer simulation, to ensure the most passive energy-efficient solutions possible for heating, cooling, and ventilation. The importance of air-tightness in buildings has also been recognised, and the specification for new buildings sets out minimum performance standards, to which they must be tested. This, combined with high standards of insulation and the energy-efficient heating systems, ensures that energy efficiency is a key element in the design of all new buildings.
Regulations are currently being finalised in my Department that will include new energy efficient public procurement rules and these will be in place in the coming months. These new rules will require public bodies to purchase or lease only plant and equipment across a diverse range of technologies that are listed on SEI's database of highly energy efficient products. This database was developed as part of the Accelerated Capital Allowance Scheme for energy efficient technologies. It covers 29 different classes of technology, including lighting, boilers and information technology.
SEI is also tasked in these regulations with producing general guidelines on energy efficient procurement and these will be progressed in conjunction with the new OPW National Public Procurement Office.
986 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the way each county here compares to the EU in relation to broadband availability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37918/09]
Statistics are not available to provide comparisons in the form requested. However, a "Broadband Quality Score" report published jointly by the Universities of Oxford (England) and Oviedo (Spain) on 1 October 2009, which compares broadband performance in 66 countries, ranked Ireland 16th of the 66 countries surveyed in a table measuring "penetration 2009" and 5th best country in terms of improved broadband penetration between 2008 and 2009. This reported progress is consistent with recent reports by the OECD, European Competitive Telecommunications Association (ECTA) and ComReg, which also confirm continuing progress in Ireland's roll out and speed of broadband.
987 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to alter by-law No. 857 of 2009 to permit drift net fishing in the Youghal and Blackwater tidal area in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37969/09]
As the Deputy may be aware, the primary motivation in aligning the future management of the wild salmon fishery with the scientific advice and the introduction of the appropriate regulations to cease mixed stock fishing is the conservation of wild salmon stocks. The harvest of salmon by commercial and recreational means is only permitted in those rivers that are meeting their conservation limits and which have an identified surplus.
The Salmon and Trout Conservation (Prohibition on Use of Drift Nets and Other Engines) Bye-Law No. 857, 2009, prohibits drift net and other engine fishing for salmon and trout in all fishery districts including the Lismore Fishery District. These arrangements were put in place because of the status of stocks in rivers including the Blackwater and its tributaries.
I await the scientific advice on the performance of the fishery in 2009 and the status of the stocks, together with the management advice for the 2010 season. Informed by this advice, the Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging Scheme Regulations for 2010 will provide for, among other things, the quota of salmon that can be harvested by commercial and recreational fishermen, on a river by river basis, during the 2010 season.
These regulations will shortly be published for public consultation in accordance with the statute. These regulations and associated conservation bye-laws will be introduced before the commencement of the 2010 season.
988 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the expenditure of State funds by the Northern Regional Fisheries Board which has brought legal action against a federation (details supplied) regarding the Gweebarra River dispute. [37936/09]
989 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on whether it is appropriate that the Northern Regional Fisheries Board refuse to enter into mediation with a federation (details supplied) and instead pursued them through the courts over a period of three years at a cost to the taxpayer, only to be instructed by a High Court judge to enter into mediation with them. [37937/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 988 and 989 together.
As I outlined in my replies to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 1034 on 6 October 2009 and 423 on 13 October 2009, the court has recommended that the parties consider mediation as an alternative to having the issues determined by the court. The Northern Regional Fisheries Board has indicated that it welcomes this initiative. I understand that the legal teams on both sides are currently exploring what scope there is for negotiated settlement on the basis of the respective positions.
As the matter is sub judice it would not be appropriate to comment further.
990 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if grants or schemes are available to persons who wish to install domestic proven windmills that would cater for the electricity needs at dwelling houses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38175/09]
Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) has launched a Micro-generation Pilot Programme, involving research and field trials, including support for between 50 and 60 installations on a pilot basis, of micro-scale projects. The field trials will address a range of issues including grid connection and technical standards to ensure the power security, safety and quality of installations. Full details of the field trials, the criteria for applications, the involvement of the different technologies and customer groups and the exact level of support can be reviewed in the grants section of the SEI website. Forty applications have been approved to date including 22 relating to wind.
In February 2009 I launched the Micro Generation programme, which is being operated by ESB Customer Supply and supported by ESB Networks. The programme will provide up to 4,000 domestic customers investing in micro-scale projects with a financial payment for electricity exported back to the grid.
The scheme will also enable two-way metering, to be installed without additional charge to the customer. The electricity producer will be paid a price of 19 cent per kilowatt-hour, which will help to offset the start up costs. The micro technologies in question include wind, solar and hydro as well as combined heat and power. ESB has indicated that 92 customers had signed up for the scheme by September 2009.
Further information is available at:
http://www.esb.ie/esbnetworks/generator_connections/micro_gen_connections.jsp
991 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the powers of compulsory purchase which were vested in Telecom Éireann were transferred to Eircom when the company was privatised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38192/09]
Telecom Éireann's power to pursue compulsory purchase orders was limited to making application to my Department for such orders if required by the company to pursue the performance of its then exclusive or monopoly privilege. All electronic communications service providers, including Eircom, are now subject to an EU regulatory framework for electronic communications and services. The former monopoly privilege that was enjoyed by Telecom Éireann and its successor, Eircom, prior to full market liberalisation no longer applies. There is therefore no longer the required legal basis to pursue compulsory purchase orders in this manner.
992 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if an application has been made to the European Commission to secure state aid clearance for the provision of broadband under the European economic recovery package; and if not, the timeframe in which such an application be made. [38241/09]
996 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of households that do not have access to broadband and are not covered by the national broadband scheme; the plans the European economic recovery programme scheme has in place to subsidise broadband in non-NBS rural areas. [38518/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 992 and 996 together.
It is accepted that even after the full roll-out of the National Broadband Scheme (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 includes funding for access to broadband infrastructure in rural areas and my Department is currently considering the design and implementation of such a scheme. This work will include the identification of premises not capable of receiving broadband.
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 first step of applying for and securing State Aid clearance.
993 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount that has been spent to date on all aspects of a project (details supplied) since its inception; the amount it is expected to overrun its original estimates; if the ESB has made compensation payments in connection with this project over the past ten years; if so, to whom and the amount; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38245/09]
I have no statutory function regarding the construction of specific power lines or in relation to arrangements entered into with landowners by ESB networks and EirGrid. The matters raised are operational matters for the two State bodies with statutory responsibilities to deliver Ireland's transmission and distribution network infrastructure.
994 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the names of the companies awarded licences for oil and gas exploration off the coast of County Donegal over the past five years; and the date that each of these licences were awarded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38424/09]
Six Frontier Exploration Licences were awarded in areas off the County Donegal coast in the past five years. Five of these licences are still active. Details of the licences awarded are provided in the table.
|
Licence Number |
Date Awarded |
Companies awarded licence |
|
1/05 |
20 January 2005 (surrendered 19 January 2007) |
*Lundin Exploration BV Island Donegal Limited Ramco Donegal Limited Petroceltic Erris Limited Sunningdale Donegal Basin Limited |
|
2/05 |
1 July 2005 |
*Shell E&P Ireland Limited Eni Ireland BV. OMV (IRELAND) Exploration GmbH |
|
3/05 |
1 July 2005 |
*Island Oil and Gas plc |
|
2/06 |
1 December 2006 |
*Statoil Exploration (Ireland) Ltd. Shell E&P Ireland Ltd. |
|
3/06 |
1 December 2006 |
* Island Oil and Gas plc Lundin Exploration BV Endeavour Energy UK Limited |
|
1/09 |
21 July 2009 |
*Serica Energy (UK) Limited |
* Licence Operator.
A map of all current exploration licences in the Donegal, Erris, Rockall and Slyne basins off the North West coast can be found at: www.dcenr.gov.ie/NR/rdonlyres/27EFAACF-8991-4A7C-A23E-CC70884C0388/0/Concession_Map_Donegal.pdf
995 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if, in view of the current economic climate, he will review the terms and conditions of oil and gas exploration licences with a view to securing a more beneficial agreement for the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38425/09]
Ireland needs to reduce its dependence on imported energy and successful development of indigenous energy resources including our hydrocarbon resources, can help achieve this. The Department is actively engaged in promoting opportunities for exploration for oil and gas offshore Ireland in order to attract an increased share of mobile international exploration investment to Ireland.
The terms offered to companies exploring for oil and gas offshore Ireland have been carefully balanced to attract those willing to invest money in high-risk exploration while still giving the State a fair share of profits where a commercial discovery is made.
New terms, which apply to all exploration licences awarded after the beginning of 2007, were put into effect in the 2008 Finance Act and provide for a tax rate of up to 40% on more profitable oil or gas discoveries. This compares to the standard corporation tax rate of 12.5%.
997 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress that has been made in the establishment of the 50-50 risk sharing pension scheme for RTE employees; when the scheme is expected to be in operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38698/09]
1001 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will confirm that all relevant service will be reckonable, from the date in February 2009 when the 50-50 risk sharing pension scheme for RTE employees was due to begin; when the scheme is expected to be in operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39035/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 997 and 1001 together.
Approval of any RTÉ superannuation pension scheme is required under Section 81 of the Broadcasting Act 2009. A scheme submitted to me under this section shall, if approved of by me with the concurrence of the Minister for Finance, be carried out by RTE in accordance with its terms.
RTE submitted the 50-50 risk sharing pension scheme to me for approval at the end of Quarter 1 of this year. As the situation stands, there are specific aspects of the scheme as currently drafted that are at variance with public sector pension policy and norms and, in light of this, my Department and the Department of Finance are not in a position to recommend final approval for the draft scheme at this time. I can confirm however, that my Department is continuing to engage, as a matter of priority, with the Department of Finance and RTE in respect of those aspects of the scheme and every effort is being made by the three parties to ensure an early resolution of the issues.
The matter of reckonable service in respect of this scheme is a matter for RTE, in the first place, to consider.
998 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources further to Parliamentary Question No. 267 of 21 October 2009 if he will request the State agencies and organisations under the remit of his Department to provide the amount each agency paid to the Irish Business and Employers Confederation for the years 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that other Ministers were able to instruct their agencies to respond to the previous parliamentary question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38778/09]
In my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 267 of 21 October 2009, I stated that 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 I have a role.
I will request that the agencies reply directly to the Deputy with the information sought.
999 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when broadband will be available in an area (details supplied); his views on whether its availability in the area is necessary for the area’s business sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38846/09]
My Department has entered into a contract with "3", a Hutchison Whampoa company, for the delivery of the National Broadband Scheme (NBS) in order to provide broadband services to rural areas, many of which do not currently have any broadband service. 3 will be required to provide services to all residences and businesses that are within the NBS area and who seek a service. The availability of broadband is widely accepted as having a positive impact on economic and commercial activity.
I understand that the area of St. Johnston, County Donegal, which is located in the St. Johnstown Electoral Division, will be provided with broadband services under this scheme. The entire NBS coverage area must receive broadband by September 2010. It is the case that the precise progression of site rollout, in advance of receipt of necessary permissions, is difficult to accurately predict.
The status of service availability in the NBS area can be checked on 3's NBS coverage map, which can be accessed at www.three.ie/nbs. The forthcoming availability of services in any particular area is also announced by way of 3's marketing campaign.
1000 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the review and working groups under the remit of his Department created to deal with matters arising from the social partnership agreements; the terms of reference of each such group; the membership of each such group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38941/09]
I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department was not charged with establishing any working groups to deal with any matters arising from social partnership agreements.
My Department has established a Central Partnership Committee to facilitate and oversee the development and enhancement of partnership within the Department. It aims to help improve organisational performance and efficiency, the working environment and the delivery of services within the Department and to consider, approve and assist in the implementation of plans for change and modernisation as required by the terms of Social Partnership Agreements. The membership of the committee comprises senior managers, staff and union representatives.
1002 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the town lands of Cloonfaughna and Glinsk in County Galway are planned to have broadband; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39195/09]
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. I understand that broadband is available in the general areas of Cloonfaughna and Glinsk, County Galway, from wireless and satellite service providers.
Details of broadband availability from service providers together with the availability of broadband services in specific areas, including areas in County Galway, are available at www.broadband.gov.ie. I would add that information contained on this website is provided by the service providers.
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 unserved rural premises can be achieved through an appropriate intervention under the EERP. My Department is currently considering options for the design of such a scheme. This work will include the identification of premises not capable of receiving broadband.
Discussions have already commenced with the European Commission on the first step of applying for and securing State Aid clearance.
1003 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the provision of broadband for Carrigallen, County Leitrim; when it will be available; the stage it is at; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39407/09]
My Department has entered into a contract with "3", a Hutchison Whampoa company, for the delivery of the National Broadband Scheme (NBS). 3 is required to provide services to all residences and businesses that are within the NBS area and which seek a service.
The company is progressing its network roll-out and services have gone live in a number of areas. The entire NBS area must be covered by September 2010.
The general area of Carrigallen, County Leitrim will be covered by the NBS. The current service status of each NBS area is available at www.three.ie/nbs.
1004 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his commitment to maintaining postal services here and if he will make a statement on the matter [37913/09]
In relation to the maintenance of postal services, it is Government policy that An Post continues to provide a high quality, nationwide postal service and maintain a nationwide, customer-focused network of post offices. In addition, my Department is preparing for the transposition of the Third Postal Directive, which ensures that the universal service will be maintained and also provides for the full liberalisation of the postal sector from 1 January 2011 onwards.
1005 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the single farm payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38763/09]
An application under the 2009 Single Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 12 May 2009. While the person named declared 18.14 hectares, following a ground inspection, a determined area of 16.71 hectares was established. The 70% advance payment of the Single Payment, which will issue shortly to the person named, will reflect the results of the inspection in accordance with the terms and conditions governing the scheme, payment is based on the number of eligible hectares determined at inspection, reduced by twice the difference, in hectares, between the number of hectares declared or the number of entitlements held, if lower.
1006 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the revenue for the years 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 under the heading Government services levy on raw milk. [38816/09]
1050 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the annual receipts from the levies on milk for dairy research and for development. [38817/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1006 and 1050 together.
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 receipts from the above levies in respect of milk 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 |
€m |
|
|
Dairy Inspection Fee |
Milk (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1979 (as amended) |
5.084 |
4.869 |
5.158 |
4,867 |
|
Bovine DiseaseLevy |
Bovine Disease (Levies) Act 1979 (as amended) |
5.653 |
5.375 |
3.265 |
2.890 |
There are no statutory levies on milk to fund dairy research and development.
1007 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the measures taken to promote awareness of Irish seafood to the public and the benefits of eating fish; the amount spent in the past two years in promoting sales of Irish seafood; his views on the promotion of Irish seafood; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37933/09]
As the Seafood Strategy Report, which outlines the challenges facing the industry, states it is clear that with an ageing population and growing concerns about health and well-being, fish will become more valued as a healthy meal option. To that end, An Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) developed a range of information material outlining the health benefits of fish consumption, particularly by health professionals under the auspices of a health information programme, which have been well received. Within the past two years alone in excess of two million information leaflets targeting consumers at every stage of life have been distributed to doctor surgeries, hospitals, health centres, dieticians and retail outlets. In tandem with this programme, the Seafood Circle initiative has also provided an umbrella for the home market development programme by promoting hospitality and retail businesses with high standards of seafood and service.
A total of €879,000 was spent in 2008 to promote sales of Irish seafood. As well as promoting Irish products at European and national trade fairs, BIM facilitated visits from European trade journalists to production regions and undertook market research to detect European consumer trends, optimal distribution channels and pricing strategies. In order to overcome strong and increasing global competition and strengthen customer loyalty, the visibility of Irish seafood in key European markets was enhanced through a number of measures designed to build business relationships between exporters and buyers and to raise awareness of the quality commitment of Irish producers at both consumer and trade levels across Europe.
The Government's recent initiative in transferring the seafood marketing and promotion functions from BIM to Bord Bia has helped to ensure the strengthening of seafood marketing as part of a more cohesive overall food marketing effort, while allowing BIM to focus all its energies in developing the seafood industry through its new Business Development and Innovation Division. The combined spend on promotional and trade development of Irish seafood in 2009 from both agencies is projected at €888,000. This includes additional funding achieved through the synergy with Bord Bia to support the trade development of Irish seafood in Europe and a two year promotion plan for the Irish market. Seafood companies have been included at all relevant trade events including Marketplace Scandinavia and ANUGA.
1008 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason for the delay in opening the operational programme for fisheries to allow for the funding of the aquaculture sector; if he is satisfied that he is meeting all the commitments as outlined in the Cawley report into the seafood sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37934/09]
The National Seafood Development Operational Programme 2007-2013 draft was advertised for public consultation in October 2008 as part of the Strategic Environmental Assessment. During the consultation both the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources on behalf of the Central Fisheries Board raised concerns regarding the granting of aid to projects where environmental issues arise relating to compliance with the EU Birds and Habitats Directives and sea lice control on salmon farms. Pending resolution of these issues, the National Seafood Development Operational Programme has not yet been adopted.
The delay in the launch of the National Seafood Development OP has not prevented grant aid from being provided to aquaculture developments in 2009. The European Commission agreed to the continuation of grant aid under the previous Operational Programme 2000 to 2006 until 30 June 2009.
A provision of €5m was made available for aquaculture development in the Agriculture Vote for 2009 and I approved the spending of €4.5m of this for aquaculture projects in both the Border, Midlands and Western and the Southern and Eastern regions. This support has assisted the continued development of aquaculture projects in these areas and the employment that those projects support.
DG Environment has indicated at this time that it is generally supportive of the Department's proposals for wild fisheries compliance with the EU Birds and Habitats Directives. However, it has recently advised that it remains concerned about the planned approach to delivering compliance for aquaculture licensing. The most recent views of DG Environment are being examined. My Department is maintaining close liaison with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government on the issues arising with a view to it being in a position to withdraw its objection.
In relation to the concerns of the Central Fisheries Board, a meeting at ministerial level was held in June between my Department and the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. I personally advised on the significant progress made in relation to managing sea lice levels on salmon farms and the concerns of the fishery boards were also set down. My Department is currently preparing a report on the experience in 2009 of the implementation of the new Strategy for Improved Pest Control on Irish Salmon Farms which was put in place by Minister Coughlan in May 2008. Following the preparation and consideration of this report, I intend to engage with Minister of State Lenihan, who has responsibility for inland fisheries, with a view to agreeing an approach that will give the necessary assurances to that Department so that it can withdraw its objection to the Operational Programme.
The Cawley report, Steering A New Course, is the national strategic plan for the Irish fishing industry and the wider seafood sector. The strategy sees a much bigger role for aquaculture in meeting the increasing demand for seafood and sets down a number of recommendations for the support and development of the sector. I am committed to addressing the current issues which are limiting the development of the sector, including addressing the backlog in the renewal of licences and also providing investment support for the sector.
1009 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if a decision has been made on an appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway for a young farmers installation aid scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37999/09]
The decision by my Department to consider the person concerned ineligible for grant-aid under the young farmers' installation scheme is currently the subject of an appeal to the Agriculture Appeals Office. The review by that Office of my Department's decision will be completed as soon as possible.
1010 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the definition of the agrifood industry here used by him; the output groupings within the agrifood industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38009/09]
Traditionally the agrifood sector was taken to encompass the primary agriculture and food processing sectors. Currently, it encompasses the following sectors; Primary Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Food (including fish) and Beverage Processing as well as Wood Processing in line with my Department's remit.
1011 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the value of output groupings in the agrifood industry in relation to primary processing, secondary processing and food ingredients; the gross output of the industry in these terms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38010/09]
In examining the output of the wider agrifood sector I would refer the Deputy in the first instance to the CSO and its website at www.cso.ie. The CSO produces statistics across a number of sectors and from various sources that provide estimates of output from the wider agrifood sector. I would also refer the Deputy to the publications outlined below including the methodological notes and definitions for the variables summarised below.
The value of output in the primary agriculture sector is measured using the CSO estimates of Output, Input and Income in Agriculture. In 2008 the value of Goods Output at Producer Prices was €5.8bn. This was comprised as follows; Livestock, €2.5bn; Livestock Products, €1.7bn and Crops (including Forage), €1.6bn.
The value of output for the Food and Beverage and Wood Processing sectors can be sourced from the CSO Census of Industrial Production (CIP). For 2007 (most recent data available) the value of turnover in these sectors is reported as follows in the CIP (for Industrial Enterprises): Manufacture of Food Products and Beverages; €24.2bn; Manufacture of Wood and Wood Products; €1.4bn. Also for 2007 the value of gross output in these sectors is reported as follows in the CIP (for Industrial Local Units): Manufacture of Food Products and Beverages; €19.9bn; Manufacture of Wood and Wood Products; €1.4bn.
1012 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the recommendations of the food labelling group established by him; how the recommendations of the food labelling group furnish evidence of public interest in origin labelling; if he will make these recommendations available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38011/09]
The Food Labelling Group was established in July 2002 to examine issues surrounding food labelling following concerns raised by my Department's Consumer Liaison Panel. The Group which was widely representative of the major stakeholders in the food chain, consumer interests, industry, Government Departments and Agencies presented its report to the Department in December 2002. The report is available on the Department's website www.agriculture.gov.ie.
At that time the amount of consumer research in relation to the importance of origin of foodstuffs was limited and the Group recommended that specific research should be conducted to ascertain consumers' wishes in this area.
On the basis of the Group's recommendations a consumer survey organised by the Department's Consumer Liaison Panel was published on 8 December 2003 and details are also available on the Department's website.
1013 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the land area involved in organic production here in 2009 and for each of the past ten years; the land area involved in organic production in the EU in 2009 and for each of the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38012/09]
Details of the land area certified as organic in Ireland and the total in the EU in the years 2000 to 2005 are set out in the table. More recent information in the EU total is not yet to hand. Details of the land area certified as organic in Ireland from 2006 to 2009 are also included.
While the size of the organic sector in Ireland is below the EU average, there continues to be signs of growth. The total area in conversion or with full organic status rose by over 3,600 hectares in 2008, an increase of almost 9%. The most recent figures available for 2009 indicate that this trend is continuing, with an increase in 2009 of almost 3,000 hectares to date.
|
Land Area In Organic Production In Ireland |
Land Area In Organic Production In the EU |
|
|
2000 |
27,231 hectares |
4,263,335 hectares |
|
2001 |
30,017 hectares |
5,064,509 hectares |
|
2002 |
29,850 hectares |
5,602,151 hectares |
|
2003 |
28,514 hectares |
5,904,481 hectares |
|
2004 |
30,670 hectares |
6,079,697 hectares |
|
2005 |
35,266 hectares |
6,115,465 hectares |
|
2006 |
37,243 hectares |
|
|
2007 |
41,122 hectares |
|
|
2008 |
44,751 hectares |
|
|
2009 (current) |
47,643 hectares |
1014 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of producers involved in organic production in 2009 and for each of the past ten years; the number of producers in the EU in 2009 and for each of the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38013/09]
The numbers of organic producers in Ireland for the years 2000 to 2009 are shown in the table. The number of producers in the EU as a whole in the years 2003 and 2005 are also shown. EU figures for other years could not be verified in the time available but I will communicate directly to the Deputy any further information that comes to hand.
|
Number of Producers Involved in Organic Production in Ireland |
Number of Producers Involved in Organic Production in the EU |
|
|
2000 |
852 |
|
|
2001 |
918 |
|
|
2002 |
923 |
|
|
2003 |
889 |
135,191 |
|
2004 |
897 |
|
|
2005 |
978 |
157,852 |
|
2006 |
1,066 |
|
|
2007 |
1,134 |
|
|
2008 |
1,220 |
|
|
2009 (current) |
1,300 |
1015 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath has not yet received their area aid payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38023/09]
An application under the 2009 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 14 May 2009. While payment due under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was made on 25 September 2009, payment due under the Single Payment Scheme will be made shortly. However, the person named is aware of the Court Order of 23 April 2007 and the requirements placed on this Department by that Order.
1016 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Longford has not received their REPS 4 payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38024/09]
My officials have no record of receiving a REPS 4 application from the person named.
1017 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved and awarded REPS 4. [38205/09]
REPS 4 is a measure under the current Rural Development Programme 2007–13 and is subject to EU Regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications, including plan checks, to be completed before the first 2009 payments issue.
Processing of applications, including the application from the person named, has commenced to facilitate the release of payments at the earliest possible date.
1018 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon will receive their single farm payment; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38207/09]
An application under the Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on the 1 May 2009. This application was selected for and was the subject of a ground eligibility inspection.
Under EU regulations, all cases selected for inspection must be inspected before payment can issue in any individual case. While all of the 5% of cases selected for ground eligibility inspection have now been inspected and a high level of payment has been achieved under the scheme, processing of a small number of inspection results is currently under way following which payment will issue. Payment will issue in this case shortly.
1019 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a forestry payment will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38247/09]
Payment of afforestation premiums are currently suspended in respect of the person in question as part of the lands were removed from forestry to facilitate the building of a bypass. My Department is currently in correspondence with the ESB in relation to an area covered by a transmission line, which may have been removed as part of the construction process. I have asked that the matter be expedited.
1020 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will instruct his officials to issue cattle movement permits from restricted holdings by e-mailor fax to the relevant meat factories; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38275/09]
Under Article 19 (1)(a)(ii) of the Bovine Tuberculosis Order 1989, an animal cannot be moved out of a restricted herd into a slaughter premises unless at the time of its entry it is accompanied by a movement permit. Movement permits are issued at the discretion of a Veterinary Inspector or an Authorised Officer. The current arrangements are such that these permits cannot be authorised electronically. I should point out, however, that the permits can be posted out to herd-owners, thereby obviating the need for herd-owners, to travel to the DVO. The Department is at present examining the practicalities involved in issuing movement permits electronically, taking account of legal considerations, including verification of permits.
1021 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how the €11 million from the EU’s agricultural budget 2010 for dairy farmers will be awarded; if the amount of payment will be determined by herd size or block grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38287/09]
1028 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will provide details of the €280 million dairy fund recently announced by the EU Commissioner to provide direct support to dairy farmers; how it is envisaged this fund will be allocated; the criteria for inclusion in the scheme; the amount of money that will be made available to each member state; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38410/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1021 and 1028 together.
At the Agriculture Council on 19 October Commissioner Fischer Boel announced that she would propose to make available an additional €280 million from the 2010 budget to help the dairy sector, as an exceptional measure. This would be possible under the new Article 186 powers which are expected to be agreed at the Agriculture Council on 19 November. The proposed additional funding of €280 million must first be agreed at the Council of Finance Ministers, also on 19 November. When those two items are agreed the Commission will then be in a position to make proposals for implementing the funds.
While there are no detailed proposals yet, the Commission has indicated that the funds might be allocated as a national envelope calculated through a distribution key based on national milk production, subject to quota limits. Based on member states' declared dairy production in the year 2008-09, Ireland's share of the €280 million would be approximately €10.7 million. There will be discretion for member states in the allocation of the funds but the Commission has suggested that they should be distributed on the basis of objective and non-discriminatory criteria.
When the Commission proposals are finalised I will consider how the funds will be administered in Ireland.
1022 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, in relation to small abattoirs, a regulation regarding testing will be reviewed in view of the high cost and inconvenience caused; if it is necessary; and if it will be removed. [38304/09]
Under EC Regulation No 999/2001 of the European Council which govern TSEs (BSE in cattle and scrapie in sheep), Ireland is obliged to conduct scrapie tests on at least 10,000 adult sheep presented for slaughter. From January to October of this year a cumulative total of 9,432 scrapie tests have been completed, which includes animals presented at both butchers' abattoirs and large slaughter plants.
1023 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if a person (details supplied) in County Sligo will be awarded their disadvantaged area payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38353/09]
An application under the 2009 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 13 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 have continued to issue as outstanding issues are resolved. The application of the person named has now been fully processed with payment due to issue this week.
1024 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding current applications for installation aid; if these will be processed retrospectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38363/09]
The young farmers' installation scheme was closed to new applicants on 14 October 2008 and I have no immediate plans to reopen entry to the scheme at this time. I have, however, made provision of €9.75 million in 2009 to meet the existing commitments under the young farmers' installation scheme and the preceding equivalent schemes.
1025 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he will reply to correspondence from a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon; the reason for the delay in same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38385/09]
I have communicated with the Deputy on a number of occasions giving him updates regarding this matter. The underlying problem is that the operation of the scheme to allot the turbary rights can not be completed until my legal officer resolves the issue of the surrender and severance of an appurtenant right of turbary by one of the other persons recommended for turbary on the disposal scheme. This matter is being addressed and it is hoped to complete the outstanding issues as soon as possible.
1026 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if the tariff nomenclature can be amended at international level to distinguish agrifood products subject to substantial transformation; if the tariff nomenclature can be amended at EU level to distinguish agrifood products subject to substantial transformation; how agrifood products subject to substantial transformation can become part of the tariff nomenclature set at international level by reference to Standard International Trade Classification or the common nomenclature; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38400/09]
My Department does not have a function in relation to regulations amending tariff nomenclature at EU or international level. I would of course welcome any development which could preclude the use of substantial transformation as a device to mislead consumers.
1027 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to review the Forestry Act 1946 in particular with regard to a ruling (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38405/09]
Following a comprehensive review of the Forestry Act, 1946, the Heads of the new Forestry Bill were approved by Government. The Office of the Parliamentary Counsel has commenced drafting the new Bill. It is intended to take a more flexible approach regarding the question of replanting after clear-felling by giving the Minister the power to waive the replanting obligation in certain limited circumstances. However, the general principle of replanting will remain in order to ensure that the national forest estate is not progressively eliminated. There are no plans to specifically exempt pensioners from the replanting obligation.
1029 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will explain the new quota buy-back arrangements announced by the EU Commission; the impact this will have on super-levy payments; if the new scheme is compulsory for all member states; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38411/09]
Quota buying-up schemes are provided for under Article 75 of Council Regulation (EC) No. 1234/2007, which states that member states may, in the interests of restructuring or of improving the environment, buy back quota from producers who wish to permanently exit milk production, and either leave such quota in the national reserve or sell it on to other producers at the same price.
The Commission has proposed that such bought-back quota would not be used to reduce super levy liability at a national level as would generally be the case with "spare" national reserve quota, but rather that it would be ring-fenced, and in the event of super levy being payable, the amount of the levy corresponding to the bought-back quota could be diverted into restructuring measures, i.e. used domestically instead of being paid to the Commission.
From an Irish perspective, quota buy-back schemes have not been a feature of the quota regime, and because this proposal retains the voluntary character of such schemes, it presents no difficulty for Ireland.
1030 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of people it is envisaged will be recruited by him, in view of the commitment in the revised programme for Government to recruit 1,000 graduates across all Departments; the disciplines involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38412/09]
As the Deputy will be aware, a moratorium is in place in relation to promotion and recruitment in the public sector and it is against this background that the commitment to recruit 1,000 third and fourth level graduates to provide additional capacity and skills across the public service must be considered.
My Department is currently in discussions with the Department of Finance on the filling of a number of critical posts in the Department, which, because of the technical/scientific nature of the work, will require a third level qualification.
1031 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the detail of the revised rural development programme will be finalised; if he will elaborate on the proposal to create up to 12,000 additional new jobs in this area by 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38413/09]
I am actively pursuing approval by the European Commission of the Rural Development Programme (RDP) and this process is ongoing at the present time. While the internal process in the Commission is somewhat complex I expect that they will be in a position to approve the programme before the end of the year.
Axis 3 of the RDP, which deals with the wider rural economy, includes particular measures in relation to rural enterprise development and diversification. Funding under the LEADER elements of the RDP for the period 2007-2013 will amount to €425.4 million. The measures under this element of the RDP are expected to result in approximately 12,000 new jobs during the lifetime of the programme. They fall within the remit of the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.
1032 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how he proposes to meet targets for afforestation and the commitments in the forestry area as outlined in the revised programme for Government; if he will review the cutbacks in the forestry sector that were introduced in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38414/09]
Under the new programme for Government I am committed to reviewing state forestry policy to take account of its critical role in relation to climate change and its importance to construction, bio-energy, bio-diversity and its potential to deliver long-term employment in other downstream industries. I intend to begin this work as soon as possible. I am examining the allocation of resources and funding for the sector in the context of the preparation of the 2010 Estimate for my Department.
1033 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive their REP scheme payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38415/09]
My officials are currently dealing with queries relating to this file and will be in touch with the person named shortly.
1034 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position on the payment of REPS 4, a 75% portion of which was due to be paid out by the end of September 2009; the number of applications; the number paid to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38427/09]
REPS 4 is a measure under the current Rural Development Programme 2007–13 and is subject to EU Regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications, including plan checks, to be completed before the first 2009 payments issue.
The same rule applies both to new applications received in 2009 and to applications for second-year payments from those who joined in 2008. This means that all administrative checks on both have to be completed before any payments can be made to either group. At this stage I envisage that the 75% payments will start to be made in late November or early December. There are 12,145 applications for a second-year payment and 17,023 new applications received up to 15 May 2009.
1035 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kerry has not received their REPS 3 payment which was due in August 2009; when this payment will be awarded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38443/09]
My officials are currently dealing with queries relating to this file and will be in touch with the person named shortly.
1036 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his expenditure on the computerised REP scheme planner; the cost to date; the future for this planner in view of the suspension of REPS 4; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38526/09]
The on-line facility for the preparation of REPS plans, eREPS, has up to now been managed on my Department's behalf by Teagasc and hosting and development work were contracted to Bizmaps, a software company in the private sector. A total of €1,627,407 has been paid to Bizmaps from 2006 to date for this service; €1,062,113 was paid directly to Bizmaps by my Department and €565,294 to Teagasc in respect of the costs incurred. From later this year, the system will be hosted and maintained within my Department.
As some REPS contracts will continue up to 2013, and there is a need in the normal course of events for a number of participants to amend their plans from time to time, the system will continue to be used notwithstanding the fact that REPS is closed to new applications.
My officials are currently in discussions with the European Commission about proposals for a new agri-environmental scheme which I intend to introduce in 2010. When the content of that scheme is determined, my Department will investigate whether aspects of eREPS can be adapted to assist in its operation.
1037 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the situation regarding an application for installation aid to a person (details supplied) in County Cork in view of the fact that they have waited for more than 12 months for details regarding their application; when payment will be expected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38594/09]
The person concerned is an applicant under the installation aid scheme. The application is still under consideration within my Department and payment will issue when it has been determined that the property, education and income requirements of the scheme have been met. A decision will be taken in regard to the application as soon as possible.
1038 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) will receive their single farm payment; the reason there has been a delay in the transfer of entitlements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38596/09]
An application was received on 14 May 2009 requesting the transfer of 146.07 Single Payment Scheme entitlements from the joint names of the person named and two other farmers into the sole name of the person named.
It was necessary to request certain additional signatures as well as a Dissolution of Partnership agreement. These details were received on 8 October 2009 and the requested transfer was subsequently processed. Payment will issue to the person named in the immediate future.
1039 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food further to Parliamentary Question No. 171 of 23 September 2009, when payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38623/09]
An application for afforestation grant aid for the person in question is currently being processed by my Department. I understand documentation in relation to provenance certification has been requested from the applicant.
1040 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will open the Operational Programme for Fisheries to allow for funding of the aquaculture sector and restore a level playing pitch for Irish companies to compete fairly in Europe and on the world stage in view of the fact that Ireland’s main European competitors have opened access to funds from EU and national Exchequers to assist their industries under the terms of the Electronic Frontier Foundations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38661/09]
The National Seafood Development Operational Programme 2007-2013 draft was advertised for public consultation in October 2008 as part of the Strategic Environmental Assessment. During the consultation both the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources on behalf of the Central Fisheries Board raised concerns regarding the granting of aid to projects where environmental issues arise relating to compliance with the EU Birds and Habitats Directives and sea lice control on salmon farms. Pending resolution of these issues, the National Seafood Development Operational Programme has not yet been adopted.
The delay in the launch of the National Seafood Development OP has not prevented grant aid from being provided to aquaculture developments in 2009. The European Commission agreed to the continuation of grant aid under the previous Operational Programme 2000 to 2006 until 30 June 2009.
A provision of €5m was made available for aquaculture development in the Agriculture Vote for 2009 and I approved the spending of €4.5m of this for aquaculture projects in both the Border, Midlands and Western and the Southern and Eastern regions. This support has assisted the continued development of aquaculture projects in these areas and the employment that those projects support.
DG Environment has indicated at this time that it is generally supportive of the Department's proposals for wild fisheries compliance with the EU Birds and Habitats Directives. However, it has recently advised that it remains concerned about the planned approach to delivering compliance for aquaculture licensing. The most recent views of DG Environment are being examined. My Department is maintaining close liaison with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government on the issues arising with a view to it being in a position to withdraw its objection.
In relation to the concerns of the Central Fisheries Board, a meeting at ministerial level was held in June between my Department and the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. I personally advised on the significant progress made in relation to managing sea lice levels on salmon farms and the concerns of the fishery boards were also set down. My Department is currently preparing a report on the experience in 2009 of the implementation of the new Strategy for Improved Pest Control on Irish Salmon Farms which was put in place by Minister Coughlan in May 2008. Following the preparation and consideration of this report, I intend to engage with Minister of State Lenihan, who has responsibility for inland fisheries, with a view to agreeing an approach that will give the necessary assurances to that Department so that it can withdraw its objection to the Operational Programme.
1041 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of commercial producers of edible horticultural products here to date in 2009; the number of commercial producers of edible horticultural products here in each of the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38687/09]
The table estimates the number of commercial producers of edible horticultural products between 1999 and 2009 where data are available.
|
Year |
Field Vegetables(2) |
Potatoes(4) |
Apples(3) |
Mushrooms(5) |
Protected Food crops(2) |
Protected soft fruit(2) |
Soft Fruit (outdoor)(2) |
|
1999 |
377 |
1,046* |
87 |
145 |
|||
|
2000 |
956* |
504 |
|||||
|
2001 |
905* |
||||||
|
2002 |
294 |
832* |
46 |
365 |
|||
|
2003 |
289 |
95 |
65 |
58 |
|||
|
2004 |
801* |
228 |
|||||
|
2005 |
238 |
732* |
157 |
||||
|
2006 |
735* |
119 |
|||||
|
2007 |
700** |
40 |
85 |
74 |
53 |
30 |
|
|
2008 |
865*** |
85 |
|||||
|
2009 |
215 |
825*** |
Notes
(1) The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food or Teagasc do not carry out annual censuses of horticultural producers.
(2) The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has a programme in place so that most sectors are surveyed every 3-4 years.
(3) Under Directive 2001/109/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (as amended), Ireland and other Member States are obliged to carry out a survey of apple orchards every 5 years.
(4) The potato figures are derived from * National Potato Census figures, ** Farm Structures Survey *** SPS applications (excluding growers under 1Ha)
(5) Source: Teagasc
Although, there have been significant reductions in the number of growers in certain sectors, the volume and value of output in most sectors has remained relatively stable and in cases has increased significantly. This reflects the consolidation and development of these sectors and the horticultural industry in general.
The value of field vegetable and protected food crop output is significantly higher today than in 1999. However, the significant decline in the number of outdoor soft fruit producers reflects a shift to production under protection to allow production of higher quality and higher value crops in line with consumer demand. In the case of mushrooms, despite the significant reduction in grower numbers, the value of output has not been affected to the same extent and held up well over recent years as remaining growers have increased scale and adopted new growing technologies.
1042 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason imported agrifood products are able to use the same sell by dates as domestic producers despite the differences in dates of production; the way containment methods used in importing facilitate the imported agrifood products in using the same sell by dates as products produced domestically; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38689/09]
Sell-bydates are not provided for under the EU’s Hygiene of Food and Feed Regulations and may be a feature of labelling used by stockists or distribution chains.
Date of Minimum Durability or use by date is defined under the labelling Directive No. 2000/13/EC and would be relevant to the Department of Health and Children and controls carried out by the HSE. It is required for foods, which from a microbiological point of view, are highly perishable and are therefore likely after a short period to constitute a danger to consumer health.
Food Business Operators (FBO) are required, according to HACCP principles, to apply microbiological controls to the products they process (Regulation (EC) No. 2073/2005) and place on to the market. These provisions enable the FBO to determine shelf life and set a use-by date appropriate to the product. These requirements apply to both imported and domestic products. Random sampling of products and processes is undertaken as part of EU's food hygiene controls by the competent authorities.
Equivalence in operational standards for animal health and food safety are the guarantees required of third countries and their establishments for approval to export food to the EU. The purpose of import control undertaken at EU approved Border Inspection Posts (BIP) is to satisfy that the conditions for import have been complied with. These include documentary, identity and physical inspections and sampling according to national residues monitoring programmes.
1043 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to introduce air miles labelling for all imported agrifood products. [38690/09]
The Minister for Health and Children has overall responsibility for the general food labelling legislation directive (2000/13/EC). Responsibility for the enforcement of this legislation rests with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (F.S.A.I.). This is done through service contracts with other relevant agencies, including the Health Service Executive, the Local Authority Veterinary Service and my Department.
The Commission is currently undertaking a major review of all food labelling legislation. In this context the Commission has prepared draft revised labelling regulations and these are being discussed at Council Working Party level in Brussels. These draft regulations will be submitted to the EU Council of Health ministers during 2009. There are no proposals to introduce air mile labelling as unilateral application of such labelling by Ireland would not be supported at EU level.
1044 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding an application for a milk tank grant in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38720/09]
The person concerned is an applicant under the Farm Improvement Scheme. Applications received under this Scheme are being processed by my Department up to the level of funding provided for the Scheme in the 2006 Partnership agreement, Towards 2016.
1045 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food further to Parliamentary Question No. 88 of 17 September 2009, when payment will be issued to them; and the individual amounts which will be paid to them. [38721/09]
As outlined in the previous reply to the Deputy, applications were received on 31 March 2009 requesting the transfer of Single Payment entitlements under the 2008 scheme year from the joint names of the person named and his brother into their individual names.
Clarification was sought regarding the number of entitlements to be transferred to each brother and a reply was received on 30 June 2009. The requested transfers were subsequently processed and payment of €1934.07 issued to both parties on 23 September 2009.
1046 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Longford has not yet received their single farm payment which was due to them in August, 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38754/09]
An application under the 2009 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 21 April 2009. The 70% advance payment under Single Payment Scheme issued on 29 October 2009. Payment under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme is due to issue to the applicant this week.
1047 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on the fact that the vegetable and fruit exports dropped 44% from 2007 to 2008; the causes of this decrease; the action he will take to support the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38774/09]
The Central Statistics Office report that the value of Irish exports of fruit and vegetables (excluding bananas, preserves, jams and fruit juices) fell by just 3% from €205m in 2007 to €199m in 2008. It is worth noting that exports of mushrooms the single most important export crop in Irish horticulture increased by almost 9% from €111m in 2007 to €121m in 2008.
My Department and its Agencies consistently support the development of the export potential of the Horticulture sector through its grant aid schemes and other supports to this sector. Aid is available under the NDP scheme of investment aid for the commercial horticulture sector and the scheme for capital investments in marketing and processing in the horticulture sector to assist in the upgrading or development of facilities with the aim of maximizing the potential of the sector.
The EU Producer Organisation (PO) scheme provides an important mechanism for growers to become part of a larger supply base, to concentrate marketing and improve quality. The reform of the EU's common organisation of the market in fruit and vegetables which came into effect on 1 January 2009 identified a strengthening role for POs as the core part of the strategy for improving the competitiveness of the fruit and vegetable sector in the future.
Bord Bia can provide information on international market trends and support producers in their efforts to develop new markets. It can help in the area of product innovation and also provide support for horticultural producers in the application of marketing skills, including merchandising, product presentation and public relations.
1048 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food further to Parliamentary Question No. 275 of 21 October 2009, if he will request the State agencies and organisations under the remit of his Department to provide the amount each agency paid to the Irish Business and Employers Confederation for the years 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that other Ministers were able to instruct their agencies to respond to the previous parliamentary question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38779/09]
Memberships of organisations/associations are a matter of operational management for the bodies individually. However, I understand that the following is the position in relation to total payments to IBEC for the years in question.
|
Body/Board |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 (to-date) |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
*Bord Bia |
7,568 |
7,877 |
8,283 |
|
BIM |
8,691 |
7,605 |
7,038 |
|
Coillte |
95,414 |
149,920 |
126,619 |
|
Marine Institute |
7,964 |
11,986 |
8,842 |
|
Irish National Stud |
1,909 |
3,504 |
2,563 |
|
Teagasc |
Nil |
3,219 |
Nil |
*In addition to the above, Bord Bia made payments to IBEC of €192,000, €246,000 and €272,000 in the years 2007, 2008 and 2009 under the European Orientation Programme.
1049 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will give details, containing as much data as possible, on an application for installation aid by a person (details supplied) in County Cork in view of the fact that the applicant has waited more than 12 months for this information; the cost to his Department of processing and furnishing similar requests in respect of this applicant; when payment will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38810/09]
The person concerned is an applicant under the Young Farmers Installation Scheme which has been suspended for new applications since 14 October 2008. Under the terms of the Scheme, payment of the grant concerned is made once it has been established that the requirements of the Scheme have been met, including the conditions in relation to property, education and income. In this case, an initial application (YFIS 1) was received by my Department on 13 October 2008 and an application for payment (YFIS 2) was received on 29 October 2008. The outcome of my Department's examination of the application will be made known to the applicant shortly.
The cost to my Department of processing such applications for grant-aid is dependent on a number of factors, such as the level of checking required to be carried out by the Inspectorate of my Department and whether or not the application is subject to an on-the-spot inspection. However, a recent Value For Money Review of the Scheme has calculated that administration costs, per Scheme beneficiary, are approx. €3,000.
1051 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to meet with associations (details supplied); his views, in view of the fact that all other stud books here are operated by non-statutory bodies, on whether it would be appropriate for him and Horse Sport Ireland to signal their respective intentions to relinquish and re-allocate the stud book to a single entity representing the interests of the Irish draught horse, pending the resolution of the current dispute; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38818/09]
Officials of my Department have met with the two organisations the Deputy mentioned since Spring 2009.
Horse Sport Ireland is a non-statutory body, which is approved by my Department under S.I. 399 of 2004 to maintain the Irish Draught Horse Studbook as studbook of origin for the Irish Draught Horse breed. Since I am satisfied that the studbook is operated in accordance with the relevant national and EU legislation, I do not intend to reallocate the studbook to another entity.
It would not be appropriate for me to comment on the intentions of Horse Sport Ireland.
1052 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, in relation to the forthcoming environmental protection scheme being proposed by him, he will make provision for farmers who have leased lands and thus have been excluded from the REP scheme and the difficulties faced as in the case of a person (details supplied) in view of recent cuts to the disadvantaged areas scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38832/09]
Under EU Regulations, any agri-environmental undertaking has to be for a minimum of five years. To be eligible for payment under the new scheme which I propose to introduce, as was also the case in REPS, any leased land must be held for the full period of a participant's contract.
1053 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will give details, containing as much data as possible, on an application for installation aid by a person (details supplied) in County Cork in view of the fact that the applicant has waited more than 12 months for this information; the cost to his Department of processing and furnishing similar requests in respect of this applicant; when payment will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38880/09]
The person concerned is an applicant under the Young Farmers' Installation Scheme which has been suspended for new applications since 14 October 2008. Under the terms of the Scheme, payment of the grant concerned is made once it has been established that the requirements of the Scheme have been met, including the conditions in relation to property, education and income. In this case, an initial application (YFIS 1) was received by my Department on 17 September 2008 and an application for payment (YFIS 2) was received on 26 June 2009. The outcome of my Department's examination of the application will be made known to the applicant shortly.
The cost to my Department of processing such applications for grant-aid is dependent on a number of factors, such as the level of checking required to be carried out by the Inspectorate of my Department and whether or not the application is subject to an on-the-spot inspection. However, a recent Value For Money Review of the Scheme has calculated that administration costs, per Scheme beneficiary, are approx. €3,000.
1054 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when an application by a person (details supplied) in County Mayo, to become a full herd owner, will be finalised in view of the length of time this application has been submitted. [38913/09]
The application for a herd number from the person concerned has been approved. The delay in approving the application was due to legal issues.
1055 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on supporting a proposal to change the strict slurry spreading dates in line with good agricultural practice, taking into account the criteria whereby land can be ploughed; if he will also take into account that the nitrates directive is taking place in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38918/09]
The prohibited period for the spreading of slurry commenced on 15 October 2009 in all parts of the country as required by the Nitrates Regulations (SI No. 101 of 2009). The deadline for spreading slurry has therefore passed and the question of an extension does not now arise.
On 12 October, I announced that the green cover requirement for tillage farmers would be relaxed this winter so as to allow farmers to plough for spring cereals from 1 December next, rather than 15 January, as provided for in the Nitrates Regulations. This relaxation of the green cover requirement is for this winter only.
The planned review of the Nitrates Action Programme will provide an opportunity for all stakeholders to put forward their views on these issues. Any adjustment to Ireland's Nitrates Action Programme will require the agreement of the EU Commission.
1056 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the review and working groups under the remit of his Department created to deal with matters arising from the social partnership agreements; the terms of reference of each such group; the membership of each such group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38939/09]
Generally agriculture related provisions of social partnership agreements are dealt with through the Social Partnership Steering Committee or at Plenary Sessions.
To date, it has not been necessary to establish specific review or working groups to deal with agriculture related matters arising from these agreements, as it has been possible to implement the agreed provisions using the normal departmental structures and consultative processes. However, the departmental Partnership Committee, established in 1998 under the terms of Partnership 2000, has a role to play in overseeing the Public Service Pay and Modernisation elements of social partnership agreements.
1057 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan can expect to receive their REP scheme payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38947/09]
REPS 4 is a measure under the current Rural Development Programme 2007–13 and is subject to EU Regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications, including plan checks, to be completed before the first 2009 payments issue.
Processing of applications, including the application from the person named, has commenced to facilitate the release of payments at the earliest possible date.
1058 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan will receive their REP scheme payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38957/09]
REPS 4 is a measure under the current Rural Development Programme 2007–13 and is subject to EU Regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications, including plan checks, to be completed before the first 2009 payments issue.
Processing of applications, including the application from the person named, has commenced to facilitate the release of payments at the earliest possible date.
1059 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan will receive their REP scheme payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38958/09]
REPS 4 is a measure under the current Rural Development Programme 2007–13 and is subject to EU Regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications, including plan checks, to be completed before the first 2009 payments issue.
Processing of applications, including the application from the person named, has commenced to facilitate the release of payments at the earliest possible date.
1060 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food further to Parliamentary Question No. 457 of 23 June 2009 and the correspondence from his office dated 16 October 2009, if his Department has collated the data requested in view of the fact that his last letter indicated a deadline of 19 October 2009 for the completion of this task and the information is still not forthcoming; if his further attention has been drawn to the fact that the function of parliamentary questions is to receive replies from the Executive without delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38959/09]
The information requested by the Deputy was issued to him directly on 30 October 2009.
1061 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the details of the case of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary will be finalised; when a decision on the case for single farm payment will be made; when moneys owed will be awarded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38970/09]
An application under the 2009 Single Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 8 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. The 70% advance payment under the Single Payment will issue this week.
1062 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if REPS 4 will be transferred to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [38997/09]
I regret that the terms and conditions of REPS 4 preclude the transfer of a contract on the death of a participant. In such cases a contract is automatically terminated.
1063 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo was not notified of an error on their suckler cow welfare scheme application and if a payment will issue in respect of all of the remaining animals. [38998/09]
The person named has five animals for consideration under the 2008 Suckler Welfare Scheme. Payments totalling €400.00 have now issued for the five animals. Staff in the Suckler Welfare Section of my Department are systematically working through a large number of errors and this case had not yet been examined. The two errors in question had not been notified to the person named by the time the Agricultural Consultant raised the issue on 15 October 2009. As a result, the errors were amended on 20 October 2009, and payment of €160.00 was made on 30 October 2009.
1064 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of second year REPS 4 applications waiting on a payment on a county basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39012/09]
The number of participants awaiting their second-year payments in REPS 4 is set out in the table. REPS 4 is a measure under the current Rural Development Programme 2007–13 and is subject to EU Regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications to be completed before payments can issue.
|
County |
Number |
|
Carlow |
107 |
|
Cavan |
410 |
|
Clare |
576 |
|
Cork |
1,225 |
|
Donegal |
904 |
|
Dublin |
15 |
|
Galway |
1,305 |
|
Kerry |
843 |
|
Kildare |
125 |
|
Kilkenny |
251 |
|
Laois |
247 |
|
Leitrim |
325 |
|
Limerick |
474 |
|
Longford |
354 |
|
Louth |
86 |
|
Mayo |
1,296 |
|
Meath |
193 |
|
Monaghan |
362 |
|
Offaly |
285 |
|
Roscommon |
669 |
|
Sligo |
428 |
|
Tipperary (NR) |
298 |
|
Tipperary (SR) |
375 |
|
Waterford |
298 |
|
Westmeath |
244 |
|
Wexford |
302 |
|
Wicklow |
148 |
1065 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when administrative checks on applications for second year payment in REPS 4 will be completed; the percentage of applicants on a county basis who have been checked and cleared for payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39013/09]
REPS 4 is a measure under the current Rural Development Programme 2007–13 and is subject to EU Regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications, including plan checks, to be completed before the first 2009 payments issue.
The same rule applies both to new applications received in 2009 and to applications for second-year payments from those who joined in 2008. This means that all administrative checks on both have to be completed before any payments can be made to either group. At this stage I envisage that the 75% payments will start to be made in late November or early December. There are 12,145 applications for a second-year payment but it is not possible in the time available to provide a breakdown by county of those who have been checked and cleared for payment.
1066 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will report on the recent EU Agricultural Council meeting; if the issue of genetically modified foods, particularly the new variety of soya, was discussed at same; if Ireland voted on the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39131/09]
1067 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on introducing a new variety of genetically modified food products to Ireland particularly soya from North America; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39132/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1066 and 1067 together.
The rules governing the marketing and use of food and animal feed consisting of or containing genetically modified organisms within the Community are set down in EU legislation that has been jointly adopted by the European Parliament and Council of Ministers. This legislation is binding on all member states. In Ireland responsibility for the rules governing food rests with my colleagues in the Department of Health and Children while my Department has responsibility for the rules governing animal feed.
A very significant proportion of the protein diet for Irish livestock and poultry is derived from maize and soya crops and given that the availability of these crops to Irish importers is largely from genetically modified varieties it is inevitable that such crops would form part of animal feed diets. I am satisfied with the inclusion of such crops in animal feed diets once the varieties have been authorised in accordance with the aforementioned EU legislation. A central part of that legislation is the confirmation by the European Food Safety Authority that such genetically modified products are unlikely to have any adverse effects on human or animal health or the environment in the context of its intended use and that the GM products from which they are derived are as safe as their conventional counterparts.
At present there are no GM food-feed soya proposals awaiting Council of Ministers consideration for authorisation but three GM maize proposals were considered at the last Council of Agriculture Ministers meeting on 19 October. Since there was neither a qualified majority vote for or against the proposals, the proposals will now revert back to the EU Commission for a decision. Based on past experience the EU Commission is likely to authorise these events. Ireland abstained on the three votes.
1068 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will seek export refunds of meat products originating from the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39133/09]
An export refund is a subsidy paid to exporters of products from the EU to certain third countries. Export refunds vary in time by product sector and by the individual product. In the case of meat, export refunds at present apply to certain beef and poultry products. They do not apply for sheepmeat, while pigmeat refunds only apply for processed products. I have called for their extension to fresh and frozen pigmeat. I have been supported by a number of like-minded member states but to date the European Commission has not responded positively. I will continue to pursue the issue to help alleviate the current problems in the pigmeat market.
1069 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when funding under the European fisheries fund regulations will be made available to the fishing industry here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39170/09]
The European Fisheries Fund is used to fund expenditure under the EU Seafood Development Operational Programme 2007-2013. The OP was approved by the European Commission in September 2008.
The main item of expenditure under the OP relates to the Decommissioning Scheme under which 46 vessels have been decommissioned and €36.6m paid to vessel owners over 2008 and 2009. In total 6,913 GTs and 19,356 kWs have been taken out of the Irish sea-fishing fleet which means a greater share of quotas for those remaining in the industry.
Funding is also available under the OP for schemes in relation to the promotion of Environmental Management and Inshore Management. The implementing agency (BIM) has been engaging with the stakeholders during 2009 with a view to launching the Environmental Management Systems Scheme and the Inshore Management Scheme in the near future.
Provision has also been made under the OP in relation to assisting the setting up of Coastal Action Groups to support sustainable development and the improvement of quality of life in eligible fisheries areas. Meetings have taken place with Leader groups and Údarás na Gaeltachta and discussions are taking place on the remit and make up of the National Implementation Board who will oversee the setting up of the Coastal Action Groups. A public call for expression of interest in setting up coastal action groups will be advertised shortly.
1070 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon will receive their area based payment and single farm payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39189/09]
An application under the Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on the 13 May 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 Areas Scheme will issue this week. The person concerned does not hold Single Payment Scheme entitlements and is, therefore, not due any payment under this scheme.
1071 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Galway will receive their area based payment and single farm payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39190/09]
An application in respect of the 2009 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 20 April 2009. Processing of the application revealed that one of the land parcels declared by the person named had also been claimed by another scheme applicant. In keeping with standard processing procedures, both parties were written to and asked to clarify the position regarding their entitlement to claim the parcel in question. However, the matter has not been resolved to date. It is understood that the parcel in question is jointly owned by a number of members of the same family. In the circumstances, pending the outcome of the decision as to which applicant is entitled to declare the parcel in question, the area involved has been excluded from the application of the person named to allow payment issue under both the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme and Single Payment Scheme on the remainder of the land claimed on the application.
1072 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the area based payment and single farm payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39193/09]
An application under the Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 13 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 Areas Scheme and the 70% advance payment under the Single Payment Scheme will issue this week.
1073 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan will expect to receive their REP scheme payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39224/09]
REPS 4 is a measure under the current Rural Development Programme 2007–13 and is subject to EU Regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications, including plan checks, to be completed before the first 2009 payments issue. Processing of applications, including the application from the person named, has commenced to facilitate the release of payments at the earliest possible date.
1074 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, in accordance with the correspondence to him dated 27 July 2009, he will consider the proposal in the context of the allocation of additional funds by way of modulation in relation to sheep producers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39411/09]
Under the agreement reached in November 2008 on the Health Check of the CAP, together with support from several of my counterparts in other member states, I secured approval to use previously inaccessible unspent Single Payment System funds to address, among other things, specific disadvantages affecting certain sectors in economically vulnerable or environmentally sensitive areas.
Resulting from this agreement, Ireland gained access to in the region of €25 million in additional funding for each of the next three years 2010, 2011 and 2012 for these targeted measures. Mindful of the particular difficulties in the sheep sector, I decided to allocate €18 of the available funds each year, for the next three years, on a Grassland Scheme to support incomes in the sheep sector. In addition to this agreement, I successfully negotiated for the use of the national reserve element of these funds from 2009. In this regard, I have already announced that approximately €7 million will be paid to hill sheep farmers as a once off payment in 2009, in the form of an Uplands Sheep Payment, benefiting approximately 13,000 hill sheep farmers.
1075 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Science the action he will take in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39374/09]
The purpose of the School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Needs is to provide a reasonable level of transport service for children with a diagnosed disability and/or special educational need, who, because of the nature of their disability, may not be in a position to avail of a school bus service which would be time-tabled to pick up other children along the route of service.
Where the provision of a reasonable level of transport service is not possible or where the costs of providing such a service is prohibitive, grant-aid towards the cost of private transport arrangements may be provided.
My Department has sanctioned the maximum rate of transport grant available towards the cost of private transport to the family referred to in the details supplied.
However, in view of the particular concerns outlined by the Deputy my Department has requested Bus Éireann, which operates the School Transport Scheme on behalf of my Department, for an up-to-date report in relation to this case. Following receipt of this report, the family in question will be notified.
1076 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Science if a placement in the autism unit at a school in County Wexford or, alternatively a home tuition grant will be provided in respect of a child (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37908/09]
The Deputy will be aware that the enrolment of a child in a school is a matter in the first instance for the parents of the child and the Board of Management of the school concerned. An appeal under Section 29 of the Education Act 1998 has been lodged in respect of the child referred to by the Deputy.
There is currently a placement available for the child in question in another school. Home tuition funding is only considered in the absence of such a placement.
1077 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the effect a change in a school route is having in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly; the reason for these changes; if he will reconsider reinstating the original route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37943/09]
The planning and organising of school bus routes is an operational matter for Bus Éireann.
School bus routes are planned in such a way as to ensure that, as far as possible, eligible pupils have a reasonable level of service while at the same time, ensuring that school transport vehicles are fully utilised in an efficient and cost effective manner.
A change to an existing route may be necessary for operational reasons or to reflect changing travel patterns in terms of numbers and location of pupils seeking transport. Such changes could affect the location of pick-up points, the timetable of the service, and travelling and waiting times for some children. However, where changes are necessary, services are generally planned in such a way that these children will have a service within the guidelines of the school transport schemes.
The Transport Liaison Officer for county Westmeath has advised that the pupil referred to by the Deputy, in the details supplied, resides 2 kilometres from the existing pick up point which is within the guidelines of the school transport scheme.
1078 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if a person (details supplied) in County Kerry is entitled to an allowance. [37957/09]
Primary teachers working in schools that are classified as Gaeltacht or All Irish schools and where teaching is through the medium of Irish may be entitled to the payment of additional allowances for teaching through Irish.
The school in which the person referred to by the Deputy was based is not classified as a Gaeltacht or an All Irish school and accordingly the person was not entitled to payment for any additional allowances for the period referred to.
1079 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 1207 of 6 October 2009, when his future planning unit within his Department will liaise closely with local authorities to establish the location, scale and pace of any proposed major housing developments and their possible implications for school provision; if the latest global positioning system information has been supplied to the planning authorities concerned; if the elected members of such authorities have been informed of such information before development plans; and if they will be prepared and agreed. [37977/09]
A Code of Practice in relation to "The Provision of Schools and the Planning System", which was published in July 2008 sets out the best practice approaches that should be followed by planning authorities and by my Department in ensuring that the planning system plays its full part in facilitating the timely and cost-effective provision of school facilities.
This Code of Practice, which was published as a statutory planning guideline, sets out the fundamental principles or agreed actions that will foster greater partnership between the planning authorities and my Department. These principles include:
1. Forecasting Future Education Demand,
2. Planning for New Schools through Local Authority Development Plans,
3. Planning Considerations relating to the location of schools,
4. Site Development Standards,
5. School Development Proposals and the Development Management Process,
6. School Site Identification and Acquisition.
There is ongoing close liaison and co-operation between my Department's Planning and Building Unit and the local authorities in relation to future school developments. This of course includes consideration of data on the location, rate, scale and pace of current and planned residential developments and the likely impact such developments would have on the schools infrastructure. This level of close co-operation is underpinned by the Code of Practice.
Officials from the Forward Planning Section of my Department recently met with some local authorities with a view to exploring the possibility of sharing the data on Geographical Information Systems as a further aid to the school planning process. This will be pursued further by my Department and the local authorities.
1080 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Education and Science the cost per year since 1995 to date in 2009 for rental of prefabricated classrooms for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 7; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37980/09]
Firstly, the position generally in relation to rental of prefabricated accommodation in schools is that my Department provides grant-aid towards the provision of temporary school accommodation (not limited to prefabs) to the management authorities of education providers where it is established that a need for such temporary accommodation exists. Such grant-aid is paid at a rate of 95% for schools with permanent recognition and 75% for schools with provisional recognition. Schools are expected to pay a local contribution of the balance, with an annual threshold on the local contribution of €3,175.
Generally, where schools require temporary accommodation, the Board of Management is responsible for acquiring temporary accommodation and the rental contract is between the Board of Management and the supplying contractor.
According to my Department's records, the school has received an amount of approximately €280,000 rental grant-aid for temporary accommodation and site rental from June 1997 to date.
1081 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 1192 of 6 October 2009, the number of appeals taken under section 29 of the Education Act 1998 in each of the past five years; the number relating to appeals taken for suspensions and expulsions alone; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37973/09]
Section 29 of the Education Act 1998, provides parents with an appeal process where a Board of Management of a school, or a person acting on behalf of the Board, expels, suspends for a period greater than 20 days, or refuses to enrol a student. In these circumstances, the school is obliged to inform parents of their right under Section 29 of Education Act 1998 to appeal that decision. Where the school is established or maintained by a VEC an appeal shall lie in the first instance to the VEC and thereafter to the Secretary General of my Department. Only where an appeal under Section 29 is upheld can the Secretary General of my Department direct a school to enrol or re-instate a pupil.
In answer to Parliamentary Question No. 1192 of 6 October 2009, I set out the total number of appeals taken in each of the last five years. The information requested by the Deputy specifically in relation to appeals taken for suspensions and expulsions alone is included in the table. I have set out the total number of appeals against suspension and expulsion admitted by the Department for each of the last five full years, the total number that proceeded to full hearing and the determination.
|
Expulsion |
Total |
Number that went to hearing |
Upheld at Hearing |
Not Upheld at Hearing |
|
2004 |
54 |
29 |
10 |
19 |
|
2005 |
80 |
58 |
13 |
45 |
|
2006 |
91 |
69 |
23 |
46 |
|
2007 |
76 |
55 |
13 |
42 |
|
2008 |
84 |
76 |
24 |
52 |
|
Expulsion |
Total |
Number that went to hearing |
Upheld at Hearing |
Not Upheld at Hearing |
|
2004 |
7 |
5 |
2 |
3 |
|
2005 |
13 |
10 |
5 |
5 |
|
2006 |
8 |
5 |
1 |
4 |
|
2007 |
11 |
6 |
3 |
3 |
|
2008 |
22 |
14 |
9 |
5 |
1082 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the search for a site in respect of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 11 the locations that have been looked at; and if a centre will be considered. [37989/09]
I wish to advise the Deputy that a suitable site for the school in question was identified at Tolka Valley Road, Finglas. However, it was not possible to conclude the transaction at that time. The school authorities have recently written to my Department in relation to a possible alternative location. It is intended that my officials will meet with the school authorities to discuss same.
1083 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of secondary schools that have dropped science subjects and or merged higher and ordinary level maths in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38002/09]
Schools make an annual return to my Department of students enrolled as at 30 September in the year concerned. This data shows the subjects studied by students. This information does not provide details of how students are grouped in classes for particular subjects or subject levels. The processing of 2009/2010 data has just commenced and will not be completed until into 2010. At that point I should be able to provide the Deputy with information on total number of schools where specific science subjects are provided and the same data for 2008/2009 as a comparator. I do not expect to be able to provide this data related to the uptake of science subjects in schools below the aggregate number of schools.
1084 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the recent practice in some secondary schools in which students are selected by way of lottery for some subjects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38003/09]
Teacher allocations to all second level schools are approved annually by my Department in accordance with established rules based on recognised pupil enrolment. In accordance with these rules each school management authority is required to organise its subject options within the limit of its approved teacher allocation. The deployment of teaching staff in the school, the range of subjects offered and ultimately the quality of teaching and learning are in the first instance a matter for the school management authorities. In accordance with existing arrangements, where a school management authority is unable to meet its curricular commitments within its approved allocation, my Department considers applications for additional short term support through curricular concessions. This concession is available as a short term support for teaching in specific curricular areas affected by skills shortfalls or by staff allocation reductions which it has not yet been possible for the school management to meet within allocation and which it has not yet been possible to resolve through the normal planning and management processes.
The allocation processes also include appellate mechanisms under which schools can appeal against the allocation due to them under the staffing schedules. The Board of Management of a school can submit an appeal under certain criteria to an independent Appeal Board which was established specifically to adjudicate on appeals on staffing allocations in post-primary schools. This Board operates independently of my Department.
The Revised Programme for Government commits the Government to no further increase in the pupil-teacher ratio in primary and second level schools for the lifetime of this Government. Under the revised programme we will provide 500 teaching posts between primary and second levels over the next three years.
These posts will be allocated to the schools that are most seriously affected by the recent increase in the PTR, using objective criteria which will be agreed in advance in consultation with the education partners.
1085 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has information that shows the level of turnover of teachers in DEIS schools here; if it is more likely that a teacher in a DEIS school requests a transfer within their panel area or moves to a new teaching post in another part of the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38016/09]
The recruitment, selection and appointment of teachers to all primary schools is a matter for each individual school board of management as employer. While my Department operates a payroll service for teachers employed in schools it does not maintain records on the level of turnover or transfer of those teachers between schools.
The main purpose of the existing redeployment panel system is to facilitate the transfer of permanent teachers who are deemed surplus in one school to other schools that have vacancies. The redeployment panel system is not designed to facilitate the voluntary transfer of teachers between schools. Panels are determined by the patronage of the school and the final decision to admit a teacher to the panel rests with the Patron.
1086 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will respond to correspondence from a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24 of 12 September 2009 in connection with a school and the outstanding money that has not been provided to the school to complete their building work; the action he will take in relation to issues referred to in this correspondence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38015/09]
1177 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding his contact with a school (details supplied) in Dublin 24, in respect of the refurbishment work at the school; his response to the recent exchange of correspondence between the school and his Department’s planning and modernisation unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39181/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1086 and 1177 together.
The bulk of the funding due for payment under the terms of the contract between the school and the contractor for this project has issued to the school on foot of appropriate certification that certain works have been completed. This is a normal requirement before funding can be provided in relation to school projects.
The dismissal of the Consultant Architect by the school has created difficulties in relation to final certification of the satisfactory completion of the project and, consequently, payment of the balance of funding due. My Department has written to the Principal and Chairperson of the board of management of the school in question addressing a number of issues regarding their school project. Professional and Technical staff from the Department will visit the school in the coming weeks to assess the situation in relation to the current status of building. Department officials will continue to work with the school authority with a view to ensuring a satisfactory outcome to the current situation.
1087 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on recent data provided by an association (details supplied) which suggested that some secondary schools are not offering science subjects and reducing the availability of higher level maths as a result of recent cutbacks; the action he will take to address this issue in view of the fact that Ireland ranks 14th and 16th respectively out of 30 OECD countries in terms of science and maths literacy for 15 year olds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38018/09]
The 2009 Budget required difficult choices to be made across all areas of public expenditure. Decisions were made in order to control expenditure and to ensure sustainability in the long term. While education was protected to a much greater extent than most other areas of public expenditure, it could not be entirely spared. I have always accepted and acknowledged that the decision in the Budget last October to increase the pupil-teacher ratio across all second-level schools will have an impact on teacher numbers, class sizes and subject choices in our post-primary schools from the commencement of the 2009/10 school year.
Teacher allocations to schools are approved annually by my Department in accordance with established rules based on recognised pupil enrolment. The deployment of teaching staff, the range of subjects offered and approaches to class grouping are matters for local decision by school management. Where a school management authority is unable to meet its curricular commitments within its approved allocation, my Department considers applications for additional short term support i.e. curricular concessions. This concession is available as a short term support to enable essential curricular provision to continue.
The Revised Programme for Government commits the Government to no further increase in the pupil-teacher ratio in primary and second level schools for the lifetime of this Government. Under the revised programme we will provide 500 teaching posts between primary and second levels over the next three years. My Department will be consulting with the education partners in relation to the allocation of these additional posts.
Given the current financial situation the country faces, it is imperative that we deploy staff and other resources in the most effective way across the education sector.
In the OECD Pisa (Programme of International Student Assessment) 2006 study of 15 year olds across 57 countries, Ireland performs at the OECD average in Maths and significantly above average in science. A major programme of reform in Maths in second level schools is being rolled out under Project Maths. Professional development programmes are currently happening throughout the country for teachers as a preface to a major programme of reform in the teaching of Maths which will begin in 2010/11 in junior and senior cycle. This will change how mathematics is taught in our schools on a phased basis in the years ahead. Project Maths is designed to teach Mathematics in a way which promotes real understanding, where students can appreciate the relevance of what they are learning and its application to everyday life, and how mathematics can be used to solve problems. Some €3m in professional development for teachers is being invested in this area in 2009, and the investment will continue to at least 2013. The Government attaches key importance to improving standards in Mathematics. We are addressing this through investment in the critical area which impacts on learning, that is, the quality of teaching.
In regard to science, a revised syllabus in Junior Certificate science was introduced in 2003 placing a key emphasis on hands on investigative processes and the completion of some 30 mandatory experiments over the three year cycle 35% of the marks in the Junior Certificate are available for assessment of practical coursework. A major target in the Science Technology and Innovation Strategy is to continue this emphasis into senior cycle as part of a strategy to increase participation in the physical sciences to 20%. The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment has developed revised draft syllabuses in LC Physics, Chemistry and Biology and is currently trialling various assessment approaches. I look forward to receiving the Council's advice on science at an early date.
1088 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding a proposed new school project (details supplied) in County Cork. [38020/09]
The Forward Planning Section of my Department has carried out a study of the country to identify the areas where, due to demographic changes, there may be a requirement for significant additional school provision at both primary and post-primary levels over the coming years. This study has been conducted using data from the Central Statistics Office, the General Register Office and the Department of Social and Family Affairs in addition to recent schools' enrolment data.
Detailed analysis of the areas identified as most likely to have the greatest population growth and consequent school accommodation needs is now under way. Overall post-primary accommodation requirements in the Carrigaline area, including the case for the provision of a new Irish language post-primary school, is being considered in this context.
1089 Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the delay in the switching on of school lights outside a school (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38075/09]
As the Deputy may be aware, the lights to which he refers are part of a pedestrian crossing which was recently constructed in compliance with a planning condition for the school development.
The crossing has now been completed. As the pedestrian crossing is on a public road, the relevant Local Authority is responsible for the taking in charge of the crossing and arranging for its commissioning.
My Department has been in communication with the Local Authority, confirming that the crossing has been completed and discussing hand-over issues.
1090 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children who are currently on the waiting list for assistance under the National Educational Psychological Service scheme from both primary and secondary schools in County Clare; the length of time they are on the waiting list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38092/09]
I can inform the Deputy that all primary and post primary schools have access to psychological assessments either directly through my Department's National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) or through the Scheme for Commissioning Psychological Assessments (SCPA) which is administered by NEPS.
There are currently 156 psychologists employed in my Department's NEPS service and the recruitment of a further 13 psychologist is at an advanced stage. The Deputy will be aware that the Renewed Programme for Government commits to the continued expansion in the number of psychologists employed directly by NEPS. This will allow for the assignment of a NEPS psychologist to every primary and post-primary school in the country and for the deepening of support therein with particular emphasis on special needs units, classes and special schools.
NEPS does not keep waiting lists for assessments of children but in common with other psychological services encourages a staged assessment process whereby each school takes responsibility for initial assessment, educational planning and remedial intervention, in consultation with their assigned NEPS psychologist. Only if there is a failure to make reasonable progress in spite of the school's best efforts, will a child be referred for individual psychological assessment. This system allows the psychologists to give early attention to urgent cases and also to help many more children indirectly than could be seen individually.
The introduction of the General Allocation model for primary schools in 2005/06 means that children with high incidence special needs can get access to extra support without having to undergo an individual assessment .
Children who manifest very special or urgent needs in school and who have not been previously assessed by a psychologist and are brought to the attention of a NEPS psychologist by the Principal teacher will usually be assessed by the psychologist within that school term. Normally, principals of schools prioritise those children in need of psychological assessment in consultation with the assigned psychologist.
In the case of schools that do not currently have dedicated NEPS psychologists assigned to them, as I already mentioned, such schools have access to psychological assessments through the SCPA. Under this scheme, schools can commission assessments from a member of the panel of private practitioners approved by NEPS, and NEPS will pay the fees directly to the psychologist concerned.
Should school authorities have specific difficulties with regard to any of the foregoing I would suggest that they should contact the relevant local NEPS Regional Director, for whom contact details are also available on my Department's website.
1091 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will reverse the decision regarding pupil-teacher ratios in fee paying schools, which is discriminating against minority religion schools, many of which will be forced to close, depriving pupils and parents of the right to choose education in a Protestant or other minority religion school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38034/09]
The October Budget set out the changes in how all fee-charging schools are treated in relation to the number of publicly funded teaching posts they are allocated. With effect from 1 September 2009, teachers in all fee-charging schools are allocated at a pupil-teacher ratio of 20:1, which is a point higher than allocations in non fee-charging post-primary schools.
In view of the challenging economic circumstances that we are facing, I am not in a position to reverse this decision. This decision is justified on the basis that schools which have access to fees as an income source are in a better position to maintain services at a time when the public finances are under such severe pressure. Fee-charging schools can continue to employ additional teachers that they fund from their fee income.
I wish to advise the Deputy that I and my officials have met representatives from the Protestant education sector to discuss future funding arrangements for Protestant schools. In this context, I have expressed my willingness to consider any proposals that might be made to my Department that would enable the available funding to be focused and adjusted to more effectively meet the twin objectives of access for individuals and sustaining the schools that they wish to attend, particularly those in rural areas. I will continue to work with representatives of the Protestant educational sector to ensure that State funding made available to the Protestant community is targeted in the fairest way possible to meet the needs of their children and their schools.
1092 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the full extent of funds from the proceeds of the national lottery allocated to or through his Department in each of the past five years to date in 2009 and future years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38111/09]
Expenditure on a number of areas of my Department's Vote is part-financed from National Lottery funding.
In the years 2004 to 2008 the vast majority of such funding, disbursed by my Department, arose from the payment of grants to support Youth Services. With effect from 1 January 2009 functions in relation to Youth Affairs Section, including funding, were transferred from my Department to the Department of Health and Children. National Lottery funds were also disbursed by my Department to support Local Drugs Task Forces, Cultural Activities, the Irish Language and Adult Education Organisations during those years.
Details of expenditure under the above areas is contained in the annual Appropriation Accounts of my Department which are published by the Comptroller and Auditor General, relevant extracts from which are provided in tabular form in the following spreadsheet. This information covers the period 2004 to 2008 inclusive. Details of expenditure for 2009 are not yet available. The Revised Estimates Volume published by the Department of Finance contains summary details of programmes part-financed by the National Lottery and disbursed by relevant Government Departments and Offices. The Revised Estimates Volume provides these expenditure details solely at subhead level and identifies the aggregate amount of National Lottery funding towards the programmes in question and the amount of Exchequer funding. For example, the Revised Estimates Volume for 2009 identifies that a total of approximately €472 million was allocated in 2008 to programmes which are part-financed by National Lottery funding, some €265 million from the National Lottery and the remaining €207 million from the Exchequer.
My Department has commenced the process of preparing budgets for 2010 and the funding from National Lottery sources will be considered in that context.
If the Deputy has a particular interest in an organisation/project funded by National Lottery funds I would be happy to have my officials obtain the relevant details and communicate them to him.
|
Payments in the year ended 31 December 2004 |
|
|---|---|
|
National Lottery Voted Funds |
€ |
|
General expenses of Youth Organisations and other Expenditure in Relation to Youth Activities |
28,621,869 |
|
Cultural Activities |
258,600 |
|
Irish Language |
1,217,320 |
|
Expenses of Adult Education Organisations |
822,000 |
|
30,919,789 |
|
|
Analysis of Payments from the Grant-in-Aid Fund for General Expenses of Youth Organisations and other Expenditure in relation to Youth Activities |
|
|
Grants to Youth Organisations (Schedule A) |
10,174,490 |
|
Other Projects under Disadvantaged Youth (Schedule B) |
207,073 |
|
Special Project for Youth Schemes |
12,797,176 |
|
Youth Information Centres |
1,683,750 |
|
Gaisce — President’s Award Scheme |
580,000 |
|
Local Voluntary Youth Councils |
71,500 |
|
Local Youth Club Grants Scheme |
1,270,004 |
|
Co-operation Ireland |
47,767 |
|
Causeway |
88,404 |
|
Youth Card/USIT |
5,224 |
|
Miscellaneous — Youth Information |
8,333 |
|
Leargas |
451,870 |
|
National Youth Health Programme |
78,796 |
|
National Youth Arts Programme |
33,400 |
|
National Youth Work Development Plan |
500,000 |
|
National Youth Work Advisory Committee |
12,608 |
|
ICTU Officer |
9,000 |
|
Maynooth Diploma Course |
105,000 |
|
Miscellaneous |
21,671 |
|
National Youth Council of Ireland |
4,000 |
|
Council of Europe English Language Course |
41,100 |
|
Ogras |
9,500 |
|
European Contest to evaluate Youth Programme |
5,000 |
|
Clare Youth Service |
25,000 |
|
Lough Gur Youth Project Co Limerick |
32,000 |
|
Young Mothers in Education Project, Galway |
25,000 |
|
Young Travellers Project, Tallaght |
15,000 |
|
National Association of Travellers Centres |
30,000 |
|
Little Red Kettle Youth Project Waterford |
20,000 |
|
Roscrea 2000 Youth Project |
20,000 |
|
Cobh Youth Services |
30,000 |
|
Citywise Youth Project, Co Dublin |
10,000 |
|
NUI Maynooth |
10,000 |
|
EU Presidency Officer NYCI |
12,000 |
|
Catholic Youth Care |
100,000 |
|
No Name Club |
14,084 |
|
Nenagh Community Youth Project |
24,373 |
|
Meath Youth Together Project |
24,373 |
|
Ballaghadereen Youth Project |
24,373 |
|
Total |
28,621,869 |
|
Cultural Activities |
|
|
Cultural Organisations (Schedule C) |
258,600 |
|
Irish Language |
|
|
Publications in Irish |
66,000 |
|
Courses in Irish |
1,151,320 |
|
Total |
1,217,320 |
|
Expenses of Adult Education Organisations |
|
|
Aontas |
413,000 |
|
Irish Countrywomen’s Association |
23,000 |
|
National Adult Literacy Agency |
289,000 |
|
People’s College |
97,000 |
|
Total |
822,000 |
|
Schedule A: Grants to Youth Organisations |
|
|
An Óige |
203,317 |
|
Athlone Community Services |
41,479 |
|
Catholic Guides of Ireland |
290,481 |
|
Catholic Youth Care |
957,055 |
|
Church of Ireland Youth Department |
200,140 |
|
Comhthreanáil na nOgeagrais Gaeilge |
15,761 |
|
Confederation of Peace Corps |
86,130 |
|
ECO — UNESCO Club |
136,635 |
|
Experiment in International Living |
30,000 |
|
Feachtas |
99,185 |
|
Foróige |
1,894,830 |
|
Girls’ Brigade |
48,772 |
|
Irish Girl Guides |
415,662 |
|
Junior Chamber Ireland |
19,085 |
|
Macra Na Feirme |
503,212 |
|
National Association for Youth Drama |
112,253 |
|
National Federation of Archery Clubs |
60,192 |
|
National Youth Council of Ireland |
571,789 |
|
National Youth Federation |
2,215,476 |
|
No Name Club |
115,916 |
|
Ogra, Chorcaí |
614,926 |
|
Ogras |
208,677 |
|
Order of Malta |
53,303 |
|
Scouting Ireland |
958,544 |
|
Voluntary Services International |
90,882 |
|
Young Christian Workers |
106,329 |
|
YMCA |
124,459 |
|
Total |
10,174,490 |
|
Schedule B: Special Projects for Youth |
|
|
City of Dublin Youth Board — Annual Grant |
109,587 |
|
Ronanstown Initiative |
13,000 |
|
Sheelin Project, Co. Cavan VEC |
11,213 |
|
Foróige Officer, North Co. Dublin |
43,149 |
|
Foróige Officer, Co. Donegal VEC |
30,124 |
|
Total |
207,073 |
|
Schedule C: Analysis of Payments from the Grant-in-Aid Fund for General Expenses of Cultural, Scientific, and Educational Organisations |
|
|
Foras Éireann |
12,700 |
|
Irish Film Institute |
14,000 |
|
National Youth Orchestra of Ireland |
127,000 |
|
School Recital Scheme |
10,800 |
|
Slógadh |
5,100 |
|
Feis Maitiu |
44,500 |
|
Artane School of Music |
44,500 |
|
Total |
258,600 |
|
Payments in the year ended 31 December 2005 |
|
|---|---|
|
National Lottery Voted Funds |
€ |
|
General Expenses of Youth Organisations and Other Expenditure in Relation to Youth Activities (Subhead B.9.) |
33,885,122 |
|
Cultural Activities ( Subhead B.14.) |
253,500 |
|
Irish Language ( Subhead B.10.) |
1,203,112 |
|
Expenses of Adult Education Organisations ( Subhead B.1.) |
848,000 |
|
36,189,734 |
|
|
Analysis of Payments from the Grant-in-Aid Fund for General Expenses of Youth Organisations and Other Expenditure in relation to Youth Activities |
|
|
An Óige |
200,000 |
|
Ballinrobe Area Youth Project, Co Mayo |
25,000 |
|
Blanchardstown Youth Service Computer Clubhouse |
60,000 |
|
Cahir Youth Project, Co Tipperary |
12,500 |
|
Carrigtwohill Area Youth Project, Co. Cork |
25,000 |
|
Causeway |
89,052 |
|
Child Protection Training |
118,114 |
|
Citywise Youth Project, Co.Dublin |
12,500 |
|
Co. Longford Youth Services |
46,000 |
|
Cobh Youth Services |
46,000 |
|
Co-operation Ireland |
50,155 |
|
Council of Europe English Language Course |
42,700 |
|
Credit paid over from suspense account |
(73) |
|
Daybreak Programme |
46,000 |
|
Development Fund for Youth Organisations funded under the Youth Service Grant Scheme |
300,639 |
|
Dunmore/Glenamaddy Youth Project Co. Galway |
15,000 |
|
European Children’s Theatre Encounter, Cork |
30,000 |
|
Fethard Area Youth Project, Co Tipperary |
25,000 |
|
Foroige |
52,750 |
|
Gaisce — President’s Award Scheme |
730,000 |
|
Girls Brigade |
20,000 |
|
Graiguecullen Youth Project |
46,000 |
|
Grants to Youth Organisations (Schedule A) |
10,965,762 |
|
Gweedore Youth Project, Co.Donegal |
25,000 |
|
Introart |
18,000 |
|
Irish Deaf Youth Association, Dublin |
25,000 |
|
Irish Girl Guides |
50,000 |
|
Kildare Youth Project |
46,000 |
|
Leargas |
506,855 |
|
Leargas Youth Week, 2005 |
20,989 |
|
Local Voluntary Youth Councils |
65,000 |
|
Local Youth Club Grants Scheme |
1,270,004 |
|
Mid-Way Youth Project, Co Waterford |
25,000 |
|
Miscellaneous |
6,315 |
|
Miscellaneous — Youth Information |
6,245 |
|
National Association of Traveller Centres |
21,000 |
|
National Youth Arts Programme |
63,400 |
|
National Youth Conference |
11,946 |
|
National Youth Council of Ireland |
51,000 |
|
National Youth Council of Ireland |
30,000 |
|
National Youth Federation |
5,000 |
|
National Youth Health Programme |
98,787 |
|
National Youth Work Advisory Committee |
11,167 |
|
National Youth Work Development Plan |
460,000 |
|
Ogras |
4,400 |
|
Order of Malta |
16,000 |
|
Other Projects under Disadvantaged Youth (Schedule B) |
223,637 |
|
Rathmines Area Youth Project |
25,000 |
|
Review of Youth Information Services |
57,626 |
|
Review of Youth Work |
71,684 |
|
Scouting Ireland |
42,000 |
|
Services to Young Travellers, Tallaght |
46,000 |
|
Shannon Youth Project |
46,000 |
|
Sliabh Luachra Youth Project |
46,000 |
|
Special Project for Youth Schemes |
14,588,023 |
|
The Blue Box Creative Learning Centre |
46,000 |
|
Tipperary Regional Youth Service |
2,400 |
|
Transition Support Project, Dublin |
46,000 |
|
Traveller Visibility Group, Cork |
25,000 |
|
Waterford Youth Committee Transport Project |
25,000 |
|
Waterford/Dungarvan Youth Information Centre |
20,000 |
|
YMCA Project, Dublin |
12,500 |
|
Young Citizen Award |
19,975 |
|
Young Mothers in Education Project, Galway |
25,000 |
|
Youth Card/USIT |
5,618 |
|
Youth Development Officer posts for VEC’s |
635,002 |
|
Youth Information Centres |
1,926,450 |
|
Total |
33,885,122 |
|
Cultural Activities |
|
|
Cultural Organisations (Schedule C) |
253,500 |
|
Irish Language |
|
|
Courses in Irish |
69,000 |
|
Publications in Irish |
1,134,112 |
|
Total |
1,203,112 |
|
Expenses of Adult Education Organisations |
|
|
Aontas |
430,000 |
|
Irish Countrywomen’s Association |
23,000 |
|
National Adult Literacy Agency |
298,000 |
|
People’s College |
97,000 |
|
Total |
848,000 |
|
Schedule A: Grants to Youth Organisations |
|
|
An Óige |
219,583 |
|
Athlone Community Services |
44,797 |
|
Catholic Guides of Ireland |
313,719 |
|
Catholic Youth Care |
1,033,620 |
|
Church of Ireland Youth Department |
216,151 |
|
Comhthraenáil na nOgeagrais Gaeilge |
17,022 |
|
Confederation of Peace Corps |
93,021 |
|
ECO — UNESCO Club |
147,566 |
|
Experiment in International Living |
32,400 |
|
Feachtas |
107,120 |
|
Foróige |
2,046,417 |
|
Girls’ Brigade |
52,674 |
|
Irish Girl Guides |
448,915 |
|
Junior Chamber Ireland |
20,612 |
|
Macra Na Feirme |
543,469 |
|
National Association for Youth Drama |
121,234 |
|
National Federation of Archery Clubs |
65,008 |
|
National Youth Council of Ireland |
617,532 |
|
National Youth Federation |
2,392,714 |
|
No Name Club |
102,500 |
|
Ogra, Chorcaí |
664,120 |
|
Ogras |
225,371 |
|
Order of Malta |
57,567 |
|
Scouting Ireland |
1,035,227 |
|
Voluntary Services International |
98,152 |
|
Young Christian Workers |
114,835 |
|
YMCA |
134,416 |
|
Total |
10,965,762 |
|
Schedule B: Special Projects for Youth |
|
|
City of Dublin Youth Service Board — Annual Grant |
118,354 |
|
Foróige Development Officer, North Co Dublin |
46,600 |
|
Foróige Development Officer, Co Donegal VEC |
32,533 |
|
Ronanstown Pilot Project |
14,040 |
|
Sheelin Project, Co Cavan VEC |
12,110 |
|
Total |
223,637 |
|
Schedule C: Analysis of Payments from the Grant-in-Aid Fund for General Expenses of Cultural, Scientific and Educational Organisations |
|
|
Artane School of Music |
44,500 |
|
Feis Maitiu |
44,500 |
|
Foras Éireann |
12,700 |
|
Irish Film Institute |
14,000 |
|
National Youth Orchestra of Ireland |
127,000 |
|
School Recital Scheme |
10,800 |
|
Total |
253,500 |
|
Payments in the year ended 31 December 2006 |
|
|---|---|
|
National Lottery Voted Funds |
€ |
|
General Expenses of Youth Organisations and Other Expenditure in Relation to Youth Activities (Subhead B.9.) |
36,664,106 |
|
Cultural Activities (Subhead B.14.) |
229,200 |
|
Irish Language (Subhead B.10.) |
1,227,837 |
|
Expenses of Adult Education Organisations (Subhead B.1.) |
891,000 |
|
Total |
39,012,143 |
|
Analysis of Payments from the Grant-in-Aid Fund for General Expenses of Youth Organisations and Other Expenditure in relation to Youth Activities |
|
|
Assessor of Youth Work — Salary Costs |
29,144 |
|
Ballaghadereen Youth Project |
50,000 |
|
Ballyphehane/Greenmount Project, Cork City |
10,000 |
|
Belvedere Youth Project, Dublin |
50,000 |
|
Bishopstown Youth Project, Cork City |
50,000 |
|
Blanchardstown Youth Service Computer Clubhouse |
20,000 |
|
Boys Brigade |
5,000 |
|
Carrigtwohill Area Youth Project, Co. Cork |
50,000 |
|
Catholic Guides |
15,000 |
|
Catholic Youth Care |
32,250 |
|
Causeway |
89,246 |
|
Cavan RAPID Project |
50,000 |
|
Child Protection Training |
145,481 |
|
Church of Ireland Youth Department |
15,000 |
|
Co-operation Ireland |
52,663 |
|
Council of Europe English Language Course |
45,000 |
|
Curragh Youth Project, Co. Kildare |
60,000 |
|
Development Fund for Youth Work Organisations |
|
|
under the Youth Service Grant Scheme |
252,530 |
|
Foróige |
4,500 |
|
Gaisce — President’s Award Scheme |
910,000 |
|
Gaisce — Funding towards 21st Century |
17,237 |
|
Girls Brigade |
3,000 |
|
Glen Youth Project, Cork City |
12,500 |
|
Grants to Youth Organisations (Schedule A) |
11,560,091 |
|
Gweedore Youth Project, Co.Donegal |
50,000 |
|
ICTU |
18,000 |
|
Irish Deaf Youth Association, Dublin |
50,000 |
|
Leargas |
547,655 |
|
Leargas Child Protection Seminar 2006 |
4,641 |
|
Local Voluntary Youth Councils |
65,000 |
|
Local Youth Club Grants Scheme |
635,002 |
|
Local Youth Club Grants Scheme — Administrative Costs |
63,000 |
|
Lough Gur Project, Co. Limerick |
25,000 |
|
Macra na Feirme |
10,000 |
|
Mahon Youth Project, Cork City |
12,500 |
|
Maynooth Diploma Course |
160,000 |
|
Milford Community Youth Project, Donegal |
50,000 |
|
Milstreet Youth Project, Co. Cork |
50,000 |
|
Miscellaneous Expenses |
6,555 |
|
Miscellaneous — Youth Information |
5,132 |
|
Mitchels Youth Work Project, Tralee |
50,000 |
|
National Association of Traveller Centres |
20,000 |
|
National Association of Youth Drama |
40,000 |
|
National Youth Arts Programme |
111,845 |
|
National Youth Conference |
21,061 |
|
National Youth Council of Ireland |
48,665 |
|
National Youth Council of Ireland — IS&W |
15,000 |
|
National Youth Health Programme |
103,736 |
|
National Youth Work Advisory Committee |
12,040 |
|
National Youth Work Development Plan |
433,200 |
|
Northside Youth Project, Drogheda |
50,000 |
|
North/South Youth work |
4,000 |
|
Ogras |
26,500 |
|
Order of Malta |
20,000 |
|
Other Projects under Disadvantaged Youth (Schedule B) |
276,598 |
|
Rathkeale Youth Project |
48,300 |
|
Rathmines Area Youth Project |
50,000 |
|
Review of Youth Work |
17,382 |
|
Scouting Ireland |
9,000 |
|
Special Project for Youth Schemes |
16,775,628 |
|
Strawberry Hill Youth Development Centre |
10,000 |
|
The Base Special Youth Programme, Ballyfermot |
50,000 |
|
The Hive Youth Café, New Ross |
50,000 |
|
Tramore Youth Project, Waterford |
50,000 |
|
YMCA Project, Dublin |
12,500 |
|
Young Irish Film Makers |
80,000 |
|
Young Mothers in Education Project, Galway |
50,000 |
|
Youth Card/USIT |
4,495 |
|
Youth Development Officer posts for VEC’s |
926,450 |
|
Youth Drop-in Centre, Carraroe, Co Galway |
50,000 |
|
Youth Information Centres |
1,966,579 |
|
Total |
36,664,106 |
|
Cultural Activities |
|
|
Cultural Organisations (Schedule C) |
229,200 |
|
Irish Language |
|
|
Courses in Irish |
1,227,837 |
|
Total |
1,227,837 |
|
Expenses of Adult Education Organisations |
|
|
Aontas |
452,000 |
|
Irish Countrywomen’s Association |
23,000 |
|
National Adult Literacy Agency |
314,000 |
|
People’s College |
102,000 |
|
Total |
891,000 |
|
Schedule A: Grants to Youth Organisations |
|
|
An Óige |
224,157 |
|
Athlone Community Services |
45,731 |
|
Boys Brigade |
50,000 |
|
Catholic Guides of Ireland |
320,255 |
|
Catholic Youth Care |
1,055,153 |
|
Church of Ireland Youth Department |
220,654 |
|
Comhthraenáil na nOgeagrais Gaeilge |
19,876 |
|
Confederation of Peace Corps |
104,959 |
|
ECO — UNESCO Club |
150,640 |
|
Experiment in International Living |
33,075 |
|
Feachtas |
109,351 |
|
Foróige |
2,319,001 |
|
Girls’ Brigade |
53,772 |
|
Irish Girl Guides |
458,267 |
|
Junior Chamber Ireland |
21,041 |
|
Macra Na Feirme |
554,792 |
|
National Association for Youth Drama |
123,759 |
|
National Federation of Archery Clubs |
66,362 |
|
National Youth Council of Ireland |
696,897 |
|
National Youth Federation (Youth Work Ireland) |
2,442,563 |
|
No Name Club |
109,562 |
|
Ogra, Chorcaí |
677,956 |
|
Ogras |
230,067 |
|
Order of Malta |
58,766 |
|
Scouting Ireland |
1,058,795 |
|
Voluntary Services International |
100,197 |
|
Young Christian Workers |
117,227 |
|
YMCA |
137,216 |
|
Total |
11,560,091 |
|
Schedule B: Special Projects for Youth |
|
|
City of Dublin Youth Service Board — Annual Grant |
120,820 |
|
Foróige Development Officer, North Co Dublin |
95,871 |
|
Foróige Development Officer, Co Donegal VEC |
33,211 |
|
Ronanstown Pilot Project |
14,333 |
|
Sheelin Project, Co Cavan VEC |
12,363 |
|
Total |
276,598 |
|
Schedule C: Analysis of Payments from the Grant-in-Aid Fund for General Expenses of Cultural, Scientific and Educational Organisations |
|
|
Artane School of Music |
45,000 |
|
Feis Maitiu |
44,500 |
|
Foras Éireann |
12,700 |
|
National Youth Orchestra of Ireland |
127,000 |
|
Total |
229,200 |
|
Payments in the year ended 31 December 2007 |
|
|---|---|
|
National Lottery Voted Funds |
€ |
|
General Expenses of Youth Organisations and Other Expenditure in Relation to Youth Activities (Subhead B.9.) |
42,616,671 |
|
Cultural Activities (Subhead B.14.) |
229,700 |
|
Irish Language (Subhead B.10.) |
1,178,401 |
|
Expenses of Adult Education Organisations (Subhead B.1.) |
929,000 |
|
Total |
44,953,772 |
|
Analysis of Payments from the Grant-in-Aid Fund for General Expenses of Youth Organisations and Other Expenditure in relation to Youth Activities ( Subhead B.9.) |
|
|
Assessor of Youth Work — Salary Costs |
79,124 |
|
Belvedere Youth Project, Dublin |
60,000 |
|
Causeway |
83,056 |
|
Child Protection Training |
142,267 |
|
Co-operation Ireland |
55,134 |
|
Council of Europe English Language Course |
45,000 |
|
Curragh Youth Project, Co. Kildare |
60,000 |
|
Development Fund for Youth Work Organisations |
450,969 |
|
Gaisce — President’s Award Scheme |
933,000 |
|
Garda Vetting |
300,000 |
|
Grants to Youth Organisations (Schedule A) |
12,698,180 |
|
Intercultural Strategy |
90,000 |
|
Irish Girl Guides |
35,250 |
|
Leargas |
692,242 |
|
Local Voluntary Youth Councils |
65,000 |
|
Local Youth Club Grants Scheme |
1,600,003 |
|
Local Youth Club Grants Scheme — Administrative Costs |
63,000 |
|
Maynooth Diploma Course |
165,000 |
|
Milford Community Youth Project, Co. Donegal |
13,500 |
|
Miscellaneous Expenses |
17,235 |
|
Miscellaneous — Youth Information |
8,365 |
|
National Association of Youth Drama |
45,000 |
|
National Youth Arts Programme |
127,000 |
|
National Youth Council of Ireland |
15,000 |
|
National Youth Health Programme |
123,500 |
|
National Youth Work Advisory Committee |
8,568 |
|
No Name Club |
101,663 |
|
North/South Youth Work |
5,505 |
|
Ogras |
24,600 |
|
Other Projects under Disadvantaged Youth (Schedule B) |
349,264 |
|
Remember US Youth Project |
60,000 |
|
Scouting Ireland |
291,000 |
|
Skibberreen Youth Project, Co Cork |
13,500 |
|
Special Project for Youth Schemes |
19,910,652 |
|
VEC’s — Additional Programme Costs |
146,200 |
|
Young Irish Film Makers |
80,000 |
|
Young Mens Christian Association |
26,500 |
|
Youth Card/USIT |
4,640 |
|
Youth Officers — Capacity Development of VEC’s |
1,488,815 |
|
Youth Information Centres |
2,114,074 |
|
Youth Programme — External Evaluation |
24,865 |
|
Total |
42,616,671 |
|
Cultural Activities ( Subhead B.14.) |
|
|
Cultural Organisations (Schedule C) |
229,700 |
|
Irish Language ( Subhead B.10.) |
|
|
Courses in Irish |
1,178,401 |
|
Expenses of Adult Education Organisations ( Subhead B.1.) |
|
|
Aontas |
472,000 |
|
Irish Countrywomen’s Association |
23,000 |
|
National Adult Literacy Agency |
327,000 |
|
People’s College |
107,000 |
|
Total |
929,000 |
|
Schedule A: Grants to Youth Organisations ( Subhead B.9.) |
|
|
An Óige |
240,969 |
|
Athlone Community Services |
49,161 |
|
Boys Brigade |
75,250 |
|
Catholic Guides of Ireland |
344,274 |
|
Catholic Youth Care |
1,134,290 |
|
Church of Ireland Youth Department |
237,203 |
|
Comhthraenáil na nOgeagrais Gaeilge |
21,367 |
|
Confederation of Peace Corps |
171,956 |
|
ECO — UNESCO Club |
161,938 |
|
Experiment in International Living |
35,556 |
|
Feachtas |
117,552 |
|
Foróige |
2,492,926 |
|
Girls Brigade |
57,805 |
|
Irish Girl Guides |
562,512 |
|
Junior Chamber Ireland |
22,619 |
|
Macra na Feirme |
596,401 |
|
National Association for Youth Drama |
133,041 |
|
National Federation of Archery Clubs |
71,339 |
|
National Youth Council of Ireland |
787,539 |
|
No Name Club |
194,074 |
|
Ogra, Chorcaí |
728,803 |
|
Ogras |
247,322 |
|
Order of Malta |
63,173 |
|
Scouting Ireland |
1,144,117 |
|
Voluntary Services International |
107,712 |
|
Young Christian Workers |
126,019 |
|
YMCA |
147,507 |
|
Youth Work Ireland |
2,625,755 |
|
Total |
12,698,180 |
|
Schedule B: Special Projects for Youth ( Subhead B.9.) |
|
|
City of Dublin Youth Service Board — Annual Grant |
129,881 |
|
Foróige Development Officer, North Co. Dublin |
103,062 |
|
Foróige Development Officer, Co. Donegal VEC |
87,624 |
|
Ronanstown Pilot Project |
15,407 |
|
Sheelin Project, Co. Cavan VEC |
13,290 |
|
Total |
349,264 |
|
Schedule C: Analysis of Payments from the Grant-in-Aid Fund for General Expenses of Cultural, Scientific and Educational Organisations ( Subhead B.14.) |
|
|
Artane School of Music |
45,000 |
|
Feis Maitiu |
45,000 |
|
Foras Éireann |
12,700 |
|
National Youth Orchestra of Ireland |
127,000 |
|
Total |
229,700 |
|
Payments in the year ended 31 December 2008 |
|
|---|---|
|
National Lottery Voted Funds |
€ |
|
General Expenses of Youth Organisations and Other Expenditure in Relation to Youth Activities (Subhead B.9.) |
43,567,137 |
|
Cultural Activities (Subhead B.14.) |
229,700 |
|
Irish Language (Subhead B.10.) |
1,431,705 |
|
Expenses of Adult Education Organisations (Subhead B.1.) |
956,000 |
|
Total |
46,184,542 |
|
Analysis of Payments from the Grant-in-Aid Fund for General Expenses of Youth Organisations and Other Expenditure in relation to Youth Activities (Subhead B.9.) |
|
|
Causeway, Exchange Programme |
72,298 |
|
Child Protection Unit |
125,380 |
|
Co-operation Ireland Exchange Programme |
49,270 |
|
City of Cork VEC |
36,035 |
|
Development of Quality Standards Framework |
30,613 |
|
Development Fund for Youth Work Organisations |
300,000 |
|
Gaisce — President’s Award Scheme |
956,000 |
|
Grants to Youth Organisations (Schedule A) |
13,465,132 |
|
Intercultural Strategy |
39,731 |
|
Leargas |
638,552 |
|
Local Voluntary Youth Councils |
58,500 |
|
Local Youth Club Grants Scheme |
1,800,000 |
|
Maynooth Diploma Course |
115,000 |
|
Maynooth Research |
50,000 |
|
Milford Community Youth Project, Co. Donegal |
15,000 |
|
Millstreet Youth Project/Club |
30,000 |
|
Miscellaneous Expenses |
4,498 |
|
Miscellaneous — Youth Information |
8,735 |
|
National Association of Youth Drama |
25,000 |
|
National Youth Arts Programme |
154,278 |
|
National Youth Health Programme |
142,000 |
|
National Youth Work Advisory Committee |
6,092 |
|
North/South Youth Work |
4,915 |
|
Other Projects including Disadvantaged Youth (Schedule B) |
21,381,006 |
|
Quality Standards Framework — Salary and related expenses |
89,771 |
|
Scouting Ireland |
8,900 |
|
The Fuse Youth Café, Co. Cork |
30,000 |
|
The Hive, Wexford |
25,000 |
|
VEC’s — Capacity Development — Youth Officers |
1,561,900 |
|
VEC’s — QSF Fund |
144,000 |
|
Youth Card/USIT |
4,164 |
|
Youth in Action Programme — Annual Declaration of Assurance — Leargas |
4,437 |
|
Youth Officers — ICTU |
9,000 |
|
Youth Information Centres |
2,166,930 |
|
Youth Information — Support Partnership |
15,000 |
|
Total |
43,567,137 |
|
Cultural Activities (Subhead B.14.) |
|
|
Cultural Organisations (Schedule C) |
229,700 |
|
Irish Language (Subhead B.10.) |
|
|
Courses in Irish |
1,431,705 |
|
Expenses of Adult Education Organisations (Subhead B.1.) |
|
|
Aontas |
487,000 |
|
Irish Countrywomen’s Association |
23,000 |
|
National Adult Literacy Agency |
336,000 |
|
People’s College |
110,000 |
|
Total |
956,000 |
|
Schedule A: Grants to Youth Organisations (Subhead B.9.) |
|
|
An Óige |
246,993 |
|
Athlone Community Services |
50,390 |
|
Boys Brigade |
78,631 |
|
Catholic Guides of Ireland |
354,381 |
|
Catholic Youth Care |
1,295,147 |
|
Church of Ireland Youth Department |
246,133 |
|
Comhthraenáil na nOgeagrais Gaeilge |
21,901 |
|
Confederation of Peace Corps |
176,255 |
|
ECO — UNESCO Club |
167,486 |
|
Experiment in International Living |
39,445 |
|
Feachtas |
121,991 |
|
Foróige |
2,590,249 |
|
Girls Brigade |
62,250 |
|
Irish Girl Guides |
596,575 |
|
Junior Chamber Ireland |
23,184 |
|
Macra na Feirme |
611,311 |
|
National Association for Youth Drama |
139,367 |
|
National Federation of Archery Clubs |
74,622 |
|
National Youth Council of Ireland |
807,227 |
|
No Name Club |
267,051 |
|
Ogra, Chorcaí |
749,023 |
|
Ogras |
255,005 |
|
Order of Malta |
66,252 |
|
Scouting Ireland |
1,202,720 |
|
Voluntary Services International |
111,905 |
|
Young Christian Workers |
130,669 |
|
YMCA |
210,570 |
|
Young Irish Film Makers |
47,000 |
|
Youth Work Ireland |
2,721,399 |
|
Total |
13,465,132 |
|
Schedule B: Special Projects for Youth (Subhead B.9.) |
|
|
Dun Laoghaire VEC |
501,901 |
|
City of Dublin VEC |
4,782,197 |
|
City of Cork VEC |
1,367,153 |
|
County Cork VEC |
476,672 |
|
City of Galway VEC |
1,128,766 |
|
Co. Galway VEC |
38,823 |
|
Co. Leitrim VEC |
39,109 |
|
City of Limerick VEC |
482,143 |
|
Co. Limerick VEC |
405,728 |
|
City of Waterford VEC |
1,202,187 |
|
County Dublin VEC |
2,745,071 |
|
Co. Wicklow VEC |
300,815 |
|
Co. Kerry VEC |
247,235 |
|
Co. Tipperary VEC |
230,000 |
|
Catholic Youth Care |
37,991 |
|
National Association of Travellers Centres |
871,393 |
|
Youth Work Ireland |
5,605,293 |
|
Offaly County Council |
60,240 |
|
Tionscadal Oibre don Ogra |
76,364 |
|
Health Service Executive |
61,500 |
|
Co. Donegal VEC |
106,441 |
|
Co. Wexford VEC |
115,000 |
|
Co. Longford VEC |
106,441 |
|
City of Dublin Youth Service Board — Annual Grant |
133,128 |
|
Foróige Development Officer, North Co. Dublin |
115,000 |
|
Foróige Development Officer, Co. Donegal VEC |
115,000 |
|
Ronanstown Pilot Project |
15,793 |
|
Sheelin Project, Co. Cavan VEC |
13,622 |
|
Total |
21,381,006 |
|
Schedule C: Analysis of Payments from the Grant-in-Aid Fund for General Expenses of Cultural, Scientific and Educational Organisations (Subhead B.14.) |
|
|
Artane School of Music |
45,000 |
|
Feis Maitiu |
45,000 |
|
Foras Éireann |
12,700 |
|
National Youth Orchestra of Ireland |
127,000 |
|
Total |
229,700 |
1093 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Science if financial support will be made available by his Department to a person, who, having lost their job recently, has enrolled in a third level course in order to obtain higher qualifications but does not meet the general criteria for maintenance funding; if an easement of maintenance grant criteria is made in respect of recently unemployed candidates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38176/09]
Under the terms of my Department's student grant and free fees schemes, students who are entering approved courses for the first time are eligible for grants and free tuition fees where they satisfy the prescribed conditions of the individual schemes including those relating to progression. In general students who previously pursued a course of study are not eligible for grant assistance or free tuition fees in respect of a second period of study at the same level, irrespective of whether or not a grant or tuition fees were paid previously. Subject to various conditions of the individual schemes, in certain circumstances free tuition and grants are available where students are progressing e.g. to a course at a higher level. I have no proposals to depart from the above.
The decision on eligibility for student grants is a matter for the relevant assessing authority — i.e. the Local authority or VEC. These bodies do not refer individual applications to my Department except, in exceptional cases, where, for example, advice or instruction regarding a particular clause in the relevant scheme is required. If an individual applicant considers that she/he has been unjustly refused a maintenance grant, or that the rate of grant awarded is not the correct one, she/he may appeal, in the first instance, to the relevant local authority or VEC. Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down, in writing, by the assessing authority, and remains of the view that the body has not interpreted the schemes correctly in his/her case, an appeal form outlining the position may be submitted by the applicant to my Department.
Since the beginning of the year the Government has launched a number of new initiatives to support unemployed people return to education and engage in upskilling. In the further education sector, the Government has provided an additional 1,500 PLC places, bringing the total number of PLC places to 31,688 nationwide. In the higher education sector 2,500 places have been provided on part-time undergraduate and postgraduate courses for people who are unemployed. This scheme is open to people who have been on the Live Register for at least six months or who have been awarded Statutory redundancy and participants are entitled to retain their social welfare payments. Other initiatives in the higher education sector include 280 places on a range of newly developed accelerated Level 6 Certificate programmes and over 900 places on a range of newly developed part-time transition programmes. The accelerated and transition courses were targeted specifically at unemployed people and the institutes of technology that were running the programmes worked closely with local FÁS and Department of Social and Family Affairs offices both in terms of marketing the courses and advising participants of their entitlements in relation to social welfare payments.
The Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) is a second chance education opportunities scheme designed to encourage and facilitate people on certain social welfare payments to improve their skills and qualifications and, therefore, their prospects of returning to the work force. Eligibility for the Back to Education Allowance and associated payments is determined and administered by the Department of Social and Family Affairs.
1094 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Education and Science further to parliamentary Question No. 476 of 13 October 2009, when discussions between Fáilte Ireland, institutes of technology and the Higher Education Authority will reach a conclusion on the third level trainee maintenance grant. [38182/09]
I understand that Fáilte Ireland is engaged in discussions with Institutes of Technology Ireland and the Higher Education Authority in relation to the future management and administration of the programmes in question and the levels of award to be made to participants. However, responsibility for the management of these programmes and related discussions is a matter for Fáilte Ireland and I have no role in the matter. My Department's student grant schemes, including the maintenance grant scheme for third level trainees, are fully means tested and therefore cannot replace Fáilte Ireland's scheme of attendance-based monthly allowances which are not means tested.
1095 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the further financial assistance that is available to a third level student (details supplied) in County Waterford either from his Department or from any other source; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38188/09]
The decision on eligibility for student grants is a matter for the relevant assessing authority — i.e. the Local authority or VEC. These bodies do not refer individual applications to my Department except, in exceptional cases, where, for example, advice or instruction regarding a particular clause in the relevant scheme is required. If an individual applicant considers that she/he has been unjustly refused a maintenance grant, or that the rate of grant awarded is not the correct one, she/he may appeal, in the first instance, to the relevant local authority or VEC.
Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down, in writing, by the assessing authority, and remains of the view that the body has not interpreted the schemes correctly in his/her case, an appeal form outlining the position may be submitted by the applicant to my Department. No appeal has been received by my Department to date from the candidate referred to by the Deputy. The NDP funded ‘Third Level Access Measure' is also supporting the participation of students in higher education, in particular those from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The Student Assistance Fund is available in all recurrently funded higher education institutions. The Millennium Partnership Fund provides financial assistance for further and higher education students who are experiencing financial difficulties whilst participating in their studies.
In addition Section 473A of the Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997 provides for tax relief on tuition fees, at the standard rate of tax in respect of approved courses at approved colleges of higher education including certain approved undergraduate and postgraduate courses in EU and non-EU member states. Further details on claiming this relief are available from the candidate's local tax offices or on Revenue's website at http://www.revenue.ie.
1096 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Education and Science when he brought in a rule that special needs assistants need to have passed Irish at junior certificate level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38200/09]
The criteria for appointment of Special Needs Assistants are set out in Department Circulars 05/2001 and SNA 03/03. These Circulars specify that the minimum requirement necessary for appointment is an award of Grade D (or pass) in Irish, English and Mathematics in the Intermediate Certificate/Junior Certificate or Day Vocational Certificate Examination or in an examination of equivalent standard. In this context, a qualification of equivalent standard is any qualification at Level 3 or higher of National Framework Qualifications (NFQ) established by the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland (NQAI), provided that the qualification, or a combination of such qualifications, certifies to the achievement of a minimum of a pass in the subjects Irish, English and Mathematics. Boards of Management of schools are the employers of all staff, including SNAs, employed in schools.
State funding of any SNA position is granted on the basis of agreed recruitment policies and guidelines being adhered to by Boards of Management and these being applied in a fair and consistent manner in all cases. The minimum educational standard required for these positions is based on the needs of the SNA post generally across all schools and it is not open to schools to deviate from this standard in individual cases. With regard to the means by which a person may attain the necessary educational requirements, local education service providers (e.g. VEC) would be able to assist with access to an appropriate course or courses which will, on successful completion, lead to an award of the required standard.
1097 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science further to a previous parliamentary question (details supplied), the process for informing schools regarding the summer works scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38217/09]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that I announced details of the Summer Works Scheme for 2010 on 23 October last. Full details, including the application form, are available on my Department's websites www.education.ie and www.energyeducation.ie. Publication of the Scheme was advertised in national newspapers last week. My Department also notified the Education Partners of its publication. The closing date for receipt of applications under the Scheme, which this year has been broadened to include specified water conservation measures for schools, is 27 November, 2009.
1098 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on the concerns of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford regarding library books which are available to school children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38228/09]
It is a matter for each Local Authority to provide a library service for primary schools in its area. The choice of text-books and library books is entirely up to school management in both primary and post-primary schools. The Department of Education and Science does not generally approve, commission, sponsor or endorse educational text-books. Books are commissioned and published by educational publishers, and schools select their books from those available from a number of publishers. The book to which the Deputy refers is a diary written from the perspective of a cat. While a cat's natural instincts are to hunt, the story is essentially a diary of its owner family's reactions to a particular incident. It is very popular with children aged seven upwards and the author was named Children's Laureate in 2001. There are a number of books in the same series.
Schools can play an important role in suicide prevention. Prevention needs to be addressed at whole school level through provision of relevant curricula for all children, through effective implementation of the Social Personal and Health Education (SPHE) programme, and through the provision of care afforded by a good pastoral system, including the capacity to respond appropriately to early signs of difficulty. The development of self-esteem, general coping skills and personal effectiveness is the most appropriate way to help the general population of young people to deal with life pressures and stress.
Since September 2003 Social Personal and Health Education (SPHE) is taught to all pupils in primary schools, and its introduction was supported by a national programme of professional development for teachers. Its aim is to foster personal development, health and well being of children, to help them create and maintain supportive relationships, and develop the skills and attitudes for responsible citizenship. From the beginning of their primary schooling children learn, in an age-appropriate way, how to identify, explore and express feelings and emotions, how to communicate with others, to resolve conflict and to respect difference, the importance of caring for one's body, treating oneself and others with dignity and respect, and how to identify people, places and situations that may threaten personal safety.
SPHE has also been compulsory in the junior cycle of post-primary schools since September 2003. SPHE is designed for implementation in the context of a caring whole-school approach which is supported by the pastoral care structures in schools. At both primary and second level, the importance of healthy lifestyles, nutrition and exercise is also emphasised. Pastoral care teams in schools provide important assistance in promoting students' well being and in ensuring that potential difficulties can be identified early. In addition, the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) operating within my Department provides a range of services both direct and indirect which support the personal, social and educational development of all children in primary and post-primary schools. NEPS provides access to psychological assessment either directly from the National Educational Psychological Service of my Department or through the Scheme for Commissioning of Psychological Assessments. The Service provides for a staged assessment process, whereby each school takes responsibility for initial assessment, educational planning and remedial intervention, in consultation with their assigned NEPS psychologist. A child is referred for individual psychological assessment only where this approach does not result in reasonable progress.
1099 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will include Foynes Hospital, County Limerick, in the schedule of the redress board (details supplied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38233/09]
1172 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will reconsider including the Bethany Home under the redress scheme for victims of child abuse in view of the new evidence available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39159/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1099 and 1172 together.
I wish to advise the Deputy that a number of issues have been raised by individuals and groups representing survivors of institutional abuse in the period since the publication of the Ryan Report, including the question of considering the inclusion of additional institutions to the Schedule of the Residential Institutions Redress Act, 2002. All of these issues are currently being considered by the Government.
1100 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will comment on a recent conference of Protestant secondary schools seeking legal recognition of those schools with Catholic and other State schools in respect of their funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38244/09]
The Deputy may be aware that I had a constructive meeting with the group which organised this conference on 21 October. I explained that a simple reversal of the measures taken in Budget 2008 applicable to all Protestant fee-charging schools and determined solely on a denominational criterion was not legally possible. I again made clear that I am prepared to work with the Protestant fee-charging schools to identify particular problems and issues that may be arising in some of their schools, or in respect of some students in their schools, and to examine how these might be addressed in a manner consistent with the Constitution. I believe that engagement between my officials and representatives of the Protestant schools is the best way to seek to resolve the issues that are of concern.
1101 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science his plans to expand a school (details supplied) in Dublin 16 in order to meet the demands of the increasing population; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38256/09]
1128 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the increased demand for places in second level schools in the Dublin 16 area and that this demand will increase in future in view of the fact that the primary school is expanding; his plans to ensure that there is sufficient capacity in a school (details supplied) to ensure that the demand for places is met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38700/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1101 and 1128 together.
The Forward Planning Section of my Department is in the process of carrying out detailed analysis of over 40 locations of highest population growth in order to identify the school accommodation requirements up to and including the school year 2014/2015. When the required reports have been completed for these initial areas selected the Forward Planning Section will continue to work on preparing reports on a priority basis for the remainder of the country. Overall school accommodation requirements in the area referred to by the Deputies will be considered in this regard.
1102 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science the efforts he has made to secure appropriate schooling for a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38288/09]
1139 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Science the provision that is available for the special educational placement of a child (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38756/09]
1162 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason there is no place for a person (details supplied) in County Dublin in the educational service. [38971/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1102, 1139 and 1162 together.
I wish to advise the Deputies that the enrolment of a child in a school is a matter in the first instance for the parents of the child and the Board of Management of a school. My Department has no role in relation to processing applications for enrolment in schools. The National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) is the statutory agency which assists parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child. The NEWB will try to help parents to find an alternative school placement if their child has been unable to secure a placement to date. I understand that the NEWB is actively assisting the family in question.
Where a school refuses to enrol a pupil, the school is obliged to inform parents of their right under Section 29 of the Education Act 1998 to appeal that decision to the Secretary General of my Department. Where an appeal under Section 29 is upheld, the secretary general may direct a school to enrol a pupil.
I understand that enquires have been made regarding the lodging of an appeal under Section 29 of the Education Act regarding the refusal by a school to enrol the pupil in question. The necessary application forms have been forwarded to the family's representatives. On receipt of the completed application form, the appeal will be processed in accordance with the statutory provisions under the Act. The National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through the local Special Educational Needs Organiser, has also been engaging closely with the family. My Department, along with the NCSE, recently met with the Patron of a school to which an application for enrolment was made. A number of issues were discussed and clarification was sought in relation to the issue in question. The Patron has agreed to consider the matter and revert to my Department.
1103 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Science in relation to circular 0065/2008, the influencing factors that led to the introduction of the occupational health strategy for teachers; the tendering procedures that resulted in the appointment of a company (details supplied); the other companies tendered; the duration of the contract; the way this contract will change existing procedures with regard to the administration of sick leave in the education sector; the consultation that was undertaken with the teacher unions and school management bodies prior to the tendering process; the estimated annual cost of the new service; if the introduction of the new service requires any legislative change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38341/09]
The development of an Occupational Health Strategy has its origins in the PCW negotiations in the mid 1990s. A two year pilot programme for put in place and reviewed by a Steering Committee. The Steering Committee which was made up of representatives from my Department, school management bodies and teacher unions, decided that the pilot would not continue and a fundamental review was undertaken. Exploratory talks, involving representatives of Teacher Unions and School Management Groups, on the development of an Occupational Health Strategy for teachers followed. It was accepted by all that the aims of an Occupational Health Strategy would be to promote the health and Well-being of teachers at work with a focus primarily on prevention rather than cure.
Having examined different approaches to delivering such a service it was concluded that the best method would be to invite tenders from private companies who would have the capability to provide a nationwide service. The first stage in the development of the Overall Occupational Health Strategy for teachers was put in place following an EU competitive tendering process at the start of the 2006/2007 school year. VHI Corporate Solutions was contracted to provide the Employee Assistance Service (EAS) for Teachers. The service incorporates confidential counselling on issues such as health, relationships, bereavement, stress, conflict, critical incident and trauma. The second stage of the Occupational Health Strategy for teachers encompasses health management and has taken over from the Chief Medical Officer of the Civil Service who provided a limited service to the Department in respect of teachers concentrating largely on ill health retirement assessments. The Occupational Health Service incorporates pre-employment health assessments, sickness absence management referrals, medical assessments of fitness for work and ill health retirement assessments and appeals.
My Department sought proposals on the open market for the provision of the service to teachers and following an EU competitive tendering process, Medmark Occupational Healthcare, was chosen and has been contracted to provide this service since 2008. The introduction of this new service did not require any legislative change. The estimated annual cost of providing the Occupational Health Strategy is €2m. The agreed regulations and procedures regarding the sick leave scheme for registered teachers in recognised primary and post-primary schools are set out in my Department circular number 0099/2008, a copy of which I will arrange to have forwarded to the Deputy together with a list of companies who tendered for the provision of the Occupational Health Service.
1104 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Education and Science if students (details supplied) are entitled to a school bus to a secondary school in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38345/09]
Under the terms of my Department's School Transport scheme, a pupil with special needs is eligible for school transport if s/he is attending the nearest recognised mainstream school, special class/special school or a unit, that is or can be resourced, to meet the child's special educational needs under Department of Education and Science criteria. The National Council for Special Education has responsibility, through its network of Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), for the establishment of special education facilities and for allocating resource teachers and special needs assistants to schools to support children with special needs. The parents/guardians of the pupil in question should liaise, in the first instance, with the local SENO. Eligibility for transport, under the terms of the above scheme, will then be examined upon receipt of a completed application form for transport.
1105 Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made to date in 2009 to reduce the costs associated with prefabricated classrooms; the financial savings made to the taxpayer; the methods that he has used to make these savings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38361/09]
It is currently anticipated that there will be a saving of at least €14m in expenditure on rental temporary accommodation in 2009, compared to 2008. This clearly demonstrates the efforts being made by my Department to reduce spending in this area. My Department has engaged a specialist firm to develop new procedures and systems for the provision of temporary accommodation with a view to achieving best value for money. Work is well under way and the firm of specialists is working closely with officials in the Planning and Building Unit of my Department. The review incorporates the development of standard specifications for temporary accommodation, the development of new contractual terms to incorporate buy-out and relocation options to cater for individual local circumstances and appropriately protect the interests of the Department and school authorities. The work also involves negotiations with prefab suppliers to buy out existing rental contracts or reductions in annual rent, as appropriate. Progress has been made in all areas of the review. An initial group of 46 schools with rented prefabricated accommodation has been identified for priority negotiations with suppliers to buy out existing rental contracts.
A further strand of this review is a pilot programme to replace prefabricated accommodation with permanent modular units. To date ten schools have been visited to determine suitability and, from those, a short list of four schools is being drawn up. When the short-list of suitable schools has been finalised, the schools will be contacted with the offer of a permanent modular unit replacement of their prefabs. Once the schools have indicated their agreement to the proposal, detailed plans and timeframes will be developed for the delivery of the projects. This replacement programme will be extended to further schools as resources permit.
It is my Department's policy to grant aid the purchase (rather than rental) of temporary accommodation where the need for such accommodation is likely to exist for more than three years. Furthermore, since July 2008, schools being approved for grant aid for temporary accommodation are offered the option to use their capital grant aid to build a permanent classroom(s) rather than purchase a prefab. This will reduce the usage of temporary accommodation and, particularly, the incidence of long term rental of prefabs. I would like to assure the Deputy that it remains a priority for my Department to continue to reduce rental costs on temporary accommodation.
1106 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Education and Science when an amalgamation of schools (details supplied) in County Limerick will be considered. [38365/09]
The school to which the Deputy refers is the result of an amalgamation of the boys and girls national schools and it is awaiting provision of a new building. The project is currently at an early stage of architectural planning. A stage 1 submission is awaited on the project. 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 my 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.
1107 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if a school transport service will allow alternative arrangements for a child (details supplied) in County Mayo. [38381/09]
Bus Éireann, which operates the School Transport Scheme on behalf of my Department, is responsible for the establishment and time tabling of school transport services. The specialised nature of transport services for children with special needs includes both a home pick up and drop off which are designed to provide a safe and comfortable level of transport for children. Any change to these standard arrangements would have national implications.
1108 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if a school (details supplied) in Dublin 3 will be supported. [38391/09]
The project to which the Deputy refers is at an advanced stage of architectural planning. The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction 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.
1109 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Science the basis on which free school transport was refused in the case of a child (details supplied) in County Wexford; if he will have this case reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38423/09]
Under the terms of the primary School Transport scheme pupils are eligible for free transport if they reside 3.2 kilometres or more from, and are attending, their nearest national school or school of amalgamation. In the case of amalgamations, pupils residing in a closed school area, may be deemed eligible for transport to the school of amalgamation only. Bus Éireann, which operates the school transport scheme on behalf of my Department, has advised that the pupil referred to by the Deputy in the details supplied resides in a closed school area and is not attending the school of amalgamation and therefore, is not eligible for free school transport. In light of the information supplied by the Deputy, my Department has requested Bus Éireann to provide background information and this will be examined on receipt of the report.
1110 Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 588 of 20 October 2009, the reason the school has been allocated a band two rating when, in fact, a large part of the school catchment is contained within an electoral division which has shown one of the highest population growths here in Census 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38432/09]
All applications for large scale capital funding are assessed against published prioritisation criteria which were formulated following consultation with the Education Partners. Under the criteria, each project is assigned a Band Rating which reflects the type and extent of works needed and the urgency attaching to them. Full details in relation to the prioritisation criteria are available on my Department's website www.education.ie. The school to which the Deputy refers currently has six mainstream teachers. The demographics for the school's catchment indicate that it will grow to an eight teacher school. Given the level of additionality involved relative to the school's existing accommodation, the extent of the works needed, therefore, merits a band 2 rating.
1111 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science if there is discretion available to local authorities in issuing a higher education grant to a person who is carrying out a postgraduate diploma in education although they had previously completed a masters in another subject; if not, his views on whether this constitutes an anomaly; if he will review and remedy it within a short timeframe in view of the specialised nature of the qualification; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38434/09]
Financial assistance is available to students under the Third Level Student Support Schemes, which are administered by the Local Authorities and Vocational Education Committees on behalf of my Department. Students who are entering approved courses for the first time are eligible for grants where they satisfy the relevant conditions as to age, residence, means, nationality and previous academic attainment. Under the terms of the Higher Education Grant Scheme a student is not eligible for grant assistance in respect of a second period of study at the same level, irrespective of whether or not a grant was paid previously. The scheme also provides that grants may not be paid to candidates who already hold a postgraduate qualification and are pursuing a second postgraduate qualification. However, in December 2000 clause 7.7 of the Higher Education Grant Scheme was amended to provide financial assistance to eligible candidates who already hold a postgraduate qualification and who wish to enter a further postgraduate course, at a higher level, which represents progression from the level at which the first qualification was attained. The progression route at postgraduate level, for grant purposes, is as follows: Higher Diploma/Postgraduate Diploma, Masters, PhD/Doctorate Candidates who hold a masters qualification and are currently pursuing a postgraduate qualification cannot be considered for funding. There are no plans at present to change the current arrangements. Any such proposal would have to be considered in the light of existing resources and other competing demands in the education sector.
1112 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if a person (details supplied) in County Cavan qualifies for an education grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38438/09]
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 her/his 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.
1113 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps he is taking to ensure that, in the term 2010-2011, colleges offering post leaving certificate courses have the required resources to accept those seeking to pursue the courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38466/09]
The Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) programme provides an integrated general education, vocational training and work experience programme for young people who have completed their Leaving Certificate and adults returning to education. The overall number of approved PLC places is set at its current level because there is a continuing requirement to plan and control numbers and to manage expenditure within the context of overall educational policy and provision. In May 2009, an additional 1,500 PLC places were allocated to VECs and other providers for the 2009-2010 academic year, bringing the total nationwide to 31,688. This is another step in expanding opportunities and broadening access to further education so that people can enhance their employment skills.
1114 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a school (details supplied) in Dublin 8 had 2,500 applications for 800 post leaving certificate course places in 2009; the steps he will take to ensure this school can accommodate the difference between available places and those seeking places in view of its location in a disadvantaged area, as recognised by it being a RAPID area and a drugs taskforce area. [38467/09]
1116 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a college (details supplied) in Dublin 10 had 5,500 applications for 1,200 post leaving certificate course places in 2009; the steps he will take to ensure this college can accommodate the difference between available places and those seeking places in view of its location in a disadvantaged area as recognised by it being a RAPID area and a drugs taskforce area. [38469/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1114 and 1116 together.
The Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) programme provides an integrated general education, vocational training and work experience programme for young people who have completed their leaving certificate and adults returning to education. An additional 1,500 PLC places were allocated to VECs and other providers in 2009 for the 2009-2010 academic year, bringing the total number of approved PLC places to 31,688. Places are allocated to VECs an on annual basis following an application process. The colleges referred to by the Deputy are part of City of Dublin VEC. City of Dublin VEC was allocated 7,718 PLC places for the 2009-2010 academic year. The further distribution of places to individual centres within VECs is a matter for each VEC.
1115 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Science the number applying for post-leaving certificate courses in each college for the past five years; and the number of places available for each of those years. [38468/09]
Applications for places on individual courses are made directly to the schools and colleges involved. This information is not held by my Department. PLC places are allocated to Vocational Education Committees (VECs) and other providers on an annual basis following an application process. The majority of PLC places are allocated to VECs and the distribution of these places internally is a matter for each VEC. The remainder are allocated to voluntary secondary and community and comprehensive schools. A table below gives a breakdown of the number of PLC places allocated to VECs for the last five academic years along with the numbers allocated to secondary and community and comprehensive schools.
|
VEC |
2005/06 |
2006/07 |
2007/08 |
2008/09 |
2009/10 |
|
Co. Cavan |
792 |
888 |
1,000 |
1,150 |
1,210 |
|
Co. Carlow |
700 |
716 |
800 |
800 |
820 |
|
Co. Clare |
150 |
150 |
100 |
100 |
110 |
|
City of Cork |
4,367 |
4,028 |
4,000 |
3,870 |
4,000 |
|
Co. Cork |
1,120 |
1,144 |
1,144 |
1,244 |
1,310 |
|
City of Dublin |
7,860 |
7,892 |
7,761 |
7,538 |
7,718 |
|
Co. Dublin |
930 |
930 |
930 |
896 |
916 |
|
Boro of Dún Laoghaire |
2,010 |
2,090 |
2,090 |
2,048 |
2,151 |
|
Co. Donegal |
250 |
250 |
230 |
213 |
185 |
|
City of Galway |
1,070 |
1,080 |
1,080 |
1,080 |
1,160 |
|
Co. Galway |
225 |
180 |
160 |
160 |
180 |
|
Co. Kerry |
380 |
396 |
430 |
460 |
530 |
|
Co. Kildare |
359 |
360 |
330 |
317 |
357 |
|
Co. Kilkenny |
410 |
410 |
460 |
460 |
480 |
|
Co. Laois |
312 |
312 |
330 |
350 |
370 |
|
Co. Leitrim |
94 |
83 |
70 |
82 |
92 |
|
City of Limerick |
684 |
700 |
700 |
750 |
920 |
|
Co. Limerick |
310 |
310 |
310 |
310 |
310 |
|
Co. Longford |
308 |
308 |
330 |
330 |
350 |
|
Co. Louth |
760 |
856 |
900 |
1,000 |
1,100 |
|
Co. Mayo |
380 |
380 |
340 |
387 |
404 |
|
Co. Meath |
160 |
170 |
250 |
270 |
290 |
|
Co. Monaghan |
200 |
248 |
248 |
248 |
278 |
|
Co. Offaly |
57 |
50 |
50 |
50 |
50 |
|
Co. Roscommon |
70 |
41 |
66 |
63 |
63 |
|
Co. Sligo |
185 |
230 |
300 |
350 |
440 |
|
Co. Tipperary N.R. |
510 |
531 |
531 |
570 |
615 |
|
Co. Tipperary S.R. |
240 |
250 |
250 |
270 |
280 |
|
City of Waterford |
676 |
686 |
686 |
700 |
770 |
|
Co. Waterford |
185 |
185 |
205 |
205 |
223 |
|
Co. Wexford |
850 |
730 |
730 |
730 |
760 |
|
Co. Westmeath |
115 |
115 |
115 |
115 |
135 |
|
Co. Wicklow |
971 |
990 |
990 |
950 |
980 |
|
Total VEC |
27,690 |
27,689 |
27,916 |
28,066 |
29,557 |
|
Total |
2005/06 |
2006/07 |
2007/08 |
2008/09 |
2009/10 |
|
VEC |
27,690 |
27,689 |
27,916 |
28,066 |
29,557 |
|
Sec |
1,046 |
1,033 |
962 |
877 |
850 |
|
C&C |
1,441 |
1,456 |
1,310 |
1,245 |
1,281 |
|
Total |
30,177 |
30,178 |
30,188 |
30,188 |
31,688 |
1117 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38512/09]
The budget measures will impact on individual schools in different ways depending on whether enrolment is rising or declining and the degree to which any one school has more teachers than it is entitled to under the allocation processes. In terms of the position at individual school level the key factor for determining the level of resources provided by my Department is the pupil enrolment at 30 September 2008. While the staffing schedule allocates on the basis of an average number of pupils each individual school decides on how to arrange its classes. Combined classes are a feature of the majority of schools in the country and this arrangement has no adverse implications for the quality of the education children receive.
In terms of class sizes 80% of primary pupils were in classes of less than 30 pupils during the last school year. With over 20,000 individual classes spread across all schools throughout the country there will inevitably be differences in individual class sizes. Some schools can have class sizes of greater than 28 but this is often because of a local decision by a school to use its teaching resources in order to have smaller numbers in other classes. The Revised Programme for Government commits the Government to no further increase in the pupil teacher ratio in primary and second level schools for the lifetime of this Government. Under the revised programme we will provide 500 teaching posts between primary and second levels over the next three years. These posts will be allocated to the schools that are most seriously affected by the recent increase in the PTR, using objective criteria which will be agreed in advance in consultation with the education partners. It would be inappropriate for me to comment further on the issues raised by the Deputy pending the outcome of the consultation process.
1118 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of prisoners at Portlaoise Prison, County Laois; the number of teachers engaged for the purpose of educating the prisoners in the prison; if he will make a statement on the pupil teacher ratio in the prison in comparison to the pupil teacher ratio in primary schools here. [38532/09]
On 2 November 2009, there were 113 prisoners in custody in Portlaoise Prison. The Prison is a high security facility and there are a number of different categories of prisoners who must be kept separate from each other in designated areas of the prison. Two groups attend classes in the Education Centre, but due to the type of offender involved, the numbers allowed in each class are strictly controlled. Teachers are required to deliver educational services to the other groups in their designated areas. The number of teachers allocated to the prison by the County Laois VEC is 19.64 (whole time equivalents) for the academic year 2009-10. This allocation is unchanged from previous years. Educational services are provided on a year round basis from this allocation, including mid-term and holiday periods. Courses are made available across morning, afternoon and evening periods.
1119 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will support a matter (details supplied). [38548/09]
My Department funds a wide range of further education programmes through Vocational Education Committees (VECs). For example, for early school leavers aged between 15 and 20 years of age without any qualifications or vocational training and who are unemployed, there is the Youthreach programme which provides two years integrated education, training and work experience. There are currently almost 6,000 places available nationally under the Youthreach umbrella. Almost 3,700 of these are funded by my Department and delivered in just over 100 Youthreach centres by VECs. The majority of the remaining 2,300 places are funded by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and delivered by FÁS in Community Training Centres (CTCs). For more information on the range of options available, the person referred to by the Deputy should contact their local VEC. For more information on taking up an apprenticeship, the person should contact their local FÁS office as it is best placed to assist in such matters.
1120 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Education and Science the financial assistance that is available to a student attending third level education who is doing a course at the same level as previously done; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38550/09]
Under the terms of the Third Level Student Support Schemes, a student is not eligible for grant assistance in respect of a second period of study at the same level, irrespective of whether or not a grant was paid previously. The objective of the student grant schemes is to assist as many students as possible in obtaining one undergraduate degree and in progressing, where appropriate, to postgraduate studies.
There are no plans at present to change the current arrangements. Any such proposal would have to be considered in the light of existing resources and other competing demands in the education sector. Apart from the maintenance grants scheme and the free fees initiative, financial support is also available to students, in approved third level institutions, through the Student Assistance Fund. The objective of the Fund, is to assist students, in a sensitive and compassionate manner, who might otherwise, due to their financial circumstances, be unable to continue their third level studies. Information on the Fund is available from the Access Officer at the candidate's College.
In addition section 473A, Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997, provides tax relief, at the standard rate of tax, for tuition fees paid in respect of approved courses at approved colleges of higher education including certain approved undergraduate and postgraduate course in EU Member States and postgraduate courses in non-EU countries. Further details and conditions in relation to this tax relief are available from an individual's Local Tax Office.
1121 Deputy Mary Wallace asked the Minister for Education and Science his plans in relation to the oral part of the Irish exam in both junior and leaving certificate; if the oral exam at junior certificate level is 20% of the overall marks and at leaving certificate level is 25% of the total marks; his further plans to increase both to 40 from 2012 in the case of the leaving certificate and from 2010 in the case of junior certificate; the guidelines the State Examinations Commission have issued to schools on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38585/09]
In March 2007 the then Minister for Education and Science announced changes in relation to the proportion of marks awarded for oral Irish in the Junior and Leaving Certificate examinations with effect from 2010 and 2012 respectively. These changes are set out in circular letter 0042/2007 which issued to schools in 2007.
The marks for the oral examination at Higher and Ordinary levels in the Leaving Certificate examination will be increased from 25% to 40%. Marks for the aural will be reduced to 10% at both Higher and Ordinary levels, and 50% of the overall marks will be awarded for the written papers. At Foundation level in the Leaving Certificate examination, the marks for oral Irish will be increased from 25% to 40%. Marks for the aural will be reduced from 30% to 20%, and the written paper will attract 40% of the marks. In the case of the Leaving Certificate Applied, the marks for oral Irish will be increased from 33% to 40%, marks for the aural will be reduced from 30% to 25%, and 35% of the overall marks will be awarded for the written paper. Where students take the oral examination in the first year of their senior cycle programme, the changed marking arrangements will come into effect in 2011.
The changes will also apply to the Junior Certificate where the oral Irish examination will continue to be a school-based optional examination. In the case of the Junior Certificate oral, the marks will be doubled from 20% to 40%. Marks for the aural will be reduced to 10%, and 50% of the marks will be awarded for the written paper(s). Where no oral examination is held, marks are awarded on the basis of the written paper(s) and aural only.
The State Examinations Commission has issued details to schools setting out the format of the Junior Certificate Examination from 2010 in Circular S73/09, a copy of which is on the Commission's website at www.examinations.ie. The intention of the increase in marks for oral assessment is to promote a significant shift in emphasis towards Irish as a spoken language, where students can communicate and interact in a spontaneous way, and where Irish is spoken every day in schools.
1122 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science if funding will be provided under the emergency works scheme for a project at a school (details supplied) in County Carlow; if the record of receipt of the application has been checked and confirmed to the school and if he will expedite the matter. [38600/09]
My Department has no record of an application for emergency funding from the school to which he refers. The position has been rechecked since my reply to Question No. 312 answered on 14 October last. The school did, however, make an application for funding to my Department under its temporary accommodation scheme.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that funding has been approved for the school under this scheme to either purchase or build 2 x 80 square metre classrooms to enable the school to replace existing prefabs and to re-configure the use of its existing mainstream accommodation. The school management has been informed of the decision. Furthermore, it is open to the school to apply for funding under the recently announced 2010 Summer Works Scheme to carry out improvement works to its permanent building.
1123 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 183 of 23 September 2009, if progress has been made in resolving the matter at a school (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [38602/09]
As previously stated my Department is agreeable in principle to the request to divest the property referred to by the Deputy. My Department has recently received the legal documents in relation to the Trustees of the school from the Diocesan solicitors. My Department will liaise with the CSSO to expedite this request as a matter of urgency.
1124 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science if a school building project at a school (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will be advanced; if a design team will be appointed and if he will expedite the matter. [38603/09]
I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department is in receipt of an application for large scale capital funding from the school to which he refers. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and assigned a Band 1.4 rating. This reflects the fact that accommodation is needed to facilitate an amalgamation.
The priority attaching to individual projects is determined by published prioritisation criteria, which were formulated following consultation with the Education Partners. There are four band ratings under these criteria, each of which describes the extent of accommodation required and the urgency attaching to it. Band 1 is the highest priority rating and Band 4 is the lowest. Documents explaining the band rating system are also available on my Department's website. Information in respect of the current school building programme along with all assessed applications for major capital works, including the project referred to by the Deputy, are now available on my Department's website at www.education.ie.
The project is currently awaiting the appointment of a Design Team. The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of this project at this time.
1125 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the problems experienced by children walking and cycling to school with heavy schoolbags; his plans to draw up guidelines in relation to the weight of schoolbags; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38644/09]
The Report of a working group to examine potential problems caused by the weight of schoolbags, which was presented in July, 1998, acknowledged that many of the solutions belong at local school level.
One of the main recommendations of the report related to the need to heighten the awareness of the potential health hazards posed by excessively heavy schoolbags. In this regard, my Department initiated an awareness-raising campaign by disseminating the report, with an accompanying circular, to all primary and post-primary schools.
A further circular was issued in 2005, again highlighting the potential health hazard of heavy schoolbags and outlining a range of local measures that could be adopted in order to alleviate the problem. It is a matter for each individual school to choose those measures that would be most suited to its individual needs and that fit with how the school organises teaching and learning. The Report of the Working Group makes various recommendations in this regard, such as optimum use of storage facilities, developing pupil organisation skills and timetabling.
My Department is aware that positive action has been taken by many schools on these issues. Actions consist of a range of measures, including the provision of lockers and in the case of second level schools, the arrangement of the timetable into double class periods, active liaison with parents and the co-ordination of homework by subject teachers.
Apart from a small number of prescribed texts at second level (mainly in the case of language subjects) school textbooks are not approved or prescribed by my Department at first or second level. Decisions on which books to use in schools are taken at school level. However, the report of the Working Group was disseminated by my Department to the Irish Educational Publishers Association, and they were asked to include consideration of the weight of school texts in their deliberations and liaise with teachers on finding solutions to the issue. It should be pointed out that the Report did highlight that both teachers and pupils favoured the use of multi-level textbook production for ease of convenience and ease of access and cited a high demand for them.
A copy of the report of the Working Group on the Weight of School Bags and all current circulars in relation to this issue are available on my Department's website at www.education.ie.
1126 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science if changes have been introduced in the method of calculating means for higher education grants and in particular if rent allowance is now reckonable income when assessing applicants for special maintenance grants; the reason for the change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38667/09]
Under the means-test provisions of my Department's student maintenance grant schemes, a candidate's reckonable income for the purposes of the award of a grant is the candidate's gross income from all sources and that of her/his parents or guardians, where applicable. The following Social Welfare and Health Service Executive Payments are excluded when calculating a candidate's reckonable income:
Child Benefit;
Family Income Supplement;
Disability Allowance (where paid to the candidate);
Blind Pension (where paid to the candidate);
One Parent Family Payments (means tested)
Guardian's Payment (previously known as Orphan's Pensions)
Back to Education Allowance (Second Level and Third Level Option);
Foster Care Allowance;
Domiciliary Care Allowance and
Carer's Allowance.
Rent allowance is not one of the excluded payments, it is therefore included in the calculation of reckonable income for grant purposes. Rent allowance has always been included in the calculation of reckonable income.
1127 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Questions Nos 129 and 130 of 20 October 2009, the date and time when he will be meeting with the Archbishop of Dublin and other representatives of the Roman Catholic hierarchy; if he will provide a copy or the agenda that will be discussed; the officials who will be attending from his Department; when the Commission on School Accommodation will report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38697/09]
The meeting between senior officials of my Department, Archbishop Martin and other representatives of the Roman Catholic hierarchy is scheduled for 12 November, 2009, subject to confirmation from the respective bodies. Discussions will centre on how best to agree a framework by which the issues of school patronage, ownership of school property, the demand for denominational education and other associated matters can be addressed.
As the Deputy will be aware, a review of the procedures for the establishment of new primary schools is currently being undertaken by the Commission on School Accommodation. The Technical Working Group established under the Commission to undertake this review commenced its work in December 2008. It is expected that the review of procedures for recognising primary schools will be complete and revised arrangements will be in place within a two year timeframe of the commencement of the review process. An interim report is due by end of this year.
1129 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the support that is available to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38704/09]
Under the terms of my Department's free fees and student grant schemes, students undertaking approved courses of study for the first time are eligible for free tuition fees and grants where they satisfy the prescribed conditions of the individual schemes. Under these schemes students must be following approved full-time courses of study to be eligible for free fees and grant support.
The position is that the student referred to by the Deputy is pursuing a part-time course of study and is therefore ineligible for free tuition fees or grant support.
1130 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Education and Science when the 500 teaching posts promised in the revised programme for Government will be introduced; the number of these teachers that will be allocated to primary schools and the number that will be allocated to secondary schools; the schools at which these teaching posts will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38711/09]
1131 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Education and Science the criteria he will use to allocate the 500 teaching posts promised in the revised programme for Government; if negotiations have started to decide on this criteria; the person who has been consulted as part of these negotiations; the appeals procedure for schools refused extra teaching posts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38712/09]
1140 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 157 of 20 October 2009, if the new teachers to be hired under the revised programme for Government will be drawn from the ranks of unemployed and recently graduated teachers only; if individual schools should be encouraged to lobby his Department to secure one of the new teaching positions in view of the fact that more than 500 schools have lost teachers under his previous cutbacks; the way he will fairly draw distinctions between schools which have lost teachers; the criteria he will use to draw these distinctions; if he will consider reversing the staffing schedule to its position during the 2008/2009 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38757/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1130, 1131 and 1140 together.
The Renewed Programme for Government commits the Government to no further increase in the pupil teacher ratio in primary and second level schools for the lifetime of this Government. Under the revised programme we will provide 500 teaching posts between primary and second levels over the next three years. My Department proposes to structure a consultation process through meetings with the education partners in accordance with the commitment to consultation as set out in the renewed Programme. In advance of such discussions it has written to the education partners to seek any observations or suggestions they may have in relation to the implementation of the commitment. It would be inappropriate for me to comment further on the issues raised by the Deputies pending the outcome of the consultation process.
1132 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Education and Science the cost to the Exchequer of the residential institutions redress scheme since its inception; the amount of compensation that has been paid to former residents of institutions; the number of former residents who have been compensated; the average amount paid to each survivor; the estimated cost to the Exchequer of the scheme to its conclusion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38713/09]
I wish to advise the Deputy that the cost to the Exchequer of the residential institutions redress scheme from inception to 1 January 2009 is in the region of €904 million. The amount of compensation paid in the same period is approximately €738 million.
Up to 31 October 2009, the Redress Board has completed the process in 13,615 cases. This has resulted in 12,818 awards being made together with 797 cases which were either withdrawn or where no award was made. The average award paid to date is €63,283. The estimated final cost to the Exchequer is expected to be in the region of €1.1 billion.
1133 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the refurbishment of a school (details supplied); the timeframe in which refurbishment plans will progress; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38725/09]
The project to which the Deputy refers is at an early 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.
1134 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs assistants that were in a school (details supplied) in County Limerick in the 2008-09 school year and the number there in the 2009-10 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38735/09]
There were two full time special needs assistants in the school to which the Deputy refers in the school year 2008/2009. There is one full time special needs assistant and one part time special needs assistant working 15 hours per week in the school for the school year 2009/2010 until 31 January 2010. I understand that the Special Needs Assistant allocation warranted in the school from 1 February 2010 is two part time special needs assistants working 15 hours per week each.
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.
1135 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of students that availed of the school transport scheme each school year for the past five years including the 2009-10 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38736/09]
Bus Éireann informed my Department that the number of tickets issued for travel on school transport services for the years 2005 to 2009 was as follows:
2005 — 135,000
2006 — 134,000
2007 — 135,000
2008 — 135,000
2009 — 125,000
The figures were extracted from records at the end of October each year.
1136 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of students other than those who finished secondary school who had availed of the school transport scheme in 2008-09 but have withdrawn from the scheme in 2009-10; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38737/09]
Bus Éireann which operates the school transport scheme on behalf of my Department has provided the most recent figures available.
On 31 October 2008, there were 75,237 post-primary tickets issued of which 20,335 were to medical card holders and 54,902 were fare paying post primary children. In contrast, on 16 October 2009, 66,021 tickets were issued, of which 23,901 were to medical card holders and 42,120 were fare paying post-primary children. Some minor adjustments may yet occur to the 2009/2010 figures.
1137 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Education and Science the grades and associated salary scales, including secondary payments for non-core teaching functions, regarding permanent and pensionable posts within the education sector; the number employed in the case of each grade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38738/09]
Teachers employed in primary, secondary and community/comprehensive schools and paid on the payrolls operated by my Department are paid on a fortnightly basis. The allowances payable to these teachers are included as part of the salary paid each fortnight. Information regarding the teachers employed by Vocational Education Committees is only available from the individual V.E.Cs. The information in relation to teachers employed in primary, secondary and community/comprehensive schools is as follows.
|
Type of P.O.R. |
Rates at 01/09/08 |
Numbers Sept 2009 |
|
€ |
||
|
Principal |
9,800 – 31,343 |
3,380* |
|
Deputy-Principal |
3,967 – 19,964 |
2,535 |
|
Vice-Principal |
3,099 – 16,824 |
2 |
|
Assistant-Principal |
8,968 |
1,421 |
|
Grade A Post |
7,011 |
5 |
|
Special Duties Teacher |
3,967 |
7,930 |
|
Grade B Post |
3,099 |
16 |
*Inclusive of posts held on a personal basis.
|
Type of P.O.R. |
Rates at 01/09/2008 |
Nos. Sept. 2009 Voluntary Sec |
Nos. Sept. 2009 C&C |
|
€ |
|||
|
Principal |
9,800 – 44,704 |
399* |
99* |
|
Deputy-Principal |
3,967 – 28,649 |
384* |
108* |
|
Vice-Principal |
3,099 – 16,824 |
Nil |
Nil |
|
Assistant-Principal |
8,968 |
2,251* |
749* |
|
Grade A Post |
7,011 |
1 |
2 |
|
Special Duties Teacher |
3,967 |
3,842 |
1,199 |
|
Grade B Post |
3,099 |
1 |
2 |
|
Director – Adult Education |
3,967 – 23,837 |
10 |
41 |
|
Principal – Adult Education |
1,710 |
11 |
41 |
|
Programme Co-Ordinator/AP Post |
8,968 |
105 |
38 |
|
Programme Co-Ordinator/Special Duties Post |
3,967 |
48 |
4 |
|
PO Sports Complex Manager |
5,074 |
Nil |
4 |
*Inclusive of posts held on a personal basis.
Other Allowances: Primary Sector
Other allowances are payable in specific circumstances. The rates for these allowances (effective from 1 September, 2008) and the number of teachers in receipt of same are asfollows:
|
Type of allowance |
Rate 01/09/08 |
Numbers 2008/09 |
|
€ |
||
|
Gaeltacht Grant |
3,224 |
579 |
|
Island Allowance |
1,939 |
29 |
|
Teaching through Irish |
1,666 |
1,860 |
|
Children’s Allowance |
115 |
1,984 |
|
35 Year Allowance |
2,446 |
2,388 |
|
Payment to Principals who act as Secretaries to the Board of Management |
551 – 1,655 |
2,406 |
|
Visiting Teacher Allowance |
8,968 |
84 |
1138 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Education and Science if, on behalf of a person (details supplied) in County Longford, he will revise the charges and two term payments for post primary school transport proposed for 2009-10; if he will reconsider the increase in the annual fee; if he will reintroduce the three stage payments to alleviate hardship on parents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38753/09]
The school transport scheme, which is operated by Bus Éireann on my Department's behalf, facilitates the transportation of over 125,000 children to primary and post-primary schools each day. School transport is a very significant operation involving about 42 million journeys and over 82 million kilometres on 6,000 routes every school year. The annual charge of €300 was introduced from the beginning of the 2009/10 school year.
In order to minimise the impact of the new charges:
A maximum family rate of €650 applies
They have been confined to eligible post-primary children and children availing of concessionary transport
Waivers continue to apply in the case of eligible post-primary children where the family is in possession of a valid medical card
Eligible children attending primary schools and children with special needs still travel free
Parents were facilitated to pay the annual amount in two instalments — in July and December.
In 2008, receipts from transport charges represented 5% of the overall cost of school transport. The allocation for 2009 is €192 million.
While I appreciate the Deputy's concerns, it is not envisaged that there will be a change in the payment arrangements or a reduction in the amount charged.
1141 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will provide a summary of the findings of the National Council for Special Education’s review of special needs assistants allocations in schools; the number of schools that have been informed that they will lose one SNA or more; the name and address of each school affected; the number of schools that have been informed that they will gain one SNA or more; the name and address of each school affected; the number of schools that have yet to receive a final decision from the NCSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38758/09]
The Deputy will be aware that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) through its network of Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs) is at present carrying out a review of SNA allocations in all schools with a view to ensuring that the criteria as outlined in my Department's Circular 07/02 governing the allocation of such posts are properly met. The review is currently under way and it is intended that it will be completed by the end of 2009 or early 2010.
SENOs will communicate the outcome of the review directly to schools as the review progresses. Schools may continue to apply to the NCSE for additional SNA resources as new pupils who would qualify for such support are enrolled or as changing care needs of existing pupils emerge. The SNA position in relation to individual schools can continue to change. Accordingly, my Department does not anticipate receiving a full detailed report from the NCSE until such time as the review is complete.
1142 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 145 of 20 October 2009, when schools will be able to apply for the book grants; if the funding will be made available to schools in the 2009/2010 academic year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38759/09]
1194 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science when the grant for books will be reintroduced in view of the commitment in the revised programme for Government; and if the amount involved, more than €7million in 2008, will be additional to capitation payments to schools or if it will come from the capitation. [39397/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1142 and 1194 together.
The precise level of additional grant support will be considered in the context of the estimates and budgetary process for 2010. Schools will be advised of the arrangements following this process.
1143 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 123 of 20 October 2009, the way the commitments to part-implementing the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004, as agreed in the revised programme for Government, are to be costed and funded; the list and cost of the possible aspects of the EPSEN Act 2004 which could be decided upon; when consultation with stakeholders will begin; the stakeholders that will be invited to consultations; when he will be in a position to indicate the aspects of the EPSEN Act 2004 that will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38760/09]
As the Deputy is aware, the commitment in the renewed Programme for Government is to develop, in consultation with stakeholders, a costed multi-annual plan to implement some priority aspects of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs (EPSEN) Act, focusing on measurable, practical progress in education and health services for children with special needs.
It is not possible to give a timeframe or costs at present, given that the process involved will require discussions with the education partners, as well as the Health Service Executive (HSE) and the Department of Health and Children. However, all parts of the EPSEN legislation, which have not been commenced to date, will be considered during this process.
My Department is currently considering the process required to be undertaken to meet this commitment. The stakeholders that will be invited to consultations will include those who were consulted in the original implementation process and these will include the teachers unions, management bodies, parents' representatives associations, the HSE and the Department of Health and Children. The Deputy will appreciate that, until such time as the process is completed, it will not be possible to indicate what aspects of the Act will be implemented.
1144 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made to date regarding the relocation of schools (details supplied) in County Dublin to permanent sites; if sites have been acquired; when building is scheduled for commencement and completion; if funds have been allocated for this purpose for 2009, 2010 or 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38766/09]
I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department requested Fingal County Council earlier this year to acquire a permanent site for the schools in question under the terms of the Fingal Memorandum Agreement. I am advised that negotiations are ongoing.
1145 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38789/09]
My Department has recently established a payroll system to cater for teachers who were previously paid by the employing school. My Department has therefore removed the onerous task from schools of calculating the correct pay, deducting the necessary contributions (tax, pension etc) and issuing a statement to the teacher. In this process a number of teachers have asked for their positions to be reviewed. My Department is currently reviewing these cases, including the individual referred to by the Deputy, and will be in contact with the individuals concerned shortly.
1146 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 484 of 11 March 2009, the status of a project (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38792/09]
I can confirm that the school to which the Deputy refers has made an application to my Department for large scale capital funding. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and assigned a Band 2 rating. Information in respect of the current school building programme along with all assessed applications for major capital works, including the project referred to by the Deputy, are now available on my Department's website at www.education.ie.
The priority attaching to individual projects is determined by published prioritisation criteria, which were formulated following consultation with the Education Partners. There are four band ratings under these criteria, each of which describes the extent of accommodation required and the urgency attaching to it. Band 1 is the highest priority rating and Band 4 is the lowest. Documents explaining the band rating system are also available on my Department's website.
The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.
1147 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if a person (details supplied) in County Mayo is eligible for the maintenance grant for a course. [38811/09]
The decision on eligibility for a maintenance grant under the Maintenance Grants Scheme for Students Attending Post-Leaving Certificate Courses is a matter for the relevant Vocational Education Committee. 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 VEC.
Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down, in writing, by the relevant VEC and remains of the view that the body has not interpreted the schemes correctly in her/his 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.
1148 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the level of cutbacks on third level courses at a college (details supplied); his views on whether he feels these cutbacks should be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38833/09]
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 the institution referred to by the Deputy, to manage their staffing resources in the context of implementing the framework. I understand that, within the terms of the employment control framework, the Higher Education Authority is currently in discussions with the particular institute in relation to options for addressing some specific operational issues that have arisen there.
1149 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of education service employees who are currently on paid leave for more than six months; the date on which each person was placed on paid leave; the amount paid to them since they were placed on paid leave; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38849/09]
The information requested by the Deputy is being compiled and will be forwarded to him.
1150 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of fee paying schools here; the number of pupils enrolled in each; the amount of funding each school receives from the Exchequer and the purpose of that funding; the cost of teacher’s salaries in each fee paying school; his plans to safeguard Exchequer support and funding for fee paying schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38855/09]
The information requested by the Deputy regarding enrolments and funding provided to each of the 56 fee-paying schools is shown in the following table and relates to the 2008/2009 school year. The table shows the teacher salaries, capital and supervision funding provided to each of these schools. The Deputy will be aware that grants for support services were withdrawn from Protestant fee paying schools in Budget 2008.
Pupils enrolled in Protestant fee paying schools may qualify for assistance from the Protestant Block grant which is distributed through the Secondary Education Committee.
Teachers in all fee-charging schools are paid by the State, and this arrangement pre-dated the introduction of free education scheme.
|
School No. |
School Name |
Enrolments |
Capital |
Teacher Salaries |
Supervision Costs |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
|||
|
60030V |
Blackrock College |
977 |
114,673 |
4,252,900.38 |
60,783 |
|
60040B |
Willow Park School |
197 |
815,648.36 |
14,540 |
|
|
60090Q |
Rathdown School |
400 |
1,729,659.23 |
14,879 |
|
|
60100Q |
Castleknock College |
561 |
2,305,845.60 |
26,702 |
|
|
60120W |
Mount Sackville Secondary School |
644 |
2,651,673.98 |
25,250 |
|
|
60130C |
Loreto Abbey Secondary School |
617 |
2,627,474.05 |
44,873 |
|
|
60140F |
Mount Anville Secondary School |
658 |
2,792,534.85 |
35,117 |
|
|
60160L |
Notre Dame Secondary School |
220 |
89,970 |
1,152,532.47 |
16,080 |
|
60180R |
Christian Brothers College |
522 |
2,396,392.98 |
39,319 |
|
|
60240J |
Loreto College Foxrock |
671 |
82,006 |
2,933,370.03 |
45,536 |
|
60250M |
Holy Child Secondary School |
332 |
45,421 |
1,546,200.41 |
24,726 |
|
60260P |
St Joseph of Cluny |
458 |
1,941,748.07 |
30,388 |
|
|
60272W |
The Kings Hospital |
698 |
2,961,583.67 |
40,265 |
|
|
60320H |
St Columba’s College |
296 |
1,276,303.64 |
17,700 |
|
|
60321J |
Rockbrook Park School |
132 |
612,201.97 |
9,366 |
|
|
60340N |
Loreto High School |
612 |
2,703,693.38 |
39,868 |
|
|
60381E |
Sutton Park School |
294 |
1,389,170.77 |
17,831 |
|
|
60520P |
Belvedere College S.J |
937 |
3,945,146.26 |
61,998 |
|
|
60530S |
Gonzaga College |
551 |
2,476,924.32 |
37,082 |
|
|
60540V |
Catholic University School |
460 |
1,864,395.57 |
30,067 |
|
|
60560E |
St Marys College |
455 |
1,910,653.48 |
30,300 |
|
|
60561G |
St Michaels College |
594 |
2,460,159.80 |
49,182 |
|
|
60570H |
Terenure College |
726 |
3,242,815.87 |
54,920 |
|
|
60590N |
St Conleths College |
262 |
1,127,100.26 |
14,972 |
|
|
60630W |
St Kilian’s Deutsche Schule |
332 |
1,392,021.19 |
22,878 |
|
|
60640C |
Sandford Park School Ltd |
248 |
1,295,913.60 |
22,697 |
|
|
60650F |
St Andrews College |
975 |
465,862 |
4,533,026.19 |
43,479 |
|
60660I |
St Patricks Cathedral G.S |
130 |
715,399.32 |
7,708 |
|
|
60670L |
The High School |
789 |
15,730 |
3,344,786.17 |
7,371 |
|
60820E |
Loreto College |
566 |
2,351,179.68 |
30,266 |
|
|
60892G |
The Teresian School |
188 |
858,902.45 |
13,332 |
|
|
60910F |
Alexandra College |
610 |
2,880,121.71 |
42,745 |
|
|
60930L |
Rosemont School |
108 |
436,475.39 |
0 |
|
|
61010U |
Wesley College |
874 |
359,562 |
3,733,236.32 |
37,935 |
|
61020A |
Stratford College |
142 |
68,618 |
882,092.33 |
16,408 |
|
61080S |
Royal School Cavan |
190 |
1,062,516.52 |
21,254 |
|
|
61570M |
Kilkenny College |
818 |
29,152 |
3,792,080.60 |
42,833 |
|
61680T |
Newbridge College |
803 |
13,985 |
3,312,358.12 |
56,654 |
|
61720F |
Clongowes Wood College |
453 |
1,905,099.24 |
36,130 |
|
|
61811I |
St Gerard’s School |
446 |
1,863,343.62 |
20,564 |
|
|
62060R |
Bandon Grammar School |
486 |
2,663 |
2,311,352.54 |
32,469 |
|
62370J |
Midleton College |
306 |
86,693 |
1,464,420.05 |
25,192 |
|
62520C |
Christian Brothers College |
792 |
3,365,059.62 |
55,316 |
|
|
62570R |
Presentation Brothers College |
660 |
3,031,304.30 |
46,584 |
|
|
62690E |
Scoil Mhuire |
394 |
274,660 |
1,755,699.04 |
18,985 |
|
63300Q |
Wilson’s Hospital School |
390 |
1,703,387.14 |
28,322 |
|
|
63870L |
Drogheda Grammar School |
277 |
356,291 |
1,320,431.39 |
18,317 |
|
63920A |
Dundalk Grammar School |
501 |
47,339 |
2,516,771.08 |
39,577 |
|
64150F |
Glenstal Abbey School |
220 |
933,080.63 |
15,957 |
|
|
64310B |
Villiers Secondary School |
538 |
2,726,525.78 |
40,597 |
|
|
64420I |
Franciscan College |
486 |
2,290,885.47 |
35,576 |
|
|
64830E |
Monaghan Collegiate School |
237 |
81,673 |
1,151,835.02 |
9,084 |
|
65010R |
Newtown School |
350 |
1,557,594.63 |
10,908 |
|
|
65190W |
Sligo Grammar School |
456 |
14,671 |
2,200,503.57 |
37,065 |
|
65410K |
Cistercian College |
302 |
1,401,111.76 |
25,137 |
|
|
68071G |
John Scottus Secondary School |
142 |
759,806.78 |
12,892 |
1151 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on the case of a child (details supplied) in County Tipperary who has applied for a special needs assistant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38860/09]
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 its attention and direct reply.
1152 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that for a small sum of money a school is available through the vocational education committee which would meet the needs for a gaelcholáiste for south Dublin; and if he will grant recognition to the proposed school in Dundrum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38899/09]
1153 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will review his consideration of a new gaelcholáiste for south Dublin in view of the demographic evidence of the need for one to serve the post primary Irish language needs of the graduates of the many primary level gaelscoileanna in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38900/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1152 and 1153 together.
The Forward Planning Section of my Department is in the process of carrying out detailed analysis of over 40 locations of highest population growth in order to identify the school accommodation requirements up to and including the school year 2014/2015.
When the required reports have been completed for these initial areas selected the Forward Planning Section will continue to work on preparing reports on a priority basis for the remainder of the country.
Overall post-primary accommodation requirements in the Dundrum area, including the case for the provision of a new Irish language post-primary school, will be considered in this regard.
1154 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of unqualified teachers in primary schools in receipt of salary, either employed full time, part time or temporary; the number who are teaching in primary schools who have not done a conversion course (details supplied); and the number of retired people being employed as substitute teachers in primary and second level schools. [38901/09]
The information requested by the Deputy is being compiled and will be forwarded to her.
1155 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding a capital project at a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary; when the project will move to the next stage; the reason for the delay in progressing the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38902/09]
The project to which the Deputy refers is at an advanced stage of architectural planning.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that earlier this year my Department gave authorisation for this project to proceed to seek planning permission. A decision on the planning application is still awaited from the local authority.
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.
1156 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding a capital project at a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary; when the project will move to the next stage; the reasons for the delay in progressing the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38903/09]
The project to which the Deputy refers is at an advanced stage of architectural planning.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that earlier this year my Department gave authorisation for this project to proceed to seek planning permission. A decision on the planning application is still awaited from the local authority.
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.
1157 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has instructed inspectors to visit a certain number of primary schools in the respective divisions; the reason for same; if he will ensure that schools are given advance notice of visits; and if he will provide a breakdown of the schools involved. [38905/09]
Section 13(3)(a) of the Education Act, 1998 provides that inspectors of the Department of Education and Science "shall visit recognised schools and centres for education on the initiative of the Inspectorate." In line with this provision, the management of the Inspectorate determines the schools to be visited and so I have not instructed inspectors to visit a certain number of schools.
Inspectors visit primary schools to carry out a range of evaluative, advisory and research functions. In 2009, it is expected that the Inspectorate will conduct over 160 incidental inspection visits to primary schools and approximately 250 whole-school type evaluations. In addition, during the school year 2008-09, inspection visits were made to 2,469 teachers on probation. A further small number of schools will be visited for other purposes.
In the case of some types of inspection work, such as Whole-School Evaluations and General Inspections of individual teachers, advance notice is provided to the schools or teachers involved. Due to the nature of incidental inspection of schools the Inspectorate does not give advance notice of these visits.
1158 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department, as the final arbitrator and controlling body, will permit a vocational education committee or a local authority to accept a sworn statement made before a commissioner of oaths as a final determination of the status of an applicant’s entitlement to a mature student education grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38914/09]
For student grants purposes, students are categorised according to their circumstances either as students dependent on parents or guardians, dependent mature students or as independent mature students. An independent mature student is defined as a mature student who was not ordinarily resident with his or her parents from the October preceding entry to an approved course.
When assessing the means of students other than independent mature students, the schemes specify that parental income must be taken into account. Independent mature students, on the other hand, are assessed without reference to their parents' income. The reckonable income of an independent mature student is that of the candidate only and of his or her spouse where appropriate.
In order to establish a candidate's status as an independent mature student, documentary evidence is required as proof of a candidate's address from 1 October of the year preceding entry to college. In considering whether a mature student meets the conditions to be assessed independently of his or her parents, awarding authorities are obliged to satisfy themselves beyond doubt that an acceptable degree of proof of independent living in the relevant period has been submitted by the grant applicant.
The documentary evidence normally required by a local authority or VEC to establish independent residence includes utility bills, such as telephone, gas or ESB bill, evidence of registration with the Private Residential Tenancies Board or official documentation received at the address, for example, from a Government Department. In exceptional circumstances, where it is not possible to produce such proofs of residence in the relevant period for demonstrable reasons, the awarding authority may, at its discretion, agree to accept other documentary proofs. While an affidavit, if accompanied by other supporting documentation, may be considered as evidence of independent living, an affidavit in isolation is not considered acceptable as sole proof of residency.
The Deputy will be aware that, in witnessing an affidavit, the role of a Commissioner for Oaths or practising solicitor is to witness the signature of the person making the affidavit. They do not verify the contents of the affidavit. An affidavit is generally confined to such facts as the person swearing it is able of his or her own knowledge to prove. It is considered that it is likely to be of little value where a candidate is unable to provide any form of documentary evidence to support his or her assertions in this regard.
My Department has reviewed the use of affidavits in the context of proof of independent living and is satisfied that the current practice in this regard is both reasonable and appropriate.
1159 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science when he will grant recognition to a proposed gaelcholáiste (details supplied) in County Dublin; the reason it has taken so long to do so; the date for recognition of the new school; if he will use some of the €396 million which has yet to be spent in his capital budget for 2009 to ensure sufficient accommodation can be provided for the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38952/09]
The Forward Planning Section of my Department is in the process of carrying out detailed analysis of over 40 locations of highest population growth in order to identify the school accommodation requirements up to and including the school year 2014/2015.
When the required reports have been completed for these initial areas selected the Forward Planning Section will continue to work on preparing reports on a priority basis for the remainder of the country.
Overall post-primary accommodation requirements in the area referred to by the Deputy, including the case for the provision of a new Irish language post-primary school, will be considered in this regard.
1160 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of higher education institutes which provide an accredited learning-to-learn module; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38953/09]
The information requested by the Deputy is being compiled by my officials and will be sent to him as soon as possible.
1161 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason he has to date refused to sanction the conversion course for primary school teaching in Mary Immaculate College, Limerick, when the course normally becomes available in January each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38955/09]
1169 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will make a statement regarding Mary Immaculate Teacher Training College, Limerick, which cannot give an indication to applicants for the 18 month teacher conversation course due to commence in January 2010 in view of the fact that they state that they have received no sanction from him for this course. [39098/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1161 and 1169 together.
The postgraduate diploma in primary education is currently provided by four State-funded Colleges of Education. The issue of providing such courses in the coming year is currently being considered in the context of likely demands in the system and the resources available. A decision on the matter will be communicated to the relevant colleges as soon as possible.
1163 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will sanction capital funding in respect of the new national school for Ardclough, County Kildare, in view of the fact that planning permission has been granted. [39027/09]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the project at the school to which he refers was included in my announcement earlier this year of 43 projects to proceed to tender and construction. Information in respect of the current school building programme, including the project referred to by the Deputy, is now available on my Department's website at www.education.ie.
My Department is currently awaiting the submission of the stage 2(b) documentation from the Design Team for the project at this school. Following receipt and review of the Stage 2(b) submission my Department will revert to the school regarding next steps in the progression of the project towards tender and construction.
1164 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the grants which will be available to persons to participate in a distance learning course (details supplied); if there are grants offered by his Department or by vocational education committees for which they could apply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39036/09]
The statutory framework for the Maintenance Grants Scheme, as set out in the Local Authorities (Higher Education Grants) Acts, 1969 to 1992, provides for means-tested higher education grants in order to assist students to attend full-time third level education.
An approved course, for the purposes of the Higher Education Grants Scheme is, generally speaking, a full-time undergraduate course of not less than two years duration or a full-time postgraduate course of not less than one-year duration pursued in an approved third-level institution. The institutions approved under the Scheme are, generally speaking, publicly funded third level colleges offering full-time courses at undergraduate and post-graduate level.
Distance learning courses are regarded as part-time programmes of study. Accordingly, such courses are not included under the Higher Education Grants Scheme.
1165 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Science the action he will take in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 13; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39067/09]
The State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations including organising the holding of examinations and determining procedures in places where examinations are conducted including the supervision of examinations.
I can inform the Deputy that the Commission operates a scheme of Reasonable Accommodations in the Certificate examinations. Applications for such accommodations are submitted by schools on behalf of their students.
In view of this I have forwarded your query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to you
1166 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science the way information is gathered to clearly identify children with autism spectrum disorders; his views on whether including such a category within the census would assist his Department and other agencies in providing a targeted response to the educational needs of such children in a more cost effective and timely manner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39069/09]
My Department's annual census of Special Schools and Special Classes in Ordinary National Schools includes a category to identify classes where the official designated category of disability is Autism/Autism Spectrum Disorders.
The census provides information on the number of pupils attending these classes. In addition, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) monitors the teaching and/or care supports it allocates to schools to support pupils with special educational needs including autism spectrum disorders.
The NCSE is currently developing a Special Education Administration System (SEAS) database which will allow for a fuller picture of pupils with special educational needs. My Department expects that the SEAS system, when fully developed, will provide relevant information on pupils with special educational needs, including autism spectrum disorders, in our schools.
The NCSE, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers, currently provides targeted additional supports to schools which have enrolled pupils with special educational needs through the allocation of additional teaching and/or care supports where appropriate. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support.
1167 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science if, notwithstanding the advice he has received from the Attorney General regarding funding of Protestant schools, he will proceed with the traditional support of Protestant schools, particularly those in rural areas, pending legal action that might be taken by a third party regarding the alleged unconstitutionality of such actions in view of the timeframes involved in such cases being taken and the certainty this would give to such schools for 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39076/09]
As Minister for Education and Science, I am obliged to ensure that actions taken are consistent with the Constitution.
I believe that engagement between my officials and representatives of the Protestant schools is the best way to seek to resolve the issues that are of concern.
1168 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Education and Science the percentage of overall school numbers of the take up of school bus passes in County Donegal post primary schools for the 2009/2010 school term; if he will contrast this with the figure for the 2008/2009 school term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39079/09]
The 2009/2010 post primary enrolment figures are currently being compiled and it is therefore not yet possible to say what the % figure requested by the Deputy is in respect of the current school year. In the school year 2008/2009 of the 12,050 post primary pupils, 48.8% had school transport passes.
Bus Éireann has informed my Department that, as of 30 October 2009, there was approximately a 5.4% decrease in the number of tickets issued to post-primary pupils in County Donegal, eligible and concessionary, in 2009/10 in contrast to the 2008/09 school year. Some minor adjustments may yet occur to the 2009/2010 figures.
1170 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to the allocation of a special needs assistant to a child (details supplied) in County Cork . [39125/09]
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.
The NCSE has not received an application for additional support from the school in question in respect of this pupil.
1171 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will arrange to have a refund due to a person (details supplied) in County Cork in respect of home tuition awarded as soon as possible. [39128/09]
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that, following receipt of an application on 1 October 2009 for refund of fees under the Home Tuition Scheme, payment has issued to the parents of the child concerned.
The payment represents 15.2 weeks of home tuition from 1 September to 22 December 2009, excluding the mid-term break.
1173 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science his proposals for amalgamations of vocational education committees due to costcutting with specific reference to Longford and Westmeath. [39165/09]
1196 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Education and Science his plans for the aggregation of vocational education committees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39427/09]
1197 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Education and Science his alternative proposal to alleviate the fears that Longford Vocational Education Committee will be amalgamated with the neighbouring Westmeath VEC; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39428/09]
1198 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on whether the saving of €3 million justifies the amalgamation of Longford and Westmeath Vocational Education Committees which will eliminate one of the few remaining administrative units in County Longford; the location at which alternative savings could be made within the existing structures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39429/09]
1199 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Education and Science the future he envisages for Longford Vocational Education Committee under a possible amalgamation with a larger neighbouring VEC in terms of the provision of a continued level of service for the county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39430/09]
1200 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on whether countries with two vocational education committees should be considered for amalgamation before inter-country aggregation is enforced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39431/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1173 and 1196 to 1200, inclusive, together.
In September when I spoke at the annual conference of the Irish Vocational Education Association (IVEA) I indicated publicly my general intentions in relation to the future organisation of the VEC system. I invited the IVEA and other interested parties to make written submissions if they wished that I would consider in finalising proposals.
Furthermore the Programme for Government includes a specific commitment to develop proposals for the reorganisation of the number of Vocational Education Committees.
The Deputies will appreciate that in advance of bringing the matter before Government, which I expect to do in the coming period, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on any particular element of the reorganisation.
1174 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in view of his recent letter to the Department of Finance confirming that finance is available to progress school building projects at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15, on advancing this project; if he will confirm that work will commence in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39174/09]
The project to which the Deputy refers is at an early stage of Architectural Planning. This project has a band 1.1 rating and includes the provision of an enhanced community facility in conjunction with Fingal County Council.
The Stage 2(a) submission (developed sketch scheme) has been received by my Department and a meeting recently took place between officials from my Department, the school and its design team to discuss the submission. A number of comments regarding the submission were made at the meeting which require attention from the design team and further documentation is awaited from the design team addressing these comments.
If the addendum to the developed sketch scheme is found to be in order, approval will be given to the school to seek planning permission. The project will proceed to tender as soon as planning permission has been obtained and the necessary tender documentation prepared. As the timeframe for securing planning permission cannot be guaranteed, it is not possible at this time to be certain as to when this project will proceed to construction. However, assuming that planning permission is granted under the normal conditions, it is intended that the project will be on site at the earliest possible date.
1175 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans and procedures in place within his Department for the provision of second level education opportunities for children on the autistic spectrum in catchment areas where specialist autism units have been provided at primary level; if existing post-primary providers in these catchment areas will be encouraged and resourced to provide such specialist units, in order to allow standard student progression to take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39175/09]
The Deputy will be aware of the Government's commitment to ensuring that all children with special educational needs, including those with autism, can have access to an education appropriate to their needs preferably in school settings through the primary and post primary school network. This facilitates access to individualised education programmes which may draw from a range of appropriate educational interventions, fully qualified professional teachers, special needs assistants and the appropriate school curriculum.
The establishment of a network of autism-specific special classes in schools across the country to cater for children with autism has been a key educational priority in recent years. In excess of 370 classes have now been approved around the country, including 40 at post-primary level.
The Deputy will also be aware that 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 students with autism. The SENO will also consider applications from schools to establish special classes for students with autism.
Another function of the NCSE is to disseminate to schools and parents, and such other persons as the NCSE considers appropriate, information relating to best practice concerning the education of children with special educational needs.
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.
1176 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Science if all proposed new post-primary schools, including a school at a location (details supplied) in County Kildare will include accommodation to meet the needs of students on the autistic spectrum, where those students needs can be met by way of mainstreaming or by way of the provision of a specialist autism unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39176/09]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that as a matter of policy, my Department provides special needs units in new post primary schools where there is a need for such a facility.
In relation to the school referred to by the Deputy a special needs unit is included in the overall schedule of accommodation being provided. This will facilitate the enrolment of special needs pupils including those on the autistic spectrum.
1178 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway is not on the correct pay scale; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39192/09]
The teacher to whom the Deputy refers is employed in a Vocational Education Committee school and is paid directly by the VEC.
The personnel records regarding the teacher's employment with the VEC including data regarding her placement on the incremental salary scale are retained by them.
Accordingly, the information sought by the Deputy is not available in my Department.
1179 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science when a decision will be made on an application for a proposed extension to a school (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39198/09]
The project to which the Deputy refers to is at an advanced stage of architectural planning.
The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction 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.
1180 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the hardship inflicted on families in County Donegal who have persons attending third level institutions and are still awaiting their student support grants; when such grants will be paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39207/09]
The process of assessing eligibility for third level grants and the organisation, management and payment of student grants are matters for the relevant local authority or VEC. These bodies seek to ensure students get decisions on their grant applications and are paid as soon as possible. It is essential that students return fully completed application forms and all necessary supporting documentation as early as possible to enable decisions to be made on entitlement.
1181 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Education and Science the assistance and grant aid under the various headings provided in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009 to a school (details supplied) in Dublin 12; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39211/09]
The school to which the Deputy refers is a recognised primary school and attracts funding in the same way as all recognised primary schools.
The Deputy will be aware that schools' running costs are met by my Department's scheme of capitation grants. These grants have been increased substantially in recent years. The primary school capitation grant has increased from €81.26 per pupil in 2000 to its current rate of €200. This represents an increase of 146% in the standard rate of capitation grant since 2000.
The ancillary services grant for primary schools has also been improved by €3.50 to €155 per pupil.
Taken together, these increases mean that primary schools eligible for the full ancillary services grant have received €355 per pupil — or almost €25 extra — this year to cover their day-to-day running costs, with a primary school of 300 pupils getting €7,475 more.
In 2000, a primary school with 300 pupils was in receipt of less than €40,000 to meet its day-to-day running costs. That same school now receives €106,500. This excludes the salary of teachers and Special Needs Assistants, which are paid by my Department.
Furthermore, enhanced rates of capitation funding are paid in respect of children with special educational needs who attend special schools or special classes attached to mainstream schools. The current rates range from €512 to €986 per pupil — an increase of 59% from the rate in 2006.
The information requested by the Deputy is as follows.
|
Grant Type |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 to-date |
|
Capitation |
41,772.74 |
43,081.68 |
46,049.00 |
|
Ancillary |
31,864.50 |
31,663.50 |
30,380.00 |
|
Non English Speaking pupil grant |
6,348.69 |
6,348.69 |
n/a |
|
School Books Grant |
1,483.80 |
1,483.80 |
n/a |
|
July Provision for Autism |
2,633.26 |
3,934.98 |
7,820.41 |
|
DEIS Non SSP Grant |
4,414.65 |
3,748.38 |
|
|
Rem/Resource Equipment Grant |
634.00 |
634.00 |
|
|
Standardised Testing Grant |
788.40 |
752.40 |
|
|
Minor Works Grant |
5,500.00 |
5,500.00 |
|
|
Minor Works Grant (Enroll) |
4,939.50 |
3,626.00 |
962.00 |
|
Assistive Technology |
1,397.12 |
706.57 |
|
|
School transport Escorts |
6,187.40 |
6,421.59 |
10,945.75 |
|
Replacement Furniture |
2,068.20 |
||
|
Total |
108,635.14 |
108,592.14 |
96,863.73 |
1182 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Education and Science the assistance and grant aid under the various headings provided in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009 to a school (details supplied) in Dublin 12; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39212/09]
The school to which the Deputy refers is a recognised primary school and attracts funding in the same way as all recognised primary schools.
The Deputy will be aware that schools' running costs are met by my Department's scheme of capitation grants. These grants have been increased substantially in recent years. The primary school capitation grant has increased from €81.26 per pupil in 2000 to its current rate of €200. This represents an increase of 146% in the standard rate of capitation grant since 2000.
The ancillary services grant for primary schools has also been improved by €3.50 to €155 per pupil.
Taken together, these increases mean that primary schools eligible for the full ancillary services grant have received €355 per pupil — or almost €25 extra — this year to cover their day-to-day running costs, with a primary school of 300 pupils getting €7,475 more.
In 2000, a primary school with 300 pupils was in receipt of less than €40,000 to meet its day-to-day running costs. That same school now receives €106,500. This excludes the salary of teachers and Special Needs Assistants, which are paid by my Department.
Furthermore, enhanced rates of capitation funding are paid in respect of children with special educational needs who attend special schools or special classes attached to mainstream schools. The current rates range from €512 to €986 per pupil — an increase of 59% from the rate in 2006.
The information requested by the Deputy is as follows.
|
Grant Type |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 to-date |
|
Capitation |
47,431.58 |
51,032.52 |
56,000.00 |
|
Ancillary |
43,795.50 |
44,541.00 |
43,400.00 |
|
Non English Speaking resource grant |
317.43 |
317.43 |
n/a |
|
School Books Grant |
2,269.30 |
2,800.90 |
n/a |
|
DEIS Non SSP Grant |
14,136.27 |
13,105.34 |
|
|
Rem/Resource Equipment Grant |
634.00 |
951.00 |
|
|
Standardised Testing Grant |
1,083.60 |
1,058.40 |
|
|
Minor Works Grant |
5,500.00 |
5,500.00 |
|
|
Minor Works Grant (Enroll) |
5,568.50 |
5,439.00 |
|
|
Set Up Grant LS/RT Posts |
318.00 |
||
|
Supervision Grant |
2,080.51 |
||
|
Part time teachers arrears 03/04 yr |
3,447.07 |
||
|
Furniture Grant |
1,457.20 |
||
|
Emergency Works Grant |
73,013.59 |
||
|
Invoice — Enable Ireland |
435.00 |
||
|
Final Grant Amount — Security System |
29,077.84 |
||
|
Grant for Disabled Toilet |
2,213.70 |
||
|
Summer Works 70% Grant |
16,263.41 |
||
|
Specialised Furniture for pupil with disability |
108.99 |
||
|
Total |
199,089.04 |
158,435.64 |
115,772.40 |
1183 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Education and Science the assistance and grant aid under the various headings provided in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009 to a school (details supplied) in Dublin 12; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39213/09]
The school to which the Deputy refers is a voluntary secondary school and receives funding in the same way as all voluntary secondary schools.
There have been significant improvements in recent years in the level of funding for voluntary secondary schools. With effect from January 2009, the standard per capita grant was increased by €14 per pupil and now amounts to €345 per pupil. In addition, voluntary secondary schools have benefited by the increase of €8 per pupil in 2009 in the support services grant bringing that grant to €212 per pupil.
The information requested by the Deputy is as follows.
|
Grant Type |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 to-date |
|
Capitation |
222,680.29 |
223,803.61 |
238,008.72 |
|
Ancillary |
189,750.51 |
195,491.52 |
201,069.52 |
|
Foreign Language Assistant/Language Scheme |
13,292.43 |
317.43 |
|
|
Book Grant |
28,161.00 |
30,026.00 |
|
|
Building Grants |
677,801.60 |
10,254.75 |
56,192.50 |
|
Disadvantage Funding |
27,856.04 |
20,892.03 |
|
|
Supervision |
27,785.89 |
12,784.22 |
20,663.85 |
|
Programme Grants (Transition yr & LCA) |
11,332.67 |
11,920.66 |
|
|
Special Subject Grant |
1,921.44 |
1,689.25 |
|
|
Assistive Technology for Special Needs pupils |
1,450.00 |
2,814.70 |
2,101.63 |
|
Psychological Test Grant |
250.00 |
250.00 |
|
|
Physics & Chemistry Grant |
208.00 |
234.00 |
|
|
Medical Refunds |
300.00 |
||
|
Special Class Grant |
4,824.00 |
||
|
Total |
1,202,789.87 |
515,302.17 |
518,036.22 |
1184 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Education and Science the assistance and grant aid under the various headings provided in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009 to a school (details supplied) in Dublin 12; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39214/09]
The school to which the Deputy refers is a recognised primary school and attracts funding in the same way as all recognised primary schools.
The Deputy will be aware that schools' running costs are met by my Department's scheme of capitation grants. These grants have been increased substantially in recent years. The primary school capitation grant has increased from €81.26 per pupil in 2000 to its current rate of €200. This represents an increase of 146% in the standard rate of capitation grant since 2000.
The ancillary services grant for primary schools has also been improved by €3.50 to €155 per pupil.
Taken together, these increases mean that primary schools eligible for the full ancillary services grant have received €355 per pupil — or almost €25 extra — this year to cover their day-to-day running costs, with a primary school of 300 pupils getting €7,475 more.
In 2000, a primary school with 300 pupils was in receipt of less than €40,000 to meet its day-to-day running costs. That same school now receives €106,500. This excludes the salary of teachers and Special Needs Assistants, which are paid by my Department.
Furthermore, enhanced rates of capitation funding are paid in respect of children with special educational needs who attend special schools or special classes attached to mainstream schools. The current rates range from €512 to €986 per pupil — an increase of 59% from the rate in 2006.
The information requested by the Deputy is as follows.
|
Grant Type |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 to-date |
|
Capitation |
50,638.14 |
59,267.00 |
67,931.00 |
|
Ancillary |
21,534.00 |
23,709.75 |
24,645.00 |
|
School Books Grant |
6,822.20 |
4,873.00 |
|
|
DEIS Non SSP Grant |
12,961.38 |
13,267.52 |
|
|
Rem/Resource Equipment Grant |
634.00 |
634.00 |
|
|
Set Up Grant LS/RT Posts |
318.00 |
||
|
Standardised Testing Grant |
1,065.60 |
1,126.80 |
|
|
Minor Works Grant |
5,500.00 |
5,500.00 |
|
|
Minor Works Grant (Enroll) |
6,197.50 |
5,550.00 |
962.00 |
|
Supervision |
2,192.97 |
||
|
Summer Works Scheme |
241,048.93 |
6,650.00 |
|
|
Total |
346,719.75 |
116,121.04 |
100,188.00 |
1185 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Education and Science the consideration given to providing funding to extend a school (details supplied) in Dublin 16 in order that extra places are made available in the school at post-primary level for pupils who formerly attended the local national school; if an assessment has been done of the places required in the post-primary school in the current economic circumstances where fewer parents can afford to send children to other local fee paying schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39220/09]
The school to which the Deputy refers has made an application to my Department for large scale capital funding.
The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and assigned a Band 2 rating. Information in respect of the current school building programme along with all assessed applications for major capital works, including the project referred to by the Deputy, are now available on my Department's website at www.education.ie.
The Forward Planning Section of my Department has carried out a study of the country to identify the areas where, due to demographic changes, there may be a requirement for significant additional school provision at both primary and post-primary levels over the coming years. This study has been conducted using data from the Central Statistics Office, the General Register Office and the Department of Social and Family Affairs in addition to recent schools' enrolment data.
The study indicates that the requirement for additional primary provision in years 2010, 2011 and 2012 is likely to be greatest in a total of 42 locations across the country based on significant changes to the demographics of those areas. The area where the school in question is situated is not included in these locations.
The Forward Planning Section is in the process of carrying out an analysis of each of the identified priority locations to establish the school accommodation requirements up to and including the school year 2014/2015.
Following this analysis, decisions will be taken on the means by which emerging needs will be met within an area.
When the required reports have been completed for the initial 42 areas, Forward Planning Section will continue to work on preparing reports on a priority basis for the remainder of the country including the area where the school in question is located.
In the interim, it is open to the school authority to apply for temporary accommodation to meet any short term accommodation needs it might have.
1186 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Dinny McGinley den Aire Oideachais agus Eolaíochta an dtuigeann sé an tábhacht atá le COGG chomh fada is a bhaineann sé le hoideachas trí Ghaeilge agus an tubaiste don teanga a bheadh ann dá gcuirfí COGG ar ceal mar a moladh i dTuarascáil Mhic Cárthaigh; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [39228/09]
Tá sé riachtanach laghduithe suntasacha a dhéanamh i gcaiteachas buiséadach insna blianta le teacht. Machnófar leibhéil caiteachais mo Roinn mar chuid den phróiseas Meastachán agus buiséadach do 2010. Áireofar anseo machnamh ar Thuarascáil an Ghrúpa Speisialta um Uimhreacha na Seirbhíse Poiblí agus Cláir Chaiteachais, agus is gnó don Rialtas iad na cinntí faoi na nithe go léir a éireoidh as sin.
Táím feasach faoi luach na hoibre a dhéanann COGG. Ní bheadh sé cuí domsa trácht a thuilleadh ar an gceist ag an dtráth seo ag feitheamh ar thoradh na bpróiseas breithniúcháin seo.
Tá raon beart ar bun chun tacú leis an nGaeilge. Orthu seo tá
An Ghaeilge ina hábhar riachtanach do gach aon dalta thuas go deireadh an oideachais dara leibhéal uachtaraigh ach amháin dóibh siúd a bhfuil díolúintí deonaithe dóibh
Tacaíochtaí breise do bhunú Gaelscoileanna
Liúntais bhreise do mhúinteoirí as múineadh trí Ghaeilge agus as múineadh sa Ghaeltacht
Seirbhísí taca curaclaim chun oideachas gairmiúil a chur ar fáil do mhúinteoirí Gaeilge ag leibhéal bunscoile agus iarbhunscoile
Obair na Comhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta agus Scéim na nDearthóirí ag soláthar acmhainní trí mheán na Gaeilge do scoileanna, ag infheistiú beagnach €2m in aghaidh na bliana sa réimse seo
Méadú na marcanna i leith na measúnachta béil insna scrúduithe teastais go dtí 40% d'fhonn béim láidir ar inniúlacht bhéil a spreagadh i múineadh agus foghlaim na Gaeilge
Socrúchán 3 seachtaine sa Ghaeltacht do gach aon mhúinteoir bunscoile faoi oiliúint
Scéim scoláireachta chun cur ar chumas mac léinn dara leibhéal as ceantair faoi mhí-bhuntáiste freastal ar choláistí Gaeilge sa Ghaeltacht
Campaí samhraidh Gaeilge do mhic léinn bunscoile as ceantair faoi mhí-bhuntáiste
Monatóireacht leanúnach ar chaighdeáin Gaeilge sna scoileanna tríd an gCigireacht agus trí thaighde a coimisiúnaíodh go heachtrach
Infheistíocht i gcláir Gaeilge san ardoideachas, go háirithe trí Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, Ollscoil Náisiúnta na hÉireann, Gaillimh, Fiontar i gCathair Átha Cliath, agus Ollscoil Náisiúnta na hÉireann, Corcaigh.
Tá na bearta seo ceaptha chun inniúlacht bhéil sa Ghaeilge a neartú insna scoileanna, agus chun a chinntiú go múintear an Ghaeilge i slí atá suimiúil, ábhartha agus a chothóidh dearcadh fabhrach i leith na teanga i measc na hóige.
1187 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the development of a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; if his attention has been drawn to the growth of this all-Irish secondary school; if his further attention has been drawn to the cost involved to the promoters of the school in having to pay teachers from their own resources; the assistance he will give this school during 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39249/09]
The school to which the Deputy refers is operating with provisional recognition from my Department. It is entitled to grant aid for the rental for its accommodation, for school transport and for the payment of teacher salaries.
Teacher allocations to schools are approved annually by my Department in accordance with established rules based on recognised pupil enrolment.
The deployment of teaching staff, the range of subjects offered and approaches to class grouping are matters for local decision by school management. Where a school management authority is unable to meet its curricular commitments within its approved allocation, my Department considers applications for additional short term support i.e. curricular concessions. This concession is available as a short term support to enable essential curricular provision to continue.
The allocation processes also include appellate mechanisms under which schools can appeal against the allocation due to them under the staffing schedules. The Principal of a school can submit an appeal under certain criteria to an independent Appeal Board which was established specifically to adjudicate on appeals on staffing allocations in post-primary schools. This Board operates independently of my Department. The school in question did not submit an appeal.
Discrete allocations are also made to second-level schools to cater for example for pupils with Special Educational Needs and those with language difficulties.
The Revised Programme for Government commits the Government to no further increase in the pupil teacher ratio in primary and second level schools for the lifetime of this Government. Under the revised programme we will provide 500 teaching posts between primary and second levels over the next three years. My Department will be consulting with the education partners in relation to the allocation of these additional posts.
1188 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of exam supervisors in the 2009 State examinations who were retired teachers or principals. [39262/09]
The State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations including organising the holding of examinations and determining procedures in places where examinations are conducted including the supervision of examinations.
In view of this I have forwarded your query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to you.
1189 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if State examination supervisor positions should be given to those newly qualified teachers who cannot find work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39263/09]
The State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations including organising the holding of examinations and determining procedures in places where examinations are conducted including the supervision of examinations.
In view of this I have forwarded your query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to you.
1190 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 134 of 24 September 2009, the number of people entitled to salary arrears from his Department as a result of the failure to implement the Protection of Employees (Part-Time Work) Act 2001; the estimated cost of paying such arrears; when this sum will be awarded; the number of people and the amount paid out to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39375/09]
1195 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 134 of 24 September 2009, his estimate of the cost to his Department in respect of the 1,000 part-time teachers in which salary arrears are owed as a result of failure to implement the Protection of Employees (Part-Time Work) Act 2001; when he plans to award this sum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39398/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1190 and 1195 together.
Until 31 August this year, a grant system operated which allowed the managerial authorities of primary schools to claim from my Department the funding required to pay part-time teachers employed in their schools. The teachers were paid by the managerial authorities.
With effect from 1 September this year, part-time resource, learning support and language support teachers are being paid on a payroll operated by my Department.
Under the terms of the Protection of Employees (Part-Time Work) Act, 2001, qualified eligible part-time teachers are entitled to be paid salary appropriate to their qualifications and to receive incremental credit in respect of relevant teaching service.
It is proposed to pay the arrears owed to these qualified teachers in the payroll of 26 November. It is expected that approximately one thousand part-time teachers will be paid arrears on the payroll.
The arrears due to each qualified teacher must be determined individually with regard to their qualifications and service. Calculation of the arrears due is currently under way and I will let the Deputy know the final estimate as soon as possible.
1191 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of statements issued by his press office on 19 October 2009 regarding localised statements in relation to the 131 schools across various counties that had obtained grants from him to build classrooms instead of renting or purchasing prefabs; the reason he has issued such statements for the third time since initial decisions were taken by him in respect of this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39393/09]
Twenty six regional press releases were issued by the Department's press office on 19 October 2009. Twenty regional press releases were issued on the same topic on 9 June 2009.
The press releases issued on the 19 October include a number of extra schools that have taken up the new scheme since the first press releases were issued in June. For example, schools in Kildare, Longford, Louth, Monaghan, Waterford and Westmeath have decided to participate in the scheme since June.
The Deputy will appreciate that it is important to highlight the up take of such schemes at local level to ensure that school communities across the country are aware of what schemes are available and the work being done to reduce the costs associated with temporary school accommodation.
1192 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of additional schools which were successful in addition to the 25 to date, following the most recent meeting of the appeal board on 22 October 2009; if those which were unsuccessful before and after the most recent meeting can appeal again in view of the promise to provide 200 additional teachers in 2009 in the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39394/09]
The Primary Staffing Appeal Board upheld four appeals on 22 October 2009 in relation to mainstream posts in the 2009-2010 school year subject to confirmation of the details submitted by the schools in question. The Board has sought additional information on one further appeal before making a final decision.
The Appeal Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.
The Renewed Programme for Government commits the Government to no further increase in the pupil teacher ratio in primary and second level schools for the lifetime of this Government. Under the revised programme we will provide 500 teaching posts between primary and second levels over the next three years. My Department proposes to structure a consultation process through meetings with the education partners in the coming weeks in accordance with the commitment to consultation as set out in the renewed Programme. It would be inappropriate for me to comment further on the issues raised by the Deputies pending the outcome of the consultation process.
1193 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the primary and post-primary school population in 2009; the projected primary and post-primary population in each year between 2009-10 and 2012-13 based on information that he has obtained. [39395/09]
The following link to the Department of Education and Science's website provides data on projections of full-time enrolment in all teaching institutions aided by this Department at First, Second and Third level (including information on various underlying assumptions with regard to demography and retention):
http://www.education.ie/servlet/blobservlet/des_proj_fte_2008_2030.doc?language=EN
Projections of enrolment for all schools at Primary and Second Level can be found in tables 1 and 2, respectively. It should be noted that, since these data were published last December, the figure for total enrolment in September 2008 has been confirmed as 498,914 at Primary Level and 341,312 at Second Level (including PLC students and excluding VTOS). The estimated overall figures for 2009 and revised projections for later years will be released on the Department's website once they are available.
