Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:46 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science if it is his intention to conduct a review into the viability of small rural schools. [44148/09]
Written Answers.
The following are questions tabled by Members for written response and the ministerial replies as received on the day from the Departments [unrevised].
Questions Nos. 1 to 6, inclusive, answered orally.
Questions Nos. 7 to 37, inclusive, resubmitted.
Questions Nos. 38 to 45, inclusive, answered orally.
Small School Closures.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:50 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will confirm that there will be no closures of small rural schools with fewer than 100 pupils. [44147/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 46 and 50 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Special Group on Public Services and Expenditure was established to examine current expenditure programmes in each Government Department and to make recommendations to Government for ensuring a return to sustainable public finances.
The report outlined that of the 3,200 primary schools in the State, approximately 47% had five teachers or fewer. The report also identified significant cost savings that could be achieved by reducing the overall number of schools through amalgamations and mergers.
The proposals in the report are being considered in the context of the current financial climate. Decisions on all of the issues arising will be a matter for the Government. While I will have to await the outcome of these deliberative processes, I can confirm that there are no plans to undertake an immediate large-scale programme of small school closures at this time. The exception to this is small schools where the question of closure would arise in the normal course under the current sustainability limits. These will continue to be dealt with in the same way and such schools may be closed if the numbers reduce over time to an unsustainable level.
However, I am of the view that my Department will have to examine the implementation of more strict guidelines in relation to the number of pupils required for both the commencement and the sustainability of schools.
It is within this context that my Department will be examining discreet groups or clusters of small schools and perhaps some individual small schools to see how we might achieve more value for money and a more efficient use of the resources that are currently allocated to these schools.
However, in considering any policy changes relating to small schools, my Department is conscious that there is a wider dimension in addition to the cost of maintaining small schools to be considered. Among the issues that will need to be taken into account are the impact of school closures on dispersed rural communities, parental choice, the availability of diversity of school provision and the additional cost of school transport.
All Patron bodies and the Education Partners will be consulted as part of any initiative undertaken by my Department in the future.
Multi-Denominational Schools.
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:47 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has come to an arrangement with the Protestant school community to reverse the cutbacks made to the fee paying Protestant schools in Budget 2009; his views on the long-standing tradition in which the State recognised the geographically dispersed nature of the Protestant community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44090/09]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:389 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the views expressed by the Church of Ireland Archbishop of Dublin and the Catholic Archbishop of Dublin regarding specific funding for Protestant schools; the degree to which he will continue this provision; if his attention has been drawn to the widespread concern arising from earlier indications in this regard and the need to provide reassurances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44480/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 47 and 389 together.
As I stated in my reply to Deputy Hayes today, I have had several meetings with Protestant representatives, most recently on 21 October, when I met with the Committee on Management for Protestant Schools. At that meeting, I invited the committee to join a working group with my officials to explore future measures to support their schools. While I regret that the Committee has declined the invitation, I retain the belief that engagement between them and my officials is the best way to resolve the issues that are of concern.
I have repeatedly stated my, and the Government's, commitment to supporting Protestant education. Indeed, it is in order to deal with the concerns expressed by Archbishop Neill of the effect of the budgetary changes on Protestant schools that I have sought to ensure the direct involvement of those involved in Protestant education in identifying and resolving issues collaboratively. I wish also to confirm that I fully concur with Archbishop Martin's views on the contribution of Protestant schools to fostering pluralism in Irish education.
I would like to emphasise that the Government continues to provide the Block Grant, which was increased this year and amounted to €6.5 million. It is targeted as a support to individual pupils to enable them to attend Protestant schools. I would urge the Deputies to take note that it is this grant, and this grant only, which defrays fees for pupils in need, enabling them to attend day or boarding schools as required, in recognition of the dispersed nature of the Protestant community.
However, I am obliged, at all times, to act in accordance with the Constitution. The Constitution, in article 44, permits state aid to denominational schools, but only on the basis that there be no discrimination between schools under different religious management. The advice of the Attorney General has been provided on the interpretation of this provision, and I am satisfied that the budget changes are consistent with the Constitution.
It is clear, therefore, that a return to the status quo ante is not legally possible.
However, I would like to restate my commitment to working with the Protestant community to identify and resolve issues that may affect some of their schools, particularly those in rural areas, and to examine how these might be examined in a manner consistent with the Constitution.
Higher Education Grants.
Sean Sherlock
Question:48 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on allowing unemployed persons who already have a degree avail of the back to education allowance, free third level fees and the higher education maintenance grants, in view of the fact that many unemployed persons with third level qualifications or higher will need to receive new skills and degrees in completely different fields if they are to rejoin the labour market; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that persons on the labour market activation scheme are forbidden from availing of these grants; if his further attention has been drawn to the rigid requirements of most grant schemes which reject applicants who already have a qualification; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44067/09]
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. The main objective of this policy is to assist as many students as possible in obtaining one undergraduate degree and in progressing, where appropriate, to a postgraduate course of study. Subject to the conditions of the individual schemes, free tuition and grants are available where students are progressing to a course at a higher level.
While I have no plans at present to change the current progression requirements of the existing schemes, my Department has been working closely with the Departments of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and Social and Family Affairs to develop appropriate responses to meet the upskilling needs of those who are losing their jobs or facing uncertain employment prospects.
Under the labour market activation scheme, 2,500 part-time undergraduate and postgraduate places have been made available for unemployed people. Although the Maintenance Grant and Free Fees schemes do not cover part-time courses, students on the scheme are not charged tuition fees and are not required to pay the €1,500 registration fee. Postgraduate students may be required to pay a small charge.
Participants are also entitled to retain social welfare payments to which they have an underlying entitlement. 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 workforce. Eligibility for the Back to Education Allowance and associated payments is determined and administered by the Department of Social and Family Affairs and is primarily a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Social and Family Affairs.
The Government is anxious to continue to ensure a co-ordinated approach to optimise the opportunities for both school leavers and mature students to engage in education and training and will keep the existing arrangements under review. The scope to develop further responses is being considered in the context of ongoing discussions with other Government Departments on developing appropriate upskilling, training and education responses for unemployed people.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:49 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Science the action he will take on the current crisis within county councils and vocational education committees in the administering of student grants; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that many students will have to wait until January 2010 to receive the first instalment of their grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44149/09]
My Department acknowledges that some students are experiencing delays in the processing of their grant applications. It is understood that both local authorities and VECs, the awarding bodies for student grants, received an unprecedented number of student grant applications this year with increases in applications up by 30% in some areas. In some instances, late applications are still being received.
Both VECs and local authorities are experiencing pressures due to the increased workload associated with the increased demand for the schemes, particularly in the context of the recruitment moratorium in the public sector which, in some instances, is affecting the processing of grants. However, every effort is being made by these bodies to ensure that students get decisions on their grant applications and are paid as soon as possible.
The current difficult economic circumstances have necessitated tough choices to control public expenditure and to ensure sustainability in the long run. This includes the need to implement a recruitment and promotion moratorium in the public sector. It is inevitable that staffing constraints on public bodies will lead to certain pressures on services. However, these bodies, even in these challenging circumstances, are endeavouring to ensure that the work associated with the processing of grants is prioritised.
Apart from the pressures associated with the volume of applications, a significant number of outstanding grant applications have not been processed in full because the applications were incomplete. I would remind students and their parents to return all necessary supporting documentation as early as possible to help the awarding bodies make prompt decisions on entitlement. I have asked the Higher Education Authority to request institutions to be flexible in respect of the payment of the student services charge for those still awaiting a decision on their grant application.
I am assessing organisational options for the processing of grant applications in the longer run with a view to streamlining operations and achieving more effective administrative efficiencies. Possible options for a more significant aggregation of functions are now being explored in the context of budgetary considerations and the Government's overall programme of public service reform.
In the interim, my Department is working closely with local authorities and VECs on a number of initiatives, some of which are already leading to administrative efficiencies and alleviating some of the pressures on awarding authorities. These initiatives, which will also enhance the level of service to students, include the provision of advance payments for student grants to all awarding authorities, migration of grant payments directly to students on a phased basis by way of electronic funds transfer and improvements to the grant application process.
Question No. 50 answered with Question No. 46.
School Management.
Joe Costello
Question:51 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has completed his review of the legal and related issues surrounding the application by Educate Together to be recognised as a patron for a post-primary school; the reason his officials raised concerns recently at a meeting (details supplied) regarding Educate Together’s proposal not to stream students at second level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44084/09]
My Department is considering a number of broad policy issues relating to the recognition process for second level schools and the application from Educate Together to be recognised as a patron body at second level is being fully examined within the context of the relevant legal, financial and other factors.
In recent talks between officials from my Department and representatives from Educate Together, there was a wide-ranging and constructive discussion about the issues associated with Educate Together's application to become a patron at second level. The discussion also focussed on the blueprint for post-primary education published by Educate Together in June of this year. This blueprint outlines the approach by Educate Together to providing an inclusive education where all young people, whatever their ability, will be provided with learning opportunities and classroom practices that explicitly take account of the different ways students learn.
Educate Together's proposal not to stream students at second level was one of a wide range of issues discussed at the meeting with them. The main focus of the discussion related to the potential enrolments in any school given recognition by the Department, the necessity to cater for as wide a range as possible of the community served by the school and the extent of curricular range that would be available in an Educate Together school. My Department does not oppose the principle of mixed ability classes. The purpose of raising the issue was to seek clarification on how a policy of not streaming pupils would be implemented in practice.
In view of the range of issues involved, it has not been possible to bring this matter to a conclusion as quickly as I would have liked. However, it is my intention to finalise this matter and convey a decision to Educate Together at the earliest date possible.
Flood Damage.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:52 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the damage arising from the recent flooding at University College Cork; if he has proposals to deal with same. [44143/09]
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:60 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the loss, damage and disruption caused to students at University College Cork arising from the recent flooding which affected student accommodation and led to damage and loss of books, laptops and personal belongings; if he has proposals to assist them in their difficulties. [44144/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 52 and 60 together.
I am very conscious of the hardship being experienced by many people across the country due to the recent unprecedented flooding. In regard to University College Cork specifically, I visited the University yesterday to view the position at first hand. My Department has also received an initial report from the University Authorities detailing the extensive flood damage caused to educational facilities and student residences. I understand that 29 of the University's individual buildings were flooded including the recently constructed IT Building. I further understand that approximately 30 acres of the University's 80 acres land bank were submerged in flood water.
Apart from damage to buildings and facilities, at the human level I understand that close to 2,000 students were forced to evacuate their student residences. A significant recovery effort involving well over 150 people has been undertaken with an emphasis on addressing emergency and safety issues. I congratulate all involved in working speedily to minimise risks and restore as best as possible normal activities at the University.
I have been advised by the Higher Education Authority that the University has in place adequate and appropriate levels of insurance. Loss assessors acting on behalf of the insurers have already visited the University to examine at first hand the extent of damage caused. It is not possible at this early stage to quantify the full extent of the damage until further surveys and assessments are complete.
Finally, the Deputy may recall that earlier this year I extended a scheme of minor works funding that existed within the institute of technology sector to the country's 7 universities. Under the scheme, UCC derived funding of €3.6m in the current year. This funding will enable the college to address urgent small-scale capital issues on a priority basis.
Loss of personal property would also fall to be dealt with by individuals' insurers.
Schools Building Projects.
Denis Naughten
Question:53 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the review of the school building capital programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44127/09]
As I have indicated previously to the House, I am currently in the process of reviewing my Department's school building and modernisation programme with my officials in the context of the Estimates for 2010. I intend making a further announcement on the school building programme when that review has been completed.
Decisions in respect of the expenditure of the annual allocation are made on the basis of the elements of the school building and modernisation programme that are most pressing in terms of need.
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 primary and post-primary levels over the coming years. The study indicates that the requirement for additional primary provision in 2010, 2011 and 2012 is likely to be greatest in 42 selected locations across the country, based on significant changes to the demographic profile of those areas.
This information has been circulated to all existing school Patrons who have been invited to bring forward proposals for the expansion of existing schools or indeed to put themselves forward as Patron for any new primary school, should it be required. The requirement for the establishment of new schools will of course be lessened where it is possible to expand and extend existing schools in those areas.
In addition, this Government has shown a consistent determination to improve the condition of our existing school buildings and to ensure that the appropriate facilities are in place to enable the implementation of a broad and balanced curriculum in those schools.
The principal component of the school building and modernisation programme is, and will remain, the delivery of large scale projects which consist of either new schools or major extensions or refurbishments of existing schools. However, the level of demand on the school building programme is such that all projects cannot be carried out together. They will have to be carried out over time in a structured and coherent manner and that is the reasoning behind the Department's published prioritisation criteria.
Other factors which have to be taken into consideration include contractual commitments which will be carried into 2010 from this years programme and the procurement of sites where this is necessary.
I should add that in addition to the major projects, there are a number of other schemes in operation, such as the Summer Works Scheme, the Energy Efficiency Scheme, the Permanent Accommodation Scheme and the Emergency Works Scheme.
All of these factors will inform the Departments Building Programme for 2010 and subsequent years.
School Accommodation.
David Stanton
Question:54 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 522 of 23 of June 2009, if the review of his Department’s policies and procedures for the provision of temporary classroom accommodation has been completed; if he has received a report regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44146/09]
The review of policies and procedures for the provision of temporary classroom accommodation is well underway.
One change in policy that has been implemented is to grant aid the purchase (rather than rental) of temporary accommodation where the need for such accommodation is likely to exist for more than 3 years. Furthermore, since July 2008, it is my policy to offer schools being approved for grant aid for temporary accommodation the option to use their capital grant aid to build a permanent classroom(s) rather than purchase a prefab. As at the end of October 2009, 210 schools have been approved funding for the purchase of prefabricated classroom(s) with the option of building a permanent room(s). 61 of the approved schools have indicated to my Department that they intend purchasing prefabs and 60 intend to use the grant-aid to build a permanent room. The remaining schools have not yet indicated their preference.
These policies will reduce the usage of temporary accommodation and, particularly, the incidence of long term rental of prefabs and have already contributed to emerging savings of approximately €14m on annual expenditure on rental of temporary accommodation in 2009 as compared to 2008.
In addition, 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 underway 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. My Department has received a draft of a new contract for the provision of temporary accommodation which is currently under consideration. The work on the development of standard specifications is also well advanced.
Another strand of the review is negotiations with prefab suppliers to buy out existing rental contracts or reductions in annual rent, as appropriate. An initial group of 46 schools with rented prefabricated accommodation has been identified for priority negotiations with suppliers to buy out existing rental contracts.
I expect that I will be in a position to approve a number of these purchases of prefabricated accommodation in the coming weeks.
The focus of this review is the development and adoption of practical measures and policies to achieve best value for money in the area of temporary accommodation in schools and not on the production of a written report. The target outputs of the review include a set of standardised specifications for prefabricated accommodation, a suitable generic contract for the rental of prefabricated accommodation and recommendations for the buy-out of certain prefab rental contracts. My officials will continue to evaluate the progress and outcomes of the review and report to me in this regard.
Third Level Charges.
Martin Ferris
Question:55 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will respond to claims that moneys collected from the student registration fee are not used to fund student services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44152/09]
Martin Ferris
Question:61 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will confirm that there will be no further increases in the student registration fee. [44151/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 55 and 61 together.
As the Deputy will be aware the student services charge is levied by third level institutions to defray the costs of examinations, registration and students services. These services may include on-campus medical and counselling facilities for students, access and disability services, careers office, student facilities, student clubs and societies etc. Currently, the student services charge is decided annually by third-level institutions in consultation with the Higher Education Authority (HEA) and my Department. Any change in the level of this charge would only be considered where the increase is intended to bring the amount contributed by students into line with the costs of the range of students services provided.
As already announced, the Government indicated that it was prepared to accept increases in the level of this charge for the academic year 2009/10 to bring it to a limit of €1,500 in individual higher education institutions. In the previous academic year, 2008/2009, the charge stood at €900. The increase in the charge for the 2009/2010 academic year enabled individual institutions to bring the amount contributed by students more into line with the real cost of providing student services in those institutions. This was agreed on the understanding that the revenue generated by the increase adopted by each institution would reflect their requirements in defraying the full cost of items that fall to be funded by the charge. Where income from the charge did not previously meet the full cost of these services, this required an effective cross subsidisation by institutions from their general block grant funding.
Systems of local accountability to students are in place across higher education institutions in respect of the use of resources generated by the charge. The Higher Education Authority has issued a Framework of Good Practice for the Provision of Student Services to the publicly funded higher education institutions. The Framework consists of guidelines to establish an appropriate system of consultation with students in the allocation of funding from the charge and in the determination of student services to be funded from this source with particular emphasis on principles of transparency and accountability. The HEA has written to all institutions on a number of occasions to ensure that correct procedures are in place, and to remind them of their function in relation to the student services charge, in accordance with the Framework of Good Practice.
I have asked the HEA to ensure that all institutions are using the full income from the charge for the purpose which it is intended relating to student services.
Higher Education Grants.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:56 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that 50 students are dropping out each week due to delays in grant payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44150/09]
It is not possible to assess the scale of drop out in the current year on the basis of data currently available to my Department and the Higher Education Authority. However, the issue of student retention is a priority issue for me and it is an issue that will increase in importance in light of the recent increases in student enrolments in the last two years.
In light of my prioritisation of retention, the Higher Education Authority are currently researching this issue. Improvements in the quality of administrative data due to the development of the Student Record System since 2004 are underpinning this new analysis of retention, progression and completion, which will be available early in 2010.
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.
The terms of the Higher Education Grants Scheme and the Vocational Education Committees' Scholarship Scheme for the 2009/10 academic year provide for the payment by the Local Authorities/VEC's of each maintenance grant in three equal instalments as early as possible in each term.
Students and parents should ensure that all necessary supporting documentation is provided at the earliest date to assist the awarding bodies to make prompt decisions on entitlement.
The Higher Education Authority on my behalf have requested institutions to be flexible in respect of the payment of the student services charge for those still awaiting a decision on their grant application.
Schools Building Projects.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:57 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of school building projects before his Department; the number that have been on the waiting list for less than five years; the number on such lists for more than five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44202/09]
My Department currently has 226 major capital projects for school buildings at various stages of architectural planning. These range from projects where a design team is to be appointed to those currently at tender stage.
Applications for 34 of these projects were received since January 2005.
Applications for the remainder of these major capital projects would have been received in my Department prior to January 2005.
Educational Projects.
Denis Naughten
Question:58 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the project maths programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44126/09]
The Project Maths initiative is designed to encourage better understanding of Maths, to reinforce the practical relevance of maths to everyday life, and to ensure better continuity between primary and second level, and junior and senior cycle. It is being led by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, working in collaboration with my Department and the State Examinations Commission. The initiative started in 2008 and is being piloted in 24 schools. The curriculum changes will be phased in over three years and mainstreaming will begin in 2010/11 in all schools, prefaced by a national programme of professional development for teachers which began in October and which will continue to at least 2013.
Students in the 24 schools involved in the initial implementation from September 2008 are experiencing mathematics in a new way. Teachers are being provided with classroom materials to enable them to adopt the new approaches and will be supported professionally in embracing change. These materials and supports will include lesson plans, with teacher guides and student worksheets, online exemplars and a range of assessment materials.
Project Maths is being supported by intensive investment in professional development for teachers. A Maths Support Team has been appointed and some €3m has been provided for the programme in 2009 alone. Investment in professional development for teachers will continue in a rolling programme of reform.
Project Maths is being implemented on a phased basis covering the following five strands of mathematics:
Phase 1 Strand 1 statistics and probability;
Strand 2 geometry and trigonometry
Phase 2 Strand 3 number; Strand 4 algebra
Phase 3 functions
Phase 3 will have begun in all schools in 2012, and will be fully implemented in all class groups by 2015.
The NCCA website www.ncca.ie. sets out the draft syllabus for Strands 1 to 4 at junior and senior cycle, a draft common Mathematics course for the first year in junior cycle, and a Geometry course. The website www.ProjectMaths.ie sets out additional supports in the form of teaching and learning plans, a forum for teachers, and additional resources. These resources will expand over time.
Pupil-Teacher Ratio.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:59 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the extent to which class sizes and pupil teacher ratios have varied in the past three years to date in 2009; the action he will take to bring about a restoration to the best practice over this period; the degree to which it is intended to address these issues in the short to medium term; if he has received requests from the various school authorities here seeking such improvements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44203/09]
At primary level the average class size for each of the years 2006/07, 07/08 and 08/09 was 24.09, 23.9 and 23.8 respectively.
The pupil teacher ratio varied from 16.41:1 in 2006/07, 16:1 in 2007/08 to 15.9:1 in 2008/09.
At post-primary level the PTR in 2006/07, 07/08 and 08/09 was 24.09, 23.9 and 23.8 respectively.
Data in relation to the 2009/10 school year is currently being collected from schools and will be made available when processed.
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 there is a commitment to 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.
A consultation process in relation to the allocation of these additional posts is currently underway between officials of my Department and the education partners.
Question No. 60 answered with Question No. 52.
Question No. 61 answered with Question No. 55.
Schools Building Projects.
David Stanton
Question:62 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science the research or investigations conducted into the need to provide additional schools and classrooms in the Midleton and east Cork area at both primary and second level in the coming years; the action he has taken or plans to take in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44145/09]
The Forward Planning Section of my Department utilises the latest in GIS technology to assist in planning school requirements in the future. The Geographical Information System contains information on all schools in the country, primary and post primary level, geo-coded to their location. The information is then linked to the relevant demographic information for those areas — typically the demographic information will be from the Central Statistic's Office Census data, the General Registrar of Births, the Department of Social and Family Affairs, An Post's Geo-directory and information supplied by Local Authorities through Development Plans.
Growth projection figures are applied to the existing population with a view to assessing future requirements and areas of highest growth at primary and post-primary level.
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.
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 over 40 locations across the country based on significant changes to the demographics of those areas. Midleton/Carrigtwohill is one of those locations.
Following this analysis, decisions will be taken on the means by which emerging needs will be met within the area.
Any proposed building projects will be considered in the context of my 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 my Department, it is not possible to give a more indicative timeframe for the delivery of the projects at this time.
Employment Statistics.
George Lee
Question:63 Deputy George Lee asked the Taoiseach the number of persons aged under 25 years who were unemployed each month from January 2008 to November 2008 by gender and by county; and the number in each social welfare office in Dublin by gender for each of these time periods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43924/09]
George Lee
Question:64 Deputy George Lee asked the Taoiseach the number of persons aged under 25 years who were unemployed on 31 December 2007, 31 December 2008 and each month to date in 2009 in each social welfare office in Dublin by gender; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43925/09]
George Lee
Question:65 Deputy George Lee asked the Taoiseach the number of persons who were unemployed on 31 December 2007, 31 December 2008 and each month to date in 2009 by gender and by county; the number in each social welfare office in Dublin by gender for each of these time periods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43926/09]
George Lee
Question:66 Deputy George Lee asked the Taoiseach the number of persons who were unemployed each month from January 2008 to November 2008 by gender and by county; the number in each social welfare office in Dublin by gender for each of these periods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43927/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 63 to 66, inclusive, together.
The Quarterly National Household Survey (QNHS) is the official source of data on employment and unemployment. It provides estimates at State and regional levels but does not provide data for counties or smaller areas. However, the Live Register does provide information at county and local office level. Table 1 contains live register information for each county while Table 2 gives corresponding information for each local social welfare office in Dublin, for each month from December 2007 to October 2009 inclusive. The two tables contain a breakdown by gender and by age group. The Live Register is not designed to measure unemployment according to international ILO definitions.
|
Month1 |
Male Under 25 years |
Male 25 years and over |
Male All ages |
Female Under 25 years |
Female 25 years and over |
Female All ages |
Both sexes Under 25 years |
Both sexes 25 years and over |
Both sexes All ages |
|
Cavan County |
|||||||||
|
Dec-07 |
329 |
1,267 |
1,596 |
212 |
820 |
1,032 |
541 |
2,087 |
2,628 |
|
Jan-08 |
364 |
1,374 |
1,738 |
226 |
842 |
1,068 |
590 |
2,216 |
2,806 |
|
Feb-08 |
386 |
1,491 |
1,877 |
237 |
836 |
1,073 |
623 |
2,327 |
2,950 |
|
Mar-08 |
403 |
1,585 |
1,988 |
253 |
921 |
1,174 |
656 |
2,506 |
3,162 |
|
Apr-08 |
438 |
1,633 |
2,071 |
259 |
884 |
1,143 |
697 |
2,517 |
3,214 |
|
May-08 |
452 |
1,711 |
2,163 |
284 |
896 |
1,180 |
736 |
2,607 |
3,343 |
|
Jun-08 |
493 |
1,854 |
2,347 |
359 |
1,065 |
1,424 |
852 |
2,919 |
3,771 |
|
Jul-08 |
531 |
1,934 |
2,465 |
406 |
1,193 |
1,599 |
937 |
3,127 |
4,064 |
|
Aug-08 |
573 |
2,030 |
2,603 |
409 |
1,160 |
1,569 |
982 |
3,190 |
4,172 |
|
Sep-08 |
583 |
2,108 |
2,691 |
382 |
1,068 |
1,450 |
965 |
3,176 |
4,141 |
|
Oct-08 |
614 |
2,302 |
2,916 |
386 |
1,129 |
1,515 |
1,000 |
3,431 |
4,431 |
|
Nov-08 |
647 |
2,497 |
3,144 |
389 |
1,173 |
1,562 |
1,036 |
3,670 |
4,706 |
|
Dec-08 |
694 |
2,715 |
3,409 |
404 |
1,260 |
1,664 |
1,098 |
3,975 |
5,073 |
|
Jan-09 |
797 |
3,163 |
3,960 |
463 |
1,379 |
1,842 |
1,260 |
4,542 |
5,802 |
|
Feb-09 |
904 |
3,447 |
4,351 |
515 |
1,482 |
1,997 |
1,419 |
4,929 |
6,348 |
|
Mar-09 |
954 |
3,563 |
4,517 |
527 |
1,510 |
2,037 |
1,481 |
5,073 |
6,554 |
|
Apr-09 |
970 |
3,738 |
4,708 |
524 |
1,577 |
2,101 |
1,494 |
5,315 |
6,809 |
|
May-09 |
971 |
3,729 |
4,700 |
557 |
1,556 |
2,113 |
1,528 |
5,285 |
6,813 |
|
Jun-09 |
1,039 |
3,825 |
4,864 |
645 |
1,671 |
2,316 |
1,684 |
5,496 |
7,180 |
|
Jul-09 |
1,054 |
3,823 |
4,877 |
697 |
1,802 |
2,499 |
1,751 |
5,625 |
7,376 |
|
Aug-09 |
1,056 |
3,878 |
4,934 |
696 |
1,787 |
2,483 |
1,752 |
5,665 |
7,417 |
|
Sep-09 |
1,002 |
3,871 |
4,873 |
651 |
1,667 |
2,318 |
1,653 |
5,538 |
7,191 |
|
Oct-09 |
920 |
3,799 |
4,719 |
585 |
1,717 |
2,302 |
1,505 |
5,516 |
7,021 |
|
Donegal County |
|||||||||
|
Dec-07 |
1,161 |
4,353 |
5,514 |
788 |
2,805 |
3,593 |
1,949 |
7,158 |
9,107 |
|
Jan-08 |
1,296 |
4,731 |
6,027 |
816 |
2,808 |
3,624 |
2,112 |
7,539 |
9,651 |
|
Feb-08 |
1,408 |
4,873 |
6,281 |
836 |
2,840 |
3,676 |
2,244 |
7,713 |
9,957 |
|
Mar-08 |
1,484 |
4,995 |
6,479 |
817 |
3,056 |
3,873 |
2,301 |
8,051 |
10,352 |
|
Apr-08 |
1,497 |
5,062 |
6,559 |
823 |
2,897 |
3,720 |
2,320 |
7,959 |
10,279 |
|
May-08 |
1,511 |
5,197 |
6,708 |
888 |
2,981 |
3,869 |
2,399 |
8,178 |
10,577 |
|
Jun-08 |
1,714 |
5,455 |
7,169 |
1,083 |
3,293 |
4,376 |
2,797 |
8,748 |
11,545 |
|
Jul-08 |
1,858 |
5,786 |
7,644 |
1,222 |
3,609 |
4,831 |
3,080 |
9,395 |
12,475 |
|
Aug-08 |
1,991 |
6,067 |
8,058 |
1,295 |
3,602 |
4,897 |
3,286 |
9,669 |
12,955 |
|
Sep-08 |
1,975 |
6,123 |
8,098 |
1,168 |
3,284 |
4,452 |
3,143 |
9,407 |
12,550 |
|
Oct-08 |
2,106 |
6,454 |
8,560 |
1,136 |
3,449 |
4,585 |
3,242 |
9,903 |
13,145 |
|
Nov-08 |
2,289 |
6,982 |
9,271 |
1,202 |
3,617 |
4,819 |
3,491 |
10,599 |
14,090 |
|
Dec-08 |
2,537 |
7,570 |
10,107 |
1,259 |
3,898 |
5,157 |
3,796 |
11,468 |
15,264 |
|
Jan-09 |
2,775 |
8,420 |
11,195 |
1,396 |
4,181 |
5,577 |
4,171 |
12,601 |
16,772 |
|
Feb-09 |
2,889 |
8,844 |
11,733 |
1,449 |
4,377 |
5,826 |
4,338 |
13,221 |
17,559 |
|
Mar-09 |
2,944 |
9,111 |
12,055 |
1,469 |
4,470 |
5,939 |
4,413 |
13,581 |
17,994 |
|
Apr-09 |
2,960 |
9,343 |
12,303 |
1,502 |
4,578 |
6,080 |
4,462 |
13,921 |
18,383 |
|
May-09 |
3,109 |
9,681 |
12,790 |
1,602 |
4,669 |
6,271 |
4,711 |
14,350 |
19,061 |
|
Jun-09 |
3,218 |
9,931 |
13,149 |
1,773 |
4,973 |
6,746 |
4,991 |
14,904 |
19,895 |
|
Jul-09 |
3,359 |
10,173 |
13,532 |
1,948 |
5,411 |
7,359 |
5,307 |
15,584 |
20,891 |
|
Aug-09 |
3,354 |
10,292 |
13,646 |
1,995 |
5,424 |
7,419 |
5,349 |
15,716 |
21,065 |
|
Sep-09 |
3,194 |
10,104 |
13,298 |
1,796 |
4,973 |
6,769 |
4,990 |
15,077 |
20,067 |
|
Oct-09 |
3,042 |
10,055 |
13,097 |
1,634 |
5,083 |
6,717 |
4,676 |
15,138 |
19,814 |
|
Leitrim County |
|||||||||
|
Dec-07 |
148 |
723 |
871 |
91 |
480 |
571 |
239 |
1,203 |
1,442 |
|
Jan-08 |
156 |
777 |
933 |
91 |
490 |
581 |
247 |
1,267 |
1,514 |
|
Feb-08 |
173 |
820 |
993 |
90 |
492 |
582 |
263 |
1,312 |
1,575 |
|
Mar-08 |
193 |
889 |
1,082 |
95 |
519 |
614 |
288 |
1,408 |
1,696 |
|
Apr-08 |
192 |
882 |
1,074 |
94 |
500 |
594 |
286 |
1,382 |
1,668 |
|
May-08 |
193 |
866 |
1,059 |
110 |
512 |
622 |
303 |
1,378 |
1,681 |
|
Jun-08 |
213 |
928 |
1,141 |
128 |
562 |
690 |
341 |
1,490 |
1,831 |
|
Jul-08 |
239 |
981 |
1,220 |
148 |
632 |
780 |
387 |
1,613 |
2,000 |
|
Aug-08 |
250 |
1,051 |
1,301 |
154 |
649 |
803 |
404 |
1,700 |
2,104 |
|
Sep-08 |
252 |
1,058 |
1,310 |
136 |
613 |
749 |
388 |
1,671 |
2,059 |
|
Oct-08 |
249 |
1,166 |
1,415 |
124 |
651 |
775 |
373 |
1,817 |
2,190 |
|
Nov-08 |
265 |
1,242 |
1,507 |
126 |
659 |
785 |
391 |
1,901 |
2,292 |
|
Dec-08 |
316 |
1,365 |
1,681 |
129 |
691 |
820 |
445 |
2,056 |
2,501 |
|
Jan-09 |
367 |
1,566 |
1,933 |
144 |
759 |
903 |
511 |
2,325 |
2,836 |
|
Feb-09 |
394 |
1,674 |
2,068 |
158 |
788 |
946 |
552 |
2,462 |
3,014 |
|
Mar-09 |
411 |
1,721 |
2,132 |
177 |
820 |
997 |
588 |
2,541 |
3,129 |
|
Apr-09 |
421 |
1,751 |
2,172 |
177 |
839 |
1,016 |
598 |
2,590 |
3,188 |
|
May-09 |
428 |
1,882 |
2,310 |
198 |
886 |
1,084 |
626 |
2,768 |
3,394 |
|
Jun-09 |
472 |
1,912 |
2,384 |
257 |
926 |
1,183 |
729 |
2,838 |
3,567 |
|
Jul-09 |
484 |
1,961 |
2,445 |
304 |
1,003 |
1,307 |
788 |
2,964 |
3,752 |
|
Aug-09 |
491 |
1,974 |
2,465 |
303 |
1,023 |
1,326 |
794 |
2,997 |
3,791 |
|
Sep-09 |
457 |
1,929 |
2,386 |
252 |
952 |
1,204 |
709 |
2,881 |
3,590 |
|
Oct-09 |
434 |
1,901 |
2,335 |
225 |
922 |
1,147 |
659 |
2,823 |
3,482 |
|
Louth County |
|||||||||
|
Dec-07 |
891 |
3,491 |
4,382 |
468 |
2,042 |
2,510 |
1,359 |
5,533 |
6,892 |
|
Jan-08 |
1,010 |
3,746 |
4,756 |
534 |
2,100 |
2,634 |
1,544 |
5,846 |
7,390 |
|
Feb-08 |
1,089 |
4,061 |
5,150 |
554 |
2,237 |
2,791 |
1,643 |
6,298 |
7,941 |
|
Mar-08 |
1,106 |
4,121 |
5,227 |
582 |
2,351 |
2,933 |
1,688 |
6,472 |
8,160 |
|
Apr-08 |
1,106 |
4,157 |
5,263 |
591 |
2,250 |
2,841 |
1,697 |
6,407 |
8,104 |
|
May-08 |
1,109 |
4,083 |
5,192 |
615 |
2,253 |
2,868 |
1,724 |
6,336 |
8,060 |
|
Jun-08 |
1,214 |
4,280 |
5,494 |
683 |
2,440 |
3,123 |
1,897 |
6,720 |
8,617 |
|
Jul-08 |
1,305 |
4,557 |
5,862 |
762 |
2,700 |
3,462 |
2,067 |
7,257 |
9,324 |
|
Aug-08 |
1,398 |
4,799 |
6,197 |
803 |
2,741 |
3,544 |
2,201 |
7,540 |
9,741 |
|
Sep-08 |
1,400 |
4,871 |
6,271 |
792 |
2,496 |
3,288 |
2,192 |
7,367 |
9,559 |
|
Oct-08 |
1,477 |
5,237 |
6,714 |
771 |
2,661 |
3,432 |
2,248 |
7,898 |
10,146 |
|
Nov-08 |
1,578 |
5,651 |
7,229 |
785 |
2,732 |
3,517 |
2,363 |
8,383 |
10,746 |
|
Dec-08 |
1,664 |
6,088 |
7,752 |
822 |
2,883 |
3,705 |
2,486 |
8,971 |
11,457 |
|
Jan-09 |
1,912 |
7,129 |
9,041 |
988 |
3,234 |
4,222 |
2,900 |
10,363 |
13,263 |
|
Feb-09 |
2,049 |
7,824 |
9,873 |
1,118 |
3,537 |
4,655 |
3,167 |
11,361 |
14,528 |
|
Mar-09 |
2,141 |
8,151 |
10,292 |
1,116 |
3,653 |
4,769 |
3,257 |
11,804 |
15,061 |
|
Apr-09 |
2,138 |
8,351 |
10,489 |
1,136 |
3,811 |
4,947 |
3,274 |
12,162 |
15,436 |
|
May-09 |
2,178 |
8,557 |
10,735 |
1,222 |
3,913 |
5,135 |
3,400 |
12,470 |
15,870 |
|
Jun-09 |
2,367 |
8,857 |
11,224 |
1,391 |
4,165 |
5,556 |
3,758 |
13,022 |
16,780 |
|
Jul-09 |
2,390 |
8,955 |
11,345 |
1,470 |
4,482 |
5,952 |
3,860 |
13,437 |
17,297 |
|
Aug-09 |
2,383 |
8,966 |
11,349 |
1,445 |
4,529 |
5,974 |
3,828 |
13,495 |
17,323 |
|
Sep-09 |
2,275 |
8,801 |
11,076 |
1,340 |
4,146 |
5,486 |
3,615 |
12,947 |
16,562 |
|
Oct-09 |
2,195 |
8,746 |
10,941 |
1,241 |
4,087 |
5,328 |
3,436 |
12,833 |
16,269 |
|
Monaghan County |
|||||||||
|
Dec-07 |
230 |
1,133 |
1,363 |
155 |
739 |
894 |
385 |
1,872 |
2,257 |
|
Jan-08 |
266 |
1,211 |
1,477 |
170 |
761 |
931 |
436 |
1,972 |
2,408 |
|
Feb-08 |
304 |
1,311 |
1,615 |
186 |
799 |
985 |
490 |
2,110 |
2,600 |
|
Mar-08 |
310 |
1,385 |
1,695 |
196 |
883 |
1,079 |
506 |
2,268 |
2,774 |
|
Apr-08 |
328 |
1,433 |
1,761 |
218 |
848 |
1,066 |
546 |
2,281 |
2,827 |
|
May-08 |
349 |
1,486 |
1,835 |
231 |
886 |
1,117 |
580 |
2,372 |
2,952 |
|
Jun-08 |
398 |
1,517 |
1,915 |
294 |
994 |
1,288 |
692 |
2,511 |
3,203 |
|
Jul-08 |
430 |
1,656 |
2,086 |
357 |
1,125 |
1,482 |
787 |
2,781 |
3,568 |
|
Aug-08 |
456 |
1,716 |
2,172 |
356 |
1,119 |
1,475 |
812 |
2,835 |
3,647 |
|
Sep-08 |
443 |
1,779 |
2,222 |
321 |
1,054 |
1,375 |
764 |
2,833 |
3,597 |
|
Oct-08 |
482 |
1,992 |
2,474 |
276 |
1,067 |
1,343 |
758 |
3,059 |
3,817 |
|
Nov-08 |
539 |
2,104 |
2,643 |
276 |
1,088 |
1,364 |
815 |
3,192 |
4,007 |
|
Dec-08 |
560 |
2,282 |
2,842 |
286 |
1,170 |
1,456 |
846 |
3,452 |
4,298 |
|
Jan-09 |
662 |
2,735 |
3,397 |
334 |
1,280 |
1,614 |
996 |
4,015 |
5,011 |
|
Feb-09 |
726 |
2,985 |
3,711 |
349 |
1,362 |
1,711 |
1,075 |
4,347 |
5,422 |
|
Mar-09 |
759 |
3,030 |
3,789 |
365 |
1,387 |
1,752 |
1,124 |
4,417 |
5,541 |
|
Apr-09 |
780 |
3,182 |
3,962 |
375 |
1,449 |
1,824 |
1,155 |
4,631 |
5,786 |
|
May-09 |
820 |
3,208 |
4,028 |
410 |
1,458 |
1,868 |
1,230 |
4,666 |
5,896 |
|
Jun-09 |
884 |
3,268 |
4,152 |
518 |
1,554 |
2,072 |
1,402 |
4,822 |
6,224 |
|
Jul-09 |
922 |
3,335 |
4,257 |
565 |
1,668 |
2,233 |
1,487 |
5,003 |
6,490 |
|
Aug-09 |
929 |
3,387 |
4,316 |
562 |
1,673 |
2,235 |
1,491 |
5,060 |
6,551 |
|
Sep-09 |
831 |
3,291 |
4,122 |
482 |
1,506 |
1,988 |
1,313 |
4,797 |
6,110 |
|
Oct-09 |
766 |
3,348 |
4,114 |
436 |
1,557 |
1,993 |
1,202 |
4,905 |
6,107 |
|
Sligo County |
|||||||||
|
Dec-07 |
287 |
1,121 |
1,408 |
145 |
583 |
728 |
432 |
1,704 |
2,136 |
|
Jan-08 |
330 |
1,231 |
1,561 |
177 |
623 |
800 |
507 |
1,854 |
2,361 |
|
Feb-08 |
326 |
1,269 |
1,595 |
201 |
614 |
815 |
527 |
1,883 |
2,410 |
|
Mar-08 |
334 |
1,321 |
1,655 |
211 |
643 |
854 |
545 |
1,964 |
2,509 |
|
Apr-08 |
340 |
1,353 |
1,693 |
214 |
614 |
828 |
554 |
1,967 |
2,521 |
|
May-08 |
343 |
1,378 |
1,721 |
234 |
630 |
864 |
577 |
2,008 |
2,585 |
|
Jun-08 |
409 |
1,443 |
1,852 |
264 |
718 |
982 |
673 |
2,161 |
2,834 |
|
Jul-08 |
434 |
1,505 |
1,939 |
282 |
814 |
1,096 |
716 |
2,319 |
3,035 |
|
Aug-08 |
453 |
1,616 |
2,069 |
301 |
861 |
1,162 |
754 |
2,477 |
3,231 |
|
Sep-08 |
452 |
1,559 |
2,011 |
260 |
734 |
994 |
712 |
2,293 |
3,005 |
|
Oct-08 |
462 |
1,649 |
2,111 |
258 |
757 |
1,015 |
720 |
2,406 |
3,126 |
|
Nov-08 |
501 |
1,784 |
2,285 |
260 |
797 |
1,057 |
761 |
2,581 |
3,342 |
|
Dec-08 |
531 |
1,893 |
2,424 |
271 |
835 |
1,106 |
802 |
2,728 |
3,530 |
|
Jan-09 |
612 |
2,200 |
2,812 |
327 |
952 |
1,279 |
939 |
3,152 |
4,091 |
|
Feb-09 |
686 |
2,333 |
3,019 |
374 |
1,013 |
1,387 |
1,060 |
3,346 |
4,406 |
|
Mar-09 |
732 |
2,406 |
3,138 |
390 |
1,069 |
1,459 |
1,122 |
3,475 |
4,597 |
|
Apr-09 |
720 |
2,478 |
3,198 |
389 |
1,120 |
1,509 |
1,109 |
3,598 |
4,707 |
|
May-09 |
738 |
2,582 |
3,320 |
443 |
1,201 |
1,644 |
1,181 |
3,783 |
4,964 |
|
Jun-09 |
766 |
2,634 |
3,400 |
519 |
1,278 |
1,797 |
1,285 |
3,912 |
5,197 |
|
Jul-09 |
806 |
2,698 |
3,504 |
553 |
1,395 |
1,948 |
1,359 |
4,093 |
5,452 |
|
Aug-09 |
827 |
2,771 |
3,598 |
551 |
1,381 |
1,932 |
1,378 |
4,152 |
5,530 |
|
Sep-09 |
757 |
2,624 |
3,381 |
527 |
1,293 |
1,820 |
1,284 |
3,917 |
5,201 |
|
Oct-09 |
700 |
2,540 |
3,240 |
458 |
1,267 |
1,725 |
1,158 |
3,807 |
4,965 |
|
Laoighis County |
|||||||||
|
Dec-07 |
400 |
1,320 |
1,720 |
236 |
831 |
1,067 |
636 |
2,151 |
2,787 |
|
Jan-08 |
458 |
1,462 |
1,920 |
258 |
852 |
1,110 |
716 |
2,314 |
3,030 |
|
Feb-08 |
507 |
1,584 |
2,091 |
279 |
879 |
1,158 |
786 |
2,463 |
3,249 |
|
Mar-08 |
534 |
1,624 |
2,158 |
300 |
916 |
1,216 |
834 |
2,540 |
3,374 |
|
Apr-08 |
557 |
1,701 |
2,258 |
300 |
921 |
1,221 |
857 |
2,622 |
3,479 |
|
May-08 |
561 |
1,770 |
2,331 |
335 |
907 |
1,242 |
896 |
2,677 |
3,573 |
|
Jun-08 |
609 |
1,871 |
2,480 |
394 |
1,020 |
1,414 |
1,003 |
2,891 |
3,894 |
|
Jul-08 |
659 |
2,005 |
2,664 |
430 |
1,157 |
1,587 |
1,089 |
3,162 |
4,251 |
|
Aug-08 |
692 |
2,111 |
2,803 |
455 |
1,179 |
1,634 |
1,147 |
3,290 |
4,437 |
|
Sep-08 |
673 |
2,187 |
2,860 |
418 |
1,107 |
1,525 |
1,091 |
3,294 |
4,385 |
|
Oct-08 |
715 |
2,397 |
3,112 |
400 |
1,159 |
1,559 |
1,115 |
3,556 |
4,671 |
|
Nov-08 |
762 |
2,613 |
3,375 |
420 |
1,170 |
1,590 |
1,182 |
3,783 |
4,965 |
|
Dec-08 |
845 |
2,846 |
3,691 |
428 |
1,259 |
1,687 |
1,273 |
4,105 |
5,378 |
|
Jan-09 |
971 |
3,310 |
4,281 |
482 |
1,379 |
1,861 |
1,453 |
4,689 |
6,142 |
|
Feb-09 |
1,035 |
3,559 |
4,594 |
513 |
1,462 |
1,975 |
1,548 |
5,021 |
6,569 |
|
Mar-09 |
1,084 |
3,643 |
4,727 |
522 |
1,501 |
2,023 |
1,606 |
5,144 |
6,750 |
|
Apr-09 |
1,094 |
3,754 |
4,848 |
554 |
1,598 |
2,152 |
1,648 |
5,352 |
7,000 |
|
May-09 |
1,107 |
3,819 |
4,926 |
603 |
1,652 |
2,255 |
1,710 |
5,471 |
7,181 |
|
Jun-09 |
1,114 |
3,890 |
5,004 |
663 |
1,792 |
2,455 |
1,777 |
5,682 |
7,459 |
|
Jul-09 |
1,136 |
3,930 |
5,066 |
688 |
1,935 |
2,623 |
1,824 |
5,865 |
7,689 |
|
Aug-09 |
1,120 |
3,965 |
5,085 |
688 |
1,968 |
2,656 |
1,808 |
5,933 |
7,741 |
|
Sep-09 |
1,080 |
3,968 |
5,048 |
670 |
1,844 |
2,514 |
1,750 |
5,812 |
7,562 |
|
Oct-09 |
1,068 |
3,959 |
5,027 |
603 |
1,825 |
2,428 |
1,671 |
5,784 |
7,455 |
|
Month1 |
Male Under 25 years |
Male 25 years and over |
Male All ages |
Female Under 25 years |
Female 25 years and over |
Female All ages |
Both sexes Under 25 years |
Both sexes 25 years and over |
Both sexes All ages |
|
Longford County |
|||||||||
|
Dec-07 |
328 |
1,228 |
1,556 |
173 |
649 |
822 |
501 |
1,877 |
2,378 |
|
Jan-08 |
367 |
1,326 |
1,693 |
196 |
671 |
867 |
563 |
1,997 |
2,560 |
|
Feb-08 |
389 |
1,409 |
1,798 |
206 |
661 |
867 |
595 |
2,070 |
2,665 |
|
Mar-08 |
394 |
1,434 |
1,828 |
207 |
675 |
882 |
601 |
2,109 |
2,710 |
|
Apr-08 |
409 |
1,439 |
1,848 |
209 |
688 |
897 |
618 |
2,127 |
2,745 |
|
May-08 |
405 |
1,424 |
1,829 |
222 |
718 |
940 |
627 |
2,142 |
2,769 |
|
Jun-08 |
425 |
1,515 |
1,940 |
256 |
765 |
1,021 |
681 |
2,280 |
2,961 |
|
Jul-08 |
456 |
1,611 |
2,067 |
286 |
856 |
1,142 |
742 |
2,467 |
3,209 |
|
Aug-08 |
476 |
1,648 |
2,124 |
291 |
871 |
1,162 |
767 |
2,519 |
3,286 |
|
Sep-08 |
474 |
1,695 |
2,169 |
279 |
830 |
1,109 |
753 |
2,525 |
3,278 |
|
Oct-08 |
478 |
1,792 |
2,270 |
284 |
869 |
1,153 |
762 |
2,661 |
3,423 |
|
Nov-08 |
514 |
1,916 |
2,430 |
282 |
888 |
1,170 |
796 |
2,804 |
3,600 |
|
Dec-08 |
529 |
2,095 |
2,624 |
286 |
930 |
1,216 |
815 |
3,025 |
3,840 |
|
Jan-09 |
583 |
2,409 |
2,992 |
318 |
1,010 |
1,328 |
901 |
3,419 |
4,320 |
|
Feb-09 |
622 |
2,627 |
3,249 |
348 |
1,068 |
1,416 |
970 |
3,695 |
4,665 |
|
Mar-09 |
653 |
2,733 |
3,386 |
360 |
1,105 |
1,465 |
1,013 |
3,838 |
4,851 |
|
Apr-09 |
672 |
2,847 |
3,519 |
379 |
1,193 |
1,572 |
1,051 |
4,040 |
5,091 |
|
May-09 |
700 |
2,885 |
3,585 |
414 |
1,218 |
1,632 |
1,114 |
4,103 |
5,217 |
|
Jun-09 |
749 |
2,980 |
3,729 |
476 |
1,295 |
1,771 |
1,225 |
4,275 |
5,500 |
|
Jul-09 |
764 |
2,988 |
3,752 |
506 |
1,384 |
1,890 |
1,270 |
4,372 |
5,642 |
|
Aug-09 |
768 |
3,012 |
3,780 |
495 |
1,394 |
1,889 |
1,263 |
4,406 |
5,669 |
|
Sep-09 |
734 |
3,019 |
3,753 |
443 |
1,334 |
1,777 |
1,177 |
4,353 |
5,530 |
|
Oct-09 |
664 |
2,946 |
3,610 |
414 |
1,313 |
1,727 |
1,078 |
4,259 |
5,337 |
|
Offaly County |
|||||||||
|
Dec-07 |
430 |
1,608 |
2,038 |
288 |
956 |
1,244 |
718 |
2,564 |
3,282 |
|
Jan-08 |
507 |
1,742 |
2,249 |
299 |
981 |
1,280 |
806 |
2,723 |
3,529 |
|
Feb-08 |
554 |
1,838 |
2,392 |
319 |
1,016 |
1,335 |
873 |
2,854 |
3,727 |
|
Mar-08 |
582 |
1,898 |
2,480 |
318 |
1,069 |
1,387 |
900 |
2,967 |
3,867 |
|
Apr-08 |
580 |
1,849 |
2,429 |
330 |
1,008 |
1,338 |
910 |
2,857 |
3,767 |
|
May-08 |
578 |
1,845 |
2,423 |
348 |
1,023 |
1,371 |
926 |
2,868 |
3,794 |
|
Jun-08 |
617 |
2,013 |
2,630 |
428 |
1,148 |
1,576 |
1,045 |
3,161 |
4,206 |
|
Jul-08 |
653 |
2,128 |
2,781 |
470 |
1,246 |
1,716 |
1,123 |
3,374 |
4,497 |
|
Aug-08 |
678 |
2,254 |
2,932 |
482 |
1,291 |
1,773 |
1,160 |
3,545 |
4,705 |
|
Sep-08 |
680 |
2,286 |
2,966 |
450 |
1,182 |
1,632 |
1,130 |
3,468 |
4,598 |
|
Oct-08 |
703 |
2,498 |
3,201 |
439 |
1,222 |
1,661 |
1,142 |
3,720 |
4,862 |
|
Nov-08 |
760 |
2,695 |
3,455 |
457 |
1,252 |
1,709 |
1,217 |
3,947 |
5,164 |
|
Dec-08 |
855 |
2,997 |
3,852 |
477 |
1,288 |
1,765 |
1,332 |
4,285 |
5,617 |
|
Jan-09 |
949 |
3,389 |
4,338 |
528 |
1,413 |
1,941 |
1,477 |
4,802 |
6,279 |
|
Feb-09 |
1,011 |
3,674 |
4,685 |
580 |
1,493 |
2,073 |
1,591 |
5,167 |
6,758 |
|
Mar-09 |
1,108 |
3,903 |
5,011 |
615 |
1,570 |
2,185 |
1,723 |
5,473 |
7,196 |
|
Apr-09 |
1,109 |
4,009 |
5,118 |
632 |
1,680 |
2,312 |
1,741 |
5,689 |
7,430 |
|
May-09 |
1,163 |
4,054 |
5,217 |
655 |
1,707 |
2,362 |
1,818 |
5,761 |
7,579 |
|
Jun-09 |
1,204 |
4,152 |
5,356 |
730 |
1,804 |
2,534 |
1,934 |
5,956 |
7,890 |
|
Jul-09 |
1,244 |
4,273 |
5,517 |
779 |
1,975 |
2,754 |
2,023 |
6,248 |
8,271 |
|
Aug-09 |
1,242 |
4,309 |
5,551 |
765 |
1,996 |
2,761 |
2,007 |
6,305 |
8,312 |
|
Sep-09 |
1,175 |
4,285 |
5,460 |
677 |
1,904 |
2,581 |
1,852 |
6,189 |
8,041 |
|
Oct-09 |
1,135 |
4,265 |
5,400 |
630 |
1,921 |
2,551 |
1,765 |
6,186 |
7,951 |
|
Westmeath County |
|||||||||
|
Dec-07 |
529 |
1,899 |
2,428 |
334 |
1,340 |
1,674 |
863 |
3,239 |
4,102 |
|
Jan-08 |
618 |
2,029 |
2,647 |
357 |
1,297 |
1,654 |
975 |
3,326 |
4,301 |
|
Feb-08 |
700 |
2,186 |
2,886 |
373 |
1,315 |
1,688 |
1,073 |
3,501 |
4,574 |
|
Mar-08 |
737 |
2,283 |
3,020 |
399 |
1,446 |
1,845 |
1,136 |
3,729 |
4,865 |
|
Apr-08 |
745 |
2,264 |
3,009 |
392 |
1,369 |
1,761 |
1,137 |
3,633 |
4,770 |
|
May-08 |
767 |
2,322 |
3,089 |
431 |
1,453 |
1,884 |
1,198 |
3,775 |
4,973 |
|
Jun-08 |
826 |
2,492 |
3,318 |
506 |
1,660 |
2,166 |
1,332 |
4,152 |
5,484 |
|
Jul-08 |
863 |
2,572 |
3,435 |
561 |
1,803 |
2,364 |
1,424 |
4,375 |
5,799 |
|
Aug-08 |
918 |
2,739 |
3,657 |
572 |
1,835 |
2,407 |
1,490 |
4,574 |
6,064 |
|
Sep-08 |
873 |
2,784 |
3,657 |
537 |
1,623 |
2,160 |
1,410 |
4,407 |
5,817 |
|
Oct-08 |
912 |
3,031 |
3,943 |
560 |
1,710 |
2,270 |
1,472 |
4,741 |
6,213 |
|
Nov-08 |
971 |
3,244 |
4,215 |
614 |
1,736 |
2,350 |
1,585 |
4,980 |
6,565 |
|
Dec-08 |
1,029 |
3,623 |
4,652 |
631 |
2,001 |
2,632 |
1,660 |
5,624 |
7,284 |
|
Jan-09 |
1,174 |
4,086 |
5,260 |
718 |
2,064 |
2,782 |
1,892 |
6,150 |
8,042 |
|
Feb-09 |
1,252 |
4,426 |
5,678 |
770 |
2,172 |
2,942 |
2,022 |
6,598 |
8,620 |
|
Mar-09 |
1,327 |
4,586 |
5,913 |
772 |
2,231 |
3,003 |
2,099 |
6,817 |
8,916 |
|
Apr-09 |
1,336 |
4,690 |
6,026 |
787 |
2,405 |
3,192 |
2,123 |
7,095 |
9,218 |
|
May-09 |
1,372 |
4,835 |
6,207 |
840 |
2,450 |
3,290 |
2,212 |
7,285 |
9,497 |
|
Jun-09 |
1,427 |
4,922 |
6,349 |
938 |
2,610 |
3,548 |
2,365 |
7,532 |
9,897 |
|
Jul-09 |
1,473 |
5,051 |
6,524 |
988 |
2,892 |
3,880 |
2,461 |
7,943 |
10,404 |
|
Aug-09 |
1,464 |
5,089 |
6,553 |
971 |
2,934 |
3,905 |
2,435 |
8,023 |
10,458 |
|
Sep-09 |
1,386 |
5,026 |
6,412 |
921 |
2,682 |
3,603 |
2,307 |
7,708 |
10,015 |
|
Oct-09 |
1,281 |
4,894 |
6,175 |
843 |
2,674 |
3,517 |
2,124 |
7,568 |
9,692 |
|
Galway County |
|||||||||
|
Dec-07 |
1,182 |
4,792 |
5,974 |
741 |
3,040 |
3,781 |
1,923 |
7,832 |
9,755 |
|
Jan-08 |
1,310 |
5,235 |
6,545 |
803 |
3,227 |
4,030 |
2,113 |
8,462 |
10,575 |
|
Feb-08 |
1,418 |
5,451 |
6,869 |
849 |
3,220 |
4,069 |
2,267 |
8,671 |
10,938 |
|
Mar-08 |
1,442 |
5,595 |
7,037 |
886 |
3,266 |
4,152 |
2,328 |
8,861 |
11,189 |
|
Apr-08 |
1,487 |
5,669 |
7,156 |
880 |
3,159 |
4,039 |
2,367 |
8,828 |
11,195 |
|
May-08 |
1,553 |
5,741 |
7,294 |
996 |
3,394 |
4,390 |
2,549 |
9,135 |
11,684 |
|
Jun-08 |
1,715 |
6,216 |
7,931 |
1,170 |
3,839 |
5,009 |
2,885 |
10,055 |
12,940 |
|
Jul-08 |
1,821 |
6,563 |
8,384 |
1,268 |
4,282 |
5,550 |
3,089 |
10,845 |
13,934 |
|
Aug-08 |
1,866 |
6,864 |
8,730 |
1,309 |
4,421 |
5,730 |
3,175 |
11,285 |
14,460 |
|
Sep-08 |
1,870 |
6,762 |
8,632 |
1,208 |
3,876 |
5,084 |
3,078 |
10,638 |
13,716 |
|
Oct-08 |
1,941 |
7,230 |
9,171 |
1,131 |
3,911 |
5,042 |
3,072 |
11,141 |
14,213 |
|
Nov-08 |
2,099 |
8,032 |
10,131 |
1,156 |
4,124 |
5,280 |
3,255 |
12,156 |
15,411 |
|
Dec-08 |
2,303 |
8,626 |
10,929 |
1,205 |
4,345 |
5,550 |
3,508 |
12,971 |
16,479 |
|
Jan-09 |
2,555 |
9,620 |
12,175 |
1,399 |
4,858 |
6,257 |
3,954 |
14,478 |
18,432 |
|
Feb-09 |
2,766 |
10,553 |
13,319 |
1,510 |
5,127 |
6,637 |
4,276 |
15,680 |
19,956 |
|
Mar-09 |
2,873 |
11,017 |
13,890 |
1,530 |
5,404 |
6,934 |
4,403 |
16,421 |
20,824 |
|
Apr-09 |
2,912 |
11,307 |
14,219 |
1,527 |
5,677 |
7,204 |
4,439 |
16,984 |
21,423 |
|
May-09 |
3,027 |
11,478 |
14,505 |
1,651 |
5,826 |
7,477 |
4,678 |
17,304 |
21,982 |
|
Jun-09 |
3,273 |
11,818 |
15,091 |
1,908 |
6,411 |
8,319 |
5,181 |
18,229 |
23,410 |
|
Jul-09 |
3,335 |
12,091 |
15,426 |
2,065 |
6,987 |
9,052 |
5,400 |
19,078 |
24,478 |
|
Aug-09 |
3,361 |
12,326 |
15,687 |
2,109 |
7,128 |
9,237 |
5,470 |
19,454 |
24,924 |
|
Sep-09 |
3,240 |
12,237 |
15,477 |
1,992 |
6,737 |
8,729 |
5,232 |
18,974 |
24,206 |
|
Oct-09 |
2,964 |
11,667 |
14,631 |
1,712 |
6,266 |
7,978 |
4,676 |
17,933 |
22,609 |
|
Mayo County |
|||||||||
|
Dec-07 |
589 |
2,569 |
3,158 |
340 |
1,591 |
1,931 |
929 |
4,160 |
5,089 |
|
Jan-08 |
659 |
2,766 |
3,425 |
362 |
1,592 |
1,954 |
1,021 |
4,358 |
5,379 |
|
Feb-08 |
727 |
2,884 |
3,611 |
383 |
1,653 |
2,036 |
1,110 |
4,537 |
5,647 |
|
Mar-08 |
770 |
2,979 |
3,749 |
389 |
1,755 |
2,144 |
1,159 |
4,734 |
5,893 |
|
Apr-08 |
772 |
2,963 |
3,735 |
385 |
1,675 |
2,060 |
1,157 |
4,638 |
5,795 |
|
May-08 |
799 |
3,022 |
3,821 |
436 |
1,741 |
2,177 |
1,235 |
4,763 |
5,998 |
|
Jun-08 |
876 |
3,187 |
4,063 |
533 |
1,980 |
2,513 |
1,409 |
5,167 |
6,576 |
|
Jul-08 |
977 |
3,369 |
4,346 |
596 |
2,195 |
2,791 |
1,573 |
5,564 |
7,137 |
|
Aug-08 |
1,045 |
3,568 |
4,613 |
607 |
2,227 |
2,834 |
1,652 |
5,795 |
7,447 |
|
Sep-08 |
1,001 |
3,563 |
4,564 |
534 |
2,003 |
2,537 |
1,535 |
5,566 |
7,101 |
|
Oct-08 |
1,033 |
3,915 |
4,948 |
546 |
2,121 |
2,667 |
1,579 |
6,036 |
7,615 |
|
Nov-08 |
1,120 |
4,239 |
5,359 |
578 |
2,143 |
2,721 |
1,698 |
6,382 |
8,080 |
|
Dec-08 |
1,228 |
4,626 |
5,854 |
608 |
2,330 |
2,938 |
1,836 |
6,956 |
8,792 |
|
Jan-09 |
1,405 |
5,329 |
6,734 |
705 |
2,507 |
3,212 |
2,110 |
7,836 |
9,946 |
|
Feb-09 |
1,487 |
5,654 |
7,141 |
732 |
2,616 |
3,348 |
2,219 |
8,270 |
10,489 |
|
Mar-09 |
1,571 |
5,849 |
7,420 |
751 |
2,665 |
3,416 |
2,322 |
8,514 |
10,836 |
|
Apr-09 |
1,567 |
5,981 |
7,548 |
774 |
2,727 |
3,501 |
2,341 |
8,708 |
11,049 |
|
May-09 |
1,644 |
6,137 |
7,781 |
817 |
2,822 |
3,639 |
2,461 |
8,959 |
11,420 |
|
Jun-09 |
1,799 |
6,350 |
8,149 |
1,018 |
3,105 |
4,123 |
2,817 |
9,455 |
12,272 |
|
Jul-09 |
1,850 |
6,552 |
8,402 |
1,089 |
3,387 |
4,476 |
2,939 |
9,939 |
12,878 |
|
Aug-09 |
1,860 |
6,656 |
8,516 |
1,075 |
3,422 |
4,497 |
2,935 |
10,078 |
13,013 |
|
Sep-09 |
1,729 |
6,377 |
8,106 |
956 |
3,052 |
4,008 |
2,685 |
9,429 |
12,114 |
|
Oct-09 |
1,660 |
6,435 |
8,095 |
890 |
3,143 |
4,033 |
2,550 |
9,578 |
12,128 |
|
Roscommon County |
|||||||||
|
Dec-07 |
199 |
746 |
945 |
94 |
473 |
567 |
293 |
1,219 |
1,512 |
|
Jan-08 |
213 |
801 |
1,014 |
104 |
466 |
570 |
317 |
1,267 |
1,584 |
|
Feb-08 |
227 |
869 |
1,096 |
122 |
495 |
617 |
349 |
1,364 |
1,713 |
|
Mar-08 |
252 |
970 |
1,222 |
122 |
538 |
660 |
374 |
1,508 |
1,882 |
|
Apr-08 |
255 |
909 |
1,164 |
117 |
496 |
613 |
372 |
1,405 |
1,777 |
|
May-08 |
231 |
917 |
1,148 |
131 |
504 |
635 |
362 |
1,421 |
1,783 |
|
Jun-08 |
277 |
977 |
1,254 |
154 |
573 |
727 |
431 |
1,550 |
1,981 |
|
Jul-08 |
301 |
1,063 |
1,364 |
170 |
648 |
818 |
471 |
1,711 |
2,182 |
|
Aug-08 |
314 |
1,103 |
1,417 |
180 |
660 |
840 |
494 |
1,763 |
2,257 |
|
Sep-08 |
310 |
1,122 |
1,432 |
173 |
568 |
741 |
483 |
1,690 |
2,173 |
|
Oct-08 |
331 |
1,213 |
1,544 |
170 |
581 |
751 |
501 |
1,794 |
2,295 |
|
Nov-08 |
373 |
1,326 |
1,699 |
176 |
599 |
775 |
549 |
1,925 |
2,474 |
|
Dec-08 |
417 |
1,454 |
1,871 |
178 |
645 |
823 |
595 |
2,099 |
2,694 |
|
Jan-09 |
500 |
1,683 |
2,183 |
203 |
708 |
911 |
703 |
2,391 |
3,094 |
|
Feb-09 |
535 |
1,817 |
2,352 |
224 |
762 |
986 |
759 |
2,579 |
3,338 |
|
Mar-09 |
549 |
1,865 |
2,414 |
233 |
794 |
1,027 |
782 |
2,659 |
3,441 |
|
Apr-09 |
543 |
1,903 |
2,446 |
225 |
811 |
1,036 |
768 |
2,714 |
3,482 |
|
May-09 |
553 |
1,942 |
2,495 |
248 |
816 |
1,064 |
801 |
2,758 |
3,559 |
|
Jun-09 |
601 |
1,975 |
2,576 |
282 |
898 |
1,180 |
883 |
2,873 |
3,756 |
|
Jul-09 |
603 |
1,961 |
2,564 |
320 |
1,002 |
1,322 |
923 |
2,963 |
3,886 |
|
Aug-09 |
614 |
2,017 |
2,631 |
322 |
1,025 |
1,347 |
936 |
3,042 |
3,978 |
|
Sep-09 |
568 |
1,969 |
2,537 |
301 |
920 |
1,221 |
869 |
2,889 |
3,758 |
|
Oct-09 |
546 |
2,038 |
2,584 |
283 |
914 |
1,197 |
829 |
2,952 |
3,781 |
|
Dublin County |
|||||||||
|
Dec-07 |
5,326 |
21,578 |
26,904 |
2,685 |
11,243 |
13,928 |
8,011 |
32,821 |
40,832 |
|
Jan-08 |
5,904 |
22,882 |
28,786 |
2,952 |
11,194 |
14,146 |
8,856 |
34,076 |
42,932 |
|
Feb-08 |
6,250 |
23,786 |
30,036 |
3,132 |
11,449 |
14,581 |
9,382 |
35,235 |
44,617 |
|
Mar-08 |
6,495 |
24,409 |
30,904 |
3,196 |
12,405 |
15,601 |
9,691 |
36,814 |
46,505 |
|
Apr-08 |
6,501 |
24,832 |
31,333 |
3,268 |
11,746 |
15,014 |
9,769 |
36,578 |
46,347 |
|
May-08 |
6,660 |
25,571 |
32,231 |
3,432 |
12,196 |
15,628 |
10,092 |
37,767 |
47,859 |
|
Jun-08 |
7,302 |
27,090 |
34,392 |
3,926 |
13,954 |
17,880 |
11,228 |
41,044 |
52,272 |
|
Jul-08 |
7,790 |
28,299 |
36,089 |
4,261 |
15,759 |
20,020 |
12,051 |
44,058 |
56,109 |
|
Aug-08 |
8,216 |
29,422 |
37,638 |
4,490 |
16,000 |
20,490 |
12,706 |
45,422 |
58,128 |
|
Sep-08 |
8,126 |
29,617 |
37,743 |
4,430 |
14,600 |
19,030 |
12,556 |
44,217 |
56,773 |
|
Oct-08 |
8,335 |
31,077 |
39,412 |
4,410 |
15,139 |
19,549 |
12,745 |
46,216 |
58,961 |
|
Nov-08 |
8,838 |
33,534 |
42,372 |
4,567 |
15,380 |
19,947 |
13,405 |
48,914 |
62,319 |
|
Dec-08 |
9,712 |
36,299 |
46,011 |
4,794 |
16,700 |
21,494 |
14,506 |
52,999 |
67,505 |
|
Jan-09 |
10,815 |
40,585 |
51,400 |
5,492 |
18,353 |
23,845 |
16,307 |
58,938 |
75,245 |
|
Feb-09 |
11,766 |
44,352 |
56,118 |
6,040 |
20,412 |
26,452 |
17,806 |
64,764 |
82,570 |
|
Mar-09 |
12,504 |
47,445 |
59,949 |
6,334 |
21,531 |
27,865 |
18,838 |
68,976 |
87,814 |
|
Apr-09 |
12,696 |
49,932 |
62,628 |
6,601 |
23,285 |
29,886 |
19,297 |
73,217 |
92,514 |
|
May-09 |
12,932 |
51,478 |
64,410 |
7,015 |
23,759 |
30,774 |
19,947 |
75,237 |
95,184 |
|
Jun-09 |
13,795 |
53,416 |
67,211 |
7,722 |
25,599 |
33,321 |
21,517 |
79,015 |
100,532 |
|
Jul-09 |
14,152 |
54,429 |
68,581 |
8,112 |
27,697 |
35,809 |
22,264 |
82,126 |
104,390 |
|
Aug-09 |
14,236 |
55,400 |
69,636 |
8,313 |
28,208 |
36,521 |
22,549 |
83,608 |
106,157 |
|
Sep-09 |
13,709 |
54,824 |
68,533 |
7,950 |
26,596 |
34,546 |
21,659 |
81,420 |
103,079 |
|
Oct-09 |
13,071 |
53,635 |
66,706 |
7,292 |
25,942 |
33,234 |
20,363 |
79,577 |
99,940 |
|
Kildare County |
|||||||||
|
Dec-07 |
724 |
2,894 |
3,618 |
411 |
2,032 |
2,443 |
1,135 |
4,926 |
6,061 |
|
Jan-08 |
809 |
3,242 |
4,051 |
448 |
2,107 |
2,555 |
1,257 |
5,349 |
6,606 |
|
Feb-08 |
910 |
3,502 |
4,412 |
493 |
2,205 |
2,698 |
1,403 |
5,707 |
7,110 |
|
Mar-08 |
985 |
3,604 |
4,589 |
490 |
2,248 |
2,738 |
1,475 |
5,852 |
7,327 |
|
Apr-08 |
1,001 |
3,660 |
4,661 |
504 |
2,165 |
2,669 |
1,505 |
5,825 |
7,330 |
|
May-08 |
1,044 |
3,812 |
4,856 |
529 |
2,229 |
2,758 |
1,573 |
6,041 |
7,614 |
|
Jun-08 |
1,120 |
4,009 |
5,129 |
649 |
2,546 |
3,195 |
1,769 |
6,555 |
8,324 |
|
Jul-08 |
1,223 |
4,292 |
5,515 |
746 |
2,835 |
3,581 |
1,969 |
7,127 |
9,096 |
|
Aug-08 |
1,290 |
4,570 |
5,860 |
764 |
2,914 |
3,678 |
2,054 |
7,484 |
9,538 |
|
Sep-08 |
1,328 |
4,766 |
6,094 |
734 |
2,728 |
3,462 |
2,062 |
7,494 |
9,556 |
|
Oct-08 |
1,390 |
4,980 |
6,370 |
704 |
2,777 |
3,481 |
2,094 |
7,757 |
9,851 |
|
Nov-08 |
1,511 |
5,555 |
7,066 |
773 |
2,879 |
3,652 |
2,284 |
8,434 |
10,718 |
|
Dec-08 |
1,635 |
6,076 |
7,711 |
792 |
3,030 |
3,822 |
2,427 |
9,106 |
11,533 |
|
Jan-09 |
1,827 |
7,048 |
8,875 |
950 |
3,454 |
4,404 |
2,777 |
10,502 |
13,279 |
|
Feb-09 |
1,972 |
7,649 |
9,621 |
1,025 |
3,782 |
4,807 |
2,997 |
11,431 |
14,428 |
|
Mar-09 |
2,095 |
7,998 |
10,093 |
1,072 |
3,892 |
4,964 |
3,167 |
11,890 |
15,057 |
|
Apr-09 |
2,170 |
8,485 |
10,655 |
1,153 |
4,238 |
5,391 |
3,323 |
12,723 |
16,046 |
|
May-09 |
2,195 |
8,737 |
10,932 |
1,255 |
4,366 |
5,621 |
3,450 |
13,103 |
16,553 |
|
Jun-09 |
2,309 |
8,893 |
11,202 |
1,459 |
4,650 |
6,109 |
3,768 |
13,543 |
17,311 |
|
Jul-09 |
2,366 |
9,012 |
11,378 |
1,557 |
4,904 |
6,461 |
3,923 |
13,916 |
17,839 |
|
Aug-09 |
2,384 |
9,108 |
11,492 |
1,565 |
4,942 |
6,507 |
3,949 |
14,050 |
17,999 |
|
Sep-09 |
2,326 |
8,852 |
11,178 |
1,474 |
4,612 |
6,086 |
3,800 |
13,464 |
17,264 |
|
Oct-09 |
2,123 |
8,594 |
10,717 |
1,345 |
4,517 |
5,862 |
3,468 |
13,111 |
16,579 |
|
Meath County |
|||||||||
|
Dec-07 |
380 |
1,698 |
2,078 |
225 |
1,254 |
1,479 |
605 |
2,952 |
3,557 |
|
Jan-08 |
462 |
1,915 |
2,377 |
243 |
1,228 |
1,471 |
705 |
3,143 |
3,848 |
|
Feb-08 |
528 |
2,082 |
2,610 |
278 |
1,233 |
1,511 |
806 |
3,315 |
4,121 |
|
Mar-08 |
548 |
2,213 |
2,761 |
299 |
1,412 |
1,711 |
847 |
3,625 |
4,472 |
|
Apr-08 |
531 |
2,233 |
2,764 |
318 |
1,429 |
1,747 |
849 |
3,662 |
4,511 |
|
May-08 |
563 |
2,230 |
2,793 |
328 |
1,379 |
1,707 |
891 |
3,609 |
4,500 |
|
Jun-08 |
580 |
2,366 |
2,946 |
373 |
1,582 |
1,955 |
953 |
3,948 |
4,901 |
|
Jul-08 |
627 |
2,506 |
3,133 |
409 |
1,778 |
2,187 |
1,036 |
4,284 |
5,320 |
|
Aug-08 |
703 |
2,783 |
3,486 |
446 |
1,845 |
2,291 |
1,149 |
4,628 |
5,777 |
|
Sep-08 |
701 |
2,846 |
3,547 |
421 |
1,630 |
2,051 |
1,122 |
4,476 |
5,598 |
|
Oct-08 |
725 |
3,076 |
3,801 |
412 |
1,749 |
2,161 |
1,137 |
4,825 |
5,962 |
|
Nov-08 |
815 |
3,354 |
4,169 |
427 |
1,696 |
2,123 |
1,242 |
5,050 |
6,292 |
|
Dec-08 |
911 |
3,714 |
4,625 |
442 |
1,910 |
2,352 |
1,353 |
5,624 |
6,977 |
|
Jan-09 |
1,070 |
4,479 |
5,549 |
528 |
2,142 |
2,670 |
1,598 |
6,621 |
8,219 |
|
Feb-09 |
1,153 |
4,933 |
6,086 |
590 |
2,221 |
2,811 |
1,743 |
7,154 |
8,897 |
|
Mar-09 |
1,228 |
5,250 |
6,478 |
623 |
2,363 |
2,986 |
1,851 |
7,613 |
9,464 |
|
Apr-09 |
1,219 |
5,509 |
6,728 |
647 |
2,596 |
3,243 |
1,866 |
8,105 |
9,971 |
|
May-09 |
1,265 |
5,712 |
6,977 |
727 |
2,664 |
3,391 |
1,992 |
8,376 |
10,368 |
|
Jun-09 |
1,341 |
5,857 |
7,198 |
800 |
2,873 |
3,673 |
2,141 |
8,730 |
10,871 |
|
Jul-09 |
1,392 |
6,056 |
7,448 |
873 |
3,177 |
4,050 |
2,265 |
9,233 |
11,498 |
|
Aug-09 |
1,378 |
5,889 |
7,267 |
872 |
3,118 |
3,990 |
2,250 |
9,007 |
11,257 |
|
Sep-09 |
1,329 |
5,780 |
7,109 |
804 |
2,858 |
3,662 |
2,133 |
8,638 |
10,771 |
|
Oct-09 |
1,251 |
5,790 |
7,041 |
802 |
2,950 |
3,752 |
2,053 |
8,740 |
10,793 |
|
Month1 |
Male Under 25 years |
Male 25 years and over |
Male All ages |
Female Under 25 years |
Female 25 years and over |
Female All ages |
Both sexes Under 25 years |
Both sexes 25 years and over |
Both sexes All ages |
|
Wicklow County |
|||||||||
|
Dec-07 |
572 |
2,356 |
2,928 |
276 |
1,407 |
1,683 |
848 |
3,763 |
4,611 |
|
Jan-08 |
657 |
2,574 |
3,231 |
301 |
1,453 |
1,754 |
958 |
4,027 |
4,985 |
|
Feb-08 |
684 |
2,621 |
3,305 |
307 |
1,437 |
1,744 |
991 |
4,058 |
5,049 |
|
Mar-08 |
719 |
2,678 |
3,397 |
321 |
1,493 |
1,814 |
1,040 |
4,171 |
5,211 |
|
Apr-08 |
729 |
2,739 |
3,468 |
309 |
1,438 |
1,747 |
1,038 |
4,177 |
5,215 |
|
May-08 |
744 |
2,810 |
3,554 |
333 |
1,522 |
1,855 |
1,077 |
4,332 |
5,409 |
|
Jun-08 |
812 |
2,979 |
3,791 |
356 |
1,787 |
2,143 |
1,168 |
4,766 |
5,934 |
|
Jul-08 |
849 |
3,224 |
4,073 |
417 |
2,074 |
2,491 |
1,266 |
5,298 |
6,564 |
|
Aug-08 |
906 |
3,448 |
4,354 |
448 |
2,106 |
2,554 |
1,354 |
5,554 |
6,908 |
|
Sep-08 |
904 |
3,475 |
4,379 |
424 |
1,840 |
2,264 |
1,328 |
5,315 |
6,643 |
|
Oct-08 |
939 |
3,647 |
4,586 |
426 |
1,873 |
2,299 |
1,365 |
5,520 |
6,885 |
|
Nov-08 |
1,010 |
3,977 |
4,987 |
440 |
1,952 |
2,392 |
1,450 |
5,929 |
7,379 |
|
Dec-08 |
1,095 |
4,379 |
5,474 |
449 |
2,159 |
2,608 |
1,544 |
6,538 |
8,082 |
|
Jan-09 |
1,247 |
5,008 |
6,255 |
555 |
2,418 |
2,973 |
1,802 |
7,426 |
9,228 |
|
Feb-09 |
1,331 |
5,399 |
6,730 |
623 |
2,622 |
3,245 |
1,954 |
8,021 |
9,975 |
|
Mar-09 |
1,413 |
5,647 |
7,060 |
634 |
2,784 |
3,418 |
2,047 |
8,431 |
10,478 |
|
Apr-09 |
1,416 |
5,790 |
7,206 |
637 |
2,957 |
3,594 |
2,053 |
8,747 |
10,800 |
|
May-09 |
1,460 |
6,028 |
7,488 |
698 |
3,027 |
3,725 |
2,158 |
9,055 |
11,213 |
|
Jun-09 |
1,511 |
6,228 |
7,739 |
781 |
3,273 |
4,054 |
2,292 |
9,501 |
11,793 |
|
Jul-09 |
1,543 |
6,400 |
7,943 |
831 |
3,629 |
4,460 |
2,374 |
10,029 |
12,403 |
|
Aug-09 |
1,526 |
6,512 |
8,038 |
856 |
3,676 |
4,532 |
2,382 |
10,188 |
12,570 |
|
Sep-09 |
1,428 |
6,316 |
7,744 |
787 |
3,337 |
4,124 |
2,215 |
9,653 |
11,868 |
|
Oct-09 |
1,375 |
6,259 |
7,634 |
722 |
3,312 |
4,034 |
2,097 |
9,571 |
11,668 |
|
Clare County |
|||||||||
|
Dec-07 |
523 |
2,186 |
2,709 |
313 |
1,674 |
1,987 |
836 |
3,860 |
4,696 |
|
Jan-08 |
543 |
2,345 |
2,888 |
343 |
1,646 |
1,989 |
886 |
3,991 |
4,877 |
|
Feb-08 |
578 |
2,469 |
3,047 |
345 |
1,680 |
2,025 |
923 |
4,149 |
5,072 |
|
Mar-08 |
598 |
2,463 |
3,061 |
323 |
1,742 |
2,065 |
921 |
4,205 |
5,126 |
|
Apr-08 |
583 |
2,393 |
2,976 |
313 |
1,600 |
1,913 |
896 |
3,993 |
4,889 |
|
May-08 |
613 |
2,441 |
3,054 |
340 |
1,642 |
1,982 |
953 |
4,083 |
5,036 |
|
Jun-08 |
702 |
2,584 |
3,286 |
411 |
1,808 |
2,219 |
1,113 |
4,392 |
5,505 |
|
Jul-08 |
777 |
2,753 |
3,530 |
473 |
2,020 |
2,493 |
1,250 |
4,773 |
6,023 |
|
Aug-08 |
808 |
2,950 |
3,758 |
486 |
2,039 |
2,525 |
1,294 |
4,989 |
6,283 |
|
Sep-08 |
821 |
2,898 |
3,719 |
437 |
1,858 |
2,295 |
1,258 |
4,756 |
6,014 |
|
Oct-08 |
863 |
3,148 |
4,011 |
427 |
1,990 |
2,417 |
1,290 |
5,138 |
6,428 |
|
Nov-08 |
927 |
3,474 |
4,401 |
465 |
2,078 |
2,543 |
1,392 |
5,552 |
6,944 |
|
Dec-08 |
1,009 |
3,775 |
4,784 |
482 |
2,237 |
2,719 |
1,491 |
6,012 |
7,503 |
|
Jan-09 |
1,132 |
4,294 |
5,426 |
575 |
2,488 |
3,063 |
1,707 |
6,782 |
8,489 |
|
Feb-09 |
1,193 |
4,552 |
5,745 |
598 |
2,589 |
3,187 |
1,791 |
7,141 |
8,932 |
|
Mar-09 |
1,251 |
4,848 |
6,099 |
628 |
2,637 |
3,265 |
1,879 |
7,485 |
9,364 |
|
Apr-09 |
1,246 |
4,991 |
6,237 |
638 |
2,743 |
3,381 |
1,884 |
7,734 |
9,618 |
|
May-09 |
1,283 |
5,019 |
6,302 |
654 |
2,732 |
3,386 |
1,937 |
7,751 |
9,688 |
|
Jun-09 |
1,352 |
5,205 |
6,557 |
744 |
2,868 |
3,612 |
2,096 |
8,073 |
10,169 |
|
Jul-09 |
1,347 |
5,315 |
6,662 |
806 |
3,045 |
3,851 |
2,153 |
8,360 |
10,513 |
|
Aug-09 |
1,383 |
5,352 |
6,735 |
823 |
3,070 |
3,893 |
2,206 |
8,422 |
10,628 |
|
Sep-09 |
1,330 |
5,259 |
6,589 |
757 |
2,870 |
3,627 |
2,087 |
8,129 |
10,216 |
|
Oct-09 |
1,270 |
5,055 |
6,325 |
732 |
2,762 |
3,494 |
2,002 |
7,817 |
9,819 |
|
Limerick County |
|||||||||
|
Dec-07 |
1,060 |
4,238 |
5,298 |
680 |
2,258 |
2,938 |
1,740 |
6,496 |
8,236 |
|
Jan-08 |
1,169 |
4,541 |
5,710 |
716 |
2,119 |
2,835 |
1,885 |
6,660 |
8,545 |
|
Feb-08 |
1,272 |
4,812 |
6,084 |
728 |
2,192 |
2,920 |
2,000 |
7,004 |
9,004 |
|
Mar-08 |
1,348 |
5,000 |
6,348 |
763 |
2,472 |
3,235 |
2,111 |
7,472 |
9,583 |
|
Apr-08 |
1,342 |
5,027 |
6,369 |
736 |
2,268 |
3,004 |
2,078 |
7,295 |
9,373 |
|
May-08 |
1,423 |
5,198 |
6,621 |
815 |
2,475 |
3,290 |
2,238 |
7,673 |
9,911 |
|
Jun-08 |
1,573 |
5,368 |
6,941 |
935 |
2,834 |
3,769 |
2,508 |
8,202 |
10,710 |
|
Jul-08 |
1,600 |
5,612 |
7,212 |
1,010 |
3,226 |
4,236 |
2,610 |
8,838 |
11,448 |
|
Aug-08 |
1,737 |
5,969 |
7,706 |
1,091 |
3,251 |
4,342 |
2,828 |
9,220 |
12,048 |
|
Sep-08 |
1,718 |
5,908 |
7,626 |
1,045 |
2,786 |
3,831 |
2,763 |
8,694 |
11,457 |
|
Oct-08 |
1,753 |
6,233 |
7,986 |
1,014 |
2,880 |
3,894 |
2,767 |
9,113 |
11,880 |
|
Nov-08 |
1,905 |
6,903 |
8,808 |
1,074 |
3,004 |
4,078 |
2,979 |
9,907 |
12,886 |
|
Dec-08 |
2,082 |
7,449 |
9,531 |
1,147 |
3,352 |
4,499 |
3,229 |
10,801 |
14,030 |
|
Jan-09 |
2,338 |
8,536 |
10,874 |
1,294 |
3,618 |
4,912 |
3,632 |
12,154 |
15,786 |
|
Feb-09 |
2,539 |
9,311 |
11,850 |
1,371 |
4,002 |
5,373 |
3,910 |
13,313 |
17,223 |
|
Mar-09 |
2,678 |
9,781 |
12,459 |
1,398 |
4,186 |
5,584 |
4,076 |
13,967 |
18,043 |
|
Apr-09 |
2,653 |
9,996 |
12,649 |
1,419 |
4,436 |
5,855 |
4,072 |
14,432 |
18,504 |
|
May-09 |
2,773 |
10,691 |
13,464 |
1,571 |
4,775 |
6,346 |
4,344 |
15,466 |
19,810 |
|
Jun-09 |
3,002 |
11,067 |
14,069 |
1,736 |
5,195 |
6,931 |
4,738 |
16,262 |
21,000 |
|
Jul-09 |
3,069 |
11,260 |
14,329 |
1,787 |
5,675 |
7,462 |
4,856 |
16,935 |
21,791 |
|
Aug-09 |
3,097 |
11,498 |
14,595 |
1,827 |
5,737 |
7,564 |
4,924 |
17,235 |
22,159 |
|
Sep-09 |
2,930 |
11,317 |
14,247 |
1,686 |
5,255 |
6,941 |
4,616 |
16,572 |
21,188 |
|
Oct-09 |
2,759 |
10,867 |
13,626 |
1,590 |
5,110 |
6,700 |
4,349 |
15,977 |
20,326 |
|
North Tipperary |
|||||||||
|
Dec-07 |
282 |
1,121 |
1,403 |
186 |
879 |
1,065 |
468 |
2,000 |
2,468 |
|
Jan-08 |
322 |
1,235 |
1,557 |
191 |
845 |
1,036 |
513 |
2,080 |
2,593 |
|
Feb-08 |
336 |
1,278 |
1,614 |
207 |
851 |
1,058 |
543 |
2,129 |
2,672 |
|
Mar-08 |
355 |
1,305 |
1,660 |
217 |
952 |
1,169 |
572 |
2,257 |
2,829 |
|
Apr-08 |
346 |
1,296 |
1,642 |
210 |
878 |
1,088 |
556 |
2,174 |
2,730 |
|
May-08 |
362 |
1,360 |
1,722 |
222 |
978 |
1,200 |
584 |
2,338 |
2,922 |
|
Jun-08 |
408 |
1,489 |
1,897 |
286 |
1,139 |
1,425 |
694 |
2,628 |
3,322 |
|
Jul-08 |
452 |
1,573 |
2,025 |
320 |
1,251 |
1,571 |
772 |
2,824 |
3,596 |
|
Aug-08 |
491 |
1,663 |
2,154 |
348 |
1,260 |
1,608 |
839 |
2,923 |
3,762 |
|
Sep-08 |
467 |
1,572 |
2,039 |
319 |
1,100 |
1,419 |
786 |
2,672 |
3,458 |
|
Oct-08 |
503 |
1,695 |
2,198 |
304 |
1,123 |
1,427 |
807 |
2,818 |
3,625 |
|
Nov-08 |
544 |
1,871 |
2,415 |
303 |
1,153 |
1,456 |
847 |
3,024 |
3,871 |
|
Dec-08 |
628 |
2,169 |
2,797 |
326 |
1,259 |
1,585 |
954 |
3,428 |
4,382 |
|
Jan-09 |
727 |
2,532 |
3,259 |
350 |
1,319 |
1,669 |
1,077 |
3,851 |
4,928 |
|
Feb-09 |
766 |
2,652 |
3,418 |
377 |
1,415 |
1,792 |
1,143 |
4,067 |
5,210 |
|
Mar-09 |
830 |
2,819 |
3,649 |
397 |
1,446 |
1,843 |
1,227 |
4,265 |
5,492 |
|
Apr-09 |
830 |
2,903 |
3,733 |
405 |
1,567 |
1,972 |
1,235 |
4,470 |
5,705 |
|
May-09 |
870 |
3,039 |
3,909 |
473 |
1,642 |
2,115 |
1,343 |
4,681 |
6,024 |
|
Jun-09 |
934 |
3,188 |
4,122 |
541 |
1,850 |
2,391 |
1,475 |
5,038 |
6,513 |
|
Jul-09 |
960 |
3,289 |
4,249 |
590 |
2,030 |
2,620 |
1,550 |
5,319 |
6,869 |
|
Aug-09 |
951 |
3,360 |
4,311 |
593 |
2,081 |
2,674 |
1,544 |
5,441 |
6,985 |
|
Sep-09 |
868 |
3,227 |
4,095 |
554 |
1,862 |
2,416 |
1,422 |
5,089 |
6,511 |
|
Oct-09 |
817 |
3,206 |
4,023 |
508 |
1,863 |
2,371 |
1,325 |
5,069 |
6,394 |
|
Carlow County |
|||||||||
|
Dec-07 |
330 |
1,203 |
1,533 |
177 |
738 |
915 |
507 |
1,941 |
2,448 |
|
Jan-08 |
384 |
1,322 |
1,706 |
201 |
707 |
908 |
585 |
2,029 |
2,614 |
|
Feb-08 |
419 |
1,388 |
1,807 |
213 |
727 |
940 |
632 |
2,115 |
2,747 |
|
Mar-08 |
431 |
1,467 |
1,898 |
236 |
826 |
1,062 |
667 |
2,293 |
2,960 |
|
Apr-08 |
446 |
1,486 |
1,932 |
245 |
762 |
1,007 |
691 |
2,248 |
2,939 |
|
May-08 |
477 |
1,588 |
2,065 |
266 |
839 |
1,105 |
743 |
2,427 |
3,170 |
|
Jun-08 |
494 |
1,669 |
2,163 |
321 |
911 |
1,232 |
815 |
2,580 |
3,395 |
|
Jul-08 |
550 |
1,781 |
2,331 |
352 |
1,066 |
1,418 |
902 |
2,847 |
3,749 |
|
Aug-08 |
577 |
1,849 |
2,426 |
372 |
1,019 |
1,391 |
949 |
2,868 |
3,817 |
|
Sep-08 |
565 |
1,826 |
2,391 |
346 |
900 |
1,246 |
911 |
2,726 |
3,637 |
|
Oct-08 |
572 |
1,977 |
2,549 |
313 |
942 |
1,255 |
885 |
2,919 |
3,804 |
|
Nov-08 |
598 |
2,164 |
2,762 |
314 |
951 |
1,265 |
912 |
3,115 |
4,027 |
|
Dec-08 |
661 |
2,397 |
3,058 |
306 |
1,031 |
1,337 |
967 |
3,428 |
4,395 |
|
Jan-09 |
748 |
2,670 |
3,418 |
336 |
1,099 |
1,435 |
1,084 |
3,769 |
4,853 |
|
Feb-09 |
822 |
2,978 |
3,800 |
376 |
1,187 |
1,563 |
1,198 |
4,165 |
5,363 |
|
Mar-09 |
852 |
3,074 |
3,926 |
401 |
1,228 |
1,629 |
1,253 |
4,302 |
5,555 |
|
Apr-09 |
858 |
3,195 |
4,053 |
407 |
1,326 |
1,733 |
1,265 |
4,521 |
5,786 |
|
May-09 |
882 |
3,392 |
4,274 |
463 |
1,403 |
1,866 |
1,345 |
4,795 |
6,140 |
|
Jun-09 |
965 |
3,474 |
4,439 |
537 |
1,536 |
2,073 |
1,502 |
5,010 |
6,512 |
|
Jul-09 |
990 |
3,555 |
4,545 |
582 |
1,679 |
2,261 |
1,572 |
5,234 |
6,806 |
|
Aug-09 |
979 |
3,573 |
4,552 |
575 |
1,665 |
2,240 |
1,554 |
5,238 |
6,792 |
|
Sep-09 |
908 |
3,450 |
4,358 |
531 |
1,492 |
2,023 |
1,439 |
4,942 |
6,381 |
|
Oct-09 |
860 |
3,366 |
4,226 |
493 |
1,404 |
1,897 |
1,353 |
4,770 |
6,123 |
|
Kilkenny County |
|||||||||
|
Dec-07 |
332 |
1,402 |
1,734 |
189 |
769 |
958 |
521 |
2,171 |
2,692 |
|
Jan-08 |
374 |
1,615 |
1,989 |
216 |
801 |
1,017 |
590 |
2,416 |
3,006 |
|
Feb-08 |
418 |
1,702 |
2,120 |
230 |
817 |
1,047 |
648 |
2,519 |
3,167 |
|
Mar-08 |
453 |
1,740 |
2,193 |
242 |
877 |
1,119 |
695 |
2,617 |
3,312 |
|
Apr-08 |
452 |
1,760 |
2,212 |
230 |
829 |
1,059 |
682 |
2,589 |
3,271 |
|
May-08 |
485 |
1,839 |
2,324 |
270 |
882 |
1,152 |
755 |
2,721 |
3,476 |
|
Jun-08 |
491 |
1,912 |
2,403 |
296 |
944 |
1,240 |
787 |
2,856 |
3,643 |
|
Jul-08 |
529 |
2,023 |
2,552 |
335 |
1,067 |
1,402 |
864 |
3,090 |
3,954 |
|
Aug-08 |
563 |
2,125 |
2,688 |
354 |
1,091 |
1,445 |
917 |
3,216 |
4,133 |
|
Sep-08 |
580 |
2,106 |
2,686 |
348 |
1,043 |
1,391 |
928 |
3,149 |
4,077 |
|
Oct-08 |
598 |
2,242 |
2,840 |
344 |
1,079 |
1,423 |
942 |
3,321 |
4,263 |
|
Nov-08 |
629 |
2,403 |
3,032 |
349 |
1,120 |
1,469 |
978 |
3,523 |
4,501 |
|
Dec-08 |
709 |
2,718 |
3,427 |
363 |
1,183 |
1,546 |
1,072 |
3,901 |
4,973 |
|
Jan-09 |
743 |
3,131 |
3,874 |
404 |
1,335 |
1,739 |
1,147 |
4,466 |
5,613 |
|
Feb-09 |
793 |
3,349 |
4,142 |
420 |
1,424 |
1,844 |
1,213 |
4,773 |
5,986 |
|
Mar-09 |
844 |
3,426 |
4,270 |
432 |
1,452 |
1,884 |
1,276 |
4,878 |
6,154 |
|
Apr-09 |
837 |
3,531 |
4,368 |
444 |
1,454 |
1,898 |
1,281 |
4,985 |
6,266 |
|
May-09 |
893 |
3,596 |
4,489 |
480 |
1,465 |
1,945 |
1,373 |
5,061 |
6,434 |
|
Jun-09 |
943 |
3,706 |
4,649 |
541 |
1,591 |
2,132 |
1,484 |
5,297 |
6,781 |
|
Jul-09 |
979 |
3,782 |
4,761 |
566 |
1,744 |
2,310 |
1,545 |
5,526 |
7,071 |
|
Aug-09 |
967 |
3,825 |
4,792 |
567 |
1,735 |
2,302 |
1,534 |
5,560 |
7,094 |
|
Sep-09 |
944 |
3,749 |
4,693 |
522 |
1,617 |
2,139 |
1,466 |
5,366 |
6,832 |
|
Oct-09 |
914 |
3,777 |
4,691 |
518 |
1,625 |
2,143 |
1,432 |
5,402 |
6,834 |
|
South Tipperary |
|||||||||
|
Dec-07 |
505 |
1,619 |
2,124 |
275 |
889 |
1,164 |
780 |
2,508 |
3,288 |
|
Jan-08 |
570 |
1,786 |
2,356 |
291 |
877 |
1,168 |
861 |
2,663 |
3,524 |
|
Feb-08 |
591 |
1,857 |
2,448 |
323 |
882 |
1,205 |
914 |
2,739 |
3,653 |
|
Mar-08 |
610 |
1,945 |
2,555 |
320 |
942 |
1,262 |
930 |
2,887 |
3,817 |
|
Apr-08 |
602 |
1,954 |
2,556 |
299 |
879 |
1,178 |
901 |
2,833 |
3,734 |
|
May-08 |
603 |
2,061 |
2,664 |
327 |
899 |
1,226 |
930 |
2,960 |
3,890 |
|
Jun-08 |
695 |
2,190 |
2,885 |
365 |
1,044 |
1,409 |
1,060 |
3,234 |
4,294 |
|
Jul-08 |
726 |
2,269 |
2,995 |
394 |
1,183 |
1,577 |
1,120 |
3,452 |
4,572 |
|
Aug-08 |
786 |
2,424 |
3,210 |
402 |
1,198 |
1,600 |
1,188 |
3,622 |
4,810 |
|
Sep-08 |
770 |
2,426 |
3,196 |
378 |
1,051 |
1,429 |
1,148 |
3,477 |
4,625 |
|
Oct-08 |
775 |
2,570 |
3,345 |
386 |
1,117 |
1,503 |
1,161 |
3,687 |
4,848 |
|
Nov-08 |
876 |
2,876 |
3,752 |
377 |
1,170 |
1,547 |
1,253 |
4,046 |
5,299 |
|
Dec-08 |
985 |
3,204 |
4,189 |
400 |
1,290 |
1,690 |
1,385 |
4,494 |
5,879 |
|
Jan-09 |
1,110 |
3,607 |
4,717 |
467 |
1,363 |
1,830 |
1,577 |
4,970 |
6,547 |
|
Feb-09 |
1,167 |
3,802 |
4,969 |
508 |
1,454 |
1,962 |
1,675 |
5,256 |
6,931 |
|
Mar-09 |
1,242 |
3,958 |
5,200 |
522 |
1,494 |
2,016 |
1,764 |
5,452 |
7,216 |
|
Apr-09 |
1,240 |
4,162 |
5,402 |
531 |
1,573 |
2,104 |
1,771 |
5,735 |
7,506 |
|
May-09 |
1,245 |
4,206 |
5,451 |
601 |
1,647 |
2,248 |
1,846 |
5,853 |
7,699 |
|
Jun-09 |
1,332 |
4,270 |
5,602 |
663 |
1,809 |
2,472 |
1,995 |
6,079 |
8,074 |
|
Jul-09 |
1,363 |
4,384 |
5,747 |
747 |
1,951 |
2,698 |
2,110 |
6,335 |
8,445 |
|
Aug-09 |
1,361 |
4,454 |
5,815 |
749 |
2,000 |
2,749 |
2,110 |
6,454 |
8,564 |
|
Sep-09 |
1,310 |
4,462 |
5,772 |
696 |
1,871 |
2,567 |
2,006 |
6,333 |
8,339 |
|
Oct-09 |
1,243 |
4,573 |
5,816 |
645 |
1,862 |
2,507 |
1,888 |
6,435 |
8,323 |
|
Waterford County |
|||||||||
|
Dec-07 |
860 |
3,269 |
4,129 |
488 |
2,008 |
2,496 |
1,348 |
5,277 |
6,625 |
|
Jan-08 |
935 |
3,583 |
4,518 |
504 |
2,070 |
2,574 |
1,439 |
5,653 |
7,092 |
|
Feb-08 |
1,004 |
3,794 |
4,798 |
531 |
2,072 |
2,603 |
1,535 |
5,866 |
7,401 |
|
Mar-08 |
1,049 |
4,439 |
5,488 |
539 |
2,374 |
2,913 |
1,588 |
6,813 |
8,401 |
|
Apr-08 |
1,022 |
3,982 |
5,004 |
544 |
2,128 |
2,672 |
1,566 |
6,110 |
7,676 |
|
May-08 |
1,075 |
4,022 |
5,097 |
604 |
2,278 |
2,882 |
1,679 |
6,300 |
7,979 |
|
Jun-08 |
1,198 |
4,673 |
5,871 |
696 |
2,615 |
3,311 |
1,894 |
7,288 |
9,182 |
|
Jul-08 |
1,272 |
4,834 |
6,106 |
752 |
2,880 |
3,632 |
2,024 |
7,714 |
9,738 |
|
Aug-08 |
1,308 |
4,570 |
5,878 |
759 |
2,760 |
3,519 |
2,067 |
7,330 |
9,397 |
|
Sep-08 |
1,273 |
4,612 |
5,885 |
730 |
2,481 |
3,211 |
2,003 |
7,093 |
9,096 |
|
Oct-08 |
1,320 |
4,843 |
6,163 |
719 |
2,555 |
3,274 |
2,039 |
7,398 |
9,437 |
|
Nov-08 |
1,344 |
5,175 |
6,519 |
736 |
2,531 |
3,267 |
2,080 |
7,706 |
9,786 |
|
Dec-08 |
1,482 |
5,538 |
7,020 |
732 |
2,739 |
3,471 |
2,214 |
8,277 |
10,491 |
|
Jan-09 |
1,602 |
6,148 |
7,750 |
838 |
2,870 |
3,708 |
2,440 |
9,018 |
11,458 |
|
Feb-09 |
1,682 |
6,706 |
8,388 |
882 |
3,232 |
4,114 |
2,564 |
9,938 |
12,502 |
|
Mar-09 |
1,748 |
6,835 |
8,583 |
911 |
3,234 |
4,145 |
2,659 |
10,069 |
12,728 |
|
Apr-09 |
1,742 |
7,019 |
8,761 |
918 |
3,346 |
4,264 |
2,660 |
10,365 |
13,025 |
|
May-09 |
1,833 |
7,214 |
9,047 |
1,048 |
3,566 |
4,614 |
2,881 |
10,780 |
13,661 |
|
Jun-09 |
1,957 |
7,525 |
9,482 |
1,141 |
3,836 |
4,977 |
3,098 |
11,361 |
14,459 |
|
Jul-09 |
1,987 |
7,712 |
9,699 |
1,215 |
4,176 |
5,391 |
3,202 |
11,888 |
15,090 |
|
Aug-09 |
1,972 |
7,807 |
9,779 |
1,210 |
4,129 |
5,339 |
3,182 |
11,936 |
15,118 |
|
Sep-09 |
1,909 |
7,772 |
9,681 |
1,167 |
3,767 |
4,934 |
3,076 |
11,539 |
14,615 |
|
Oct-09 |
1,811 |
7,609 |
9,420 |
1,114 |
3,624 |
4,738 |
2,925 |
11,233 |
14,158 |
|
Wexford County |
|||||||||
|
Dec-07 |
948 |
3,467 |
4,415 |
638 |
2,458 |
3,096 |
1,586 |
5,925 |
7,511 |
|
Jan-08 |
1,099 |
3,813 |
4,912 |
707 |
2,520 |
3,227 |
1,806 |
6,333 |
8,139 |
|
Feb-08 |
1,149 |
3,985 |
5,134 |
751 |
2,574 |
3,325 |
1,900 |
6,559 |
8,459 |
|
Mar-08 |
1,198 |
4,088 |
5,286 |
746 |
2,732 |
3,478 |
1,944 |
6,820 |
8,764 |
|
Apr-08 |
1,190 |
4,131 |
5,321 |
724 |
2,616 |
3,340 |
1,914 |
6,747 |
8,661 |
|
May-08 |
1,273 |
4,326 |
5,599 |
747 |
2,677 |
3,424 |
2,020 |
7,003 |
9,023 |
|
Jun-08 |
1,403 |
4,472 |
5,875 |
823 |
2,847 |
3,670 |
2,226 |
7,319 |
9,545 |
|
Jul-08 |
1,448 |
4,732 |
6,180 |
916 |
3,125 |
4,041 |
2,364 |
7,857 |
10,221 |
|
Aug-08 |
1,490 |
4,989 |
6,479 |
948 |
3,140 |
4,088 |
2,438 |
8,129 |
10,567 |
|
Sep-08 |
1,484 |
5,152 |
6,636 |
906 |
2,924 |
3,830 |
2,390 |
8,076 |
10,466 |
|
Oct-08 |
1,563 |
5,708 |
7,271 |
950 |
3,170 |
4,120 |
2,513 |
8,878 |
11,391 |
|
Nov-08 |
1,707 |
6,141 |
7,848 |
994 |
3,227 |
4,221 |
2,701 |
9,368 |
12,069 |
|
Dec-08 |
1,854 |
6,597 |
8,451 |
1,005 |
3,522 |
4,527 |
2,859 |
10,119 |
12,978 |
|
Jan-09 |
2,063 |
7,374 |
9,437 |
1,179 |
3,895 |
5,074 |
3,242 |
11,269 |
14,511 |
|
Feb-09 |
2,219 |
7,836 |
10,055 |
1,220 |
4,018 |
5,238 |
3,439 |
11,854 |
15,293 |
|
Mar-09 |
2,305 |
8,085 |
10,390 |
1,271 |
4,129 |
5,400 |
3,576 |
12,214 |
15,790 |
|
Apr-09 |
2,288 |
8,288 |
10,576 |
1,269 |
4,164 |
5,433 |
3,557 |
12,452 |
16,009 |
|
May-09 |
2,380 |
8,476 |
10,856 |
1,407 |
4,256 |
5,663 |
3,787 |
12,732 |
16,519 |
|
Jun-09 |
2,547 |
8,740 |
11,287 |
1,571 |
4,552 |
6,123 |
4,118 |
13,292 |
17,410 |
|
Jul-09 |
2,517 |
8,815 |
11,332 |
1,604 |
4,881 |
6,485 |
4,121 |
13,696 |
17,817 |
|
Aug-09 |
2,531 |
8,940 |
11,471 |
1,586 |
4,894 |
6,480 |
4,117 |
13,834 |
17,951 |
|
Sep-09 |
2,457 |
8,884 |
11,341 |
1,498 |
4,626 |
6,124 |
3,955 |
13,510 |
17,465 |
|
Oct-09 |
2,359 |
8,931 |
11,290 |
1,391 |
4,750 |
6,141 |
3,750 |
13,681 |
17,431 |
|
Cork County |
|||||||||
|
Dec-07 |
1,911 |
8,698 |
10,609 |
1,037 |
5,050 |
6,087 |
2,948 |
13,748 |
16,696 |
|
Jan-08 |
2,141 |
9,295 |
11,436 |
1,136 |
5,098 |
6,234 |
3,277 |
14,393 |
17,670 |
|
Feb-08 |
2,321 |
9,741 |
12,062 |
1,188 |
5,128 |
6,316 |
3,509 |
14,869 |
18,378 |
|
Mar-08 |
2,393 |
10,033 |
12,426 |
1,205 |
5,546 |
6,751 |
3,598 |
15,579 |
19,177 |
|
Apr-08 |
2,405 |
10,088 |
12,493 |
1,196 |
5,262 |
6,458 |
3,601 |
15,350 |
18,951 |
|
May-08 |
2,424 |
10,343 |
12,767 |
1,266 |
5,519 |
6,785 |
3,690 |
15,862 |
19,552 |
|
Jun-08 |
2,760 |
11,045 |
13,805 |
1,573 |
6,384 |
7,957 |
4,333 |
17,429 |
21,762 |
|
Jul-08 |
3,006 |
11,587 |
14,593 |
1,796 |
7,192 |
8,988 |
4,802 |
18,779 |
23,581 |
|
Aug-08 |
3,143 |
12,162 |
15,305 |
1,912 |
7,247 |
9,159 |
5,055 |
19,409 |
24,464 |
|
Sep-08 |
3,114 |
12,333 |
15,447 |
1,803 |
6,503 |
8,306 |
4,917 |
18,836 |
23,753 |
|
Oct-08 |
3,121 |
12,784 |
15,905 |
1,710 |
6,595 |
8,305 |
4,831 |
19,379 |
24,210 |
|
Nov-08 |
3,363 |
13,813 |
17,176 |
1,747 |
6,761 |
8,508 |
5,110 |
20,574 |
25,684 |
|
Dec-08 |
3,705 |
15,095 |
18,800 |
1,828 |
7,436 |
9,264 |
5,533 |
22,531 |
28,064 |
|
Jan-09 |
4,176 |
17,273 |
21,449 |
2,141 |
8,428 |
10,569 |
6,317 |
25,701 |
32,018 |
|
Feb-09 |
4,394 |
18,829 |
23,223 |
2,347 |
9,087 |
11,434 |
6,741 |
27,916 |
34,657 |
|
Mar-09 |
4,704 |
20,162 |
24,866 |
2,455 |
9,546 |
12,001 |
7,159 |
29,708 |
36,867 |
|
Apr-09 |
4,831 |
20,999 |
25,830 |
2,523 |
9,942 |
12,465 |
7,354 |
30,941 |
38,295 |
|
May-09 |
4,985 |
21,963 |
26,948 |
2,648 |
10,345 |
12,993 |
7,633 |
32,308 |
39,941 |
|
Jun-09 |
5,306 |
22,902 |
28,208 |
2,980 |
11,223 |
14,203 |
8,286 |
34,125 |
42,411 |
|
Jul-09 |
5,536 |
23,547 |
29,083 |
3,232 |
12,183 |
15,415 |
8,768 |
35,730 |
44,498 |
|
Aug-09 |
5,496 |
23,697 |
29,193 |
3,192 |
12,358 |
15,550 |
8,688 |
36,055 |
44,743 |
|
Sep-09 |
5,350 |
23,553 |
28,903 |
2,974 |
11,686 |
14,660 |
8,324 |
35,239 |
43,563 |
|
Oct-09 |
5,063 |
23,274 |
28,337 |
2,693 |
11,272 |
13,965 |
7,756 |
34,546 |
42,302 |
|
Kerry County |
|||||||||
|
Dec-07 |
712 |
3,551 |
4,263 |
476 |
2,549 |
3,025 |
1,188 |
6,100 |
7,288 |
|
Jan-08 |
827 |
3,831 |
4,658 |
553 |
2,719 |
3,272 |
1,380 |
6,550 |
7,930 |
|
Feb-08 |
880 |
3,909 |
4,789 |
582 |
2,718 |
3,300 |
1,462 |
6,627 |
8,089 |
|
Mar-08 |
867 |
3,967 |
4,834 |
561 |
2,680 |
3,241 |
1,428 |
6,647 |
8,075 |
|
Apr-08 |
871 |
3,929 |
4,800 |
545 |
2,485 |
3,030 |
1,416 |
6,414 |
7,830 |
|
May-08 |
839 |
3,875 |
4,714 |
554 |
2,375 |
2,929 |
1,393 |
6,250 |
7,643 |
|
Jun-08 |
962 |
4,056 |
5,018 |
643 |
2,518 |
3,161 |
1,605 |
6,574 |
8,179 |
|
Jul-08 |
1,059 |
4,304 |
5,363 |
734 |
2,697 |
3,431 |
1,793 |
7,001 |
8,794 |
|
Aug-08 |
1,134 |
4,567 |
5,701 |
740 |
2,805 |
3,545 |
1,874 |
7,372 |
9,246 |
|
Sep-08 |
1,147 |
4,637 |
5,784 |
703 |
2,598 |
3,301 |
1,850 |
7,235 |
9,085 |
|
Oct-08 |
1,253 |
5,269 |
6,522 |
724 |
3,013 |
3,737 |
1,977 |
8,282 |
10,259 |
|
Nov-08 |
1,380 |
5,759 |
7,139 |
783 |
3,447 |
4,230 |
2,163 |
9,206 |
11,369 |
|
Dec-08 |
1,462 |
6,303 |
7,765 |
823 |
3,776 |
4,599 |
2,285 |
10,079 |
12,364 |
|
Jan-09 |
1,676 |
7,045 |
8,721 |
937 |
3,999 |
4,936 |
2,613 |
11,044 |
13,657 |
|
Feb-09 |
1,777 |
7,614 |
9,391 |
1,040 |
4,367 |
5,407 |
2,817 |
11,981 |
14,798 |
|
Mar-09 |
1,900 |
8,053 |
9,953 |
1,072 |
4,534 |
5,606 |
2,972 |
12,587 |
15,559 |
|
Apr-09 |
1,882 |
8,027 |
9,909 |
1,060 |
4,432 |
5,492 |
2,942 |
12,459 |
15,401 |
|
May-09 |
1,889 |
8,030 |
9,919 |
1,053 |
4,232 |
5,285 |
2,942 |
12,262 |
15,204 |
|
Jun-09 |
2,038 |
8,137 |
10,175 |
1,176 |
4,378 |
5,554 |
3,214 |
12,515 |
15,729 |
|
Jul-09 |
2,098 |
8,304 |
10,402 |
1,219 |
4,578 |
5,797 |
3,317 |
12,882 |
16,199 |
|
Aug-09 |
2,096 |
8,392 |
10,488 |
1,214 |
4,565 |
5,779 |
3,310 |
12,957 |
16,267 |
|
Sep-09 |
1,984 |
8,228 |
10,212 |
1,107 |
4,281 |
5,388 |
3,091 |
12,509 |
15,600 |
|
Oct-09 |
1,815 |
7,960 |
9,775 |
1,043 |
4,288 |
5,331 |
2,858 |
12,248 |
15,106 |
1October 2009 contains revisions which have not been applied to County and Local Office data from October 2008 to September 2009.
|
Month1 |
Male Under 25 years |
Male 25 years and over |
Male All ages |
Female Under 25 years |
Female 25 years and over |
Female All ages |
Both sexes Under 25 years |
Both sexes 25 years and over |
Both sexes All ages |
|
Nth Cumberland Street2 |
|||||||||
|
Dec-07 |
613 |
2,620 |
3,233 |
336 |
1,460 |
1,796 |
949 |
4,080 |
5,029 |
|
Jan-08 |
657 |
2,765 |
3,422 |
365 |
1,438 |
1,803 |
1,022 |
4,203 |
5,225 |
|
Feb-08 |
709 |
2,885 |
3,594 |
378 |
1,461 |
1,839 |
1,087 |
4,346 |
5,433 |
|
Mar-08 |
709 |
2,950 |
3,659 |
369 |
1,552 |
1,921 |
1,078 |
4,502 |
5,580 |
|
Apr-08 |
709 |
2,997 |
3,706 |
376 |
1,505 |
1,881 |
1,085 |
4,502 |
5,587 |
|
May-08 |
714 |
3,095 |
3,809 |
410 |
1,512 |
1,922 |
1,124 |
4,607 |
5,731 |
|
Jun-08 |
775 |
3,190 |
3,965 |
460 |
1,681 |
2,141 |
1,235 |
4,871 |
6,106 |
|
Jul-08 |
827 |
3,356 |
4,183 |
480 |
1,873 |
2,353 |
1,307 |
5,229 |
6,536 |
|
Aug-08 |
908 |
3,428 |
4,336 |
505 |
1,896 |
2,401 |
1,413 |
5,324 |
6,737 |
|
Sep-08 |
898 |
3,471 |
4,369 |
497 |
1,752 |
2,249 |
1,395 |
5,223 |
6,618 |
|
Oct-08 |
842 |
3,506 |
4,348 |
471 |
1,735 |
2,206 |
1,313 |
5,241 |
6,554 |
|
Nov-08 |
877 |
3,737 |
4,614 |
501 |
1,765 |
2,266 |
1,378 |
5,502 |
6,880 |
|
Dec-08 |
999 |
4,193 |
5,192 |
561 |
1,932 |
2,493 |
1,560 |
6,125 |
7,685 |
|
Jan-09 |
1,030 |
4,494 |
5,524 |
607 |
2,101 |
2,708 |
1,637 |
6,595 |
8,232 |
|
Feb-09 |
1,154 |
4,958 |
6,112 |
683 |
2,338 |
3,021 |
1,837 |
7,296 |
9,133 |
|
Mar-09 |
1,271 |
5,562 |
6,833 |
774 |
2,579 |
3,353 |
2,045 |
8,141 |
10,186 |
|
Apr-09 |
1,310 |
5,995 |
7,305 |
812 |
2,834 |
3,646 |
2,122 |
8,829 |
10,951 |
|
May-09 |
1,358 |
6,169 |
7,527 |
863 |
2,907 |
3,770 |
2,221 |
9,076 |
11,297 |
|
Jun-09 |
1,420 |
6,341 |
7,761 |
935 |
3,090 |
4,025 |
2,355 |
9,431 |
11,786 |
|
Jul-09 |
1,507 |
6,482 |
7,989 |
988 |
3,368 |
4,356 |
2,495 |
9,850 |
12,345 |
|
Aug-09 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Sep-09 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Oct-09 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Navan Road |
|||||||||
|
Dec-07 |
323 |
1,486 |
1,809 |
177 |
630 |
807 |
500 |
2,116 |
2,616 |
|
Jan-08 |
338 |
1,527 |
1,865 |
188 |
612 |
800 |
526 |
2,139 |
2,665 |
|
Feb-08 |
352 |
1,573 |
1,925 |
192 |
643 |
835 |
544 |
2,216 |
2,760 |
|
Mar-08 |
395 |
1,632 |
2,027 |
204 |
696 |
900 |
599 |
2,328 |
2,927 |
|
Apr-08 |
385 |
1,642 |
2,027 |
207 |
664 |
871 |
592 |
2,306 |
2,898 |
|
May-08 |
419 |
1,692 |
2,111 |
217 |
695 |
912 |
636 |
2,387 |
3,023 |
|
Jun-08 |
434 |
1,791 |
2,225 |
256 |
770 |
1,026 |
690 |
2,561 |
3,251 |
|
Jul-08 |
467 |
1,863 |
2,330 |
268 |
867 |
1,135 |
735 |
2,730 |
3,465 |
|
Aug-08 |
489 |
1,914 |
2,403 |
285 |
903 |
1,188 |
774 |
2,817 |
3,591 |
|
Sep-08 |
462 |
1,904 |
2,366 |
278 |
859 |
1,137 |
740 |
2,763 |
3,503 |
|
Oct-08 |
473 |
1,970 |
2,443 |
290 |
862 |
1,152 |
763 |
2,832 |
3,595 |
|
Nov-08 |
504 |
2,136 |
2,640 |
290 |
875 |
1,165 |
794 |
3,011 |
3,805 |
|
Dec-08 |
526 |
2,240 |
2,766 |
277 |
956 |
1,233 |
803 |
3,196 |
3,999 |
|
Jan-09 |
584 |
2,566 |
3,150 |
323 |
1,102 |
1,425 |
907 |
3,668 |
4,575 |
|
Feb-09 |
653 |
2,837 |
3,490 |
355 |
1,253 |
1,608 |
1,008 |
4,090 |
5,098 |
|
Mar-09 |
673 |
3,028 |
3,701 |
375 |
1,330 |
1,705 |
1,048 |
4,358 |
5,406 |
|
Apr-09 |
656 |
3,189 |
3,845 |
397 |
1,415 |
1,812 |
1,053 |
4,604 |
5,657 |
|
May-09 |
697 |
3,305 |
4,002 |
444 |
1,487 |
1,931 |
1,141 |
4,792 |
5,933 |
|
Jun-09 |
748 |
3,462 |
4,210 |
489 |
1,630 |
2,119 |
1,237 |
5,092 |
6,329 |
|
Jul-09 |
753 |
3,543 |
4,296 |
503 |
1,741 |
2,244 |
1,256 |
5,284 |
6,540 |
|
Aug-09 |
766 |
3,614 |
4,380 |
511 |
1,771 |
2,282 |
1,277 |
5,385 |
6,662 |
|
Sep-09 |
761 |
3,564 |
4,325 |
502 |
1,707 |
2,209 |
1,263 |
5,271 |
6,534 |
|
Oct-09 |
721 |
3,443 |
4,164 |
462 |
1,585 |
2,047 |
1,183 |
5,028 |
6,211 |
|
Thomas Street |
|||||||||
|
Dec-07 |
233 |
1,238 |
1,471 |
137 |
417 |
554 |
370 |
1,655 |
2,025 |
|
Jan-08 |
255 |
1,303 |
1,558 |
140 |
428 |
568 |
395 |
1,731 |
2,126 |
|
Feb-08 |
254 |
1,320 |
1,574 |
150 |
438 |
588 |
404 |
1,758 |
2,162 |
|
Mar-08 |
259 |
1,363 |
1,622 |
155 |
465 |
620 |
414 |
1,828 |
2,242 |
|
Apr-08 |
259 |
1,374 |
1,633 |
160 |
436 |
596 |
419 |
1,810 |
2,229 |
|
May-08 |
278 |
1,444 |
1,722 |
167 |
476 |
643 |
445 |
1,920 |
2,365 |
|
Jun-08 |
304 |
1,538 |
1,842 |
187 |
550 |
737 |
491 |
2,088 |
2,579 |
|
Jul-08 |
321 |
1,593 |
1,914 |
209 |
592 |
801 |
530 |
2,185 |
2,715 |
|
Aug-08 |
331 |
1,652 |
1,983 |
208 |
620 |
828 |
539 |
2,272 |
2,811 |
|
Sep-08 |
319 |
1,564 |
1,883 |
212 |
593 |
805 |
531 |
2,157 |
2,688 |
|
Oct-08 |
322 |
1,680 |
2,002 |
210 |
608 |
818 |
532 |
2,288 |
2,820 |
|
Nov-08 |
335 |
1,721 |
2,056 |
209 |
624 |
833 |
544 |
2,345 |
2,889 |
|
Dec-08 |
374 |
1,816 |
2,190 |
218 |
681 |
899 |
592 |
2,497 |
3,089 |
|
Jan-09 |
410 |
1,972 |
2,382 |
260 |
783 |
1,043 |
670 |
2,755 |
3,425 |
|
Feb-09 |
423 |
2,114 |
2,537 |
273 |
845 |
1,118 |
696 |
2,959 |
3,655 |
|
Mar-09 |
455 |
2,230 |
2,685 |
273 |
896 |
1,169 |
728 |
3,126 |
3,854 |
|
Apr-09 |
465 |
2,293 |
2,758 |
276 |
941 |
1,217 |
741 |
3,234 |
3,975 |
|
May-09 |
495 |
2,400 |
2,895 |
296 |
978 |
1,274 |
791 |
3,378 |
4,169 |
|
Jun-09 |
544 |
2,572 |
3,116 |
333 |
1,065 |
1,398 |
877 |
3,637 |
4,514 |
|
Jul-09 |
532 |
2,612 |
3,144 |
322 |
1,118 |
1,440 |
854 |
3,730 |
4,584 |
|
Aug-09 |
568 |
2,655 |
3,223 |
321 |
1,123 |
1,444 |
889 |
3,778 |
4,667 |
|
Sep-09 |
508 |
2,514 |
3,022 |
299 |
1,026 |
1,325 |
807 |
3,540 |
4,347 |
|
Oct-09 |
478 |
2,439 |
2,917 |
276 |
971 |
1,247 |
754 |
3,410 |
4,164 |
|
Apollo House (Tara Street) |
|||||||||
|
Dec-07 |
104 |
637 |
741 |
44 |
294 |
338 |
148 |
931 |
1,079 |
|
Jan-08 |
123 |
669 |
792 |
43 |
302 |
345 |
166 |
971 |
1,137 |
|
Feb-08 |
117 |
683 |
800 |
50 |
322 |
372 |
167 |
1,005 |
1,172 |
|
Mar-08 |
124 |
693 |
817 |
54 |
347 |
401 |
178 |
1,040 |
1,218 |
|
Apr-08 |
132 |
681 |
813 |
60 |
325 |
385 |
192 |
1,006 |
1,198 |
|
May-08 |
132 |
682 |
814 |
60 |
353 |
413 |
192 |
1,035 |
1,227 |
|
Jun-08 |
142 |
755 |
897 |
67 |
413 |
480 |
209 |
1,168 |
1,377 |
|
Jul-08 |
165 |
804 |
969 |
81 |
479 |
560 |
246 |
1,283 |
1,529 |
|
Aug-08 |
172 |
853 |
1,025 |
107 |
508 |
615 |
279 |
1,361 |
1,640 |
|
Sep-08 |
172 |
855 |
1,027 |
98 |
490 |
588 |
270 |
1,345 |
1,615 |
|
Oct-08 |
183 |
917 |
1,100 |
99 |
511 |
610 |
282 |
1,428 |
1,710 |
|
Nov-08 |
185 |
968 |
1,153 |
89 |
526 |
615 |
274 |
1,494 |
1,768 |
|
Dec-08 |
198 |
995 |
1,193 |
88 |
556 |
644 |
286 |
1,551 |
1,837 |
|
Jan-09 |
215 |
1,069 |
1,284 |
98 |
617 |
715 |
313 |
1,686 |
1,999 |
|
Feb-09 |
219 |
1,151 |
1,370 |
112 |
678 |
790 |
331 |
1,829 |
2,160 |
|
Mar-09 |
232 |
1,251 |
1,483 |
120 |
712 |
832 |
352 |
1,963 |
2,315 |
|
Apr-09 |
261 |
1,309 |
1,570 |
123 |
801 |
924 |
384 |
2,110 |
2,494 |
|
May-09 |
256 |
1,360 |
1,616 |
129 |
818 |
947 |
385 |
2,178 |
2,563 |
|
Jun-09 |
263 |
1,369 |
1,632 |
133 |
851 |
984 |
396 |
2,220 |
2,616 |
|
Jul-09 |
278 |
1,410 |
1,688 |
156 |
846 |
1,002 |
434 |
2,256 |
2,690 |
|
Aug-09 |
303 |
1,471 |
1,774 |
178 |
900 |
1,078 |
481 |
2,371 |
2,852 |
|
Sep-09 |
298 |
1,482 |
1,780 |
165 |
910 |
1,075 |
463 |
2,392 |
2,855 |
|
Oct-09 |
287 |
1,459 |
1,746 |
156 |
852 |
1,008 |
443 |
2,311 |
2,754 |
|
Ballymun |
|||||||||
|
Dec-07 |
276 |
743 |
1,019 |
142 |
305 |
447 |
418 |
1,048 |
1,466 |
|
Jan-08 |
286 |
751 |
1,037 |
149 |
315 |
464 |
435 |
1,066 |
1,501 |
|
Feb-08 |
302 |
776 |
1,078 |
152 |
316 |
468 |
454 |
1,092 |
1,546 |
|
Mar-08 |
302 |
788 |
1,090 |
154 |
326 |
480 |
456 |
1,114 |
1,570 |
|
Apr-08 |
308 |
806 |
1,114 |
156 |
327 |
483 |
464 |
1,133 |
1,597 |
|
May-08 |
327 |
820 |
1,147 |
168 |
344 |
512 |
495 |
1,164 |
1,659 |
|
Jun-08 |
342 |
853 |
1,195 |
172 |
354 |
526 |
514 |
1,207 |
1,721 |
|
Jul-08 |
359 |
884 |
1,243 |
177 |
371 |
548 |
536 |
1,255 |
1,791 |
|
Aug-08 |
368 |
905 |
1,273 |
175 |
367 |
542 |
543 |
1,272 |
1,815 |
|
Sep-08 |
358 |
920 |
1,278 |
182 |
353 |
535 |
540 |
1,273 |
1,813 |
|
Oct-08 |
370 |
945 |
1,315 |
191 |
372 |
563 |
561 |
1,317 |
1,878 |
|
Nov-08 |
389 |
1,029 |
1,418 |
210 |
389 |
599 |
599 |
1,418 |
2,017 |
|
Dec-08 |
404 |
1,063 |
1,467 |
206 |
398 |
604 |
610 |
1,461 |
2,071 |
|
Jan-09 |
430 |
1,133 |
1,563 |
220 |
436 |
656 |
650 |
1,569 |
2,219 |
|
Feb-09 |
459 |
1,202 |
1,661 |
242 |
456 |
698 |
701 |
1,658 |
2,359 |
|
Mar-09 |
505 |
1,330 |
1,835 |
261 |
504 |
765 |
766 |
1,834 |
2,600 |
|
Apr-09 |
515 |
1,381 |
1,896 |
272 |
553 |
825 |
787 |
1,934 |
2,721 |
|
May-09 |
515 |
1,390 |
1,905 |
290 |
536 |
826 |
805 |
1,926 |
2,731 |
|
Jun-09 |
556 |
1,440 |
1,996 |
302 |
565 |
867 |
858 |
2,005 |
2,863 |
|
Jul-09 |
544 |
1,426 |
1,970 |
298 |
564 |
862 |
842 |
1,990 |
2,832 |
|
Aug-09 |
538 |
1,447 |
1,985 |
308 |
560 |
868 |
846 |
2,007 |
2,853 |
|
Sep-09 |
524 |
1,425 |
1,949 |
297 |
559 |
856 |
821 |
1,984 |
2,805 |
|
Oct-09 |
537 |
1,419 |
1,956 |
296 |
546 |
842 |
833 |
1,965 |
2,798 |
|
Kilbarrack |
|||||||||
|
Dec-07 |
254 |
1,170 |
1,424 |
85 |
639 |
724 |
339 |
1,809 |
2,148 |
|
Jan-08 |
264 |
1,217 |
1,481 |
96 |
628 |
724 |
360 |
1,845 |
2,205 |
|
Feb-08 |
269 |
1,239 |
1,508 |
113 |
645 |
758 |
382 |
1,884 |
2,266 |
|
Mar-08 |
295 |
1,280 |
1,575 |
124 |
746 |
870 |
419 |
2,026 |
2,445 |
|
Apr-08 |
286 |
1,264 |
1,550 |
120 |
671 |
791 |
406 |
1,935 |
2,341 |
|
May-08 |
306 |
1,311 |
1,617 |
127 |
699 |
826 |
433 |
2,010 |
2,443 |
|
Jun-08 |
367 |
1,398 |
1,765 |
150 |
818 |
968 |
517 |
2,216 |
2,733 |
|
Jul-08 |
381 |
1,460 |
1,841 |
165 |
958 |
1,123 |
546 |
2,418 |
2,964 |
|
Aug-08 |
407 |
1,518 |
1,925 |
168 |
960 |
1,128 |
575 |
2,478 |
3,053 |
|
Sep-08 |
410 |
1,513 |
1,923 |
162 |
792 |
954 |
572 |
2,305 |
2,877 |
|
Oct-08 |
415 |
1,610 |
2,025 |
159 |
813 |
972 |
574 |
2,423 |
2,997 |
|
Nov-08 |
449 |
1,750 |
2,199 |
181 |
842 |
1,023 |
630 |
2,592 |
3,222 |
|
Dec-08 |
499 |
1,923 |
2,422 |
196 |
915 |
1,111 |
695 |
2,838 |
3,533 |
|
Jan-09 |
563 |
2,090 |
2,653 |
222 |
972 |
1,194 |
785 |
3,062 |
3,847 |
|
Feb-09 |
612 |
2,237 |
2,849 |
257 |
1,049 |
1,306 |
869 |
3,286 |
4,155 |
|
Mar-09 |
672 |
2,398 |
3,070 |
264 |
1,160 |
1,424 |
936 |
3,558 |
4,494 |
|
Apr-09 |
682 |
2,551 |
3,233 |
293 |
1,275 |
1,568 |
975 |
3,826 |
4,801 |
|
May-09 |
695 |
2,694 |
3,389 |
307 |
1,260 |
1,567 |
1,002 |
3,954 |
4,956 |
|
Jun-09 |
755 |
2,800 |
3,555 |
350 |
1,384 |
1,734 |
1,105 |
4,184 |
5,289 |
|
Jul-09 |
784 |
2,808 |
3,592 |
370 |
1,554 |
1,924 |
1,154 |
4,362 |
5,516 |
|
Aug-09 |
780 |
2,863 |
3,643 |
379 |
1,535 |
1,914 |
1,159 |
4,398 |
5,557 |
|
Sep-09 |
726 |
2,794 |
3,520 |
340 |
1,380 |
1,720 |
1,066 |
4,174 |
5,240 |
|
Oct-09 |
716 |
2,728 |
3,444 |
307 |
1,372 |
1,679 |
1,023 |
4,100 |
5,123 |
|
Ballyfermot |
|||||||||
|
Dec-07 |
258 |
703 |
961 |
119 |
242 |
361 |
377 |
945 |
1,322 |
|
Jan-08 |
311 |
753 |
1,064 |
140 |
249 |
389 |
451 |
1,002 |
1,453 |
|
Feb-08 |
321 |
796 |
1,117 |
152 |
255 |
407 |
473 |
1,051 |
1,524 |
|
Mar-08 |
325 |
823 |
1,148 |
146 |
268 |
414 |
471 |
1,091 |
1,562 |
|
Apr-08 |
325 |
849 |
1,174 |
140 |
247 |
387 |
465 |
1,096 |
1,561 |
|
May-08 |
326 |
853 |
1,179 |
143 |
257 |
400 |
469 |
1,110 |
1,579 |
|
Jun-08 |
361 |
908 |
1,269 |
156 |
294 |
450 |
517 |
1,202 |
1,719 |
|
Jul-08 |
378 |
920 |
1,298 |
175 |
331 |
506 |
553 |
1,251 |
1,804 |
|
Aug-08 |
391 |
962 |
1,353 |
173 |
331 |
504 |
564 |
1,293 |
1,857 |
|
Sep-08 |
385 |
973 |
1,358 |
163 |
305 |
468 |
548 |
1,278 |
1,826 |
|
Oct-08 |
405 |
1,043 |
1,448 |
174 |
325 |
499 |
579 |
1,368 |
1,947 |
|
Nov-08 |
449 |
1,119 |
1,568 |
187 |
338 |
525 |
636 |
1,457 |
2,093 |
|
Dec-08 |
492 |
1,229 |
1,721 |
194 |
365 |
559 |
686 |
1,594 |
2,280 |
|
Jan-09 |
534 |
1,369 |
1,903 |
225 |
396 |
621 |
759 |
1,765 |
2,524 |
|
Feb-09 |
586 |
1,449 |
2,035 |
248 |
445 |
693 |
834 |
1,894 |
2,728 |
|
Mar-09 |
625 |
1,492 |
2,117 |
256 |
461 |
717 |
881 |
1,953 |
2,834 |
|
Apr-09 |
639 |
1,586 |
2,225 |
267 |
498 |
765 |
906 |
2,084 |
2,990 |
|
May-09 |
653 |
1,668 |
2,321 |
282 |
525 |
807 |
935 |
2,193 |
3,128 |
|
Jun-09 |
682 |
1,674 |
2,356 |
313 |
551 |
864 |
995 |
2,225 |
3,220 |
|
Jul-09 |
693 |
1,661 |
2,354 |
332 |
585 |
917 |
1,025 |
2,246 |
3,271 |
|
Aug-09 |
660 |
1,670 |
2,330 |
331 |
575 |
906 |
991 |
2,245 |
3,236 |
|
Sep-09 |
651 |
1,646 |
2,297 |
321 |
533 |
854 |
972 |
2,179 |
3,151 |
|
Oct-09 |
639 |
1,626 |
2,265 |
279 |
535 |
814 |
918 |
2,161 |
3,079 |
|
Finglas |
|||||||||
|
Dec-07 |
387 |
1,282 |
1,669 |
180 |
599 |
779 |
567 |
1,881 |
2,448 |
|
Jan-08 |
430 |
1,395 |
1,825 |
197 |
598 |
795 |
627 |
1,993 |
2,620 |
|
Feb-08 |
464 |
1,453 |
1,917 |
204 |
615 |
819 |
668 |
2,068 |
2,736 |
|
Mar-08 |
478 |
1,470 |
1,948 |
196 |
635 |
831 |
674 |
2,105 |
2,779 |
|
Apr-08 |
489 |
1,521 |
2,010 |
213 |
639 |
852 |
702 |
2,160 |
2,862 |
|
May-08 |
503 |
1,573 |
2,076 |
235 |
650 |
885 |
738 |
2,223 |
2,961 |
|
Jun-08 |
529 |
1,639 |
2,168 |
276 |
724 |
1,000 |
805 |
2,363 |
3,168 |
|
Jul-08 |
554 |
1,718 |
2,272 |
296 |
807 |
1,103 |
850 |
2,525 |
3,375 |
|
Aug-08 |
565 |
1,767 |
2,332 |
327 |
825 |
1,152 |
892 |
2,592 |
3,484 |
|
Sep-08 |
544 |
1,794 |
2,338 |
311 |
760 |
1,071 |
855 |
2,554 |
3,409 |
|
Oct-08 |
560 |
1,892 |
2,452 |
298 |
784 |
1,082 |
858 |
2,676 |
3,534 |
|
Nov-08 |
618 |
2,017 |
2,635 |
315 |
795 |
1,110 |
933 |
2,812 |
3,745 |
|
Dec-08 |
672 |
2,160 |
2,832 |
328 |
835 |
1,163 |
1,000 |
2,995 |
3,995 |
|
Jan-09 |
764 |
2,494 |
3,258 |
374 |
948 |
1,322 |
1,138 |
3,442 |
4,580 |
|
Feb-09 |
820 |
2,731 |
3,551 |
409 |
1,080 |
1,489 |
1,229 |
3,811 |
5,040 |
|
Mar-09 |
817 |
2,823 |
3,640 |
401 |
1,100 |
1,501 |
1,218 |
3,923 |
5,141 |
|
Apr-09 |
830 |
3,006 |
3,836 |
409 |
1,170 |
1,579 |
1,239 |
4,176 |
5,415 |
|
May-09 |
822 |
3,046 |
3,868 |
430 |
1,189 |
1,619 |
1,252 |
4,235 |
5,487 |
|
Jun-09 |
894 |
3,132 |
4,026 |
478 |
1,266 |
1,744 |
1,372 |
4,398 |
5,770 |
|
Jul-09 |
918 |
3,199 |
4,117 |
498 |
1,394 |
1,892 |
1,416 |
4,593 |
6,009 |
|
Aug-09 |
944 |
3,245 |
4,189 |
523 |
1,413 |
1,936 |
1,467 |
4,658 |
6,125 |
|
Sep-09 |
921 |
3,216 |
4,137 |
493 |
1,354 |
1,847 |
1,414 |
4,570 |
5,984 |
|
Oct-09 |
854 |
3,180 |
4,034 |
431 |
1,327 |
1,758 |
1,285 |
4,507 |
5,792 |
|
Bishop Square |
|||||||||
|
Dec-07 |
360 |
1,884 |
2,244 |
170 |
921 |
1,091 |
530 |
2,805 |
3,335 |
|
Jan-08 |
413 |
1,994 |
2,407 |
194 |
901 |
1,095 |
607 |
2,895 |
3,502 |
|
Feb-08 |
433 |
2,054 |
2,487 |
188 |
911 |
1,099 |
621 |
2,965 |
3,586 |
|
Mar-08 |
454 |
2,152 |
2,606 |
191 |
987 |
1,178 |
645 |
3,139 |
3,784 |
|
Apr-08 |
454 |
2,184 |
2,638 |
203 |
926 |
1,129 |
657 |
3,110 |
3,767 |
|
May-08 |
460 |
2,288 |
2,748 |
220 |
967 |
1,187 |
680 |
3,255 |
3,935 |
|
Jun-08 |
528 |
2,412 |
2,940 |
267 |
1,160 |
1,427 |
795 |
3,572 |
4,367 |
|
Jul-08 |
559 |
2,479 |
3,038 |
308 |
1,338 |
1,646 |
867 |
3,817 |
4,684 |
|
Aug-08 |
611 |
2,588 |
3,199 |
322 |
1,352 |
1,674 |
933 |
3,940 |
4,873 |
|
Sep-08 |
598 |
2,613 |
3,211 |
333 |
1,219 |
1,552 |
931 |
3,832 |
4,763 |
|
Oct-08 |
629 |
2,718 |
3,347 |
325 |
1,298 |
1,623 |
954 |
4,016 |
4,970 |
|
Nov-08 |
638 |
2,953 |
3,591 |
339 |
1,293 |
1,632 |
977 |
4,246 |
5,223 |
|
Dec-08 |
699 |
3,162 |
3,861 |
360 |
1,431 |
1,791 |
1,059 |
4,593 |
5,652 |
|
Jan-09 |
782 |
3,572 |
4,354 |
411 |
1,577 |
1,988 |
1,193 |
5,149 |
6,342 |
|
Feb-09 |
864 |
3,847 |
4,711 |
445 |
1,760 |
2,205 |
1,309 |
5,607 |
6,916 |
|
Mar-09 |
919 |
4,158 |
5,077 |
452 |
1,865 |
2,317 |
1,371 |
6,023 |
7,394 |
|
Apr-09 |
897 |
4,161 |
5,058 |
434 |
1,848 |
2,282 |
1,331 |
6,009 |
7,340 |
|
May-09 |
925 |
4,262 |
5,187 |
469 |
1,953 |
2,422 |
1,394 |
6,215 |
7,609 |
|
Jun-09 |
938 |
4,430 |
5,368 |
530 |
2,119 |
2,649 |
1,468 |
6,549 |
8,017 |
|
Jul-09 |
976 |
4,503 |
5,479 |
581 |
2,231 |
2,812 |
1,557 |
6,734 |
8,291 |
|
Aug-09 |
1,035 |
4,770 |
5,805 |
650 |
2,459 |
3,109 |
1,685 |
7,229 |
8,914 |
|
Sep-09 |
1,032 |
4,826 |
5,858 |
659 |
2,354 |
3,013 |
1,691 |
7,180 |
8,871 |
|
Oct-09 |
988 |
4,645 |
5,633 |
624 |
2,275 |
2,899 |
1,612 |
6,920 |
8,532 |
|
Month1 |
Male Under 25 years |
Male 25 years and over |
Male All ages |
Female Under 25 years |
Female 25 years and over |
Female All ages |
Both sexes Under 25 years |
Both sexes 25 years and over |
Both sexes All ages |
|
Blanchardstown |
|||||||||
|
Dec-07 |
437 |
1,731 |
2,168 |
259 |
1,009 |
1,268 |
696 |
2,740 |
3,436 |
|
Jan-08 |
483 |
1,886 |
2,369 |
289 |
1,078 |
1,367 |
772 |
2,964 |
3,736 |
|
Feb-08 |
529 |
2,000 |
2,529 |
314 |
1,101 |
1,415 |
843 |
3,101 |
3,944 |
|
Mar-08 |
530 |
2,017 |
2,547 |
321 |
1,117 |
1,438 |
851 |
3,134 |
3,985 |
|
Apr-08 |
546 |
2,106 |
2,652 |
327 |
1,174 |
1,501 |
873 |
3,280 |
4,153 |
|
May-08 |
545 |
2,156 |
2,701 |
346 |
1,177 |
1,523 |
891 |
3,333 |
4,224 |
|
Jun-08 |
621 |
2,313 |
2,934 |
398 |
1,319 |
1,717 |
1,019 |
3,632 |
4,651 |
|
Jul-08 |
681 |
2,412 |
3,093 |
435 |
1,536 |
1,971 |
1,116 |
3,948 |
5,064 |
|
Aug-08 |
688 |
2,491 |
3,179 |
455 |
1,584 |
2,039 |
1,143 |
4,075 |
5,218 |
|
Sep-08 |
687 |
2,555 |
3,242 |
469 |
1,485 |
1,954 |
1,156 |
4,040 |
5,196 |
|
Oct-08 |
701 |
2,737 |
3,438 |
437 |
1,554 |
1,991 |
1,138 |
4,291 |
5,429 |
|
Nov-08 |
748 |
2,976 |
3,724 |
442 |
1,549 |
1,991 |
1,190 |
4,525 |
5,715 |
|
Dec-08 |
828 |
3,231 |
4,059 |
458 |
1,611 |
2,069 |
1,286 |
4,842 |
6,128 |
|
Jan-09 |
928 |
3,555 |
4,483 |
511 |
1,701 |
2,212 |
1,439 |
5,256 |
6,695 |
|
Feb-09 |
1,004 |
3,854 |
4,858 |
590 |
1,859 |
2,449 |
1,594 |
5,713 |
7,307 |
|
Mar-09 |
1,073 |
4,080 |
5,153 |
596 |
1,886 |
2,482 |
1,669 |
5,966 |
7,635 |
|
Apr-09 |
1,096 |
4,291 |
5,387 |
633 |
2,096 |
2,729 |
1,729 |
6,387 |
8,116 |
|
May-09 |
1,094 |
4,412 |
5,506 |
629 |
2,062 |
2,691 |
1,723 |
6,474 |
8,197 |
|
Jun-09 |
1,141 |
4,539 |
5,680 |
668 |
2,202 |
2,870 |
1,809 |
6,741 |
8,550 |
|
Jul-09 |
1,157 |
4,571 |
5,728 |
698 |
2,363 |
3,061 |
1,855 |
6,934 |
8,789 |
|
Aug-09 |
1,140 |
4,569 |
5,709 |
703 |
2,414 |
3,117 |
1,843 |
6,983 |
8,826 |
|
Sep-09 |
1,115 |
4,546 |
5,661 |
677 |
2,346 |
3,023 |
1,792 |
6,892 |
8,684 |
|
Oct-09 |
1,037 |
4,358 |
5,395 |
645 |
2,165 |
2,810 |
1,682 |
6,523 |
8,205 |
|
Coolock |
|||||||||
|
Dec-07 |
323 |
1,176 |
1,499 |
178 |
611 |
789 |
501 |
1,787 |
2,288 |
|
Jan-08 |
380 |
1,222 |
1,602 |
191 |
605 |
796 |
571 |
1,827 |
2,398 |
|
Feb-08 |
406 |
1,279 |
1,685 |
197 |
624 |
821 |
603 |
1,903 |
2,506 |
|
Mar-08 |
416 |
1,302 |
1,718 |
217 |
653 |
870 |
633 |
1,955 |
2,588 |
|
Apr-08 |
422 |
1,323 |
1,745 |
219 |
631 |
850 |
641 |
1,954 |
2,595 |
|
May-08 |
426 |
1,370 |
1,796 |
225 |
619 |
844 |
651 |
1,989 |
2,640 |
|
Jun-08 |
465 |
1,433 |
1,898 |
245 |
693 |
938 |
710 |
2,126 |
2,836 |
|
Jul-08 |
484 |
1,450 |
1,934 |
252 |
770 |
1,022 |
736 |
2,220 |
2,956 |
|
Aug-08 |
528 |
1,491 |
2,019 |
260 |
771 |
1,031 |
788 |
2,262 |
3,050 |
|
Sep-08 |
515 |
1,459 |
1,974 |
254 |
694 |
948 |
769 |
2,153 |
2,922 |
|
Oct-08 |
555 |
1,536 |
2,091 |
245 |
722 |
967 |
800 |
2,258 |
3,058 |
|
Nov-08 |
572 |
1,626 |
2,198 |
273 |
756 |
1,029 |
845 |
2,382 |
3,227 |
|
Dec-08 |
647 |
1,779 |
2,426 |
295 |
863 |
1,158 |
942 |
2,642 |
3,584 |
|
Jan-09 |
723 |
2,031 |
2,754 |
368 |
897 |
1,265 |
1,091 |
2,928 |
4,019 |
|
Feb-09 |
756 |
2,242 |
2,998 |
396 |
972 |
1,368 |
1,152 |
3,214 |
4,366 |
|
Mar-09 |
797 |
2,283 |
3,080 |
415 |
1,012 |
1,427 |
1,212 |
3,295 |
4,507 |
|
Apr-09 |
798 |
2,449 |
3,247 |
412 |
1,178 |
1,590 |
1,210 |
3,627 |
4,837 |
|
May-09 |
815 |
2,624 |
3,439 |
426 |
1,185 |
1,611 |
1,241 |
3,809 |
5,050 |
|
Jun-09 |
853 |
2,684 |
3,537 |
455 |
1,202 |
1,657 |
1,308 |
3,886 |
5,194 |
|
Jul-09 |
871 |
2,690 |
3,561 |
463 |
1,303 |
1,766 |
1,334 |
3,993 |
5,327 |
|
Aug-09 |
865 |
2,763 |
3,628 |
472 |
1,349 |
1,821 |
1,337 |
4,112 |
5,449 |
|
Sep-09 |
850 |
2,767 |
3,617 |
444 |
1,263 |
1,707 |
1,294 |
4,030 |
5,324 |
|
Oct-09 |
821 |
2,721 |
3,542 |
403 |
1,236 |
1,639 |
1,224 |
3,957 |
5,181 |
|
Kings Inn Street 2 |
|||||||||
|
Dec-07 |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
|
Jan-08 |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
|
Feb-08 |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
|
Mar-08 |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
|
Apr-08 |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
|
May-08 |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
|
Jun-08 |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
|
Jul-08 |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
|
Aug-08 |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
|
Sep-08 |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
|
Oct-08 |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
|
Nov-08 |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
|
Dec-08 |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
|
Jan-09 |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
|
Feb-09 |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
|
Mar-09 |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
|
Apr-09 |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
|
May-09 |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
|
Jun-09 |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
|
Jul-09 |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
|
Aug-09 |
981 |
4,339 |
5,320 |
653 |
1,986 |
2,639 |
1,634 |
6,325 |
7,959 |
|
Sep-09 |
905 |
4,231 |
5,136 |
591 |
1,901 |
2,492 |
1,496 |
6,132 |
7,628 |
|
Oct-09 |
871 |
4,168 |
5,039 |
556 |
1,848 |
2,404 |
1,427 |
6,016 |
7,443 |
|
Tallaght |
|||||||||
|
Dec-07 |
644 |
2,012 |
2,656 |
309 |
938 |
1,247 |
953 |
2,950 |
3,903 |
|
Jan-08 |
706 |
2,161 |
2,867 |
341 |
915 |
1,256 |
1,047 |
3,076 |
4,123 |
|
Feb-08 |
739 |
2,270 |
3,009 |
354 |
928 |
1,282 |
1,093 |
3,198 |
4,291 |
|
Mar-08 |
753 |
2,318 |
3,071 |
357 |
1,028 |
1,385 |
1,110 |
3,346 |
4,456 |
|
Apr-08 |
730 |
2,391 |
3,121 |
359 |
970 |
1,329 |
1,089 |
3,361 |
4,450 |
|
May-08 |
740 |
2,446 |
3,186 |
378 |
1,001 |
1,379 |
1,118 |
3,447 |
4,565 |
|
Jun-08 |
808 |
2,611 |
3,419 |
431 |
1,177 |
1,608 |
1,239 |
3,788 |
5,027 |
|
Jul-08 |
888 |
2,740 |
3,628 |
468 |
1,283 |
1,751 |
1,356 |
4,023 |
5,379 |
|
Aug-08 |
897 |
2,798 |
3,695 |
491 |
1,216 |
1,707 |
1,388 |
4,014 |
5,402 |
|
Sep-08 |
879 |
2,831 |
3,710 |
467 |
1,126 |
1,593 |
1,346 |
3,957 |
5,303 |
|
Oct-08 |
875 |
2,992 |
3,867 |
477 |
1,182 |
1,659 |
1,352 |
4,174 |
5,526 |
|
Nov-08 |
953 |
3,325 |
4,278 |
483 |
1,194 |
1,677 |
1,436 |
4,519 |
5,955 |
|
Dec-08 |
1,080 |
3,606 |
4,686 |
516 |
1,314 |
1,830 |
1,596 |
4,920 |
6,516 |
|
Jan-09 |
1,190 |
4,046 |
5,236 |
577 |
1,448 |
2,025 |
1,767 |
5,494 |
7,261 |
|
Feb-09 |
1,326 |
4,363 |
5,689 |
648 |
1,637 |
2,285 |
1,974 |
6,000 |
7,974 |
|
Mar-09 |
1,384 |
4,534 |
5,918 |
673 |
1,642 |
2,315 |
2,057 |
6,176 |
8,233 |
|
Apr-09 |
1,440 |
4,814 |
6,254 |
713 |
1,820 |
2,533 |
2,153 |
6,634 |
8,787 |
|
May-09 |
1,459 |
4,943 |
6,402 |
791 |
1,832 |
2,623 |
2,250 |
6,775 |
9,025 |
|
Jun-09 |
1,579 |
5,130 |
6,709 |
875 |
1,971 |
2,846 |
2,454 |
7,101 |
9,555 |
|
Jul-09 |
1,641 |
5,275 |
6,916 |
918 |
2,212 |
3,130 |
2,559 |
7,487 |
10,046 |
|
Aug-09 |
1,637 |
5,337 |
6,974 |
926 |
2,221 |
3,147 |
2,563 |
7,558 |
10,121 |
|
Sep-09 |
1,554 |
5,232 |
6,786 |
886 |
2,000 |
2,886 |
2,440 |
7,232 |
9,672 |
|
Oct-09 |
1,543 |
5,279 |
6,822 |
854 |
2,053 |
2,907 |
2,397 |
7,332 |
9,729 |
|
Clondalkin |
|||||||||
|
Dec-07 |
597 |
1,838 |
2,435 |
320 |
920 |
1,240 |
917 |
2,758 |
3,675 |
|
Jan-08 |
674 |
2,010 |
2,684 |
366 |
941 |
1,307 |
1,040 |
2,951 |
3,991 |
|
Feb-08 |
736 |
2,108 |
2,844 |
397 |
996 |
1,393 |
1,133 |
3,104 |
4,237 |
|
Mar-08 |
789 |
2,182 |
2,971 |
405 |
1,062 |
1,467 |
1,194 |
3,244 |
4,438 |
|
Apr-08 |
779 |
2,234 |
3,013 |
414 |
1,015 |
1,429 |
1,193 |
3,249 |
4,442 |
|
May-08 |
761 |
2,264 |
3,025 |
404 |
1,076 |
1,480 |
1,165 |
3,340 |
4,505 |
|
Jun-08 |
791 |
2,429 |
3,220 |
437 |
1,206 |
1,643 |
1,228 |
3,635 |
4,863 |
|
Jul-08 |
843 |
2,536 |
3,379 |
478 |
1,315 |
1,793 |
1,321 |
3,851 |
5,172 |
|
Aug-08 |
881 |
2,692 |
3,573 |
520 |
1,374 |
1,894 |
1,401 |
4,066 |
5,467 |
|
Sep-08 |
880 |
2,763 |
3,643 |
532 |
1,337 |
1,869 |
1,412 |
4,100 |
5,512 |
|
Oct-08 |
925 |
2,876 |
3,801 |
534 |
1,376 |
1,910 |
1,459 |
4,252 |
5,711 |
|
Nov-08 |
999 |
3,135 |
4,134 |
541 |
1,390 |
1,931 |
1,540 |
4,525 |
6,065 |
|
Dec-08 |
1,083 |
3,409 |
4,492 |
561 |
1,505 |
2,066 |
1,644 |
4,914 |
6,558 |
|
Jan-09 |
1,243 |
3,921 |
5,164 |
631 |
1,756 |
2,387 |
1,874 |
5,677 |
7,551 |
|
Feb-09 |
1,313 |
4,397 |
5,710 |
674 |
1,932 |
2,606 |
1,987 |
6,329 |
8,316 |
|
Mar-09 |
1,386 |
4,738 |
6,124 |
696 |
2,037 |
2,733 |
2,082 |
6,775 |
8,857 |
|
Apr-09 |
1,423 |
4,964 |
6,387 |
725 |
2,140 |
2,865 |
2,148 |
7,104 |
9,252 |
|
May-09 |
1,410 |
5,024 |
6,434 |
770 |
2,158 |
2,928 |
2,180 |
7,182 |
9,362 |
|
Jun-09 |
1,494 |
5,234 |
6,728 |
816 |
2,290 |
3,106 |
2,310 |
7,524 |
9,834 |
|
Jul-09 |
1,518 |
5,287 |
6,805 |
863 |
2,452 |
3,315 |
2,381 |
7,739 |
10,120 |
|
Aug-09 |
1,487 |
5,310 |
6,797 |
868 |
2,452 |
3,320 |
2,355 |
7,762 |
10,117 |
|
Sep-09 |
1,411 |
5,242 |
6,653 |
854 |
2,266 |
3,120 |
2,265 |
7,508 |
9,773 |
|
Oct-09 |
1,318 |
5,062 |
6,380 |
796 |
2,222 |
3,018 |
2,114 |
7,284 |
9,398 |
|
Nutgrove (Rathfarnham) |
|||||||||
|
Dec-07 |
163 |
918 |
1,081 |
77 |
850 |
927 |
240 |
1,768 |
2,008 |
|
Jan-08 |
172 |
958 |
1,130 |
80 |
738 |
818 |
252 |
1,696 |
1,948 |
|
Feb-08 |
194 |
1,014 |
1,208 |
96 |
744 |
840 |
290 |
1,758 |
2,048 |
|
Mar-08 |
210 |
1,024 |
1,234 |
100 |
862 |
962 |
310 |
1,886 |
2,196 |
|
Apr-08 |
224 |
1,045 |
1,269 |
98 |
746 |
844 |
322 |
1,791 |
2,113 |
|
May-08 |
228 |
1,071 |
1,299 |
112 |
806 |
918 |
340 |
1,877 |
2,217 |
|
Jun-08 |
294 |
1,170 |
1,464 |
146 |
981 |
1,127 |
440 |
2,151 |
2,591 |
|
Jul-08 |
299 |
1,248 |
1,547 |
165 |
1,131 |
1,296 |
464 |
2,379 |
2,843 |
|
Aug-08 |
332 |
1,315 |
1,647 |
163 |
1,138 |
1,301 |
495 |
2,453 |
2,948 |
|
Sep-08 |
341 |
1,307 |
1,648 |
159 |
966 |
1,125 |
500 |
2,273 |
2,773 |
|
Oct-08 |
353 |
1,375 |
1,728 |
157 |
1,022 |
1,179 |
510 |
2,397 |
2,907 |
|
Nov-08 |
363 |
1,458 |
1,821 |
162 |
1,009 |
1,171 |
525 |
2,467 |
2,992 |
|
Dec-08 |
396 |
1,601 |
1,997 |
171 |
1,103 |
1,274 |
567 |
2,704 |
3,271 |
|
Jan-09 |
450 |
1,780 |
2,230 |
212 |
1,161 |
1,373 |
662 |
2,941 |
3,603 |
|
Feb-09 |
499 |
1,982 |
2,481 |
221 |
1,252 |
1,473 |
720 |
3,234 |
3,954 |
|
Mar-09 |
528 |
2,100 |
2,628 |
241 |
1,313 |
1,554 |
769 |
3,413 |
4,182 |
|
Apr-09 |
505 |
2,250 |
2,755 |
248 |
1,404 |
1,652 |
753 |
3,654 |
4,407 |
|
May-09 |
529 |
2,349 |
2,878 |
254 |
1,521 |
1,775 |
783 |
3,870 |
4,653 |
|
Jun-09 |
601 |
2,512 |
3,113 |
318 |
1,740 |
2,058 |
919 |
4,252 |
5,171 |
|
Jul-09 |
612 |
2,582 |
3,194 |
338 |
1,925 |
2,263 |
950 |
4,507 |
5,457 |
|
Aug-09 |
611 |
2,647 |
3,258 |
341 |
1,913 |
2,254 |
952 |
4,560 |
5,512 |
|
Sep-09 |
582 |
2,655 |
3,237 |
302 |
1,703 |
2,005 |
884 |
4,358 |
5,242 |
|
Oct-09 |
511 |
2,531 |
3,042 |
237 |
1,700 |
1,937 |
748 |
4,231 |
4,979 |
|
Balbriggan |
|||||||||
|
Dec-07 |
143 |
778 |
921 |
80 |
520 |
600 |
223 |
1,298 |
1,521 |
|
Jan-08 |
163 |
827 |
990 |
94 |
511 |
605 |
257 |
1,338 |
1,595 |
|
Feb-08 |
182 |
862 |
1,044 |
107 |
514 |
621 |
289 |
1,376 |
1,665 |
|
Mar-08 |
182 |
877 |
1,059 |
111 |
565 |
676 |
293 |
1,442 |
1,735 |
|
Apr-08 |
189 |
883 |
1,072 |
122 |
518 |
640 |
311 |
1,401 |
1,712 |
|
May-08 |
202 |
910 |
1,112 |
115 |
542 |
657 |
317 |
1,452 |
1,769 |
|
Jun-08 |
212 |
960 |
1,172 |
136 |
615 |
751 |
348 |
1,575 |
1,923 |
|
Jul-08 |
235 |
1,030 |
1,265 |
132 |
693 |
825 |
367 |
1,723 |
2,090 |
|
Aug-08 |
252 |
1,104 |
1,356 |
141 |
705 |
846 |
393 |
1,809 |
2,202 |
|
Sep-08 |
265 |
1,125 |
1,390 |
134 |
645 |
779 |
399 |
1,770 |
2,169 |
|
Oct-08 |
291 |
1,209 |
1,500 |
141 |
704 |
845 |
432 |
1,913 |
2,345 |
|
Nov-08 |
307 |
1,352 |
1,659 |
153 |
733 |
886 |
460 |
2,085 |
2,545 |
|
Dec-08 |
339 |
1,464 |
1,803 |
176 |
781 |
957 |
515 |
2,245 |
2,760 |
|
Jan-09 |
397 |
1,706 |
2,103 |
204 |
879 |
1,083 |
601 |
2,585 |
3,186 |
|
Feb-09 |
446 |
1,914 |
2,360 |
219 |
975 |
1,194 |
665 |
2,889 |
3,554 |
|
Mar-09 |
494 |
2,100 |
2,594 |
234 |
1,059 |
1,293 |
728 |
3,159 |
3,887 |
|
Apr-09 |
498 |
2,222 |
2,720 |
238 |
1,132 |
1,370 |
736 |
3,354 |
4,090 |
|
May-09 |
511 |
2,267 |
2,778 |
244 |
1,158 |
1,402 |
755 |
3,425 |
4,180 |
|
Jun-09 |
550 |
2,388 |
2,938 |
280 |
1,247 |
1,527 |
830 |
3,635 |
4,465 |
|
Jul-09 |
557 |
2,475 |
3,032 |
304 |
1,374 |
1,678 |
861 |
3,849 |
4,710 |
|
Aug-09 |
567 |
2,508 |
3,075 |
329 |
1,401 |
1,730 |
896 |
3,909 |
4,805 |
|
Sep-09 |
562 |
2,486 |
3,048 |
329 |
1,363 |
1,692 |
891 |
3,849 |
4,740 |
|
Oct-09 |
545 |
2,471 |
3,016 |
304 |
1,351 |
1,655 |
849 |
3,822 |
4,671 |
|
Swords2 |
|||||||||
|
Dec-07 |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
|
Jan-08 |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
|
Feb-08 |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
|
Mar-08 |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
|
Apr-08 |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
|
May-08 |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
|
Jun-08 |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
|
Jul-08 |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
|
Aug-08 |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
|
Sep-08 |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
|
Oct-08 |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
|
Nov-08 |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
|
Dec-08 |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
|
Jan-09 |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
|
Feb-09 |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
|
Mar-09 |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
|
Apr-09 |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
|
May-09 |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
|
Jun-09 |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
|
Jul-09 |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
.. |
|
Aug-09 |
533 |
2,243 |
2,776 |
341 |
1,403 |
1,744 |
874 |
3,646 |
4,520 |
|
Sep-09 |
485 |
2,194 |
2,679 |
321 |
1,317 |
1,638 |
806 |
3,511 |
4,317 |
|
Oct-09 |
474 |
2,201 |
2,675 |
285 |
1,324 |
1,609 |
759 |
3,525 |
4,284 |
|
Dun Laoghaire |
|||||||||
|
Dec-07 |
211 |
1,362 |
1,573 |
72 |
888 |
960 |
283 |
2,250 |
2,533 |
|
Jan-08 |
249 |
1,444 |
1,693 |
79 |
935 |
1,014 |
328 |
2,379 |
2,707 |
|
Feb-08 |
243 |
1,474 |
1,717 |
88 |
936 |
1,024 |
331 |
2,410 |
2,741 |
|
Mar-08 |
274 |
1,538 |
1,812 |
92 |
1,096 |
1,188 |
366 |
2,634 |
3,000 |
|
Apr-08 |
264 |
1,532 |
1,796 |
94 |
952 |
1,046 |
358 |
2,484 |
2,842 |
|
May-08 |
293 |
1,596 |
1,889 |
105 |
1,022 |
1,127 |
398 |
2,618 |
3,016 |
|
Jun-08 |
329 |
1,690 |
2,019 |
142 |
1,199 |
1,341 |
471 |
2,889 |
3,360 |
|
Jul-08 |
349 |
1,806 |
2,155 |
172 |
1,415 |
1,587 |
521 |
3,221 |
3,742 |
|
Aug-08 |
396 |
1,944 |
2,340 |
190 |
1,450 |
1,640 |
586 |
3,394 |
3,980 |
|
Sep-08 |
413 |
1,970 |
2,383 |
179 |
1,224 |
1,403 |
592 |
3,194 |
3,786 |
|
Oct-08 |
436 |
2,071 |
2,507 |
202 |
1,271 |
1,473 |
638 |
3,342 |
3,980 |
|
Nov-08 |
452 |
2,232 |
2,684 |
192 |
1,302 |
1,494 |
644 |
3,534 |
4,178 |
|
Dec-08 |
476 |
2,428 |
2,904 |
189 |
1,454 |
1,643 |
665 |
3,882 |
4,547 |
|
Jan-09 |
572 |
2,787 |
3,359 |
249 |
1,579 |
1,828 |
821 |
4,366 |
5,187 |
|
Feb-09 |
632 |
3,074 |
3,706 |
268 |
1,881 |
2,149 |
900 |
4,955 |
5,855 |
|
Mar-09 |
673 |
3,338 |
4,011 |
303 |
1,975 |
2,278 |
976 |
5,313 |
6,289 |
|
Apr-09 |
681 |
3,471 |
4,152 |
349 |
2,180 |
2,529 |
1,030 |
5,651 |
6,681 |
|
May-09 |
698 |
3,565 |
4,263 |
391 |
2,190 |
2,581 |
1,089 |
5,755 |
6,844 |
|
Jun-09 |
777 |
3,709 |
4,486 |
447 |
2,426 |
2,873 |
1,224 |
6,135 |
7,359 |
|
Jul-09 |
811 |
3,905 |
4,716 |
480 |
2,667 |
3,147 |
1,291 |
6,572 |
7,863 |
|
Aug-09 |
821 |
3,949 |
4,770 |
479 |
2,733 |
3,212 |
1,300 |
6,682 |
7,982 |
|
Sep-09 |
824 |
4,004 |
4,828 |
470 |
2,614 |
3,084 |
1,294 |
6,618 |
7,912 |
|
Oct-09 |
731 |
3,905 |
4,636 |
381 |
2,580 |
2,961 |
1,112 |
6,485 |
7,597 |
1October 2009 contains revisions which have not been applied to County and Local Office data from October 2008 to September 2009.
2Nth Cumberland Street Local Office has closed with effect from July 2009.
Figures previously provided for the Cumberland Street Local Office are now presented in two Local Offices: King's Inns Street and Swords with effect from July 2009.
Cumberland Street figures from April 2006 to July 2009 included those persons that had been transferred to the Swords Local Office.
Departmental Staff.
George Lee
Question:67 Deputy George Lee asked the Taoiseach the average wage and number of staff employed by his Department each year from 1997 to 2008 broken down by job title and grade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43939/09]
It is not possible to provide the information requested by the Deputy in the time available. However, I will be in contact with the Deputy shortly to provide the information available.
Electric Vehicles.
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:68 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Taoiseach if he has entered into an arrangement for the purchase of electric vehicles in 2009 to 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44025/09]
My Department has not entered into an arrangement for the purchase of electric vehicles in 2009 to 2010.
Departmental Expenditure.
David Stanton
Question:69 Deputy David Stanton asked the Taoiseach the cost in 2008 of heating all buildings owned or rented from which his Department or bodies under the aegis of his Department operate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44429/09]
The cost of heating my Department's offices in 2008 was €40,803.
It is not possible to provide details of the heating costs for the National Economic and Social Development Office as it is included in the cost of the rent paid to the Office for Public Works and not billed separately.
Arts Funding.
Michael Ring
Question:70 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount of funding made available over the past five years to support and promote artists in the fields of ceramics, jewellery and blacksmithing in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44326/09]
My Department does not make specific funds available to promote artists. An annual grant is provided by Enterprise Ireland to the Crafts Council of Ireland to enable it to carry out its functions in promoting the crafts. The Crafts Council is a company limited by guarantee. It is not regulated or controlled by my Department by virtue of any statutory provision and I have no function in its operational activities. I have requested the Crafts Council, through Enterprise Ireland, to provide the material sought direct to the deputy at its earliest convenience.
Work Permits.
Finian McGrath
Question:71 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason for the refusal of a work permit in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and the criteria needed to qualify for a work permit. [44388/09]
The Employment Permits Section informs me that it has no record of an application in this case.
Full information, application forms and specific conditions for new permits are available on the Departments website at www.entemp.ie.
Departmental Staff.
George Lee
Question:72 Deputy George Lee asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the average wage and number of staff employed by her Department each year from 1997 to 2008 broken down by job title and grade; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43933/09]
My Department does not retain, in a readily accessible format, the information requested by the Deputy. The Department has, for instance, a significant number of staff who have irregular work patterns. In addition, over the past 11 years, a large number of staff availed of various forms of special leave, e.g. term time, career breaks and carer's leave. These variables would make the calculation of averages very difficult and potentially misleading.
With regard to pay rates, increases over the period 1997 to 2008 were in accordance with the terms of successive partnership agreements. The salary scales provided by the Department of Finance outline the salary range for each grade within the Civil Service.
FÁS Training Programmes.
Phil Hogan
Question:73 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if there has been a reduction in the fourth year electrical apprentice training rate from €647.01 to €528.37; the reason FÁS payslips do not show PRSI contributions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43962/09]
The weekly training allowance paid to an apprentice who is attending off-the-job training in a FÁS Training Centre, Institute of Technology or College of Further Education is established by reference to the industry sector net pay norm.
To establish the net pay norm for a particular sector, FÁS use the following methodology: The gross wage norm notified by the sector in question is reduced by the amount of normal PAYE, PRSI and income levy deductions that ordinarily apply to the gross wage norm in the sector. The amount then remaining is the net pay norm for the sector.
In the electrical sector, the gross wage norm for a fourth year apprentice is €647.01 and the combined equivalent PAYE, PRSI and income levy deduction is computed as €118.64.
The training allowance, based on the net wage norm for the sector, paid to fourth year electrical apprentices while attending off-the-job training is therefore €528.37 per week.
As the weekly training allowance is not treated as pay under the PAYE and PRSI regulations, FÁS pay slips do not show deductions under these categories. Deductions made by FÁS from the gross wage norm are not for the purposes of PAYE and PRSI but rather to ensure that the training allowances are equivalent to the net rather than the gross industry wage in the sector.
Electric Vehicles.
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:74 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she has entered into an arrangement for the purchase of electric vehicles in 2009 to 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44018/09]
My Department has not entered into an arrangement for the purchase of electric vehicles in 2009 or 2010. My Department has only one small 1.5 cc diesel van which is used for the collection and delivery of documents etc for the Department in Dublin. The van was purchased in June 2008 and is not due for replacement for some years. All options, including the purchase of an electric vehicle, will be considered when the van is due for replacement.
Redundancy Payments.
Denis Naughten
Question:75 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the time delay in processing employee applications under the redundancy payment scheme when the company has gone into receivership; the steps she is taking to address this situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44187/09]
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 is currently processing rebate applications submitted by post from March 2009 and those filed online from April 2009. In respect of lump sum payments paid directly to employees in instances where employers are unable to pay the statutory redundancy entitlements or in instances where a Receiver or Liquidator has been appointed, the Section is, in general, processing claims dating from June 2009.
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 ten months of 2009 at 67,207. 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 51.5 although the Section is currently carrying two 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.
Craft Industry.
Michael Ring
Question:76 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason a meeting with the Crafts Council of Ireland will not include all levels of representation (details supplied). [44321/09]
This is a day-to-day matter for the Crafts Council of Ireland which is a company limited by guarantee. The Council is not regulated or controlled by my Department by virtue of any statutory provision and I have no function in its operational activities.
Redundancy Payments.
Brendan Howlin
Question:77 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a person (details supplied) in County Wexford did not receive a redundancy payment cheque issued by her Department; if this cheque was sent to an incorrect address; if her further attention has been drawn to the fact that the cheque was cashed but not by the addressee; the steps she will take to ensure that this claimant receives their entitlement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44327/09]
I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department issued a cheque in respect of a lumpsum redundancy claim for the individual concerned to the address provided to the Department on the RP 50 claim form submitted. I note from the information provided by the Deputy that in fact the incorrect address was provided to the Department by the individual's former employer.
I understand that the cheque in this instance has been cashed other than by the addressee and that the individual has been in contact with the Gardai in the matter which is the appropriate course of action. Pending the outcome of the Garda investigation, my Department is not in a position to take any further action at this point.
Economic Competitiveness.
John Deasy
Question:78 Deputy John Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her plans to introduce export support measures to assist companies that have been adversely affected by the change over the past three years of the value of the euro in respect of sterling and the US dollar; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44393/09]
My Department, through Enterprise Ireland, is active both in assisting Irish indigenous companies to find new markets for their products and services and to increase their existing level of market share. Encouraging companies to re-orientate towards the Eurozone in the first instance and, for those which are most capable, into areas such as the Gulf, Brazil, India and China, where economies are still growing is a priority. I have been active in leading trade missions to develop new opportunities for Irish exporters and will continue to do so, to both existing long-established markets, to the new EU Member States and also to other emerging high-growth markets, with a view to increasing the share of exports by Irish companies worldwide.
Continuous productivity improvements are essential if Irish companies are to increase their export potential and reach the world-class standards necessary to meet the challenges of the international market place. Sustainable economic recovery will be driven by enterprises focused on increasing their exports of innovative products and services in global markets. To support this, I launched the Enterprise Stabilisation Fund earlier this year, which enables internationally trading companies survive the current global downturn by supporting their drive to reduce costs and, through increased competitiveness, gain sales in overseas markets.
This month I announced that 7,478 jobs are to receive direct support under the first round of the Employment Subsidy Scheme (ESS). A total of 453 companies engaged in manufacturing and/or internationally traded services are being informed of their successful applications. The Scheme provides a subsidy of €9,100 over fifteen months per qualifying employee in vulnerable but viable firms. Due to a lower than anticipated take-up, I will shortly be announcing details of a second broader call for ESS applications with extended eligibility criteria open to both exporting and non-exporting firms.
EU Funding.
John Deasy
Question:79 Deputy John Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she has prepared a plan for submission to the European Commission for funding under the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund to provide assistance to persons affected by redundancies, past and present, from a company (details supplied) in County Waterford; when the plan will be submitted to the EC; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44394/09]
An application for co-funded assistance from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) towards the costs of a personalized package of occupational guidance, training, employment, entrepreneurship and educational measures for workers made redundant at the Waterford Crystal plant in Kilbarry, Waterford and at ancillary enterprises, was submitted by my Department to the European Commission on 25 September 2009.
The EGF application is currently being processed by the European Commission. As all such applications must be approved through the co-decision procedures that involves consultations between the European Commission, Parliament and Council, a decision is not expected until sometime in the New Year.
In the interim, FÁS and other relevant bodies such as Enterprise Ireland, City and County Enterprise Boards and the local Vocational Education Committees continue to make their full range of employment, training, guidance and advisory services available to the redundant workers concerned.
Community Employment Schemes.
Richard Bruton
Question:80 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if programmes have been developed to assist persons who have previously been in prison to access employment opportunities; the number of participants; and the success rate in progressive and placement in employment. [44413/09]
The Community Employment Programme has provision for persons who have previously been in prison. The eligibility criteria for these clients is as follows:
Ex-offenders aged 18 years or over and referred by the Probation Service.
Ex-offenders aged 18 and over, not referred by the Probation Service and in receipt of Jobseekers Allowance or Jobseekers Benefit for a period of one year or more. Time spent as a prisoner is regarded as reckonable when considering duration unemployed.
It is not possible to provide the total number of "ex-offender" participants as those who have eligibility gained under the second option above will not be flagged as ex-offenders but rather as those in receipt of Jobseekers Allowance/Benefit.
Departmental Expenditure.
David Stanton
Question:81 Deputy David Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the cost in 2008 of heating all buildings owned or rented from which her Department or bodies under the aegis of her Department operate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44422/09]
The cost of heating the buildings occupied by my Department and 7 of the Offices of my Department was approximately €126,525 in 2008. Another Office of my Department occupies a building where the cost of heating that building is borne by the landlord and I have no information about the 2008 heating costs of that building.
I am not in a position to provide the information sought by the Deputy in relation to the State Agencies under the control of my Department as such information falls under the day-to-day administration of the State Agencies concerned.
FÁS Training Programmes.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:82 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of FÁS course providers or subcontracted FÁS course providers when evidence has been found that the exam results they have supplied to FÁS have been manipulated by such providers; the location at which such courses have been provided; the cost of providing same including training fees and trainees allowances; the amount paid by FÁS to these companies for training fees and trainees allowances by location for each of the past five years; the action taken by FÁS regarding same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44620/09]
In the time available it has not been possible to collate the data requested. I will contact the Deputy at a later date with the relevant information.
Departmental Agencies.
George Lee
Question:83 Deputy George Lee asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 121 to 124, inclusive, of 24 November 2009, if she will provide further details of the 75% increase in FÁS management grades that occurred due to a one step increase from a senior staff grade to assistant manager as part of restructuring; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44621/09]
In the time available it has not been possible to provide the data requested. I will revert to the Deputy with the relevant information at a later date.
Community Employment Schemes.
George Lee
Question:84 Deputy George Lee asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the breakdown of community employment schemes according to the duration of employment involved in each programme each year from 1997 to 2008; the number of persons who participated in each programme in each of these years by duration of these programmes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44625/09]
I am advised that the information sought by the Deputy is only available for the years 2006, 2007 and 2008.
The data for the previous years will take some time to collate and will be furnished as soon as it is available.
The following table shows the number of completed years for CE participants only (Supervisors excluded).
|
Completed Years |
2008 |
2007 |
2006 |
|
00 |
6,524 |
7,927 |
8,078 |
|
01 |
5,078 |
5,283 |
5,745 |
|
02 |
4,108 |
3,903 |
4,642 |
|
03 |
2,411 |
2,385 |
1,271 |
|
04 |
1,469 |
709 |
654 |
|
05 |
857 |
428 |
385 |
|
06 |
638 |
209 |
79 |
|
07 |
300 |
45 |
17 |
|
08 |
68 |
12 |
|
|
09 |
13 |
||
|
Grand Total |
21,466 |
20,901 |
20,871 |
FÁS Training Programmes.
George Lee
Question:85 Deputy George Lee asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the names, addresses and capacity of all FÁS training centres; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44634/09]
The table below sets out the name and address of each FÁS training centre together with the estimated number of persons who will receive a training intervention in 2009. The capacity of each training centre is very much dependent on both the type and duration of training course taking place at any given time.
|
FÁS Training Centre |
Estimated Number of Persons to receive a training intervention in 2009 |
|
FÁS Training Centre, Garrycastle, Athlone, Westmeath |
6,286 |
|
FÁS Training Centre, Baldoyle Industrial Centre, Dublin |
6,726 |
|
FÁS Training Centre, Ballyfermot Hill, Dublin 10 |
3,827 |
|
FÁS Training Centre, Bannow Road, Cabra, Dublin 7 |
2,502 |
|
FÁS Training Centre, 57-60 Jervis Street, Dublin 1 (Closed 31st July 2009) |
206 |
|
FÁS Training Centre, Rossa Avenue, Bishopstown, Cork |
6,474 |
|
FÁS Training Centre, Coes Road Industrial Estate, Dundalk, Co Louth |
5,932 |
|
FÁS Training Centre, Poppintree Industrial Estate, Finglas, Dublin 11 |
3,324 |
|
FÁS Training Centre, Mervue Business Park, Monivea Road, Galway, incorporating Riverside, Church Road, Ballina, Co Mayo |
4,733 |
|
FÁS Training Centre, Ballyraine Industrial Estate, Letterkenny, Co Donegal, incorporating FÁS Training Centre, Gweedore, NA Doire Beaga, Letterkenny, Co Donegal |
3,159 |
|
FÁS Training Centre, Raheen Industrial Estate, Limerick |
3,970 |
|
FÁS Training Centre, Wyattville Road Loughlinstown, Co Dublin |
4,121 |
|
FÁS Training Centre, Shannon Industrial Estate, Shannon, Co Clare |
2,834 |
|
FÁS Training Centre, Ballytivnan, Co Sligo |
2,347 |
|
FÁS Training Centre, Cookstown Industrial Estate, Tallaght, Dublin 24 |
4,286 |
|
FÁS Training Centre Industrial Estate, Monavilly, Tralee, Co Kerry |
3,614 |
|
FÁS Training Centre, IDA Industrial Park, Cork Road, Waterford, incorporating FÁS Training Centre, Whitemills North Industrial Estate, Wexford |
7,706 |
|
Total |
72,047 |
Community Employment Schemes.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:86 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps she will take to increase the number of community employment places available to drugs projects in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41672/09]
I am advised that there are currently 1,000 places ring fenced for the CE Drugs Task Force. At present 947 of these places are filled.
The number of places on the Drugs Task Force is kept under constant review.
EU Directives.
Joe Costello
Question:87 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Finance the reason he has failed to implement the EU flood risk directive, the deadline for which expired on 26 November 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43961/09]
Directive 2007/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the Assessment and Management of Flood Risk is primarily concerned with the assessment and management of flood risks, with the aim of reducing adverse consequences for human health, the environment, cultural heritage and economic activity associated with floods in the European Community.
There is a strong degree of alignment between the recommendations of the Report of the Flood Policy Review Group of 2004 and the requirements of the EU Floods Directive. The outputs from the flood mapping and Flood Risk Assessment and Management studies programme, which commenced on foot of the national flood policy, adopted by Government in 2004, will also satisfy the requirements of the Floods Directive. Accordingly, the process of implementing the flood risk assessment programmes under national policy is taking place in conjunction with the transposition of the Floods Directive into Irish law.
It is expected that the transposition of the Floods Directive will be completed in the very near future and it is understood that this timing is in concert with many of the other member states.
Budget Submissions.
Mary Upton
Question:88 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Finance if he has received the pre-budget submission by an organisation (details supplied); his views on implementing any of the issues raised in this document; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44031/09]
I have received a pre Budget submission from the organisation in question. It is policy to review all pre Budget submissions as part of the budgetary process. I would draw to the Deputy's attention that it is the usual practice for the Minister for Finance not to speculate or comment in advance of the Budget on what it will contain and I do not propose to deviate from that practice.
Flood Relief.
Mary Upton
Question:89 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Finance his views on whether the dredging of rivers would have prevented the severity of flooding which has struck here in November 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44039/09]
Available information indicates that the widespread flooding that occurred in recent weeks was caused mainly by unusually prolonged heavy rainfall, which exceeded the conveyance capacity of rivers and drainage infrastructure.
The OPW implements a maintenance programme in respect of the channels for which the Office has a statutory maintenance responsibility. It is the opinion of the OPW that, in respect of these channels, while this programme of maintenance contributes to the moderation of flooding, the contribution would not have had a significant impact on the recent unprecedented level of flooding. Local and other authorities have responsibility for maintaining other channels, as do private landowners.
Tax Code.
Richard Bruton
Question:90 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if he has analysed the volumes of solid fuels consumed here which are sourced in Northern Ireland; and his assessment of the estimated future switches to northern sources as a result of the imposition of a carbon tax. [44414/09]
Richard Bruton
Question:125 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if he has considered measures that could promote the use of solid fuels on which carbon tax has been awarded such as introducing a bonded warehouse system for collecting the tax and the printing of a duty paid sticker to be placed on the product; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44415/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 90 and 125 together.
On considering the introduction of a new tax or indeed an increase in current taxes a wide variety of factors are taken into consideration including the impact on cross-border trade.
The EU law for the control of excisable products, including the provisions for bonded warehouses and documented delivery between Member States, is set down in Directive 92/12/EEC. However, coal is not covered by this EU Directive, hence the requirements for warehousing and controlled delivery do not apply in the case of coal.
When new taxes are being introduced there are always practical issues in relation to implementation that require consideration. In that regard, as is normal practice, my officials in conjunction with the Office of Revenue Commissioners and other relevant Departments will engage with those sectors involved in the implementation of the carbon tax to minimise, in so far as it is reasonably possible, practical difficulties.
Flood Relief.
Joe Carey
Question:91 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Finance if he will commit to a re-evaluation of the Ennis flood relief scheme in view of the recent flooding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44645/09]
The flood relief scheme designed for Ennis comprises of three phases. The Ennis Upper Scheme and the Ennis Lower Scheme are being funded and built by the Office of Public Works, while works at Aughanteeroe, in Ennis, are being funded by OPW and carried out by Ennis Town Council. It is understood that these latter works are about to proceed.
In relation to the Ennis Upper Scheme, works are nearing completion in the town and works carried out to date held up under the recent flooding and saved much of the town centre in Ennis. OPW is preparing to go to tender for a Civil Engineering Contractor in order to carry out the Ennis Lower Scheme. A review of this phase has already taken place and the lower scheme will be subject to minor alterations arising from information gleaned during the current flood event.
Flood Relief works at St. Flannan's College are being incorporated by Clare County Council and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government into the proposed Ennis Main Drainage Scheme. The flood relief element of these works will be funded by OPW.
Certain other areas in Ennis, outside of those area benefitting from the phases outlined above, did suffer flooding recently, and these areas have been identified and will be considered for further flood relief works to be carried out, either by OPW or by the local authority, with funding provided by OPW.
Departmental Staff.
Joanna Tuffy
Question:92 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Finance if non-industrialised civil servants have applied for incentivised early retirement; if so, the breakdown of the grade or office or the persons who have applied under this scheme; the percentage that are in the relevant grades and officer positions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43920/09]
Non-Industrial Civil Servants have applied for the Incentivised Scheme for Early Retirement. In summary, the information reported to my Department by the end of November indicates that some 1,023 civil servants had applied (this includes 4 industrial Civil Servants) for the Incentivised Scheme for Early Retirement (ISER) and that 861 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).
The more detailed information requested by the Deputy is set out in tabular form below.
|
S/Gen |
D/Gen |
A/Sec |
PO |
AP |
AO |
HEO |
EO |
SO |
CO |
HSO |
SVO |
SA |
Ind |
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 |
6 |
|
2 |
1 |
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
12 |
|
|
Approved |
1 |
1 |
6 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
12 |
||||||||||
|
Department of Defence |
|||||||||||||||||
|
Department |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Applications |
|
|
|
2 |
2 |
|
1 |
6 |
3 |
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
15 |
|
|
Approved |
2 |
2 |
1 |
6 |
3 |
1 |
15 |
|
S/Gen |
D/Gen |
A/Sec |
PO |
AP |
AO |
HEO |
EO |
SO |
CO |
HSO |
SVO |
SA |
Ind |
Other |
Total |
||
|
Department of Education & Science |
|||||||||||||||||
|
Department |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
|
Applications |
|
|
1 |
4 |
3 |
|
5 |
7 |
2 |
|
|
|
|
|
11 |
33 |
|
|
Approved |
0 |
3 |
2 |
0 |
4 |
1 |
2 |
12 |
|||||||||
|
State Examinations Commission |
|||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
1 |
1 |
2 |
4 |
|||||||||||||
|
Approved |
1 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
|||||||||||||
|
National Council for Curriculum and Assessment |
|||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
1 |
1 |
|||||||||||||||
|
Approved |
1 |
1 |
|||||||||||||||
|
National Council for Special Education |
|||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
1 |
1 |
|||||||||||||||
|
Approved |
1 |
1 |
|||||||||||||||
|
Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment |
|||||||||||||||||
|
Department |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Applications |
|
|
2 |
6 |
11 |
|
13 |
9 |
1 |
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
43 |
|
|
Approved |
2 |
6 |
11 |
13 |
9 |
1 |
1 |
43 |
|
S/Gen |
D/Gen |
A/Sec |
PO |
AP |
AO |
HEO |
EO |
SO |
CO |
HSO |
SVO |
SA |
Ind |
Other |
Total |
||
|
Department of Environment, Heritage & Local Government |
|||||||||||||||||
|
Department |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Applications |
|
|
1 |
7 |
12 |
|
5 |
4 |
2 |
4 |
|
|
|
|
18 |
53 |
|
|
Approved |
1 |
6 |
12 |
5 |
3 |
2 |
3 |
13 |
45 |
||||||||
|
Department of Finance |
|||||||||||||||||
|
Department |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Applications |
|
|
1 |
6 |
14 |
|
7 |
|
2 |
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
31 |
|
|
Approved |
1 |
5 |
12 |
6 |
2 |
0 |
26 |
||||||||||
|
OPW |
|||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
|
|
|
|
11 |
|
5 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
|
|
4 |
5 |
28 |
|
|
Approved |
10 |
5 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
4 |
4 |
26 |
|||||||||
|
Valuation Office |
|||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
Approved |
1 |
1 |
|||||||||||||||
|
Office of the Ombudsman |
|||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
Approved |
0 |
||||||||||||||||
|
CPSA |
|||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
|
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
Approved |
2 |
2 |
|||||||||||||||
|
PAS |
|||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
Approved |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
S/Gen |
D/Gen |
A/Sec |
PO |
AP |
AO |
HEO |
EO |
SO |
CO |
HSO |
SVO |
SA |
Ind |
Other |
Total |
||
|
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 |
||||||||||
|
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 |
|
S/Gen |
D/Gen |
A/Sec |
PO |
AP |
AO |
HEO |
EO |
SO |
CO |
HSO |
SVO |
SA |
Ind |
Other |
Total |
||
|
Courts Service |
|||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
|
|
|
5 |
10 |
|
12 |
5 |
1 |
2 |
|
|
|
|
|
35 |
|
|
Approved |
4 |
6 |
7 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
21 |
||||||||||
|
Property Registration Authority |
|||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
3 |
3 |
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
14 |
23 |
|
|
Approved |
2 |
3 |
3 |
1 |
14 |
23 |
|||||||||||
|
Garda Civilians |
|||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
|
|
|
|
4 |
|
5 |
1 |
7 |
10 |
|
|
|
|
|
27 |
|
|
Approved |
2 |
3 |
0 |
3 |
5 |
13 |
|||||||||||
|
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 |
||||||||||
|
Department of the Taoiseach |
|||||||||||||||||
|
Department |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Applications |
|
|
|
1 |
1 |
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
Approved |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
S/Gen |
D/Gen |
A/Sec |
PO |
AP |
AO |
HEO |
EO |
SO |
CO |
HSO |
SVO |
SA |
Ind |
Other |
Total |
||
|
CSSO |
|||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3 |
5 |
|
|
Approved |
2 |
2 |
4 |
||||||||||||||
|
OAG |
|||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
2 |
|
|
Approved |
1 |
1 |
2 |
||||||||||||||
|
DPP |
|||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4 |
4 |
|
|
Approved |
3 |
3 |
|||||||||||||||
|
CSO |
|||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
|
|
|
1 |
2 |
|
2 |
1 |
|
2 |
|
|
|
|
4 |
12 |
|
|
Approved |
0 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
10 |
||||||||||
|
Department of Transport |
|||||||||||||||||
|
Department |
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
|
Applications |
|
|
2 |
8 |
9 |
|
8 |
5 |
1 |
1 |
|
|
|
|
2 |
36 |
|
|
Approved |
2 |
7 |
8 |
8 |
5 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
33 |
||||||||
|
Total by Grade |
Total |
||||||||||||||||
|
Applications |
0 |
0 |
12 |
88 |
213 |
0 |
258 |
174 |
55 |
88 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
124 |
1023 |
||
|
Approved |
0 |
0 |
10 |
75 |
193 |
0 |
219 |
149 |
44 |
67 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
94 |
861 |
||
|
Numbers Serving (w.t.e.) at End March 2009 |
17 |
2 |
151 |
788 |
2,172 |
243 |
3,453 |
5,220 |
1,525 |
10,948 |
714 |
1,856 |
12,040 |
39,131 |
|||
|
Applications Approved as % of Total Number per Grade |
0 |
0 |
8 |
11 |
10 |
0 |
7 |
3 |
4 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
3 |
George Lee
Question:93 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for Finance the average wage and number of staff employed by his Department each year from 1997 to 2008 broken down by job title and grade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43935/09]
Due to the nature and extent of the information sought my officials will supply the data electronically directly to the Deputy shortly. Any assistance the Deputy requires in relation to the data will be afforded by my officials.
Tax Collection.
Bernard Allen
Question:94 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [43948/09]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the employer taxed the person in question on the Emergency Basis. No contact appears to have been made by the employer or employee with the Revenue Commissioners when the employment commenced.
To update her tax affairs and make a claim for any refund of tax due the person should forward the details of her employment on a Form 12A along with the P45 which was received on cessation of her previous employment to: Office of the Revenue Commissioners, PAYE Mail Centre, PO Box 63, Ennis, Co Clare. A Form 12A can be printed off or ordered from the Revenue website at www.revenue.ie under Forms and Leaflets.
Budget Submissions.
Finian McGrath
Question:95 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will support a matter (details supplied) in Dublin 3. [43963/09]
I have received a pre-Budget submission from the association mentioned. Its contents will be considered in the context of the forthcoming Budget and Finance Bill. As Deputies are aware it would not be appropriate for me to comment in advance of the Budget on possible Budget decisions.
Flood Relief.
Tom Hayes
Question:96 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Finance if phase two of the Clonmel flood relief scheme will assist householders and businesses to receive house insurance covering flooding once more; the discussion he has had with insurance providers to assure those persons affected by the floods provide this cover; if there is an Exchequer funded scheme of insurance which will cover persons in this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43976/09]
At the outset the Deputy should note that the decision to provide any specific form of insurance cover and the price at which it is offered is a commercial matter based on the assessment an insurer will make of the risks involved. Therefore, neither I nor the Financial Regulator has any direct influence over the decision by the insurance industry to provide flood insurance cover in the Clonmel region again. That said however the Office of Public Works has informed me that the enhanced level of protection from flooding which will be provided by the Clonmel flood relief scheme, once completed, is something which they presume will be taken account of by the insurance industry. Therefore I would not be satisfied if the insurance industry failed to factor this development into any future risk based assessment on providing insurance cover in this area at the appropriate time.
It should also be noted that my Department is in regular contact with the insurance industry about a range of issues including the recent flooding. In this regard I am actively encouraging the industry to respond to the payment of claims as quickly as possible, and I understand that everything is being done to facilitate such a process.
Finally, while there is no Government insurance scheme in place for those affected by the recent flooding, the Minister for Social and Family Affairs has announced the setting up of a 10 million euro fund to assist flooding victims. The purpose of this fund is to help alleviate hardship and support people who have suffered damage to their homes including the provision of temporary accommodation. Further details can be obtained on the Department of Social and Family Affairs website.
Tom Hayes
Question:97 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Finance the reason the flooding section of the Office of Public Works’ website cannot be used to collate all flood warnings and information in order that persons have one central place to check on the danger of flooding in their area; and the further reason that section of the website has not been updated and therefore cannot provide assistance to persons in south Tipperary. [43977/09]
The primary purpose of the flooding.ie website, established by the OPW, is to provide general information to the public on awareness and preparedness in advance of flood events occurring. It is designed to enhance citizens’ ability to be prepared, at an individual level, for dealing with flooding events in their locality, homes or businesses.
It is not designed, nor does it operate, as a method of disseminating flood warnings. It is a matter for each local authority to provide information on the preparation and coordination of responses to emergencies, resulting from events, including severe weather events, such as flooding.
In the light of weather-related events over the last number of days, the flooding.ie website has incorporated links to relevant local authority websites, including the South Tipperary County Council website, where updates on flooding information can be obtained for those localities.
Tom Hayes
Question:98 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Finance if he will confirm that phase two of the Clonmel flood relief scheme will proceed; if this funding has been sanctioned and ring-fenced for this work; and when it will begin. [43978/09]
I would refer the Deputy to my reply on 26 November to his PQ No. 94. OPW is making provision within its budget for the construction of the North and East phases of the Clonmel Flood Relief Scheme (which will be carried out simultaneously). The scheme will be submitted to the Minister for Finance for confirmation when the tenders have been received back and actual tender prices are available. My officials are preparing to issue tender documents before Christmas, and these will be assessed with a view to submitting these phases to the Minister for Finance for confirmation early in 2010. The expectation is that the Scheme will be confirmed at that stage, and the necessary funding to proceed with it will be made available.
Tax Code.
John Deasy
Question:99 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Finance his views on the importance of tax reliefs that persons receive on paying for the care of an incapacitated person in their home is ensuring that older people remain in their home; if his attention has been drawn to the savings to the Exchequer that have resulted from this relief; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43983/09]
Section 467 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997, provides for a tax deduction at an individual's marginal rate of tax in respect of the costs incurred by that individual of employing another person (including a person whose services are provided by or through an agency) to take care of him/herself, a spouse or a relative who is totally incapacitated by reason of physical or mental infirmity. The maximum amount allowable for tax relief is €50,000. The scheme cost approximately €2.8 million in 2006, the latest year for which statistics are available. However, it is an important measure in allowing incapacitated individuals to be cared for in the home environment.
This cost recognises the contribution being made by private individuals — of the order of €4 million per annum, assuming the 41% rate of relief in all cases — in relation to their own care or the care of others, which otherwise might have to be borne by the State.
Finally, as the Deputy will be aware, tax relief is also available at an individual's marginal rate of tax for health expenses incurred in respect of nursing home fees.
Electric Vehicles.
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:100 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Finance if he has entered into an arrangement for the purchase of electric vehicles in 2009 to 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44020/09]
The Office of Public Works has recently ordered a 7.5 tonne electric van for use by the Furniture Division of the Office in Dublin and surrounding counties in a Research and Demonstration Programme. Apart from this, the Office has not entered into any arrangements for the purchase of electric vehicles.
The National Public Procurement Operations Unit has not awarded any contracts, or instigated any procurement process, for the purchase of electric vehicles for State use. The Unit has not been made aware of any requirement for such vehicles by any Government service.
Debt Servicing Costs.
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:101 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Finance the difference, in relation to Government borrowing on international bond markets, in cost to the Exchequer for debt servicing on an annual basis resulting from differing bond interest rates between borrowing based on his current plan to get budget deficit to 3% of GDP by 2014 and borrowing based on a ten year time frame to achieve this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44028/09]
The table below sets out the projections for debt servicing costs for the period 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. In this context, it is important to note that 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.
|
Forecast 2009 |
Forecast 2010 |
Forecast 2011 |
Forecast 2012 |
Forecast 2013 |
|
|
€bn |
€bn |
€bn |
€bn |
€bn |
|
|
Interest |
3.2 |
5.0 |
6.4 |
7.5 |
8.2 |
|
Sinking Fund* and other debt management expenses |
0.7 |
0.8 |
0.8 |
0.9 |
0.9 |
|
Total Debt Service Cost |
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 are being reviewed as part of the preparatory process in respect of Budget 2010 and the revised estimates will be published on Budget day, 9 December.
At end-2008 the national debt was some €50 billion and, by end-2009 is estimated to stand at 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 and the national debt level would rise to about €175 billion by end-2013.
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 25% to 30% of tax revenue by 2013. If less benign assumptions were made concerning the market reaction to not addressing our mounting debt, or delaying correction over a ten year period, it is reasonable that the proportion of resources going on servicing the debt would rise further, thus leaving less for vital services. Bridging the gap between income and expenditure through ongoing increased borrowing is not a viable solution in the medium to long-term. We must make the necessary adjustments now to stabilise the deficit and Budget 2010 is being framed in this context.
Fiscal Policy.
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:102 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Finance the amount of money borrowed each week to pay for the current spending in pay and services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44029/09]
The Pre-Budget Outlook, published on 12 November last, sets out the technical budgetary projections for 2009 and 2010 on a pre-Budget basis. Based on these projections, the Current Budget deficit for 2009 is estimated to be in the region of €12.5 billion, the equivalent of some €240 million per week. As with all other budgetary estimates, a revised forecast for the Current Budget deficit for 2009 will be published on Budget day, 9 December.
As set out in the Pre-Budget Outlook, my Department expects the overall General Government deficit to be in the region of 12 per cent of GDP at end 2009. The Government is determined to make the necessary adjustments to stabilise the deficit in 2010 and Budget 2010 is being framed in that context.
EU Funding.
Seymour Crawford
Question:103 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Finance when the administrative funding will be made available to cross-Border partnerships to run the INTERREG IVA programme; when this issue will be confirmed; when the partnerships will be advised of the result in view of the fact that many of them may lose top quality personnel which will affect the running of the schemes in the future; his views on the fact that both the administrators and council staff have put enormous work and time into these projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44043/09]
Seymour Crawford
Question:104 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide a timetable of when projects will be delivered by the joint cross-Border partnerships; if same will be approved in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44044/09]
Seymour Crawford
Question:105 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Finance if the matching funding is available for the INTERREG IVA programme; his views on whether this programme could give much needed economic and employment benefits to the Border area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44045/09]
Seymour Crawford
Question:106 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Finance if the €60 million committed to the five cross-Border partnerships is, and will still be, available to the partnerships and will not be lost because of the delays by the authorities responsible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44046/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 103 to 106, inclusive, together.
North-South remains a high political priority for the Government. In particular, the Government is committed to realising the full potential for the development of all-island co-operation through the North South Bodies established under the Good Friday Agreement. The Government is also committed to maximising the drawdown of EU Structural Funds allocated to Ireland including the funds allocated under the INTERREG IVA Programme (Ireland-Northern Ireland-Scotland).
The INTERREG IVA Programme 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. The INTERREG IVA Steering Committee, on which my Department is represented, will be considering the administration costs in implementing the INTERREG IVA programme for these bodies.
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.
Departmental Equipment.
Richard Bruton
Question:107 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if he maintains a log of audio visual equipment which it is procuring and which is in storage in the different Office of Public Works locations across the country; if he has a policy regarding the useful life of such equipment; the way equipment which is passed its useful life disposed of or released for community use; the estimated volumes and values involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44056/09]
OPW maintains a log of audio-visual equipment, which is located in different OPW locations across the country. The useful life of audio-visual equipment is five years. Where possible, OPW would seek to extend the useful life of such equipment beyond this period. After this period, while equipment is disposed of in a manner determined by local management, this usually involves recycling.
Flood Relief.
Dan Neville
Question:108 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Finance the minor works which have commenced in Newcastle West in County Limerick after the floods in August 2008. [44063/09]
Following an assessment by Office of Public Works Engineers, it was decided to construct a wall on the south bank of the River Arra, from the Bridge of Tears to Courtney Bridge, and for a short stretch on the north bank downstream of Courtney Bridge in order to enhance the level of protection from flooding in the Rahina area. These works have been underway since April 2009.
Tax Code.
John Deasy
Question:109 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons in receipt of home carer’s tax credit; the number of persons in Waterford city and county in receipt of home carer’s tax credit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44118/09]
The most recent year for which final information is available on the numbers of taxpayers availing of the home carer tax credit for the whole country and for Waterford city and county is for the income tax year 2006 and are included in the table below. Provisional estimates available on a preliminary basis for the 2007 income tax year, together with the projected numbers availing in the whole country for 2008 and 2009 are also given.
|
Estimated Numbers |
||
|
Year |
The Whole Country |
Waterford City and County |
|
2006 |
85,000 |
1,800 |
|
2007 |
85,600 |
1,700 |
|
2008 |
81,500 |
Not Available |
|
2009 |
73,700 |
Not Available |
An estimated breakdown of the figures on a geographical basis is available on the basis of "bailiwick", meaning, in this case, the jurisdiction or boundaries within which Revenue Sheriffs, County Registrars or their officers operate for the purposes of enforcement of tax debt. It equates geographically with "county" while also providing separate breakdowns for "city" and "county" in the case of counties Dublin and Cork.
The data relating to the allocation by city or county of PAYE employees should be treated with caution. This is because it has been the practice to associate each employee with the city or county in which his or her employer is registered for PAYE purposes, regardless of the address of the actual workplace or of the individual's home address.
Self-employed persons are associated on the tax record with the address at which the business is located, which may be in a different city or county to the home address. Similarly, companies are associated on the tax record with the county address of the head-office or branch with which contact is established for tax purposes, which may be different to the city or county addresses of other branches.
The figures for 2008 to 2009 are estimates from the Revenue tax forecasting model using actual data for the year 2007, adjusted as necessary to take account of the most recent data available for income and employment trends for the year in question, and are therefore provisional and subject to revision.
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.
EU Funding.
Pat Breen
Question:110 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Finance if he has sought emergency funding from the EU to help alleviate the hardship which is being experienced by householders and businesses as a result of the flooding crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44139/09]
A number of Government departments and agencies have responsibilities for specific emergency planning functions. In the event of a major emergency, the most appropriate Department or agency is designated as the lead agency to co-ordinate the response to it. In relation to flooding, the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government is chairing the Emergency Response Coordination Committee which meets on a daily basis to handle the current emergency situation. When reports are received from local authorities and other relevant agencies on the extent of the flooding and urgent remedial works required, the question of seeking EU funding having regard to the limited eligibility criteria for such funding will be undertaken.
Tax Yield.
Richard Bruton
Question:111 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the amount of additional income tax revenue generated by the restrictions on high earners; the amount of income tax revenue contributed by these high earners in the last year for which data is available; the estimated amount of additional income tax revenue generated by the restrictions on high earners; the estimated total amount of income tax revenue to be contributed by these high earners for 2010; if the amount of additional income tax revenue that would be generated by extending in 2010 the restrictions on high earners to those earning more than €250,000, and on a graduated basis to those earning between €200,000 and €250,000; the estimated amount of income tax revenue to be contributed by this group of high earners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44142/09]
The report on the Analysis of High Income Individuals' Restriction 2007 is published on my Department's website at:
http://www.finance.gov.ie/documents/publications/reports/2009/analytaxrestrict09.pdf.
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the latest relevant information available is derived from income tax returns filed for the income tax year 2007. These returns indicated that total income tax payable for 2007 by high income earners affected by this restriction was €73 million, which includes €40 million collected as a result of the restriction of tax reliefs.
Estimates of the prospective yield to the Exchequer in 2010 on a similar basis are not available but can be assumed to be of the same order of magnitude.
In relation to extending the restriction on high earners, it is assumed the Deputy is referring to the recommendation by the Commission on Taxation to have the restriction applying fully at an adjusted income level of €250,000 with a graduated introduction of the restriction at adjusted income levels between €200,000 and €250,000. While the precise yield would depend on how the graduated introduction between €200,000 and €250,000 would be implemented, it is estimated that the additional full year yield to the Exchequer from this change, based on the available data for 2007, would be of the order of €6 million.
Departmental Properties.
Alan Shatter
Question:112 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Finance the reason for the continuing delay in receiving a reply to Parliamentary Question No. 350 of 3 November 2009; and when a detailed reply to the question raised may be expected by this Deputy. [44171/09]
The previous Parliamentary Question referred to by the Deputy required a significant collation of information by the Office of Public Works. Detailed information on elements of the question have already issued to the Deputy. The remaining details require surveying occupying departments to obtain certain information and this is being finalised.
Tax Yield.
Richard Bruton
Question:113 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the amount of taxable income of non-resident Irish citizens; the tax yield generated from this income for the latest year available as well as estimates for 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44172/09]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the only data available in relation to the taxable income of non-residents comes from income tax returns filed in Ireland by those non-resident individuals who have Irish-source income or income derived from working in Ireland. The available data does not distinguish between citizens and non-citizens.
For the 2007 tax year, the latest year for which data is available, aggregate Irish-taxable income shown on returns filed by non-resident individuals (of all nationalities) amounted to approximately €150 million and the related tax liability amounted to approximately €43 million. Revenue is not in a position to predict with any accuracy the equivalent figures for 2010.
Budget Submissions.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:114 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Finance his views on the recent submission from an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44176/09]
I have received a pre Budget submission from the organisation in question. It is policy to review all pre Budget submissions as part of the budgetary process. I would draw to the Deputy's attention that it is the usual practice for the Minister for Finance not to speculate or comment in advance of the Budget on what it will contain and I do not propose to deviate from that practice.
Departmental Reports.
Michael Ring
Question:115 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Finance when a report from ecologists (details supplied) will be finalised. [44185/09]
The ecological report commissioned by the Office of Public Works in relation to proposed mitigation works to address the flooding problem at Roundfort-Hollymount was completed in October.
The report has been submitted by the OPW to the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government for consent to the proposed works. If approval is granted, the works will be included in the 2010 programme.
Pension Provisions.
Denis Naughten
Question:116 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Finance the present value of pension assets, liabilities and deficits of the covered pension funds listed in Schedule 1 of the Financial Measures (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44186/09]
The tabular statement below, based on returns from the relevant Bodies, shows the assets and liabilities at 31 December 2008 of the covered pension funds listed in Schedule 1 of the Financial Measures (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009. This is the latest date for which the information requested is available. The Deputy may wish to note that asset values for pension funds in general have improved in the interim and are subject to market fluctuations.
|
2008 Assets |
2008 Liabilities |
|
|
€ |
€ |
|
|
Arts Council |
2,424,539 |
6,950,047 |
|
Bord Bia |
12,800,00 |
20,000,000 |
|
CERT (Fáilte Ireland) |
10,455,000 |
18,693,000 |
|
FAS |
328,193,000 |
631,428,000 |
|
IDA (Forfás) |
182,800,000 |
209,340,000 |
|
Irish Goods Council (Forfas) |
2,081,000 |
3,529,000 |
|
Regional Tourism |
16,000,000 |
31,000,000 |
|
SFADCO |
48,000,000 |
64,900,000 |
|
IPA |
20,700,000 |
40,800,000 |
|
ESRI |
13,372,000 |
25,257,000 |
|
NUIG |
176,995,701 |
249,000,000 |
|
NUIM |
47,372,000 |
114,000,000 |
|
TCD |
245,910,831 |
554,644,927 |
|
UCC |
267,495,000 |
385,579,000 |
|
UCD |
403,400,000 |
712,000,000 |
|
National University of Ireland |
6,133,000 |
13,104,00 |
Court Accommodation.
Brian O'Shea
Question:117 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 254 of 6 October 2009, if plans for the proposed extension to Waterford Courthouse will be expedited in view of the problems regarding sittings of the High Court in Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44200/09]
The provision of Court accommodation is, in the first instance, a matter for the Courts Service.
The Commissioners of Public Works, acting on behalf of the Courts Service, have appointed an Architect to this project. Consultations have already taken place with local Court users, and it is expected that plans will be prepared by the end of this year. This will enable further consultations to take place with the Courts staff, Judiciary and local Court users, with a view to finalising a brief of requirements. Tender documentation will then be prepared.
The Courts Service and the Commissioners of Public Works aim to complete this process as quickly as possible, having regard to the availability of resources.
Security Systems.
Joan Burton
Question:118 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance if any public buildings or premises have fitted the mosquito device, an ultrasonic security system which is marketed as a teen deterrent relating to young persons congregating outside buildings or premises; his views regarding the potential use of such a device on public buildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44325/09]
There are a range of technologies in use in buildings to improve security. The device referred to by the Deputy is just one of those. It is up to individual building managers, in consultation with the Garda Authorities, to consider the circumstance of their building. It is not possible, without surveying all occupiers, to given an indication as to whether such technology has been used.
Financial Institutions Support Scheme.
Róisín Shortall
Question:119 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the bank guarantee; if Irish deposit accounts will be guaranteed beyond the two years originally announced by him; if the establishment of the National Asset Management Agency is intended to allow the cessation of the bank guarantee in September 2010; and if there will be a continuation of this guarantee beyond this date. [44329/09]
As the Deputy is aware, yesterday I published the draft Credit Institutions (Eligible Liabilities Guarantee) Scheme or ELG Scheme, and I intend to bring this Scheme, which has received EU State aid approval, before the Houses of the Oireachtas on 3 December next.
Term deposits with a term of up to five years will be covered by the ELG Scheme, regardless of the nature of the depositor or the nature of the deposit, provided that they are incurred between the period from the commencement date of the ELG Scheme up to and including 29 September 2010, subject to the approval of the EU Commission at six monthly intervals.
The ELG Scheme is intended to facilitate the ability of credit institutions in Ireland to issue debt securities and take term deposits with a maturity post-September 2010 of up to five years, on either a guaranteed or unguaranteed basis. No provision has been made to allow the participating institutions to incur guaranteed liabilities or to accept guaranteed deposits after 29 September 2010. Demand deposits will remain guaranteed until 29 September 2010 subject to the approval of the EU Commission at six-monthly intervals.
As the Deputy may be aware, the €100,000 limit under the existing Deposit Protection Scheme still applies. It is important to note that the €100,000 deposit guarantee is not subject to review and does not expire on 29 September 2010. All deposits of less than €100,000 are fully guaranteed under the Deposit Protection Scheme and are not impacted in any way by the CIFS Scheme or the ELG Scheme.
In relation to any link between the establishment of the National Asset Management Agency (NAMA) and the bank guarantee, these are among the suite of measures which have been introduced to stabilise the financial system and in their totality will result in a reformed, reinvigorated and stable banking system which can meet the needs of the economy.
Job Creation.
Billy Timmins
Question:120 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 249 of 3 November 2009, the position regarding the recent proposal to create 1,000 posts in Government Departments for third level graduates; his views on correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44340/09]
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. These would be work placements as distinct from additional posts in the Public Service.
As indicated in my reply of 3 November my Department is currently examining the options in relation to how this proposal can best be implemented to facilitate a targeted intake of graduates to meet particular skills or capacity shortages in the Public Service.
I have noted the suggestions in the correspondence supplied by the Deputy and have asked that they be considered in my Department's examination of the proposal.
Tax Collection.
Joan Burton
Question:121 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 354 of 3 November 2009, the income of each category and cohort. [44359/09]
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 tables below.
|
Private Sector Employees |
|||
|
Range of Gross Income |
Number of Cases |
Amount of Income |
Amount of Tax |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
0 – 10,000 |
364,551 |
1,706,897,395 |
672,651 |
|
10,001 – 20,000 |
328,581 |
4,976,194,648 |
21,546,692 |
|
20,001 – 30,000 |
309,414 |
7,647,975,645 |
311,580,709 |
|
30,001 – 40,000 |
193,622 |
6,689,209,577 |
513,203,695 |
|
40,001 – 50,000 |
112,318 |
5,006,325,083 |
578,814,545 |
|
50,001 – 60,000 |
68,711 |
3,754,001,076 |
532,300,354 |
|
60,001 – 70,000 |
45,221 |
2,924,061,734 |
466,681,589 |
|
70,001 – 80,000 |
29,602 |
2,210,463,260 |
398,576,812 |
|
80,001 – 90,000 |
19,289 |
1,632,267,370 |
327,792,207 |
|
90,001- 100,000 |
12,823 |
1,213,764,933 |
263,781,090 |
|
Over 100,000 |
31,516 |
4,539,036,742 |
1,266,711,256 |
|
1,515,648 |
42,300,197,463 |
4,681,661,600 |
|
Public Sector Employees |
|||
|
Range of Gross Income |
Number of Cases |
Amount of Income |
Amount of Tax |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
0 – 10,000 |
49,747 |
234,502,948 |
89,522 |
|
10,001 – 20,000 |
64,116 |
960,219,828 |
2,742,617 |
|
20,001 – 30,000 |
69,766 |
1,749,122,498 |
59,425,420 |
|
30,001 – 40,000 |
69,954 |
2,456,795,705 |
193,330,953 |
|
40,001 – 50,000 |
55,586 |
2,478,337,073 |
318,793,585 |
|
50,001 – 60,000 |
34,562 |
1,887,419,592 |
302,479,138 |
|
60,001 – 70,000 |
22,555 |
1,458,393,698 |
256,634,470 |
|
70,001 – 80,000 |
15,635 |
1,168,118,077 |
218,447,610 |
|
80,001 – 90,000 |
10,379 |
878,466,618 |
171,747,083 |
|
90,001- 100,000 |
7,045 |
667,256,112 |
137,722,555 |
|
Over 100,000 |
15,278 |
1,933,176,366 |
479,356,598 |
|
414,623 |
15,871,808,515 |
2,140,769,551 |
|
Non-PAYE |
|||
|
Range of Gross Income |
Number of Cases |
Amount of Income |
Amount of Tax |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
0 – 10,000 |
26,589 |
152,741,596 |
1,838,156 |
|
10,001 – 20,000 |
51,268 |
780,917,761 |
16,828,248 |
|
20,001 – 30,000 |
58,225 |
1,454,561,059 |
54,736,846 |
|
30,001 – 40,000 |
56,906 |
1,986,143,546 |
117,561,704 |
|
40,001 – 50,000 |
46,205 |
2,071,570,215 |
174,966,322 |
|
50,001 – 60,000 |
37,452 |
2,053,983,050 |
222,385,707 |
|
60,001 – 70,000 |
31,874 |
2,070,237,461 |
262,988,627 |
|
70,001 – 80,000 |
24,705 |
1,847,196,906 |
266,430,992 |
|
80,001 – 90,000 |
19,165 |
1,625,101,172 |
263,330,323 |
|
90,001- 100,000 |
14,396 |
1,365,041,524 |
240,758,319 |
|
Over 100,000 |
70,800 |
16,304,147,045 |
4,012,210,167 |
|
437,585 |
31,711,641,335 |
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.
Departmental Properties.
Joanna Tuffy
Question:122 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Finance if the Office of Public Works has plans to renovate the building that currently houses a Garda station (details supplied) in County Cork; or if the OPW intends locating the Garda station in an alternative premises in the village; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44380/09]
Works to Drimoleague Garda Station have not been prioritised by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform or Garda Management. The Office of Public Works has no plans to relocate the existing Garda Station.
Flood Relief.
Joan Burton
Question:123 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance his plans to undertake work to address ongoing flooding from the River Boyne at Ship Street, Drogheda, County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44384/09]
During the Summer, the OPW invited Local Authorities to apply for funding in respect of minor flood mitigation works that would be carried out by the Authorities in 2009, subject to specific criteria. No application was received from Louth County Council. The OPW will shortly seek applications in relation to works to be undertaken in 2010. It will be open to Louth County Council to apply for funding under this programme.
Building Projects.
Richard Bruton
Question:124 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the number of approved building projects planned by the Office of Public Works that are waiting on funding; the value of those projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44391/09]
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.
Question No. 125 answered with Question No. 90.
Departmental Expenditure.
David Stanton
Question:126 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Finance the cost in 2008 of heating all buildings owned or rented from which his Department or bodies under the aegis of his Department operate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44424/09]
The heating costs for the buildings from which my Department operates amounted to €124,360 in 2008. The table below sets out the costs for heating the buildings occupied by the various bodies which come under the aegis of my Department. Some heating costs are included in the service charge paid to landlords and are not therefore identifiable as a separate cost. In addition, electricity contributes to the heating of certain buildings but it is not possible to estimate the portion of the total electricity costs which relate solely to heating.
|
Name of Body |
Heating Cost 2008 |
|
€ |
|
|
Office of Public Works |
*1,023,118 |
|
Office of the Revenue Commissioners |
900,868 |
|
Office of the Ombudsman |
10,000 |
|
State Laboratory |
260,542 |
|
Valuation Office |
15,274 |
|
Public Appointments Service |
** |
|
National Treasury Management Agency & Associated Bodies |
15,345 |
|
Special EU Programmes Body |
***6,632 |
*This figure includes, in addition to the office premises occupied by the Office of Public Works, heating costs for State owned properties such as Dublin Castle, Farmleigh House, Áras an Uachtarán (€276,349), other historic properties, (€400,137) and national monuments (€89,713).
**Public Appointments Service electricity bill covers both heating and lighting and they are unable to provide individual costs for each. This also applies to the heating for the Commission for Public Service Appointments, who share the same building.
***The table shows heating costs for Belfast and Omagh sites only. The cost of heating for the Monaghan site is included within an overall service charge and is considered to be minimal.
Tax Collection.
Róisín Shortall
Question:127 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance, further to Parliamentary Question No. 354 of 3 November 2009, the median and mean incomes and the income at each quartile in the bracket over €100,000 for each of the sector categories. [44442/09]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the most recently completed historical data available on incomes is in respect of the income tax year 2007. On this basis the information requested in relation to income earners earning over €100,000 by reference to income quartiles is set out in the tables below. To assemble the figures by income quartile, the total number of income earners with earnings over €100,000 on the income tax record for 2007 was broken down into 4 equal groups in each sector and distributed over 4 income ranges in ascending order of income. The figures for gross income and the mean and median incomes were then established for each quartile group as appropriate.
|
Private Sector Employees |
||||
|
Numbers |
Gross Income |
Mean |
Median |
|
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
||
|
Quartile 1 |
7,879 |
821,860,258 |
104,310 |
104,190 |
|
Quartile 2 |
7,878 |
908,567,350 |
115,330 |
115,032 |
|
Quartile 3 |
7,880 |
1,060,928,927 |
134,636 |
133,684 |
|
Quartile 4 |
7,879 |
1,747,680,210 |
221,815 |
183,218 |
|
31,516 |
4,539,036,745 |
144,023 |
122,804 |
|
Public Sector Employees |
||||
|
Numbers |
Gross Income |
Mean |
Median |
|
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
||
|
Quartile 1 |
3,819 |
396,277,508 |
103,765 |
103,691 |
|
Quartile 2 |
3,820 |
430,695,888 |
112,748 |
112,504 |
|
Quartile 3 |
3,820 |
482,481,473 |
126,304 |
126,134 |
|
Quartile 4 |
3,819 |
623,721,496 |
163,321 |
151,826 |
|
15,278 |
1,933,176,365 |
126,533 |
118,470 |
|
Non-PAYE |
||||
|
Numbers |
Gross Income |
Mean |
Median |
|
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
||
|
Quartile 1 |
17,700 |
1,914,428,519 |
108,160 |
107,864 |
|
Quartile 2 |
17,700 |
2,322,209,246 |
131,198 |
130,430 |
|
Quartile 3 |
17,701 |
3,166,440,671 |
178,885 |
175,355 |
|
Quartile 4 |
17,699 |
8,901,068,609 |
502,914 |
334,072 |
|
70,800 |
16,304,147,045 |
230,285 |
148,090 |
It should be noted that the figures for income shown in the table relate to gross income as defined in the Revenue Statistical Report, 2008. They do not include incomes such as income from patent royalties, profits from commercial forestry, income before pension contributions and income from earnings of writers, composers and artists. It should also be noted that gross income is different to taxable income, also defined in the Revenue Statistical Report 2008, which relates to income after personal reliefs and deductions (including deductions for capital allowances) but prior to the application of tax credits and reliefs at the standard rate.
A married couple that has elected or has been deemed to have elected for joint assessment is counted as one tax unit.
Tax Code.
Richard Bruton
Question:128 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if he has received correspondence from a business (details supplied) regarding the impact on the business of the proposed windfall tax; and if he has considered any modification in the tax proposed to deal with this problem. [44453/09]
Correspondence has been received from the business in question.
The windfall tax rate of 80%, which was introduced under the National Asset Management Agency Act, will apply to the portion of any profit or gain made on the disposal of land which is attributable to a rezoning, where both the rezoning and the disposal of land giving rise to the windfall occur after 30 October 2009. The rationale for taxing this part of the profit or gain at a higher rate is because it is attributable to an administrative decision — that is, to rezone the land — rather than to anything done by the landowner.
A rezoning for windfall tax purposes is defined as a change from a non-development land use to a development land use or a mixture of such uses, or a change of development land use. If no change of zoning is required, or if the land was rezoned before 30 October 2009, the windfall rate will not apply.
For the purpose of the windfall tax, "non-development land use" means agricultural, amenity, open space or recreational use, and "development land use" means residential, commercial or industrial use.
The 80% rate only applies to the portion of the profit or gain on the disposal of the land which is attributable to a rezoning. The balance of the gain is taxable at the normal capital gains tax rate, if the disposal is treated as a chargeable gain, or at the appropriate income tax or corporation tax rate, if the disposal is as part of a trade of dealing in or developing land.
It would not be appropriate for me to discuss the specific business. However, as the Deputy is aware, all taxes and potential taxation measures are constantly reviewed in the context of the Budget and Finance Bill.
Tax Collection.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:129 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance when a tax refund will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who has submitted all requested information to the Revenue Commissioners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44663/09]
I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they last wrote to the person concerned on 21 October 2009 and are awaiting a full reply to that letter.
Food Labelling.
Niall Collins
Question:130 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health and Children the level of enforcement measures taken, and the number of prosecutions taken, in 2009 to curb foreign origin meat products being labelled and sold in the domestic market as product with an Irish origin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44010/09]
Responsibility for the enforcement of labelling legislation rests with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) and its official agents, which include the Health Service Executive (HSE), the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the Local Authorities.
44,000 HSE inspections are planned for 2009. Inspection and food surveillance reports are submitted to the FSAI every six months. For the first six months of 2009, there were 4,092 inspections where compliance with country of origin of beef regulations was assessed and of these, 1,108 were found to be non-compliant. In these cases, Environmental Health Officers took follow-up action, such as return visits and letters of warning, to ensure compliance. No prosecutions took place during this period.
Local Authority Veterinary Inspectors carry out inspections in 451 small meat plants, slaughterhouses and coldstores. From January to September 2009 a total of 10,261 hygiene inspections have been carried out by the Local Authority Veterinary Inspectors. Labelling inspections are carried out as part of the hygiene inspections of food businesses. There have been 9 cases of non-compliance under hygiene regulations so far this year and no cases of non-compliance under country of origin legislation.
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Food conducts labelling checks as part of the routine official checks at meat plants where there is a permanent presence of DAFF Veterinary or technical staff. Checks are conducted on a random, risk based frequency and cover labelling, traceability/origin, identification of cattle, labelling of carcasses, meat, mince meat, meat products. The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Food does not compile separate statistics for labelling checks.
Medical Cards.
Paul Kehoe
Question:131 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied). [44316/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Martin Ferris
Question:132 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will be informed regarding their application for a medical card. [44627/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Hospital Services.
John McGuinness
Question:133 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if an operation will be arranged for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny at Waterford Regional Hospital where they are on a waiting list to enable them to return to full employment; if she will specify the timeframe for such operations; and the reason to date for the delay. [43917/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. As the Deputy may be aware, 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.
Bernard Allen
Question:134 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) cannot receive an out patient’s appointment with the Cork University Hospital in view of the fact that they have been waiting since March 2008. [43945/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Child Care Services.
Bernard Allen
Question:135 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will make a statement on the situation whereby funding which had been granted for three years to a play-school (details supplied) in County Cork is being sidelined for another purpose; and if she will review the situation in view of the quality of service which the play-school has provided for almost 25 years in the Cork community. [43949/09]
I have responsibility for the implementation of the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) scheme which is being introduced in January 2010 and also for the Community Childcare Subvention Scheme (CCSS) which was introduced in 2008.
Many community-based childcare services were, immediately prior to the introduction of the CCSS, supported under the staffing grant scheme implemented under the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme (EOCP). To assist services to adapt to the new funding arrangements provided for under the CCSS transitional funding measures were introduced under which participating services are guaranteed minimum funding levels based on their EOCP grant amount in 2007. As a result, services were guaranteed at least 95% of their 2007 funding level in 2008, at least 85% of the 2007 funding in 2009, and are guaranteed at least 75% of the 2007 funding in 2010. Under this arrangement community childcare services participating in the CCSS are being funded based on the level of service they provide and the profile of the parents benefiting from the service, plus in some cases a top up amount to ensure they receive the guaranteed funding provided for under the transitional measures.
In most cases, the level of funding paid to community services in the CCSS has increased and, in the absence of the ECCE scheme in 2010, not more than 25% of services would have been expected to qualify for the transitional rate. Community-based services may choose to participate in either or both schemes from January, however this will not increase the 75% funding guaranteed in 2010. Where a service participates in both schemes, the parent will choose the scheme that is most beneficial for their child. No child may be funded under both schemes as this would be double-funding.
The following is an example of how funding will be generally applied to a service which chooses to participate in both schemes. A service which received €80,000 funding in 2007 and which would have qualified in 2010 for subvention amounting to €50,000 (in the absence of ECCE funding), would receive €10,000 in transitional funding, bringing its total funding to €60,000. If the service qualifies for €19,600 in ECCE funding and their subventions are €10,000 lower (as a result of ECCE supported children choosing that scheme over the CCSS) it will receive €59,600 in total capitation and subvention in 2010 resulting in €400 of transitional funding to bring it to €60,000. This funding arrangement is being implemented to ensure that childcare services participating in both childcare programmes are not double-funded.
In relation to the childcare service referred to by the Deputy, I understand that the service has made an initial application to the ECCE scheme and is currently considering whether to go to contract. The service has been funded under the EOCP and currently under the CCSS programme and will be guaranteed in 2010 at least 75% of the funding provided to them in 2007. However, the total funding which childcare services participating in both the CCSS and the ECCE programmes will qualify for in 2010, and which will be based on the example above, cannot be determined until early next year when the parental returns in relation to both schemes are submitted.
Hospital Staff.
Brian O'Shea
Question:136 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children her proposals to ensure that additional staff are appointed to Waterford Regional Hospital to deal with the situation (details supplied) regarding the delays for children awaiting orthodontic treatment there; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43964/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Health Services.
Finian McGrath
Question:137 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support a matter (details supplied). [43974/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Hospital Services.
Pat Breen
Question:138 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of emergency cases from County Clare which have presented at the Mid Western Regional Hospital in Limerick between the hours of 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. as a result of the accident and emergency department being closed during these hours at Ennis General Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43984/09]
Pat Breen
Question:139 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of minor injury cases from County Clare which have presented at the Mid Western Regional Hospital in Limerick between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. as a result of the accident and emergency department being closed during these hours at Ennis General Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43985/09]
Pat Breen
Question:151 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of appointments cancelled at the Mid West Regional Hospital in Ennis, County Clare as a result of the one day stoppage on 24 November 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44109/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 138, 139 and 151 together.
As these are service matters, they have been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Care of the Elderly.
John Deasy
Question:140 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has engaged in discussions with officials in the Department of Finance regarding the recommendation from the Commission on Taxation to reduce the tax relief that persons receive on paying for the care of an incapacitated person in their home; if she will highlight the importance of this relief in ensuring that older people remain in their home and the savings to the Exchequer that results from this relief avoiding the additional cost of residential care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43997/09]
Implementation of the recommendations of the Commission on Taxation is being considered at present by the Department of Finance. The recommendation referred to by the Deputy will be considered by that Department, in consultation as appropriate with this or other relevant Departments, in the context of the Report overall.
Inter-Country Adoptions.
George Lee
Question:141 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for Health and Children the legal status of independent adoptions after the Adoption Bill 2009 is passed; if distinction will be made between couples who have clearance from the Health Service Executive for an independent adoption and those who do not; if there will be interim measures included in the Bill to allow those who have begun the process of an independent adoption to conclude it; if the Bill will require adoption processes from the point of declaration to receiving the child to be processed here by an agency which would be an accredited body; the way couples who wish to adopt ensure that they do not violate Part 1, section 4 of the Bill; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44011/09]
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 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.
With regard to the issue of 'independent' adoptions, I would draw the Deputy's attention to the provisions set out in Part 13 of the Adoption Bill which identify the restrictions on a person in seeking to make arrangements for adoptions. It also identifies the particular role of accredited authorities in this regard.
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 new law.
The issue of transitional measures for prospective parents who are at a definable stage in the adoption process when the Bill is enacted and who wish to continue to adopt a child from non Hague, non bilateral country, is being examined. Prospective adoptive parents have waited a long time and it is my intention to be as flexible as possible in relation to applicants.
Electric Vehicles.
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:142 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has entered into an arrangement for the purchase of electric vehicles in 2009 to 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44022/09]
My Department has no commercial arrangement in place to purchase zero emission vehicles for 2009/2010.
The Government has set a target of 10% of all vehicles to be powered by electricity by 2020. An Inter-Departmental/Inter-Agency Taskforce on electric vehicles is chaired by the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and comprises the Departments of Transport, Finance, Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Enterprise, Trade and Employment, SEI, ESB, the IDA and Enterprise Ireland. The Commission for Energy Regulation is also joining the Taskforce in light of its statutory responsibilities for the regulated networks.
The Task force will advise on the options and timeframes for putting in place the necessary infrastructure and other arrangements for the national roll-out of electric vehicles in a cost effective manner. Initial estimates for the roll out of infrastructure are between 6 and 18 months depending on the scale of initial deployment. Global developments will be factored in as the technologies mature. The Taskforce will very shortly report its initial findings and advise on next steps. The report will also advise on overall costs and financial implications.
Inter-Country Adoptions.
Mary Upton
Question:143 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children the way inter-country adoption with countries such as Mexico which operate on a system of independent and private adoptions will be affected by the Adoption Bill 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44036/09]
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 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.
With regard to the issue of "independent" adoptions, I would draw the Deputy's attention to the provisions set out in Part 13 of the Adoption Bill which identify the restrictions on a person in seeking to make arrangements for adoptions. It also identifies the particular role of accredited authorities in this regard.
Medical Cards.
John McGuinness
Question:144 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if a medical card will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if she will expedite the matter. [44050/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Vaccination Programme.
Maureen O'Sullivan
Question:145 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will comment on reported unusual adverse reactions in Canada to swine flu vaccinations; the withdrawal of doses produced by a company (details supplied); the reported deaths of two persons in Canada from the vaccination; and if she is satisfied with the use of a company in view of its involvement in the two scandals. [44051/09]
The adverse reactions in Canada occurred following vaccination with Arepanrix. Arepanrix is an H1N1 vaccine which is not used in Ireland and is currently only available in Canada, where a single batch of vaccine has been quarantined, due to a suspected but unconfirmed increase in reporting of cases of anaphylaxis.
Anaphylaxis is an acute, allergic type response which can involve multiple body systems (cardiovascular, respiratory, skin and mucosal) and may rapidly progress to a severe, life-threatening reaction. It may occur following exposure to allergens from a variety of sources including food, insect bites/stings, as well as medicines and vaccine. The risk of vaccine-induced anaphylaxis is thought to occur at a frequency of between one and ten cases per million doses of vaccine given.
The prescribing information for the H1N1 vaccines warn of this possible risk and the need to ensure that appropriate medical treatment and supervision should always be readily available in case of a rare anaphylactic event. The Irish Medicines Board continues to advise healthcare professionals to be prepared to treat allergic reactions, including rare cases of anaphylaxis appropriately, when administering any vaccine including both of the H1N1 vaccines in use in Ireland (Celvapan and Pandemrix). For both of these vaccines, the number of reports of anaphylaxis received throughout the EU remains in line with the broadly accepted frequency estimates of vaccine induced anaphylaxis.
Health Service Allowances.
Paul Kehoe
Question:146 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a back to school clothing and footwear allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) was refused; the further reason the appeal was refused; the way the Health Service Executive assessed the income figures; if this application will be reviewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44059/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Medical Cards.
Paul Kehoe
Question:147 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44060/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Venesection Services.
James Reilly
Question:148 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children her best estimate or that of the Health Service Executive of the percentage of the population who have hereditary haemochromatosis; the number of persons diagnosed with this condition; the number of persons who needed a liver transplant as a result of the condition; the number of persons who have had severe kidney and pancreas damage as a result of the condition; the estimated cost of the condition to the public health services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44102/09]
My Department published a Report of a Working Group, which I set up in 2006 to examine the nature and extent of haemochromatosis in Ireland and to advise me on the action necessary to address the problems caused by haemochromatosis.
That report noted that, in the absence of a national register, estimating the numbers of persons with known disease is difficult and we must rely on secondary sources. The report identified a number of prevalences for haemochromotosis in populations, ranging from 0.2% to 1% of the population. Based on a prevalence of 1 in 100, the report estimated that 40,000 individuals carry the gene mutation causing hereditary haemochromotosis. The report also estimated that 1,500 hospital admissions included a diagnosis of haemochromotosis in 2002.
Treatment for haemochromotosis and related complications are provided as part of hospital services as well as through the primary care system, and are not provided for out of an individual budget. As a result, the report did not estimate the cost of these treatments for the public health services and this data is not compiled by my Department. Similarly, data on liver transplants and kidney and pancreas damage as a result of the condition are not held by my Department.
The IBTS is considering the options for an expansion of its service for haemochromatosis patients, and is exploring this position with stakeholders at present. I have been in contact with the Health Service Executive to ensure that there is a consistent policy in relation to the provision of venesection services throughout the country.
Private Health Insurance.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:149 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Health and Children if there is a €128 levy charged on all private health insurance policies; the reason this levy is charged; if there are circumstances in which persons are exempted from paying the levy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44103/09]
The Irish private health insurance market operates on the principle of community rating, where all persons pay the same amount for the same health insurance contract, irrespective of age, health status, gender or other issues. In order for community rating to work a system of risk equalisation is required, where insurers with a younger cohort of customers compensate those with an older cohort of customers. Following the decision of the Supreme Court in 2008 that the Irish risk equalisation scheme was ultra vires, measures needed to be put in place to ensure that private health insurance remained affordable for older people. The interim scheme provided for in the Health Insurance (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 consists of an age-related tax relief which is funded by a levy placed on the private health insurance companies.
The scheme operates by giving tax relief to private health insurance companies applied in respect of each insured person over the age of 50 as below:
50-59: €200;
60-69: €500;
70-79: €950;
80+: €1,175.
The scheme will have the effect of ensuring premia prices are community rated at net cost to the consumer, and that each person will pay the same amount, net of tax reliefs, for the same policy. The additional tax relief under the scheme is being granted at source to the insurer. It is granted on the basis that the insurer must charge the same net premium to all persons covered by a plan.
In order for the scheme to remain cost-neutral to the Exchequer, the age-related tax credit is funded by placing a levy on private health insurance companies for each insured person. For 2009, this levy is set at €160 per person, and €53 per child insured. It is important to stress that the levy is applied to the private health insurer, not to the individual customer. It is a commercial matter for each individual company to decide whether or how much of the levy they pass this on to their customers. In those circumstances, and in a community rated market where all insured people pay the same price for the same contract, it would not be possible to allow for any exemption from the levy for individuals.
Hospital Services.
Joe Carey
Question:150 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay to see an ear, nose and throat specialist at Ennis General Hospital, County Clare, in respect of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44104/09]
The management of out-patient waiting lists is a matter for the HSE and the individual hospitals concerned. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to the Executive for direct reply.
Question No. 151 answered with Question No. 138.
Willie Penrose
Question:152 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath will be admitted to Cappagh Hospital, Dublin 11, for a procedure; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44119/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Hospital Waiting Lists.
Seán Barrett
Question:153 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide funding for the intensive care unit and for another theatre day at Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin, Dublin 12 where children are awaiting surgery on an indefinite waiting list, while their health deteriorates further; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44173/09]
The HSE has committed to replacing 13 of the hospital's existing ICU beds and to introducing 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 a further additional 5 ICU beds, subject to approval. A tender for design consultancy services relating to this project has recently been approved. The Minister understands that the project team has already met the design team to advance the project in as short a time frame as possible.
The HSE and the hospital are actively examining options to address the current cardiac waiting list service need in advance of the new ICU project being completed.
Pharmacy Services.
Michael Ring
Question:154 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 506 of 16 September 2009, the meetings held since in relation to the pharmacy dispute; the outcome of these meetings; the progress made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44183/09]
I met the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) on 8 October 2009. At this meeting a number of issues were raised by the IPU including the development of pharmacy services in the future, the role of the pharmacist, unlicensed medicines, competition law in respect of negotiations on fees and payments and the impact of the restructured payments to pharmacists under the.Health Professionals (Reduction of Payments to Community Pharmacy Contractors) Regulations 2009. All of these matters are the subject of ongoing engagement between my Department and the IPU.
Health Services.
Tom Sheahan
Question:155 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will issue national recognition to the BRÍ identity card for persons with acquired brain injuries; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44204/09]
The issue raised by the Deputy was the subject of a Parliamentary Question earlier this year. As indicated in my reply at that time, I have no funds at my disposal to provide for BRI's proposal.
I will ask the Health Service Executive to give further consideration to the matter in the context of current priorities and financial constraints and to provide a direct reply to the Deputy.
Health Service Executive Reports.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:156 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children when a reply will issue from the Health Service Executive to Parliamentary Question No. 202 of 7 July 2009, which was to issue shortly according to her reply to Parliamentary Question No. 189 of 21 October 2009. [44206/09]
As I indicated to the Deputy in my reply of 21 October 2009, it has proven difficult to obtain all of the information sought in the Deputy's original question. I have now made further enquiries in this matter and I understand that a reply will issue to the Deputy today outlining the progress made to date regarding the information sought.
Hospital Staff.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:157 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children when a reply will issue from the Health Service Executive to Parliamentary Question No. 383 of 16 September 2009, a reply to which was being finalised according to her reply to Parliamentary Question No. 191 of 21 October 2009. [44207/09]
The Health Service Executive has informed my Department that it has written to every hospital in the public health service seeking the details necessary to enable the issue of a full and accurate reply to the Deputy. The Executive has advised that it will have the material collated by Friday 4 December and the reply will issue to the Deputy during the following week.
Departmental Reports.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:158 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 357 of 16 September 2009, if the meeting referred to between officials of her Department and the Health Service Executive has taken place; the outcome of the discussions regarding the non-implementation of the recommendations of the 2004 Equality Authority Access to Health Services for Transsexual People; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44208/09]
A meeting has been scheduled to take place between officials from my Department and officials from the HSE on the 14th December. This matter will be on the agenda and I will advise the Deputy of the outcome.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:159 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children when a reply will issue from the Health Service Executive to Parliamentary Question No. 358 of 16 September 2009, a reply to which was to issue shortly according to her reply to Parliamentary Question No. 190 of 21 October 2009. [44209/09]
Due to pressure of other work it has not yet been possible to finalise this matter. I will be in touch with the Deputy as soon as possible.
Nursing Homes.
Brendan Kenneally
Question:160 Deputy Brendan Kenneally asked the Minister for Health and Children the supports available for the development of nursing homes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44312/09]
As the Deputy will be aware, my Department does not provide financial assistance for the development of private nursing homes. I understand the Deputy is referring to tax incentives for the development of a private nursing home. This is a matter for the Department of Finance.
Medical Aids and Appliances.
Dan Neville
Question:161 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children if a community group in County Limerick that is purchasing two defibrillators will qualify for grant assistance; the grant assistance it may apply for. [44318/09]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
General Medical Services Scheme.
Michael McGrath
Question:162 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if a product (details supplied) is provided under the general medical services scheme; if there is a limit to the amount of the product which can be dispensed under the scheme. [44323/09]
The product the Deputy refers to in his question is reimbursable under the GMS and community drugs schemes. It is a matter for the General Practitioner, in consultation with the patient, to determine the amount and the length of time each product is prescribed for. Good practice guidelines for GPs on the prescribing of the benzodiazepines class of drugs, which includes the product mentioned by the Deputy, have been circulated. GPs can monitor on-line their own prescription of benzodiazepines against prescription by their peers. In addition, the Irish College of General Practitioners has a training module on the prescribing of benzodiazepines in place.
Medical Cards.
Michael Ring
Question:163 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a medical card has not been renewed in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and the reason a response has not been forthcoming from the Health Service Executive. [44330/09]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Health Services.
Niall Collins
Question:164 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health and Children if an event (details supplied) will receive financial assistance as it seeks to promote health and well-being; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44350/09]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Hospital Waiting Lists.
Jimmy Devins
Question:165 Deputy Jimmy Devins asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Sligo will be called for an operation to St. James’s Hospital, Dublin 8. [44352/09]
The management of outpatient waiting lists is a matter for the HSE and the individual hospitals concerned. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to the Executive for direct reply.
Hospital Services.
Jimmy Devins
Question:166 Deputy Jimmy Devins asked the Minister for Health and Children if follow-up mammograms for patients who have had surgery for breast cancer have ceased in Sligo General Hospital; and if so, the reason for same in view of the fact that assurances were given that follow-up mammograms would continue in Sligo General Hospital, given that the machines and qualified staff are in situ in the hospital. [44353/09]
The matter raised by the Deputy relates to the provision of healthcare services and accordingly, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy.
Health Services.
Maureen O'Sullivan
Question:167 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the Health Information and Quality Authority mechanism was used inappropriately by staff at a unit (details supplied) to deal with industrial relations issues; the further reason those issues were not addressed through proper channels; if she is satisfied that following the closure there will be sufficient secure places; if she or her Department officials dealt with former residents of the unit to hear their positive accounts and experiences of their time there and their anger at the proposed closure; and if her attention has been drawn to the fact that since 2005 reports on care practices at the unit have been positive. [44360/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Brendan Howlin
Question:168 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Health and Children if funds are available to enable persons in straitened circumstances to access private drug treatment or counselling; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44378/09]
As the Deputy's question relates to a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Pension Provisions.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:169 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Dublin is not entitled to compensation resulting from the prohibition on them to pay any superannuation during their employment period from September 1954 to January 1960 and January 1971 to September 1991; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44392/09]
I understand this lady worked in a full time post with St Vincent's Hospital from September 1954 to January 1960 and on a part time basis from then until August 1991. The Voluntary Hospital Superannuation Scheme was introduced in 1969 for permanent Wholetime Employees only. Access to the scheme was extended to all part-time employees who were in a public sector post on or after 20 Decemer 2001 (Department of Health and Children Circular 23/2005 refers). Provisions were included for the reckoning of prior part-time service.
The Voluntary Hospital Superannuation Scheme provides a non-pensionable gratuity to full time and part time employees who have reached normal retirement age but who were not eligible to become members of the employee superannaution scheme. My Department has been informed that this employee resigned her post in 1991 at age 55. As she had not reached normal retirement age, under the scheme rules, no gratuity is payable.
Hospital Services.
George Lee
Question:170 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for Health and Children if a child (details supplied) whose MRI scan was cancelled will be provided with a date for a new appointment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44401/09]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Children in Care.
Denis Naughten
Question:171 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of separated migrant children who have disappeared from Health Service Executive accommodation in the month of September 2009; the number of children who have been recovered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44405/09]
Denis Naughten
Question:172 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of separated migrant children who have disappeared from Health Service Executive accommodation in the month of November 2009; the number of children who have been recovered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44406/09]
Denis Naughten
Question:173 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of separated migrant children who have disappeared from foster care in each of the years since 1999 and to date in 2009; the corresponding number of children who have been recovered; if these figures have been included in the previous figures released on missing children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44407/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 171 to 173, inclusive, together.
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Medical Cards.
Richard Bruton
Question:174 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has received a report from the Health Service Executive on turnaround times on fresh applications for the medical card, renewal of medical card cover where there has been a change of circumstances, and on-line renewal of medical cards where there has been no change in circumstances in respect of the new centralised processing facility for the Dublin area; and if she will issue a directive that, where any application for renewal is waiting over eight weeks, an extension of cover of three months would be automatically granted to prevent gaps in cover and anxiety about being without cover. [44410/09]
Up to the start of this year, medical card and GP visit card applications were processed in the Health Service Executive's (HSE's) 32 local health areas.
Under the HSE's 2009 Service Plan, the processing of all medical card and GP visit card applications will transfer to the HSE's Primary Care Reimbursement Service (PCRS) in Dublin. The initial phase of the centralisation process commenced in January 2009 with the PCRS processing all medical card applications for persons aged 70 or over. The second phase commenced in September 2009 with the transfer of the case load from two local health offices in Dublin City to the PCRS. The phased implementation will allow the situation to be continuously monitored and, if required, modified to address any issues arising. The PCRS has processed over 55,000 medical card applications since the start of 2009.
The HSE has informed my Department that the transfer of the case load from the two local health offices included a backlog of some 6,500 open cases which are being dealt with as a matter of urgency by the PCRS, and as a result, resources which would have been deployed in customer relations and phone answering have been assigned to deal with this backlog. The HSE is arranging that additional resources are deployed to respond to phone queries, the majority of which relate to the outstanding applications.
The Executive has advised my Department that there are no plans to close any of the local health offices and these offices will continue to deal with queries of a general nature about the medical card scheme and will provide any assistance needed with the application process. The HSE has recently put in place a national on-line system to allow local health offices track the current status of applications in the PCRS.
The centralising of the medical card application process is facilitating a number of enhancements to the level of customer service associated with these applications. The HSE has indicated that a facility will shortly be available where a person can view the status of their medical card application on-line and if a mobile phone number is supplied with an application, updates by text message will be delivered to the applicant's phone.
I fully support the HSE's decision to centralise the medical card and GP visit card application and review process to one location. The HSE has advised that when fully implemented, this measure will ensure:
Improved turnaround time for the processing of applications (Under the new arrangements, the Executive will be aiming for a turnaround time of 15 days or less for all medical card applications. Emergency applications will be dealt with immediately with a card issuing within 24 hours);
Equitable application of eligibility across the country;
Consistency of service provision to customers;
Clearer lines of governance and accountability; and
Improved unified data.
My Department is currently in discussion with the HSE about putting in place a dedicated telephone number for Oireachtas members for enquiries about applications being processed by the PCRS.
The HSE has also indicated that this project, while realising health sector efficiencies and savings, will not have an adverse affect on patient care or the quality of service provided. Applications from people whose income exceeds the income guidelines but have a case to be considered on medical or hardship grounds will also be processed by the PCRS.
This project is an example of the type of innovation signalled in the Transforming Public Services Programme announced by the Taoiseach in November 2008. It demonstrates how improved services can be delivered within the more limited resources available in a way which meets the needs of citizens in a modern society.
Departmental Expenditure.
David Stanton
Question:175 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the cost in 2008 of heating all buildings owned or rented from which her Department or bodies under the aegis of her Department operate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44426/09]
The cost of heating accommodation occupied by my Department (which includes Hawkins House, and parts of Shelbourne House, Joyce House and Irish Life Mall) was €95,000 for 2008. The cost of heating for agencies under the aegis of my Department is not routinely reported to my Department by the agencies concerned.
Hospital Waiting Lists.
John McGuinness
Question:176 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny has been informed that he must wait two years for a video EEG having waited two years for an appointment; if she will have the matter investigated and expedite the operation required; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44450/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Hospital Services.
John McGuinness
Question:177 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if a surgery will be provided for a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; if she will expedite a response. [44451/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Nursing Homes Repayment Scheme.
Michael Moynihan
Question:178 Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a decision will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Cork on an application submitted following the launch of the Health (Repayment Scheme) Act 2006. [44452/09]
The Health Repayment Scheme Appeals Office is an independent office established to provide an appeals service to those who wish to appeal the decision of the Scheme Administrator under the Health (Repayment Scheme) Act 2006. The claimant lodged an Appeal Form with the Health Repayment Scheme Appeals Office on 4 June 2009 and the appeal continues to be investigated by the Appeals Officer. As part of his investigation the Appeals Officer is awaiting a response from the Scheme Administrator concerning a review of records. When the Appeals Officer has made a determination on this appeal he will write to the claimant and will provide the claimant with the reasons for the decision.
Health Services.
Jack Wall
Question:179 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Carlow will receive orthodontic treatment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44454/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Medical Aids and Appliances.
Kathleen Lynch
Question:180 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Cork, who applied for a hearing aid in May 2009, will be tested and have the aid fitted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44622/09]
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 to the Deputy.
Health Service Allowances.
Martin Ferris
Question:181 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health and Children if a decision has been made on an appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) regarding domiciliary care allowance. [44630/09]
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 to the Deputy.
Medical Cards.
Martin Ferris
Question:182 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health and Children if a decision has been made regarding an application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied). [44631/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Hospital Services.
Willie Penrose
Question:183 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps she will take to have a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath admitted to Tullamore orthopaedic unit, County Offaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44637/09]
As this is a service issue, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:184 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will receive psychological assessment and an EEG at Tallaght Hospital, Dublin 24; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44664/09]
As these are service issues, they have been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Departmental Staff.
George Lee
Question:185 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for Transport the average wage and number of staff employed by his Department each year from 1997 to 2008 broken down by job title and grade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43940/09]
Pay scales are laid down in Department of Finance Circulars.
My Department makes monthly returns to the Department of Finance of the number of officers serving in each grade.
I will arrange to have copies of the Department of Finance Pay scales and the end of year return for each of the years specified, sent on to the Deputy.
Disabled Drivers.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:186 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has ordered the national mobility centre to issue disabled person’s parking permits only to persons with lower leg disabilities; if so, the reason for this decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43942/09]
I have not issued any such order. Under the Road Traffic Acts and the Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations, 1997, the granting of a disabled person's parking permit is a matter for the issuing authorities, the Irish Wheelchair Association and the Disabled Drivers Association. For the purposes of the Disabled Parking Scheme, the Regulations define a disabled person as a "person who is suffering from a disability that prevents that person from walking or causes undue hardship to the person in walking".
Appointments to State Boards.
Phil Hogan
Question:187 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Transport when he will appoint a chairman to Dublin Port Company; his views on whether it is inconsistent for the State to be insisting on certain appointments to the boards of financial institutions in the interests of proper corporate governance, when a company in his remit has been without a chairman for nearly 12 months; the reason for the delay in filling the role; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43953/09]
As provided for under Section 30 of the Harbours Act 1996, I have sought nominations for the current vacancy on the board of Dublin Port from a number of stakeholders.
The Chambers of Commerce of Ireland, IBEC, ICTU and a number of representative bodies from the shipping sector were included in the consultation and I received a number of nominations.
The Ports Policy Statement gives a number of indications with regard to port company board appointments.
It points out that an appropriate balance of skills, competencies and experience is required at board level. It is also important that board members cultivate a commercial ethos and display a genuine dedication to the welfare of the port and all its stakeholders.
I will consider these points and the nominations received when making my decision. In the meantime the board has selected an acting chairperson, as provided for in its Articles of Association.
Public Transport.
Leo Varadkar
Question:188 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Transport if the Public Transport Regulation Bill 2009 will permit his Department to reconsider his decision to refuse an extension of the 37 bus terminus to the Blanchardstown Centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43992/09]
The Public Transport Regulation Act 2009 incorporates provision for a new licensing system that will be implemented by the National Transport Authority and will be applied in respect of all commercial public bus passenger services. A feature of that system is that its implementation is dependent on the production by the Authority of guidelines under section 23 of the Act. Drafts of guidelines will be subject to a broadly based consultation process, which will include a requirement that the Authority must seek and consider the views of the Competition Authority, in relation to competition issues, and the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport. Pending the completion of that process and the publication of the resultant guidelines, the current arrangements under the Road Transport Act 1932 and the Transport Act 1958 in relation to the licensing and authorisation of public bus services will continue to apply.
Accordingly, the determination of submissions from Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann in respect of the introduction of new services or the alteration of existing services will continue to be considered with reference to section 25 of the Transport Act 1958.
The position in relation to the proposal by Dublin Bus to alter the terminal point of its 37 Service is that the Company notified my Department in May 2008 and again in July 2008 of its intention to alter the terminus of route 37 from Diswellstown Road in Carpenterstown. These notifications were not refused, but on each occasion my Department deemed that the proposed amendment to the route would result in competition with an existing licensed passenger service.
Accordingly, Dublin Bus was advised that an application in accordance with Section 25 of the Transport Act, 1958 was required. No such application has been received from the Company.
A further notification received from the Company in relation to route 37, is currently under consideration by my Department.
Electric Vehicles.
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:189 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Transport if he has entered into an arrangement for the purchase of electric vehicles in 2009 to 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44026/09]
As the Deputy is aware I fully support the Government's commitment to switch to electric vehicle technology with the aim of achieving market penetration of 10% by 2020.
Alternative technologies for transport form an important element of Smarter Travel, which I launched earlier this year and my colleague, the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources is providing leadership in this area.
Although my Department has a very small fleet of vehicles under its control, funding was provided to Dublin Bus in 2008 to trial Ireland's first hybrid electric double-deck bus. It is possible that further support for electric vehicle technology may emerge in the context of the Sustainable Demonstration Projects Fund, which I established this year. Some 122 projects were submitted for consideration under this Fund and I hope that a shortlist of potentially successful schemes can be announced in the near future.
Road Network.
Phil Hogan
Question:190 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Transport when approval will be given to the construction of a road bypass at Thomastown, County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44132/09]
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads, in its area, is a statutory function of each road authority in accordance with the provisions of section 13 of the Roads Act, 1993. Works on such roads are a matter for the relevant local authority to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of projects to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.
Regional and local road grant allocations for 2009 were announced in April this year. In the case of Kilkenny County Council, the total grant allocation from my Department in 2009 is €11,373,699. From this allocation Kilkenny County Council is being provided with €900,000 for the R700 Thomastown Relief Road. Progress with the scheme is a matter for Kilkenny County Council.
Public Transport.
Olwyn Enright
Question:191 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Transport if he has received an application for an extension to a route from a private bus company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44137/09]
My Department has no record of the receipt of an application in respect of an extension to the route referred to in the question.
Haulage Industry.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:192 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport his views on a recent submission from an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44175/09]
I thank the Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) for their submission and welcome its positive contribution to the debate on how a reduction in carbon emissions in the haulage sector might be achieved.
I have referred this matter, including the IRHA proposal on how the tax might be collected, to my colleague the Minister for Finance for his consideration.
Sustainable Transport.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:193 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he has received a submission from Dundalk Town Council regarding the national competition for smarter travel areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44182/09]
I set up a competition for Smarter Travel Areas to help deliver integrated sustainable transport systems in towns and rural areas across Ireland. Smarter Travel Areas will represent a radical and innovative approach to managing mobility in Ireland, ensuring people can access the services they need to while ensuring environmental, economic sustainability and delivering healthy, active lifestyles. My intention is that there will be funding support of up to €50 million over 5 years for this.
The closing date for Stage 1 of the competition was 30 October. In all, my Department received 39 applications, one of which was from Dundalk. I expect to announce the short-listed applications in the near future.
Departmental Expenditure.
David Stanton
Question:194 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Transport the cost in 2008 of heating all buildings, owned or rented, from which his Department or bodies under the aegis of his Department operate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44430/09]
The Department of Transport's expenditure on heating oil and gas in 2008 was €88,718.48. The cost of electricity to the Department in 2008 was €419,781.07, which would also be used to a small extent for heating purposes in some offices and buildings.
Insofar as the agencies under the aegis of the Department are concerned, the arrangements for managing their properties are matters to be dealt with directly by the agencies concerned.
International Agreements.
Dan Neville
Question:195 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will publish the capacity legislation; and when the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities will be published. [43957/09]
Dan Neville
Question:196 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he will ratify the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its optional protocol in order to display his commitment to quality and human rights for all persons here. [43958/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 195 and 196 together.
It is the Government's intention to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities as quickly as possible, taking into account the need to ensure that all necessary requirements under the Convention are being met.
The Government Legislation Programme, published on 16 September, indicates that the Mental Capacity Bill, that is in the course of being drafted by Parliamentary Counsel, is expected to be published in early 2010. Work on what is involved by way of implementation of the various other provisions in the Convention, which are extensive, continues in the relevant Departments.
Departmental Bodies.
David Stanton
Question:197 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the membership of the senior group on disability which is chaired by his Department; the number of times the group has met; the decisions taken; the work produced by this group since it was established; the responsibilities of his Department in chairing the group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44065/09]
David Stanton
Question:198 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the membership of the national disability stakeholder monitoring group which is chaired by his Department; the number of times the group has met; the decisions taken; the work produced by this group since it was established; the responsibilities of his Department in chairing the group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44066/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 197 and 198 together.
The membership of the Senior Officials Group on Disability comprises the Departments of the Taoiseach; Enterprise, Trade and Employment; Finance; Health and Children; Transport; Justice, Equality and Law Reform; Social and Family Affairs; Environment, Heritage and Local Government; Communications, Energy and Natural Resources; and Education and Science. This group has met 14 times and the most recent meeting was held on 29 September 2009.
The membership of the National Disability Strategy Stakeholder Monitoring Group comprises the Senior Officials Group on Disability, a number of stakeholder groups (Disability Federation of Ireland, People with Disabilities in Ireland, Irish Mental Health Coalition, The Not for Profit Business Association and National Federation of Voluntary Bodies Providing Services to People with Intellectual Disability), the National Disability Authority, ICTU and IBEC. This group has met 6 times and the most recent meeting was held on 5 October 2009.
The Department of the Taoiseach has responsibility for chairing the meetings of the two groups and the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform provides the secretariat.
Both groups are responsible for monitoring the implementation of the National Disability Strategy. Reports, based on updates from the relevant Government Departments, are prepared by the Senior Officials Group twice a year and these are presented at the National Disability Strategy Stakeholder Monitoring Group meetings. Both groups adopted the Towards 2016 Strategic Document outlining the vision, mission and strategic objectives of the National Disability Strategy which was published, in accordance with the commitment in Towards 2016,on 27 May 2009.
Legislative Programme.
Phil Hogan
Question:199 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason the Multi-Unit Developments Bill has not progressed in the Oireachtas since May 2009; if he is planning amendments to the Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44153/09]
The Multi-Unit Developments Bill 2009 is currently awaiting Committee Stage in the Seanad. The position is that amendments are currently being drafted to respond to issues raised during Second Stage discussions and in submissions subsequently received by my Department from relevant stakeholders.
Departmental Expenditure.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:200 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the further transfer of a €3.5 million budget from his Department to the Health Service Executive for funding of the accommodation element of separated children seeking asylum; the basis on which that figure was drawn; if it was decided by his Department or the HSE; the role of actuaries or accountants in selecting that figure; and the breakdown of projected costings. [44195/09]
The transfer of the sum referred to in the question is essentially an issue of accounting rather than funding. It concerns the Health Services Executive (HSE) and the Reception and Integration Agency (RIA), a functional unit of my Department's Immigration Division responsible for the accommodation of asylum seekers through the policy of direct provision. Underlying the explanation below is the fact that responsibility for the provision of accommodation for separated children seeking asylum (SCSAs) falls to the Health Services Executive (HSE) under section 8(5)(a) of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended).
In the period between 2002 and 2008 inclusive, an accounting arrangement had existed whereby RIA refunded the HSE, from the Vote of the Office of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, the cost of accommodating SCSAs. Such children were accommodated in centres run by the HSE and reimbursement of these costs was made by RIA on foot of vouched documents submitted on a regular basis over the course of the year by the HSE.
It should be explained that these financial arrangements had been problematical because RIA (whose finances are covered in Subhead D4 of the Vote of the Office of the Minister for Justice and Equality) had financial but not operational responsibility for the accommodation of SCSAs. It was, from an accounting perspective, an undesirable practice for an organisation that contracts and uses resources to be different from the one that pays for them. RIA had no operational control over the centres engaged by the HSE for the accommodation of SCSAs and had no involvement in the negotiation of the relevant contracts.
The process was therefore changed by agreement between RIA, the Department of Health and the Department of Finance when the sum of €3.5 million was transferred from the Justice Vote to the relevant Vote covering the HSE, effective in 2009. The sum was calculated simply by reference to what had been reimbursed by RIA to the HSE over the preceding couple of years: for example, the amounts recouped by RIA totalled €3.17 million in 2007 and €3.47 million in 2008. After 2009, the estimates process — through which monies are allocated to Votes — will take place in the normal way having regard to the fact that refunds of the cost of accommodating SCSAs will no longer take place between the Justice and HSE Votes.
Departmental Staff.
George Lee
Question:201 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the average wage and number of staff employed by his Department each year from 1997 to 2008, inclusive, broken down by job title and grade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43937/09]
My Department does not retain, in a readily-accessible format, the information requested by the Deputy. The Department has, for instance, a significant number of staff who have irregular work patterns which would make the calculation of averages difficult and potentially misleading. Furthermore, as well as the usual mix of administrative grades found across the Civil Service, my Department has a range of professional and technical grades. In addition, the structure of my Department has changed and evolved over the years, reflecting an expansion in the Department's responsibilities within the Justice Sector. With regard to pay rates, increases over the period 1997 to 2008 were in accordance with the terms of successive partnership agreements.
Residency Permits.
Damien English
Question:202 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when an application for a stamp four by a person (details supplied) in County Meath will be processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43973/09]
An application for long term residency was received in my Department from the person in question on 28 November 2007.
Officials in that section inform me that processing of this application has commenced and a decision is expected in the coming months.
Electric Vehicles.
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:203 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has entered into an arrangement for the purchase of electric vehicles in 2009 to 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44023/09]
I can inform the Deputy that my Department has not entered into any arrangement for the purchase of electric vehicles in 2009 or 2010.
Proposed Legislation.
Mary Upton
Question:204 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress to date on publishing legislation to regulate the gaming sector; when this legislation will be brought before the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44033/09]
Mary Upton
Question:205 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the forthcoming legislation in the area of gaming will address the issues of problem gambling and the services which are provided to problem users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44034/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 204 and 205 together.
The wide-ranging review of gambling currently underway in my Department has the objective of providing Government with options for a new and comprehensive legal and organisational framework governing the gambling architecture in the State.
The initial consultation phase of the review process is now almost completed and since 1 May last the gambling material on my Department's website was viewed over 3,800 times; over 170 people / organisations have responded to the invitation to register on the website in order to obtain e-mail updates on the review process; over 60 submissions have been received from interested organisations and individuals (with a number of interested parties seeking a time extension in order to contribute to the review) and in the region of 50 meetings have been held with interested parties.
My Department will, with the benefit of the consultation process and an examination of the submissions received, develop legislative proposals based on three important considerations which are the hallmark of most well-regulated gambling codes. These are:
that young people and the vulnerable are protected;
that gambling should in all respects be fairly and openly conducted, and
that gambling is kept free of crime
The proposed new gambling code will recognise the fact that people gamble and enjoy gambling and at the same time acknowledge that there are inherent dangers involved that need to be addressed, not least in terms of problem gambling. I wish to assure the Deputy that the protection of young people and the vulnerable is foremost in my mind. For the first time, therefore, our legislation governing gambling, including gambling by remote means such as the internet, will include measures aimed at mitigating the effects of problem gambling. All organisations licensed by the new legislation to sell or otherwise provide gambling products to the population generally will be obliged to adopt mandatory codes of practice and procedures addressing this issue. I am certain of one thing, it is only through strict regulation that the downsides of gambling will be addressed.
The Deputy will appreciate that developing a revised gambling code that is capable of generating broad public support is a complex task. Notwithstanding that, I have instructed the Casino Gaming Control Section to make every effort to provide me with policy options for a new gambling architecture with all possible expedition. The policy options will lead to the publication of a draft Bill on the subject. Ultimately, of course, it will be for Government to agree the policy approach to be legislated for in this area.
Proceeds of Crime.
Mary Upton
Question:206 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the potential of the method used by criminals to launder money (details supplied); if the Criminal Assets Bureau has investigated this area; the plans both he and the Garda have to ensure no illegal use of this method is taking place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44035/09]
Currently the Criminal Justice Act, 1994, as amended, is the primary legislation in dealing with money laundering the proceeds of criminal activity.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that the Criminal Assets Bureau in cooperation with the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation Money Laundering Investigation Unit and the appointed Gardaí for money laundering reporting in the Garda Divisions, proactively investigate all forms of potential money laundering in pursuit of their statutory remit.
Furthermore my Department is currently undertaking a review of gambling. While betting is currently the legislative responsibility of my colleague the Minister for Finance, the review is examining this sector as well.
In that context the possibilities and opportunities as well as threats posed by remote gambling (i.e gambling through the internet, mobile phone and interactive tv) will be examined.
Citizenship Applications.
Jack Wall
Question:207 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for naturalisation in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44122/09]
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 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 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.
Guardianship Register.
Alan Shatter
Question:208 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Law Reform Commission in its consultation paper Legal Aspects of Family Relationships has provisionally recommended the establishment of a guardianship register; his views on whether the establishment of such a register is in the public interest and in the context of the recommendation made to not seek an order for costs against the plaintiff in a High Court case (details supplied). [44196/09]
I am aware of the provisional recommendation made by the Law Reform Commission in its September 2009 Consultation Paper on the Legal Aspects of Family Relationships. The Commission has invited submissions on its provisional recommendations as part of the consultation process and I look forward to examining its final report in due course.
It would not be appropriate for me to comment on the State's position in relation to costs arising out of particular proceedings.
Prison Staff.
John McGuinness
Question:209 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he or the Prison Service have plans to recruit staff for the prisons; the way jobs might be advertised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44210/09]
There are currently no plans to initiate a recruitment campaign for prison officers. In accordance with Government Decision S180/20/10/0964C of 3 February and 24 March 2009 on the implementation of savings measures on public service numbers, more generally referred to as the moratorium on public sector recruitment, filling of vacancies in the Irish Prison Service is subject to the approval of the Minister for Finance.
Previous recruitment campaigns took place in March 2007 and October 2008; if and when vacancies are to be filled, the Public Appointments Service will notify candidates who are currently on Recruit Prison Officer selection panels.
Firearms Licences.
Michael McGrath
Question:210 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the increase in the cost of a shotgun licence. [44331/09]
Following consideration of the matter within my Department, including discussions at the Firearms Consultative Panel, it was agreed that the fee for a firearms certificate should be the same irrespective of the type of firearm, to reflect the cost of processing the application and to simplify the system.
The new firearms certificate will last for three years and the fee was calculated with a view to maintaining existing revenue flows and with this in mind, after consultation with the Minister for Finance, it was set at €80. I should point out that, as part of the transition phase of the introduction of the three year licence, existing licence holders received extensions to their old licences on an uncharged for basis for an average period of six months.
The new system is more modern, more thorough and more efficient and, as the Deputy may be aware, the fee had not been increased since 1992.
Garda Stations.
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:211 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the provision of a new Garda station at Castleisland, County Kerry. [44351/09]
I am advised by the Office of Public Works that tenders for the provision of a new Garda station at Castleisland are currently being sought. Upon completion of this process a contract will be put in place and works will commence thereafter.
Citizenship Applications.
Billy Timmins
Question:212 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the case of a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44370/09]
An 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 March 2009.
On examination of the application submitted it was determined that the application in its entirety be returned to the person concerned for further attention on 10 March, 2009. In order to be fair to all applicants, only valid applications can be considered.
It is open to the person in question to re-submit the application to the Citizenship Division of my Department at any time.
Courts Procedure.
Niall Collins
Question:213 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the process in law available to a legally separated person to seek full recovery of maintenance payments and arrears due by virtue of a court order; if this process is subject to review or proposed change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44373/09]
I am not in a position to provide legal advice in response to Parliamentary Questions. However, I can say in general that a person who is the subject of a separation agreement or a judicial separation may have options under the Family Law (Maintenance of Spouses and Children) Act 1976 and the Enforcement of Court Orders Act 1940 for enforcement of maintenance.
Following a judgment of the High Court earlier this year, the Enforcement of Court Orders (Amendment Act) 2009 amended the law contained in the Enforcement of Court Orders Act 1940 as it applies to money orders, including orders to pay maintenance. Operation of the new legislation is being monitored by my Department.
Proposed Legislation.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:214 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the extent of begging here; his views on the legality following the 2007 High Court decision (details supplied); if he has proposals for new laws; and the proposed timetable for legislation. [44385/09]
In the case of Niall Dillon -v- The Director of Public Prosecutions, the High Court found that the statutory provision under which prosecutions for begging were brought, namely Section 3 of the Vagrancy (Ireland) Act 1847, was unconstitutional. Arising from that judgement, new legislation is being prepared. I hope to be in a position to bring the Bill to Government shortly, for its approval to publish.
As regards the extent of begging, the Garda Síochána Act 2005 makes provision for the compilation and publication of crime statistics by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose. I have requested the CSO to provide relevant statistics directly to the Deputy.
Criminal Prosecutions.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:215 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of prosecutions and convictions for begging from 2000 to date in 2009. [44386/09]
The Garda Síochána Act 2005 makes provision for the compilation and publication of crime statistics by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose.
I have requested the CSO to provide relevant statistics directly to the Deputy.
Garda Strength.
John Deasy
Question:216 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of retirements from the Garda Síochána notified since the beginning of 2009; the number of new Garda recruits commencing training since the beginning of 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44395/09]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the number of Gardaí who have retired or have indicated their intention to retire from the Force, both voluntarily and on age grounds, in 2009 is 759.
200 trainees have been recruited to the Garda Training College since the start of 2009 and the moratorium on recruitment in the public service currently applies to An Garda Síochána.
I intend to review the position during the course of 2010 in consultation with the Garda Commissioner and my colleague the Minister for Finance.
John Deasy
Question:217 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of the Garda Síochána stationed in the Dungarvan district at the beginning of 2009; the number currently stationed in the Dungarvan district; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44396/09]
John Deasy
Question:218 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of the Garda Síochána stationed in the Tramore district at the beginning of 2009; the number currently stationed in the Tramore district; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44397/09]
John Deasy
Question:219 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of the Garda Síochána stationed in the Waterford city district at the beginning of 2009; the number currently stationed in the Waterford city district; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44398/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 217 to 219, inclusive, together.
I am informed by the Garda Authorities that the strengths of the Districts, as requested by the Deputy, is as set out below.
|
District |
31/12/2008 |
31/10/2009 |
|
Dungarvan |
59 |
66 |
|
Tramore |
50 |
53 |
|
Waterford |
183 |
191 |
Employment Support Services.
Richard Bruton
Question:220 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if programmes have been developed to assist persons who have previously been in prison to access employment opportunities; the number of participants; and the success rate in progressing to placement in employment. [44412/09]
I can advise the Deputy that there are three programmes which have been developed to assist persons to access employment who have previously been in prison. These programmes are run in partnership between Business in the Community Ireland (BITC) and the Probation Service or the Irish Prison Service. They are:
The Linkage Programme;
The Prison Project and
The Mentoring Service.
The Linkage Programme
The Linkage Programme prepares, plans, and implements training and/or employment placement for ex-offenders referred to the programme by the Probation Service.
Since its inception in February 2000 and up to October 2009, the Probation Service made a total of 9,204 client referrals to the Linkage Programme. Of that number, 5,755 or 74% engaged with the programme. Of those who engaged, 3,988 or 69% were placed in employment settings. Furthermore, Linkage Training & Employment Officers (TEOs) made a total of 6,429 or 112% placements, meaning that some clients, because of progression routes etc, were placed twice. It should be noted that, as well as community based referrals, these figures include referrals made through Linkage's inreach service to prisons in Ireland. In the current year, the Linkage Programme has been approved for and received €1.47m in funding from my Department.
The Prison project
The Prison Project is an employment gateway project which grew out of the success of the Linkage Service. It has been in operation since 2007 and is funded by the Irish Prison Service. The Prison Linkage Service employs three TEOs operating in Mountjoy (The Dochas Centre; St. Patrick Institution; The Training Unit; ), the Midlands Prison and Portlaoise Prison. The service is based on ‘guidance' and ‘placement' in, or towards, employment but has the added dimension of ‘resettlement' as prisoners are released to the community.
A key component of the Prison Linkage Service is that TEOs continue the service into the community, thereby offering throughcare in guidance and placement services to clients who become ex-prisoners. As such, the Prison Project is a natural complement to the Integrated Sentence Management (ISM) initiative currently being implemented by the Irish Prison Service. It is planned to develop the Prison Project in line with needs and as the resources become available.
To date, the Prisons project has received a total of 850 referrals from the various prison sources. Of those who engaged (670 or 79%), 150 (22%) were placed in training, education or employment while in custody, with a further 222 (33%) placed following release — a total of 55% placement rate, with the remaining numbers continuing to successfully engage with the Training & Employment Officers.
The Mentoring Service
The Mentoring Service is the newest of BITC's programmes. It is co-funded under Dormant Accounts Funding and by the Irish Prison Service and is a partnership between BITC and the Irish Prison Service that is still in its pilot phase. It has been operational for just over 6 months. The objective is to provide intensive support to prisoners on release from prison to enable them to access services that promote stability and desistance. Supported access to employment related services, e.g. training and education, is part of this process and in this sense the programme has an ‘employability' remit. Currently the Mentoring Service operates in Castlerea and Cork Prisons with plans to extend it. The intensive nature of the service means caseloads are smaller than they are for other services but this is in line with the needs of many criminal justice clients.
Other Initiatives
In addition to the above BITC has also designed and delivered, in conjunction with the Probation Service, employment related training programmes for ex-offenders, developed a protocol with FAS to facilitate referral from the Probation Service and IPS and assisted in developing a fund to support ex-offenders into training and/or education, considered as incremental steps towards employment.
The Education Fund is an initiative driven by BITC for its sister organisation the Community Foundation for Ireland and the St. Stephen's Green Trust. The object is to provide small amounts of funding to ex-offenders who have been turned down by other sources. The primary objective is to support ex-offenders into some form of training and education that can ultimately lead to employment. The fund is new and set for its initial trial period at €15,000.
In addition to the Education Fund, there is also a Social Enterprise Exploration fund of €20,000 contributed by BITC. The purpose of this is to support the development of social enterprise ideas that further the employment prospects of criminal justice clients, and although new, the fund has already contributed to a feasibility study in recycling.
Departmental Expenditure.
David Stanton
Question:221 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the cost in 2008 of heating all buildings owned or rented from which his Department or bodies under the aegis of his Department operate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44427/09]
I can inform the Deputy that my Department adopts a range of practical common sense measures to reduce energy use and encourages staff to avail of all opportunities to reduce wastage within its offices. Staff are encouraged to switch off all electrical office equipment at close of business. Thermostatic valves have also been installed on radiators where possible and the Department follows engineering advice in respect of heating and electrical installation generally, as well as technical advice from the OPW in this field. I can also inform the Deputy that my Department is participating in the Office of Public Works programme entitled 'Optimising Power @ Work, Staff Energy Awareness Campaign'. This project aims to conserve energy in State Buildings and has as its objective a 15% reduction of CO2 emissions in all of the targeted State Buildings.
It is not possible to accurately quantify heating costs for all buildings occupied by my Department and its agencies as heating costs cannot always be differentiated from other maintenance costs for these buildings.
Garda Deployment.
Finian McGrath
Question:222 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will support a matter (details supplied). [44437/09]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that Gardaí from Santry and Clontarf Sub-Districts police the area referred to by the Deputy. One Sergeant and six Gardaí are attached to each of the Community Policing Units at Clontarf and Santry Garda Stations. These Community Gardaí liaise with the local community and proactively target crime including public disorder and anti-social behaviour.
I am further informed that local Garda management is satisfied that a full and comprehensive policing service is being delivered to the area referred to by the Deputy. The area is subject to regular patrols by uniform and plain clothes personnel, including the Community Policing Unit supplemented by the Garda Mountain Bike Unit, the District Detective and Drug Units, the Divisional Crime Task Force and Traffic Corps personnel.
Current policing plans in the area are designed to address issues of crime and public order offences, including the prevention of public order offences; the prevention of crime including crimes of violence against persons and property and the maintenance of an environment conducive to the improvement of quality of life of residents. This strategy is central to the delivery of the policing service to the area in question.
Garda Stations.
Enda Kenny
Question:223 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 305 of 17 November 2009, the interim arrangements for the provision of Garda station facilities at a premises in Ballyvary, Castlebar, County Mayo; the scale and cost of the provision of these facilities; and when same will be available to gardaí and the public. [44441/09]
I am advised by the Office of Public Works that a lease of a premises has been secured in Ballyvary for use as a temporary Garda station. Fit-out of the property, which is of a relatively small scale, has commenced and it is anticipated that it will be available to Gardaí by the end of December and to the public in early 2010.
Visa Applications.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:224 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for family reunification in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44660/09]
I refer the Deputy to his recent Parliamentary Question No. 683 of Wednesday, 16 September 2009, and the written Reply to that Question.
As stated in my earlier Reply, my Department has no record of an application for Family Reunification having been made by or on behalf of the person concerned.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:225 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for a visa in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44661/09]
Based on the information provided by the Deputy, the visa office has no record of the person referred to.
It is however open to all persons resident outside the State, and who are visa required to apply to their nearest Irish Embassy or Consulate for the appropriate visa. Each visa application is considered on its individual merits the onus resting with the applicant to satisfy the Visa Officer as to why a visa should be granted. Comprehensive information when making a visa application is available on the website of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (www.inis.gov.ie).
Departmental Staff.
George Lee
Question:226 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the average wage and number of staff employed by his Department each year from 1997 to 2008 broken down by job title and grade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43936/09]
The information sought by the Deputy is not available for the period prior to the inauguration of the Corepay system in 2002 and the average salary figures for the period prior to 2008 is not readily available. However, work on compiling the average salary figures by grade for the years 2002-2007 is under way and I will be happy to provide the Deputy with this information before the end of next week. I have included in tabular form a breakdown of the numbers of posts in my Department for each of the years from 2002 to 2008.
|
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
|
1,091 |
1,177 |
1,127 |
1,081 |
1,130 |
1,214 |
1,257 |
The following table sets out the number of staff on the Department's payroll, excluding those who are locally recruited abroad, broken down by grade and the average salary paid for each grade in December 2008:
|
Grade |
Number |
Annual Average Salary |
|
€ |
||
|
Secretary General |
1 |
253,635 |
|
Second Secretary |
4 |
221,929 |
|
Deputy Secretary |
5 |
177,547 |
|
Assistant Secretary |
42 |
148,398 |
|
Principal Development Specialist |
1 |
114,285 |
|
Counsellor/Principal Officer |
102 |
101,226 |
|
Senior Development Specialist |
14 |
96,588 |
|
Accountants |
6 |
46,058 |
|
Assistant Principal/First Secretary/Assistant Legal Advisers/Translator |
195 |
77,674 |
|
Development Specialist |
22 |
76,661 |
|
Higher Executive Officer/Third Secretary/Administrative Officer/Librarian |
193 |
52,601 |
|
Executive Officer |
126 |
40,533 |
|
Staff Officer |
45 |
39,513 |
|
Clerical Officer |
529 |
29,824 |
|
Cleaners/Services Officer/Services Attendant/Nightwatchpersons (NWP) |
47 |
25,496 |
|
*1,332 |
*The total number of staff broken down by grade is the number of actual staff working in the Department, including worksharing staff.
Electric Vehicles.
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:227 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has entered into an arrangement for the purchase of electric vehicles in 2009 to 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44021/09]
While I am aware of initiatives by the Department of Transport and other Departments and agencies in relation to electric vehicles, it is the case that there is not an electric car available today in the mainstream market. Accordingly my Department has not entered into an arrangement for the purchase of any electric vehicles in 2009 or 2010. In 2009 to date my Department purchased six official vehicles in respect of our Missions abroad. Five of these were replacement vehicles. In addition there were five vehicles purchased by Irish Aid. Three are replacement vehicles and two are new vehicles which were purchased for the Malawi country programme, Irish Aid's most recent programme country.
Since the beginning of 2006, carbon emissions have been taken into account in vehicle purchases made by my Department. In June 2008, in order to take account of the wider availability of new technologies, my Department issued an updated policy position on the purchase of official vehicles, which ensures that environmental considerations are taken fully into account, as existing vehicles are replaced. My Department's vehicle procurement policy is kept under regular review and will be refined as needed, to ensure that we keep pace with technological developments and best practice in this rapidly changing area.
Departmental Expenditure.
David Stanton
Question:228 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the cost in 2008 of heating all buildings owned or rented from which his Department or bodies under the aegis of his Department operate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44425/09]
The total energy costs in respect of all buildings owned or rented by my Department, both in Ireland and abroad, amounted to €1,753, 151 in 2008. It is not possible to isolate the cost for heating alone. My Department regularly reviews expenditure on energy and co-operates with the Office of Public Works on initiatives to ensure compliance with best practice, in particular in relation to energy conservation.
Human Rights Issues.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:229 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the concerns regarding the new prison conditions in which a person (details supplied) is being held in Turkish jails, which are a deterioration on the inhumane conditions he was held in until November 2009; if he will raise this at the next Council of Foreign Affairs Ministers and with the Turkish ambassador in Ireland. [44641/09]
Abdullah Öcalan had been held in solitary confinement since 15 February 1999 in the Imrali Island prison near Istanbul, as the only prisoner on the island. During a visit to the prison in May 2007, the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT), an arm of the Council of Europe, strongly criticised his conditions of detention, and called on the Turkish authorities to "completely review the situation, with a view to integrating him into a setting where contacts with other inmates and a wider range of activities are possible."
In November 2008, the Turkish Justice Minister confirmed that a new prison facility was being constructed on Imrali with a view to transferring a small number of other prisoners to the island and ending Mr Öcalan's complete isolation. On 16 November 2009, the Turkish Government announced that the transfer of a limited number of prisoners to this facility would take place shortly.
Recent reports suggest this move has now taken place and that Mr. Öcalan is no longer the sole prisoner on the island. It is expected that in the new prison he will have some limited contact with the other prisoners, although he may be housed in a smaller cell. Our Embassy in Ankara and our Permanent Representation to the Council of Europe are monitoring developments in this matter.
The Turkish authorities have faced a serious terrorist threat from the Kurdish Workers' Party (PKK), which is included by the EU in its list of terrorist organisations. The Government in Ankara recently announced an outreach campaign towards the Kurdish minority. The measures include greater recognition of the rights of the Kurdish population, including use of their own language in daily life and in public affairs. We welcome this initiative by the Turkish Government and will continue to encourage the implementation of further reforms, which would ensure proper recognition of the rights of the Kurdish minority.
One of the key elements of the EU's enlargement negotiations with Turkey is to ensure that legitimate anti-terrorism and security measures do not undermine full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms as set out in the European Convention on Human Rights.
Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund.
Mary Upton
Question:230 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his plans to publish the Review of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44372/09]
Mary Upton
Question:234 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress to date in drawing up legislation to secure the future funding of the horse and greyhound fund; when he expects to present this to the Houses of the Oireachtas as promised earlier in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44030/09]
Mary Upton
Question:235 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the reason that an organisation (details supplied) under his remit only produced its annual budget report for 2007 within the past few weeks; if the length of time between the end of that period and the publication of an annual report is acceptable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44032/09]
Michael Fitzpatrick
Question:236 Deputy Michael Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of persons employed in the horse racing industry; and the way funding to Horse Racing Ireland helps to fund jobs and racing along with its strategies to maintain employment in the current economic climate. [44130/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 230 and 234 to 236, inclusive, together.
Since 2001, Government support for the horse and greyhound racing industries has been 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.
Funding of both Horse Racing Ireland and Bord na gCon supports two very important productive industries and helps to sustain the important role of horse and greyhound breeding & training enterprises in the development of the rural economy. These industries, together, account for an estimated 27,500 direct jobs, generate very substantial economic activity and make a vital contribution to the rural economy including farm incomes. Of the 27,500 direct jobs, 16,500 are in the horse racing industry, with the remaining 11,000 in the greyhound industry.
The funding has allowed Horse Racing Ireland to undertake a capital investment programme that has underpinned growth in the sector. The funding has allowed Ireland to develop into a world centre of excellence for horseracing. A review of the Fund has been completed and is currently being considered in the context of deciding on the future funding options for these industries. The level of funding to the horse and greyhound racing industries in 2010 will be dependent on overall budgetary conditions taking into account the significant contributions that these industries make to the economy in general and the rural economy in particular. The Horse Racing Ireland Annual Report for 2007 was laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas in May of this year and published thereafter. The Horse Racing Ireland Annual Report for 2008 will be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas shortly and published thereafter.
Departmental Staff.
George Lee
Question:231 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the average wage and number of staff employed by his Department each year from 1997 to 2008 broken down by job title and grade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43929/09]
The Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism was established in June 2002. The staffing numbers by grade are set out in the annual reports for the Department for the years, 2002/2003 to 2008 which are all available on the Department's website at www.arts-sports-tourism.gov.ie. The changes in the staff numbers in the annual reports since 2005 were due to the establishment as separate legal entities of the National Museum of Ireland and the National Library of Ireland which were up to then part of the Department. The annual payroll costs over the period in question are set out in the annual Estimates for the Department. The relevant pay scales for staff are those approved by the Department of Finance, as outlined in their website www.finance.gov.ie.
Arts Council.
Pádraic McCormack
Question:232 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his plans regarding funding of the Arts Council in 2010; if the same funding will be available to the Arts Council as in previous years; and his plans for the continuation of the Arts Council. [44001/09]
As Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism I am committed to securing the best possible funding for the Arts Council and the arts sector generally. The Arts Council's funding requirement for the year ahead however, can only be addressed in the context of the consideration of the Estimates for the Public Services for 2010.
Electric Vehicles.
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:233 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he has entered into an arrangement for the purchase of electric vehicles in 2009 to 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44013/09]
The Department does not have any vehicles and has not entered into an arrangement for the purchase of electric vehicles in 2009 or 2010.
Questions Nos. 234 to 236, inclusive, answered with Question No. 230.
Departmental Agencies.
George Lee
Question:237 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the salary of all staff employed by Fáilte Ireland, broken down by grades for each year from 1997 to 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44383/09]
The information sought by the Deputy is a matter for the National Tourism Development Authority, Fáilte Ireland. I have asked Fáilte Ireland to respond to the Deputy directly.
Departmental Expenditure.
David Stanton
Question:238 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the cost in 2008 of heating all buildings owned or rented from which his Department or bodies under the aegis of his Department operate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44417/09]
The total cost to the Department in 2008 in respect of heating was €73,740. This related to the premises in Kildare Street, South Frederick Street and the National Archives at Bishop Street in Dublin in addition to the temporary premises in Fossa, and the new purpose built headquarters in Killarney Co. Kerry which was occupied from December 2008 following the move from the temporary premises at Fossa.
The heating cost for the Agencies under the aegis of the Department is a matter for the Agencies themselves.
Departmental Staff.
George Lee
Question:239 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the average wage and number of staff employed by his Department each year from 1997 to 2008 broken down by job title and grade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43931/09]
As the Deputy will be aware, my Department was established in June 2002. My Department has, accordingly, collated details in respect of the numbers of civil servants by grade employed at year-end for the period 2002-08, as well as the average gross annual salary for each grade.
The relevant details are available in the format of an Excel spreadsheet, which I have arranged to be provided directly to the Deputy.
|
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
||||||||
|
Head Count |
Average Gross Annual Salary |
Head Count |
Average Gross Annual Salary |
Head Count |
Average Gross Annual Salary |
Head Count |
Average Gross Annual Salary |
Head Count |
Average Gross Annual Salary |
Head Count |
Average Gross Annual Salary |
Head Count |
Average Gross Annual Salary |
|
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
||||||||
|
Secretary General |
1 |
157,413 |
1 |
157,413 |
1 |
168,686 |
1 |
177,637 |
1 |
191,488 |
1 |
211,235 |
1 |
221,929 |
|
Asst. Secretary |
2 |
106,441 |
2 |
101,943 |
2 |
109,465 |
3 |
115,041 |
2 |
125,575 |
3 |
136,404 |
3 |
146,387 |
|
Principal Officer |
11 |
69,616 |
12 |
74,541 |
11 |
85,631 |
13 |
87,602 |
13 |
90,317 |
12 |
93,891 |
16 |
98,814 |
|
Engineer I |
1 |
58,288 |
1 |
61,394 |
1 |
66,968 |
1 |
70,609 |
1 |
76,148 |
1 |
80,001 |
1 |
84,051 |
|
Assistant Principal |
31 |
51,640 |
31 |
54,723 |
32 |
61,988 |
30 |
65,777 |
31 |
68,512 |
33 |
73,103 |
33 |
76,425 |
|
Accountant |
0 |
0 |
1 |
57,769 |
1 |
63,014 |
1 |
70,609 |
1 |
66,491 |
1 |
72,049 |
1 |
78,007 |
|
Engineer II |
0 |
0 |
1 |
52,906 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
68,124 |
1 |
73,067 |
|
Administrative Officer |
5 |
30,340 |
6 |
32,576 |
6 |
34,705 |
6 |
40,288 |
3 |
45,038 |
2 |
50,288 |
4 |
57,450 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
42 |
36,395 |
49 |
36,748 |
50 |
41,880 |
48 |
45,398 |
50 |
47,814 |
50 |
50,069 |
52 |
53,212 |
|
Maoirseoir |
5 |
34,773 |
5 |
35,634 |
5 |
39,689 |
5 |
43,175 |
5 |
44,918 |
5 |
47,513 |
5 |
50,256 |
|
Placenames Off. — Chief |
1 |
60,063 |
1 |
62,135 |
1 |
71,885 |
1 |
76,749 |
1 |
79,848 |
1 |
86,504 |
1 |
90,884 |
|
Inspector — Snr. |
0 |
0 |
1 |
69,458 |
1 |
79,259 |
1 |
87,247 |
1 |
90,770 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
92,818 |
|
Placenames Off. |
6 |
41,948 |
6 |
43,366 |
4 |
50,073 |
4 |
53,211 |
6 |
51,144 |
6 |
54,692 |
3 |
67,912 |
|
Inspector |
0 |
0 |
5 |
58,090 |
5 |
62,920 |
4 |
67,825 |
3 |
73,123 |
4 |
77,831 |
4 |
82,509 |
|
Asst. Agric. Inspector |
0 |
0 |
2 |
43,771 |
2 |
48,753 |
3 |
49,372 |
3 |
48,392 |
6 |
49,401 |
6 |
54,072 |
|
Translator III |
0 |
0 |
1 |
31,256 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
39,567 |
1 |
44,603 |
1 |
48,827 |
|
Special Advisor |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
70,578 |
1 |
78,216 |
1 |
84,662 |
1 |
92,429 |
1 |
100,191 |
|
Media Advisor |
1 |
61,760 |
1 |
66,262 |
1 |
76,544 |
1 |
84,564 |
1 |
90,770 |
1 |
70,062 |
1 |
86,168 |
|
Pers. Asst. |
1 |
38,950 |
1 |
40,999 |
1 |
45,215 |
1 |
47,921 |
1 |
51,696 |
2 |
43,771 |
2 |
46,694 |
|
Pers. Secr. |
1 |
34,980 |
1 |
35,723 |
1 |
39,903 |
1 |
38,307 |
1 |
40,520 |
3 |
25,538 |
3 |
29,572 |
|
Executive Officer |
48 |
27,124 |
48 |
27,611 |
52 |
31,393 |
51 |
34,105 |
55 |
37,442 |
56 |
40,078 |
55 |
41,229 |
|
Staff Officer |
3 |
27,366 |
3 |
27,221 |
3 |
28,943 |
3 |
31,438 |
3 |
33,507 |
3 |
33,317 |
2 |
32,741 |
|
Clerical Officer |
59 |
19,567 |
61 |
19,825 |
58 |
22,168 |
52 |
23,984 |
63 |
27,904 |
59 |
28,605 |
66 |
30,018 |
|
Services Officer |
6 |
18,233 |
8 |
17,499 |
8 |
19,231 |
7 |
20,629 |
8 |
21,563 |
8 |
23,401 |
7 |
25,148 |
|
Civilian Driver |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
33,148 |
2 |
34,826 |
|
Cleaner |
3 |
4,484 |
3 |
4,580 |
3 |
5,345 |
3 |
5,644 |
2 |
5,780 |
2 |
6,073 |
2 |
6,380 |
NOTES:
1. Includes civil servants seconded to Oifig an Choimisinéir Teanga.
2. Does not include staff of National Advisory Committee on Drugs or National Drugs Strategy Team.
Community Development.
Pat Breen
Question:240 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the impact of a reduction in the local development inclusion programme (details supplied) in County Clare; his views regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43979/09]
The Local Development Social Inclusion Programme (LDSIP) is a series of measures that are designed to counter disadvantage and to promote equality and social and economic inclusion. 37 Integrated Local Development Companies and 16 Urban Partnerships implement LDSIP locally. An allocation of €890,829 has been provided to the group referred to by the Deputy for the delivery of the programme in 2009 in County Clare.
The LDSIP and the Community Development Programme (CDP) are the Department's two main social inclusion-community development programmes. Both have a community development element and have been delivered through separate local delivery structures. For some time now my Department has been aware of the need to redesign and streamline these two programmes.
In this connection, the Centre for Effective Services has very recently presented a new Programme outline to my Department, which I propose to accept. The new Programme will preserve elements of good practice from the existing CDP/LDSIP programmes and will enhance monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. An implementation strategy, involving the stakeholders, is underway in preparation for programme roll-out in 2010. This has been discussed with representatives from CDPs, Urban Partnerships and Integrated Companies at an Information Session which was held on Wednesday 25th November.
As previously signalled, it is my intention that CDP's, Urban Partnerships and Integrated Company structures should align, so as to minimise structures and provide a single integrated delivery structure for all areas. In advance of decisions in the context of the 2010 budget, it is not possible to anticipate levels of funding available for the integrated programme next year.
While I cannot be specific at this stage about the impact on specific bodies in particular areas, the overall aim is to ensure that, from 2010, disadvantaged communities will benefit from a more focused programme with clear objectives and simplified and streamlined delivery structures, leading to significant administrative savings and impact efficiencies.
Electric Vehicles.
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:241 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he has entered into an arrangement for the purchase of electric vehicles in 2009 to 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44015/09]
While my Department has not entered into any arrangement for the purchase of electric vehicles during the period mentioned, the Deputy may wish to note that a pilot study on the concept development for a wind and ocean powered smart network for the supply of electricity, heat and transport for the Aran Islands has been jointly commissioned by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) and my Department. One element of this project is to assess the ability of electric vehicles to meet the islands' transport requirements. In this context, SEI is currently making arrangements for 10 electric vehicles to be deployed on the islands and their usage to be monitored over a three-year period, commencing in 2010.
Community Supports for Older People.
Kathleen Lynch
Question:242 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the status of the review of the scheme of community supports for older people; when a new scheme will be in place; the community groups in Cork city that have been successful in receiving interim funding in 2009 pending the introduction of the new scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44365/09]
Kathleen Lynch
Question:243 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he provides funding in respect of personal alarms for older people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44368/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 242 and 243 together.
I refer the Deputy to my answer to questions numbered 52, 63 and 110 on 17 November 2009.
Details of all payments made to beneficiary groups on a county basis are updated regularly on the Department's website at www.pobail.ie.
Departmental Expenditure.
David Stanton
Question:244 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the cost in 2008 of heating all buildings owned or rented from which his Department or bodies under the aegis of his Department operate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44419/09]
My Department seeks to operate heating systems in the most efficient manner and has participated in the recent energy awareness programme organised by the Office of Public Works. My Department has also appointed an Energy Officer to implement the recommendations made under that programme.
I set out the details requested by the Deputy both in relation to my Department and the information provided to me by the bodies and agencies funded from my Department's Vote Group in the following Appendix.
In the case of certain bodies and agencies, where heating systems are fully powered by electricity, it is not possible to separately identify heating costs from general electricity usage. This is because electricity units used for heating purposes are not isolated from the costs of electricity in general.
|
€ |
|
|
Department of Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs |
*46,731 |
|
Office of the Commission of Charitable Donations and Bequests |
2,932 |
|
National Drugs Strategy Team |
1,008 |
|
National Advisory Committee on Drugs |
** |
|
Coimisineir Teanga |
*** |
|
Waterways Ireland |
****30,195 |
|
Western Development Commission |
5,694 |
|
Údarás Na Gaeltachta |
****55,987 |
|
Dormant Accounts Board |
Nil |
|
An Foras Teanga comprising: |
|
|
Ulster Scots Agency |
*** |
|
Foras Na Gaeilge |
20,620 |
|
Total |
163,167 |
*Includes imputed costs of €9,000 for Tubbercurry office.
**NACD were not billed for heating costs.
***These Agencies/Bodies use an electricity powered heating system in full. It was not possible to isolate electricity heating cost from overall electricity cost.
****Partial heating costs only, excluding electricity powered heating systems.
Flood Compensation Scheme.
Tom Hayes
Question:245 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the arrangements that will be made to compensate flood victims in south Tipperary after the latest flood damage to homes and businesses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43947/09]
Dan Neville
Question:246 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the details of a scheme of emergency humanitarian assistance as announced on 24 November 2009 in Dáil Éireann during the debate on the flooding. [44064/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 245 and 246 together.
In recognition of the devastation suffered by people in many areas of the country due to the recent flooding, the Government has allocated an initial sum of €10m to fund a Humanitarian Assistance Scheme. The scheme is being administered by the Community Welfare Service of the Health Service Executive on behalf of the Department of Social and Family Affairs.
The aim of the scheme is to provide financial support to people who have suffered flood damage to their homes and in doing so will provide hardship alleviation as opposed to full compensation. As on previous occasions, commercial or business losses will not be covered by the scheme nor will losses which are covered by household insurance. Applications under the scheme will be means tested to ensure that available assistance will be prioritised for those who are most vulnerable.
The Community Welfare Service has already provided emergency financial and other assistance to households affected by the flooding to cover items such as clothing, food, bedding, heating, hire of dehumidifiers and emergency accommodation needs.
As the flood waters abate and people assess the full extent of the damage to their homes, qualified households can claim for essential household items such as carpets, flooring, furniture and white goods. Assistance will also be available for structural repairs to homes not covered by household insurance.
The level of payment available under the aid scheme to any qualified individual will depend on the severity of the damage to that person's home and the extent of the loss experienced as well as household income and general family circumstances.
People seeking assistance should contact their local Community Welfare Office. Further information and applications forms in relation to the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme are available from the Community Welfare Service in the affected areas and from the Department's website (www.welfare.ie) and the HSE's website (www.hse.ie). In addition the scheme is being advertised in the local media.
Departmental Staff.
George Lee
Question:247 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the average wage and number of staff employed by her Department each year from 1997 to 2008 broken down by job title and grade; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43938/09]
Details of the number of staff employed in the Department and the average basic salary per grade are set out in the following tables. Information on average salary per grade is only available from 2001 onwards when my Department introduced the Corepay salary system. A detailed breakdown of employees per grade and the number of whole time equivalent posts is only available from 2004 onwards. The information is a snapshot of employee numbers and average basic salaries on 1 October of each year.
|
Grade (including equivalents) |
No. of Employees |
No. of Posts |
Average Salary |
|
€ |
|||
|
Administrative Officer |
10 |
10 |
53,270 |
|
Assistant Principal |
222 |
215.6 |
77,617 |
|
Assistant Secretary |
5 |
5 |
150,716 |
|
Clerical Officer |
2,401 |
2,166.26 |
28,879 |
|
Deputy Secretary |
1 |
1 |
177,552 |
|
Executive Officer |
812 |
760.42 |
42,782 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
653 |
616.95 |
54,056 |
|
Principal Officer |
74 |
73.8 |
102,989 |
|
Secretary General |
1 |
1 |
253,642 |
|
Staff Officer |
562 |
496.48 |
37,768 |
|
Service Officer |
168 |
138.35 |
26,243 |
|
Total |
4,909 |
4,484.86 |
|
Grade (including equivalents) |
No. of Employees |
No. of Posts |
Average Salary |
|
€ |
|||
|
Administrative Officer |
10 |
10 |
49,704 |
|
Assistant Principal |
218 |
210.2 |
73,233 |
|
Assistant Secretary |
5 |
5 |
136,038 |
|
Clerical Officer |
2,391 |
2,152.6 |
27,979 |
|
Deputy Secretary* |
0 |
0 |
N/A |
|
Executive Officer |
798 |
745.22 |
40,805 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
654 |
615.85 |
51,432 |
|
Principal Officer |
75 |
74.55 |
98,360 |
|
Secretary General |
1 |
1 |
229,924 |
|
Staff Officer |
525 |
458.27 |
36,547 |
|
Service Officer |
164 |
132.25 |
24,540 |
|
Total |
4,841 |
4,404.95 |
*Deputy Secretary post was vacant at 1 October 2007
|
Grade (including equivalents) |
No. of Employees |
No. of Posts |
Average Salary |
|
€ |
|||
|
Administrative Officer |
10 |
10 |
47,398 |
|
Assistant Principal |
215 |
208.2 |
70,050 |
|
Assistant Secretary |
5 |
5 |
129,486 |
|
Clerical Officer |
2313 |
2,065.01 |
26,663 |
|
Deputy Secretary |
1 |
1 |
149,458 |
|
Executive Officer |
796 |
737.76 |
38,636 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
642 |
602.26 |
48,646 |
|
Principal Officer |
72 |
71.55 |
93,118 |
|
Secretary General |
1 |
1 |
218,851 |
|
Staff Officer |
525 |
454.92 |
34,401 |
|
Service Officer |
166 |
133.32 |
24,213 |
|
Total |
4,746 |
4,290.02 |
|
Grade (including equivalents) |
No. of Employees |
No. of Posts |
Average Salary |
|
€ |
|||
|
Administrative Officer |
9 |
9 |
41,835 |
|
Assistant Principal |
223 |
215.95 |
66,866 |
|
Assistant Secretary |
5 |
5 |
119,105 |
|
Clerical Officer |
2,296 |
2,053.32 |
25,382 |
|
Deputy Secretary |
1 |
1 |
136,976 |
|
Executive Officer |
797 |
737.17 |
36,474 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
646 |
606.71 |
46,616 |
|
Principal Officer |
72 |
71.48 |
89,337 |
|
Secretary General |
1 |
1 |
203,020 |
|
Staff Officer |
524 |
457.29 |
33,385 |
|
Service Officer |
176 |
142.53 |
22,643 |
|
Total |
4,750 |
4,300.45 |
|
Grade (including equivalents) |
No. of Employees |
No. of Posts |
Average Salary |
|
€ |
|||
|
Administrative Officer |
8 |
8 |
38,879 |
|
Assistant Principal |
221 |
211.9 |
61,709 |
|
Assistant Secretary |
5 |
5 |
109,940 |
|
Clerical Officer |
2,307 |
2,073.57 |
23,542 |
|
Deputy Secretary |
1 |
1 |
132,306 |
|
Executive Officer |
772 |
718.46 |
34,331 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
678 |
626.03 |
43,627 |
|
Principal Officer |
70 |
68.85 |
81,470 |
|
Secretary General |
1 |
1 |
189,009 |
|
Staff Officer |
525 |
455.69 |
31,167 |
|
Service Officer |
181 |
147.36 |
21,900 |
|
Total |
4,769 |
4,316.86 |
|
Grade (including equivalents) |
No. of Employees |
No. of Posts |
Average Salary |
|
€ |
|||
|
Administrative Officer |
N/A |
N/A |
34,442 |
|
Assistant Principal |
N/A |
N/A |
54,752 |
|
Assistant Secretary |
N/A |
N/A |
103,745 |
|
Clerical Officer |
N/A |
N/A |
21,364 |
|
Deputy Secretary |
N/A |
N/A |
125,933 |
|
Executive Officer |
N/A |
N/A |
31,054 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
N/A |
N/A |
39,232 |
|
Principal Officer |
N/A |
N/A |
74,245 |
|
Secretary General |
N/A |
N/A |
179,906 |
|
Staff Officer |
N/A |
N/A |
28,041 |
|
Service Officer |
N/A |
N/A |
19,370 |
|
Total |
4,751 |
4,324.36 |
|
Grade (including equivalents) |
No. of Employees |
No. of Posts |
Average Salary |
|
€ |
|||
|
Administrative Officer |
N/A |
N/A |
29,323 |
|
Assistant Principal |
N/A |
N/A |
51,067 |
|
Assistant Secretary |
N/A |
N/A |
100,620 |
|
Clerical Officer |
N/A |
N/A |
20,552 |
|
Deputy Secretary |
N/A |
N/A |
121,090 |
|
Executive Officer |
N/A |
N/A |
28,932 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
N/A |
N/A |
36,640 |
|
Principal Officer |
N/A |
N/A |
70,789 |
|
Secretary General |
N/A |
N/A |
172,987 |
|
Staff Officer |
N/A |
N/A |
26,327 |
|
Service Officer |
N/A |
N/A |
19,262 |
|
Total |
N/A |
4,466.5 |
|
Grade (including equivalents) |
No. of Employees |
No. of Posts |
Average Salary € equivalent |
|
Administrative Officer |
N/A |
N/A |
27,329 |
|
Assistant Principal |
N/A |
N/A |
50,683 |
|
Assistant Secretary |
N/A |
N/A |
96,960 |
|
Clerical Officer |
N/A |
N/A |
20,224 |
|
Deputy Secretary |
N/A |
N/A |
139,923 |
|
Executive Officer |
N/A |
N/A |
28,581 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
N/A |
N/A |
36,305 |
|
Principal Officer |
N/A |
N/A |
68,899 |
|
Secretary General |
N/A |
N/A |
156,595 |
|
Staff Officer |
N/A |
N/A |
25,844 |
|
Service Officer |
N/A |
N/A |
19,127 |
|
Total |
N/A |
4,417 |
Social Welfare Benefits.
Bernard Allen
Question:248 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork who was refused their entitlement under the domiciliary care scheme; and if she will re-examine the case. [43943/09]
In order to qualify for Domiciliary Care Allowance a child must have a disability so severe that it requires the child needing care and attention and/or supervision substantially in excess of another child of the same age. This care and attention must be given by another person, effectively full-time so that the child can deal with the activities of daily living. The child must be likely to require this level of care and attention for at least 12 months.
An application for Domiciliary Care Allowance was received by the Department on 1st October 2009. This application was referred to one of the Departments Medical Assessors who found that the child in question was not medically eligible for Domiciliary Care Allowance. All the evidence submitted with the application was made available for consideration by the Department's Medical Assessor.
A letter issued to the person in question on 3rd November 2009 where she was advised of the decision to refuse Domiciliary Care Allowance on medical grounds. In the case of an application which is refused on medical grounds, the applicant may submit additional information and/or ask for the case to be reviewed by a different Medical Assessor specially designated for this task.
Where a person is not satisfied with the decision of a Deciding Officer they may appeal the decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. No request for review or appeal has yet been received.
Michael Ring
Question:249 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a jobseeker’s allowance payment has ceased for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [44009/09]
Payment of jobseeker's allowance to the person concerned was temporarily suspended pending determination of his entitlement to continued payment under the part-time education option. He now qualifies for jobseeker's allowance under this option and payment has been reinstated. Arrears of the jobseeker's allowance in respect of the period of suspension have also been paid to him.
Electric Vehicles.
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:250 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she has entered into an arrangement for the purchase of electric vehicles in 2009 to 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44024/09]
No arrangement has been entered into by the Department for the purchase of electric vehicles in 2009 to 2010.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Question:251 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, further to Parliamentary Question No. 250 of 21 October 2009, if she will clarify that control measures including the issue of certificates, on a quarterly basis, to sub-sets of customers for completion and return to her Department to confirm that they continue to satisfy the conditions for receipt of child benefit do not infringe the civil rights of EU citizens; if she will further clarify the statement that claims are normally registered to the mother and, as the person receiving the benefit, it is their nationality that dictates the status of the claim in terms of the way it differentiates between EU and non-EU citizens; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44174/09]
The Child Benefit scheme has, in recent years, experienced significant expansion in the volume of claims received, the rates of payment and the diversity of the customer base. The annual cost in 2008 was approx. €2.46 billion and the payment is made to children of some 190 nationalities living in Ireland.
Against this background, the control policy for the child benefit scheme has been reviewed to ensure that controls against fraud and abuse of the scheme continue to be effective and relevant. As a result of the review, enhanced and updated control measures have been devised. When implementing control initiatives, the Department is mindful of the need to target those areas that have been identified through Fraud and Error Surveys and on-going control projects as posing the higher risks. Previous Fraud and Error Surveys, on both the Child Benefit scheme and other areas, indicated that non-Irish nationals pose a significantly higher control risk than the overall customer base.
The certification review process has initially focused on the highest-risk categories of customer and will be expanded to include other customer groups in the future. Currently the certification exercise in Child Benefit takes two forms. Employment certificates are issued, irrespective of nationality, to everyone, including Irish nationals, who are paid under EU regulation 1408/71. The majority of children in this group live outside Ireland.
Residency certificates are issued to all non-Irish national claimants, living with their children in Ireland. The certificates are issued to all non-Irish recipients — be they from within the EU or outside — and are not considered to be an infringement of civil rights. They are a control measure applied equally to a sub-set of child benefit claims.
The Joint Committee on Social and Family Affairs Welfare Fraud report in September 2009 welcomed the introduction of the revised and more frequent residency and employment certification and was encouraged by the savings made so far as a result of these changes.
Child Benefit, with very limited exceptions, is payable to the mother of the children and, as with all Social Welfare claims, information is only requested of the person making the claim. If the nationality of the mother is Irish she will not receive a residency certificate even if the husband is not an Irish national.
Pension Provisions.
Brian O'Shea
Question:252 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, further to Parliamentary Question No. 429 of 20 October 2009, when the national pensions framework will be completed; if it will address the issue of extending the homemaker’s scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44179/09]
Since the publication of the Green Paper on Pensions in October 2007, the Government has taken several initiatives to respond to the immediate difficulties facing members of pension schemes, particularly of defined benefit schemes. We have moved quickly to assist pension scheme members through measures announced last December and the amendments passed in the Social Welfare and Pensions Act, earlier this year.
The Government is aware that the wider and longer-term pensions policy issues require a comprehensive and co-ordinated response. Since the end of the consultation process last year, we have been considering a number of options to address the challenges facing our pension system and which were raised in the Green Paper process. This includes the operation of the homemaker's scheme, with particular regard being paid to the operative date of the scheme and the use of credits for pension purposes rather than the current system of disregards.
The Government will continue to discuss reform options, including any changes to the homemaker's scheme, for inclusion in the national pensions framework which will be published in the near future.
Social Welfare Appeals.
Michael Ring
Question:253 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if an appeal has been received on behalf of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; when they will receive a decision. [44181/09]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal, from the person concerned, was registered on 11 November 2009 and in accordance with statutory requirements, the relevant Departmental papers and comments on the grounds of appeal have been sought. When received, the appeal in question will be 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.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Michael Ring
Question:254 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the average number of weekly or monthly recipients of rent allowance in each Health Service Executive area in each of the past five years in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44184/09]
A tabular statement is set out below showing the number of recipients of rent supplement by HSE area from 2004 to 2009.
|
Year |
Eastern |
Midland |
Mid-Western |
North Eastern |
North Western |
South Eastern |
Southern |
Western |
Total |
|
2004 |
25,711 |
2,090 |
4,163 |
2,876 |
2,535 |
6,018 |
8,539 |
5,942 |
57,874 |
|
2005 |
26,573 |
2,230 |
4,333 |
2,892 |
2,932 |
6,514 |
8,716 |
5,986 |
60,176 |
|
2006 |
25,810 |
2,299 |
4,145 |
3,160 |
2,986 |
6,536 |
8,908 |
6,017 |
59,861 |
|
2007 |
24,899 |
2,479 |
4,179 |
3,325 |
3,230 |
6,541 |
9,076 |
5,997 |
59,726 |
|
2008 |
29,460 |
3,520 |
5,269 |
4,723 |
4,471 |
8,445 |
10,790 |
7,360 |
74,038 |
|
2009* |
37,723 |
4,346 |
6,460 |
6,356 |
4,809 |
10,403 |
12,837 |
9,286 |
92,220 |
*20 November 2009.
Question No. 255 withdrawn.
Departmental Staff.
Joan Burton
Question:256 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of staff working in the Blanchardstown social welfare office at the end of June 2007 and at the end of each of the past five years; the extent to which staff have been deployed to or from this office over the past two years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44346/09]
At the end of June 2007, there were 38 staff, equating to 29.85 full-time posts in Blanchardstown Local Office.
Details of the number of posts in the office at the end of the last five years are set out in the tabular statement.
There are currently 35 posts occupied in the office and work is in train on the assignment of one further permanent staff member which will bring the staff allocation to 36 posts.
In response to increases in the Live Register, additional resources have been allocated to the Departments Local Office network. In this regard, six additional permanent posts have been allocated to the Blanchardstown office since early 2008.
In addition, four temporary staff were assigned while permanent staff were being sourced. While the majority of the permanent staff are now in place, the temporary staff have been retained in order to ensure the continuation of an efficient service to the public while the new permanent staff receive training.
|
Year |
No. of Posts |
|
2004 |
25.50 |
|
2005 |
25.10 |
|
2006 |
28.00 |
|
2007 |
29.75 |
|
2008 |
34.00 |
Social Welfare Benefits.
Michael Ring
Question:257 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a disability allowance review will take place for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [44362/09]
Disability Allowance is a weekly Allowance paid to people with a specified disability who are aged over 16 and under 66. The disability must be expected to last for at least one year and the allowance is subject to a medical assessment, a means test and a habitual residence test.
The person concerned is currently in receipt of a reduced rate of Disability Allowance. He was assessed with means from his spouse's self employment. Following a request from the person for a review of his payment his file was forwarded to a Social Welfare Inspector for a current means assessment. The Social Welfare Inspector has been in contact with the person and has arranged to interview him regarding his means.
A decision will be given upon receipt of the Social Welfare Inspector's report and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
Thomas Byrne
Question:258 Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the circumstances in which a person in employment may qualify for rent allowance. [44379/09]
The purpose of the rent supplement scheme is to provide short-term support, to eligible people living in private rented accommodation whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. There are over 91,500 people in receipt of rent supplement of which over 33,300 are getting a supplement for 18 months or more. The number of rent supplement recipients has increased by 24% since the end of December 2008.
Under standard assessment rules, rent supplement is calculated to ensure that an eligible person, after the payment of rent, has an income equal to the rate of basic supplementary welfare allowance appropriate to his or her their family circumstances, less a minimum contribution of €24, which each recipient is required to pay from his or her own resources. The rent supplement means test provides for a gradual withdrawal of the supplement as hours of employment or earnings increase.
Where a person has additional income in excess of the standard weekly rate of supplementary welfare allowance, the first €75 of such additional income together with 25% of any additional income above €75 is disregarded for means assessment purposes.
A person engaged in full-time employment is not eligible for rent supplement. However, a person working part-time i.e. less than 30 hours a week or availing of training opportunities can con continue to receive rent supplement subject to their satisfying the standard means assessment rules. Those accepted as eligible for accommodation under Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) may to return to full-time work, also subject to a means test, without losing the entire rent supplement payment. These measures are positive steps in assisting tenants to meet their housing needs while also increasing the financial return for those returning to work.
Thomas Byrne
Question:259 Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the circumstances in which a person may qualify for mortgage interest supplement. [44389/09]
The supplementary welfare allowance scheme (SWA) provides for a supplement to be paid in respect of mortgage interest to any person in the State whose means are insufficient to meet their needs. The scheme is administered by the community welfare service of the Health Service Executive on behalf of the Department.
The purpose of mortgage interest supplement is to provide short term support to eligible people who are unable to meet their mortgage interest repayments in respect of a house which is their sole place of residence. The supplement assists with the interest portion of the mortgage repayments only.
In general a person may be entitled to a mortgage interest supplement provided that:
s/he is habitually resident in the State,
the loan agreement was entered into at a time when, in the opinion of the Health Service Executive, the person was in a position to meet the repayments,
the mortgage interest payable does not exceed such amount as the Health Service Executive considers reasonable to meet his or her residential needs. In exceptional circumstances, a supplement may be awarded where the mortgage interest exceeds such amount as the Executive considers reasonable but such a supplement is payable for a maximum of 12 months only,
s/he or spouse is not engaged in remunerative full-time employment,
s/he satisfies a means test.
Mortgage interest supplements are normally calculated to ensure that a person, after the payment of mortgage interest, has an income equal to the rate of supplementary welfare allowance appropriate to family circumstances less a minimum weekly contribution of € 24, which recipients are required to pay from their own resources. Many recipients pay more than the minimum contribution because they are also required, subject to income disregards, to contribute any additional assessable means that they have over and above the appropriate basic SWA rate towards their accommodation costs.
The existing mortgage interest supplement assessment provides for a gradual withdrawal of payment as hours of employment or earnings increase. In recent years improvements have been made to the means test to encourage eligible people to engage in employment without losing their entire mortgage interest supplement. Those availing of part-time employment and/or training opportunities can continue to receive mortgage interest supplement subject to their satisfying the standard means assessment rules.
Where a person has additional income in excess of the standard weekly rate of supplementary welfare allowance, the first €75 of such additional income together with 25% of any additional income above €75 is disregarded for means assessment purposes. This ensures that those returning to work or participating in training schemes are better off as a result of taking up such an opportunity.
Each application for mortgage interest supplement is determined by a community welfare officer taking account of the relevant legislative provisions and on the basis of the merits of each individual case. There is right of appeal against a refusal of mortgage interest supplement.
A review of the administration of the mortgage interest scheme is currently underway. The main purpose of the review is to examine how the scheme can best meet its objective of catering for those who require assistance on a short-term basis, where they are unable to meet mortgage interest repayments on their sole place of residence and whether alternative approaches to achieving the scheme's objectives are warranted in the light of recent changes in the economic climate and the mortgage market. The full review should be completed in early 2010.
Full details of the mortgage interest supplement scheme are available on the Department's web site www.welfare.ie.
Pension Provisions.
Finian McGrath
Question:260 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will take into consideration the report by the Irish Human Rights Commission titled The Self Employed and the Old Age Contributory Pension when formulating her response to the Green Paper on pensions. [44408/09]
The case reported on by the Irish Human Rights Commission (IHRC) involves a couple who were over 56 years of age in 1988 when compulsory social insurance for the self-employed was introduced and who, therefore could not, satisfy one of the basic requirements for pension as they did not commence paying insurance ten years before pension age. A special pension paid at half the personal rate and requiring the payment of at least 260 contributions was introduced in 1999 to cater for people in these circumstances. The IHRC recommended that a reduced benefit should also be paid to people who, because of advanced age, could not satisfy the conditions for this special pension. This would be a significant departure from the principles underpinning qualification for pensions, and other benefits, which require that a minimum level of contributions should be made before a person can qualify for a payment.
The IHRC laid particular emphasis on Article 29, paragraph 5, of the European Code of Social Security which deals with the position of people who cannot satisfy new conditions because of advanced age when these are introduced. In the context of submitting its annual report on compliance with the Code, the Department sought the view of the ILO Committee of Experts, which examines national reports on compliance with the European Code of Social Security on behalf of the Council of Europe. The final resolution on the Department's 2006/2007 compliance report from the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers found that "law and practice in Ireland continue to give full effect to the parts of the Code which have been accepted."
Earlier this year, the Department had further correspondence with the IHRC on the same issue in relation to the European Convention on Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
The issues raised by the IHRC have been given full consideration by the Department and the IHRC has expressed its gratitude for the Department's ongoing engagement in relation to this.
Decisions on the future direction of state pensions policy, including the issue raised in the IHRC report, will be made in the context of the forthcoming national pensions framework.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Richard Bruton
Question:261 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will permit persons who are unemployed and eligible for back to education allowance to participate even if they have previously participated in a post-leaving certificate course at the same level but now wish to make a career change. [44411/09]
The objective of the back to education allowance (BTEA) scheme is to equip people on social welfare payments with qualifications that will enable them to obtain employment in the labour market.
In general, to qualify for the scheme a person must be progressing in education by reference to the National Framework of Qualifications. A BTEA application will not be approved in respect of a person who holds a qualification equivalent or higher than the qualification for which the BTEA application has been received. However, each case is treated on its merits and consideration can be given to approving an application in exceptional circumstances. Factors taken into account would include the length of time since obtaining the first qualification, efforts to get employment with the qualification already held and periods of unemployment since obtaining the qualification currently held. The main consideration in such cases is that the proposed further qualification will enhance substantially the person's employment prospects.
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. All social welfare schemes are being examined as part of the deliberative process in advance of the annual budget.
Departmental Expenditure.
David Stanton
Question:262 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the cost in 2008 of heating all buildings owned or rented from which her Department or bodies under the aegis of her Department operate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44428/09]
The costs of heating all buildings owned or rented by the Department in 2008 are outlined hereunder:
|
Heating source |
Total cost 2008 |
|
Gas |
384,430 |
|
Oil |
260,576 |
|
*Electricity |
2,666,440 |
*This figure includes other facilities such as lighting, technology and machine operation requirements.
The additional costs of heating buildings owned or rented by the Department's Agencies/ Boards for 2008 are outlined in the table hereunder.
|
Name of Agency/Board |
Total |
Remarks |
|
€ |
||
|
Combat Poverty Agency |
13,457 |
Electricity including heating |
|
Citizens Information Board |
69,022 |
Electricity including heating |
|
Family Support Agency |
132,750 |
Electricity and Services including heating |
|
Pensions Board |
49,502 |
Maintenance fee paid to Landlord which includes heating, lighting, insurance etc. |
|
Pension’s Ombudsman |
1,700 |
Heating oil |
Expenditure on Gas, and Oil in respect of all buildings owned or rented by the Department in 2008 amounted to €645,006.
The overall cost of electricity in 2008 amounted to €2,666,440. However it is not possible to separately identify the electricity costs associated with the heating of the Department's offices.
Social Welfare Appeals.
Finian McGrath
Question:263 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will support the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9. [44436/09]
The person concerned applied for Illness Benefit on the 18th September 2009. This claim was submitted to the Chief Medical Advisor who was of the opinion that the claimant's incapacity was not a new incapacity that it was in the same category as a previous Illness Benefit claim she had made which had been disallowed from 18th May 2009. She was notified directly of this decision by letter dated 15th October 2009. The person's Illness Benefit claim remains disallowed on this basis.
The person subsequently applied for Disability Allowance on 9th November 2009. Disability Allowance is a weekly Allowance paid to people with a specified disability who are aged over 16 and under 66. The disability must be expected to last for at least one year and the allowance is subject to a medical assessment, a means test and a habitual residence test.
The person's claim was assessed by a Medical Assessor on 11th November 2009 who deemed that she was not medically suitable for Disability Allowance. She was refused Disability Allowance on 30th November 2009 on two grounds, that she is not substantially restricted in undertaking suitable employment by reason of a specified disability and the means assessed against her, which are derived from her spouse's earnings, are in excess of the statutory limit for a family of her size. The person concerned has been notified by letter of this decision and of her right of appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.
Social Welfare Code.
Róisín Shortall
Question:264 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the way in which family payments for children are made in Spain based on the place of residency of the child; and if she will investigate if a similar approach could be adopted under Irish legislation in respect of child benefit payments. [44456/09]
Entitlement to benefits financed from general taxation, rather than social insurance contributions, such as child benefit and social assistance payments, are normally limited to residents in the State paying the benefits, in accordance with international practice. Persons coming from abroad who claim these benefits generally have to satisfy an habitual residence test, to avoid entitlement being granted to people who only have a temporary attachment to the State and whose main centre of interests is in other jurisdictions. Habitual resident regulations on these lines were introduced in Ireland with effect from 1 May 2004 to ensure that persons who have not worked in Ireland or who have not established habitual residence here should not be eligible to avail of assistance schemes or child benefit.
These regulations are kept under review. This is to ensure that they effectively meet the objectives of confining entitlement to people habitually resident in Ireland, especially in the way they are interpreted or implemented, but at the same time do not have the effect of depriving people of benefits to which they should have an entitlement. Account is taken in such reviews of similar provisions in other countries, especially in EU Member States, including Spain, with a view to ensuring that the objectives of the regulations are met in accordance with best international practice.
Social Welfare Appeals.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:265 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will examine an application for guardianship payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44668/09]
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that the relevant Departmental papers and comments of the Department have been received and the case 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.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:266 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22 is entitled to guardianship payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44669/09]
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.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:267 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a domiciliary care allowance appeal will be heard or awarded in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44670/09]
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.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:268 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when domiciliary care allowance will be awarded in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44671/09]
In order to qualify for Domiciliary Care Allowance a child must have a disability so severe that it requires the child needing care and attention and/or supervision substantially in excess of another child of the same age. This care and attention must be given by another person, effectively full-time so that the child can deal with the activities of daily living. The child must be likely to require this level of care and attention for at least 12 months.
An application for Domiciliary Care Allowance was received by the Department on 20th October 2009. This application was referred to one of the Departments Medical Assessors who found that the child in question was not medically eligible for Domiciliary Care Allowance.
A letter issued to the person in question on 25th November 2009 where she was advised of the decision to refuse Domiciliary Care Allowance on medical grounds. In the case of an application which is refused on medical grounds, the applicant may submit additional information and/or ask for the case to be reviewed by a different Medical Assessor specially designated for this task. Where a person is not satisfied with the decision of a Deciding Officer they may appeal the decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.
Departmental Staff.
George Lee
Question:269 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for Defence the average wage and number of staff employed by his Department each year from 1997 to 2008 broken down by job title and grade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43932/09]
The information requested is being compiled by my Department and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Electric Vehicles.
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:270 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Defence if he has entered into an arrangement for the purchase of electric vehicles in 2009 to 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44016/09]
The Government has set a target of 10% of all vehicles to be powered by electricity by 2020. I understand that a Taskforce on electric vehicles has been established, comprising a number of Government Departments and Agencies, to advise on the options and timeframes for putting in place the necessary infrastructure and other arrangements for the national roll-out of electric vehicles in a cost effective manner. I have been advised that the Taskforce will report its initial findings very shortly and will advise on the next steps, overall costs and financial implications.
The Department of Defence and the Defence Forces have not entered into an arrangement for the purchase of electric vehicles in the period 2009 to 2010.
Technical developments in the transport industry are monitored by the relevant technical personnel in Defence Forces Headquarters and they keep abreast of these developments and innovations through the motor industry and contacts with other military forces abroad. As the technology of electric engines develops, saloon cars and vans may become available which can successfully compete in tender competitions for the supply of vehicles to the Defence Forces in the future. However, there are a number of difficulties with the adoption of such technology across the wider range of vehicles deployed by the Defence Forces.
The technology to power heavier vehicles such as trucks and armoured personnel carriers with electrical engines is not as yet available and military forces throughout the world still rely on internal combustion engines. Departure from international military norms by the Irish Defence Forces would pose serious difficulties in relation to interoperability when our personnel serve overseas as part of a larger multi-national force.
In addition, power supply for charging of electric vehicles overseas on peace support operations in regions such as Chad, where electrical supply must be supplied by diesel powered generators, would pose an insurmountable challenge at present. Use of diesel generators to charge electric vehicles would also negate any benefit provided by the adoption of electric vehicles.
The Defence Forces are in a similar situation to other military forces, insofar as they are reliant on internal combustion engines for the moment, however, they will continue to monitor developments in technology and their application and adoption by military forces throughout the world.
Defence Forces Operations.
Brian O'Shea
Question:271 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Defence the number of the 108 call outs of the explosive ordnance disposal team up to 15 November 2009 that were to genuine devices; the number of hoax devices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44199/09]
The Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team from the relevant Defence Forces Brigade respond to requests for assistance, made by an Garda Síochána, in dealing with suspect devices and the removal of old ordnance. The Defence Forces EOD Team is required to treat all devices as suspect until the EOD Officer confirms the nature of the device at the scene.
The total number of call outs responded to by the Defence Forces for the period 1 January 2009 to 15 November 2009 was 180. The number of devices that were, on inspection, deemed to be hoaxes was 78. The remaining 102 incidents included 33 call-outs involving Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and 14 incidents for the removal of old ordnance. The balance includes the disposal of Time Expired Pyrotechnics (flares), objects washed ashore and other miscellaneous items.
Overseas Missions.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:272 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Defence the number of Irish troops deployed with the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan; their role and function in that conflict; the number who have taken part in the mission since its inception; the cost to the Exchequer of the deployment to date; if he has plans to withdraw Irish troops from this mission in view of the fact that it is led by a military alliance involving combatant nations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44375/09]
On 20 December 2001, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 1386 under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, authorising the establishment of an International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. Ireland has participated in the NATO–led UN mandated mission 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. Over the past number of years the UN is increasingly relying on regional organisations such as the European Union, African Union and NATO to launch and manage operations on its behalf and under its authority.
Since 2002, the Government has reviewed and approved, on an annual basis, the continued participation by seven (7) members of the Permanent Defence Force in ISAF. On 30 June 2009, the Government approved continued participation by seven members of the Permanent Defence Force in ISAF for a further period from July 2009 subject to ongoing review by the Department of Defence. Since July 2002, a total of 140 members of the Permanent Defence Force, including the contingent currently deployed, have served with the force. The additional cost to the Defence Vote arising out of Defence Force participation in ISAF is approximately €270,000 per annum. The seven Irish personnel currently participating in ISAF, comprising 4 Officers and 3 Non Commissioned Officers, are located in the two ISAF Headquarters in Kabul. The Irish personnel work in staff appointments in planning and administrative roles. Decisions such as the continued participation of members of the Permanent Defence Force in ISAF and in other overseas missions, will be a matter for the Government in the context of the Estimates.
Departmental Expenditure.
David Stanton
Question:273 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Defence the cost in 2008 of heating all buildings owned or rented from which his Department or bodies under the aegis of his Department operate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44420/09]
The cost, in 2008, of heating the Department's offices in Dublin, Galway and Roscrea amounted to about €88,500. The cost of heating the various military barracks and premises throughout the country amounted to €3,500,000.
Departmental Staff.
George Lee
Question:274 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the average wage and number of staff employed by his Department each year from 1997 to 2008 broken down by job title and grade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43934/09]
The Human Resource Management System (HRMS) for the Civil Service was introduced in 2002. The information requested from 2002 in being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible. The compilation of the pre-2002 data would involve a disproportionate amount of time and work.
Local Authority Funding.
Ciaran Lynch
Question:275 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the impact the non-inclusion of an eastern bridge in the Sligo and environs development plan 2010 to 2016 will have on the continuing funding of the refurbishment scheme from Cranmore and the eastern environs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43946/09]
The recent decision by Sligo Borough Council not to include any specific objective for a critical new access link to the east of Sligo in their draft development plan, in line with current and previous development plans, will impact on the potential to provide a new compact and sustainable model of development for Sligo, including the future regeneration of the Cranmore area. My Department is currently examining the impact of the council's decision on the long-term sustainable options for the regeneration of the Cranmore area. Any decision on the Cranmore regeneration programme must await the outcome of this examination.
Michael Fitzpatrick
Question:276 Deputy Michael Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of funding provided to local authorities under the housing aid for older people and housing adaptation grants in the years 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009. [43967/09]
Michael Fitzpatrick
Question:277 Deputy Michael Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the draw down of grants, under the housing aid for older people and housing adaptation grants by Kildare County Council in the years 2007, 2008, and to date in 2009; and the amount of unpaid grant moneys for these years. [43968/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 276 and 277 together.
My Department's involvement with the new Housing Adaptation Grant Schemes for Older People and People with a Disability relates primarily to the recoupment of a proportion of local authority expenditure on the payment of individual grants. These schemes, introduced in November 2007, are funded by 80% recoupments available from my Department together with a 20% contribution from the resources of the local authority. In the case of the older Disabled Persons' and Essential Repairs Grant Schemes, these are funded by 67% recoupments together with a 33% contribution from the resources of the local authority. The detailed administration of these schemes, including the assessment and approval of individual applications and the payment of grants to householders, is the responsibility of the relevant local authority.
Details of the Exchequer funding provided to local authorities for these schemes for the years 2007 and 2008 and the total allocations for 2009 from Exchequer and local authority sources are set out in the following table.
|
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
|
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
County Councils |
|||
|
Carlow |
782,807 |
1,534,923 |
1,918,125 |
|
Cavan |
753,977 |
1,568,060 |
1,437,500 |
|
Clare |
857,560 |
2,100,790 |
2,153.750 |
|
Cork |
3,622,522 |
5,784,957 |
7,076,250 |
|
Donegal |
2,790,698 |
3,112,498 |
4,820,000 |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
1,245,293 |
1,692,890 |
2,285,000 |
|
Fingal |
1,036,073 |
1,331,236 |
2,458,750 |
|
Galway |
1,196,745 |
1,671,884 |
2,074,000 |
|
Kerry |
1,701,174 |
2,320,709 |
3,613,750 |
|
Kildare |
1,079,483 |
1,822,582 |
2,533,750 |
|
Kilkenny |
534,311 |
596,350 |
1,055,000 |
|
Laois |
1,734,170 |
1,829,228 |
2,067,313 |
|
Leitrim |
1,030,084 |
1,310,551 |
1,790,000 |
|
Limerick |
1,019,313 |
1,082,995 |
1,665,000 |
|
Longford |
418,699 |
966,847 |
1,251,000 |
|
Louth |
1,193,251 |
2,030,581 |
2,648,750 |
|
Mayo |
1,630,838 |
2,011,125 |
3,439,584 |
|
Meath |
1,586,679 |
3,283,476 |
1,000,000 |
|
Monaghan |
1,253,446 |
1,470,218 |
2,177,500 |
|
North Tipperary |
1,031,729 |
1,432,124 |
1,965,000 |
|
Offaly |
861,935 |
993,344 |
1,949,313 |
|
Roscommon |
1,101,955 |
1,579,457 |
2,305,625 |
|
Sligo |
322,914 |
493,490 |
1,223,750 |
|
South Dublin |
2,630,134 |
2,975,713 |
4,670,000 |
|
South Tipperary |
882,395 |
1,358,885 |
2,193,750 |
|
Waterford |
998,389 |
1,690,822 |
1,707,500 |
|
Westmeath |
958,321 |
1,361,958 |
1,660,000 |
|
Wexford |
1,340,572 |
1,656,321 |
2,988,750 |
|
Wicklow |
709,099 |
1,416,332 |
1,893,750 |
|
City Councils |
|||
|
Cork City |
1,218,359 |
1,546,070 |
2,776,250 |
|
Dublin City |
8,309,518 |
9,227,259 |
15,063,750 |
|
Galway |
687,851 |
922,136 |
1,270,000 |
|
Limerick City |
468,401 |
791,513 |
1,397,500 |
|
Waterford City |
293,958 |
481,126 |
762,500 |
|
Borough Councils |
|||
|
Sligo Borough |
272,296 |
300,894 |
772,750 |
|
Total |
47,554,949 |
65,749,344 |
92,040,210 |
Over the period 1 January 2009 to 27 November 2009, a total of €59.126 million has been recouped by my Department to local authorities in respect of the Exchequer contribution towards grant payments under the various grant measures. A total of €1.926 million has been recouped to Kildare County Council to date in 2009.
EU Directives.
Darragh O'Brien
Question:278 Deputy Darragh O’Brien asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in view of the EU birds directive and the circular which he sent out to farmers and landowners, this will prohibit the use of scarecrows and other such devices which are crucial for vegetable growers within the special protection area zones (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43994/09]
Darragh O'Brien
Question:279 Deputy Darragh O’Brien asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the implementation schedule to designate special protection areas (details supplied) in County Dublin under the EU birds directive; the way in which compensation payments will be calculated in view of the fact that there is a wide variety of high value crops grown with in the SPA zones; if the compensation scheme will take account of the variety of crops and vegetables grown and the value of those crops; the involvement he will have with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43996/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 278 and 279 together.
I recently notified land-owners and the public of my intention to re-designate six existing sites in Dublin as Special Protection Areas further to Ireland's obligations under the 1979 Birds Directive. I have also proposed that one additional new site, Dalkey Islands, be designated. Five of the seven sites are island sites on which there is little agricultural activity of the type mentioned in the questions. The remaining two sites are estuarine, wetland sites — Baldoyle Bay and Malahide Estuary — and I understand that there is little agricultural activity, if any, within these sites.
In general, the Birds Directive prohibits the deliberate disturbance of birds, particularly during the period of breeding and rearing, in so far as disturbance would be significant having regard to the objectives of the Directive. This applies to all species of naturally occurring wild birds in the State and applies regardless of whether the disturbance occurs within or outside an SPA. The Birds Directive also provides for derogation from these requirements in a number of situations including to prevent serious damage to crops, livestock, forests, fisheries and water. Licences are issued by my Department further to these derogation provisions. In general, however, the use of traditional scarecrows that do not cause significant disturbance would not require a licence. Farmers who are in any doubt should contact the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department.
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has principal responsibility for the disbursal of EU and matching funding under the Rural Development Programme to assist farmers in meeting the requirements of the Birds and Habitats Directives and is kept fully informed of any designations.
Proposed Legislation.
Mary Upton
Question:280 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the actions that are to be taken in the aftermath of the unprecedented flooding which occurred in November 2009; his views on whether development of flood plains has exacerbated this problem; his plans to pass legislation to ensure no further significant development takes place on flood plains; his further plans to revoke planning permission for sites that have been granted planning permission but which are located on flood plains; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44038/09]
As I indicated in my statement to the House on 24 November in relation to the recent flooding events, my Department has undertaken a range of measures and has instigated inter-agency co-operative initiatives to deliver a co-ordinated emergency response at both national and local level, through the local authorities' severe weather emergency plans. In respect of land use planning, I am committed to intensifying our actions to mitigate these adverse impacts for the future. The current flooding and other recent flooding events sharply illustrate the effects of inappropriate development planning and development management decisions in the past and underline the necessity for action to avoid such development in locations in which future flooding is like to occur, particularly on flood plains.
The First Schedule of the Planning and Development Act 2000 specifies, inter alia, that planning authorities may include in their development plans objectives regulating, restricting or controlling development in areas at risk of flooding. As highlighted in my Department’s 2007 Development Plan Guidelines, where development is proposed in an area at risk of flooding, it is a matter for each planning authority to evaluate such risk, on the basis of a flood risk assessment where appropriate, and planning permission may either be refused, or, if granted, can be made subject to conditions requiring the implementation of measures necessary to alleviate or avoid damage due to flooding.
Reinforcing this provision, I published, yesterday, the finalised Guidelines for Planning Authorities on the Planning System and Flood Risk Management which are aimed at ensuring a more consistent, rigorous and systematic approach to flood risk identification, assessment and management within the planning system. These guidelines provide that:
development in areas at risk of flooding, particularly flood plains, should be avoided unless there are wider sustainability grounds that justify appropriate development and where the risk can be reduced or managed to an acceptable level;
a sequential approach must be adopted to flood risk management when assessing the location of new development based on avoidance, reduction and mitigation of flood risk; and
flood risk assessment must be incorporated into the process of making decisions on planning applications and planning appeals.
These statutory guidelines, when taken together with the legislative measures in the planning code, provide a sound basis for planning authorities to identify, assess and take appropriate steps to manage flood risk in a sustainable manner within their area. I will continue to assess development and local area plans to monitor implementation of these principles at local level to ensure that future development takes account of these policies.
Planning Issues.
Mary Upton
Question:281 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to change planning requirements to prevent house owners in urban areas from putting in driveways that preclude drainage on the driveway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44040/09]
I published, yesterday, finalised Guidelines to Planning Authorities on the Planning System and Flood Risk Management, which are aimed at ensuring a more consistent, rigorous and systematic approach to the full incorporation of flood risk assessment and management into the planning system. The Guidelines contain a commitment to review the exempted development planning regulations, which currently allow for paving of front gardens to provide off-street parking or hard landscaping. This review will be undertaken in 2010 and will look, inter alia, at ways of ensuring that future exemptions only apply where such developments comply with sustainable drainage principles.
Pension Provisions.
Richard Bruton
Question:282 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if retired members of the fire brigade are entitled to adjustments in their pensions to match serving officer allowances; and if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some local authorities have not passed the Saturday night allowance negotiated in 2008. [44055/09]
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. Pensions of retired members of the Local Government Superannuation Scheme are generally increased in line with pay increases granted to serving staff. In circular letter S17/2004 of 18 October 2004, my Department confirmed the position regarding the method of applying pension increases to the emoluments (pensionable allowances) that are included as part of retiring pensionable pay in the case of former firefighters. It is a matter for each local authority to implement the increases in accordance with that circular.
Planning Issues.
Richard Bruton
Question:283 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he or the local authorities accept any liability for the removal of asbestos from homes when it was installed as a condition of adequate insulation in grant assisted extensions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44057/09]
My Department's involvement with the Housing Adaptation Grant Schemes for Older People and People with a Disability relates primarily to the recoupment of a proportion of local authority expenditure on the payment of individual grants. The detailed administration of these schemes, including the assessment and approval of individual applications and the payment of grants to householders, is the responsibility of the relevant local authority. The choice and specification of the building materials used in grant-assisted housing adaptations and extensions are matters for the individual householders concerned and the terms and conditions of the grant schemes do not prescribe particular insulation materials that must be used. My Department is not aware of any instances where asbestos was used as an insulant in any grant-assisted works or extensions under the schemes.
Paul Kehoe
Question:284 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if provisions are being made for planning extensions for zoned lands that have been granted planning permissions and no extensions are considered to one-off houses; the reason for this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44058/09]
Paul Kehoe
Question:285 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will consider extending the planning permission for one-off houses which have been granted permission but are unable to proceed to the building stage due to the current economic climate; the current guidelines for the expiry of planning permission and the cost of re-applying for planning permission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44061/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 284 and 285 together.
Under section 42 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, a planning permission must, on application, be extended for a period of up to 5 years, provided that the development commenced before the expiration of the planning permission and that substantial works were carried out during the period of the permission. Section 23 of the Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2009 amends section 42 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 to provide that a planning permission must, on application, be extended for up to 5 years even where substantial works have not been carried out or the development has not been commenced, provided that the authority is satisfied that there were considerations of a commercial, economic or technical nature beyond the control of the applicant which substantially militated against either the commencement of development or the carrying out of substantial works pursuant to the planning permission. This provision applies to all permissions. The Bill is currently progressing through the Houses of the Oireachtas and will be enacted as soon as possible.
Nuclear Safety.
Phil Hogan
Question:286 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of times the EU High Level Regulators Group relating to nuclear safety has met since its establishment. [44101/09]
The European Nuclear Safety Regulators Group (ENSREG) was established by the European Commission in July 2007. The Group is composed of senior officials from national regulatory or nuclear safety authorities. Ireland is represented on ENSREG by Dr Ann Mc Garry, CEO of the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII), Dr Tom Ryan, Director of Regulatory Services at the RPII and other RPII staff members as appropriate.
The aim of the Group is to develop common understanding and reinforce common approaches in the fields of nuclear safety and waste management as well as to advise the Commission in this regard. The fundamental principle of ENSREG's work is that there should be continuous improvement in nuclear safety.
ENSREG has established three working groups to undertake its work programme. Working Group 3, which is responsible for improvements on transparency arrangements, is chaired by Dr Ann Mc Garry. The working groups meet as necessary and report back to ENSREG, which meets at least twice a year. To date ENSREG has met in plenary session on ten occasions.
|
Date |
|
|
12 October 2007 |
07 November 2008 |
|
11 January 2008 |
14 January 2009 |
|
21 April 2008 |
15 April 2009 |
|
30 May 2008 |
02 July 2009 |
|
15 October 2008 |
28 October 2009 |
ENSREG presented its first report to the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union on 17 July 2009. This report is available on the website of the European Union, http://ec.europa.eu/energy/nuclear/ensreg/ensreg_en.htm .
Architectural Heritage.
Joanna Tuffy
Question:287 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he will take to ensure that old stone bridges, some dating back to the 15th century, are conserved as part of the country’s natural heritage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44107/09]
Under the provisions of the Planning and Development Act 2000, each planning authority is required, for the purpose of protecting structures including bridges, or parts of structures which are of special architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical interest, to include in its development plan a Record of Protected Structures for its functional area. This may be done at the time of the preparation of the development plan or, where appropriate, at any other time. The making of an addition to, or deletion from, a Record of Protected Structures is a reserved function of the planning authorities.
The Act also enables the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to make recommendations to a planning authority concerning the inclusion of specific structures in its Record of Protected Structures, and a planning authority must have regard to any such recommendations. These recommendations are based on the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH) surveys conducted by my Department.
In addition, a number of bridges, by reason of their antiquity and their architectural and structural integrity, are protected as monuments under the National Monuments Acts.
Planning Issues.
Niall Collins
Question:288 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in the absence of a formally adopted plan, an ongoing programme of demolition of multiple dwelling units costing in excess of €127,000 to date being undertaken by a local authority will be regarded as exempt development under the Planning and Developments Acts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44108/09]
Section 179 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 and the associated Part 8 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 set out the legal requirements in relation to local authority own development which does not require environmental impact assessment.
Where a local authority proposes to engage in development specified in Part 8 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, which includes certain listed development and any other development the estimated cost of which exceeds €126,000 (not being development consisting of the laying underground of sewers, mains, pipes or other apparatus) it must go through a public consultation procedure and must also submit the proposal to the elected members for approval. The interpretation of the Regulations is a matter for the relevant local authority in the first instance and would be a matter for the courts in any case that came before them.
Waste Management.
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Question:289 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the plans by South Dublin County Council to close its green waste facility and not re-open it at a new location; if this is in breach of rules pertaining to recycling of waste materials and diversion away from landfill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44111/09]
My Department understands that the closure of this green waste facility is under consideration by South Dublin County Council but that the civic amenity facility at Ballymount continues to accept green waste and will remain in operation. The decision is an operational matter for South Dublin County Council. Since 2002 my Department has provided grant assistance of over €100 million to local authorities towards the development of waste recycling facilities. However, the green waste facility in question did not receive assistance under either the currentWaste Recycling Capital Grants Scheme or the previous Waste Management Infrastructural Grant Schemeand therefore the question of recoupment of any grant paid does not arise.
The National Strategy on Biodegradable Waste was published in April 2006 and sets out measures to divert biodegradable municipal waste from landfill in accordance with the targets in EU Directive 1999/31/EC on the landfill of waste. These targets require progressive reductions in the amount of biodegradable municipal waste which was landfilled in the reference year of 1995. They are designed to achieve a reduction to 75% by 2010, 50% by 2013 and 35% by 2016.
I am introducing a range of measures, including source segregation of food waste arising on commercial premises, which will contribute significantly to meeting Ireland's obligations under EU Directive 199/31/EC on the landfill of waste.
Library Projects.
Niall Collins
Question:290 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he received a request from a local authority (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44135/09]
Limerick County Council invited me to open this new facility, including the branch library which has been grant aided by my Department in the amount of €1,000,000. Unfortunately, due to other pressing engagements on the day, I was unable to accept this invitation and conveyed my regret and best wishes to the local authority for a successful event.
Turbary Rights.
Denis Naughten
Question:291 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, further to Parliamentary Question No. 238 of 15 October 2009, if he will furnish a reply to the correspondence concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44188/09]
A detailed response to the correspondence in question was issued earlier today.
Environmental Policy.
James Bannon
Question:292 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to publish a landscape Bill to identify policies to protect, conserve and manage our landscape and natural heritage. [44343/09]
Andrew Doyle
Question:297 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the names of the members of the steering group on conservation and land management; if the steering group is preparing a report and when it will be available; if he intends to present a landscape management Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44403/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 292 and 297 together.
It is my intention to provide for a legal definition of ‘landscape' in the Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2009 which is currently at Report Stage in Seanad Éireann. This will be based on the definition set out in the European Landscape Convention, as ratified by Ireland in March 2002.
I will also be bringing proposals in relation to a National Monuments Bill to Government for approval shortly. It is my intention that this Bill will provide for a statutory definition of ‘historic landscape', and for a new system for the identification, registration and conservation of historic landscapes. In view of the above proposed legislative changes, I do not envisage a requirement for a separate Landscape Management Bill.
My Department has also established a Steering Group comprised of key stakeholders, to develop and progress the National Landscape Strategy. The aim is to ensure the delivery of a draft National Landscape Strategy for public consultation by June 2010. The current membership of the Steering Group is as follows:
|
Name |
Organisation |
|
Ms Deirdre Black |
Irish Landscape Institute |
|
Mr George Burke (Chair) |
Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government |
|
Mr Willie Cumming |
Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government |
|
Dr Loreto Guinan |
Meath County Council |
|
Mr Pat Farrington |
Dept. of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food |
|
Mr Diarmuid Houston |
Wexford County Council |
|
Mr John Landy |
Coillte |
|
Mr Paddy Matthews |
Fáilte Ireland |
|
Ms Gabrielle McKeown |
Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government |
|
Ms Finola Moylette |
Dept of Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs |
|
Mr Michael Murphy |
Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government |
|
Mr Pat O’Connor |
Dept of Communications, Energy & Natural Resources |
|
Dr Cathal O’Donoghue |
Teagasc |
|
Mr Ray O’Leary |
Dept of Arts, Sports & Tourism |
|
Mr Terry O’Regan |
Landscape Alliance Ireland |
|
Dr John Olley |
UCD |
|
Mr David Owen |
An Taisce |
|
Mr Conor Skehan |
Dublin Institute of Technology |
|
Mr Michael Starrett |
The Heritage Council |
Fire Service.
Pat Breen
Question:293 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in view of the recent flooding crisis and the prospects of further flooding in the next number of years, he will invest in the purchase of new fire tenders for the fire service which are available in the UK and have the capacity to pump out 25,000 gallons of water per minute compared to the current fire tenders which only have the capacity to pump 750 gallons of water per minute; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44356/09]
The provision of a fire service, including the provision of fire fighting and emergency equipment, is a statutory function of individual fire authorities under the Fire Services Act, 1981 and 2003. The Department supports fire authorities through the setting of general policy and the provision of capital funding, including the recoupment (within the overall funding available) of costs incurred by local authorities in relation to the purchase of fire fighting and emergency equipment. Applications from fire authorities for new fire tenders will be considered under the 2010 fire services capital programme.
Flood Relief.
Bobby Aylward
Question:294 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will make funding available to Kilkenny County Council to assist five householders in south Kilkenny whose homes have been damaged by water flooding from the main roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44361/09]
Joe Carey
Question:301 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will make available emergency funding to Ennis Town Council to enable it to carry out necessary works to its housing stock due to the damage caused in the recent floods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44443/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 294 and 301 together.
My Department will shortly ask the local authorities for reports on the consequences of the flooding and an assessment of the remedial works required. I will circulate these reports to other Government Departments and Agencies for consideration and appropriate action.
I have today announced the provision of supplementary funding amounting to €10m to assist local authorities in meeting the exceptional costs associated with the current flooding crisis. My Department will be in touch with the local authorities concerned in the coming days.
I am conscious that in addition to the trauma caused by the flooding, people also suffer financial loss arising from the damage caused to their property. The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which is administered by the Community Welfare Division of the Health Service Executive on behalf of the Department of Social and Family Affairs, is designed to provide immediate and flexible assistance for those in need who do not qualify for payment under other State schemes. The Government has announced the provision of an initial sum of €10 million for emergency flood relief to be administered by the Department of Social and Family Affairs and €2 million for the agricultural sector.
Local Authority Charges.
Frank Feighan
Question:295 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if persons who reside permanently in the UK who have inherited the family home here are subject to the €200 second home tax; and if persons resident in the UK and have secured a home for retirement here are subject to this tax. [44364/09]
The charge, on all non-principal private residences, which is set at €200, is payable by owners of private rented accommodation, holiday homes and any other residential property that is not the owner's sole or main residence. If a person resident in another country owns a residential property here that is not his or her sole or main residence, he or she would be liable for the charge in respect of the property in the State.
John Deasy
Question:296 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the non-principal private residence tax in respect of 2010 is due for payment; if persons who paid the tax in 2009 will be required to renew the tax before 12 months have elapsed since the initial payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44377/09]
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 owners of private rented accommodation, holiday homes and any other residential property that is not the owner's sole or main residence.
Section 3(2) of the Local Government (Charges) Act 2009 provides that the liability date for this charge in 2010 and in future years will be 31 March.
Question No. 297 answered with Question No. 292.
Departmental Expenditure.
David Stanton
Question:298 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the cost in 2008 of heating all buildings owned or rented from which his Department or bodies under the aegis of his Department operate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44423/09]
Expenditure in 2008 on heating in the Department's main offices in Dublin, including Met Éireann, and in Ballina amounted to €102,808. While the Department operates from over forty locations nationwide, it is not possible to give a total figure in respect of all locations, as a number of offices have electric heating, which is not identified separately from other elements of the electricity bill. Expenditure on heating for the bodies under the aegis of the Department is a matter for the agencies themselves.
Local Authority Charges.
Niall Collins
Question:299 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if schools are exempt from payment of local authority water charges; if this is for an indefinite period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44439/09]
Niall Collins
Question:300 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if community owned properties and buildings in use for not for profit community purposes are exempt from payment of local authority water charges; if this is for an indefinite period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44440/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 299 and 300 together.
Under the Government's water pricing policy, local authorities are required to recover the costs of providing water services from non domestic users of these services including community owned properties and buildings in use for not-for-profit community purposes.
In January 2008, the Government introduced transitional arrangements for charging schools for water services to apply for the period 2007-2009. The transitional arrangements provide for a flat rate amounting to €4.00 per pupil this year — the rate for 2007 was €3.00 per pupil and for 2008 was €3.50 per pupil. The transitional period provides schools with an opportunity to undertake activities to reduce water usage. The transitional arrangements will cease at the end of this year and all schools are due to be charged for water services based on usage with effect from 1 January 2010.
Question No. 301 answered with Question No. 294.
Building Regulations.
Liz McManus
Question:302 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will comment on the difficulties faced by building energy rating contractors who have invested significant amounts in training, insurance and registration and who now are faced with low take up of BER certificates; the number of BER contractors and the amount of BER certificate applications since the beginning of the scheme; the steps he will take to ensure further take up of this scheme; if he will introduce a waiver in relation to registration for those who are unemployed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43359/09]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 131 of 14 October 2009 which deals comprehensively with the issues raised. The position is unchanged. With regard to activity levels under the Building Energy Rating (BER) system, the latest figures received from Sustainable Energy Ireland indicate that some 2,900 persons are currently registered as BER assessors for dwellings and over 85,000 BER certificates for dwellings are now in place. The corresponding figures in relation to buildings other than dwellings are over 300 BER assessors and some 2,600 BER certificates.
Departmental Websites.
Liz McManus
Question:303 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if there are any plans to merge websites (details supplied) following the Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programme on public spending; the cost of running both of these websites; the cost of the recently launched www.1010.ie; his views on whether they all cover the same broad area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43350/09]
I refer to the reply by my colleague, the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, to Question No. 43 of 13 October 2009.
The contract for the Change campaign was terminated on 31 October 2009. Since then, while the brand has been maintained, the content of the Change.ie site has been transferred to the climate change section of www.enfo.ie with the calculators for individuals and organisations being managed by the Environmental Protection Agency. This will ensure the climate change content will continue to be developed and savings will ensue in respect of hosting and maintenance.
The contract for the Power Of One campaign ended on 31 December 2008 and has not been renewed. Since 1 January 2009, Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) has assumed responsibility for promotion of energy efficient behaviour in the residential sector, using the Power of One brand. As part of these arrangements, the standalone Power of One website was terminated and relevant campaign materials were migrated to the existing SEI website content management and hosting infrastructure, where they were combined with SEI's existing consumer advice materials.
The recently launched 10:10.ie website is not a Government site; it is an Environmental NGO site which aims to unite every sector of Irish society behind the idea that by working together we can achieve a 10% cut in Ireland's carbon emissions in 2010. Initiatives taken by community and voluntary organisations which build upon the success of national awareness campaigns such as Change.ie and Power of One should be encouraged and, to this end, I was very pleased to show my support by launching the 10:10 website in October.
Aquaculture Sector.
Liz McManus
Question:304 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the ruling of the European Commission against Ireland on its quality of shellfish waters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43364/09]
The European Court of Justice delivered its ruling in Case C1-148/05 on 14 June 2007 and Ireland was found to be in breach of the Directive on the quality required of shellfish waters by failing to:
designate all shellfish waters requiring designation; and
take all necessary measures to establish pollution reduction programmes (PRPs) for waters requiring designation.
The European Commission made a decision on 29 October 2009 to refer Ireland to the European Court of Justice for an imposition of fines in relation to the Directive, while deferring such referral for three months.
Responsibility for the shellfish waters function transferred to my Department at the end of 2008. In February 2009, I designated 49 additional shellfish water sites, bringing to 63 the total number of sites around our coast; I designated the final site in Cork Harbour last week. Work is progressing well on the pollution reduction programmes and the 64 programmes will be completed and established by January next.
I am confident that all outstanding aspects of this case will be completed to the satisfaction of the Commission within the timescale allowed for addressing the outstanding issues.
Departmental Properties.
Brian Hayes
Question:305 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding a premises (details supplied) in Dublin 9; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44317/09]
I am advised that the Central Fisheries Board (CFB) vacated the building and site, referred to by the Deputy, in 2005 due to health and safety concerns. While the Government decided in April of 2008 to release the building and site in question to the Affordable Housing Initiative, having regard to an interest expressed by a voluntary education group, an inspection of the site was facilitated recently by the CFB. Any question of an alternative development of the site would be a matter for the appropriate education authorities.
Departmental Staff.
George Lee
Question:306 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the average wage and number of staff employed by his Department each year from 1997 to 2008 broken down by job title and grade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43930/09]
The following table shows the staff numbers in each grade at 31st December, 2007 and 2008 i.e. for each year since the setting up of the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources in June 2007. Also included in this table is the average annual wage for each of these grades as at those dates. The salary levels shown reflect the prevailing levels for each grade as agreed centrally for the grades in question. As the reply indicates, the Department has a relatively high number of professional/technical grades.
|
Grade |
Number of Staff |
Gross Annual Average Wage |
|
€ |
||
|
Secretary General |
1 |
253,634.98 |
|
Deputy Secretary General |
1 |
177,546.89 |
|
Assistant Secretary |
3 |
148,549.68 |
|
Principal Officer |
18 |
98,806.34 |
|
Assistant Principal Officer |
39 |
75,548.13 |
|
Administrative Officer |
4 |
52,546.69 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
49.31 |
52,210.49 |
|
Executive Officer |
49.5 |
45,034.62 |
|
Staff Officer |
3.1 |
34,122.07 |
|
Clerical Officer/Typist |
52.2 |
33,255.10 |
|
Head Services Officer |
1 |
35,659.81 |
|
Services Officer |
8.5 |
27,345.57 |
|
Service Attendant |
1 |
26,874.27 |
|
Storekeeper |
1 |
30,941.70 |
|
Chief Technical Advisor (Energy) |
1 |
115,997.18 |
|
Director of Comms |
1 |
120,382.13 |
|
Assistant Director of Comms |
1 |
106,582.09 |
|
Sen Laboratory Technicians |
3 |
65,281.88 |
|
Laboratory Technician |
1 |
41,958.98 |
|
Staff Engineer |
3 |
85,039.31 |
|
Assistant Staff Engineer |
1 |
74,036.11 |
|
Executive Engineer |
3 |
61,971.66 |
|
Director of Geological Survey of Ireland ( GSI) |
1 |
114,366.04 |
|
Assistant Director of GSI |
1 |
100,191.08 |
|
Principal Geologist |
3 |
82,546.67 |
|
Senior Geologist |
12.6 |
67,352.56 |
|
Super Cartography |
4.5 |
52,461.02 |
|
Assistant Super Cartography |
2 |
45,740.99 |
|
Chief Super Mapping |
1 |
71,722.98 |
|
Chief Technologist |
1 |
79,093.92 |
|
Petroleum Exploration Specialist |
2 |
117,990.98 |
|
Professional Accountant Grade 1 |
1 |
80,312.06 |
|
Geologist |
7.6 |
45,254.86 |
|
Legal Advisor |
1 |
79,916.02 |
|
Temp Geological Assistant |
4 |
43,001.67 |
|
Caretaker |
1 |
6,704.09 |
|
Civilian Driver |
2 |
34,826.50 |
|
Research Co-ordinator |
1 |
118,889.00 |
|
Secretarial Assistant |
2 |
36,072.56 |
|
Grade |
Number of Staff |
Gross Annual Average Wage |
|
€ |
||
|
Secretary General |
1 |
241,413.90 |
|
Deputy Secretary General |
1 |
168,991.97 |
|
Assistant Secretary |
3 |
139,333.38 |
|
Principal Officer |
17 |
93,510.53 |
|
Assistant Principal Officer |
43 |
67,728.63 |
|
Administrative Officer |
5.6 |
52,202.22 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
58.5 |
53,987.17 |
|
Executive Officer |
69 |
39,842.10 |
|
Staff Officer |
3.1 |
31,534.85 |
|
Clerical Officer/Typist |
63.5 |
30,434.92 |
|
Head Services Officer |
1 |
33,941.52 |
|
Services Officer |
9.5 |
25,559.63 |
|
Service Attendant |
2 |
24,539.73 |
|
Storekeeper |
1 |
29,450.91 |
|
Chief Technical Advisor (Energy) |
2 |
113,164.07 |
|
Director of Comms |
1 |
114,581.02 |
|
Assistant Director of Comms |
1 |
101,446.01 |
|
Sen Laboratory Technicians |
3 |
62,136.99 |
|
Laboratory Technician |
1 |
38,499.97 |
|
Assistant Staff Engineer |
1 |
70,468.05 |
|
Staff Engineer |
3 |
80,000.38 |
|
Executive Engineer |
3 |
58,361.07 |
|
Director of GSI |
1 |
108,856.09 |
|
Assistant Director of GSI |
1 |
95,363.12 |
|
Principal Geologist |
3 |
76,135.58 |
|
Senior Geologist |
14.8 |
49,863.37 |
|
Super Cartography |
3 |
51,950.76 |
|
Assistant Super Cartography |
2.5 |
43,536.90 |
|
Cartographer |
1 |
39,478.87 |
|
Chief Super Mapping |
1 |
68,267.09 |
|
Chief Technologist |
1 |
75,282.96 |
|
Petroleum Exploration Specialist |
2 |
112,304.93 |
|
Secretarial Assistant |
1 |
24,775.06 |
|
Geologist |
14.6 |
38,787.34 |
|
Temp Geological Assistant |
5 |
39,344.14 |
Departmental Schemes.
Thomas Byrne
Question:307 Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding an application made under the warmer homes scheme by a person (details supplied) in County Meath. [43989/09]
I have been informed by Sustainable Energy Ireland that they have no record of an application for the Warmer Homes Scheme being made by the individual in question. If the Deputy can forward a contact number I will arrange for the relevant community-based organisation to make contact with the individual and assess their suitability for the scheme.
Electric Vehicles.
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:308 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has entered into an arrangement for the purchase of electric vehicles in 2009 to 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44014/09]
Neither my Department nor Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI), has entered into a commercial arrangement with any company to provide electric vehicles to the Government.
The Government has set a target of 10% of all vehicles to be powered by electricity by 2020. An Inter-Departmental/Inter-Agency Taskforce on electric vehicles is chaired by my Department and comprises the Departments of Transport, Finance, Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Enterprise, Trade and Employment, SEI, ESB, the IDA and Enterprise Ireland. The Commission for Energy Regulation is also joining the Taskforce in light of its statutory responsibilities for the regulated networks.
The Inter Departmental/Inter Agency Taskforce is advising on the costed options and timeframes for putting in place the necessary infrastructure and other arrangements for the cost effective deployment of electric vehicles on a national basis. Initial estimates by ESB Networks for the roll out of infrastructure are between 6 and 18 months depending on the scale of initial deployment. Global developments will be factored in as the technologies mature.
I am currently reviewing the report of the Taskforce with a view to bringing it to Government in the near future for agreement to setting a clear roadmap ahead.
Mobile Telephony.
Brendan Kenneally
Question:309 Deputy Brendan Kenneally asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the regulations governing the content of any message sent by network providers to mobile phones when a frontier is crossed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44313/09]
Regulation (EC) No 717/2007 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 June 2007 on roaming on public mobile telephone networks within the Community and amending Directive 2002/21/EC, requires mobile telephone service providers to alert customers by means of a message service of the charges for making or receiving voice calls each time a customer travels to another Member State with an active roaming mobile telephony service. The notification must also provide a free of charge telephone number where more detailed charging data can be accessed.
Regulation (EC) No 544/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 June 2009 amending Regulation (EC) No 717/2007 on roaming on public mobile telephone networks within the Community, and amending Directive 2002/21/EC on a common regulatory framework for electronic communications networks, extends the notification requirement in the previous Regulation, which applied to voice services, to include notification of roaming charges for Short Messaging Services (SMS) and data services.
These Regulations are directly applicable and binding on mobile telephone service providers. The Communications (Mobile Telephone Roaming) Regulations, S.I. No. 792/2007, implements in Ireland an obligation addressed to Member States in Regulation (EC) No 717/2007 to create offences for mobile telephone service providers who do not comply with the obligations arising.
Departmental Expenditure.
David Stanton
Question:310 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the cost in 2008 of heating all buildings owned or rented from which his Department or bodies under the aegis of his Department operate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44418/09]
Heating in my Department's buildings in Adelaide Road, Tom Johnston House, Beggars Bush and Leeson Lane is provided by Natural Gas and the costs in the period referred to is as follows:
|
€ |
|
|
Beggars Bush |
26,572.87 (shared building) |
|
Adelaide Road |
24,535.57 |
|
Leeson Lane |
38,054.33 (shared building) |
|
Total |
89,162.77 |
These figures are net of refunds received from other Departments for shared services. My Department no longer has staff based in Leeson Lane.
Heating in my Department's building in Cavan is provided via storage heaters. It is not possible to definitively identify costs specific to heating for this building but the cost of the Night Rate Electricity there for the period was €3,536.90.
In 2008 my Department refunded the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food an amount of €498.72 in respect of heating costs for its office space then occupied at Davitt House, Castlebar, for the July to December 2007 period.
The cost of heating in buildings occupied by agencies under the aegis of my Department is a matter for those agencies and I have no role in the matter.
Broadcasting Services.
George Lee
Question:311 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the trial digital broadcasts Dublin residents were able to pick up on digital televisions will be reintroduced in view of the delay in the roll out of digital television; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44435/09]
A trial of Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) services was operated by my Department between August 2006 and August 2008.
The aims of the trial were, amongst others:
To provide information to broadcasters about the benefits of DTT;
To identify and resolve potential issues that may arise;
To make decisions on future technology choices for DTT in Ireland;
To highlight the advantage of the DTT service to TV viewers;
To provide for this in advance of DTT legislation.
Trial receivers were provided to 500 participants throughout Dublin and County Louth.
Information on the trial, including trial reports, is available on the Department's digital television website www.digitaltelevision.ie. There are no plans to reintroduce the trial.
The Broadcasting (Amendment) Act, 2007, which was superseded by the Broadcasting Act, 2009, made RTÉ responsible for providing a free digital television service throughout Ireland as a replacement for its analogue network.
Legislation also requires the newly established Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) to provide for the development of commercial DTT services. The BAI, which is an independent regulatory authority, is currently in negotiations with a company One Vision, to which it has offered a contract for the provision of commercial DTT services. While I have no direct function in these matters, I am concerned on policy grounds to see an early agreement on the provision of commercial DTT services and an early time path for the implementation of such agreement.
In relation to the rollout of DTT, RTÉ has made significant progress and continues to progress the rollout of DTT. The Broadcasting Act 2009 provides that by 31st December 2011, or such later date as the Minister may decide, RTÉ must have a national DTT service in place. To date, RTÉ has DTT enabled 13 sites to accommodate both the single free to air DTT multiplex and three commercial DTT multiplexes. RTÉ Transmission Networks Limited (RTÉNL) is conducting tests at these sites, including the sites in Dublin and County Louth that were used during the Department's DTT Trial. These tests include transmissions of the four national television services.
Alternative Energy Projects.
Willie Penrose
Question:312 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the co-firing targets including the three peat burning stations in the Midlands and the likelihood of reaching the 30% target set out by him by 2015; if he will give assurance that homes material, such as woodchip, would be sourced for these stations indigenously rather than being imported; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44447/09]
As the Deputy has suggested, the 2007 Bioenergy Action Plan for Ireland recommended that the REFIT tariff support scheme be expanded to facilitate delivery of co-firing in peat stations of 30% by 2015. Since that time, both ESB and Bord na Móna have been conducting a programme of research and development, including large scale co-firing trials with a variety of materials. Bord na Móna, for example, expects to burn between 70,000 and 75,000 tonnes of biomass this year at its Edenderry plant. These trials have shown that, while co-firing is possible in some instances, there remain significant technical problems with particular types of biomass.
Bord na Móna and ESB have recently conducted a series of laboratory scale tests to ascertain the precise chemical and physical nature of these problems, and to determine what measures can be taken in order to redress these. The final report of these tests is expected to be available in early January. My Department is in close contact with both companies on this issue with regard to progressive delivery of the target. However any decision on such a tariff would be premature until the final results are available. Furthermore, this decision will be taken in the context of the policy discussion around the larger bioenergy sector which is currently ongoing through the Bioenergy Working Group, which is chaired by my Department.
Clearly, our objective would be to utilise domestically produced biomass as much as possible, and my Department and I are in close contact with the Department of Agriculture to ensure that support schemes for energy crops and forestry and coherent with demand.
Energy Resources.
Willie Penrose
Question:313 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if an assessment has been carried out as to when the supply of peat for the manufacture of peat briquettes will run out; if it is Born na Mona’s intention to cease the production of peat briquettes; if so, the steps he will take to replace the important part of our Irish heritage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44448/09]
Under the Turf Development Acts, Bord na Móna plc is charged with the management, development and working of the bogs and other lands vested in the company. Any decision in relation to the production of peat briquettes or any other fuel type is a matter for the company.
Bord na Móna plc has advised that it is currently carrying out a detailed review of its current peat supplies, including those used for manufacture of peat briquettes. This review is expected to be completed during 2010. However, it is considered that the supply of peat for the manufacture of peat briquettes is currently adequate and the company has no plans to cease production of this product.
The Deputy may be aware that at the launch of the company's 2007/2008 Annual Report, Bord na Móna outlined its strategy for the future entitled ‘A New Contract with Nature', which signalled its intention to move towards a more sustainable business model with greater focus on environmental products, wind energy, biomass, resource recovery, district heating and eco tourism.
Inland Fisheries.
Kathleen Lynch
Question:314 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will consider introducing a concession for the elderly and unwaged when getting a salmon licence; the revenue from the licence; the way it is disbursed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44633/09]
Under the Fisheries Acts, primary responsibility for the management, conservation, protection and development of the inland fisheries resource and in this case, the issue of licences, rests with the Central and Regional Fisheries Boards. Licence duties are set by me, with the consent of the Minister for Finance, at rates recommended by the National Fisheries Management Executive (Fisheries Boards Managers)
The angling and commercial salmon licence fee is made up of the licence fee and an equivalent sum, which is ring-fenced for salmon conservation initiatives. The latter was introduced in 2007, as part of a suite of conservation measures for the management of the wild salmon fishery. A Ministerial Direction under Sections 18A, 19(4) and 20(3) of the Fisheries Act 1980, required the Central and Regional Fisheries Boards to prepare and implement a programme for rehabilitation of salmon stocks, giving priority to rivers below their conservation limits; in special areas of conservation; and which have the greatest prospect of recovery; funded by the proceeds of the salmon conservation component of the salmon licence fees. Works undertaken included catchment-wide electro-fishing, river bank protection, spawning grounds rehabilitation, in-stream works and habitat restoration, smolt rescue programmes etc.
In 2008, €1,394,469 was collected from the sale of angling and commercial licences, with 50% of this fee, €697,234 being allocated to salmon conservation initiatives and the balance being retained by the Boards and used to fund their activities.
Having regard to the considerable State investment in inland fisheries and the direct application of a very substantial part of the licence fee specifically to salmon conservation, there are no plans to apply an exemption rate for pensioners or the unwaged.
Fodder Aid Scheme.
Dan Neville
Question:315 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the details of a scheme of farm relief measures as announced on 24 November 2009 in Dáil Eireann during the debate on the flooding. [44064/09]
The Fodder Aid Scheme which I announced will require individual farmers to demonstrate that their fodder was damaged and the extent of that damage. Although this Scheme is targeted primarily at farmers in the West, Midlands and South West who suffered damage to fodder (silage or hay or concentrates) caused by flooding in November 2009, those farmers in other areas also affected by the recent flooding may also be eligible. However, given theimportance of having the funding made available as quickly as possible to those most severely affected by the crisis, I would encourage only those farmers, who are directly affected, to complete and submit the application without delay.
The Scheme will operate on the following basis:
Financial aid will be paid in instances where genuine damage to silage or hay or concentrates was caused by the flooding in November 2009.
Applications must be submitted by Friday 11 December 2009.
All applications will be subject to an on-farm inspection and the damaged fodder must be evident.
Aid will not be payable where flood damage to fodder is covered by the farmer's insurance policy.
Funding of €2 million is allocated to the scheme.
Application of the Terms and Conditions are at the discretion of the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.
Environmental Policy.
Michael D'Arcy
Question:316 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his proposals to empty the slurry storage facilities that have been flooded as a result of the rainfall and flooding; the emergency proposals there are for the application of slurry on land in contravention of the nitrates directive; his views on whether the farming calendar is impractical and unworkable in relation to slurry spreading. [44366/09]
As an emergency response to the extreme flooding conditions in parts of the country, my Department has issued advice with regard to problems that may be experienced by farmers due to flooding. Farmers are advised that in emergency cases, they are permitted to pump some water out of flooded tanks but only for reasons of animal welfare. Naturally, this concession will apply only in those areas that have been severely affected by flooding. This relates to pumping out of excess water only. Tanks should not be agitated before pumping and farmers should use a sludge pump if possible rather than a vacuum tanker. The suction pipe should be inserted almost to the bottom of the slurry tank so that solids are not removed. The farmer should pump out no more water than is necessary to alleviate the immediate animal welfare problem. This water should not be discharged directly to a watercourse. If water is already above the level of the central passageway or the apron, there is no point in trying to pump water from the tank. In these cases, animals will have to be removed from the sheds.
This does not permit the application of slurry on land while the prohibited period for the spreading of fertilisers as set out in the Nitrates Regulations is in force in all parts of the country. The planned review of Ireland's Nitrates Action Programme in 2010 will provide an opportunity for all stakeholders to put forward their views on the question of the most appropriate dates for the prohibited periods for spreading fertilisers that are a mandatory requirement under the EU Nitrates Directive. Any adjustment to Ireland's Nitrates Action Programme will require the agreement of the EU Commission.
Afforestation Programme.
John McGuinness
Question:317 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if payment of an afforestation grant will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; if not, the details of all outstanding issues in order that the case will be brought to a conclusion; and if he will expedite the matter. [43919/09]
An application for afforestation grant aid in respect of the person in question has been refused by the Forest Service of my Department pending completion of remedial works relating to the provision of a Right of Way through a neighbouring property and the exclusion of an archaeological site. These matters have not yet been satisfactorily resolved to date and in this regard the Forest Service is in correspondence with the applicants forestry company. I have asked that a decision in the matter be given as quickly as possible.
Departmental Agencies.
George Lee
Question:318 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of staff employed by Coillte, broken down by grades for each year from 1997 to 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43922/09]
The information sought is currently being compiled and will be sent to the Deputy shortly.
Departmental Staff.
George Lee
Question:319 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the average wage and number of staff employed by his Department each year from 1997 to 2008 broken down by job title and grade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43928/09]
The information requested by the Deputy is not readily available for the years 1997-2001. Details for 2002 to 2008 are in the following tables. It should be noted that the number of staff count referred to in the table relates to the total numbers paid in the grade throughout the years in question and is not specific to any particular date.
|
2008 |
2007 |
2006 |
2005 |
2004 |
2003 |
2002 |
||||||||
|
Staff |
Average ’08 |
Staff |
Average ’07 |
Staff |
Average ’06 |
Staff |
Average ’05 |
Staff |
Average ’04 |
Staff |
Average ’03 |
Staff |
Average ’02 |
|
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
||||||||
|
Advisory Counsel Grade 3 — PPC |
1 |
20,527.78 |
||||||||||||
|
Agricultural Inspector |
104 |
70,287.66 |
102.00 |
64,632.43 |
97.00 |
63,863.85 |
103.00 |
55,220.59 |
90.00 |
62,872.30 |
100.00 |
50,831.55 |
92.00 |
50,091.12 |
|
Ao |
28 |
36,121.33 |
15.00 |
28,412.68 |
14.00 |
34,188.94 |
13.00 |
32,939.03 |
14.00 |
25,633.76 |
15.00 |
17,874.27 |
13.00 |
12,804.74 |
|
Area Superintendent |
23 |
56,889.74 |
22.00 |
61,958.20 |
23.00 |
54,499.79 |
24.00 |
51,950.29 |
27.00 |
47,932.71 |
26.00 |
47,968.09 |
23.00 |
45,016.50 |
|
Asst Agricultural Insp Agric |
116 |
46,514.19 |
122.00 |
39,955.27 |
99.00 |
41,585.45 |
97.00 |
39,300.41 |
93.00 |
38,036.75 |
103.00 |
31,083.16 |
98.00 |
30,806.58 |
|
Asst Inspector Of Fisheries |
1 |
35,681.66 |
1.00 |
54,091.92 |
||||||||||
|
Asst Principal |
165 |
67,684.23 |
161.00 |
57,211.30 |
142.00 |
56,979.79 |
142.00 |
58,167.69 |
127.00 |
57,025.91 |
124.00 |
50,057.37 |
120.00 |
44,424.40 |
|
Asst Secretary |
11 |
159,559.38 |
11.00 |
134,589.31 |
10.00 |
128,015.32 |
11.00 |
98,641.47 |
10.00 |
113,173.78 |
10.00 |
104,734.19 |
10.00 |
100,368.18 |
|
Asst Solicitor |
1.00 |
42,590.60 |
1.00 |
49,695.80 |
1.00 |
44,993.31 |
1.00 |
41,502.18 |
||||||
|
Asst Superintendent Surveyor |
1.00 |
36,305.49 |
1.00 |
49,651.12 |
1.00 |
43,286.98 |
1.00 |
39,925.80 |
||||||
|
Chargehand Craft |
2 |
14,500.33 |
||||||||||||
|
Chemist |
3 |
55,271.42 |
3.00 |
57,742.81 |
3.00 |
50,565.08 |
3.00 |
50,159.15 |
3.00 |
43,698.21 |
3.00 |
32,498.43 |
3.00 |
36,500.79 |
|
Chief Analyst |
1 |
77,181.67 |
1.00 |
74,565.80 |
1.00 |
70,759.59 |
1.00 |
64,202.52 |
1.00 |
33,331.33 |
1.00 |
63,661.30 |
1.00 |
62,241.17 |
|
Chief Insp/Agr Inspectorate |
1.00 |
21,679.08 |
||||||||||||
|
Chief Inspector Agric |
2 |
64,894.94 |
1.00 |
154,905.43 |
1.00 |
135,580.14 |
1.00 |
123,907.14 |
1.00 |
121,574.29 |
1.00 |
113,877.91 |
2.00 |
35,625.48 |
|
Chief Veterinary Officer |
1 |
171,427.38 |
1.00 |
155,705.43 |
1.00 |
135,580.14 |
1.00 |
123,907.14 |
1.00 |
121,574.29 |
1.00 |
113,653.27 |
1.00 |
80,148.97 |
|
Civilian Driver |
9 |
21,632.08 |
8.00 |
22,106.46 |
6.00 |
22,898.45 |
7.00 |
19,762.92 |
9.00 |
13,706.60 |
5.00 |
21,649.42 |
8.00 |
14,559.76 |
|
Cleaner |
35 |
15,582.00 |
36.00 |
15,429.65 |
41.00 |
14,737.39 |
49.00 |
12,755.89 |
47.00 |
13,980.91 |
48.00 |
13,307.22 |
47.00 |
12,510.19 |
|
Clerical Officer |
1659 |
22,603.04 |
1672.00 |
21,809.39 |
1715.00 |
21,794.85 |
1842.00 |
21,043.34 |
1991.00 |
19,826.45 |
1997.00 |
17,621.65 |
2010.00 |
16,470.60 |
|
Controller Internal Audit Agric |
1.00 |
9,272.13 |
||||||||||||
|
Craftsmen |
5 |
18,533.24 |
||||||||||||
|
Dairy Laboratory Assistant |
3.00 |
6,551.93 |
18.00 |
8,272.25 |
19.00 |
22,578.94 |
||||||||
|
Dairy Produce Officer |
10 |
51,770.43 |
10.00 |
54,494.78 |
10.00 |
51,713.34 |
11.00 |
48,348.75 |
13.00 |
42,989.01 |
14.00 |
42,416.21 |
17.00 |
35,947.74 |
|
Deputy Chief Analyst |
4 |
58,979.42 |
3.00 |
70,751.18 |
3.00 |
66,413.95 |
4.00 |
51,029.33 |
3.00 |
21,415.03 |
||||
|
Deputy Chief Inspector |
1 |
60,201.86 |
1.00 |
109,281.98 |
1.00 |
103,704.21 |
2.00 |
49,713.20 |
1.00 |
93,455.09 |
1.00 |
81,345.45 |
2.00 |
36,663.08 |
|
2008 |
2007 |
2006 |
2005 |
2004 |
2003 |
2002 |
||||||||
|
Staff |
Average ’08 |
Staff |
Average ’07 |
Staff |
Average ’06 |
Staff |
Average ’05 |
Staff |
Average ’04 |
Staff |
Average ’03 |
Staff |
Average ’02 |
|
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
||||||||
|
Deputy Chief Veterinary Off |
4 |
124,746.98 |
4.00 |
120,518.93 |
4.00 |
114,092.51 |
4.00 |
107,971.46 |
4.00 |
105,130.61 |
5.00 |
73,354.71 |
4.00 |
61,883.16 |
|
Deputy Dir Vet Research Lab |
1.00 |
97,237.53 |
1.00 |
105,046.09 |
1.00 |
102,838.24 |
2.00 |
13,016.38 |
1.00 |
85,235.78 |
||||
|
Director Of Laboratories |
2 |
75,907.94 |
1.00 |
123,214.05 |
1.00 |
|||||||||
|
Director Vet Research Lab |
1.00 |
3,458.41 |
2.00 |
48,443.98 |
||||||||||
|
District Superintendent |
131 |
56,156.57 |
138.00 |
52,036.21 |
123.00 |
51,062.98 |
132.00 |
48,180.78 |
138.00 |
47,950.31 |
138.00 |
41,773.16 |
133.00 |
39,384.49 |
|
Engineer Grade 1 Civil |
10 |
82,335.67 |
10.00 |
6,110.05 |
||||||||||
|
Engineer Grade 2 Civil |
7 |
48,247.97 |
6.00 |
4,174.33 |
||||||||||
|
Engineer Grade 3 Civil |
17 |
36,654.23 |
11.00 |
3,841.62 |
||||||||||
|
Eo |
641 |
33,256.93 |
616.00 |
31,550.83 |
619.00 |
30,430.00 |
584.00 |
31,382.50 |
575.00 |
28,452.69 |
561.00 |
24,736.24 |
643.00 |
21,115.40 |
|
Examiner Of Title Agric |
1.00 |
39,459.87 |
1.00 |
77,922.75 |
1.00 |
70,048.66 |
1.00 |
63,515.15 |
||||||
|
Farm Labourer — Abb. & Back. |
2.00 |
14,063.89 |
3.00 |
17,700.22 |
2.00 |
20,442.50 |
3.00 |
14,830.29 |
||||||
|
First Asst Solicitor Agric |
3 |
82,934.32 |
3.00 |
82,801.27 |
3.00 |
77,610.64 |
3.00 |
56,606.28 |
2.00 |
71,409.44 |
1.00 |
70,048.66 |
1.00 |
63,515.15 |
|
Forestry Inspector Grade 1 |
6 |
78,247.13 |
8.00 |
41,701.76 |
||||||||||
|
Forestry Inspector |
15 |
59,903.59 |
13.00 |
61,944.46 |
14.00 |
56,154.32 |
15.00 |
50,029.54 |
13.00 |
40,989.94 |
||||
|
Foresrty Inspector Grade 3 |
21 |
39,994.80 |
18.00 |
51,120.57 |
31.00 |
31,218.33 |
26.00 |
33,640.40 |
24.00 |
25,086.84 |
||||
|
General Operative |
2.00 |
12,939.95 |
2.00 |
13,686.50 |
1.00 |
10,375.40 |
4.00 |
12,468.50 |
||||||
|
General Operative Dublin Band 2 |
1 |
21,520.12 |
||||||||||||
|
General Operative Dublin Band 3 |
4 |
22,395.62 |
1.00 |
28,220.38 |
1.00 |
26,634.03 |
1.00 |
26,634.03 |
||||||
|
General Operative Rural Band 1 |
7 |
28,959.73 |
4.00 |
31,229.44 |
3.00 |
30,632.54 |
3.00 |
866.85 |
||||||
|
General Operative Rural Band 2 |
24 |
28,378.56 |
21.00 |
25,973.54 |
19.00 |
26,355.93 |
18.00 |
814.32 |
||||||
|
General Operative Rural Band 3 |
36 |
21,581.52 |
18.00 |
16,535.91 |
15.00 |
18,567.93 |
8.00 |
554.91 |
||||||
|
Harbourmast Eng 2 |
2 |
48,852.06 |
||||||||||||
|
Harb. Constables |
2 |
23,450.49 |
|
2008 |
2007 |
2006 |
2005 |
2004 |
2003 |
2002 |
||||||||
|
Staff |
Average ’08 |
Staff |
Average ’07 |
Staff |
Average ’06 |
Staff |
Average ’05 |
Staff |
Average ’04 |
Staff |
Average ’03 |
Staff |
Average ’02 |
|
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
||||||||
|
Harbour Master |
5 |
27,174.48 |
||||||||||||
|
Head Laboratory Attendant |
1 |
36,093.26 |
1.00 |
34,867.00 |
1.00 |
33,087.52 |
1.00 |
31,615.12 |
1.00 |
29,448.83 |
1.00 |
27,363.13 |
1.00 |
25,462.60 |
|
Head Services Officer |
1 |
35,213.95 |
1.00 |
34,772.38 |
1.00 |
33,087.52 |
1.00 |
31,639.37 |
1.00 |
30,698.27 |
1.00 |
27,724.32 |
1.00 |
25,462.60 |
|
Heo |
359 |
43,216.21 |
367.00 |
39,698.90 |
335.00 |
39,930.34 |
327.00 |
39,869.89 |
329.00 |
39,307.09 |
344.00 |
31,983.71 |
346.00 |
26,094.63 |
|
Higher Seed Analyst |
3 |
39,431.62 |
3.00 |
31,535.80 |
3.00 |
29,852.16 |
3.00 |
26,639.33 |
3.00 |
19,421.28 |
2.00 |
35,439.44 |
2.00 |
30,560.37 |
|
Ind. Foremen |
6 |
28,199.82 |
||||||||||||
|
Inspector & Eng Fishery |
2 |
90,682.09 |
2.00 |
6,939.32 |
||||||||||
|
Inspector Grade 1 |
2 |
62,251.79 |
1.00 |
79,238.65 |
1.00 |
74,128.75 |
2.00 |
36,826.58 |
2.00 |
69,814.80 |
5.00 |
36,675.27 |
5.00 |
53,257.36 |
|
Inspector Grade 2 |
15 |
54,978.73 |
17.00 |
57,882.14 |
19.00 |
59,406.01 |
21.00 |
55,303.43 |
21.00 |
54,908.25 |
29.00 |
40,349.60 |
17.00 |
44,292.70 |
|
Inspector Grade 3 |
1.00 |
847.40 |
8.00 |
7,152.30 |
6.00 |
46,896.69 |
||||||||
|
Inspector Of Fisheries |
1 |
79,123.30 |
1.00 |
5,916.22 |
||||||||||
|
Laboratory Analyst |
91 |
35,718.05 |
85.00 |
33,958.70 |
81.00 |
30,618.07 |
81.00 |
25,322.46 |
68.00 |
31,037.24 |
61.00 |
27,457.99 |
73.00 |
25,733.86 |
|
Laboratory Attendant Ag&Mar |
35 |
27,297.74 |
35.00 |
25,177.98 |
34.00 |
25,278.72 |
37.00 |
22,878.30 |
36.00 |
22,428.38 |
42.00 |
17,426.53 |
36.00 |
19,384.12 |
|
Legal Clerk |
1.00 |
11,118.42 |
||||||||||||
|
Librarian |
1 |
58,250.72 |
1.00 |
56,276.66 |
1.00 |
53,404.89 |
1.00 |
50,991.37 |
1.00 |
50,199.25 |
1.00 |
45,448.75 |
1.00 |
41,922.22 |
|
Minister |
1 |
123,675.98 |
1.00 |
117,847.51 |
1.00 |
111,806.36 |
1.00 |
102,180.14 |
2.00 |
47,389.59 |
1.00 |
93,096.96 |
1.00 |
89,576.91 |
|
Minister Of State |
2 |
63,534.23 |
2.00 |
65,996.45 |
2.00 |
49,450.19 |
2.00 |
44,589.56 |
4.00 |
18,844.09 |
2.00 |
40,484.86 |
4.00 |
19,295.54 |
|
Miscellaneous Grades |
120 |
16,319.19 |
113.00 |
16,710.46 |
119.00 |
15,285.47 |
147.00 |
17,155.62 |
166.00 |
18,815.22 |
187.00 |
16,357.64 |
188.00 |
16,071.19 |
|
Poultry Officer |
8 |
61,880.14 |
7.00 |
40,787.70 |
7.00 |
41,308.30 |
7.00 |
39,029.20 |
7.00 |
39,304.82 |
7.00 |
35,961.25 |
7.00 |
33,105.63 |
|
Principal |
41 |
93,864.38 |
48.00 |
66,485.34 |
39.00 |
75,852.16 |
43.00 |
69,781.12 |
36.00 |
78,427.93 |
37.00 |
67,193.68 |
39.00 |
57,606.29 |
|
Professional Accountant Gr 1 |
1 |
1.00 |
80,291.01 |
2.00 |
33,270.80 |
2.00 |
72,396.32 |
2.00 |
66,362.01 |
2.00 |
61,553.07 |
2.00 |
55,551.78 |
|
|
Research Officer |
26 |
79,986.49 |
25.00 |
70,989.02 |
22.00 |
71,996.50 |
24.00 |
65,023.43 |
23.00 |
64,972.73 |
21.00 |
61,500.92 |
23.00 |
50,049.46 |
|
Secretarial Assistant (Non Contract) |
4 |
19,138.77 |
5.00 |
25,036.61 |
5.00 |
26,751.14 |
4.00 |
32,229.41 |
8.00 |
14,427.55 |
3.00 |
35,882.76 |
3.00 |
22,606.43 |
|
Secretary General Agriculture |
1 |
250,807.26 |
1.00 |
227,727.57 |
1.00 |
216,055.07 |
1.00 |
198,293.98 |
1.00 |
193,736.20 |
1.00 |
179,280.40 |
1.00 |
170,969.54 |
|
Seed Analyst |
14 |
34,795.41 |
15.00 |
29,159.16 |
16.00 |
25,915.57 |
19.00 |
24,885.54 |
17.00 |
24,114.30 |
19.00 |
23,292.30 |
15.00 |
21,088.11 |
|
Senior Architect |
1.00 |
12,384.80 |
1.00 |
62,468.54 |
|
2008 |
2007 |
2006 |
2005 |
2004 |
2003 |
2002 |
||||||||
|
Staff |
Average ’08 |
Staff |
Average ’07 |
Staff |
Average ’06 |
Staff |
Average ’05 |
Staff |
Average ’04 |
Staff |
Average ’03 |
Staff |
Average ’02 |
|
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
||||||||
|
Senior Auditor |
1 |
75,645.32 |
1.00 |
71,819.15 |
1.00 |
61,654.30 |
||||||||
|
Senior Dairy Produce Officer |
5 |
52,067.32 |
6.00 |
56,036.57 |
6.00 |
55,980.03 |
6.00 |
53,558.50 |
6.00 |
52,555.62 |
6.00 |
47,171.64 |
6.00 |
42,557.29 |
|
Senior Inspector |
20 |
77,443.47 |
19.00 |
86,265.09 |
17.00 |
91,654.65 |
22.00 |
61,930.29 |
17.00 |
75,868.20 |
23.00 |
48,302.83 |
24.00 |
50,405.19 |
|
Senior Lab. Analyst |
50 |
60,450.97 |
50.00 |
55,724.06 |
50.00 |
50,744.29 |
50.00 |
50,881.85 |
44.00 |
|||||
|
Senior Legal Clerk |
1 |
48,375.32 |
1.00 |
45,660.69 |
1.00 |
43,330.70 |
1.00 |
41,283.93 |
1.00 |
39,652.73 |
2.00 |
18,017.18 |
2.00 |
11,468.39 |
|
Senior Research Officer |
16 |
93,108.24 |
16.00 |
93,774.86 |
16.00 |
89,687.21 |
17.00 |
73,824.27 |
14.00 |
69,561.66 |
16.00 |
57,820.82 |
14.00 |
55,921.95 |
|
Senior Seed Analyst |
1 |
55,433.05 |
1.00 |
53,553.83 |
1.00 |
50,820.59 |
1.00 |
48,844.99 |
1.00 |
48,596.07 |
1.00 |
52,811.11 |
1.00 |
39,495.44 |
|
Senior Serological Assistant |
2 |
51,088.40 |
2.00 |
48,635.02 |
2.00 |
46,152.70 |
2.00 |
43,778.83 |
2.00 |
42,951.76 |
1.00 |
45,064.49 |
1.00 |
36,989.83 |
|
Senior Superintend Vet Insp |
10 |
116,810.95 |
10.00 |
105,985.92 |
11.00 |
94,134.25 |
11.00 |
98,165.63 |
11.00 |
89,826.81 |
11.00 |
69,039.50 |
10.00 |
62,703.61 |
|
Senior Surveyor |
1 |
45,934.82 |
1.00 |
44,377.78 |
1.00 |
42,113.08 |
2.00 |
25,391.26 |
2.00 |
38,971.24 |
2.00 |
34,823.31 |
2.00 |
31,534.87 |
|
Serological Assistant |
50 |
27,120.38 |
51.00 |
25,799.27 |
55.00 |
22,355.97 |
50.00 |
24,263.86 |
53.00 |
21,717.27 |
61.00 |
16,740.15 |
31.00 |
22,631.75 |
|
Services Attendant |
9 |
26,492.32 |
9.00 |
23,925.38 |
8.00 |
23,106.04 |
12.00 |
17,890.35 |
10.00 |
21,444.05 |
13.00 |
16,775.27 |
11.00 |
19,975.61 |
|
Services Officer |
40 |
27,090.38 |
42.00 |
24,357.76 |
44.00 |
22,915.88 |
47.00 |
19,136.58 |
40.00 |
22,384.66 |
41.00 |
20,887.85 |
39.00 |
19,633.26 |
|
Staff Officer |
168 |
29,980.13 |
166.00 |
29,034.19 |
223.00 |
28,116.43 |
237.00 |
28,905.48 |
242.00 |
24,730.21 |
175.00 |
24,636.85 |
192.00 |
21,889.16 |
|
Storekeeper |
1 |
30,457.39 |
1.00 |
30,083.50 |
1.00 |
28,548.22 |
1.00 |
27,298.47 |
1.00 |
26,486.27 |
1.00 |
24,480.06 |
1.00 |
22,780.20 |
|
Superinten Sen Research Off |
5 |
115,972.73 |
5.00 |
111,256.84 |
5.00 |
104,764.54 |
4.00 |
100,234.66 |
5.00 |
66,019.97 |
6.00 |
64,792.60 |
7.00 |
78,385.40 |
|
Superintendent Surveyor |
1 |
67,733.54 |
1.00 |
64,938.13 |
1.00 |
60,367.21 |
1.00 |
56,702.14 |
1.00 |
55,006.47 |
1.00 |
49,197.46 |
1.00 |
5,459.22 |
|
Superintending Vet. Inspector |
57 |
98,700.10 |
53.00 |
93,260.88 |
52.00 |
93,053.54 |
53.00 |
85,174.35 |
55.00 |
82,914.39 |
57.00 |
66,040.29 |
50.00 |
70,292.33 |
|
Supervising Poultry Officer |
1 |
87,240.17 |
1.00 |
46,968.05 |
1.00 |
44,570.76 |
1.00 |
42,755.34 |
1.00 |
42,407.81 |
1.00 |
38,812.52 |
1.00 |
36,719.16 |
|
Supervising Serological Asst |
12 |
40,488.39 |
12.00 |
40,357.11 |
12.00 |
38,360.16 |
12.00 |
36,452.74 |
12.00 |
35,681.02 |
13.00 |
32,013.06 |
10.00 |
30,208.45 |
|
Supervisory Agric. Officer |
296 |
48,335.77 |
307.00 |
43,159.58 |
295.00 |
45,591.88 |
299.00 |
42,984.26 |
308.00 |
41,667.70 |
313.00 |
37,123.19 |
320.00 |
31,752.37 |
|
Technical Agricultural Officer |
641 |
36,458.80 |
668.00 |
36,479.81 |
703.00 |
33,988.42 |
712.00 |
32,792.68 |
792.00 |
29,599.91 |
837.00 |
26,228.55 |
841.00 |
25,448.96 |
|
Technical Grades Level 4 |
6 |
56,762.35 |
6.00 |
4,244.24 |
||||||||||
|
Temp. Serological Assistant |
20.00 |
6,236.01 |
19.00 |
13,185.72 |
||||||||||
|
Veterinary Inspector |
251 |
84,588.62 |
250.00 |
84,211.22 |
252.00 |
78,046.23 |
250.00 |
75,045.74 |
254.00 |
74,467.15 |
271.00 |
63,329.28 |
254.00 |
62,607.95 |
Grant Payments.
John Deasy
Question:320 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of farmers in receipt of funding under the REP scheme three; the number of farmers in County Waterford in receipt of funding under REP scheme three; when funding under this scheme will finish; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43980/09]
Payments to all REPS 3 participants will continue, subject to their compliance with the terms and conditions of the scheme, for the duration of their five-year contracts. There are currently 1,107 participants in REPS 3 in County Waterford.
John Deasy
Question:321 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if farmers that are currently in receipt of funding under the REP scheme three will continue to receive such funding in 2010 and 2011; the discussions he has entered into with the EU Commission to enable the continuation of equivalent funding to farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43981/09]
Payments to all REPS 3 participants will continue, subject to their compliance with the terms and conditions of the scheme, for the duration of the contract period and at the rates agreed in the contracts.
I plan to introduce a new agri-environment scheme in 2010. It is intended that this Scheme will consist of a range of targeted environmental actions from which farmers may choose. Funding for the new scheme will be provided through the additional modulation funds which I ensured would be retained for the benefit of Irish farmers in the negotiations on the CAP "Health Check". It will also include matching Exchequer funding. My officials are at present in discussions with the European Commission on the details of the scheme. The level of funding for the new scheme will be decided in the forthcoming Budget and in the context of the allocation of resources for my Department.
Electric Vehicles.
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:322 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has entered into an arrangement for the purchase of electric vehicles in 2009 to 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44012/09]
My Department has not entered into any arrangement for the purchase of electric vehicles.
Grant Payments.
John Deasy
Question:323 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of farmers in receipt of funding under the REP scheme two; the number of farmers in County Waterford in receipt of funding under the REP scheme two; when funding under this scheme will finish; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44116/09]
There are just four farmers in the whole country still participating in REPS 2 and all have been paid in full. There are none in County Waterford.
John Deasy
Question:324 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if farmers in receipt of funding under the REP scheme two will continue to receive such funding in 2010 and 2011; the discussions he has had with the EU Commission to enable the continuation of equivalent funding to the affected farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44117/09]
There are just four farmers in the whole country still participating in REPS 2 and all have been paid in full. I plan to introduce a new agri-environment scheme in 2010 which will reduce compliance costs to participants and which will provide a menu of targeted environmental actions from which farmers may choose. Funding for the new scheme will be provided through the additional modulation funds which I ensured would be retained for the benefit of Irish farmers in the negotiations on the CAP "Health Check". It will also include matching Exchequer funding. My officials are at present in discussions with the European Commission on the details of the scheme. The total level of funding for the new scheme will be decided in the forthcoming Budget and in the context of the allocation of resources for my Department.
Denis Naughten
Question:325 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will confirm that the full 40% due to farmers under the deferred farm waste management scheme will be awarded in the first week in January 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44400/09]
The arrangements for payment of grants under the Farm Waste Management Scheme on a phased basis have been confirmed with 40% being paid this year as claims are processed. As announced recently, I will be seeking Dáil approval later this month for a Supplementary Estimate for my Department which will enable me to bring forward €85 million in payments, including €45m of payments under the Farm Waste Management Scheme, that would otherwise not have been paid until early next year. The balance of the second instalment of 40% due under the scheme will be paid early in 2010. The final instalment of 20% will be paid in January 2011. I have also announced that a special ex-gratia payment not exceeding 3.5% of the value of the deferred amount will be made to farmers whose grants have been partially deferred. This payment will be made in January 2011 along with the final instalment.
Departmental Expenditure.
David Stanton
Question:326 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the cost in 2008 of heating all buildings owned or rented from which his Department or bodies under the aegis of his Department operate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44416/09]
The total energy cost, including electricity, gas and oil, for all of my Department's offices in 2008 amounted to € 3,873,828. In relation to the State Bodies under the aegis of my Department the matter referred to in the question is an operational one for the State Bodies.
Grant Payments.
Tom Sheahan
Question:327 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will receive a 2008 single farm payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44445/09]
In order to receive full payment under the Single Payment Scheme, it is a requirement of the relevant EU Regulations for applicants to declare an eligible hectare of land for each entitlement held. A 2008 Single Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 15th May 2008. However, as no land was declared on the application, the person named was not entitled to payment under the 2008 Single Payment Scheme.
Bovine Disease Controls.
Martin Ferris
Question:328 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on whether farmers who have had cattle tested and been clear of disease for five years should only be tested in future when selling cattle. [44628/09]
The rules governing intra-community trade in live bovines are set out in EU Directive 64/432/EEC, which lays down the testing requirements for bovine TB and Brucellosis in all Member States. For a herd to retain official TB free status and eligibility to export live cattle to Member States, all animals on each holding, with the exception of calves under six weeks old which were born in the holding, must be subjected to tuberculin testing at yearly intervals. Thus, it is not possible to derogate any herd in Ireland from the requirement to test annually for bovine TB.
With regard to Brucellosis, following the attainment of officially brucellosis-free status by Ireland, I have announced a number of changes to the Brucellosis testing regime for this disease. These changes, which came into effect on 9 September, are as follows: an increase in the age threshold for annual round testing to 24 months;
an increase in the validity period of the pre-movement test from 30 days to 60 days;
an increase in the age-limit for the pre-movement test for female animals from 12 to 18 months and, in view of the lower risk attached to their movement, to 24 months for bulls; and
an increase in the "one sale" rule for bulls from 12 to 24 months.
In addition, with effect from 1 January 2010, dairy herds scheduled to be tested in 2010 and 2011 will now only be tested every second year. In view of the fact that this disease, which has caused so much hardship to many farmers over the years, is still present on the island it is necessary to adopt a cautious approach to scaling down the testing programme. Nevertheless, these decisions, which are risk based, will substantially reduce the number of animals required to be tested under the Brucellosis scheme and will result in a significant reduction in the cost of testing to farmers.
Physical Education Facilities.
John McGuinness
Question:329 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science the status regarding an application for funding for the provision of a sports hall and physical education facility at a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43916/09]
Phil Hogan
Question:335 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Education and Science when funding will be sanctioned in respect of a sports hall and physical education facility at a school (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43972/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 329 and 335 together.
The Department is in receipt of an application for co-funding to construct a sports hall at the school to which the Deputy refers. It is intended that the Department will meet with the CEO of the VEC to address a number of outstanding issues. The proposed project for the school will be considered in the context of the capital budget available to my Department for school buildings generally.
Computerisation Programme.
Richard Bruton
Question:330 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if the funding recently announced for computers in schools has been drawn from under-spent moneys in the capital programme for school buildings; the intended phasing out of the expenditure; the back-up programme intended to ensure that maximum value is obtained from this hardware; and the way it is intended to allocate the investment across schools in an equitable manner. [43951/09]
Earlier this year I set up the Joint Advisory Group to explore, with industry, possible approaches to implementing the recommendations set out in the Strategy Group Report. The recommendations of the Advisory Group have been published in the "Smart Schools = Smart Economy" Report which the Taoiseach launched on 16 November last.
As I outlined at the launch of the report, I am committed to making funding available for ICT in schools over the next three years. As a first step, I am making available €22 million in ICT grants for primary schools this year. I already had €9 million in my capital allocation for ICT. I am adding €13 million from the school building programme allocation this year to give a total allocation of €22 million. This €13 million represents about 2% of the overall allocation for school buildings this year. I have achieved significant savings on the schools capital programme this year, with tenders yielding a reduction of up to 30% compared to prices at the height of the construction boom.Last year I was not in a position to provide grants for ICT equipment as the €10 million capital allocation for ICT was put towards the cost of the primary school building programme.
The funding to primary schools is being issued with the priority on ensuring that there is a teaching laptop and digital projector in every classroom, in line with the recommendations of the Advisory Group, and the Strategy Group Report of 2008. I intend making funding available for post-primary schools in the New Year. I intend looking at central procurement arrangements going forward.
The total amount of funding to be made available for ICT equipment next year is being considered as part of the overall Capital allocation that is to be agreed by Government. In order to ensure the use of ICT is embedded within the teaching and learning in schools, we are progressing a number of strands in terms of use of ICT in schools — broadband connectivity for schools, infrastructure in schools, provision of digital content and teaching training.
Vocational Education Committees.
Pat Breen
Question:331 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on the special group on public service numbers and expenditure programme report proposals to rationalise vocational education committees; the implications that these proposals would have for Clare Vocational Education Committee; if he supports these proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43954/09]
Ruairí Quinn
Question:414 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if he expects structural changes to the number of vocational education committees, as proposed in the review of the special group on public service numbers and expenditure programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44650/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 331 and 414 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.
School Transport.
Jack Wall
Question:332 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science if, further to the provision of photographs (details supplied) to his Department regarding the school transport situation, the action proposed to overcome the obvious traffic dangers to the children involved as depicted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43965/09]
My Department has forwarded the photographs to Bus Éireann which is responsible for the operation of the school transport scheme. The concerns of the Deputy have also been brought to Bus Éireann's attention. My Department will revert to the Deputy as soon as a report on the matter is received and considered.
Schools Building Projects.
George Lee
Question:333 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No 308 of 18 November 2009, if he will investigate whether the need for a school building (details supplied) in Dublin 18 was excluded by his forward planning section due to the population increase in the catchment area of the school which this data was not be picked up by using the district electoral division data provided by the Central Statistics Office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43970/09]
As the Deputy is aware, 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.
The area referred to by the Deputy is included in the list of priority areas, and requirements in this area will be considered in that context. Regarding the school referred to by the deputy, the project for the school is currently at an early stage of architectural planning. The proposed building project will be considered in the context of my 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 my Department, it is not possible to give a more indicative timeframe for the delivery of the project at this time.
Higher Education Grants.
Jack Wall
Question:334 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science if there are circumstances in which a person (details supplied) will qualify for a higher education grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43971/09]
The Higher Education Grant Schemes operate under the Local Authorities (Higher Education Grants) Acts, 1968 to 1992. These Acts define a mature student to mean a person "of not less than 23 years of age, or such other age as may stand specified for the time being in regulations made by the Minister with the consent of the Minister for Finance, who have secured places in approved institutions and have reached that age on the 1st day of January, or such other date as may be prescribed from time to time by the Minister with the consent of the Minister for Finance in the year of entry to such institutions".
Mature students are categorised as either independent mature students or mature students dependent on parents. An independent mature student is defined to mean a mature student who was not ordinarily resident at home with his or her parents/guardians from the 1st October preceding their entry to an approved course. Independent mature students are assessed without reference to either their parents/guardians income or address.
When assessing the means of students other than independent mature students, the Acts specify that the students' means and those of their parents/guardians must be below a prescribed limit. This provision requires that the parents' income be taken into account, irrespective of the individual circumstances in any case where the student is not an independent mature student.
Only in exceptional cases, where compelling evidence of estrangement from parents/guardians is provided, can candidates who are under 23 be assessed without reference to their parents/guardians income or address. The type of independent verification/evidence required would be a letter from a social worker or other appropriate officer of the Health Service Executive explaining the circumstances under which the candidate is estranged from his/her parents/guardians. Confirmation that a candidate is living separately from parents/guardians is not sufficient in this regard.
Where candidates are estranged from parents/guardians, the necessary evidence in support of their case should be submitted to the relevant Local Authority or Vocational Education Committee for consideration. In all other cases where a candidate is not at least 23 years of age on the 1st of January of the year of entry or re-entry to an approved course and in the absence of compelling evidence of estrangement from parents/guardians, details of parents/guardians' income is required for the purpose of the means test under the student grant schemes.
Question No. 335 answered with Question No. 329.
Pension Provisions.
Michael Ring
Question:336 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their teacher’s pension. [43975/09]
The initial award of pension to retiring vocational school teachers is calculated by the VEC concerned. The payment function is performed by the appropriate local authority following receipt of the approved rates from the VEC. The determination of entitlements in the case of the person in question are a matter in the first instance for County Mayo VEC. I understand that the particulars of the case were somewhat complex but should not have taken such a period of time to resolve. My Department has now been in contact with County Mayo VEC and I understand that the VEC is working to provide the approved rate of pension and lump sum to the paying agent, Mayo County Council, within the next two weeks. I also understand that Mayo County Council will endeavour to make payment in the first available payroll following receipt of the details from the VEC.
Schools Building Projects.
John Deasy
Question:337 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of the capital school building programme allocated in Waterford city and county to date in 2009; the schools affected and the amount allocated to each; the amount of this allocation to each school that has been spent to date; the amount of the allocation to each school that will be spent by the end of 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43982/09]
Information on capital expenditure to date on schools in Waterford City and County is contained in the tabular statements below. Further expenditure on schools in Waterford city and county will depend on progress on projects and the submission of the necessary certification to my Department in order to enable payment.
|
Waterford |
|
|
€ |
|
|
CBS Dungarvan |
58,514 |
|
St Augustines College |
662,640 |
|
Ard Scoil Na Ndeise |
186,535 |
|
Stella Maris Secondary School |
300 |
|
C B S Tramore |
4,000 |
|
Cbs Secondary School Sion Hill |
176,175 |
|
Waterpark College |
1,030 |
|
De La Salle College Newtown |
66,717 |
|
Our Lady Of Mercy Sec School Waterford |
645,404 |
|
St Angelas College |
58,102 |
|
Gaelscoil Port Lairge |
34,762 |
|
Dungarvan Technical Institute |
7,730 |
|
Central Technical Institute |
352,550 |
|
St Pauls C C |
315,226 |
|
Ring V S |
123,209 |
|
Lismore Community School |
154,638 |
|
Waterford County Vec, Dungarvan |
30,060 |
|
Total Waterford |
2,877,592 |
|
County/ School |
Total |
|
€ |
|
|
Waterford |
|
|
S N An Chlais Mhor |
49,940 |
|
Sn Cill Rosanta |
134,650 |
|
Sn Baile Mhic Airt |
83,243 |
|
Villierstown Ns |
3,183 |
|
Ferrybank Convent |
12,242 |
|
Slieverue Mxd Ns |
26,692 |
|
Sn Ursula Naofa |
275,212 |
|
Stradbally Convent |
42,353 |
|
Ballyduff Ns |
478,599 |
|
Killea Boys Ns |
5,400 |
|
Sn Baile Builear |
12,575 |
|
Passage East Ns |
47,663 |
|
St Stephens National School |
36,100 |
|
Ballyduff B2 Ns |
71,808 |
|
St Josephs Girls Ns |
4,527 |
|
Scoil Naomh Seosamh |
207,086 |
|
Scoil Naisiunta Mhuire Lourdes Buac |
4,833 |
|
S N Deaglan |
215,765 |
|
Newtown Ns |
77,910 |
|
S N An Garrain Bhain |
3,695 |
|
Ballygunner Ns |
18,822 |
|
Knockanore Ns |
3,432 |
|
Fenor Ns |
44,607 |
|
S N Dun Aill |
5,000 |
|
St Marys National School |
5,093 |
|
St Declans Ns |
16,122 |
|
S N Cnoc Machan |
25,758 |
|
Whitechurch Ns Ceapach |
41,983 |
|
S N Aine Naofa Seafield |
36,132 |
|
S N An Port Mor |
11,535 |
|
Ballyfacey Ns |
1,235 |
|
Sn Muire Magh Deilge |
12,823 |
|
Faithleg Ns |
200,000 |
|
Scoil Na Mbraithre |
375,000 |
|
Scoil Lorcain Bns |
146,687 |
|
Scoil Naomh Gobnait |
69,197 |
|
An Teaghlaigh Naofa |
701 |
|
Scoil Mhuire |
43,700 |
|
Christ Church N S |
84,842 |
|
Scoil Muire Na Trocaire |
43,600 |
|
St Marys Touraneena National School |
1,911 |
|
Sc Naomh Eoin Le Dia |
617 |
|
St Martins School |
12,732 |
|
St Johns Special School |
36,142 |
|
Scoil Chruimin Naofa |
106,780 |
|
Clonea National School |
28,035 |
|
St Saviours Ns |
206,505 |
|
St Pauls Ns |
202,551 |
|
Holy Cross Ns |
214,843 |
|
Queen Of Ireland National School |
5,004 |
|
Stradbally Church Of Ireland Ns |
142,353 |
|
Gaelscoil Phort Lairge |
91,284 |
|
Gael Scoil Philip Barun |
137,503 |
|
Mount Sion Primary School |
270,354 |
|
St Marys Ns |
176,984 |
|
Scoil Naisiumta Na Toirbhirte |
23,090 |
|
Portlaw Ns |
70,000 |
|
Gaelscoil Na Ndeise |
1,273,164 |
|
Bunscoil Bhothar Na Naomh |
76,997 |
|
Waterpark Ns |
132,765 |
|
Waterford Educate Tog. |
3,230 |
|
Kilmacthomas Ns |
1,214 |
|
Newtown Junior School |
26,560 |
|
Total Waterford |
6,290,362 |
Teaching Qualifications.
Phil Hogan
Question:338 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will confirm that a postgraduate course for primary school teaching will be available to students in a college (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43999/09]
A full-time course, commencing in early 2010 and concluding in mid-2011 will be held in the following Colleges of Education for the purpose of enabling third level graduates to qualify as primary teachers:
St. Patrick's College of Education, Drumcondra, Dublin 9
Mary Immaculate College, South Circular Road, Limerick
Coláiste Mhuire, Marino Institute of Education, Griffith Avenue, Dublin 9
Froebel College of Education, Sion Hill, Blackrock, Co. Dublin.
Persons who successfully complete this course may be registered by the Teaching Council as qualified for service in the country's primary schools. The closing date for receipt of completed application forms is 16th December 2009. Further information regarding the courses is available on my Department's website or directly from the colleges.
Schools Building Projects.
Tom Hayes
Question:339 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a project for a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary has not been allocated funding and completed. [44000/09]
The schools to which the Deputy refers have agreed to amalgamate into one school building. The application has been assessed in accordance with published prioritisation criteria for large scale projects and assigned a band 1.4 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 the 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 the Department's website.
The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction will be considered in the context of the school building and modernisation programme. However, in view of the level of demand on the Department's capital budget, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression the project at this time. However, my Department are aware of the situation in relation to the accommodation issues in the schools in question. The impending amalgamation of the two schools will negate the need for capital works to one of the school buildings. The Department is currently considering how best to address the issues arising in the other school building which it is proposed will accommodate the schools upon amalgamation. Officials will contact the school authority shortly in this regard.
Electric Vehicles.
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:340 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has entered into an arrangement for the purchase of electric vehicles in 2009 to 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44017/09]
My Department does not purchase or lease vehicles for official use and consequently will not be involved in entering into arrangements for the purchase of electric vehicles. Ministerial vehicles are provided to my Department by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform.
Schools Building Projects.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:341 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding a funding application for the replacement school building by a school (details supplied) in Dublin 18; when a decision will be available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44052/09]
The project for the school referred to by the Deputy is currently 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 my 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 my Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the delivery of the project at this time.
School Staffing.
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Question:342 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science if, further to his comments encouraging schools to employ younger teachers and graduates alongside more experienced retired teachers to cover vacancies, he will recommend to the State Examinations Commission to include a greater proportion of recent graduates and younger teachers in the superintending of the leaving and junior certificates, as well as in the area of marking exams, subject to proper training in view of the fact that the deadline for applications for superintending expires in the next number of days; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44110/09]
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.
Superintendents and examiners are appointed by the SEC following public advertisement. For marking the examinations, recruitment is prioritised on the basis of teaching experience/expertise, and it would not be feasible or desirable to depart from this practice. For recruitment of superintendents, it is the practice of the Commission to recruit substitute and unemployed teachers as well as those with experience. Accordingly it is open to recent graduates and younger teachers to apply for these posts. Appointments are made on a county basis. Surplus applicants are placed on a reserve panel which is drawn upon if vacancies occur, or if there is a shortfall in other counties. Some 4652 superintendents were appointed by SEC in 2009.
It should also be noted that an additional 7500 superintendents were appointed directly by schools in 2009 to superintend special examination centres, primarily for students with special needs sitting examinations on their own. The schools appoint superintendents they consider are best placed to meet the specific needs of the individual candidates.
School Accommodation.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:343 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science the temporary accommodation arrangements for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 16, including the number of prefabs rented or purchased for the school; the length of time such accommodation has been in place; the purchase cost or annual rental of such accommodation; the position of this school on the school building list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44114/09]
The school to which the Deputy refers has five mainstream prefabricated classrooms. Three rooms were purchased in 1993 costing €94,278.05 and the further two rooms were purchased in 1997 at a cost of €57,138.21.
The school has made an application for capital funding in 2000 and has been 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 the 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 the Department's website.
The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction will be considered in the context of the school building and modernisation programme. However, in view of the level of demand on the Department's capital budget, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression the project at this time.
Schools Building Projects.
Pádraic McCormack
Question:344 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the promised new school for a school (details supplied) in County Galway in view of the fact that the number of pupils from this school has increased from 140 in 2000 to 283 in 2009 and a new school was promised two years ago when approval was sanctioned for design stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44129/09]
The school to which the Deputy refers has applied to my Department for capital funding for a large scale extension project.
The application has been assessed in accordance with published prioritisation criteria for large scale projects and assigned a band 2.1 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 the 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 the Department's website.
The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction will be considered in the context of the school building and modernisation programme. However, in view of the level of demand on the Department's capital budget, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression the project at this time.
The Deputy will be aware that the Department grant-aids the provision of temporary accommodation in respect of schools requiring interim accommodation to cater for additional staffing allocations while awaiting the provision of permanent accommodation.
It is open to the school authority to apply to the Department for temporary accommodation. The application form RTA is available on the Department's website, www.education.ie
School Accommodation.
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Question:345 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of sixth class students who will complete their primary education at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare in 2010; the post-primary schools in the catchment area they might expect to attend; if there is capacity or accommodation issues at those schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44154/09]
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Question:346 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of sixth class students who will complete their primary education at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare in 2010; the post-primary schools in the catchment area they might expect to attend; if there is capacity or accommodation issues at those schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44155/09]
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Question:347 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of sixth class students who will complete their primary education at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare in 2010; the post-primary schools in the catchment area they might expect to attend; if there is capacity or accommodation issues at those schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44156/09]
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Question:348 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of sixth class students who will complete their primary education at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare in 2010; the post-primary schools in the catchment area they might expect to attend; if there is capacity or accommodation issues at those schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44157/09]
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Question:349 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of sixth class students who will complete their primary education at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare in 2010; the post-primary schools in the catchment area they might expect to attend; if there is capacity or accommodation issues at those schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44158/09]
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Question:350 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of sixth class students who will complete their primary education at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare in 2010; the post-primary schools in the catchment area they might expect to attend; if there is capacity or accommodation issues at those schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44159/09]
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Question:351 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of sixth class students who will complete their primary education at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare in 2010; the post-primary schools in the catchment area they might expect to attend; if there is capacity or accommodation issues at those schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44160/09]
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Question:352 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of sixth class students who will complete their primary education at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare in 2010; the post-primary schools in the catchment area they might expect to attend; if there is capacity or accommodation issues at those schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44161/09]
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Question:353 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of sixth class students who will complete their primary education at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare in 2010; the post-primary schools in the catchment area they might expect to attend; if there is capacity or accommodation issues at those schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44162/09]
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Question:354 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of sixth class students who will complete their primary education at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare in 2010; the post-primary schools in the catchment area they might expect to attend; if there is capacity or accommodation issues at those schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44163/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos 345 to 354, inclusive, together.
Information in relation to pupils by standard (class group) is provided in the annual census of primary schools. The details for the current school year (2009/2010) are being compiled by my Department at present.
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 primary and post-primary accommodation requirements in the area referred to in Kildare will be considered in this regard.
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Question:355 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Science the additional accommodation which his Department has funded at a school (details supplied) since 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44164/09]
In 2006/07 an extension of 1,655m² was provided to the two existing schools in order to provide accommodation for 800 pupils in the amalgamated school.
Schools Recognition.
Brian O'Shea
Question:356 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science when he proposes to register Educate Together as a second level patron; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44177/09]
Officials from my Department recently met with representatives from Educate Together and there was a wide-ranging discussion about the issues surrounding Educate Together's application to become a patron at second level.
My Department is currently considering a number of broad policy issues relating to the recognition process for second level schools and the application from Educate Together to be recognised as a patron body at second level is being fully examined within the context of legal, financial and other factors that I must consider.
In view of the range of issues involved, it has not been possible to bring this matter to a conclusion as quickly as I would have liked. However, it is my intention to convey a decision to Educate Together at the earliest date possible.
School Transport.
Brian O'Shea
Question:357 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 307 of 21 October 2009, the result of the appeal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44178/09]
The case referred to by the Deputy in the details attached was considered by the School Transport Appeals Board on 19th November 2009. The Board has advised my Department that the appeal was not allowed.
Schools Building Projects.
Denis Naughten
Question:358 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of a building project for a school (details supplied) in County Leitrim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44189/09]
The post primary school project referred to by the Deputy is included in the list of eight schools which I have approved for inclusion in the 3rd Bundle of schools to be procured via Public Private Partnership.
This Bundle is in the pre procurement stage and my Department has completed a round of stakeholders' meetings in each of the locations where PPP schools are to be provided. A detailed output specification and Public Sector Benchmark is currently being prepared. In addition applications for outline planning permission have been submitted to the local authorities in respect of a number of the locations, including the one referred to by the Deputy.
On successful completion of this process, the Bundle will be ready for hand over to the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) for procurement.
The indicative timeframe for the delivery of a PPP school currently stands at approximately 4 years from the date the Bundle is announced.
Denis Naughten
Question:359 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of a building project for a school (details supplied) in County Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44190/09]
The project to which the Deputy refers is currently out to tender. When the tenders have been returned and assessed the project will be allowed to progress to the award stage.
Denis Naughten
Question:360 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of a primary school building project for a school (details supplied) in County Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44191/09]
Denis Naughten
Question:361 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of a primary school extension for a school (details supplied) in County Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44192/09]
Denis Naughten
Question:362 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of a new primary school for a school (details supplied) in County Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44193/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 360 to 362, inclusive, together.
I can confirm that the schools to which the Deputy refers have submitted applications to the Department for large scale capital funding. These applications have been assessed and awarded 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 these projects, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of the Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme 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 progression of the projects at this time.
Inquiry into Child Abuse.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:363 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the procedure in place to deal with the offer by a religious order (details supplied) to contribute €161 million in response to the Ryan report; if this offer is open to negotiation; if he will lay a copy of the full details of the offer by the religious order before the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44194/09]
Ruairí Quinn
Question:423 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on the decision by a religious order (details supplied) to contribute €161 million in response to the Ryan report; if he will lay a copy of the agreement between the State and the religious orders before the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44659/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 363 and 423 together.
The Deputy is referring to the details published by the Christian Brothers in response to the call for further substantial contributions by way of reparation following publication of the Ryan Report. As the Deputy will recall this House passed a unanimous motion calling on the congregations to commit to making further substantial contributions by way of reparation, in the context of discussions with the State, including to a Trust to be set up and managed by the State for the support of victims and to other education and welfare purposes. When the Taoiseach and relevant Ministers, including myself, met with representatives of the eighteen religious congregations who were party to the 2002 Indemnity Agreement last June, the congregations indicated their willingness to make further contributions. Any such contributions are separate from the 2002 Indemnity Agreement and associated contributions. The current engagement with the religious congregations does not involve a re-negotiation of that agreement. The offers are not the subject of any negotiation with the Government but rather are a matter for the religious congregations to make in the light of the findings of the Ryan Report, the cost of redress to the State, the resources available to the congregations and ultimately for the public to judge.
While an overall offer of a contribution on behalf of the congregations collectively was sought, the congregations' responses have been on an individual basis. A full set of responses is awaited. I expect to have the complete set of responses from the congregations in the next day or so.
As the Deputy is aware, the Government has made clear that these contributions need to be capable of being assessed by the public for their significance by reference to the full resources available to the congregations and in the context of the costs of well over a billion euro incurred by the State. In this context, the Government appointed a Panel of three independent persons to assess the financial statements submitted by the congregations and report to Government as to the adequacy of these statements as a basis for assessing the resources of the congregations. The Panel submitted its Report at the end of October. The Report was examined within my Department and a number of clarifications were sought from the Panel. In response, the Panel elaborated on the relevant points within the context of its Report and submitted an expanded Report on 25th November, 2009.
I will be bringing the Panel's Report and details of the congregations' offers of contributions to the attention of the Government at the earliest opportunity. The position in relation to publication is that while it has always been the intention to publish the conclusions of the Panel and the offers from the congregations, the arrangements for publication will be considered by the Government. In this regard, I am concerned to ensure that the survivors and their representatives are kept fully informed of developments. While the approach taken by any individual congregation is a matter for them, my objective is to have the collective comprehensive position available.
Once the full position is known, the Government will consider the uses to which the contributions will be put, in consultation with the representatives of the survivors and the congregations.
Schools Building Projects.
Alan Shatter
Question:364 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the poor structural conditions of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 14 and the need to sanction the construction of a new school; the steps he will take on this matter. [44197/09]
A major capital project at the school to which the Deputy refers is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning.
The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction is dependent on the prioritisation of competing demands on the funding available under the Department's capital budget.
The proposed building project will be considered in the context of my 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 my Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the delivery of the project at this time.
Vocational Education Committees.
Brendan Howlin
Question:365 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to staff members employed in the further education sector in County Wexford Vocational Educational Committee have been offered contracts of indefinite duration as is their entitlement under the Protection of Part-Time Workers Act having had more than four fixed term contracts of employment; the steps he will take to ensure that County Wexford VEC is enabled to provide contracts of indefinite duration to these teachers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44319/09]
Discussions in relation to the development of standardised Contracts of Indefinite Duration (CIDs) for incompletely qualified teachers are ongoing at the Teachers Conciliation Council, which is the recognised forum for dealing with matters relating to pay and conditions of service of teachers. The parties to the forum include representatives of the managerial authorities of schools, the teacher unions, the Department of Education and Science and the Department of Finance.
As the proceedings of the Conciliation Council are confidential it would not be appropriate for me to make any further comment at this time.
Teaching Qualifications.
Brendan Howlin
Question:366 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has ceased to sanction teaching qualifications which for many years have qualified teachers under CL 32/92 and CL 40/00; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that because of this change, newly qualified teachers who are not recognised by his Department are working alongside co-workers who are deemed qualified; the reason sanction of qualifications under these criteria has ceased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44320/09]
Circular 32/92 was introduced in December 1992 to assist Vocational Education Committees in the process of assessment of qualifications of teachers who may not have had a traditional teaching qualification but were involved in the delivery of the Vocational Preparation Training Programmes. Its use was subsequently extended to non-mainstream posts in Vocational Education Committees. A Qualifications Committee and an appeals process was agreed under PCW.
The Committee set out, in CL 47/00, the qualification requirements for appointment to the posts in Beauty Therapy, Hairdressing, Arts Administration and Veterinary Studies and PPT04/04 outlined qualifications for Complementary Therapy.
The Teaching Council has taken over the role of designated authority for the recognition and registration of all teachers since its establishment on 28 March 2006. Registration is now governed by the Teaching Council's own Regulations for Registration, which set out the required qualifications for registration as a teacher in the various sectors, including the sectors previously governed by 32/92. The Council's Regulations, for the most part, continue the status quo that existed hitherto. The Regulations also bring greater uniformity to the requirements for entry to the teaching profession at primary, post-primary and further education levels. Among the new provisions in the regulations is a requirement that, from April 2013, all new teachers in the VEC and further education sectors will be required to have an approved teacher education qualification.
Higher Education Grants.
Billy Timmins
Question:367 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the case of a person (details supplied) in County Louth; if this case will be re-examined and payment awarded. [44341/09]
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 her/his 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.
Schools Building Projects.
Michael D'Arcy
Question:368 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Education and Science the successful bidder for the new post primary school in Gorey, County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44344/09]
The post primary school project referred to by the Deputy is included in the list of eight schools which I have approved for inclusion in the 3rd Bundle of schools to be procured via Public Private Partnership.
This Bundle is in the pre procurement stage and my Department has completed a round of stakeholders' meetings in each of the locations where PPP schools are to be provided. A detailed output specification and Public Sector Benchmark is currently being prepared. In addition applications for outline planning permission have been submitted to the local authorities in respect of a number of the locations, including the one referred to by the Deputy.
On successful completion of this process, the Bundle will be ready for hand over to the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) for procurement.
The indicative timeframe for the delivery of a PPP school currently stands at approximately 4 years from the date the Bundle is announced.
Third Level Fees.
Finian McGrath
Question:369 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding third level fees for students here (details supplied) from another EU Member State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44399/09]
Under my Department's Free Fees Initiative the exchequer meets the cost of tuition fees in respect of eligible students. The main criteria of the Initiative are that students must be first-time undergraduates, hold EU nationality and have been ordinarily resident in an EU Member State for at least three of the five years preceding their entry to an approved third level course. Eligibility under the Free Fees Initiative is determined at the time of entry to higher education for all such students and cannot subsequently change during the student's course of study.
Where students do not meet the eligibility criteria of the scheme at the time of entry to their course of study they must pay tuition fees as determined by the relevant institution.
With regards to the particular case referred to by the Deputy, the position is that students from new EU Member States who commenced higher education here prior to accession are not eligible for free tuition fees as they did not meet the criteria of the scheme at the time of entry to their third level course of study. In line with the terms of the scheme, such students cannot be subsequently considered for free fees during their course of study. Therefore the student in this case was treated in the same way as all other students with regards to determination of eligibility under the free fees scheme.
School Transport.
Terence Flanagan
Question:370 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 1075 of 3 November 2009, the position regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44404/09]
My Department is awaiting the Report from Bus Éireann.
I must emphasise, however, that 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 in accordance with the terms of the School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Needs.
My Department has sanctioned the maximum rate of transport grant available towards the cost of private transport to the family referred to by the Deputy, in the details supplied.
Higher Education Grants.
Finian McGrath
Question:371 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if a person (details supplied) in County Longford is entitled to a grant or assistance. [44409/09]
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 her/his 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.
Departmental Expenditure.
David Stanton
Question:372 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science the cost in 2008 of heating all buildings owned or rented from which his Department or bodies under the aegis of his Department operate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44421/09]
The cost of heating my Department's office buildings in 2008 was €192,806.21. The heating of buildings occupied by bodies under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for the bodies themselves and these figures are not collated centrally.
Schools Building Projects.
Charlie O'Connor
Question:373 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will confirm that he is giving special attention to the needs of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 6W in respect of the proposed building programme at the school; if his attention has been drawn to the concerns of the school community in the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44449/09]
The project to which the Deputy refers is at an advanced stage of architectural planning.
The school's Principal and the Design Team's Architect and Quantity Surveyor attended a briefing session in my Department on 12 November, following which, the project was approved to proceed to stage 2(b). 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.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:374 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science when a school (details supplied) in County Kildare will be granted funding under application for large scale capital funding which they applied for in 2001; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44465/09]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:378 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science when a school (details supplied) in County Kildare will be granted funding under an application for large scale capital funding for the provision of an extension to include additional classroom accommodation in view of the demands on the school and the increase in pupils attending the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44469/09]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:379 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science when a school (details supplied) in County Kildare will be granted funding under the application for large scale capital funding in view of the ongoing increased demands on the school with regard to classroom accommodation and the increased level of pupils; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44470/09]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:380 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science when a school (details supplied) in County Kildare will be granted funding under the application for large scale capital funding in view of the increased demands on the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44471/09]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:381 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science when a school (details supplied) in County Kildare will be granted funding under an application for large scale capital funding which they applied for in 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44472/09]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:382 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science when a school (details supplied) in County Kildare will be granted funding under an application for large scale capital funding which they applied for in 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44473/09]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:383 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science when a school (details supplied) in County Kildare will be granted funding under an application for large scale capital funding which they applied for in 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44474/09]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:384 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science when a school (details supplied) in County Kildare will be granted funding under an application for large scale capital funding which they applied for in 1999; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44475/09]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:386 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the degree to which accommodation at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare is sufficient to meet ongoing and long term requirements; if an extension is anticipated; the timeframe involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44477/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 374, 378 to 384, inclusive, and 386 together.
I can confirm that the schools to which the Deputy refers have made applications to my Department for large scale capital funding. The applications have been assessed in accordance with the published criteria for large scale capital projects and assigned an appropriate band rating. Information in respect of the current school building programme along with assessed applications for major capital works, including the projects referred to by the Deputy, are now available on my Department's website at www.education.ie.
The progression of all large scale building projects, including projects for these schools, from initial design through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of my Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of these projects at this time.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:375 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding an application for funding in the case of a school (details supplied) in County Kildare following submission of Stage 2b documentation by the school; his plans to progress same in the next six months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44466/09]
The project to which the Deputy refers was included in my announcement earlier this year of 43 projects to proceed to tender and construction and is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning.
My Department is currently reviewing the stage 2b submission for this project and will be in contact with the school shortly regarding the outcome of this review and next steps in the progression of the project towards tender and construction.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:376 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has received submission of Stage 2b documentation from a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; his plans to progress same in the next six months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44467/09]
The project to which the Deputy refers was included in my announcement earlier this year of 43 projects to proceed to tender and construction and is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning.
My Department received the stage 2b submission for this project from the Design Team last week. The documentation is currently being reviewed by officials from my Department.
On completion of the 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.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:377 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 1284 of 16 September 2009, the position in relation to a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; when this matter will proceed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44468/09]
The school in question has recently been authorised to issue a Letter of Intent (i.e. commence the award process) to the lowest tenderer. If\when all conditions (e.g. bond, insurances, tax clearance etc.) contained in the Letter of Intent are complied with the school will be authorised to award the contract and proceed to construction.
Questions Nos. 378 to 384, inclusive, answered with Question No. 374.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:385 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to a school building project for a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; the approximate timeframe envisaged for the retendering process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44476/09]
Construction has commenced at the school referred to by the Deputy and it is envisaged that construction work should be completed in late 2010.
Question No. 386 answered with Question No. 374.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:387 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the discussions he has had with the various authorities with a view to the provision of a second level all Irish school in north Kildare; when such proposals are expected to reach fruition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44478/09]
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 North Kildare will be considered in this regard.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:388 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science, further to his reply to the matter on the adjournment on 5 November 2009, if he has or will, as requested, meet with the school authorities to discuss the issue of the need to proceed with construction of the new national school at Kill, County Kildare; the revised completion date for the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44479/09]
Officials in the Planning and Building Unit have met recently with the school to discuss issues relating to the building project. The completion project for the new school for Kill is currently being pre-qualified. It is envisaged that the project will go to tender before the end of the year and that the project will be back on site in early 2010.
Question No. 389 answered with Question No. 47.
School Accommodation.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:390 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools in north Kildare at primary level recorded with accommodation insufficient to the needs based on enrolments; his plans to address this issue in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44481/09]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:391 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools in north Kildare at second level recorded with accommodation insufficient to the needs based on enrolments; his plans to address this issue in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44482/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 390 and 391 together.
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 & 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 North Kildare area is included in these locations.
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 including North Kildare.
In the interim, it is open to any school authority to apply for temporary accommodation to meet any needs they may have in the intervening period.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:392 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a school (details supplied) in County Kildare, a long time applicant for permanent classroom accommodation, have been overlooked; his plans to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44483/09]
As the Deputy will be aware, I announced in February 2009 that the project to which he refers would proceed to tender and construction.
The Stage 2b (i.e. detailed design) submission has recently been approved and the project has been pre-qualified. Once confirmation is received from the Board of Management and their Design Team that everything is in order the project will be authorised proceed to tender.
School Staffing.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:393 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teaching posts at second level that have been suppressed, abolished or otherwise deleted in the past two years in order to comply with cutbacks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44484/09]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:394 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teaching posts at primary level that have been suppressed, abolished or otherwise deleted in the past two years in order to comply with cutbacks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44485/09]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:395 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers at primary level who were deemed to be surplus to requirements and lost their jobs here in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44486/09]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:396 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers at second level who were deemed to be surplus to requirements and lost their jobs here in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44487/09]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:401 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of second level schools here in respect of which he has received requests for the employment of extra teachers based on enrolments at the beginning of the school year 2009-10; the number of cases to which he has responded favourably; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44492/09]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:402 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary schools here in respect of which he has received requests for the employment of extra teachers based on enrolments at the beginning of the school year 2009-10; the number of cases to which he has responded favourably; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44493/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 393 to 396, inclusive, 401 and 402 together.
The October 2008 budget measures came into effect in the 2009/10 school year and did not have an impact on teaching posts in the 2008/09 school year.
The Deputy will be aware that my Department has published provisional information on the Department's website about teacher allocations at primary and post-primary level for 2009/10 school year. This was done as a first step at improving the level of information in the public domain about changes to the staffing allocations at both primary and post-primary level.
While the final position won't be clear until all allocations are completed it is envisaged that there will be a reduction in posts at primary level in the 200-300 range compared to last year's allocation. Allocations are continuing for special needs and language support so the precise figure won't be known until these posts are fully allocated.
At post-primary level my Department estimated that the budget changes would result in a reduction of some 1,000 posts but that all of this reduction would not happen in the allocation for this school year. Apart from the provision of additional posts for some demographic increase and for special needs provision a number of additional factors influence the final net position such as the level of teacher retirements and resignations in any particular year in general; how retirements are distributed across schools; the extent to which at individual school level the number of retirements contributes to reducing a supernumerary situation in the event that the school is in an over allocation position; the extent to which any redeployment between schools reduces the supernumerary position; the incidence of awards of contracts of indefinite duration to fixed terms teachers; the extent to which a school is able to reduce an over allocation position by terminating fixed term contracts; the number of teachers remaining in individual schools on a supernumerary basis when the allocation and appointment processes have fully executed; the extent to which schools seek and are granted curricular concessions.
Taking these factors into account and while the budget measures would ultimately yield 1000 posts the yield in the 2009/10 school year was estimated at about 560. The estimates for the 2009/10 school year included provision for 320 additional posts (compared to 2008/09) and on that basis the net position was estimated at a reduction of around 240 posts.
The allocation of teachers at post-primary level to the end of November 2009 is showing a reduction of 504 posts compared to the position at the end of November 2008. This indicates that the final net position will be greater than originally estimated. Allocations are continuing for special needs, language support and for projected enrolments etc. so the final position won't be known until all these posts are fully allocated.
The allocation at post-primary level includes 209 posts to help schools with increased enrolments in September 2009. At primary level my Department received applications from 233 schools for developing school posts to cater for increased enrolments in September 2009. A total of 242 posts have been sanctioned for 184 of those schools which met the published criteria for developing status.
The Deputy will also be aware that when the Government was introducing the moratorium in the public sector earlier this year I secured a special arrangement for education which ensured we could fill teacher and SNA posts. The concession also provides for the filling of Principal and Deputy Principal posts in all schools and the first allocation of posts of responsibility in new schools.
More recently, 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 there is a commitment to 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. A consultation process in relation to the allocation of these additional posts is currently underway between officials of my Department and the education partners.
School Accommodation.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:397 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools at second level in respect of which permanent accommodation requests and needs have been met in full in each of the past five years to date in 2009; the number of such requests still outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44488/09]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:398 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools at primary level in respect of which permanent accommodation requests and needs have been met in full in each of the past five years to date in 2009; the number of such requests still outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44489/09]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:399 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of applications for permanent classroom accommodation at second level awaiting approval in his Department for a period of five years or more; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44490/09]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:400 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of applications for permanent classroom accommodation at primary level currently awaiting approval in his Department for a period of five years or more; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44491/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 397 to 400, inclusive, together.
The information requested by the Deputy in respect of major capital projects completed in the last 5 years is contained in the following tabular statement.
The statement also contains details of sanctions under Summer Works Scheme, Emergency Works, Permanent Accommodation Scheme and Small Schools Scheme over this period. In many cases sanctions under these devolved schemes have provided schools with solutions to their immediate requirements.
Currently, there are over 1100 applications on hand from schools for major capital works. Details of these applications are listed on my Department's website.
|
Primary |
Data |
Post-Primary |
Data |
Primary & Post-Primary |
Data |
|
November 2009 |
November 2009 |
November 2009 |
|||
|
New Schools completed |
14 |
New Schools completed |
4 |
New Schools completed |
18 |
|
Extensions/refurbishments completed |
4 |
Extensions/refurishments completed |
3 |
Extensions/refurishments completed |
7 |
|
2008 |
2008 |
2008 |
|||
|
New Schools completed |
48 |
New Schools completed |
3 |
New Schools completed |
51 |
|
Extensions/refurishments completed |
29 |
Extensions/refurishments completed |
15 |
Extensions/refurishments completed |
44 |
|
2007 |
2007 |
2007 |
|||
|
New Schools completed |
12 |
New Schools completed |
4 |
New Schools completed |
16 |
|
Extensions/refurishments completed |
25 |
Extensions/refurishments completed |
19 |
Extensions/refurishments completed |
44 |
|
2006 |
2006 |
2006 |
|||
|
New Schools completed |
8 |
New Schools completed |
9 |
New Schools completed |
17 |
|
Extensions/refurishments completed |
34 |
Extensions/refurishments completed |
9 |
Extensions/refurishments completed |
43 |
|
2005 |
2005 |
2005 |
|||
|
New Schools completed |
12 |
New Schools completed |
3 |
New Schools completed |
15 |
|
Extensions/refurishments completed |
66 |
Extensions/refurishments completed |
29 |
Extensions/refurishments completed |
95 |
|
Totals |
252 |
98 |
350 |
|
Primary |
Data |
Post-Primary |
Data |
Primary & Post-Primary |
Data |
|
2008 |
|||||
|
Summer Works Scheme |
0 |
Summer Works Scheme |
0 |
Summer Works Scheme |
0 |
|
Contingency |
203 |
Contingency |
119 |
Contingency |
322 |
|
Permanent Accommodation Scheme |
83 |
Permanent Accommodation Scheme |
9 |
92 |
|
|
Small Schools Scheme |
108 |
108 |
|||
|
2007 |
|||||
|
Summer Works Scheme |
797 |
Summer Works Scheme |
340 |
Summer Works Scheme |
1137 |
|
Contingency |
389 |
Contingency |
209 |
Contingency |
598 |
|
Permanent Accommodation Scheme |
49 |
Permanent Accommodation Scheme |
4 |
53 |
|
|
Small Schools Scheme |
77 |
77 |
|||
|
2006 |
|||||
|
Summer Works Scheme |
485 |
Summer Works Scheme |
293 |
Summer Works Scheme |
778 |
|
Contingency |
269 |
Contingency |
171 |
Contingency |
440 |
|
Permanent Accommodation Scheme |
47 |
Permanent Accommodation Scheme |
4 |
51 |
|
|
Small Schools Scheme |
58 |
58 |
|||
|
2005 |
|||||
|
Summer Works Scheme |
470 |
Summer Works Scheme |
293 |
Summer Works Scheme |
763 |
|
Contingency |
136 |
Contingency |
96 |
Contingency |
232 |
|
Small Schools Scheme |
41 |
41 |
|||
|
Permanent Accommodation Scheme |
32 |
32 |
|||
|
Totals |
3,244 |
1,538 |
4,782 |
Questions Nos. 401 and 402 answered with Question No. 393.
School Accommodation.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:403 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools at second level here in respect of which he has received correspondence reflecting the need for extra accommodation in terms of buildings or new schools; the number of requests to which there has been no resolution in the past two and a half years; the number of cases in respect of which indication was given prior to that to the effect that the requirements were to be met; the extent to which such requirements as indicated have not yet been met; his plans to address the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44494/09]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:404 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools at primary level here in respect of which he has received correspondence reflecting the need for extra accommodation in terms of buildings or new schools; the number of requests to which there has been no resolution in the past two and a half years; the number of cases in respect of which indication was given, prior to that, to the effect that the requirements were to be met; the extent to which such requirements as indicated have not yet been met; his plans to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44495/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 403 and 404 together.
Information in respect of all applications on hand for major capital works is available on my Department's website. However, for convenience, the following tabular statement identifies all applications on hand from schools in Co. Kildare. There are 47 applications listed, of which 4 have been announced for commencement of architectural planning. These schools are currently awaiting the appointment of a design team in order to progress their projects.
In addition, information in respect of all major projects in Co. Kildare which are currently progressing through architectural planning, are on site or have been completed this year is included.
Also set out below is a tabular statement outlining major capital projects which have been completed in Co. Kildare since 2002.
|
County |
School Number |
Address |
Year |
|
Kildare |
19995 |
Nth Kildare Educate Together |
2003 |
|
Kildare |
20087 |
Kilashee |
2003 |
|
Kildare |
01821V |
SN Rath Mor, Naas |
2005 |
|
Kildare |
20114D |
Scoil Brid, Naas |
2006 |
|
Kildare |
19897I |
Scoil Uí Riada Kilcock |
2007 |
|
Kildare |
16705E |
Athy |
2008 |
|
Kildare |
19786W |
Castledermot Mixed NS |
2008 |
|
Kildare |
20159C |
Gaelscoil Nas na Riogh, Naas |
2008 |
|
Kildare |
20257C |
Scoil Naomh Padraig, Celbridge |
2008 |
|
Kildare |
20292E |
Maynooth Educate Together |
2008 |
|
County |
School Number |
Address |
Year |
|
Kildare |
19995 |
North Kildare School Project |
2003 |
|
Kildare |
20087 |
Killashee NS |
2003 |
|
Kildare |
18055 |
Scoil Mhuire NS |
2004 |
|
Kildare |
19452 |
Scoil Mhuire Jnr/Snr NS |
2004 |
|
Kildare |
08099P |
Sallins N.S. |
2005 |
|
Kildare |
18551N |
Scoil an Mainistreac, Celbridge |
2005 |
|
Kildare |
19794V |
Aghards N.S., Celbridge |
2005 |
|
Kildare |
15456E |
Ballyshannon NS, Ballyshannon, Kilcullen, Co Kildare |
2006 |
|
Kildare |
16777G |
SN Naomh Mhuire, Donadea, Naas |
2006 |
|
Kildare |
18093J |
SN Cloch Rinnce, Cloch rinnce, Magh Bhealaigh |
2006 |
|
Kildare |
18430B |
SN Baile Roibeaird, Baile Riobearid, Nas na Rí |
2006 |
|
Kildare |
18515J |
Prosperous N.S., Naas |
2006 |
|
Kildare |
13328I |
St. Patrick’s NS, Newbridge, Co. Kildare |
2007 |
|
Kildare |
08099P |
St Laurence’s NS, Sallins |
2008 |
|
Roll No. |
School |
Brief |
Status |
|
20114D |
Scoil Brid, Naas |
Extension |
In Architectural Planning |
|
11976K |
Scoil Choca Naofa, Kilcock, Co. Kildare |
Extension |
In Architectural Planning |
|
17674B |
SN Aine Naofa, Ard Cloc, Straffan |
New school |
In Architectural Planning |
|
20058T |
Sc Uí Fhiach, Maynooth |
New school |
In Architectural Planning |
|
16705E |
Scoil Pádraig Naofa, St John’s Lane, Athy, Co Kildare |
Extension |
In Architectural Planning |
|
18018S |
Bunscoil Bhride NS Rathangan |
Extension |
In Architectural Planning |
|
18988G |
St Raphael’s Special Sch, Celbridge, Co Kidare |
New school |
In Architectural Planning |
|
09414C |
St Laurence’s NS, Crookstown |
New school |
In Architectural Planning |
|
13350A |
Scoil Bhride, Athgarvan |
Extension |
Tendering |
|
16345A |
Scoil Bhride, Nurney, Co. Kildare |
New school |
Tendering |
|
18654A |
Caragh NS, Naas |
Extension |
Tendering |
|
20271T |
Scoil na Naomh Uilig, Rickardstown, Newbridge |
New school |
Tendering |
|
00779U |
Presentation Convent, Maynooth |
Extension |
On-Site |
|
17662R |
Scoil Bhride Kill NS |
New school |
On-Site |
|
20023A & 20177E |
Gaelscoil Chill Dara and Newbridge Educate Together |
Extension |
On-Site |
|
61710C |
Meánscoil Iognáid Ris, Naas |
Extension |
On-Site |
|
70650L |
Athy Community College (St. Bridgets Post Primary School) |
New school |
On-Site |
|
20159C |
Gaelscoil Nas Na Riogh — Piper’s Hill |
New school |
Completed 2009 |
|
20192A |
Scoil Atha Í, Athy |
New school |
Completed 2009 |
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:405 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the extent to which he has received correspondence from various second level schools here regarding teaching accommodation or special need requirements; the number of such requests to which he has responded by way of meeting the requirements as set out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44496/09]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:406 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the extent to which he has received correspondence from various primary schools here regarding teaching accommodation or special needs requirements; the number of such requests to which he has responded by way of meeting the requirements as set out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44497/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 405 and 406 together.
In relation to correspondence received from various primary and post primary schools regarding school accommodation, I can inform the Deputy that my Department has in the order of 1,100 applications, country wide, for Major Capital Funding. Account is taken of both mainstream and special needs requirements when a new school is being constructed or an existing school is being extended.
Should the Deputy have concerns regarding a particular school or area I will be glad to provide more detailed information.
The Deputy will be aware that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible for the provision of a range of educational services at local and national level for students with special educational needs (SEN). In particular, its network of Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs) co-ordinate special needs education provision at local level and arrange for the delivery of special educational services. They act as single points of contact for parents of students with SEN and for schools. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating special needs 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.
Special Educational Needs.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:407 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children known to his Department identified as having autism, Asperger’s syndrome, dyslexia and ADHD or other similar educational or behavioural special needs; the degree to which his Department or the Department of Health and Children has co-operated in the provision or educational, health and relevant back up facilities to assist the children and the parents; the extent to which the full scale of special classes or special teachers are available to meet these requirements; the extent to which the current economic situation has impacted or is likely to impact on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44498/09]
I wish to assure the Deputy that the provision of appropriate educational intervention and supports for children with special educational needs continues to be a key Government priority.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) estimated in 2006 that there could be up to 184,818 children of school age with disabilities and conditions which could give rise to special educational needs as follows:
|
Category Disabilities and Special Educational Needs |
Number of school age children |
|
1. Physical and Sensory Disabilities |
11,318 |
|
2. Intellectual/General Learning Disabilities |
19,687 |
|
3. Specific Learning Disabilities |
63,270 |
|
4. Autism Spectrum Disorders |
4,460 |
|
5. Mental Health Difficulties |
86,083 |
It must be emphasised that these figures were estimates. The NCSE also cautioned against any simplistic correlation between estimated prevalence and resource additionality.
The key issue is that children with special educational needs are supported, as necessary, through the provision of additional teachers, special needs assistants, assistive technology, specialist equipment, special school transport arrangements and adapted buildings. The Deputy will be aware that the NCSE is responsible for the provision of a range of educational services at local and national level for students with special educational needs. In particular, its network of Special Educational Needs Organisers co-ordinate special needs education provision at local level and arrange for the delivery of special educational services. They act as single points of contact for parents of students with special educational needs and for schools.
There are now significant supports for children with special educational needs in our schools. This includes about 19,000 adults working solely with pupils with special needs. There are over 10,000 Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) — compared with just 300 in 1997. There are over 8,000 resource and learning support teachers in our schools compared with just 2,000 in 1998. Over 1,000 other teachers support pupils in our special schools.
The Office of the Minister for Disability and Mental Health has, as a key role, responsibility for the facilitation of the delivery of integrated health and education support services for children with special needs. Officials of this Office, along with my own Department, the Health Service Executive and the NCSE comprise a cross-sectoral group which meets regularly in relation to the implementation of the EPSEN and Disability Acts. This co-ordinated approach will ensure delivery of the most effective response for children living with disability and special educational needs on a daily basis. The HSE will continue to work with funded specialist providers and in co-operation with the education sector to address the health related needs of children with special educational needs in the context of the resources available.
Third Level Education.
David Stanton
Question:408 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of persons who have applied to return to education through the recently launched back to college initiative; the number accepted to undergraduate and postgraduate respectively; the length of time for which this initiative will run; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44624/09]
Under the labour market activation initiative 2,500 places have been made available to enable unemployed people pursue undergraduate and postgraduate courses on a part-time basis. The duration of the programmes vary with the majority of programmes being less than 2 years. The total number of applications across the sector has been high but final information on applications and acceptances will only be available once the approval and acceptances processes are completed in the higher education institutions. This information will be available shortly.
School Curriculum.
Brian Hayes
Question:409 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if it is the policy of his Department that schools should not stream children in secondary education; if that is the view of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment and the departmental inspectorate who regularly praise schools in the context of Whole School Evaluation for not steaming; and the reason this issue was raised in the context of considering a proposal from Educate Together for second level recognition as occurred at the last meeting of the Joint Education and Science Oireachtas Committee. [44642/09]
In general, the view of my Department and the NCCA and the evidence from research in Ireland and internationally is that mixed-ability classes are preferable, particularly in the junior cycle.
It should be kept in mind that "streaming" can take different forms and that sometimes different ability groupings may be helpful for the individual pupils at a later stage in their education. For example various syllabi are available at Higher, Ordinary and Foundation levels and it may be appropriate for classes to be organised along these lines.
Schools have discretion in how they organise their classes, and this is essentially an organisational issue for principals and school boards of management. The School Development Planning Initiative, supported by a full time support service, has an important role in advising schools on this matter with a view to achieving the best organisational arrangement for all pupils.
In recent talks between officials from my Department and representatives from Educate Together, there was a wide-ranging and constructive discussion about the issues associated with Educate Together's application to become a patron at second level. The discussion also focussed on the blueprint for post-primary education published by Educate Together in June of this year.
Educate Together's proposal not to stream students at second level was one of a wide range of issues discussed at the meeting with them. The main focus of the discussion related to the potential enrolments in any school given recognition by the Department, the necessity to cater for as wide a range as possible of the community served by the school and the extent of curricular range that would be available in an Educate Together school. The purpose of raising the issue mentioned by the Deputy was to seek clarification on how a policy of not streaming pupils would be implemented in practice in the proposed school.
Industrial Disputes.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:410 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the actions he is taking to end the industrial action taken by the four main teaching trade unions; if he has met the leadership of unions (details supplied) to discuss the concerns of their members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44646/09]
While I have not met with the unions concerned in relation to the matter raised by the Deputy, I am aware that discussions have taken place between union representatives and officials at central level.
While I acknowledge that there has been upset and anger at some of the measures introduced to stabilise the public finances, I would re-iterate that these are essential to deal with the budgetary problems we face. In these difficult times, we have to work together to ensure that the resources available to us are used to ensure the best possible outcomes for our learners. The unions' action is particularly regrettable given the fact that talks between the Government and ICTU on an economic recovery package are ongoing. I hope that the unions will reflect on these concerns and withdraw the industrial action in the public interest.
School Staffing.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:411 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the recruitment of the 500 new teachers promised in the revised programme for Government; the number of these teachers that will be assigned to primary and secondary schools; the way the schools will be selected to receive one of these new teachers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44647/09]
Following the publication of the renewed Programme for Government my Department sought written submissions from the education partners at primary and post-primary level seeking their views on the division of the posts between the two sectors and the criteria to use to allocate the posts. The consultation process also involved a meeting with all the education partners on 19 November 2009. The next step is to advise the education partners of the division of posts and consult with each sector on the criteria to use to allocate the posts. All the education partners were anxious to ensure that the allocation criteria are clear and transparent and, where possible, the posts should be allocated in a manner that minimises the administrative burden for schools and the Department.
Capitation Grants.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:412 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on increasing the capitation grants in proportion with the new water charges that schools face from 1 January 2010; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that due to the wide variation in water charges set by local authorities some schools will have to spend proportionately more of their capitation grant on these charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44648/09]
I wish to draw the Deputy's attention to Circulars 57/2009 and 64/2009, both of which are available on my Department's website. Circular 57/2009 outlines the funding available through the Summer Works Scheme 2010 for water conservation measures, which will have the effect of reducing schools' water charges and of contributing to environmental sustainability.
Circular 64/2009 advises schools that data from local authorities indicates that water consumption levels in many schools remains too high. With the introduction of full metered water charges from 1 January 2010, costs may increase substantially if schools do not put in place water conservation measures. The circular details also the benefits to the school if it reduces water consumption to a recommended per capita usage of 2.1 cubic metres.
Schools were advised of actions they could take to reduce water consumption in Circular 46/2008, which was issued by my Department in April 2008. Schools were advised to develop a water management plan, in order that they would be familiar with the water distribution systems serving the school and the areas where water is used along with potential areas for wastage and leakage. Practical suggestions for reducing water consumption, along with examples of best practice, were also included.
The Deputy will be aware that my Department, as is the case for all Government Departments, has had to identify efficiencies in all areas of its budget. Schools can play a role in that regard also by reducing their water consumption and thereby their water charges. I do not propose to provide a specific increase in capitation to take account of metered water charges. The level of capitation grants to schools will be considered in the context of the estimates and budgetary process for 2010.
Legislative Programme.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:413 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science when he expects the Committee Stage of the Student Support Bill 2008 to be taken; if his Department has completed the drafting of the amendments it has proposed to make to the Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44649/09]
The Deputy will be aware that a number of amendments to the Bill in relation to legal and policy issues which have arisen since Second Stage are being advanced by my Department in close consultation with the Office of the Attorney General.
The Bill makes provision for the transfer of responsibility for student grants to the VEC sector. In the existing budgetary situation, resources are not currently available to advance transition to new administrative arrangements in the immediate future. However, it is not possible to say definitively at this point when new administrative arrangements can be put in place and I am anxious, in light of the commitment to put all student grants on a statutory footing, to provide a statutory basis for all student grants for the intervening period. Therefore, I am endeavouring to progress to a single scheme of grants as provided for in the Bill at the earliest possible date.
While the current financial situation may necessitate retention of the existing administrative structures in the immediate term, I am assessing organisational options for the grants administration function in the longer run, with a view to streamlining operations and achieving more effective administrative efficiencies. Possible options for a more significant aggregation of functions are now being explored in the context of budgetary considerations and the Government's overall programme of public service reform.
These developments also require consideration of a complex set of legal options in relation to further amendment of the Bill and my Department is working closely with the Office of the Attorney General to explore the issues in that regard. Subject to any technical, drafting and legal considerations arising, I hope to be in a position to have these amendments advanced sufficiently in order to progress to Committee as soon as possible.
As previously indicated my Department continues to be fully committed to bringing forward this important piece of legislation and will progress the matter as expeditiously as possible as soon as the legal and policy issues have been resolved and the proposed amendments have been finalised.
Question No. 414 answered with Question No. 331.
School Staffing.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:415 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has recently met with representatives of a union (details supplied); if progress has been made in resolving the dispute which has led to the cancellation of out of hours parent teacher meetings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44651/09]
While I have not met with the union concerned in relation to the matter raised by the Deputy, I am aware that this and related matters have been raised by my officials in discussions under the auspices of the Teachers Conciliation Council.
While I acknowledge that there has been upset and anger at some of the measures introduced to stabilise the public finances, I would re-iterate that these are essential to deal with the budgetary problems we face. In these difficult times, we have to work together to ensure that the resources available to us are used to ensure the best possible outcomes for our learners. I hope that the union will reflect on these concerns, and will reconsider its stance in relation to parent teacher meetings in the public interest.
Programmes for Government.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:416 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if the commitment in the Revised Programme for Government to restore the grants for books and certain subjects in second level schools will apply immediately; when schools can apply for these grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44652/09]
The Renewed Programme for Government provides for funding to be made available to allow schools to provide grant assistance for books. 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.
Proposed Legislation.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:417 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the negotiations between the US Ireland Alliance and his Department regarding the funding and administration of the George Mitchell Scholarship scheme; when legislation to provide a statutory basis for the scheme will be introduced; when the US Ireland Alliance will receive the promised funds to operate the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44653/09]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No 139 on Tuesday 20th October 2009. The position regarding the issues raised by the Deputy remains as set out in that reply.
Departmental Programmes.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:418 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science when the review of the Delivering Equal Opportunities In Schools programme will be completed; if the DEIS programme will be renewed in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44654/09]
DEIS, the Action plan for Educational Inclusion provides for a phased implementation of the school support programme followed by a new identification process in the 2009/2010 school year. A full review of DEIS, including a comprehensive evaluation of measures in the School Support Programme (SSP) over the period of the DEIS action plan to 2010 is also currently underway in my Department.
A Steering Group has been established within my Department to progress the technical work in preparation for a new identification process to a stage when wider consultation with relevant stakeholders on the identification method can be commenced. On the basis of the previous identification process, there will need to be a lead-in period of at least nine months from the establishment of a new identification process to the commencement of its application.
In terms of the broader evaluation of DEIS, the aim is to have the outcomes of the ERC evaluations completed by mid 2010 and these are to be considered by my Department along with the relevant evaluations of practice in DEIS schools undertaken by the Inspectorate as well as relevant recent research undertaken by the ESRI and the NESF.
While stakeholders have been involved in consultation on the nature of the evaluations, there is also an expectation that there will be further consultation with stakeholders when the evaluations are complete with a view to the outcomes of such consultation impacting on the future of the School Support Programme. It is not yet possible to determine when the process will be complete as this will largely depend on the outcomes of the planned consultation process.
Legislative Programme.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:419 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science when the Education (Patronage) Bill will be published in order to empower the vocational education committees to act as patrons of community national schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44655/09]
The Government approved the scheme of the Education (Patronage) Bill 2009 on 23rd June 2009. The scheme of Bill has been referred to the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel to the Government for drafting and it is expected that the Bill will be published during the current session. Pending enactment of the Bill, I as Minister for Education and Science, am acting as Patron of Scoil Choilm and Scoil Ghráinne.
Departmental Expenditure.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:420 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason, in view of his recent decision to reallocate €150 million of his Department’s capital expenditure programme to information communications technology equipment, he decided not to proceed with more school building projects; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there are still a number of children attending school in prefabs and that his priority should be to provide adequate accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44656/09]
The Deputy will be aware that, as I outlined at the launch of the "Smart Schools = Smart Economy" Report, I am committed to making funding available for ICT in schools over the next three years. As a first step, €22 million in grants will issue to primary schools before the end of this year with the priority on ensuring that there is a teaching laptop and digital projector in every classroom. Funding for post-primary schools will be made available early in 2010.
The total amount of funding to be made available for ICT equipment next year is being considered as part of the overall capital allocation for my Department that is to be agreed by Government. The capital allocation for my Department is to cover a number of different areas including primary, post-primary and third-level accommodation, public private partnerships (PPP), schools ICT, FETAC capital requirements and the capital requirements of my Department itself. Once the overall capital allocation for my Department is finalised, I will make decisions regarding the specific allocations for each of these areas.
Departmental Programmes.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:421 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on implementing the National Economic and Social Forum’s recommendation that there should be a national literacy policy framework; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that approximately 12,500 of the 50,000 adult literacy places here are misallocated to persons classified as English for speakers of foreign languages and do not necessarily have literacy needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44657/09]
The report referred to by the Deputy focused on the child literacy and social inclusion measures in DEIS — An Action Plan for Educational Inclusion. Promoting literacy and numeracy skills is already a core element of the ongoing work of schools. National assessments of achievement in reading literacy and mathematics are conducted at two points in primary education, second class and sixth class, at approximately five-year intervals. These assessments are conducted on behalf of my Department by the Educational Research Centre and the reports of the assessments are published.
Promoting proficiency in literacy and numeracy is also a core objective of a range of measures under the DEIS Action Plan. From the beginning of 2007, standardised testing in English Reading and Mathematics has been implemented on an annual basis for all pupils at two stages of the primary cycle. This work is complemented by a separate programme of national monitoring so that national trends in different categories of school can be tracked over time. Schools in the DEIS programme have already been sampled by the Educational Research Centre for this purpose, the sample of English medium schools has been undertaken this year, and Irish medium schools will be sampled in 2010.
Given the central role of assessment in guiding students' learning, Guidelines on Assessment developed by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment were published in October 2007 and issued to all teachers to assist schools in developing and implementing a policy on assessment practice in classrooms. The Council has also developed standardised templates for reporting to parents on children's learning.
Literacy and numeracy also form a key element of second chance education and training programmes for those with low levels of skill. New awards in this area have been developed at Levels 1 and 2 in the National Framework of Qualifications. Having regard to the above, I will consider the recommendation to develop a separate National Literacy Policy Framework in the light of the outcomes of the review of the implementation of DEIS measures and of the assessment programmes currently underway.
In relation to English for speakers of foreign languages, my Department provides for English language training for adult immigrants (English for Speakers of Other Languages, ESOL) through the adult literacy budget. Funds are allocated to VECs who are the main statutory providers of ESOL tuition. The disbursement of funds is a matter for each VEC which, subject to its budget, decides the nature and extent of the adult literacy and ESOL classes to be provided in its area. The organisation and location of classes are also matters for decision by the VECs.
An independent review was commissioned to assist in the development of a national English language training policy and framework for legally-resident adult immigrants based on extensive stakeholder consultation. The report in this regard is under consideration by the Minister for Integration.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:422 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will give a commitment that schools that have succeeded under the current Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools programme will not be automatically cut off from funding if the scheme is renewed in 2010; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that successful DEIS schools will still have to operate in disadvantaged communities after the current stream of funding is reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44658/09]
DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) provides for a standardised system for identifying levels of disadvantage and an integrated School Support Programme (SSP). The process of identifying schools for participation in DEIS, was managed by the Educational Research Centre (ERC) on behalf of my Department and supported by quality assurance work co-ordinated through the Department's regional offices and the Inspectorate. The ERC's overall approach was guided by the definition of educational disadvantage set out in the Education Act (1998), as: ". . . the impediments to education arising from social or economic disadvantage which prevent students from deriving appropriate benefit from education in schools".
It is recognised that the majority of schools in Ireland may include among their pupils, children with disadvantaged backgrounds. In general most schools are equipped to support the individual needs of children with disadvantaged backgrounds without recourse to supplementary targeted resources. However, evidence has shown that when disadvantage levels are found in significant concentrations that schools will require additional supports to supplement their efforts to address the educational needs of all their pupils.
The main focus of the Social Inclusion measures in my Department will be to retain resources in DEIS schools. There is a need to focus targeted resources on the schools in most need and this approach is in line with the broad thrust of the recommendations of the Comptroller and Auditor General which are set out in his report on Primary Disadvantage of 2006, which recommended that my Department should focus its educational disadvantage measures on those schools serving the most disadvantaged communities.
I can assure the Deputy that following the next review of DEIS, schools which successfully use supports to achieve better outcomes for their pupils will continue to be included in DEIS provided the levels of disadvantage of their pupil cohorts continue to justify such supports.
Question No. 423 answered with Question No. 363.
Special Educational Needs.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:424 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science when classroom assistance will be arranged in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44662/09]
I assume the Deputy is referring to special needs assistant support. As the Deputy will be aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers, for allocating resource teachers and special needs assistants to schools to support children with special needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support.
I have arranged for the details supplied to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply. 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.
Computerisation Programme.
Liz McManus
Question:425 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Education and Science his involvement in an advisory group set up to look into information and communication technology here which was recently reported to have advised that underinvestment in the smart economy has resulted in students here being left behind; the recommendations of this report; if he will be implementing those recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43344/09]
The ICT Strategy Group Report, "Investing Effectively in ICT in Schools" which was published in July 2008, provides a clear direction to inform actions to further the integration of ICT into teaching and learning in our schools. The Framework for Sustainable Economic Renewal, Building Ireland's Smart Economy, re-iterates Government policy to enhance the role of ICT in the education system, working in partnership with industry, to invest further in the provision of equipment and connectivity.
Earlier this year, I set up the Joint Advisory Group, comprising members of ICT Ireland, the Telecommunications and Internet Federation, the Irish Software Association, the Department of Education and Science and the National Centre for Technology in Education, to explore how best to do this having regard to the recommendations set out in the Strategy Group Report. This Joint Advisory Group, which commenced its work in March this year, signifies a strong partnership between industry and the education sector, with the shared objective of supporting children's development potential by enhancing the role of ICT in the education system. The Group's Report was launched by An Taoiseach on 16 November last and its recommendations mainly centre around the areas of the foundations for future ICT infrastructure, implementing sound technology principles, professional development for teachers, availability of digital content, enhancement of broadband connectivity, embracing core teaching principles, and ICT planning in school management. The Report also looks at procurement and financial models for approaching future investment in ICT.
Some of the main recommendations include: the establishment of an ICT in Schools Steering Group to oversee the implementation of the recommendations in the report; a teaching computer is deployed in every classroom in 2009/2010, along with a digital projector; school servers are enhanced, where necessary, and that schools deploy or upgrade LANs (Local Area Networks) to deliver improved security and connectivity, ease of administration and file and print sharing during 2010 and 2011; a minimum of five learning computers be deployed in each classroom over the next three years (2010-2012); the Department seeks to reduce the variety of equipment deployed, by centralising the expenditure of the Department's ICT funding and by providing strong guidelines and incentives for the expenditure of schools' own funds.
Where viable, industry makes available professional development opportunities for teachers and that these opportunities are promoted via a central resource. Industry should also make available, where relevant and feasible, in-company training for use by teachers. The NCTE, the technology sector and the education publishers should explore the development of world class digital educational content. There should be an increased focus on the creation of digital content for students with special educational needs and a national learning environment made available to schools and teachers. This network, also referred to as a virtual learning environment (VLE), would provide opportunities for schools to develop online.
I believe the advisory group's recommendations are relevant in the context of implementing the approach outlined in the Strategy Report "Investing Effectively in ICT in Schools" on how to realise the potential of ICT use in schools. I am committed to making funding available for ICT in schools over the next three years. The issuing of grants to Primary schools this week is a first step in that commitment and I have agreed that priority should be given to ensuring that there is a teaching computer and digital projector in every classroom.
As noted above the report has also recommended that I establish a steering group to drive the implementation of the recommendations in the report. I have asked Paul Rellis of Microsoft Ireland to chair the group and I will be seeking nominations from other stakeholders in the coming weeks. This Steering Group will oversee the implementation of further recommendations.