Vol. 696 No. 4
42 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when it is intended to publish the legislation to amend the Competition Acts to uphold rights of certain freelance workers such as actors and musicians to collective bargaining, which was promised as part of the review of Towards 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44615/09]
In the Review of Towards 2016 the Government committed to introducing amending legislation to exclude voice-over actors, freelance journalists and session musicians from the provisions of Section 4 of the Competition Act 2002. This commitment takes into account, inter alia, that there would be negligible negative impacts on the economy or on the level of competition and, having regard to the specific attributes and nature of the work involved, it is subject to consistency with EU competition rules.
I intend to give effect to this commitment in the legislation being prepared in the context of a review of competition law generally, the proposed merger of the Competition Authority and the National Consumer Agency and the Report of the Media Merger Advisory Group. Work on the Heads of a Bill is at an advanced stage and I plan to bring proposals to Government early next year. I expect that the Bill will be published during the course of 2010.
43 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when it is intended to publish legislation to address employee representation at work which was promised by June 2009 under the review of Toward 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44614/09]
51 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when it is intended to publish anti-victimisation legislation designed to protect those workers who choose to join a trade union and which was promised by March 2009 under the review of Towards 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44613/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 43 and 51 together.
The Towards 2016 Review and Transitional Agreement 2008 — 2009 (paras 9.1 — 9.3) provides for the establishment of a review process which would consider the legal and other steps necessary to enable the employee representation mechanisms that had been established under previous agreements — and in legislation — to operate as they had been intended. The Agreement (para 9.4) also commits the Government to bringing forward legislative proposals to prohibit the victimisation of trade union members and to prohibit the incentivisation of persons not to be members of a trade union.
With a view to progressing work on both commitments, a Review Group — chaired by the Secretary General of the Department of the Taoiseach and on which my Department; the Department of Finance; trade unions; and employers are represented — has been put in place to examine these issues.
Two informal meetings of the Group have taken place and position papers have been submitted by the employer and trade union representatives on the issues requiring the Group's consideration. I understand that the Group's work will now focus on the issues raised in these position papers and that further engagement between the parties is anticipated over the coming weeks. The Group has not set a date for the completion of its activities.
44 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of workplace accidents and workplace deaths recorded in each year from 2002 to 2008 and to date in 2009; her proposals to ensure a reduction in the number of such accidents and deaths; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44616/09]
As at 30.11.09, there have been 37 workplace deaths reported to the Health and Safety Authority. In the years 2002-2008, the numbers were as follows— 57 in 2008; 67 in 2007; 51 in 2006; 74 in 2005; 50 in 2004; 68 in 2003, and 61 in 2002.
Non-fatal accidents, resulting in an absence of more than three days from normal work following the accident, are required to be reported to the Authority. There have been 5,850 non-fatal work related accidents reported to the Authority to date in 2009 (as at 30.11.09). There were 6,998 in 2008, 7,816 in 2007, 7,844 in 2006, 8,104 in 2005, 8,453 in 2004, 6,622 in 2003, and 7,746 in 2002. These figures add up to a lot of pain and loss for those involved and their immediate families and dependants and also to significant lost productivity.
Many accidents are preventable. Many occur because of lack of thought as to safety of oneself or others. The basic procedures as regards workplace safety are often ignored. These relate to the identifying and assessment of risk followed by the putting in place of a system to minimise that risk.
In 2008, 75% of employers inspected had a safety statement prepared and 53% of the assessed safety statements were in full or broad compliance.
Workplaces can ultimately only be made safe by those who control and work in them. The State's involvement is via the Health and Safety Authority which is responsible for the administration and enforcement of the occupational health and safety code.
Its current Programme of Work, which lists a comprehensive range of activities to help make workplaces safer, contains a good balance between prevention, advice and enforcement and, to date this year, the programme is being implemented on schedule.
It is planned to continue in this vein in 2010 with a focus on the high-risk sectors of agriculture and construction.
45 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of participants in the short time training scheme; if she has given consideration to adopting an enterprise-led Government supported short time working programme similar to that in Germany; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44516/09]
I established a short-time working training programme after the April 2009 Budget, which is training people who are on systematic short time for the days they are not working. The training lasts for a year and individuals retain their social welfare entitlements while on the programme.
The number of people currently participating on this Programme is 156. I understand from FÁS that they are in the process of filling the remaining places up to a total of 277.
My Department has examined the German approach to short time working measures. In Germany these measures allow companies to temporarily reduce or suspend activity and prevents individuals from being made redundant by their employers during difficult trading periods.
Under the German schemes employers can in the case of a temporary, unavoidable loss of employment due to economic factors, apply to the State for a subsidy. Under the scheme the State pays 67% of the lost wages for workers with dependent children and 60% for those without. These measures will cost the German Exchequer approximately €2.1 billion this year.
In examining the German scheme, it should be noted that Irish employees on short time working are entitled to claim Job Seekers Benefit or Allowance for the days they are not working.
The Government also recognised the need to implement a scheme aimed at supporting vulnerable but viable enterprises and importantly retain jobs in these difficult economic times. We therefore earlier this year launched the Employment Subsidy Scheme. The scheme provides a subsidy of €9,100 over 15 months to qualifying enterprises in order to retain a number of employers.
The Government recently announced that there will be a second broader call for applications with extended eligibility criteria, which will be open to all firms (except those in the agriculture and fisheries sectors) who employ a minimum of 10 employees and are facing financial difficulty. Enterprise Ireland will continue to manage the scheme.
46 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her plans to reduce the cost of doing business here following a recent Forfás report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44581/09]
This Government recognises the critical importance of reducing business costs at this time, when all sources of efficiency are in focus and when jobs are at stake in all sectors of the economy. Restoring cost competitiveness is a vital part of driving export led growth.
Under the Framework for Economic Renewal we are taking a number of measures across Government to improve our competitiveness. Cost competitiveness has been a particular focus of attention and we are already seeing results.
Both the NCB Manufacturing and Services Purchasing Managers' Indices have shown a sustained and deep period of declining input costs for businesses in Ireland, driven, in part, by lower wage costs. This is matched by a decline in Irish inflation that reached minus 6.6 per cent in the year to October 2009 — the sharpest fall in Ireland since the 1920s.
We have also seen a decline in unit labour costs, which has a direct effect on competitiveness. We continue to exert further downward pressure on costs, including progressing those recommendations of the Competition Authority that have most effect on competitiveness. We have taken action on energy costs, public sector wage costs, and we have been actively progressing recommendations to increase competition and remove anti-competitive restrictions in the sheltered sectors of the economy. These include competition in transport, pharmacy services and rent. In addition, we are working to ease costs to enterprise in administered sectors of the economy under state control such as local authority charges. We are also easing the administrative burden that regulations can create.
The ESRI recently predicted that, with our current control of costs, productivity should grow by over 3 per cent in 2010. Combined with projected wage decreases of 2.5 per cent, this represents a significant improvement in the competitiveness of the Irish economy.
47 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on the recommendations of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programme regarding her Department and agencies under her remit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44602/09]
The Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes presented its report to the Government in July of this year. In its report, the Group outlined options to achieve savings in public expenditure across all Departmental Vote groups.
In relation to my own Department, the Group made proposals for the rationalisation of some services provided by my Department's agencies, and for reductions in certain programme and staffing costs. Some of the proposals made by the Special Group in relation to my Department cut across a number of other Departments and agencies.
Implementation of the Groups proposals is being considered in the context of current discussions at Government on the 2010 Estimates.
48 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of claims for redundancy payments waiting to be processed within her Department at the latest date for which figures are available; the average time taken to process a claim; the steps she has taken to speed up this process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44612/09]
The latest figures available relate to the period up to end October 2009 and indicate that the number of redundancy claims on hand and awaiting processing stands at 43,826. I should point out that my Department has, since January to October 2009, already processed 38,149 claims and made corresponding payments totalling €248m which results in average weekly payments to the value of €6m being issued.
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 payable 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, so that the waiting time is approximately 8 to 9 months depending on the manner of filing the application. In respect of lump sum payments paid directly to employees in instances where employers are unable to pay the statutory redundancy entitlements, the Section is, in general, processing claims dating from June 2009.
Given the unprecedented increase in Redundancy Payment claims lodged with my Department 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.
49 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the granting of pension top ups and discretionary payments to the former chief executive of FÁS was in accordance with the FÁS superannuation scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44534/09]
The agreed severance arrangements for the former Director General of FÁS were granted in accordance with Section 6(3) of the Labour Services Act, 1987, which states that "the Director General shall hold office on and subject to such terms and conditions (including terms and conditions relating to remuneration and superannuation) as may be determined by the Minister [for Enterprise, Trade and Employment] with the consent of the Minister for Finance" and with the required approvals under S.I. 514 of 1998.
My Department sought and received sanction from the Department of Finance for the following:
superannuation benefits (Pension and Lump Sum) based on 40 years service, including added notional service, payable with effect from 26th November 2009;
an ex-gratia payment, equivalent to 6 months salary amounting to €111,243.50.
These severance arrangements were granted in order to secure the resignation of the person concerned from the position of Director General of FÁS as it was considered to be in line with the best interests of the FÁS organisation and its clients.
52 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on guaranteed loans for small and medium enterprises with the view of supporting maintaining employment in the sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44563/09]
As I have previously outlined to the House on a number of occasions over recent months, in supporting small and medium enterprises, the Government's focus has been on actions to sustain a positive business environment, including the proper functioning of the banking system, allied with specific targeted supports for SMEs through my Department's enterprise development agencies.
Developments in the financial sector and wider economy during the last year have, in particular, broadened the concerns for SMEs in relation to gaining access to finance and bank credit.
My Department and I have held regular meetings with the representative bodies of the SME sector and other stakeholders in relation to issues impacting on the sector. I established the Roundtable on Access to Bank Credit and subsequently the Credit Supply Clearing Group with a dedicated e-mail contact point on my Department's website, to specifically deal with access to bank credit issues.
The Government has focused on creating a fit for purpose banking system and taken actions to sustain the banks and facilitate the flow of credit to the wider economy. The Bank Guarantee Scheme, the Banks' Recapitalisation Scheme, the nationalisation of Anglo Irish Bank and the passing of the NAMA Act are all aimed at this. The NAMA Act has been further strengthened by the Government amendment providing the Minister for Finance with a power to issue guidelines, to the participating institutions in the NAMA process, on lending practices and procedures to improve the flow of credit to small and medium-sized enterprises and, if necessary, to other sectors.
Under the Recapitalisation Scheme, additional measures were introduced to support SMEs including a commitment to increase lending capacity to SMEs by 10%; the establishment of a €100m environmental and clean energy innovation fund by each bank; the contribution of a further €15 million by each bank to new or existing seed capital funds; the introduction of the banks' Code of Conduct on Business Lending to SMEs, and the undertaking of an Independent Review of Bank Lending by Mazars published last July. A second Review of Bank Lending again by Mazars is currently nearing completion and will also be published shortly.
In the context of access to finance, Irish Banks have drawn down European Investment Bank (EIB) funding for loans for SMEs. In 2009, the EIB made €300 million available to Bank of Ireland, Allied Irish Banks and Ulster Bank for onward lending to SMEs carrying out investment projects. This was additional to €50 million previously made available to Bank of Scotland Ireland through its UK parent. My colleague, Billy Kelleher, Minister for Trade And Commerce, met with representatives of these four banks last week to discuss progress on the take up of these funds. The banks have confirmed that significant approvals have already been made to clients in respect of these funds and the funds should be substantially committed by the first quarter of 2010. The banks are actively promoting their availability through their business managers and other contacts. It is likely that Banks are also promoting new lending products to SMEs as evidenced by recent press and TV advertisements.
Within my own Department, the enterprise development agencies such as Enterprise Ireland, FÁS and the County and City Enterprise Boards continue to assist enterprises through their grant and advisory schemes. Significant allocations were made in my Department's Estimates for 2009 to sustain the work of the development agencies. I refer particularly to the Enterprise Stablisation Fund and the Employment Subsidy Scheme.
Government has also introduced formal arrangements to reduce the payment period by central Government Departments to their business suppliers from 30 to 15 calendar days. This commitment has effect on all valid invoices received on and from 15 June 2009 and is helping cash flow difficulties for enterprises.
SMEs are central to our economic development and the range of measures and supports in place will continue to help the sector adapt to the current economic climate. The services provided by the enterprise development agencies are kept under review and will be adjusted to respond to the current economic situation.
I am prepared to consider any proposals for further supports for the SME sector. Factors that have to be taken into account in considering any loan guarantee proposal include the likely cost to the taxpayer and the extent to which such schemes in other jurisdictions have actually increased lending.
53 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if all the boards of State agencies under her remit which are required to implement the new code of practice for the governance of State bodies have done so; if they have formally adopted the code at a board meeting; if they have undertaken training to ensure proper implementation of the code; if they have put in place monitoring procedures to ensure proper compliance with the code; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44596/09]
Ultimately it is the boards and chief executives of State agencies that are responsible for ensuring that effective systems of internal control are maintained and operated.
Each of the agencies under the aegis of my Department have in the normal course confirmed compliance with the code of practice in place up to June 2009 and that arrangements are being made to implement the new code without delay.
The Mullarkey report Report of the Working Group on the accountability of Secretaries General and Accounting Officers 2002 recommends that Departmental Accounting Officers should satisfy themselves, through the reporting arrangements, that the requirements of the code of practice for the governance of State Bodies are being implemented.
Action in my Department to address this includes regular meetings between Departmental Officials and agency personnel, and analysis of documentation obtained from agencies. Training in managing state agency performance is provided to departmental staff dealing with monitoring compliance with the code of practice.
54 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when she intends to appoint a new board for FÁS under the terms of the Labour Services Act, 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44589/09]
The Labour Services (Amendment) Bill 2009 is currently going through the Seanad and is expected to be enacted later this month. The appointments will be made as soon as practicable when the Act has come into force.
The Labour Services (Amendment) Bill, 2009 provides for a stronger governance and accountability structure at the State's employment and training agency. It takes account of the recommendations contained in the Fourth Interim Report of the Committee of Public Accounts on Special Report 10 of the Comptroller and Auditor General and the FÁS 2007 Accounts. In relation to the appointment and operation of a new board for FÁS it provides for:
a reduction in the size of the Board of FÁS from seventeen to eleven consisting of a Chair and 10 ordinary members (including the Director General of FÁS);
appointments to be made on the basis of ability and experience;
the introduction of a rolling system of appointments to the Board of FÁS;
a limitation of membership of the board to 2 terms of not more than five years each;
the removal of the automatic right to nominate individuals for appointment to the Board of FÁS from bodies not directly accountable to the taxpayer;
the disclosure by directors of any conflict of interest and the banning of their involvement on matters where they have any such conflict.
In anticipation of the enactment of the Bill, I recently arranged for the placing of an advertisement calling for expressions of interest from suitably qualified people for appointment to the Board of FÁS. Any person who had already submitted an expression of interest prior to the publication of the advertisement was not required to submit a further expression of interest. The advertisement specified that, in order to qualify for appointment, a person must not have any conflicts of interest likely to interfere with his/her ability to play a full part on the Board. He/She must also have experience of and expertise in one or more of the following areas:
the functions of FÁS, or
finance, trade, commerce, corporate governance or public administration.
By the closing date of 30th November over 100 expressions of interest in appointment to the Board had been received. The appointments to the Board will be made in consultation with the Minister for Education and Science and the Minister for Social and Family Affairs.
55 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of redundancies notified to her Department in respect of each year from 2002 to date in 2009; the number of projected redundancies for 2009; the amount of money paid out in statutory redundancy payment in respect of each year from 2002 to 2008 and the projected figures for 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44611/09]
Table 1 below sets out the number of statutory redundancies for the years 2002 to 2008 and provisional figures for January to October 2009. These figures reflect the number of employees who actually qualified for statutory redundancy lump sum payments. They do not reflect those who lost their jobs with less than two years service in employment. It is not possible to project the number of redundancies which will accrue in 2009 as this will depend on a number of factors, including economic indicators, and the rate of recovery in the economy. However, it may be helpful to the Deputy to note that currently the intake of new claims received each week is on average 1,500 a week.
Table 2 sets out the monies paid out of the Social Insurance Fund in respect of redundancy claims for the years 2002-2008 and up to 27 November, 2009.
It should be noted that the figures provided for 2008 and to date in 2009 are provisional figures. Equally, it is not possible to project the amount which will be paid out in 2009 given that this will hinge on a number of variables including the number of claims received, the length of service of the claimants etc.
|
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009* |
|
24,432 |
25,769 |
25,041 |
23,156 |
23,684 |
25,459 |
40,607 |
67,207 |
*Provisional.
|
(€000) |
|||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008* |
2009* |
|
53,978 |
88,933 |
152,162 |
149,172 |
166,483 |
183,328 |
193,711 |
284,157 |
*Provisional.
56 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the commitment in the Revised Programme for Government to act on recommendations contained in reports of the Competition Authority applies to all Government Departments and agencies from 10 October 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44592/09]
The commitment to publish a whole of Government response to recommendations contained in Competition Authority reports is set out in the Framework for Sustainable Economic Renewal document, Building Ireland’s Smart Economy, published in December 2008 and reaffirmed in the October 2009 Review of the Programme for Government, Renewed Programme for Government.
These reports by the Competition Authority result from studies the Authority carries out as part of its function to promote competition in the economy, on sectors where competition may be absent, limited or restricted. The Authority addresses its recommendations to any Government Department or body with responsibility for the sector as appropriate.
Following on from the commitment made in December 2008, a prioritised list of existing Competition Authority recommendations, based on their impact on competitiveness, was drawn up by my Department. Recommendations contained in the National Competitiveness Council's Annual Competitiveness Report and various OECD reports also informed the selection of recommendations for inclusion in this prioritised list.
I have received the views of the relevant Government Ministers on how these recommendations, insofar as they relate to their Departments, can be progressed and I intend to bring an update to Government shortly on the progress achieved to date.
A whole of Government response to any recommendations contained in future reports drawn up by the Competition Authority will be published within nine months in line with the original commitment in the Smart Economy document.
57 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of companies that have applied to date for assistance under the €100 million Enterprise Stabilisation Fund; the number of applications accepted; the amount paid out to date in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44600/09]
The Government approved an amount of €100 million in total for the Enterprise Stabilisation Fund for the years 2009 and 2010. €50 million has been included in the estimate of my Department for this purpose in 2009. Under the scheme, Enterprise Ireland may provide up to €500,000 to viable companies with robust business models that are facing difficulties as a result of the current economic environment. The fund supplies direct financial support to internationally trading enterprises that are investing in cost reduction or other measures to gain sales in overseas markets.
Enterprise Ireland has approved approximately €56 million of which €50 million will be paid out this year. To date, €42 million has been paid to applicants under this fund. Enquiries have also been received from a further 100 companies. However, these enquiries have not as yet progressed to formal applications. 10 projects have not been successful and alternative options have been examined for these companies.
58 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the type of sectors that are being promoted for graduate work placements; if she will provide a breakdown of the sectors and industries into which the first round of graduates under the graduate placement programme have been placed; if there are plans in place to concentrate graduates into key sectors of the economy such as the agrifood food sector, which are deficient in skills, such as marketing and information technology that are crucial to the indigenous economy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44335/09]
The following provides a breakdown of the sectors involved in the ‘first round' of the Work Placement Programme (WPP) in respect of the Graduate stream.
|
Number |
|
|
Marketing / Sales |
6 |
|
Administration |
7 |
|
Science |
6 |
|
Engineering |
10 |
|
Education |
6 |
|
Information Technology (IT) |
20 |
|
Professional |
9 |
|
HR |
3 |
|
Production |
4 |
|
Arts |
3 |
|
Finance |
9 |
|
Purchasing |
1 |
|
Health / Social |
3 |
|
WPP1 (Graduate) on WPP as of 27 Nov 09 |
87 |
While the programme is open to all sectors of the economy, FÁS is working closely with IBEC with a view to focusing on key employers and sectors which have the potential to offer suitable opportunities under the programme. Every effort will be made to match the Graduate skills set with suitable placements in a range of enterprises.
59 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position regarding the draft Consumer Rights Directive; if she is satisfied that the existing rights of consumers here, such as the right to reject, will be retained; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44587/09]
72 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the response of the European Commission to the concerns expressed in the Sales Law Review Group report commissioned by her Department regarding the draft Consumer Rights Directive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44588/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 59 and 72 together.
The proposal for a Consumer Rights Directive was published in October 2008 and brings together in updated and consolidated form four existing Directives on doorstep selling, distance sales, consumer sales and guarantees, and unfair contract terms. Unlike the Directives it is intended to replace, the proposal has been drafted on a full harmonisation basis and, if adopted on this basis, would preclude member states from going beyond its protections in national legislation.
In the case of a complex proposal like the proposed Consumer Rights Directive, arriving at an overall assessment of its implications for consumer rights is not a straightforward matter. Some proposals, such as the proposed extension of the withdrawal period for distance and off-premises contracts from seven to fourteen days and the provision that risk would pass with delivery in consumer sales contracts, would enhance Irish consumer rights. Other provisions, such as those on unfair contract terms, broadly reflect the existing legal position here and would neither enhance nor diminish consumer rights.
Concerns about the proposal's impact for consumer rights in Ireland centre mainly on its provisions on consumer remedies for faulty goods and, in particular, on their implications for what is known as the right to reject. By this is meant the right to return faulty goods, obtain a refund of the price, and, in so doing, to terminate the contract. This is a well-established feature of Irish sale of goods law and, though qualified by quite complex provisions on the acceptance and rejection of goods, is an important safeguard for consumers and one that materially strengthens their hand in dealing with recalcitrant traders.
Though the proposed Directive makes provision for a broadly similar right to rescind the contract where goods are faulty, this applies only where the primary remedies of repair or replacement are unlawful, impossible or disproportionate, or are not made available by the trader, or fail to remedy the defect within a reasonable time or without significant inconvenience to the consumer, or if the same defect recurs more than once within a short period of time. A fully harmonised provision along these lines would, if adopted, mean that the right to reject would be a remedy of second rather than first resort for faulty goods.
The Sales Law Review Group, which I established in November 2008, in order, among other things, to assess the implications of the proposed Directive for Irish consumer rights and law, produced a comprehensive assessment of the proposal in a position paper published in July. Though the Review Group acknowledged the positive elements in the proposal, it stated that the provisions on remedies for faulty goods and a related provision that would reduce the liability period for faulty goods under Irish law from six to two years presented "the greatest threat to the protections currently enjoyed by Irish consumers". My Department has taken careful note of the points made by the Review Group and the Group's assessment has been of considerable benefit in informing our approach to the discussions on the proposed Directive.
I would like to assure the Deputy that my officials have expressed our concerns at EU Working Groups about the relevant aspects of the proposed Directive in clear and forthright terms. We will have the opportunity to restate them at political level in a policy debate on the proposed Directive at tomorrow's Competitiveness Council.
It is important to recognise however that discussions on the proposed Directive have a considerable way to go at both official and Ministerial level. The European Parliament is also set to begin its detailed examination of the proposal in spring 2010. While I am not in a position to disclose the state of play of discussions on the proposed Directive, I can say that the European Commission is fully aware of our and other member states' concerns about aspects of the proposal. In an address to the European Parliament's Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee in March, the Consumer Commissioner, Meglena Kuneva, stated that the proposed Directive "does not force Member States to give up their general contract law remedies in the case of faulty goods, for example the right to reject faulty goods..." She acknowledged the "understandable and legitimate concerns about crucial issues" in member states, including the provisions on remedies and the liability period for faulty goods. The Commissioner concluded by stating that she was "ready to work further on these questions" and that "it may be that certain consumer rights need to be reinforced.".
60 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress she has made with the Department of Social and Family Affairs on aiding those unemployed back into the workforce; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44571/09]
The Government have adopted a co-ordinated, integrated and innovative approach to support the unemployed and to provide these individuals with the necessary skills needed to prepare them for a return to employment as soon as possible. This process is being co-ordinated by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Renewal, which contains Ministerial representatives of the key economic Government Departments. As a result of this process significant progress is being made in a number of specific areas between my Department and the Department of Social and Family Affairs.
The capacity of the job search supports system provided by FÁS Employment Services and the partnership-based Local Employment Service has been almost doubled the annual capacity of places to 147,000 for National Employment Action Plan referrals by the Department and Social and Family Affairs. The National Employment Action Plan process is now under review between the two Departments to see if improvement can be made for the future.
Earlier this year Minister Hanafin and I launched the Work Placement Programme and the Short Time Training Programme. The Work Placement Programme is providing 6 months work experience for 2,000 unemployed individuals, including graduates and young people. Through the collaboration between both Departments, this Labour Market Activation Programme has been specifically designed to enable participants on the Programme to maintain their social welfare entitlements. Following a review of the Programme, Minister Hanafin and I, announced recently a revised Work Placement Programme, with extended eligibility criteria. I am optimistic that the revised eligibility criteria will make the Programme more accessible for potential participants and for potential providers.
The Short Time Training Programme is providing training to 277 people on systematic short time for the days they are not working. The training will last for a year and again like the Work Placement Programme, individuals will retain their social welfare entitlements whilst on the programme.
Another initiative, which allows participants to retain their social welfare allowances, is the specifically designed Institute of Technology 11 week programme for redundant apprentices in the construction, electrical and engineering areas.
The integrated approach adopted by the Government and which my Department and the Department of Social and Family Affairs are working under will continue to provide support to those who are unemployed and assist them back into employment as soon as possible.
61 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the discussions she has had with the Department of Finance regarding reducing VAT rates and PRSI rates; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44550/09]
As is normal in the run-up to any budget I have interactions with the Minister for Finance and other Ministers on all areas of interest including VAT and PRSI rates. Policy responsibility for taxation matters, including PRSI and VAT rests with my colleague Mr. Brian Lenihan, T.D., Minister for Finance. It would not be appropriate for me to comment on these matters.
62 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her plans to refine and clarify national rules regarding enterprise eligibility for assistance, both financial assistance and soft supports, from enterprise development agencies; if she intends to make the enterprise development agency system more transparent through the introduction of a one stop shop in order to avoid placing a burden on entrepreneurs and enterprises; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44337/09]
I have no plans to amend the existing eligibility requirements to qualify for agency assistance or the numbers employed by companies to benefit from the services of the particular agencies.
The Enterprise Agencies (IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, Forfás, Science Foundation Ireland, Shannon Development and Údarás na Gaeltachta) have been involved in a process over the past 12 months to identify ways to further enhance collaboration to achieve more cohesive policy formulation and more effective client service delivery. In November 2008, I established a High Level Steering Group to develop proposals and implement actions to enhance inter-agency collaboration. The Group focused on client service as opposed to specific structural and operational aspects, such as shared services. The Group has submitted a report on the process to my Department, containing prioritised actions. On-going implementation has been a core objective of the process and the High Level Group is progressing a number of actions.
The cross-agency process has identified opportunities for enhanced collaboration within two broad areas:
1. Client company interaction with the enterprise agencies (accessing supports and transferring between the agencies);
2. Making optimum use of internal resources — knowledge, capabilities and synergies — across the enterprise agencies.
The core issue in relation to client company interaction with the enterprise agencies is the need to ensure that the client perspective and business needs are not compromised by agency structures and operating procedures, while at the same time understanding that the agencies operate within the legislative context of the Industrial Development Acts and State Aids rules.
As a result of the cross-agency process, the High Level Group has overseen the development of revised procedures in relation to the transfer of client companies between the agencies. The changes are already resulting in significant improvement to the efficiency of the process, enhanced clarity from the client perspective in relation to the process and a more proactive approach to ascertaining client service needs in the context and aftermath of a transfer — for example, the appropriate continuation of certain services provided by the transferring agency.
The High Level Group is also advancing proposals in relation to facilitating (where legislation and State Aid rules currently allow) access to certain Enterprise Ireland services by clients of the other agencies. It is envisaged that the EI/CEB Co-ordination Unit will be used as a framework to co-ordinate and manage the access of EI services to non-EI clients.
The 35 County and City Enterprise Boards (CEBs) are developing a closer working relationship with Enterprise Ireland, particularly through the extension of the EI First Flight programme to eligible CEB clients ready to begin exporting or already exporting overseas and the Enterprise START initiative, facilitated through the co-ordination unit based in EI's regional headquarters in Shannon.
In relation to making optimum use of internal resources and knowledge, a number of initiatives are being pursued by the High Level Group. These include a more structured cross agency ‘on-the-ground' approach to the development of sectors being piloted that aims to:
increase awareness of the full complement of companies and capabilities and capacities in support of international marketing programmes;
stimulate effective networking and inter-linkages between foreign and indigenous firms and
facilitate the inclusion of indigenous firms on itineraries for foreign firms (potential IDA clients) where relevant and to the overall benefit of Ireland.
A Cross Agency information sharing team has been established to drive a systematic approach to collating, updating, sharing and disseminating information that is relevant to all agencies. A ‘ do once, disseminate widely’ approach is being taken across ALL agencies for:
Economic context and background relevant to a wide range of internal and external reports;
Slides incorporating common data, trends and graphs;
A register of research/analysis work programmes underway in each of the agencies and
Sharing of sectorally related information in a systematic way (a lifesciences pilot is under way)
A more structured and proactive approach has been recommended in the recently completed Regional Competitiveness Agenda, which envisages the establishment of regional level economic fora, that bring together the relevant stakeholders, expertise and competences to stimulate balanced regional development based on realising the potential of the regions.
63 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of legislation to provide for the amalgamation of the National Consumer Agency and the Competition Authority; the timeline for the publication of this legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44586/09]
Work is well advanced on the Heads of a Bill to provide for, inter alia, the merger of the Competition Authority and the National Consumer Agency. I hope to publish this legislation during the course of 2010.
64 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the State agencies under her remit to which the new code of practice for the governance of State bodies applies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44595/09]
The new code of practice for the governance of state bodies circulated by Department of Finance in June this year, applies to the following agencies under the aegis of my Department:
1. Enterprise Ireland (EI)
2. Industrial Development Authority (IDA)
3. FÁS
4. Health and Safety Authority (HSA)
5. Forfás
6. National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI)
7. Science Foundation Ireland (SFI)
8. Shannon Development
9. Irish Auditing & Accounting Supervisory Authority (IAASA)
10. Competition Authority (CA)
11. Labour Relations Commission (LRC)
12. National Consumer Agency (NCA)
13. Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB)
Each of these agencies have in the normal course confirmed compliance with the code of practice in place up to June 2009 and that arrangements are being made to implement the new code without delay.
65 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she has received a report from the Labour Court regarding a possible change in the national minimum wage; if not, when she expects to receive its report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44606/09]
I understand that in November 2008, ICTU requested the Labour Court to review the national minimum wage and to make a recommendation to me concerning its adjustment. The Court subsequently invited submissions on the issue. Various submissions were received, including from IBEC, ICTU and the Department of Finance. The Labour Court also held discussions with these parties.
Under the National Minimum Wage Act, 2000, the Labour Court is required to have regard to the prospects for any general agreement that may be reached between employer and employee representatives on the appropriate national minimum hourly rate of pay.
As the Deputy is aware, discussions are still under way between the Government and the Social Partners on the possibility of reaching an agreement on an integrated national response to the current crisis. Accordingly, I understand that the Labour Court has not yet concluded — as it is required to do under the Act — that there is no prospect of a general agreement being reached between the parties. It would be inappropriate for me to comment further while
67 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on the recommendation of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programme that funding should cease for the FÁS services to business and Skillnets programmes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44604/09]
Funding of FÁS Services to Business and Skillnets is a matter for the Estimates process for 2010. The outcome of that process will be released in Budget 2010, which will be released on 9th December 2009.
69 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps, in view of the continuing level of unemployment indicated by the live register figures, she will take to address the continuing employment crisis; her plans to provide new training opportunities for those who have lost their jobs and to encourage the creation of new employment opportunities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44599/09]
The Central Statistic Office released this morning the Live Register figures for November. According to the Live Register there were 413,500 people claiming unemployment benefits at the end of October 2009. This is 1,100 (0.3%) higher than October 2009. The Live Register is 146,300 (55%) higher than this time last year. Positively, the year-on-year increase for November is continuing to decline from its peak of 197,800 and furthermore the Seasonally Adjusted figure for November is 423,300, which is a monthly increase of 800 from October.
A key priority for the Government is to support those most vulnerable to detachment from the labour market through the adoption of active labour market policies. In order for the Government's labour market policies to be effective, it requires a sustained, co-ordinated, integrated approach to jobsearch, training, education and work placement supports.
This is why I have doubled the provision of training and work experience places managed by FÁS to over 130,000 and I have increased the referral capacity of FÁS Employment Services from the Department of Social and Family Affairs to 147,00 persons in 2009. I have also introduced a number of labour market activation policies that will provide support to those who need it most.
The Work Placement Programme is aimed at providing 2000 six-month work experience placements for young people, graduates and other unemployed persons, who have finished college or have limited experience of the workplace. There are 1,000 places ring fenced for unemployed graduates who before this year have attained a full award at level 7 or above on the National Framework of Qualifications and who have been unemployed for the last three months. To date, 122 participants have been placed and have started on the programme, 87 graduates and 35 non-graduates. Participants on the programme retain their existing social welfare entitlements for the duration of their placement.
FÁS are also managing the short-time working training programme, which provides training to people on systematic short time for the days they are not working. The training will last for a year and individuals will retain their social welfare entitlements while on the programme.
An additional 400 places have been provided in the Community Employment Scheme bringing the total number of places to 22,700 this year. My Department and the Department of Education and Science are jointly funding the provision of 1,500 part time third level places at undergraduate level for the unemployed. The Department of Education and Science are also funding 1,000 part time places at postgraduate level. Individuals participating in either programme will retain their social welfare entitlements.
The Government has also introduced specific initiatives, which will enable approximately 4,000 redundant apprentices to progress their apprenticeships or receive training.
The Government is taking specific measures to ensure that job retention and creation is optimised to its full potential. Enterprise Ireland have prepared a new recovery strategy to identify the actions that are being undertaken to help clients in 2009. This strategy refocuses Enterprise Ireland's efforts in facilitating entrepreneurship and the enterprise environment in national, local and rural communities, developing existing clients in all regions and thereby protecting existing jobs. Enterprise Ireland are also committed in driving the creation of innovation-based start-ups.
The Employment Subsidy Scheme has been introduced to support the maintenance of vulnerable jobs and prevent people from being made redundant in this challenging national and global economic environment. Given the low level of interest in the original Employment Subsidy, I have decided to have a Second broader Call for applications with extended eligibility criteria open to both exporting and non-exporting firms. The Second Call will be open to many companies that were not eligible to apply for the First Call. Enterprise Ireland will again manage the Scheme.
The Enterprise Stabilisation Fund was launched earlier this year. The Fund is an initiative aimed to support viable but vulnerable exporting companies who are experiencing difficulties because of the current economic climate. Client companies of Enterprise Ireland, IDA, Udaras Na Gaeltachta and Shannon Development across all sectors within manufacturing and internationally traded services are eligible to apply.
To support the development of high potential start up companies, Enterprise Ireland offers the "Innovative HPSU offer" where Enterprise Ireland provides a financial contribution towards the company’s business plan to develop products, services or processes which are technologically new or substantially improved. Enterprise Ireland also supports start-ups with high potential to scale up, meaning that in the future as the business grows there are likely to be significant gains in employment.
On a daily basis, IDA is working with its client companies making every effort to keep those clients operating in Ireland while minimising the job losses encountered. Despite the economic downturn, Ireland continues to be an attractive location for FDI. To date in 2009 there have been 47 IDA announcements with a combined investment of €622.5m and the potential to create 2,560 jobs.
In addition, during 2009 the County and City Enterprise Boards have reported a significant increase in the number of informal queries from members of the public in relation to setting up their own businesses over the last few months with many Boards providing additional Start Your Business Courses and increased levels of mentoring for owner managers who are experiencing trading difficulties in order to meet the demand out there. The overall priority for capital expenditure by the Boards is on the development of sustainable growth-orientated micro-enterprises, which, over time, can develop into strong export entities.
70 Deputy David Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the efforts she is making to develop and promote industry in the Youghal area of east Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44457/09]
The Industrial Development agencies, IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland as well as the South Cork County Enterprise Board are making every effort to develop and promote industry in the Youghal area.
IDA Ireland is actively promoting the greater East Cork region, including Youghal, to prospective investors across the full range of IDA targeted sectors. The agency continues to target high value projects, which means that companies who decide to visit Ireland have more sophisticated business requirements. Their key need in determining where they will visit, and consequently where they will potentially locate, tends to centre on certain criteria. These include a high quality business environment, access to a large population base, close proximity to an international airport, a top quality road infrastructure and to other similar types of companies, adjacent to a third level institution, and located on a business and technology park with high quality office accommodation and telecoms infrastructure.
Ireland is competing for investors who are looking at locations with a large population base, typically in towns/cities with a population in excess of one million. Therefore, continued success in attracting Foreign Direct Investment must be viewed in the regional context rather than just on individual towns as regions can better demonstrate the necessary critical mass required by companies. At present in Cork city and county there are 132 IDA supported companies employing over 21,000 people and the area continues to demonstrate its attractiveness as a location for foreign direct investment with over 950 new jobs having been announced in IDA supported client companies in Cork since the beginning of 2009.
In order to drive enterprise development, Enterprise Ireland plays a key role in partnering and actively engaging with the Youghal Socio Economic Development Group and a sub-committee of that group, the Youghal Employment Creation sub-group. On a wider level, Enterprise Ireland is represented on the Cork County Development Board and the South Cork County Enterprise Board.
Since 2006, Enterprise Ireland has made payments of €58,779,468 to its client companies in County Cork. This figure includes support to over 45 High Potential Start-Up companies in County Cork since 2006. Overall, Enterprise Ireland has a client base of over 700 companies in County Cork, employing circa 18,000 people. Enterprise Ireland works closely with Community groups in the towns of East Cork, including Youghal, to foster further embryonic enterprise and to encourage young graduates to set up businesses in their own localities. In June 2006, Youghal was successful in their application for funding under the Enterprise Ireland Community Enterprise Centre Scheme and received approval of €150,000 towards the development of a new Community Enterprise Centre. Development of the centre, known as Enterprise Youghal, commenced in 2007 and was completed in 2008. St. Mary's College was developed to house the 3,500 square ft. facility. A number of clients are already in situ and Enterprise Youghal continues to market the Centre.
Enterprise Ireland also works closely with University College Cork and the Cork Institute of Technology to foster links with industry, thereby encouraging industry to increase use of technology. Under the EI Innovation Partnership and Commercialisation of Research Programme, Enterprise Ireland has, since 2008, made payments of €17,153,864 to third level colleges in County Cork for research projects with industry.
Since the County Enterprise Boards inception in 1993 to end 2008, South Cork County Enterprise Board has issued over €5.8 million in grant assistance to 424 clients. This intervention has assisted in the creation of 942 jobs in the area. In the same period 1,970 people participated in training programmes. During 2009, the Board has continued to support enterprise development through the provision of both direct financial assistance (grants) and through indirect or "soft support" assistance and will continue to ensure that available funds are targeted to maximise entrepreneurial development at local level.
County Enterprise Board assistance in the Youghal area has included support of an enterprise centre, direct grant support to eligible micro-enterprises, the promotion of enterprise related activities and of an enterprise culture in Youghal through networking and business development activities to attract new entrepreneurs from the area.
71 Deputy Damien English asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason a statutory instrument was used to grant additional pension entitlements to a person (details supplied) rather than the provisions of Section 6(3) of the Labour Services Act, 1987; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44536/09]
The Government approved special pension arrangements in the case concerned on 28 March 2000. Following discussions between the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Department of Finance on the appropriate vehicle to provide for these pension arrangements, a Statutory Instrument was drafted and signed by FÁS and the two Ministers concerned in September 2000.
75 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps she is taking to ensure compliance by Government Departments with the new arrangements announced on 20 May 2009 to reduce the payment period by Central Government Departments to their business suppliers from 30 to 15 days; if there are plans to extend this arrangement to semi State companies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44608/09]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 85 on 12th November 2009.
The Secretary General of my Department wrote to all Government Departments on 26th May, asking them to take the necessary steps to implement this commitment and to ensure that Department line staff and Finance Units are made aware of the need to prioritise payments to suppliers to meet the 15 day deadline.
The Government Decision of 19 May included a requirement for Departments to report quarterly to my Department on their performance in meeting these requirements. These reports are to be submitted by the 15th day of the month following the end of the quarter. The first such reports were due by 15 October 2009. Departments are also required to include information on the implementation of the measures in their subsequent Annual Reports.
As a result of the above measures, Departments are required to give greater priority to making timely payments and to ensure that suppliers themselves are aware of how they can assist the process by meeting the requirements of Departments in relation to the submission of invoices.
My Department is currently in the process of examining and collating the first returns received from Government Departments. An initial examination of returns received for payments made by Government Departments during the period 16 June 2009 to 30 September 2009, shows that the majority of these were made within 15 days.
As part of the Government Decision of 19th May, the Government also stated that an assessment would be completed of the impact of extending this requirement to the local authority, health and education sectors and this remains under review. Organisations within the sectors are committed to meting their current payment periods. Suppliers experiencing difficulties in securing timely payments should, in the first instance, contact the relevant section within the organisation with which the contract was agreed.
The application of the 15 day payment period requirement does not extend to semi-state companies but semi-state companies too are already committed to meeting their current payment periods.
My Department has made an arrangement through the auspices of the Credit Supply Clearing Group, whereby representative bodies of the SME sector can bring to the attention of the Clearing Group, individual cases of late payments by semi-state bodies which are adversely impacting on the cash-flow/working capital of SME's. Under this arrangement, my Department will have such late payment practices examined by the parent Government Department involved and reported back on to my Department.
In the light of the above arrangements, I anticipate that compliance with the new procedures, should improve overall cash flow to suppliers, including in particular for small and medium enterprises.
76 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when she expects to publish the legislation to clamp down on crony capitalism to restrict cross directorships and to prevent one person fulfilling the dual role of chair and chief executive of a company; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44598/09]
On foot of the commitment in the Renewed Programme for Government of October 2009, the Government will consider the optimum legislative mechanisms to regulate in these areas in the light of the Financial Reporting Council reviews of the Combined Code of Corporate Governance and taking into account the views of the Company Law Review Group in the matter.
77 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the sections of the Companies (Accounting and Auditing) Act 2003 which have not been commenced; the reason these sections were not commenced; when these sections will be commenced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44594/09]
The following sections of the Companies (Auditing and Accounting) Act 2003 have not been commenced: Sections 9(2)(l), 15(2), 26, 29(5), 34, 35, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45 and 59.
Further consideration was given to these sections in light of developments subsequent to their enactment. These include developments in international accounting standards and the publication of two EU Directives — Directive 2004/109/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on minimum transparency requirements ('Transparency Directive') and the 8th Company Law Directive on Statutory Audits (Directive 2006/43/EC). Certain sections are also under consideration in the context of the Companies Consolidation and Reform Bill.
78 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position and timeframe for the transposition of the services directive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44597/09]
I refer to a previous Question answered on 22nd September 2009 and to three Questions answered jointly on 6th October about the transposition of the Directive on services in the internal market (Services Directive).
Work on the transposition of the Directive is well advanced. Good progress is being made and transposition is largely on track. The Office of Parliamentary Counsel (OPC) is currently preparing the draft Regulations based on material provided by my Department and set out in the Consultation Document that was the subject of public consultation over the summer.
Following receipt of the draft Regulations, my Department will work closely with the OPC and with other Departments to ensure that the legislation is finalized as quickly as possible, if not by the due date (28 December 2009), then as soon as possible thereafter.
79 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the estimated number of apprentices by category who cannot progress with their training due to the non-availability of on the job experience; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44542/09]
I refer the Deputy to the answer I gave to Parliamentary Question Ref No 42096/09 of 16 November 2009 on this matter. In the interim, the number of redundant apprentices who currently require on-the-job training and assessments at Phases 3, 5 and 7 has reduced by 9, 5 and 29 respectively.
A detailed breakdown by Trade Category is set out in the Annex.
I have set out the measures being implemented to assist redundant apprentices on a number of previous occasions in the House, most recently in my answer to Parliamentary Question No. 40856 of 11th November 2009.
|
Trade |
Group 1 Require Ph 3 (5h) |
Group 2 Require Ph 5 (7h) |
Group 3 Require Ph 7(7c) |
Group 4 Require Time (7f) |
Grand Total |
|
Brick & Stonelaying |
21 |
15 |
42 |
3 |
81 |
|
Cabinet Making |
2 |
2 |
11 |
1 |
16 |
|
Carpentry & Joinery |
49 |
38 |
94 |
21 |
202 |
|
Construction Plant Fitting |
1 |
3 |
1 |
5 |
|
|
Electrical |
28 |
14 |
68 |
43 |
153 |
|
Electrical Instrumentation |
0 |
||||
|
Floor & Wall Tiling |
1 |
1 |
|||
|
Heavy Vehicle Mechanics |
1 |
1 |
2 |
||
|
Instrumentation |
1 |
1 |
|||
|
M.A.M.F. |
2 |
2 |
4 |
||
|
Metal Fabrication |
2 |
3 |
5 |
||
|
Motor Mechanics |
4 |
5 |
11 |
4 |
24 |
|
Painting & Decorating |
1 |
3 |
7 |
5 |
16 |
|
Plastering |
4 |
8 |
12 |
2 |
26 |
|
Plumbing |
42 |
35 |
100 |
15 |
192 |
|
Print Media |
1 |
1 |
|||
|
Refrigeration |
3 |
3 |
|||
|
Sheet Metalworking |
1 |
1 |
3 |
1 |
6 |
|
Vehicle Body Repairs |
2 |
1 |
2 |
5 |
|
|
Wood Machinery |
1 |
1 |
|||
|
Grand Total |
159 |
125 |
362 |
98 |
744 |
Group 1 = 159 Apprentices require on-the-job training and assessments at Phase 3.
Group 2 = 125 Apprentices require on-the-job training and assessments at Phase 5.
Group 3 = 362 Apprentices require on-the-job training and assessments at Phase 7.
Group 4 = 98 Apprentices require to complete the minimum duration of 4 years employed as an apprentice in the specified trade to qualify for the Advanced Certificate Craft.
80 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the efforts made to advise the public, especially enterprises and graduates, of the changes in details in the eligibility criteria of the work placement programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44338/09]
To generate placements and to promote the Work Placement Programme, FÁS have promoted the Programme via their website, and through the national network of FÁS, Local Employment Services, and the Department of Social & Family Affairs offices.
FÁS have updated its website to provide details of the revised criteria for the Work Placement Programme. FÁS frontline staffs have been briefed on the changes to the eligibility criteria and are, in turn, informing the public of the changed criteria.
Promotional material, information packs, ‘flyers', aimed at prospective candidates and providers are being finalised. FÁS have just completed a promotional campaign via regional newspapers and radio to promote the programme and to encourage people to refer to the FÁS website or to call the freephone 1800 number.
In addition FÁS have met with IBEC to brief them on the changes to the criteria and have provided IBEC with material to circulate to its members. A meeting has also taken place with the City and Council Managers' Association at which the Work Placement Programme and the expanded criteria were discussed and the future involvement of the local authorities in the programme was explored.
Previously all universities, libraries and chambers of commerce, alumni student bodies were contacted to inform them of the programme. An updated circular is being sent to these organisations to inform them of the revised eligibility criteria. A renewed publicity campaign for Work Placement Programme, targeting social networking sites e.g. Facebook, Bebo, Twitter; existing informational sites, e.g. Citizens Information, Inclusion Ireland, Politics.ie; media interviews etc., is being finalised at present.
FÁS is also in the process of writing to all employers that have already been approved to provide placements, to update them on the revised criteria. Those employers that applied and were not eligible under the old criteria are also being contacted to inform them of the new criteria.
81 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will make a statement on her proposed code of conduct for the grocery sector. [44601/09]
The Renewed Programme for Government contains a specific commitment to "implement a Code of Practice for doing business in the Grocery Goods sector to develop a fair trading relationship between retailers and their suppliers" and "to review progress of the Code and if necessary to put in place a mandatory code".
The House will be aware that I launched a public consultation process seeking the views of all stakeholders in relation to the introduction of a Code of Practice for Grocery Goods Undertakings earlier this year. Responses were received from a wide range of stakeholders including retailers, producers, suppliers, public bodies, commentators and consumers. These responses are currently being analysed by my Department.
The commitment to introduce a Code of Practice in the Grocery Goods Sector follows a series of actions undertaken by my Department and its agencies within the past 18 months, aimed at ensuring that there is the greatest degree of transparency possible as to the reasons for the differentials in retail prices, particularly between this jurisdiction and Northern Ireland. These actions included National Consumer Agency Price Surveys; the Forfás Report on the Cost of Running Retail Operations in Ireland; and the Competition Authority Study on the Retail-Related Import and Distribution Sector.
82 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of labour inspectors employed by the National Employment Rights Authority; the number of labour inspectors available for assignment on normal duties; the number of labour inspectors in training following recruitment; the status of the recruitment campaign to increase the labour inspectorate to 90 inspectors; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44618/09]
91 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of fully trained and deployed labour inspectors with the National Employment Rights Authority; the number of inspectors in training; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44348/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 82 and 91 together.
NERA currently has a team of 71 inspectors in place. Recruitment competitions have been held to bring the number of Inspectors from the original level of 31 Inspectors up to the level of 90 committed to under Towards 2016. 60 inspectors were assigned to NERA from these competitions. 18 Inspectors have left NERA over the past two years as a result of promotion or internal and external Departmental transfers and re-assignments.
All new inspectors completed the NERA Inspection Services Introductory Training Programme and have undertaken further training, including on-the-job training with experienced inspectors. This involves working with experienced Inspectors in carrying out inspections and other associated enquiries at places of work with a view to determining compliance with different employment rights legislation. Sixty inspectors have completed the Introductory Training Programme to date. The knowledge and skills of NERA Inspectors are continuously being developed through the provision of targeted training programmes and on-the-job training. All of these Inspectors are currently available for normal duties.
The moratorium on recruitment and promotions in the Public Service introduced by the Minister for Finance on the 27th March 2009 makes it more difficult for NERA to further increase the number of Inspectors for the foreseeable future.
83 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her plans to address the ever increasing issue of falling competitiveness in this economy leading to dependency to trade, shop and relocate business outside this jurisdiction; if she has attempted to isolate the main cause or causes of such economic haemorrhage; if she has recommended changes in VAT or other taxation with a view to addressing such issues in some part in early date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44459/09]
The Government fully recognises the difficulties currently being faced by retailers and other businesses as an inevitable consequence of the current difficult economic climate and the importance of ensuring that we continue to have a viable and successful enterprise sector. It is all the more important in these difficult times that businesses, particularly those with a direct presence in the marketplace, ensure that they present as competitive an offering to the trade and the public as possible.
Over the past few months we have seen significant downward pressure on costs and on prices generally. Both the NCB Manufacturing and Services Purchasing Managers' Indices have shown a sustained and deep period of declining input costs for businesses in Ireland, driven, in part, by lower wage costs.
This is matched by Consumer Price Index returns from the Central Statistics Office, which show that overall prices in Ireland fell by 6.6% in the year to October 2009. This compares with a fall of only 0.8 % in the UK for the same period. At the European level, the EU Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices, which is accepted as the most appropriate measure for community wide price comparisons, shows that in the year to August 2009 there was a fall of 2.4% in prices in Ireland as compared with an increase in prices of 0.6% throughout the EU as a whole.
The above returns clearly show that prices are falling more rapidly in Ireland than in Northern Ireland, the UK and in the EU as a whole. This narrowing in the differential in prices is very much to be welcomed and clearly will help the competitiveness of Irish businesses.
Whilst undoubtedly the single market offers opportunities to Irish consumers to shop anywhere within the European Union, the reality is that the majority of cross border shopping by Irish consumers occurs in Northern Ireland, which is not to be unexpected given our common land border and the current weakness of sterling against the Euro.
The ESRI recently predicted that, with our current control of costs, productivity should grow by over 3 per cent in 2010. Combined with projected wage decreases of 2.5 per cent, this represents a significant improvement in the competitiveness of the Irish economy.
All tax matters, including VAT, are a budgetary matter for the Minister for Finance.
84 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress made to date by the high level action group on green enterprise; when she expects to receive this report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44607/09]
The High Level Action Group on Green Enterprise was launched on 21 May 2009 and the Group continued to meet until 21 September 2009. The group also held a number of consultation sessions with interested parties over the Summer. The Report was finalised in October 2009 and submitted to Government on 3 November 2009. The Report was launched earlier today.
85 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the new eligibility criteria applying to the second round of the employment subsidy scheme will be announced; the efforts that will be made to advise the public, and especially enterprises, of the changes in the eligibility criteria; if the scheme will be extended to companies who do not fall within the remit of enterprise development agency support from Enterprise Ireland; if there will be support for companies in sub-supply sectors, such as in the food industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44339/09]
The new eligibility criteria applying to the Second Call of the Employment Subsidy Scheme will be announced shortly. Officials from my Department and from Enterprise Ireland are currently in the process of finalising all of the details of the revised eligibility criteria.
I recently issued a Press Release in relation to the Second Call of the Scheme, specifically to inform the public that a Second Call was imminent and would be based on broader eligibility criteria. The Second Call will be open to both exporting and non-exporting firms. Enterprise Ireland who are managing the Scheme will be placing advertisements in national newspapers calling for applicants for the Scheme and they will update their dedicated website with details of the new scheme. I can confirm that the Second Call to the Scheme will also be open to companies who do not fall within the remit of my Department’s enterprise development agencies.
86 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on the recommendation of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programme that the enterprise functions of Shannon Development should be transferred to Enterprise Ireland and the Industrial Development Authority; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44603/09]
As with all Group recommendations relevant to my Department, I am examining the recommendation in the context of Estimates for 2010 and evaluating its potential impact on the provision of services to enterprise and on my efforts to promote employment.
88 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she has examined the reason for the low take-up of the Government employment subsidy scheme to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44584/09]
The First Call of the Scheme will provide subsidies directly for 7,773 jobs. In addition as part of the application process to the Scheme a further 36,260 jobs have been committed. This means that a total of over 43,000 jobs will be retained as a result of the First Call of the Employment Subsidy Scheme.
It is now clear that the initial criteria of the Employment Subsidy Scheme were a key factor for the low take-up under the Scheme's First Call. That is why I have decided to have a second broader call, which will be open to both exporting and non-exporting enterprises from all sectors of the economy.
89 Deputy David Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the action her Department and State agencies are taking to generate employment in Youghal, County Cork in view of the recent closure of a factory (details supplied) there; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44458/09]
On the 5th of November 2009 Tytex announced its decision to workers to close its operation in Youghal, County Cork, which will result in the loss of over 75 jobs. FÁS are in contact with the company, and will offer a range of supports to assist those losing their jobs to secure alternative employment.
The industrial development agencies, IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland, continue to work to secure new investments for the Cork area. IDA Ireland actively promotes the advantages of locating in Cork to overseas investors, which include a young skilled workforce, the presence of a University and Institute of Technology, and the availability of first class business parks, good infrastructure and an international airport.
There has been very significant investment in both the pharmaceutical/ medical technology sectors and in the information and communications technology sector in the Cork region over the last number of years. Most recently the foreign direct investment base has expanded with the addition of software, customer support and shared services activities, collectively known as Globally Traded Business.
There are currently 132 IDA supported enterprises in Cork City and County. Recent announcements of new investments in Cork include Big Fish Games, Hovione, Solarwinds, Apex Fund Services, and Marriott International. These projects will significantly add to the value and depth of the overseas industry in Cork. In addition to attracting new foreign direct investment, IDA continues to work closely with its existing clients in Cork to encourage the expansion of their operations. The success of this is demonstrated by the recent expansions of several companies in the county including McAfee, Blizzard, Gilead, Boston Scientific, Trend Micro, Alps Electric, Option Wireless, Alcon, Pfizer, EMC, Siemens, dePuy Arris and Alcon.
Despite the difficult global conditions which are impacting on international companies, Cork continues to demonstrate its attractiveness as a location for foreign direct investment with over 850 new jobs having been announced in IDA supported client companies in Cork since the beginning of 2009.
90 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of EU Directives for which she has responsibility remaining to be implemented; if she will list the directives that are overdue; the number of reasoned opinions received from the EU Commission since 2002 regarding delays or non-implementation of such directives; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44617/09]
There are currently a total of 11 EU Directives due to be transposed by my Department up to 2012. One of these Directives is currently overdue, namely Directive 2006/43/EC on statutory audits of annual and consolidated accounts. My Department aims to transpose this Directive by 31 December 2009.
Full details on the state of play of all current EU Directives due for transposition are maintained on the Department's website, www.entemp.ie.
My Department has received 26 Reasoned Opinions from the European Commission relating to Directives since 2002. All but one of the outstanding issues has been settled satisfactorily. The remaining issues concern Directive 2006/43 as mentioned above.
The transposition of EU Directives is an ongoing priority in my Department and is reported to the Management Board on a regular basis.
92 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of the work of the Company Law Review Group; the timeframe for the publication of legislation following the reports of the group; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44593/09]
In accordance with Section 70(1) of the Company Law Enforcement Act 2001, the Company Law Review Group's (CLRG) work programme is assigned by the Minister biennially. The Minister for Trade and Commerce approved the CLRG's latest work programme in August 2008. Work is proceeding on all of the items in the programme and the CLRG will report on progress by end March 2010.
The CLRG published its General Scheme of the Companies Consolidation and Reform Bill in July 2007. The Government subsequently approved the drafting of a Bill along the lines of the General Scheme. The proposed Bill will consolidate the existing 14 Companies Acts, dating from 1963 to 2009, as well as other regulations and common law provisions relating to the incorporation and operation of companies, into a single Act comprising more than 1,300 sections. Given its size and complexity it is envisaged that the Bill will not be published until September 2010 at the earliest.
93 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps she is taking to combat the problem of the responsibility gap in enterprise supports, identified in the 2004 document, Review of Enterprise Support in Rural Areas, in view of the fact that companies with between ten and 500 employees will only be dealt with by Enterprise Ireland if they constitute a high potential start up and is exacerbated by the new rural development plan 2007 to 2013 which puts Leader groups in the same enterprise support category as county enterprise boards, prohibiting them from assisting groups with more than ten employees; if her attention has been drawn to the problems being created by this responsibility gap with respect to indigenous small and medium enterprise, especially those involved in the agri-food sector; the initiatives she is taking to increase supports for indigenous SMEs, especially those falling within this responsibility gap, in view of the fact that most of these schemes, including the employment subsidy scheme exclude these enterprises from their criteria; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44336/09]
Within my Department, the enterprise development agencies such as Enterprise Ireland and the County and City Enterprise Boards have continued to assist enterprises through their grant and advisory schemes.
Enterprise Ireland (EI) is the lead government agency responsible for the development of indigenous enterprise. The deputy is incorrect in his assertion that EI will only deal with companies between 10 and 500 employees if they constitute a high potential start up. The opposite is in fact the case with the majority of EI supported companies, regardless of their designation, employing 10 people or more. Enterprise Ireland is focused on providing support to clients to maximise export sales and consequently employment. This is achieved by investing in companies to help them plan strategy, build capability, access markets and research, finance start-ups and innovation. Continued support of our indigenous exporting companies is an indirect investment in creating and sustaining employment.
Earlier this year, I launched the Enterprise Stabilisation Fund, 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.
In addition, 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.
The County and City Enterprise Boards (CEBs) provide support for micro-enterprises in the start-up and expansion phases, promote and develop indigenous micro-enterprise potential and stimulate economic activity and entrepreneurship at local level. The CEBs deliver a series of programmes to underpin this role.
I recently announced my intention to re-convene the Small Business Forum to gain its assessment and views on the impact of the current economic situation on the needs of the SME sector as it positions itself for recovery. This meeting of the Small Business Forum will take place in the coming weeks.
Ireland's economic success is intrinsically linked to Irish industry achieving sales in international markets. I therefore, have no plans to expand the remit of the enterprise development agencies to incorporate indigenous companies that are not export-orientated. However, 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.
I am satisfied that the range of measures and supports available through the enterprise development agencies will continue to help Irish industry to adapt and grow in the current economic climate.
94 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she has given consideration to the introduction of any additional social economy and job initiative schemes to help deal with the current unemployment situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44610/09]
On 1 January 2006 responsibility for the Social Economy Programme transferred to the Department of Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs and it has been re-named as the Community Services Programme. FÁS as an agency of my Department operates Job Initiative (JI).
The Job Initiative Programme (JI) was launched in July 1996 and provides full time employment for people who are 35 years of age or over, unemployed for 5 years or more, and in receipt of Social Welfare payments over that period.
The main purpose of the programme is to assist long-term unemployed people to prepare for work opportunities by providing participants with work experience, training and development opportunities. The programme is sponsored by voluntary organisations and public bodies involved in not-for-profit activities.
Following changes introduced on 10 November 2004 by Minister Micheál Martin no new entrants have been admitted onto the Job Initiative Schemes. However, contracts for existing participants are renewed and CE participants to support the service being provided may replace those who leave voluntarily.
This Government will continue to support the positive role of FÁS Employment Schemes in meeting the needs of long-term unemployed persons while at the same time providing essential services to communities. The operation of the Scheme is being kept under constant review in the context of the current difficult unemployment situation.
95 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her plans to review the green card rules; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44347/09]
Earlier this year my Department completed a review of employment permit arrangements, the purpose of which was to ensure that such arrangements continued to be appropriate to the needs of our changing labour market. Following the outcome of consultations with the Social Partners and other interest groups, a number of changes were implemented for non-EEA nationals applying to enter the Irish labour market under the Work Permit and Green Card schemes from 1 June 2009, including provision for those employment permit holders who are made redundant.
My Department will continue to keep employment permit arrangements under review to ensure they remain suitable and relevant to current labour market conditions. As before, the views of relevant stakeholders and interest groups will be taken into account in this ongoing review process.
96 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of workplace inspections carried out by the labour inspectorate to date in 2009; the way this compares with the same period in 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44619/09]
The National Employment Rights Authority (NERA) has carried out a total of 23,578 calls, visits and inspections up to the 27th of November 2009. This compares with 26,781 for the corresponding period in 2008. The number of actual inspections decreased by 1,135 while the number of calls and interviews decreased by 1,055 and 1,013 respectively.
The decreased level of inspection activity in 2009 is mainly reflective of the decrease in the number of Inspectors available to NERA. In the course of 2009, the number of inspectors has fallen from 80 to the current level of 71.
Since it commenced operations on an interim basis in 2007, NERA has had considerable success in raising awareness of employment rights. Early in 2008, NERA undertook a nationwide information and awareness campaign, which has been instrumental in bringing about a much greater level of awareness both by employers and by employees of their respective rights and obligations under employment law.
In 2009, NERA Inspectors were, in addition, authorised to carry out inspections in relation to compliance with the Employment Permit Acts 2003 and 2006. To date, 879 inspections have been carried out under this legislation.
97 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of persons living in south Tipperary who have applied for the Work Placement Programme and the number of persons who have been accepted; the number of work experience placements available in south Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44736/09]
To date 66 graduates have applied for vacancies advertised under the Work Placement Programme in South Tipperary. These individuals were screened by FÁS for eligibility. They were then given the employer and vacancy details. They then forwarded their CVs for the employers' consideration. Out of the 66 applications, 3 have started positions with companies under the programme. Currently there are 7 positions available to be filled under the Work Placement Programme in South Tipperary.
Following a review of the Programme, I announced in November along with Minister Hanafin the revised criteria, that are intended to improve the accessibility of the Programme by amending its eligibility criteria for both potential participants and firms providing placements. The revised criteria came into effect yesterday 1st December and I expect that there will be greater opportunities for employers and individuals to avail of placements under the scheme.
98 Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the redundancy payment will be processed for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6. [44752/09]
I am advised that at this point, there is no record in my Department of a claim submitted for an individual of the name provided associated with the PPS number provided. If the Deputy wishes to forward further information in this regard that might assist in clarifying the position, I would be happy to renew enquiries.
99 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if a severance payment awarded to a person (details supplied), formerly of FÁS, fell within the remit of previously set guidelines; if not, the way this package was calculated and by whom; if her attention has been drawn to any non compliance of previously defined guidelines regarding this payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44916/09]
The severance arrangements were granted in accordance with Section 6 (3) of the Labour Services Act, 1987, and with the required approvals under SI 514/1998. The settlement terms in this case were informed by the 1998 Finance Guidelines.
100 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her progress to date in implementing a work experience scheme as announced in the Supplementary Budget on 7 April 2009; the eligibility for this scheme; the places available; the location of these places; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44919/09]
As at 1st December there are 129 participants who have started the Work Placement Programme — 92 graduates and 37 non graduates. Of these starts, 41 are placed in the Public Sector and 88 are placed in the Private Sector. There have been 1,516 graduates and 1,227 non-graduates who have expressed an interest in the programme to date. There are 628 posts available, 393 for graduates and 235 for non-graduates. The following table shows the location of the posts available.
I have recently announced revised criteria for the Work Placement Programme, which came into effect yesterday 1st December. The revised criteria will enable easier access to the programme for the unemployed and companies.
The key changes relate to the eligibility criteria for the unemployed are:
Recipients of most social welfare payments, including Job Seekers' Allowance and Job Seekers' Benefit, will now be eligible to apply. Unemployed persons who are not receiving a social welfare payment will also now be eligible to apply.
2009 graduates are now also eligible to apply.
The period, for which participants have to be in receipt of a social welfare payment in order to be eligible, has been reduced from 6 months to 3 months.
The key changes relating to the eligibility criteria of firms providing placements are:
The Programme will be open to all sectors of the economy including, the private, public, and now the community and voluntary sectors.
The requirement for a firm to have at least 10 employees has been removed.
Previously firms could only participate if they did not have redundancies in the previous 6 months. This constraint has been reduced to 3 months and where the level of redundancies in the last three months was less than 5% of the workforce, these firms will be eligible to participate.
The duration of the work placement has been increased to a maximum of 9 months.
|
Graduate Posts |
Non -Graduate Posts |
|
|
Dublin Central |
55 |
47 |
|
Dublin North |
33 |
24 |
|
Dublin South |
36 |
23 |
|
Midlands — Kildare, Laois, Longford, Offaly, Westmeath |
30 |
10 |
|
Mid West — Clare, Limerick, Tipperary North |
46 |
9 |
|
North East — Cavan, Louth, Meath, Monaghan |
31 |
30 |
|
North West — Donegal, Leitrim, Sligo |
7 |
19 |
|
South East — Carlow, Kilkenny, Tipperary South, Waterford, Wexford, Wicklow |
54 |
24 |
|
South West — Cork, Kerry |
53 |
24 |
|
West — Galway, Mayo, Roscommon |
48 |
25 |
|
Total |
393 |
235 |
101 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of redundancies reported to her Department for each of the past six months; a breakdown by sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44913/09]
In parallel with the general downturn in the economy, the number of redundancies reported to my Department to date in 2009 is unprecedented when compared with earlier years. Up to and including 2007, the average annual intake of redundancy claims was 25,000. In the latter part of 2008, an increased influx of claims was in evidence with in excess of 40,000 claims received in that year. Up to the end of October 2009, the intake of claims stood at 67,207 and by the end of the year, it is expected that the annual intake for 2009 could be of the order of 75,000 which would represent a threefold increase compared with the level of claims received up to and including 2007.
It is important to note that these figures are indicative of the number of employees on whose behalf claims were submitted for statutory redundancy lump sum payments. They do not reflect those who lost their jobs with less than two years service in an employment. Nor do the figures record levels of employment or unemployment which are measured by the Quarterly National Household Survey, collated and published by the Central Statistics Office.
In response to the Deputy's specific question, the number of redundancies reported to my Department for each of the past six months (May to October 2009) amounts in total to 39,518 ranging from 7,971 in May 2009 to 6,561 in October 2009. A detailed breakdown of the claims by sector is provided in tabular form in a table attached. The categories in which the highest claims occur are within those classified as Other Services, Building and Civil Engineering and Other Manufacturing. The category Other Services comprises a range of sectors and would include retail, hospitality, restaurants and a variety of other service sectors not separately categorised. This category constitutes the highest number of claims with a total of 13,782 for the six-month reference period. This is followed by Building & Civil Engineering with a total of 8,707 claims and, by Other Manufacturing with a total of 7,617 claims.
Overall, the figures captured in the tabular statement do not indicate a particular trend in the level of claims given that in the reference period, claims peaked in May 2009 and, although they reduced considerably in the June/July/August period, claims increased again in September and October. Thus, it is not possible to conclude that there is any levelling off in the number of claims received. On average the number of claims received monthly in 2009 is 6,000.
|
Industrial Group |
No. of Employees |
||||||
|
Month (s) |
May |
June |
July |
Aug |
Sept |
Oct |
Total May to Oct |
|
Agriculture/Forestry & Fisheries |
88 |
93 |
82 |
47 |
146 |
70 |
526 |
|
Energy and Water |
17 |
21 |
19 |
17 |
27 |
16 |
117 |
|
Extraction Industry (Chemical Products) |
59 |
32 |
43 |
48 |
38 |
67 |
287 |
|
Metal Manufacturing & Engineering |
318 |
252 |
168 |
183 |
166 |
190 |
1277 |
|
Other Manufacturing |
1,399 |
1,746 |
961 |
1,060 |
1,040 |
1,411 |
7,617 |
|
Building & Civil Engineering |
1,796 |
1,387 |
1,783 |
1,334 |
1,325 |
1,082 |
8,707 |
|
Distributive Trades |
537 |
342 |
541 |
277 |
250 |
369 |
2316 |
|
Transport & Communications |
868 |
323 |
226 |
416 |
595 |
934 |
3362 |
|
Other Services |
2,634 |
2,295 |
2,216 |
2,212 |
2,190 |
2,235 |
13,782 |
|
Banking, Finance & Insurance |
255 |
289 |
267 |
294 |
235 |
187 |
1,527 |
|
Total |
7,971 |
6,780 |
6,306 |
5,888 |
6,012 |
6,561 |
39,518 |
102 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if a person (details supplied) in County Cork is entitled to statutory redundancy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44674/09]
My Department has no record of an application for statutory redundancy in the case of the individual concerned.
Under the Redundancy Payments Scheme all eligible employees are entitled to a statutory redundancy lump sum payment on being made redundant. A redundancy situation arises in general where an employee's job no longer exists and he/she is not replaced. An employee is entitled to two weeks pay for every year of service, plus a bonus week, subject to a maximum of €600 gross weekly pay. It is up to the employer concerned in the first instance to determine whether or not in fact a redundancy situation obtains and to notify my Department using an RP 50 form which can be downloaded from the Department's website at www.entemp.ie.
Disputes in regard to redundancy entitlements can be referred to the Employment Appeals Tribunal for adjudication.
103 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. [44677/09]
I would refer the Deputy to the answer I gave to question number 85 on 1st December 2009.
104 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position regarding a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44683/09]
Under the Redundancy Payments Scheme all eligible employees are entitled to a statutory redundancy lump sum payment on being made redundant. Payment of statutory redundancy is, in the first instance, a matter for the employer. In general, a redundancy situation exists where an employee's job no longer exists. It is up to the employer concerned to determine whether or not there is in fact a redundancy situation. In the event of a dispute, the matter should be referred to the Employment Appeals Tribunal for a decision. It should also be noted that an employee must make application for a redundancy payment or seek a determination from the EAT within twelve months of ceasing his employment.
A redundancy lump sum is calculated based on the normal weekly wage/salary of the employee on the date he or she is made redundant. Where a change in wage/salary has been imposed and not agreed, and an employee is subsequently made redundant, it is the normal weekly wage/salary that is used to calculate the redundancy lump sum and not the revised one imposed by the employer.
Any dispute between employee and employer in relation to the calculation of statutory redundancy entitlement may be referred to the Employment Appeals Tribunal (EAT) for adjudication.
105 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will prepare a report on the impact on the economy of the current increases in oil prices; if scenarios are being prepared by her in respect of the way in which the economy will respond in the event that the increase in oil prices proves to be of lasting duration; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44707/09]
Retail prices in the oil market take account of factors such as international market price, importation and distribution costs, and Euro/dollar fluctuations. Ireland's high dependence on oil and gas imports makes us price takers, sensitive to the volatility of the markets.
In common with other economies dependent on hydrocarbons, it is clear that Ireland's economic recovery could benefit from stable oil prices at a reasonable level. International fuel prices are a key driver of electricity price increases, which are a particular cost concern for the enterprise sector.
The Government's energy policy is centred on three pillars, namely: security of supply, competitiveness and environmental sustainability. As part of our response to our dependence on hydrocarbons, under the Renewable Energy Directive 2009/28/EC, Ireland has a target of supplying 40% of Irish energy needs from renewable sources by 2020. The concerted effort to attain this goal will see Ireland's reliance on oil decrease in the medium to long term. As a result, Ireland will also be less susceptible by fluctuations in oil price levels.
I receive regular analysis of the impact of our energy policy on the economy from Forfás and the National Competitiveness Council. Their most recent report on energy was published in September 2009. Forfás are also working on a series of papers on different fuel types, which will assist in forming a longer-term framework for energy policy into the future.
106 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of persons on FÁS courses who have completed the same FÁS courses in the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44709/09]
I understand from FÁS that there have been over 100,000 specific skills training courses provided since 2005. Of these courses there have been 73 clients (who are currently in training with FÁS) who had previously participated on the same course within the last five years. The following reasons have been recorded on the clients' records for repeating the training:
Left the course early to take up employment, wants to complete course now;
Did not complete certification modules;
Failed Certification; wanted to repeat;
Left course due to personal reasons;
Hospitalised during the course unable to complete;
Family circumstances;
Sick Child;
Unable for the pace of the course, moved to lower level and progressed back at a later date.
In a small number of cases the reason why the client had to repeat the training course was not specified. However, given the date range specified in the question, PC operating systems and newer versions of software applications operated on some of the courses would have changed significantly, and this may be a factor in upskilling.
107 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position regarding the application under the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund on behalf of the former employees of a company (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44723/09]
I refer the Deputy to the answer I gave to Parliamentary Question Ref No 44394/09 of 1 December 2009 on this matter.
108 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the financial assistance a company (details supplied) has received from the EU for the establishment or operation of aircraft maintenance and engineering facilities in Dublin or Malta; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44742/09]
SR Technics did not receive EU financial assistance in relation to its establishment or operations in Dublin. I am not aware of EU financial assistance being provided to the company in relation to any activities in Malta.
As regards any financial assistance provided to a company for establishment of operations in a Member State, the application and monitoring of exemptions to the general prohibition on State Aid in the EC Treaty rests exclusively with the European Commission. EU State aid rules cover all measures regarding a transfer of State resources, including national, regional or local authorities or through a State agency.
Any public support to companies under operational programmes such as those dispensing national or EU structural funds in 2007-13 must comply with the State aid rules applicable at the time when the public support is granted.
109 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her plans to fund FÁS through 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44751/09]
The budget for FÁS is agreed on the basis of detailed discussions between my Department, FÁS and the Department of Finance in the context of the annual Estimates process. Plans for the funding of FÁS in 2010 will be published in the book of estimates later this month following the Budget.
In relation to job initiative schemes in the Tallaght region, this is a day-to-day matter for FÁS as part of its responsibility under the Labour Services Act 1987.
110 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her progress to date in implementing a work experience scheme as announced in the Supplementary Budget on 7 April 2009; the eligibility for this scheme; the places available; the location of these places; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44918/09]
As at 1st December there are 129 participants who have started the Work Placement Programme — 92 graduates and 37 non-graduates. Of these starts, 41 are placed in the Public Sector and 88 are placed in the Private Sector. There have been 1,516 graduates and 1,227 non-graduates who have expressed an interest in the programme to date. There are 628 posts available, 393 for graduates and 235 for non-graduates. The table attached shows the location of the posts available.
I have recently announced revised criteria for the Work Placement Programme, which came into effect yesterday 1st December. The revised criteria will enable easier access to the programme for the unemployed and companies.
The key changes relate to the eligibility criteria for the unemployed are: recipients of most social welfare payments, including Job Seekers' Allowance and Job Seekers' Benefit, will now be eligible to apply — unemployed persons who are not receiving a social welfare payment will also now be eligible to apply; 2009 graduates are now also eligible to apply; the period, for which participants have to be in receipt of a social welfare payment in order to be eligible, has been reduced from 6 months to 3 months.
The key changes relating to the eligibility criteria of firms providing placements are: the Programme will be open to all sectors of the economy including, the private, public, and now the community and voluntary sectors. The requirement for a firm to have at least 10 employees has been removed; previously firms could only participate if they did not have redundancies in the previous 6 months — this constraint has been reduced to 3 months and where the level of redundancies in the last three months was less than 5% of the workforce, these firms will be eligible to participate; the duration of the work placement has been increased to a maximum of 9 months.
|
Graduate Posts |
Non-Graduate Posts |
|
|
Dublin Central |
55 |
47 |
|
Dublin North |
33 |
24 |
|
Dublin South |
36 |
23 |
|
Midlands -Kildare, Laois, Longford, Offaly, Westmeath |
30 |
10 |
|
Mid West — Clare, Limerick, Tipperary North |
46 |
9 |
|
North East — Cavan, Louth, Meath, Monaghan |
31 |
30 |
|
North West — Donegal, Leitrim, Sligo |
7 |
19 |
|
South East — Carlow, Kilkenny, Tipperary South, Waterford, Wexford, Wicklow |
54 |
24 |
|
South West — Cork, Kerry |
53 |
24 |
|
West — Galway, Mayo, Roscommon |
48 |
25 |
|
Total |
393 |
235 |
111 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if funding for a course (details supplied) has been withdrawn by FÁS to such an extent that only persons who are unemployed may avail of it in 2010; if she will reverse this decision in order that persons who work in small and medium enterprises will receive training which strengthens their skills and survival chances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44937/09]
The specific issue referred to by the Deputy is a day-to-day matter for FÁS as part of its responsibility under the Labour Services Act, 1987.
More generally, the funding of FÁS-operated active labour market programmes is the subject of detailed discussions between the Department, FÁS and the Department of Finance in the context of the annual Estimates process. FÁS's funding for 2010 will be published in the book of Estimates later this month following the Budget.
112 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the fact that numerous unemployed persons, not including unemployed graduates, cannot participate in the recently revised work placement programme in view of the fact that they are not social welfare recipients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44954/09]
I have recently announced revised criteria for the Work Placement Programme, which came into effect yesterday 1st December. The revised criteria will enable easier access to the programme for the unemployed and companies. Under Stream 2 which consists of 1,000 places open to all individuals who do not possess a full award at level 7 or above on the National Framework of Qualifications, unemployed individuals who are not receiving a social welfare payment are now eligible to apply for the Programme under the revised criteria.
113 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the details regarding the employment subsidy scheme which was extended to include non-exporting companies; if Enterprise Ireland is ready to administer an expanded scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44956/09]
The new eligibility criteria applying to the Second Call of the Employment Subsidy Scheme will be announced shortly. Officials from my Department and from Enterprise Ireland are currently in the process of finalising all of the details of the revised eligibility criteria.
I recently issued a Press Release in relation to the Second Call of the Scheme, specifically to inform the public that a Second Call was imminent and would be based on broader eligibility criteria. The Second Call will be open to both exporting and non-exporting firms. Enterprise Ireland who are managing the Scheme will be placing advertisements in national newspapers calling for applicants for the Scheme and they will update their dedicated website with details of the new scheme.
114 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which she expects to increase funding for community employment schemes in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44989/09]
Community Employment (CE) is an active labour market programme designed to provide eligible long term unemployed people and other disadvantaged persons with an opportunity to engage in useful work within their communities on a fixed term basis. CE aims to facilitate unemployed people to re-enter the active workforce by breaking their experience of unemployment through a return to a work routine and to assist them to enhance/develop both their technical and personal skills.
The aim of CE still remains as an active labour market programme with the emphasis on progression into employment. The programme is managed in a flexible way within this context, with consideration to the availability of resources and the needs of participants and the community. Funding for Community Employment Schemes for 2010 will be dealt with in the context of the 2010 Estimates process.
115 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the costs incurred to date in 2009 by her Department arising from the Governments decentralisation proposals; the extent of any further or likely costs in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44990/09]
The Office of Public Works (OPW) has primary responsibility for the procurement of suitable office accommodation for decentralising Business Units of my Department.
In consultation with the Department of Finance and the OPW, my Department opened an advance office in Carlow on 30 July 2007 for the staff of the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA) and the Companies Registration Office (CRO). It is my understanding from the OPW that the yearly rental cost for this temporary office is in the region of €369,000 and that the fit-out costs were approximately €2,068,000.
With regard to the property costs for a permanent building in Carlow, the OPW acquired a site, at a cost of €1,440,000, in Carlow town centre for the construction of a permanent office there. The former Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Noel Ahern TD, announced on 13 December 2007 that the OPW had invited the Macquarie Partnership as the consortium to become the ‘successful tenderer' in respect of this project. This forms part of a major PPP project, which also involves the provision of office accommodation in Portlaoise for the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and in Mullingar for the Department of Education and Science. The OPW is responsible for costs in relation to this entire project.
With regard to non-property decentralisation costs incurred to date, the most recent figure for such costs for my Department, as submitted to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Finance and the Public Service, via the Department of Finance, relates to the period January 2004 to September 2009. These amount to €461,802.
|
Year |
Decentralisation costs |
|
2004 |
128 |
|
2005 |
1,074 |
|
2006 |
98,795 |
|
2007 |
217,230 |
|
2008 |
33,658 |
|
To end September 2009 |
110,917 |
|
Total |
461,802 |
116 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to manufacturing and service job relocation to more competitive economies in the course of the past five years; the action taken to address such issues; the effect of any such action; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44991/09]
120 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which she has identified the cost factors affecting industries proposing to relocate to lower wage economies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44995/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 116 and 120 together.
There are many factors which influence a firm's decision to relocate. Firms adjust their plant location and utilisation strategies to address matters such as accessing new markets, moving production nearer to customers, meeting firm or market specific customer relationship issues, accessing technology or other competitive considerations. The result is flows of investment and employment across borders. Ireland has been successful in managing this process, while winning many prestigious and value added investments.
As a small, open, export-led economy, our best response to the realities of globalisation is to ensure that Ireland remains attractive for investment and enterprise growth. Our enterprise support policies have consistently evolved to meet the needs of both foreign direct investment (FDI) and growth-orientated indigenous firms. Ireland has consistently been ranked highly as an economy in which it is easy to do business.
According to the World Bank, Ireland is perceived as lightly regulated, which in itself, lowers costs for business. Ireland also has the third lowest rate in the EU of corporation tax, which lightens the tax burden on business and gives them an advantage over competitor countries. However, current operating conditions for companies are difficult and challenging due to a number of factors including the weakness of sterling, tough competition, and the global recession. Some issues are outside the control of Government as a whole, but where possible we are addressing Ireland's cost competitiveness as an essential element of our economic recovery. Recently published indicators are in our favour with inflation, commodity and other prices falling. Both the NCB Manufacturing and Services Purchasing Managers' Indices have shown a sustained and deep period of declining input costs for businesses in Ireland, driven, in part, by lower wage and energy costs. This is matched by a decline in Irish inflation that reached minus 6.6 per cent in the year to October 2009 — the sharpest fall in Ireland since the 1920s. At the same time, EU inflation as a whole was minus 0.1% for the same period, and is expected to be rise by 0.6% in November.
We have ensured that Ireland can offer the skills, education, research and innovation capabilities that modern mobile and indigenous firms need to be competitive in world markets. In recent years, Ireland has undergone a transformation from a low wage/low cost economy towards a high value and knowledge-based one. Arising from this transformation, the nature of FDI has changed and Ireland is now successfully competing for premium mobile investments against the most advanced countries in the world.
Low wage costs are no longer an enticement but have been replaced by other attractions such as a benign tax and regulatory environment, a highly educated workforce, an improving infrastructure and a commitment to world-class standards of research, development and innovation. These, combined with our can-do, responsive and open attitude, ensure that we remain a location of choice. By utilizing these competitive strengths, our policies have been successful as many foreign companies continue to make significant investment in Ireland and in the skills of our labour force.
The most objective indicator of a competitive economy is the rate of investment by the FDI sector in our country. We have a firm focus on ensuring that we win for Ireland the leading companies that are at the forefront of global products and services. Last year despite the global turmoil, 2008 saw Ireland win a total of 130 foreign direct investment projects (60% of which will be located outside of Dublin), worth circa €2 billion and also saw the creation of over 8,800 new jobs. To date in 2009 there already have been over 40 IDA announcements with the potential to create in excess of 2,500 of new jobs. The IBM Global Location Trends Annual Report 2009 in October 2009, ranks Ireland as the top performer per 100,000 population for attracting FDI and rising from 19th to 11th place overall in attracting jobs in R&D.
117 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of extra re-training or upskilling places likely to be provided in 2010; the extent to which this is expected to address job losses in the past three years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44992/09]
The number of re-training and upskilling places to be provided in 2010, will be decided when the budget for FÁS is finalised. The budget for FÁS, as well as for the other Agencies under the aegis of my Department, is agreed on the basis of detailed discussion between my Department, the Department of Finance and the Agency concerned within the annual Estimates process. The number of additional training places to be available in 2010 as well as the funding for these places will be outlined in the book of estimates, which will be published later this month following the budget.
The provision of training places does not directly address job losses and other policies are in place to retain jobs and to promote job creation.
118 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of applications for work permits received in each of the past five years to date in 2009; the numbers granted, refused or pending; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44993/09]
I have set out overleaf the figures as requested by the Deputy. The figures attached relate to applications that have been accepted for processing. The number of applications pending is the number received that have not been processed by year end. Information on applications pending for 2005 was not recorded by the IT system at that time and accordingly is not available.
Some applications are rejected in a pre-screening process if they are evidently outside the criteria for granting an Employment Permit and are not captured in the statistics.
|
Year |
Received |
New |
Renewals |
Group |
Issued |
Refused |
Withdrawn |
Pending |
|
*2009 |
10,310 |
3,760 |
3,594 |
0 |
7,354 |
1,815 |
415 |
2,015 |
|
2008 |
14,898 |
8,568 |
5,018 |
0 |
13,586 |
2,225 |
339 |
204 |
|
2007 |
25,511 |
9,917 |
13,254 |
13 |
23,184 |
2,127 |
661 |
2,211 |
|
2006 |
26,495 |
7,308 |
16,560 |
958 |
24,826 |
1,117 |
528 |
3,352 |
|
2005 |
28,745 |
7,632 |
19,506 |
816 |
27,954 |
1,332 |
484 |
*The figure included above for 2009 is for the period up to 30 November 2009.
119 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the prices charged in supermarkets here compare favourably with price charged by the same supermarkets in other jurisdictions notwithstanding currency or other cost differentials; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44994/09]
The Consumer Price Index as published by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) for October 2009 highlights that for the tenth month in a row consumer prices were lower than the prices for the corresponding months in 2008. Consumer prices were on average 6.6% lower in October 2009 as compared with prices in October 2008. In so far as the price of food and non-alcoholic beverages is concerned, CSO's returns show that whereas prices increased by 4.6% for the year to October 2008, they fell by 6.4% in the 12 months to October 2009.
In so far as the UK is concerned, the Retail Prices Index (RPI) for October 2009 as published by the UK Office for National Statistics shows that whilst overall prices decreased by 0.8%, annual food inflation in the UK increased by 0.07% in the year to October 2009.
At the European level, the EU Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices, which is accepted as the most appropriate measure for community wide price comparisons, shows that in the year to October 2009 there was a fall of 2.8% in prices in Ireland as compared with an increase in prices of 0.5% (provisional) throughout the EU as a whole.
The above returns show that prices are falling more rapidly in Ireland than in Northern Ireland, the UK and in the EU as a whole. Whilst this overall narrowing in the differential in prices is very much to be welcomed and clearly will benefit consumers, there remains some areas where the differential in prices continue to be high.
The Government continues to engage with the various elements of the retail chain to bring greater transparency as to the reasons for the differentials in retail prices between this jurisdiction and elsewhere, including Northern Ireland and the UK. My Department and its agencies have undertaken a series of actions within the last 12 to 18 months aimed at ensuring that there is the greatest degree of transparency possible as to the reasons for the north south price differentials. These actions included National Consumer Agency Price Comparison Surveys; the Forfás Report on the Cost of Running Retail Operations in Ireland; and the Competition Authority Study on the Retail-Related Import and Distribution Sector. The Government is determined to continue to pursue this issue so as to ensure that Irish consumers receive and can expect to receive a fair deal in the goods and services that they buy.
121 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps she has taken or proposes to take directly on indirectly to address the issue of unemployment generally and more specifically areas or regions that have been hit in the current economic climate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44997/09]
Unemployment is increasing across the country due to the downturn in the economy and this has impacted on all regions. This situation is unwelcome and the Government is determined to provide those who are unemployed with the necessary support services and training to enable them get back into employment as soon as possible.
This is why I have doubled the provision of training and work experience places managed by FÁS to over 130,000 and I have increased the referral capacity of FÁS Employment Services from the Department of Social and Family Affairs to 147,00 persons in 2009. I have also introduced a number of labour market activation policies that will provide support to those who need it most.
In terms of the allocation of training places each of the 8 FÁS Regions develop appropriate plans regarding the range, mix and type of training courses appropriate to the needs of that region. In this process each region will identify their training needs based on regional profiles, which include: response to the live-register activity of the region; the demand for specific training courses from jobseekers living in the region; response to regional redundancy situations; the skills required by local enterprises to sustain businesses; and current or future (short — longer term) labour market needs of the region.
Regional variations in the type and level of training provided to meet the above will exist across regions. Budgets for training courses are allocated across regions based on these factors. The Government is taking specific measures to ensure that job retention and creation is optimised to its full potential. Enterprise Ireland has prepared a new recovery strategy to identify the actions that are being undertaken to help clients in 2009. This strategy refocuses Enterprise Ireland's efforts in facilitating entrepreneurship and the enterprise environment in national, local and rural communities, developing existing clients in all regions and thereby protecting existing jobs. Enterprise Ireland are also committed in driving the creation of innovation-based start-ups.
The Employment Subsidy Scheme has been introduced to support the maintenance of vulnerable jobs and prevent people from being made redundant in this challenging national and global economic environment. I have decided to have a Second broader Call for applications with extended eligibility criteria open to both exporting and non-exporting firms. The Second Call will be open to many companies that were not eligible to apply for the First Call. Enterprise Ireland will again manage the Scheme.
122 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which she has identified positive trends in the export markets; the extent to which this will be replicated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44998/09]
The last six years have seen many positive trends on Irish Exports. In the period 2003-2008, annual growth in total Irish exports has averaged 5.5%. Over the five years in question our Services exports have risen steadily from €37.1bn or 31.1% of total exports in 2003 to €69.2bn or 44.5% in 2008. Despite the global downturn this year, exports for the first six months of 2009 are actually marginally up on the same period in 2008.
Our performance is even more impressive when compared to that of other Member States. The latest data from the European Commission's statistical agency, EUROSTAT, shows that for the period January 2009 — August 2009, Ireland has the second largest trade surplus of the EU Member States, second only to Germany. This analysis also shows that some of the major economies in the EU, such as the UK, France and Spain recorded trade deficits and that in many Member States, exports fell by over 20%.
There are many positive trends in our export performance in terms of destination markets. Implementation of the Government's Asia Strategy has, over recent years, resulted in a significant increase in our exports to the key Asian economies, with the value of our exports having risen to over €11bn annually. Our wider programme of diversifying our markets has also resulted in significant progress in the new EU Member States, the Gulf States, Russia and Brazil. Both my colleague, the Minister for Trade and Commerce and I, have led and will continue to lead Trade Missions to significant markets to build on the momentum already achieved.
Trends for Irish owned companies continue to show significant promise. With the assistance of Enterprise Ireland, many indigenous companies, across varied sectors, are now successfully competing in world markets and providing a range of innovative goods and services.
I am confident that these trends will continue, despite the challenging world economic climate at present.
123 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extend to which she expects training courses or SE schemes to be funded by her Department directly or through FÁS or other agencies in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44999/09]
In the context of funding the delivery of training and employment programmes, the budget for FÁS, as well as for the other Agencies under the aegis of my Department, is agreed on the basis of detailed discussions between my Department, the Department of Finance and the Agency concerned as part of the annual Estimates process. Funding plans for 2010 will be published in the book of estimates later this month following the Budget.
124 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of jobs lost and created throughout the economy in each of the past 24 months to date in 2009; the trends therein; if she proposes to take action as a result; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45000/09]
The number of people in employment is measured by the Quarterly National Household Survey or QNHS and published by the Central Statistics Office. In the second quarter of 2009, the most recent quarter for which data is available, employment decreased by 175,400 from Quarter 2 2007 to Quarter 2 2009, while unemployment increased by 161,500 over the same period.
The most recent data on employment levels in the past two years (on a year on year quarterly basis) are set out in the following table.
|
Q 2 2007 |
Q 2 2008 |
Q 2 2009 |
Increase/Decrease |
|
|
Employment: |
2,113,900 |
2,112,800 |
1,938,500 |
-175,400 |
|
Unemployed: |
103,100 |
126,700 |
264,600 |
161,500 |
Source: CSO, Quarterly National Household Survey, Q2 2009 (April-June 2009).
Employment data in respect of companies supported by the Enterprise Agencies (Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland and Shannon Development) is collated on an annual basis only, and accordingly monthly figures cannot be supplied. The table below sets out the number of full-time jobs created and lost in enterprise agency assisted firms only (IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and Shannon Development), for the years 2007 and 2008
|
Net Gains/losses |
2007 |
2008 |
Totals 07 to 08 |
|
Enterprise Ireland |
1,720 |
-8,003 |
-6,283 |
|
IDA Ireland |
362 |
-1,207 |
-845 |
|
Shannon Development |
-131 |
108 |
-23 |
|
Totals |
1,951 |
-9,102 |
-7,151 |
There is no exact measure of the number of jobs lost, however, the Department records the number of redundancies notified to them on a monthly basis. In the last 24 Months there have been 59,521 redundancies reported. The table below sets out the number of redundancy notifications received on a monthly basis for the 2007 to 2009.
|
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
|
|
January |
2,777 |
2,764 |
6,592 |
|
February |
1,587 |
2,838 |
6,215 |
|
March |
2,214 |
2,311 |
7,703 |
|
April |
2,155 |
3,114 |
7,179 |
|
May |
1,942 |
2,462 |
7,971 |
|
June |
2,046 |
2,914 |
6,780 |
|
July |
2,287 |
3,852 |
6,306 |
|
August |
2,319 |
3,147 |
5,888 |
|
September |
1,859 |
3,971 |
6,012 |
|
October |
2,174 |
4,623 |
6,561 |
|
November |
2,380 |
5,261 |
|
|
December |
1,719 |
3,350 |
The Government are committed to providing the necessary support to those who are unemployed to ensure that they have every opportunity to get back into employment as soon as possible.
The Government are also committed to pursuing a job creation strategy that focuses on strengthening our competitiveness, driving down the cost of doing business here and ensuring our return to sustainable export-led growth. My Department's enterprise development agencies will continue to play a key role in supporting companies in creating new job opportunities.
125 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the haemorrhage of the retail sector in the economy brought about by greater competitiveness in adjoining jurisdictions; the measures she proposes to take to address these issues in the short to medium term; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45001/09]
Restoring our national competitiveness is a key priority of the Smart Economy Document published by the Government in December 2008. The Document in setting out a framework to address the current economic challenges also identified a series of priority action points. Progress has been and continues to be achieved in implementing theses action points. Specifically, in the area of access to credit, the Government has provided a number of supports for SMEs, including:
A commitment that recapitalised banks should increase their lending capacity to SMEs by 10 per cent over 2008.
A Code of Conduct on Business Lending to SMEs, published by the Financial Regulator and in force since March 2009.
Funding for SMEs of €300 million provided by the European Investment Bank for lending through three Irish banks.
Empowerment of the Minister for Finance under the National Assets Management Agency legislation to issue guidelines on credit supply to participating institutions on an ongoing basis.
Establishment of the Credit Supply Clearing Group to identify appropriate solutions where flows of credit to viable businesses appear to be blocked.
In the area of local authority charges, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and I met with representatives of the City and County Managers Association on a number of occasions to reiterate the importance of providing a supportive environment for business and ensuring that all local charges and levies are applied in a transparent, fair and proportionate manner. Minister Gormley also wrote to the local authorities earlier this year outlining a number of measures that local authorities should consider in order to further support economic activity. Local Authorities are aware of these needs and have already reorganised to provide one-stop shops, or equivalent services, for local businesses.
Insofar as energy prices are concerned, following significant energy price reductions in May 2009, there has been a further significant reduction in gas prices and a modest reduction in electricity prices for medium business customers from this October. Data from the CSO highlight this continuing downward trend. The costs category that includes electricity, gas and other fuels has declined by almost 14% in the past twelve months.
In the area of wage costs in the retail sector, employer and trade union interests through the established mechanism of the Joint Labour Committee (JLC) have agreed to a 12-month deferral of minimum pay rate increases in the retail sector that had been due to come into effect from 25 October 2009.
In addition, an "inability to pay" mechanism will be introduced into the Joint Labour Committee/Employment Regulation Order system so as to assist in protecting employment in situations where employers are faced with severe economic challenges.
Insofar as the Employment Subsidy Scheme is concerned, I recently announced a second broader call for applications with extended eligibility criteria, open to both exporting and non-exporting firms, including companies in the retail sector. Further details of the specifics of the Second Call will be announced shortly.
Recent Consumer Price Index Returns from the Central Statistics Office show that prices in Ireland are falling faster than anywhere else in the EU, including Northern Ireland and the UK. This narrowing in the differentials in prices will also benefit the competitiveness of businesses, particularly businesses located in border regions.
Government fully accepts the need to concentrate efforts to restore national competitiveness and is committed to pursuing those issues identified in the Smart Economy Document which are particularly affecting competitiveness such as high prices, cost of services, wages etc.
126 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she has received any correspondence requesting equalisation of VAT here with a view to addressing the needs of the retail sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45002/09]
I have received a number of submissions in relation to VAT rates in the context of the VAT differential between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. As is normal in the run-up to any budget I have interactions with the Minister for Finance and other Ministers on all areas of interest including VAT rates.
However, policy responsibility for taxation matters, including VAT rests with my colleague Mr. Brian Lenihan, T.D., Minister for Finance. It would not be appropriate for me to comment on these matters.
127 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the basis on which she allocated funds to the various bodies under her remit; if such funds are allocated on the basis that she will be called upon to account for all expenditure; her views on whether it is good practice to create the impression that she will not at any time directly have to account for such sums in Dáil Éireann; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45003/09]
128 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the changes she plans to make to the funding of groups or bodies under the aegis of her Department whereby she would be accountable to the Houses of the Oireachtas thereby eliminating any possibility of overspend or lack of accountability; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45004/09]
129 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of bodies, groups or agencies which received direct funding from her Department for which she deems she is not accountable directly to the Houses of the Oireachtas; if she is satisfied that the totality of the sums involved represent good practice in terms of accountability on a day to day basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45005/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 127 to 129, inclusive, together.
Funds are allocated to bodies, groups or agencies under the remit of my Department each year under the annual Estimates process. I present my Department's Estimate to the Select Committee on Enterprise, Trade and Employment and set out the allocations for each Agency operating under the aegis of my Department.
The Annual Output Statement for my Department, which is also presented to the Committee, outlines the key areas in which the funding will be spent. The Annual Output Statement includes specific targets to be achieved each year and reports on the progress in meeting the targets set for the previous year.
As I indicated in reply to PQ 41080/09 to Deputy Durkan on 18th November last, as Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, I am directly accountable to the Oireachtas for the activities of my Department and my Department's own expenditure decisions. In that regard, together with the Ministers of State assigned to the Department, I answer Parliamentary Questions, Adjournment Debates, etc, on our Departmental policies and strategies. I also present, as I have already mentioned, my Department's Annual Output Statement to the Select Committee on Enterprise, Trade and Employment each year.
Consistent with the duties and responsibilities assigned under the Ministers and Secretaries Acts, the Comptroller and Auditor General Acts and the Public Service Management Act, the Secretary General of the Department is the Accounting Officer and appears before the Public Accounts Committee to answer questions on the detail of the Department's expenditures. Furthermore, those expenditures are examined each year by the Comptroller and Auditor General, who publishes his findings, and whose report informs the annual PAC consideration of the Department's Appropriation Account.
In addition, a number of Agencies operate under the remit of my Department in supporting the development and delivery of our enterprise and labour market programmes in particular. The roles and responsibilities of these Agencies are set out in their establishment legislation, as amended from time to time. The chief officer of each Agency, and the chairman of each Agency Board, is directly accountable to the Oireachtas through our Committee system where they can be called to account for individual elements of Agency expenditures. It would, therefore, be inappropriate for me to answer for the day-to-day decisions and expenditures of the individual Agencies when Oireachtas members have such a direct facility to call to account the Heads of each Agency in relation to their stewardship of the Agency and the day-to-day expenditure decisions they take.
In addition to the Agencies and Offices under our remit and in direct receipt of funding from my Department, the Department and our Agencies would also provide funding to independent bodies such as the Crafts Council of Ireland and Skillnets to name just two. In all such cases, the awarding body, i.e. the Department or the Agency providing the funding, would be accountable for how it has overseen the funding so awarded and would be, in that regard, accountable to the Oireachtas in the manner I have set out above.
These systems of accountability to the Oireachtas, which are well-established over a long period of time, operate, I believe, in an manner that strikes the appropriate balance between the principle of democratic accountability by me as Minister and the demands on the Agencies to perform efficiently and effectively the functions for which they were established in their own right. They ensure that the Oireachtas can access all pertinent information on "day to day expenditure" directly from those who are immediately responsible for taking such decisions, while also holding Ministers directly accountable for overall policy decision or directions, thereby ensuring that the Oireachtas can superintend all Exchequer moneys invested by or under my Department.
130 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Finance his views on the fact that an introduction of carbon tax on solid fuels such as coal will drive persons across the Border to purchase such fuel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44925/09]
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.
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, if the need arises engage with those sectors involved in the implementation of the carbon tax to minimise, in so far as it is reasonably possible, practical difficulties.
131 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Finance the way, in view of a carbon tax being introduced, he intends to ensure that most vulnerable who would pay more for solid fuels such as coal would be protected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44926/09]
I am committed to the introduction of a carbon tax on a phased basis in the context of the 2010 Budget. In relation to the issue of fuel poverty, it is acknowledged that appropriate measures may need to be put in place depending on the level of carbon tax introduced.
132 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which he has monitored insurance premium costs in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44996/09]
170 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which he has monitored or observed fluctuations in all forms of insurance premiums in 2009; the full extent of increase or decrease in each sector; the reason for such changes; the extent to which the valuation of the items or property insured has increased or decreased in 2009; if he expects further changes in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44460/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 132 and 170 together.
The questions cover the same general issue. I am aware there has been an increase in insurance premiums this year including motor insurance premiums. This increase however has to be considered against a backdrop of the continuing stress in the financial markets and the recessionary pressures in the economy which is affecting all financial service providers including the insurance industry.
While the Financial Regulator does not maintain statistics on price increases in the insurance sector, or the extent to which the valuation of the items or property insured has increased or decreased in 2009, it has provided some background as to why insurance prices have increased in these deflationary times. It has advised me that while the non-life insurance market performed well up to the end of 2006, market sources indicate that much non-life business was written at a loss in 2007. This trend continued in 2008, but the companies were still willing to write business at a loss in order to maintain their market share. They were able to do this as a result of the reserves they had built up during profitable years. However, the situation could not go on indefinitely and indications are that firms are now taking action on pricing to underpin their financial positions.
This position is supported by a report published earlier this year by Standard & Poor's titled ‘ A Testing 2009 for the Irish Non-Life Insurance Market, Despite Fundamental Strengths’. It provides an insight into the problems facing the industry at the moment. The report envisages a difficult year for the non-life industry as a result of rising claims and continuing intense competition which they say is limiting price increases. They add that this combined with anticipated lower investment returns is expected to hinder profitability.
In the current difficult trading climate, there is a delicate balance to be struck between ensuring the long-term sustainability of the non-life insurance industry and at the same time making sure that the consumer obtains good value for money. I am particularly conscious of the impact of a significant increase in premiums for both the consumer and business and I have informed industry that it must be a priority for them to ensure that insurance cover is provided as competitively as possible consistent with long term commercial sustainability and viability.
Finally, the issue of further changes in pricing will be determined largely by the level of claims that the insurance industry receives as this ultimately is the main driver behind price increases.
133 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 149 of 24 November 2009, if he has received requests from his colleagues to authorise the breaking of the link between public service pay and pensions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44678/09]
I have not received requests from my colleagues to authorise the breaking of the link between public service pay and pensions. However, as I said in my earlier reply, and as the Government has made clear on a number of occasions, all public expenditure, pay and non-pay, current and capital, is under review in the context of the Budget.
134 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Finance the VAT receipts for each of the Twenty-six Counties for the first three months of 2009; the VAT receipts for each of the Twenty-six Counties for the first six months of 2009; the VAT receipts for each of the Twenty-six Counties for the first nine months of 2009; the VAT receipts for each of the Twenty-six Counties for the first three months of 2008; the VAT receipts for each of the Twenty-six Counties for the first six months of 2008; the VAT receipts for each of the Twenty-six Counties for the first nine months of 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44679/09]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the information requested is not available on the time basis requested and either the information could not be obtained or could not be obtained without conducting a protracted examination of the Revenue Commissioners' records.
135 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance the cost of bank recapitalisation to the Exchequer to date in 2009; if €7 billion of current spending and the deficit relates to direct transfers to banks covered by the bank guarantee; if a further €4 billion of bank supports are to come from the Exchequer cash in hand, Exchequer borrowing and the national pension fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44692/09]
136 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance the estimated cost of additional interest payments on the national debt which is directly attributable to bank recapitalisation and banking support costs in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44693/09]
137 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance if all loans and costs associated with covered bank recapitalisation and financial supports since September 2008 have been made public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44694/09]
138 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance the estimate of costs associated with bank recapitalisation and covered bank supports in 2010 including additional interest repayments on national debt; if projected further covered bank recapitalisation and support costs and loans and future estimated costs arising from the future gap in public sector pension provision following the expropriations from the National Pensions Fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44695/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 135 to 138, inclusive, together.
With regard to the recapitalisations of AIB and Bank of Ireland, the Government, through the National Pensions Reserve Fund Commission, injected €3.5bn of Core Tier 1 Capital into each institution. In return, the Government received €3.5bn worth of non-cumulative preference shares. This recapitalisation programme was funded from the National Pensions Reserve Fund. €4 billion came from the Fund's current resources while €3 billion was provided by means of a frontloading of the Exchequer contributions for 2009 and 2010. Each institution was charged an arrangement fee of €30m for the recapitalisation, which has been paid by each bank.
The €4bn capital injection to Anglo Irish Bank was made from Exchequer funds. As the Deputy will be aware, capital was provided to Anglo to protect the economy from the wider losses that would have occurred in the event of a failure of the bank, to protect Anglo's substantial deposit base, and to prevent the bank from becoming a systemic threat to the financial system. In this context, there was no arrangement fee charged to Anglo, which would have reduced the bank's capital base. However, under the terms of the Subscription Agreement with Anglo Irish Bank, I am in a position to recoup all costs incurred by the State in the process of providing capital to Anglo, and these costs will be recouped from the bank shortly, when the costs have been fully finalised and charged to my Department. The costs incurred in this regard are currently estimated at c.€120,000, in respect of legal and other expenses.
In addition, under the terms of the Anglo Irish Bank Act 2009 which took the bank into public ownership, expenses incurred in the administration of the Act are to be recouped from Anglo. Costs incurred in this regard for 2009 are currently estimated at c.€1.9m and the Department is currently in the process of collecting this fee.
In the context of the review of the charge under the CIFS Scheme, the NTMA reaffirmed their estimate that the long term cost to the exchequer for the provision of the guarantee remains 15-30 basis points, which roughly equates to €1bn. As of November 2009, €548m is in the mandated account in the Central Bank and it is the Government's intention that we will at least raise the €1bn by the end of the Guarantee period.
I have previously provided the information on the costs on the Credit Institutions (Financial Support) Scheme 2008 in a number of parliamentary questions. The GADs which were signed by all the covered institutions provide that all administrative costs associated with the implementation of the CIFS Scheme are recoupable from the covered institutions. In August 2009, a total of €2,495,449 was recouped and relates to the period, September 2008 to April 2009. Officials in my Department are in the process of calculating the costs to which are liable to be recouped for the remainder of 2009 and the institutions will be billed in due course. With regard to costs arising out of bank support schemes in 2010, it is my Department's intention to recoup all administrative costs associated with the CIFS Scheme, ELG Scheme and as in the case of previous recapitalisations, a recapitalised bank will be charged appropriately.
139 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if EU moneys were used to place artificial obstructions in rivers designed to slow down water speed; if hydrological surveys were carried out before moneys were provided; if such obstructions have contributed to the current flooding crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44726/09]
I must advise the Deputy that the reference in the question to "artificial obstructions in rivers" is capable of a number of interpretations. In the absence of clarification it has not been possible to answer the question. In addition, in order for information to be provided on hydrological surveys that may have been carried out or EU moneys used in respect of such obstructions, it would be necessary for the Deputy to specify the location of the particular obstructions to which he is referring.
140 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that persons in an area (details supplied) in Dublin 5 have been unable to renew their house insurance since flooding occurred in 2008; the meetings he has had with the consumer director of the Financial Regulator about codes of practice in this area; if he will suggest a resolution to this problem pending the finalisation of proposals between the Office of Public Works and Dublin City Council on flood alleviation measures. [44747/09]
I am aware that because of previous claims experience, householders in different parts of the country, including areas in Dublin, have found it difficult to obtain insurance against flood damage. This is because 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. This risk assessment process which insurance companies apply is essential if a company is to be able to provide its services over the longer term and continue to remain solvent. Unfortunately, this means on occasions they have difficulty approving certain types of business because the risk of claims based on previous experience is too high.
There have been no specific discussions between my Department and the Consumer Director about codes of practice in this area, as neither I nor the Financial Regulator are in a position under the existing insurance legislation framework to compel insurance companies to quote for business. In this regard, flood alleviation measures clearly have an important role to play in helping to address instances where households and businesses have experienced difficulties in obtaining insurance against flood damage.
Finally, it should be noted that the Government is very conscious of the difficulties caused to certain householders by their inability to obtain insurance against flood damage. This is a problem which will almost certainly have been exacerbated by the recent flooding and consequently will have to be considered as part of its broader review of this general area.
141 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Finance if he will arrange for a flood relief programme for Leighlinbridge, County Carlow in view of the recent flooding at that village; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44756/09]
142 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Finance if minor works will be carried out to alleviate flooding at the village of Inistioge, County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44758/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 141 and 142 together.
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 economic and environmental criteria. No application was received from Kilkenny County Council in relation to Inistioge or from Carlow County Council in relation to Leighlinbridge. The OPW will shortly seek applications in relation to works to be undertaken in 2010. It will be open to the County Councils to apply for funding under the scheme to address the problems in these villages.
143 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Finance his views on the disincentive effect of the proposal to limit tax relief on pension contributions to 30%; if he has received alternative proposals from an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44933/09]
The recently published Renewed Programme for Government includes a commitment to introduce a single 33% rate for tax relief on private pension provision in the context of the National Pensions Framework. This would result in a reduction in the tax relief on pension contributions available to higher rate taxpayers and an additional incentive to pension savings for standard rate taxpayers. However, the full detail and timing of the introduction of this measure have yet to be decided.
I have received a pre-Budget submission from the organisation referred to by the Deputy which deals in part with the issue of pensions tax relief. I will bear in mind its views on this issue and those of other interested parties in the context of delivering on the Government's commitment in this area.
144 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Finance if the consumer panel of the Financial Regulator’s office has a regular reporting procedure to his Department on changes in banks’ charges for overdrafts and penalty fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44939/09]
The arrangements for the membership, functions and resources of the Consultative Consumer Panel are set out in the Central Bank Act 1942, as amended. Such arrangements provide that the Panel always reports to the Financial Regulator and do not provide for a reporting procedure to my Department.
I understand that the Panel on a number of occasions has highlighted charging issues and sought further information from the Financial Regulator.
145 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Finance the number of employees of primary and secondary educational facilities in urban centres that have paid the parking levy under section 3 of the Finance (No. 2) Act 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44945/09]
While consultations between my Department and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government with regard to the implementation of the parking levy are well advanced, it has not yet been introduced.
As such it is not yet a requirement for any employees to pay the levy.
146 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Finance the details regarding the commitment given in Dáil Éireann by a Minister of State in his Department to the cost and tender for an advanced flood warning system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44955/09]
I advised the Dáil last Tuesday that the OPW will shortly go to tender for consultants to carry out a strategic review to assess operational structures, costs and benefits of a National Flood Warning System. The purpose of undertaking a strategic review of options for Flood Forecasting and Warning (FF&W) is to: A) Examine the potential benefits that FF&W could achieve. B) Identify and assess the options for the delivery of such a service in Ireland, and C) To develop an appropriate and sustainable strategy for FF&W in Ireland.
The review will be undertaken by suitably qualified and experienced Consultants with the Office of Public Works funding the project and managing the review. A Steering Group involving the relevant stakeholders will participate in the review process.
147 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question Nos 195 and 198 of 3 February 2009, the status of the financial services advisory forum; if he has received the first report of the forum; the number of meetings which were held to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44957/09]
The Advisory Forum on Financial Legislation was formally launched in January 2008, with a mandate to assist with the preparation of a Bill to consolidate and, in so far as was possible within the timeframe envisaged, to modernise Irish financial services legislation.
The creation of a modern corpus of financial services legislation remains a clear objective. However, since my reply to the Deputy's question on this matter on 3 February 2009, the Government has decided to defer the reporting of the Advisory Forum. The decision was taken in light of the more pressing priority of preparing and implementing significant changes to institutional structures for financial regulation and to commit resources for this purpose, and of the high likelihood of changes in the regulation of financial services that could not be anticipated by the Forum. There have been no meetings of the Forum to-date in 2009.
148 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance his plans to publish legislation to put the principles of the combined code on corporate governance on a legislative basis for all banks, public companies and State-sponsored bodies as per the commitment in the revised programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44958/09]
161 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the nature of the timeline for the implementation of new statutory rules for the governance of major financial institutions as per the commitment in the revised programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44973/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 148 and 161 together.
The Combined Code on Corporate Governance is a non-statutory code published by the UK Financial Reporting Council, for Stock Exchange registered companies. It sets out standards of good practice in relation to issues such as board composition and development, remuneration, accountability and audit and relations with shareholders.
All companies, including banks, which are listed on the Irish Stock Exchange in Ireland, are required under the Stock Exchange Listing Rules to report on how they have applied the principles of the Combined Code or, where they have not applied the principles, to justify any instances of non-compliance in their annual reports.
As the current application of the Combined Code in Ireland is to companies listed on the Irish Stock Exchange, consideration of any statutory application of the Combined Code to such companies would have to have regard to existing obligations on such firms under the Companies Acts and is therefore a matter for the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment in the first instance.
The commitment in the revised Programme for Government to put the Combined Code on Corporate Governance on a legislative basis for all banks, public companies and State sponsored bodies will complement the revised and updated version of the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, which I published in June 2009.
The Code of Practice sets out the governance framework agreed by Government for the internal management, and the internal and external reporting relationships, of commercial and non-commercial State bodies. The provisions of the Code do not override existing statutory requirements and other obligations imposed by the Companies Acts. The updated Code reflects a range of changes since 2001 in legislation and administrative guidelines that have implications for the governance framework of State bodies; including revisions to the Ethics and Standards in Public Office legislation, guidelines on the pay of CEOs of commercial State bodies, and tax clearance procedures for public sector contracts.
The possible statutory application of the Combined Code on Corporate Governance to State sponsored bodies is under consideration in my Department. In this regard, it will be important to have regard to the current application of my Department's Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies as well as to existing statutory requirements applying to the governance of state sponsored bodies.
In relation to the application of the Combined Code to banks and other credit institutions, the Deputy will be aware of the related commitment in the Programme for Government to develop new statutory rules in relation to the governance of major financial institutions in the context of the planned reform of the regulatory structures for financial regulation. I expect to publish legislation to reform the institutional structures for financial regulation in Ireland early next year and its enactment and implementation will follow thereafter. In developing new statutory rules for the governance of major financial institutions, the Government will take cognisance not only of the Combined Code but also proposals in relation to the reform of governance of credit institutions that are being developed by the European Union and at the G20 level.
149 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance his plans to restructure the boards of the Central Bank and the Financial Regulator as per the commitment in the revised programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44959/09]
I expect that a bill providing for the establishment of the Central Bank Commission will be published early in the new-year. The bill will propose the establishment of a single fully integrated regulatory institution, the Central Bank of Ireland, replacing the current two-pillar structure currently operating within the CBFSAI. The new structure will be responsible for both the supervision of individual firms and the stability of the financial system generally.
150 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the details of the State agencies under the aegis of his Department to which the new code of practice for the governance of State bodies applies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44960/09]
151 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance if the boards of State agencies under the aegis of his Department which are required to implement the new code practice for the governance of State bodies have formally adopted the code at a board meeting; if they have undertaken training to ensure proper implementation of the code; if they have put in place monitoring procedures to ensure proper compliance with the code; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44961/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 150 and 151 together.
The code of practice for the governance of State bodies applies to the following bodies under the aegis of my Department.
|
Body |
Comment |
|
An Post National Lottery |
The Company has advised that it is adopting the new Code though it has not been formally adopted at a Board meeting; that the question of training to ensure proper implementation of the Code will be considered; and that compliance with the Code will be monitored. |
|
Financial Services Ombudsman |
The code of practice has been formally adopted and training has been undertaken to ensure proper implementation of the code and its implementation will be monitored. |
|
Financial Services Ombudsman Council |
The code of practice has been formally adopted and training has been undertaken to ensure proper implementation of the code and its implementation will be monitored. |
|
National Treasury Management Agency |
The practicalities of the application of the Code to the NTMA and its associated bodies, which do not follow the general semi-state model in all respects, are being examined. |
|
Anglo Irish Bank |
The code has not been separately scheduled to be adopted at an Anglo Board meeting. However, the Anglo Board’s commitment is confirmed by its adoption of the Relationship Framework and the references to taking appropriate account of the code therein. Anglo Irish Bank is currently in the process of putting procedures in place to ensure that the requirements of the code as it applies to the Bank are adhered to. Monitoring of adherence to the procedures will be overseen by a Board committee |
While within the current statutory provisions, the Central Bank and Financial Services Regulatory Authority are independent of the Minister for Finance in this area, I understand that the Board of the Central Bank and the Regulatory Authority have adopted codes of practice which reflect the document prepared by my Department.
152 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the position and timeframe for the transposition of the 2008 EU consumer credit directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44962/09]
The Consumer Credit Directive establishes a harmonised legal framework in the European Union for the provision of consumer credit ranging from 200 euro up to 75,000 euro. The Directive was published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 22 May 2008 and requires to be transposed by 11 June 2010.
The Directive is being transposed by way of Statutory Instrument and my Department officials are progressing work on the transposition in consultation with the relevant stakeholders including the Financial Regulator and the Office of the Attorney General.
153 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance if he has made a submission to the EU Commission on responsible lending and borrowing in the EU; if he will provide a copy of same to this Deputy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44963/09]
My Department submitted its response to the EU Commission on 31 August 2009. A copy of this submission is available for downloading on the Commissions Internal Market website.
154 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the number of organisations that have applied for charitable status for tax purposes in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; the number of organisations that have been successful in each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44964/09]
155 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the number of organisations who have been refused charitable status for tax purposes in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; the primary charitable reasons for these rejections; the number of organisations who have appealed this decision by the Revenue Commissioners to the Appeal Commissioners; the number of organisations in each year who have been successful in their appeal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44965/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 154 and 155 together.
A tax exemption for charities is available under section 207 of the Taxes Consolidation Act (TCA) 1997. In order to avail of this exemption a body or trust must be established for charitable purposes only and must also apply all of its income for charitable purposes.
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the number of organisations that have applied for charitable tax exemption and the outcome of those applications for the years specified is shown in the following table.
|
Year |
Number of applications received. |
Number of exemptions granted |
Number of applications formally refused. |
Number of appeals to Appeal Commissioners |
|
2007 |
537 |
300 |
15 |
0 |
|
2008 |
607 |
392 |
12 |
0 |
|
2009 up to 30/11/09 |
494 |
352 |
16 |
0 |
The difference between the numbers of applications received and the numbers of exemptions granted is made up of cases where applications were formally refused, as well as cases where applicants lodged an initial application but did not pursue it. The latter category would include applicants who were satisfied that they would not qualify once the terms and conditions of the exemption were explained to them in detail and applicants who were not prepared to undertake the necessary administrative procedures such as adopting a formal legal structure or drawing up a Governing Instrument.
I am advised by Revenue that there are many and varied reasons for refusing to grant a charitable tax exemption but the most common relate to situations where the objects of the body or trust are not considered charitable or where the public benefit test is not fulfilled.
156 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the cost of mortgage interest relief to date in 2009; the estimated cost of the relief for this financial year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44966/09]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the cost to the Exchequer of mortgage interest relief by way of tax relief at source (TRS) in the ten months to the end of October 2009 is €405 million. The cost for the full year of 2009 is estimated at €460 million.
157 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding mortgage interest relief; if he plans to maintain the relief for those currently in receipt of the payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44967/09]
It is a longstanding practice of the Minister for Finance not to comment in advance of the Budget on any tax or expenditure matters that might be the subject of Budget decisions.
158 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the interest groups which he has met with to discuss the forthcoming budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44968/09]
I think it is important to clarify that I have not discussed the Budget with any interest groups, however I have met with a number or organisations and representative bodies who wished to see me so that they could formally present their pre-Budget submissions and highlight areas of particular relevance to them.
In this context I have held meetings with:
the Community & Voluntary Pillar;
the Irish Business & Employers' Confederation;
the Construction Industry Federation;
the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers' Association;
the Irish Congress of Trade Unions,
the Irish Farmers' Association and
Irish Cancer Society and
Retail Excelleance Ireland.
159 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 119 of 30 January 2008, if the review on deposit protection has been completed by the Central Bank and Financial Services of Ireland as promised in 2008; the statistics on the number and value of savings accounts; the breakdown of the value and number of saving or deposit accounts of less than €20,000, between €20,000 and €50,000, between €50,000 and €100,000 and over €100,000 on deposit with banks, financial institutions and credit unions here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44970/09]
I am informed by the CBFSAI that it undertook a survey of institutions, looking at the number and value of accounts covered by the Deposit Guarantee Scheme (DGS), in mid-2008. The survey was based on data as of June 2008. At the time the survey was conducted the deposit guarantee scheme provided for compensation of 90 per cent of eligible deposits up to a maximum of €20,000, per depositor. Institutions were asked to supply data on deposit accounts covered by the DGS for certain ranges. The survey did not include the ranges referred to in the Deputy's question.
The findings of the survey suggested that approximately 10 million deposit accounts fall under the DGS with an aggregate value in the region of €200 billion. Of these, approximately:
97 per cent of accounts, by number, had a balance less than €50,000
20 per cent of accounts, by value, had a balance less than €50,000
92 per cent of accounts, by number, had a balance less than €22,222 (representing 100% of a deposit where the maximum payout of 90% would be €20,000 as above)
12 per cent of accounts, by value, had a balance less than €22,222.
As the Deputy will be aware, since the original question, I announced on 20 September 2008 that the Government had decided to increase the compensation limit for the Deposit Guarantee Scheme in Ireland from €20,000 to €100,000 per depositor per institution. The cover now applies to 100% of each individual's aggregate deposits up to the prescribed limit per financial institution and also applies to deposits held in credit unions (the Registrar of Credit Unions has advised that 2.94 million credit union members held €12.5 billion of savings in Irish credit unions as of June 2009). The Deputy will also be aware that amendments were made to the DGS Directive through Directive 2009/14/EC in March of this year. The Financial Services (Deposit Guarantee Scheme) Act 2009 provided a statutory basis for the making of subsequent regulations (European Communities (Deposit Guarantee Scheme) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 228 of 2009)) in order to give legal effect to the Government decision on deposit guarantee arrangements and to transpose Directive 2009/14/EC. The European Commission is undertaking a further review of the Directive on Deposit Guarantee Schemes. The purpose of this review is to ensure over the longer term the greater effectiveness of the Directive and address any deficiencies or risks that may have arisen as evidenced by the current financial crisis. The review is ongoing and the Commission is expected to bring forward legislative proposals, if deemed necessary, early in 2010.
160 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance his views on the statement from the Corporate Governance Association of Ireland expressing concerns about the internal appointment of directors at a bank (details supplied); the reason he allowed these appointments to proceed when his preference was for an external candidate to become chief executive officer of the bank; his views on whether these internal appointments send out the wrong signals to the international investment community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44971/09]
I share the concerns of the Corporate Governance Association of Ireland. However, I would like to make clear that the arrangement to which the Deputy refers has been agreed to purely as an interim measure and it is not foreseen that this situation will persist beyond the short term.
Regarding the appointment of internal candidates, I would remind the Deputy that this is a matter for the bank in the first instance. I am aware that a search to fill the position of Chief Executive Officer of the specified bank was carried out using professional recruitment consultancy services, and that this search was extensive and international in nature.
The Deputy also raised the question of signals being sent to the international investment community. In response, I would point to the signals being sent by this Government that it is far from business as usual in the Irish banking sector. Reform of the regulatory structure is being advanced and as the Deputy will be aware I have intervened in the matter of the level of salary for the incoming managing director of the particular bank.
162 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance when a tax refund will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45007/09]
I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they have not received a request from the person concerned for a tax refund and that they are writing to the person concerned in relation to the matter.
163 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance if he has received a joint submission from the three largest airlines in Ireland, Aer Lingus, Ryanair and Cityjet on the impact of the €10 air travel departure tax on passenger volumes and jobs in the aviation sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39523/09]
I can confirm that I have received a report commissioned jointly by Aer Lingus, Ryanair and Cityjet from Amsterdam Aviation Economics in relation to the air travel tax. The report and the analysis therein, including those assumptions made by the authors, will require time to be examined by my officials.
164 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Finance if he is satisfied that following the recent conviction of a person (details supplied) on charges of conspiracy to import heroin and cocaine worth €7 million through Weston Airport, County Dublin, that sufficient measures are in place to prevent private airports from being used for drugs trafficking purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40162/09]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the Customs controls at Weston Airport and at private airports in general are risk-based. The controls are carried out by mobile Customs enforcement staff, whose attendance is selective and targeted, based on analysis and evaluation of national and international seizure trends, traffic frequency, routes and other risk indicators. Attendance can also be as a result of specific intelligence. Traffic with origins and destinations with a high-risk rating would attract particular interest.
It is important to note by way of context that the operating environment for Customs has been shaped to a significant degree by the introduction of the Internal Market and the related principles of freedom of movement within the EU. Of specific relevance are the abolition of routine and systematic Customs checks on goods and passengers moving within any part of the EU and the elimination of Customs controls on the baggage of intra-Community passengers other than anti-smuggling checks. This is particularly relevant in the case of small private airports where passenger traffic is predominantly intra-Community. The approach has of necessity been to balance the freedom of movement principle in regard to people and goods with the need to control smuggling and enforce prohibitions and restrictions.
I have been assured by the Revenue Commissioners that, while the situation is kept under review, they are satisfied with the current level of Customs controls at these locations. In particular, they are satisfied that the risk-based approach remains valid and that the controls applied are on a par with, and may even exceed, those of many other EU Member States.
165 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Finance the vehicle registration tax collected per VRT band in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42968/09]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the Vehicle Registration Tax collected per VRT band for 2007, 2008 and for the period January to October 2009 is shown in the attached table. In the case of Category A vehicles/cars, for the period from 1 January 2007 until 30 June 2008 the information relates to bands based on engine size, while the information since 1 July 2008 relates to CO2 emission bands. The amounts shown for VRT in 2009 are provisional.
|
Categories |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
|
|
€m |
€m |
€m |
||
|
Category A vehicles |
2008 Until 30 June |
Jan. to Oct Provisional |
||
|
A1 |
Cars to 1400cc |
301.3 |
213.6 |
— |
|
A2 |
Cars 1401cc -1900cc |
499.9 |
342.0 |
— |
|
A3 |
Cars over 1900cc |
575.3 |
365.7 |
— |
|
From 1 July 2008 |
||||
|
A1 |
Cars 0-120g CO2 |
— |
5.4 |
18.1 |
|
A2 |
Cars 121-140g CO2 |
— |
43.0 |
95.6 |
|
A3 |
Cars 141-155g CO2 |
— |
56.0 |
89.8 |
|
A4 |
Cars 156-170g CO2 |
— |
30.6 |
61.3 |
|
A5 |
Cars 171-190g CO2 |
— |
23.6 |
44.4 |
|
A6 |
Cars 191-225g CO2 |
— |
11.0 |
24.7 |
|
A7 |
Cars Over 225g CO2 |
— |
6.1 |
13.7 |
|
B |
Car Derived Vans |
21.7 |
16.9 |
5.4 |
|
C |
Commercial Vehicles |
3.8 |
2.9 |
1.5 |
|
M |
Motor Cycles |
4.2 |
4.0 |
2.4 |
|
Total |
1406.1 |
1120.8 |
357.0 |
166 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Finance the status of the parking space at work levy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42940/09]
Consultations between my Department and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government with regard to the implementation of the levy are almost complete and details of its introduction will be announced shortly.
167 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Finance if mutual building societies or other mutual organisations were not set up and approved for the purpose of granting home loans and mortgages only; if they always had the authority to engage in speculative commercial development transactions; if such authority was always used; if their activities have expanded in recent decades; and his views on confining any mutual body that emerges from the current banking and financial crisis to home mortgages exclusively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45048/09]
Any building society which has been formed, registered with the Financial Regulator and incorporated in accordance with the requirements of the Building Societies Act, 1989, may undertake any of the activities permitted under the Act. Such activities include, but are not limited to, the making of housing loans. Decisions in relation to which permitted activity or activities an individual building society undertakes is a matter for that building society and its membership, subject to approval, as appropriate, by the Financial Regulator. Notwithstanding this, I have indicated, during the Committee Stage debate on the NAMA Bill, that it is desirable that the State should continue to have at least one functioning building society whose business, rather than concentrating on commercial lending, operates for the primary benefit of its membership.
168 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Finance the way in which he proposes to change the system in relation to repossession or surrender of property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45053/09]
Changes in the system in relation to repossession or surrender of property are matters for my colleague the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. Any proposals for changes will be presented to Dáil Éireann at the appropriate time.
169 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Finance, in view of the outstanding mortgages for principal private residence, the amount of mortgages granted, the amount still due, the amount topped up since the mortgage was granted; if similar figures are available for all outstanding mortgages granted more than 11 years ago; the cost each percentage write-down of all existing mortgages under ten years would cost. [45055/09]
There are no publicly available data which would satisfy the very specific request of the Deputy. A historical breakdown of outstanding residential mortgages is available on the Central Bank's website. However, the series only begins in December 2003. The value of outstanding mortgages for principal dwellings issued by credit institutions' Irish domiciled offices to Irish residents was €113.5 billion at the end of Q3 2009, an increase of 1.9 per cent over Q3 2008, according to figures from the Central Bank Sectoral Developments in Private Sector Credit September 2009 (as published on www.centralbank.ie (Table 1)). Data on new business volumes indicate that approximately €31 billion in new mortgages were issued over the year ending Q3 2009. However, these figures for new business include renegotiations of existing mortgages and would also include investor mortgages.
171 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance, further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 117, 118, 119, 120 and 121 of 23 June 2009, the number of the 564,000 mortgage holders who were in receipt of mortgage interest relief up to 1 May 2009 still in receipt of the payment; the number no longer in receipt of same; the number of claims still to be determined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45079/09]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that approximately 322,000 of the 564,000 mortgage accounts that were in receipt of mortgage interest relief up until the seven-year rule change introduced from 1 May 2009 have continued to receive mortgage interest relief. In the case of accounts where the payment of relief was terminated and subsequently reinstated after receipt of the necessary information by the Revenue Commissioners, either from the lender or direct from the mortgage account holder, any arrears of relief were or are being automatically credited to such accounts by the lender, without the need for any further action by the account holder. I understand that 242,000 accounts are no longer in receipt of mortgage interest relief as a result of the Supplementary Budget measures.
The Revenue Commissioners are finalising the processing of some 2,000 of the more complicated cases involving mortgage accounts with consolidated or top up loans as a key feature of the mortgage account. I am further advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the processing of these cases, following the provision of detailed information from the account holders, will be completed as soon as possible and payment of relief will, in appropriate cases, be reactivated and any arrears of relief credited to the accounts.
172 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an application for an over 70 years medical card for persons (details supplied) in County Sligo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44949/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
173 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the fair deal scheme; the number of applications received to date in 2009; the length of time it takes to approve an application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44696/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
174 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of Health Service Executive special care facilities for troubled teenagers operating here; the location of these facilities; the number of children in care at each facility for the years 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; the operating costs of such facilities for the years 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008; the budget allocations for 2009; the staffing numbers for each facility; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44719/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
175 Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Health and Children if the Health Service Executive provides information to persons receiving treatment for breast cancer on lymphodema; the number of lymphodema clinics here; and if there are plans to expand this service. [44731/09]
The matters raised by the Deputy relate to the provision of healthcare services and accordingly, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on these matters.
176 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the details on the proposal to develop a regulatory framework for the provision of after school services; the timescale for this proposal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44732/09]
Under the Child Care Act 1991, my Office is responsible for the Child Care (Pre-School Services) (No. 2) Regulations 2006, which are implemented by the Pre-School Services Inspectorate of the Health Service Executive (HSE). As the Deputy is probably aware, school age childcare services are not subject to specific regulation and I have already signalled that this is an issue I would like to see addressed at the earliest opportunity. A commitment to introduce a regulatory framework for school age childcare services was included in the recently agreed revised Programme for Government and I would fully support this course.
The Deputy will also be aware of the current difficulties arising from staffing and other constraints and the fact that, in the short to medium term, these will necessitate prioritisation of both new and existing work commitments. Notwithstanding these constraints, I would hope that my Office will be in a position to commence preparatory work on the development of a new regulatory framework for school age childcare services during 2010 — 2011.
177 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has information on the extent and value of counterfeit medicine purchased online here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44733/09]
178 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the measures she is taking to tackle the sale of counterfeit medicine here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44734/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 177 and 178 together.
The supply of prescription only medicinal products by Internet suppliers (online) is prohibited in Ireland by the Medicinal Products (Prescription and Control of Supply) Regulations, S.I. 540 of 2003, as amended. While it is impossible to ascertain exactly the extent and value of medicine purchased online here, in 2008 the Irish Medicines Board, working in cooperation with Revenue Commissioners Customs Service, intercepted almost 3000 instances of imports of prescription only medicinal products supplied by Internet websites. These imports were detained. This amounted to a total of 393,067 tablets and capsules. Each intending purchaser was advised of the legal position as outlined above. All these supplies were unlawfully made. The Irish Medicines Board’s focus is to prevent the supplies reaching the consumer so as to protect public health. In doing so it cooperates with other agencies nationally and worldwide in the combating of pharmaceutical crimes and to identify the suppliers and put them out of business wherever they may be operating.
12 instances of confirmed counterfeit product were found in 2008 among the almost 3000 online supplies. Due to the extent of diagnostic and analytical work that would be involved in examining the contents of each package in order to determine if it was genuine or counterfeit, it is not possible to accurately estimate the actual amount of counterfeit product within those supplies. It should be noted that these products were supplied to individuals, apparently for their own use, and were not in bulk for re-supply.
The Irish Medicines Board monitors the legal supply chain closely through inspection and authorisation of manufacturers and wholesalers of medicinal products. Wholesalers must comply with European guidelines on Good Distribution Practice which include a requirement to have a procedure to check for counterfeit products and to report any suspicions to the IMB. Particular obligations are placed upon each wholesaler to establish the legitimacy of its suppliers, and its systems for doing so are examined during IMB inspection. The IMB works closely with the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland and with the Health Service Executive in relation to the supply of medicinal products in pharmacies and joint activities have been conducted in this regard. The IMB also monitors general sale medicines that are available in non-pharmacy retail outlets. To date, no counterfeit medicinal products have been found on the legal supply chain in Ireland.
179 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on the introduction of a warning label on all alcoholic drinks outlining pregnancy related risks which has been introduced in France; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44735/09]
My Department's legislative programme includes a proposal to provide for the placing of health advice/warnings about the consumption of alcohol during pregnancy, and other health messages, on all alcoholic drink containers and promotional materials. A public consultation has taken place and the submissions received are being considered. The legislation will be developed in the normal way subject to the competing priorities of the Department's legislative programme.
180 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children if the revised edition of Children First will be published by December 2009 as per the commitment in the implementation plan arising from the Ryan report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44746/09]
As the Deputy has indicated the Implementation Plan for the Report of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse states that a revised edition of the Children First National Guidelines will be published by December, 2009. My office is currently working towards meeting this timeframe.
181 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has received a copy of a report by the Health Service Executive examining the cost of alcohol related harm to the health system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44753/09]
I presume that the Deputy is referring to the Report entitled ‘Alcohol Related Harm in Ireland' published by the Health Service Executive in April 2008. My Department received a copy of the Report at the time of publication. The findings of the Report will help inform the deliberations of the Steering Group being established to develop the National Substance Misuse Strategy.
182 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the State agencies under her remit to which the new code of practice for the governance of State bodies applies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44755/09]
183 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the boards of the State agencies under the aegis of her Department which are required to implement the new code of practice for the governance of State bodies have agreed to comply with same at a board meeting; if they have undertaken training to ensure proper implementation of a code; if they have put in place monitoring procedures to ensure compliance with the code; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44759/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 182 and 183 together.
The new Code of Governance applies to State Sponsored Bodies (NCSSBs) under the aegis of my Department and is complementary to a Framework for Corporate and Financial Governance previously issued to the agencies by my Department in 2006.
My Department organised a series of workshop/seminars for agencies this year in relation to this framework and Corporate Governance issues.
Implementation of the Code and any training requirements are a matter for the Boards of the agencies themselves. However, the Code itself specifies that the Chairperson should confirm on an annual basis that the Code of Practice has been adopted and the extent to which it is being complied with. Officials of my Department are in liaison with the individual agencies in relation to Governance, including compliance with the new Code, and other aspects of their operation on an on-going basis throughout the year.
184 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Health and Children when a decision will be made on an application for the home care package in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44761/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
185 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Health and Children when a decision will be made on a medical card review in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44762/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
186 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children when she plans to publish the consumer research on food labelling commissioned earlier in 2009; her views on the Commission’s proposal for a regulation on the provision of food information to consumers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44764/09]
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland published the results of its survey on food labelling on the 1st December 2009. This survey will further inform Ireland's position on the Commission's proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the provision of food information to consumers.
The Commission's proposal was issued in January 2008 . Since then a number of meetings has taken place and the next scheduled meeting is on the 8th December 2009. I welcome this proposal as it will bring together all existing legislation in both general and nutritional labelling. In addition, it will offer increased protection to the consumer on such areas as allergen labelling and information on nutrients.
187 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will approve an over 70 years medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44929/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
188 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9. [44931/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
189 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the cost incurred by the general medical scheme of nicotine replacement products from January 2008 to date in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44940/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
190 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the impact on smoking prevalence of the 25 cent increase on the price of a packet of 20 cigarettes, imposed in the 7 April 2009 supplementary budget; if the price rise has resulted in a reduction in smoking among teenagers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44943/09]
The Survey of Lifestyle, Attitudes and Nutrition (SLAN 07) is the definitive study of smoking behaviour across a range of demographics. The SLAN study was last conducted in 2007 and does not cover the period in question.
The Office of Tobacco Control (OTC) also monitors cigarette smoking prevalence and behaviour on a monthly basis to gain a detailed picture of smoking patterns and to identify trends in this pattern. The data set is compiled from a monthly telephone survey of 1,000 people over the age of 15. With effect from May 2008 the survey methodology changed to the use of a combination of landlines and mobiles, as opposed to landlines only, to reflect changes in demographics and technology. The OTC is currently recalibrating the survey data collected prior to May 2008 and will shortly complete its analysis and publish the results. Therefore, data for the period April 2009 onwards will not be available until the New Year.
191 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Health and Children the process of applying to be registered blind; the support available to registered blind pensioners; the advice that will be given to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11. [45041/09]
There is no State system for the registration for people who are blind. However, the National Council for the Blind of Ireland (NCBI) operates a system of registration for people with a visual impairment. If you are registered as a blind person with the NCBI this registration is usually accepted as satisfying the blindness criteria for State schemes such as the Blind Pension, Domiciliary Care Allowance and Blind Welfare Allowance.
A consultant eye specialist or an optometrist must complete a registration form on behalf of the applicant. This form can be obtained from the NCBI. Their address and telephone number is National Council for the Blind of Ireland, Whitworth Rd, Drumcondra, Dublin 9, telephone 1850 33 43 53.
192 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11; when they will receive a wheelchair; if other supports they were assessed for that is bathrooms seats, handrails and so on will be supplied. [45043/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
193 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will arrange to provide services in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9. [45049/09]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
194 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport the procedure whereby a person may recover the value of a travel voucher from a travel agent (details supplied) who has ceased business operations; if an insurance or bond is in place for this agent to cover persons with unused travel vouchers; the way a person will seek recovery of the value of the voucher; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44754/09]
Statutory responsibility for regulation of the travel trade rests with the Commission for Aviation Regulation. I have no function in this regard. I understand the commission has posted all information relevant to the closure of Budget Travel, including the rules regarding travel vouchers, on its website, www.aviationreg.ie.
195 Deputy Shane McEntee asked the Minister for Transport the amount of funding he has received from the EU since 1999 in order to improve and upgrade the national roads network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44745/09]
My Department has lead responsibility for the management of EU assisted programmes involving the development of major transport infrastructures, including the national roads network. In the period referred to by the Deputy there have been two such programmes: the Transport Operational Programme 1994-1999 and the Economic and Social Infrastructure Operational Programme 2000-2006. The source of EU assistance in both cases is the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). For the period from the start of 1999 to date, the ERDF assistance approved by the European Commission in respect of the national road elements of the two programmes concerned amounted to €781 million, of which €196 million was provided under the Transport Operational Programme and €585 million was provided under the Economic and Social Infrastructure Operational Programme. In addition, my Department has lead responsibility for the management in Ireland of EU Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) funding. TEN-T funding allocated for national road projects since the start of 1999 amounts to €43 million. EU funding for national road development has also been provided for programmes in respect of which other bodies in Ireland have the lead management role under EU Regulations. These include the Cohesion Fund, the Interreg Programme, the Peace Programme and the Regional Operational Programmes.
196 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Transport the number of staff at an authority (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45024/09]
As the Dublin Airport Authority is a commercial State body, I have no function in relation to the number of staff employed by it. However, details of the number of full-time equivalent staff employed by the authority are set out in its annual report and financial statements, which are laid before the Oireachtas and copies of which are available in the Oireachtas Library.
197 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Transport the breakdown of special bonuses or special executive pension arrangements for the top management figures of an authority (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45025/09]
199 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Transport the way the salary of the chief executive officer of an authority (details supplied) is determined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45028/09]
201 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Transport the salary details for the top ten management figures in an authority (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45030/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 197, 199 and 201 together.
It is the responsibility of the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) to agree the terms and conditions (including pay and emoluments) of their Chief Executive within the remuneration levels approved by my Department with the consent of the Department of Finance. Details of the Chief Executive's pay and emoluments are published in the DAA's annual report, a copy of which is laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas each year and which is available in the Oireachtas Library. I have no statutory responsibility for the pay and emoluments of any other DAA staff member.
198 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Transport if management or directors of an authority (details supplied) receive free air travel, be it first class, business class or economy class; if they are entitled to VIP access to airports here as a result of being employed at the authority; if so, the names, the title of position held and the nature of the entitlement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45027/09]
200 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Transport the remuneration and entitlements for board members of an authority (details supplied) including company car, health insurance, pension add-ons where applicable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45029/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 198 and 200 together.
My responsibility with regard to directors of the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) is confined to appointing them and ensuring their fees are at the level as determined by the Department of Finance from time to time. I have no responsibility with regard to the expenses or entitlements of the management of the Company. Directors' remuneration is disclosed in the Annual Report and audited financial statements of the DAA. The audited accounts are laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas annually and are available in the Oireachtas Library.
202 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Transport if an authority (details supplied) covered the cost of any ministerial travel, entertainment or functions during 2007 and 2008; if so, the Ministers involved and the costs incurred; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45034/09]
While such costs are operational matters for the Dublin Airport Authority, I have been informed by the authority that it did not meet the costs of any Ministerial travel, entertainment or functions during the period concerned.
203 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Transport the way the decision to create three boards for the airports under the control of an authority (details supplied) was reached; the cost to run these three boards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45038/09]
As the Deputy will be aware, the State Airports Act 2004 provides the framework for the establishment of Shannon and Cork as independent airports with their own boards. The decision to restructure the three airports was considered the best way to equip them to deal with the challenges and opportunities facing the aviation sector at that time. Under the Act, both the Minister for Finance and I have to be satisfied as to the state of operational and financial readiness of the three airports before any vesting of assets can take place. In the meantime, the Act provides that both Cork and Shannon Airport Authorities would remain within the operational control and ownership of the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA). In December 2008, following the recommendations of the boards of the three State Airport Authorities, I announced the deferral until 2011 of a decision on the separation of the Airports under the State Airports Act 2004 given the current very difficult circumstances in the aviation sector. As part of these arrangements both the Cork and Shannon Airport Authorities will have a maximum of nine directors each. DAA will have a board of 13 directors in all. As to the costs of the DAA board, relevant directors' remuneration is disclosed in the annual report and audited financial statements which are laid before each House of the Oireachtas annually. In the case of the Shannon Airport Authority and the Cork Airport Authority directors' remuneration in 2008 amounted to €178,000 and €124,000 respectively.
204 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Transport if it is justified to proceed with the construction of terminal 2 at Dublin Airport in view of the fact that passenger numbers are falling at the airport, particularly with the expected increase in airport charges to follow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45039/09]
The Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) operates under a clear commercial mandate and its capital investment programme at Dublin Airport is funded without Exchequer support. The Government's 2005 aviation action plan approved among other things the construction of a second terminal at Dublin Airport. That decision reflected widespread concern about the adequacy of facilities in Terminal 1, which originally opened in the early 1970s. Construction work on terminal 2 (T2) commenced in October 2007 and terminal construction will be completed early next year. The terminal will become operational on a phased basis in 2010. T2 will provide a necessary gateway for short haul and long haul traffic into and out of Ireland over the coming decades. The DAA considers that it is neither practicable, nor indeed would it make financial sense, to delay completion of the T2 project. Remuneration of investment in T2 depends on the overall level of airport charges at Dublin Airport, as determined by the Commission for Aviation Regulation (CAR). In a direction given by me to CAR on 27 October last, I drew CAR's attention to Government policy on the development of T2. It is now a matter for CAR to consider how it will address the direction in its final determination, which is due shortly.
205 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Transport if an authority (details supplied) has ever been the subject of an external audit; if so, if he will furnish this Deputy with a copy; the cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45040/09]
The Annual Report and Financial Statements of the Dublin Airport Authority include an independent auditor's report. The Financial Statements also set out the auditor's remuneration. A copy of the annual report is laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas each year and is available in the Oireachtas Library.
206 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding wills and probate in the case where a separated person entered into a house purchase with a new partner who subsequently died and left share to the children of their first marriage and co-operation is lacking; if a person can register an objection to probate being granted in a case; and if the process for same will be outlined. [45052/09]
I am not in a position to provide legal advice in response to Parliamentary Questions. However, I can say that the Superior Court Rules (Order 79, Rule 41) provide that a person intending to oppose the issuing of a grant of probate or letters of administration may either personally or through a solicitor lodge a caveat in the Probate Office or in a District Registry.
207 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will support a matter (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [44676/09]
I am informed by the Garda Authorities that the area referred to by the Deputy, is located within the Dublin Metropolitan Region North policing Division which is policed by the Raheny, Santry and Coolock Districts. The total strength and number of Gardaí dedicated to Community policing in those Districts, as of the latest date for which figures are readily available, is shown in the table below. All members who are assigned to Community Policing operate on a full-time basis. These members are specifically tasked with the duty of liaising with communities within their policing Districts, which includes the postal code area Dublin 5.
|
Raheny |
Santry |
Coolock |
|
|
Total Strength |
199 |
285 |
252 |
|
Community Gardai (included in Total Strength) |
18 |
18 |
30 |
Gardaí also liaise with local residents through Neighbourhood Watch Meetings and a clinic has been set up by Gardaí at Santry for residents from the area. Every Neighbourhood Watch scheme has a Liaison Garda to make sure there is a formal link with the local Garda Station. The Liaison Garda has access to specialist support staff to ensure that every community gets the crime prevention advice and measures that they require.
208 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí and their ranks that have retired in the Mayo district in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44703/09]
209 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí and their ranks that have taken up duty in the Mayo district in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44704/09]
210 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of garda sergeants and inspectors vacancies to be filled in each County Mayo district; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44705/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 208 to 210, inclusive, together.
I am informed by the Garda authorities, that the number of Gardaí assigned to the Mayo Division as at 31 December 2007-2008 and to-date in 2009 together with the number of retirements, is as set out in the attached table.
|
Strength |
||||||
|
C/Supt |
Supt |
Insp |
Sgt |
Garda |
Total |
|
|
2007 |
1 |
6 |
5 |
51 |
250 |
313 |
|
2008 |
1 |
5 |
6 |
51 |
266 |
329 |
|
2009* |
1 |
6 |
5 |
47 |
262 |
321 |
*As of 31 October 2009.
|
Retirements |
||||||
|
C/Supt |
Supt |
Insp |
Sgt |
Garda |
Total |
|
|
2007 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
4 |
|
2008 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
5 |
6 |
|
2009* |
0 |
1 |
0 |
4 |
25 |
30 |
*As of 27 November 2009.
The Deputy will appreciate that, as with any large organisation, on any given day that the personnel strength may fluctuate due to, for example, retirements. The alIocation of Garda resources throughout the country, including personnel, together with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy, is a matter for the Garda Commissioner and senior Garda officers. Such allocation is continually monitored and reviewed and this ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the general public. The Divisional strength by District and rank, as of the 31 October 2009, is as set out in the table below.
|
Divisional Strength, by District and Rank, 31 October ’09 |
|||||
|
C/Supt |
Supt |
Insp |
Sgt |
Gda |
|
|
Castlebar |
1 |
1 |
2 |
19 |
66 |
|
Ballina |
0 |
1 |
1 |
6 |
52 |
|
Belmullet |
0 |
1 |
1 |
4 |
24 |
|
Claremorris |
0 |
1 |
0 |
5 |
36 |
|
Swinford |
0 |
1 |
1 |
8 |
50 |
|
Westport |
0 |
1 |
0 |
5 |
34 |
211 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress that has been made regarding the commitment in the programme for Government to double the number of Garda youth diversion projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44711/09]
212 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the development of a new national child detention facility at Lusk, County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44712/09]
In March 2008, the Government approved the development of new national children detention facilities on the Oberstown campus near Lusk, Co. Dublin.
The project is currently at the design stage and it is anticipated that the tendering process for construction will take place in 2010. Construction is expected to be undertaken in phases with the first phase scheduled to be completed by end 2012.
The Deputy will be aware, however, that tendering for the construction of the new facilities will be subject to Government approval and to the necessary funding being made available.
213 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his policy on same sex relationships where one partner is an Irish citizen and the other is a non EU-national living here without residency status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44713/09]
The Irish immigration system makes no distinction between heterosexual and same-sex partners. A non-EEA national may be granted permission to remain in the State as the partner of an Irish citizen. Each case is assessed on its merits and what counts is that the partnership is genuine and that the partnership has existed for at least two years. It is a matter for the applicant to prove the relationship to the satisfaction of the Minister. This may include evidence of joint bank accounts, utility bills etc.
The illegal status of the non-EEA partner clearly complicates matters. All foreign nationals have a responsibility to ensure that they have permission from the immigration authorities to be in the State and the fact that they have entered into a relationship with an Irish national in no way dilutes this obligation. Any person who is unlawfully present in the State would be expected to leave. However, such persons are not prevented from making an application for leave to remain while in Ireland. This includes a person who is claiming to be the partner of an Irish citizen. It should be noted that the making of this application does not of itself confer any additional legitimacy on their presence in the State.
An applicant should provide full information of their immigration history in the State and their relationship with their Irish partner and also outline any extenuating circumstances in respect of their illegality. The State must, in addition to ensuring that those who obey the rules benefit from doing so, be careful to ensure that any partnership is not contrived or constructed for the purposes of circumventing immigration controls.
214 Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of deportation orders signed in 2008; the number of deportation orders signed since 1 January 2009; the number of deportation orders signed in 2008 and to date in 2009 which have been enforced; the number of asylum applications received by his Department in 2008 and to date in 2009; and the breakdown of the country of origin of the persons who lodged asylum applications. [44724/09]
The number of Deportation Orders signed in 2008 was 757, and in 2009 (to 31 October), a total of 939 were signed. In 2008, 161 deportations were carried out, while in 2009 (to 31 October) a total of 240 deportations took place. In some instances these deportations were carried out on foot of Deportation Orders that had been signed in previous years.
The number of asylum applications received in 2008 and 2009 (to 31 October) and the top ten countries of origin are as set out in the attached tables.
|
Country of Origin |
Applications Received |
|
Nigeria |
1,009 |
|
Pakistan |
237 |
|
Iraq |
203 |
|
Georgia |
181 |
|
China |
180 |
|
DR Congo |
173 |
|
Moldova |
141 |
|
Somalia |
141 |
|
Sudan |
126 |
|
Zimbabwe |
114 |
|
Other |
1,361 |
|
Total |
3,866 |
|
Country of Origin |
Applications Received |
|
Nigeria |
499 |
|
Pakistan |
216 |
|
China |
169 |
|
DR Congo |
91 |
|
Moldova |
79 |
|
Georgia |
78 |
|
Somalia |
77 |
|
Zimbabwe |
77 |
|
Ghana |
75 |
|
Iraq |
75 |
|
Other |
918 |
|
Total |
2,354 |
215 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will support a matter (details supplied) in Dublin 3. [44730/09]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the location referred to is in the Clontarf Sub-District. Local Garda management is aware of anti-social behaviour at this location, and the area has been designated a public order hot-spot. Any complaints received in respect of anti-social behaviour in the area will continue to be investigated by An Garda Síochána.
A member of the local Community Policing Unit is allocated to this area. An active Neighbourhood Watch Scheme is in place, and Gardaí are in regular contact with residents.
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. Persons are regularly stopped and searched in the area, and a person has been arrested in connection with criminal behaviour in the area.
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.
216 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he expects the legislation to pass the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to be published; when Second Stage will be taken in Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44936/09]
I refer the Deputy to the reply to Questions Nos: 195 and 196 of 1 December 2009. I have nothing to add to the details of that reply.
217 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for citizenship in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45008/09]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question 277 on 17 November, 2009. The position remains as stated.
218 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; if consideration will be given in the particular circumstances of this case on the grounds of humanitarian and health issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45009/09]
I refer the Deputy to the Reply given to his Parliamentary Question No. 148 on 5 November 2009. The status of the person concerned is as set out in that Reply.
The Deputy might wish to note that the person concerned is the subject of a Deportation Order, is evading deportation, and is therefore illegally present in the State. Should she come to the notice of the Gardaí, she would be liable to arrest and detention. The person concerned should, therefore, present herself to the GNIB without any further delay.
219 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a review will be undertaken in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45010/09]
The person concerned applied for asylum on 2 February 2006 on her own behalf, and on 30 March 2006 on behalf of her child. Her asylum application was refused following consideration of her case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
The person concerned was informed, by letter dated 8 January 2009, that the Minister proposed to make Deportation Orders in respect of her and her child. She was given three options in accordance with Section 3(3)(b)(ii) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended), to be exercised within 15 working days. Namely, to leave the State voluntarily, to consent to the making of Deportation Orders or to make representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why she and her child should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State i.e. why she should not be deported.
This communication also advised the person concerned of her entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006). The person concerned submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with these Regulations. Following consideration of the information submitted, the application was refused. The person concerned and her legal representative were notified of this decision by letter dated 23 October 2009.
Her case was then examined under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999, (as amended), and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended), on the Prohibition of Refoulement. Consideration was given to representations submitted on her behalf by her legal representative for permission to remain in the State. On 28 October 2009, I refused permission to remain temporarily in the State and instead signed Deportation Orders in respect of her and her child. Notice of these orders was served by registered post requiring the person concerned and her child to ‘present' to the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB), 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2. The person concerned continues to meet the presentation requirements of the Garda National Immigration Bureau (G.N.I.B.) in accordance with Section 8(1)(b) of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended. She last presented on 26 November 2009 and she is due to present again on 2 December 2009.
I am satisfied that the applications made by the person concerned for asylum, for temporary leave to remain in the State and for Subsidiary Protection, together with all refoulement issues, were fairly and comprehensively examined and, as such, the decision to deport her and her child is justified.
The effect of the Deportation Order is that the person concerned must leave the State and remain thereafter out of the State.
The enforcement of the Deportation Order is an operational matter for the GNIB.
220 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45011/09]
The person concerned applied for asylum on 25 June 2004. In accordance with Section 9 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended), the person concerned was entitled to remain in the State until his application for asylum was decided. His asylum application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Arising from the refusal of his asylum application, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was notified, by letter dated 27 July 2009, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why a Deportation Order should not be made against him. In addition, he was notified of his entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006).
The person concerned submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with these Regulations and this application is under consideration at present. When consideration of this application has been completed, the person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome.
In the event that the application for Subsidiary Protection is refused, the position in the State of the person concerned will then be decided by reference to the provisions of Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. All representations submitted will be considered before the file is passed to me for decision. Once a decision has been made, this decision and the consequences of the decision will be conveyed in writing to the person concerned.
221 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding a residency status in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45012/09]
The person concerned applied for asylum on 15 September 2005. Her asylum application was refused following consideration of her case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
The person concerned was informed, by letter dated 4 August 2006, that the Minister proposed to make Deportation Orders in respect of her. She was given three options in accordance with Section 3(3)(b)(ii) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended), to be exercised within 15 working days. Namely, to leave the State voluntarily, to consent to the making of a Deportation Order or to make representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why she should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State i.e. why she should not be deported.
Her case was examined under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999, (as amended), and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended), on the Prohibition of Refoulement. Consideration was given to representations submitted on her behalf by her legal representative for permission to remain in the State. On 11 October 2007, I refused permission to remain temporarily in the State and instead signed a Deportation Order in respect of her. Notice of these orders was served by registered post requiring the person concerned and her child to ‘present' to the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB), 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2. The person concerned continues to meet the presentation requirements of the Garda National Immigration Bureau (G.N.I.B.) in accordance with Section 8(1)(b) of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended. She last presented on 24 November 2009 and she is due to present again on 15 December 2009.
I am satisfied that the applications made by the person concerned for asylum, for temporary leave to remain in the State, together with all refoulement issues, were fairly and comprehensively examined and, as such, the decision to deport her is justified.
The effect of the Deportation Order is that the person concerned must leave the State and remain thereafter out of the State.
The enforcement of the Deportation Order is an operational matter for the GNIB.
222 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for residency in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; if he has received new information supporting this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45013/09]
The Deputy will be aware, from previous Dáil replies in this matter, that the person concerned is awaiting deportation following a comprehensive examination of his asylum claim and of his application to remain temporarily in the State.
The Deputy will also be aware that the person concerned evaded his deportation from 30 October 2003 until 21 May 2009 when he began presenting, as required, at the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB). On that occasion he was given a further presentation date which he kept. He is due to present again on Tuesday 1 December 2009.
While commencing to comply with his presenting requirements at the GNIB is a step in the right direction, it does not alter the fact that the person concerned remains subject to an extant Deportation Order. As stated in a previous Reply, Section 3 (11) of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended, provides the Minister with a power to amend or revoke a Deportation Order. An application seeking to revoke a Deportation Order must set out any new facts or circumstances which have arisen since the original decision to deport was made. Any such application submitted would be considered on its merits, having due regard to all refoulement issues, and following such consideration a decision would be taken to either affirm or revoke the Order. No representations have been received to date in this regard.
The enforcement of the Deportation Order in this case remains an operational matter for the GNIB.
223 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for residency in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45014/09]
I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question No. 143 of Thursday, 30 April 2009, and the written Reply to that Question.
The up to date position is that the representations submitted by the person concerned as to why a Deportation Order should not be made in respect of him are currently being considered in my Department. This consideration will have regard for the provisions of Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. Once this consideration has been completed, the file is passed to me for decision. Once a decision has been made, this decision and the consequences of the decision will be conveyed in writing to the person concerned.
224 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding residency and leave to remain and work here in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 16; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45015/09]
The person concerned is illegally present in the State and has no entitlement to work or reside here. She has made an application to return to her home country through the Voluntary Return programme run by the International Organisation for Migration and this application has been accepted by my Department.
225 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for family reunification in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45016/09]
I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that the person referred to by the Deputy made a Family Reunification Application in respect of his wife and children in January 2008.
Following examination of the application, it has been necessary to make further enquiries regarding the documentation submitted.
The application will be considered further when these enquiries have been completed.
226 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the way in which he proposes to change the system in relation to repossession or surrender of property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45054/09]
The position is that substantial reforms of the law governing the powers and rights of lending institutions in relation to taking possession and exercising the power of sale of mortgaged property are set out in Part 10 of the Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Act 2009 which entered into force on 1 December 2009.
227 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the statistics for each of the past five years for which figures are available regarding drivers breathalysed; the numbers tested; the number over the limit; the number of cases processed to court stage; the number of cases where drivers were suspended or disqualified; the number of cases not pursued through court; the number of cases still in the court system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45059/09]
In the time available it has not been possible for the Garda authorities to supply the statistics requested by the Deputy regarding drivers breathalysed. I will be in contact with the Deputy when the information is to hand.
The Medical Bureau of Road Safety (MBRS), which comes under the aegis of the Department of Transport, analyses blood, urine and breath specimens received under the Road Traffic Acts for the presence of alcohol.
The total number of blood, urine and breath specimens certified as over the legal limit by the MBRS are set out in the following table. Statistics for 2009 are not currently available.
|
Year |
Number of specimens certified as over the limit |
|
2005 |
10,371 |
|
2006 |
13,413 |
|
2007 |
14,088 |
|
2008 |
12,420 |
Statistics in relation to the courts are a matter for the Courts Service, which under the Courts Service Act 1998 is independent in the performance of its functions.
228 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the efforts that have been made by the Irish Embassy in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, to respond to an incident involving an Irish person (details supplied); the progress of the investigation on this case; if a progress report was ever communicated to the person concerned who is now residing here; if the matter was raised between his Department and the relevant country in which the incident occurred; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44928/09]
The Irish Embassy in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, first became aware of this case in July of last year. I understand that the issue concerned a complex and difficult land dispute in northern Tanzania.
My Department's primary concern is for the safety and security of Irish citizens living or visiting abroad. As the Deputy is aware the person concerned has departed Tanzania. Our Embassy has raised the issue with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and is continuing to pursue the matter with the relevant district authorities.
229 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Foreign Affairsk, in view of the business of attracting and catering for foreign students coming here for higher educational university courses in either the public or private system, the number of embassies abroad that have a designated staff member from the Department of Education and Science or an agency under his remit for such purposes; if same will be listed or the person to whom enquiries and requests for contacts from abroad are referred to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45057/09]
The international education sector makes a significant contribution to the Irish economy. Latest estimates indicate that the overall economic impact from international students in higher education institutes and English language schools in Ireland, including fees, accommodation and living expenses, is over €900 million.
Enterprise Ireland, on behalf of the Minister for Education and Science, has primary responsibility for the marketing and promotion of the "Education Ireland" brand overseas. It takes the lead role in the development, promotion and marketing of international higher education exports in line with overall government strategies.
I believe there is potential for significant further growth. In all our embassies and consulates, the majority of which are small, two-person missions, the promotion of Ireland as a centre of excellence for international education is a core activity. Missions work in close collaboration with Enterprise Ireland, the Department of Education and Science, and other relevant government departments and agencies in this regard.
Currently, fifteen of our embassies and consulates include a staff member from Enterprise Ireland. In other regions, where Enterprise Ireland is located separately from the mission, the two coordinate their activities and work closely together on the ground. No officials from the Department of Education and Science are currently assigned to our overseas missions.
230 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on correspondence (details supplied); the funding provided to the group to date in 2009; his plans to fund this group in the future in view of the valuable work that the group are doing with the disability groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44750/09]
Special funding of €2.5 million was allocated from the dormant accounts fund for the appointment of 20 Sports Inclusion Development Officers (SIDOs) in Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs) in 2008. The SIDOs were appointed on two-year contracts to provide opportunities for persons with a disability to participate in sport and physical activity.
A network of 33 LSPs have been set up throughout the country by the Irish Sports Council (ISC) to coordinate and promote sport at local level especially amongst specific target groups such as older people, girls and women, people with disabilities, unemployed people, and those who live in identified disadvantaged communities. The special dormant accounts funding was in addition to the annual funding provided to the LSPs by the ISC for programmes and initiatives aimed at increasing participation in recreational sport. The ISC has allocated €6 million to the LSPs in 2009.
The continuation of the SIDO scheme from 2010 will be dependent on the outcome of the 2010 Estimates deliberations.
231 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the amount paid to each grade for all staff employed by Bord Fáilte and CERT each year from 1997 until they were amalgamated into Fáilte Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44950/09]
The Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism was formed in June 2002 and the vast majority of the information sought by the Deputy precedes that date. Moreover, such information is held by Fáilte Ireland and accordingly, I have asked them to compile the information as best they can and to respond to the Deputy directly.
232 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of persons directly employed by each of the local and regional taskforces; the amount of these salaries annually; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44697/09]
In 2009, the number of persons employed in the Drugs Task Forces and receiving funding from my Department for drugs initiatives is 54. Some of these work in a part-time or job-sharing capacity and the cost of the salaries this year is in the region of €2.5m. Individual Task Force information is detailed below.
In some instances, the Task Forces employ the persons directly while in others, a Task Force project or other local organisation acts as a host employer for the Task Force staff.
For completeness I should add that the Co-ordinator of each Task Force is separately an employee of the HSE.
|
Local Drugs Task Force Area |
Number employed 2009 |
Cost in 2009 |
|
€m |
||
|
Ballyfermot |
0 |
0.000 |
|
Ballymun |
3 |
0.154 |
|
Blanchardstown |
5 |
0.267 |
|
Bray |
0 |
0.000 |
|
Canal Communities |
7 |
0.326 |
|
Clondalkin |
2 |
0.123 |
|
Cork |
2 |
0.085 |
|
Dublin 12 |
2 |
0.075 |
|
Dublin NE |
4 |
0.208 |
|
DLR |
1 |
0.050 |
|
Finglas Cabra |
2 |
0.081 |
|
NIC |
2 |
0.076 |
|
SIC |
0 |
0.000 |
|
Tallaght |
2 |
0.138 |
|
Total |
34 |
1.583 |
|
Regional DrugsTask Force |
Numbers employed 2009 |
Cost in 2009 |
|
€m |
||
|
East Coast |
1 |
0.030 |
|
Mid-West |
3 |
0.134 |
|
Midlands |
2 |
0.088 |
|
North East |
3 |
0.142 |
|
North West |
2 |
0.094 |
|
North Dublin City & Co. |
2 |
0.104 |
|
South East |
2 |
0.095 |
|
South West |
2 |
0.103 |
|
Southern |
1 |
0.050 |
|
Western |
2 |
0.086 |
|
Total |
20 |
0.926 |
233 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the location of Gaeltacht areas; the criteria for establishing same; when the last Gaeltacht area was established; if same could be established in an urban area; if such applications have been submitted and processed in recent years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45046/09]
Under the Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Act 1956, the Government may from time to time, by order, determine specified areas to be included in the Gaeltacht. The Act declares that such specified areas are areas "being substantially Irish-speaking areas and areas contiguous thereto which, in the opinion of the Government, ought to be included in the Gaeltacht with a view to preserving and extending the use of Irish as a vernacular language". Areas determined by Government to be included in the Gaeltacht may be in rural or urban locations.
By means of the Gaeltacht Areas Order 1956, a total of 84 District Electoral Divisions (DEDs) and parts of a further 58 DEDs were determined to be Gaeltacht areas under section 2 of the above-mentioned Act. Three further Orders have since been made — in 1967, 1974 and 1982 — determining additional areas for inclusion in the Gaeltacht.
The Deputy will be aware that the draft 20-year Strategy for the Irish Language has been submitted for consideration by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Arts, Sport, Tourism, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. The draft Strategy contains a number of proposals with regard to Gaeltacht areas. For example, it proposes that Gaeltacht status should be based on linguistic criteria only and given statutory status through a new Gaeltacht Act. It also proposes that there should be provision for "Network Gaeltacht Areas", which would be predominately in urban communities that have achieved a basic critical mass of community and State support for the Irish language, and would be afforded special status accordingly. The draft Strategy will be submitted for final approval by Government when the process of consideration by the Oireachtas Committee is completed.
234 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will investigate the non-payment of backdated rent supplement to a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44682/09]
The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which includes rent supplement, is administered on behalf of the Department by the Community Welfare division of the Health Service Executive.
The 2009 Supplementary Budget introduced new arrangements for access to rent supplement. In order to qualify for a rent supplement, from 27 July 2009, a person must have been residing in private rented accommodation or accommodation for homeless persons (or any combination of these) for a period of 183 days within the preceding 12 months of the date of claim for rent supplement. A person may also qualify for rent supplement where an assessment of housing need has been carried out within the 12 months preceding the date of claim and the person is deemed by the relevant local authority to be eligible for and in need of social housing support.
In all other cases, a person who wishes to apply for rent supplement is referred, in the first instance, for an assessment of eligibility for social housing support by the relevant local housing authority. Only when the person has been assessed as being eligible for and in need of social housing support, does the person become eligible for consideration for rent supplement.
The Executive has advised that the person concerned applied for rent supplement in August 2009. As he did not satisfy the qualifying conditions for access to rent supplement, he was advised to apply to his local housing authority for an assessment of his housing needs. An assessment, indicating that he is eligible for and in need of social housing support was completed by the Local Authority on 19 October 2009. In accordance with the relevant legislative provisions, rent supplement has been awarded from the 19 October 2009. The person concerned does not have an entitlement to rent supplement for any period prior to being assessed by a housing authority as being eligible for and in need of social housing support.
The Executive has further advised that the person concerned appealed against the decision not to backdate the payment of rent supplement to August 2009, to a HSE Appeals Officer. That officer upheld the decision of the Executive. It remains open to the person concerned to appeal the decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.
235 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her plans to provide funding to address the cost of the recent flooding in Athy, County Kildare, its hinterland and the south Kildare area for the many families and businesses affected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44743/09]
236 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if residents and businesses adjacent to the Munster Blackwater in Fermoy, County Cork will be eligible for the humanitarian aid fund; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44938/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 235 and 236 together.
The Government recognises the devastation suffered by people in many areas of the country as a result of the recent floods. Community Welfare Service staff throughout the country have been providing huge support to families every day since this flooding occurred. They have 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. Community Welfare Officers have made over 470 initial emergency payments to people in areas impacted by flooding, including 200 payments made in Cork. The average payment made was €300. Officers will continue to make these payments as long as there is a requirement to do so.
In addition to this, a Humanitarian Assistance Scheme is being set up to provide means-tested financial support to people who have suffered damages to their homes. An initial sum of €10million has been set aside by the Government for this purpose. 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. Humanitarian assistance is not an alternative to insurance in cases where household insurance was available on a reasonable basis.
However, where insurance cover is not available because of previous flooding claims, a person may claim humanitarian assistance. All of the main insurance companies have 24 hour, 7 day a week dedicated phone help lines in place to assist people to make claims under their household insurance policies. Depending on nature of the insurance policy held, some companies may make advance payments to help people replace their most important belongings immediately. Insurance companies have undertaken to process claims as quickly as possible. Costs of medical treatment and supplies may also be considered in determining assistance where medical cover is not already in place i.e. private health insurance or medical card.
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. The scheme 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. Neither will it cover damage to private rented accommodation or local authority accommodation, though humanitarian assistance may be considered in the case of a tenant's personal belongings.
The basic principle of the means test will be to determine the household's capacity to meet the costs of restoring their home to a habitable condition. All household income will be considered when determining entitlement to payment. However, account will be taken of outgoings such as rent or mortgage payments, other loans and travel to work costs. In addition to the means test, other factors will also be considered by the Community Welfare Service in assessing individual applications, including whether the applicant is or was homeless as a result of the flooding, the age profile of family members i.e. babies, young children or elderly persons, the availability of support from the wider family; and the special needs that people may have as a result of illness or disability. 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). While this scheme is not intended to provide full compensation for all losses and damage it will go towards alleviating the hardship which many hundreds of families have had to endure.
237 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a funeral expense grant is payable in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45006/09]
The Bereavement Grant is a social welfare support available to assist families in coping with bereavement and associated expenses. In this regard, the Bereavement Grant is a once off payment designed to assist families in dealing with funeral expenses on the death of an insured person. It is paid by cheque to the spouse, partner, next of kin or personal representative of the deceased or to the person responsible for the payment of the funeral bill. The scheme covers virtually all insured persons, including the self-employed and people covered by the modified rate of social insurance, for example, public servants. A payment in the amount of €850 was paid to the spouse of the deceased on 23/10/2009. Mr. Brereton also received an Exceptional Needs Payment of €2,000 from the Community Welfare Officer on the 28 of September 2009 in respect of funeral expenses in relation to his late wife who passed away on 22 August 2009.
238 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the amount that the family resource centre costs per year; the running costs for the more than 100 family resource centres here; the number of volunteers working with the family resource centre network; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44698/09]
The Family Support Agency operates the Family and Community Services Resource Centre Programme (FRC Programme). Funding for the FRC Programme in 2009 is €18.047 million. There are 107 Family Resource Centres (FRCs) nationwide. Running costs for FRCs include the cost of employing between one and three workers (such as a coordinator, administrator or community development worker). Running costs could also include rent (where applicable) and other overheads. Running costs paid by the Family Support Agency to FRCs range from about €80,000 to about €200,000 annually depending on the nature of the FRC. Family Resource Centres involve people from marginalised groups and areas of disadvantage at all levels in the project. Over 900 people serve on voluntary management committees of FRCs with other volunteers contributing each year to FRC activities and programmes.
239 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of children covered by qualified child increases. [44717/09]
At the end of October 2009 qualified child increases were paid in respect of 336,348 children at full-rate and 111,854 children at half-rate.
240 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her views on child benefit claims from mothers who are EU citizens and married to Irish born citizens and living here with their Irish born children, if these mothers, regardless of their EU country of origin, are required to produce certificates of residence on a quarterly basis in order to continue to receive child benefit; and if mothers from the United Kingdom, married to Irish citizens and living here, also are required to produce the same certification on a quarterly basis. [44737/09]
The Child Benefit scheme has, in recent years, experienced significant expansion in the volume of claims received, the rates of payment and the diversity of the customer base. The annual cost in 2008 was approximately €2.46 billion and the payment is 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. All of the non-Irish mothers referred to by the Deputy — and also mothers from outside the EU — are required to produce the certificates.
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 Joint Committee on Social & 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.
241 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the rules for tapered withdrawal of rent supplement or mortgage interest supplement where a person returns to work under State supported schemes such as community employment, back to work or graduate placement and so on. [44922/09]
The supplementary welfare allowance scheme provides for a weekly or monthly supplement to be paid in respect of rent or mortgage interest to any person in the State whose means are insufficient to meet their needs. The supplementary welfare allowance scheme is administered by the community welfare service of the Health Service Executive on behalf of the Department. 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.
Similarly, mortgage interest supplement provides short-term income support to eligible people who are unable to meet their mortgage interest repayments in respect of a house which is their sole place of residence. The supplement assists with the interest portion of the mortgage repayments only. Significant improvements have been made to the means test for rent and mortgage interest supplement in recent years. The assessment of means now provides for a gradual withdrawal of payment as hours of employment or earnings increase. Those availing of part-time employment (less than 30 hours a week), community employment, and/or specified training opportunities can continue to receive rent or 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.
A person is regarded as being in full-time employment where s/he is works for 30 hours a week or more and in general, a person is not entitled to rent or mortgage interest supplement while engaged in remunerative full-time employment. However, where an existing rent supplement tenant has been out of full-time employment for at least 12 months and, has been accepted by a housing authority as being eligible for accommodation under the Rental Accommodation Scheme, that person may engage in full-time employment and still be considered for rent supplement, subject to their satisfying all of the other conditions of the scheme, including a means test. Arrangements are in place to allow a person to participate in approved employment or training schemes or engage in full-time employment and retain entitlement to mortgage interest supplement on a tapered basis for up to 4 years in certain limited circumstances. The Department is actively considering the retention of rent and mortgage interest supplements for those who participate in the graduate placement scheme and a decision will be made shortly.
242 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when child benefit will be awarded in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45020/09]
The claims of the person concerned, and earlier claims by his wife, were disallowed on the grounds that the habitual residency condition was not satisfied. Romanian nationals are required to be either self-employed or to have a permit to work as an employee. Neither requirement is satisfied in this case.
243 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when unemployment assistance or unemployment benefit will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45022/09]
The person concerned claimed jobseeker's benefit from 29 September 2009. According to the records of the Department he has 59 contributions paid in the 2007 year which governs his claim and 60 contributions paid in the 2008 tax year. The maximum valid contributions a person can have in a tax year are 53. The person concerned has recently indicated that he had two employers in the relevant tax years. The Department is in receipt of a P45 from the first employer, and the person concerned has been requested to supply a P45 from the second employer. When this P45 is to hand a decision will be made on his claim.
244 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Defence when he will propose the nomination to the President of the new chairman to the central council of the Irish Red Cross; the selection criteria for such an appointment; if the views of all relevant stakeholders, that is, the central council and the staff of the Red Cross, will be sought in relation to this appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44701/09]
The Irish Red Cross Society is an autonomous body, established by the Irish Red Cross Society Order 1939 pursuant to the Red Cross Act, 1938. The Order sets out the basis on which the Society shall be governed. It provides that there shall be a Central Council which shall exercise the powers of the Society, organise the Society and control and manage the affairs of the Society. Membership of the Central Council is by way of appointment by the Government or by election in accordance with the rules of the Society. In accordance with Section 9 of the Irish Red Cross Society Order, 1939 the Chairman of the Irish Red Cross Society shall be a member of the Central Council and shall be nominated by the President of the Society. The Red Cross Act, 1944, provides that the President of Ireland shall by virtue of her Office be President of the Society.
An individual must be a member of the Central Council of the Society before s/he can be appointed as Chairman. In nominating persons to Central Council, the Government considers that it is highly desirable that the Society should have on its governing body, professional people with a wide variety of knowledge and expertise, gained through work experience in both the public and private sector and volunteer experience with the Society. The Government, in recommending to the President a person to act as Chairman, will carefully consider and nominate a person who it deems will make a positive contribution to the affairs of the Society.
245 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the case of a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; if this application will be sanctioned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44681/09]
Enquiries have been made with the local authority in this case and it is understood that the application is under active consideration by Arklow Town Council. The sanctioning of the application is entirely a matter for the local authority concerned.
246 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount that has been set aside for the maintenance and upkeep of flat complexes in Dublin City which was earmarked for regeneration and which has now stalled; his views on whether an adequate maintenance service and budget must be available for local authority properties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44699/09]
Under section 58 of the Housing Act 1966, the management and maintenance of the local authority housing stock is a matter for individual authorities. Minimum standards for rental accommodation are prescribed in the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2008, as amended by the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) (Amendment) Regulations 2009, made under section 18 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1992. With very limited exemptions, these regulations apply to local authority and voluntary housing units, as well as private rented accommodation, and all landlords have a legal obligation to ensure that their rented properties comply with the regulations.
247 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of units of affordable housing built on State land since 2006 to date in 2009 and which remain unoccupied; the location of each in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44706/09]
A total of 3,652 affordable homes have been delivered under the Affordable Housing Initiative (AHI) in the period from 2003 to end June 2009, the bulk of which were delivered under Part V of the Planning and Development Acts, through land exchanges or through development on local authority owned lands. 62 units were developed directly on State lands, on a site in Athenry, County Galway, which was transferred to the AHI from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. These units were completed this year and are currently in the process of sale by Galway County Council. In light of the recent significant changes in the housing market, and the associated implications for affordable housing, I am currently reviewing the Affordable Housing Initiative.
248 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the grants available for group sewerage and water schemes; his plans to review these grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44708/09]
The rate of grant available for Group Sewerage Schemes is €2,031.58 per house or 75% of the cost of the scheme, whichever is the lesser. My Department has funded a pilot programme to test a range of new, small-scale waste-water collection and treatment systems under Irish conditions. The objective of this pilot programme was to evaluate new approaches to meeting the waste water collection and treatment needs of rural communities. The National Rural Water Services Committee, which is currently being established, will consider the Final Report on the performance of new infrastructure provided under this pilot programme. I will review the future role of group sewerage schemes in the provision of waste water collections systems in the light of the Committee's report.
In the case of group water schemes a grant of 100% of the cost of essential treatment and disinfection facilities is available for schemes participating in bundled Design Build Operate contracts. Other necessary works like buildings, reservoirs, pipelines associated with the contract are grant aided at up to 85% of cost, subject to a maximum grant of €6,475.66 per house. Grants of up to 85% of cost subject to a maximum grant of €6,475.66 per house are available for new group water schemes and for general upgrading of existing group water schemes using conventional procurement. The current grants available for group water schemes are considered adequate and I have no proposals at present to review them.
249 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if all local authorities complied with the major emergency plan; the emergency plan in respect of each local authority; when each of these plans was last appraised; and the findings in respect of each plan. [44757/09]
The purpose of the Major Emergency Development Programme was to enable the Principal Response Agencies (the Garda Síochána, Health Service Executive and the main local authorities) to respond to a major emergency which occurs in, or affects, their functional areas in any part of the country. Under the Framework for Major Emergency Management, the Major Emergency Development Programme organised by my Department in the period 2006 to 2008 resulted in the Principal Response Agencies adopting Major Emergency Plans on 30 September, 2008.
The new system replaced a Framework in place since 1984. Preparedness appraisals were undertaken by the major local authorities at the end of 2008, reviewed by my Department, and deemed valid in accordance with the provisions of the new Framework. Copies of the various major emergency plans are available from the local authorities. While no authority declared a Major Emergency for the recent flooding, the procedures set out in the Major Emergency Plans were utilized to ensure an interagency co-ordinated response to the flooding. The various authorities, agencies and voluntary bodies used the preparedness steps of the Major Emergency Plans to underpin their response. I am satisfied, from my own visits to affected areas, and from reports received from these areas, that the Principal Response Agencies, together with the Defence Forces, Civil Defence, voluntary bodies, community groups and individuals responded as effectively as possible in the difficult circumstances involved, in dealing with the flooding in various parts of the country.
250 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding an application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway to sell a bog to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44763/09]
I understand that this application was received on 4 November 2009.
My Department will arrange a survey of the land in question and will be in touch with the vendor in due course. This land is on one of the 32 raised bog Special Areas of Conservation that was designated in 1997. Bog plots and turbary rights on these sites are being prioritised for purchase under the voluntary bog purchase scheme.
251 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the value of the subsidy payable towards payments on a home purchase loan or shared ownership for persons on low income; the categories of buyer eligible for this subsidy; and if he plans to increase the income thresholds or the value of subsidy in view of the increased income thresholds for house purchase loans. [44923/09]
A mortgage subsidy or, as appropriate, a rental subsidy under the Shared Ownership Scheme, is available to support home ownership for low income households with income below €28,000 in the previous tax year. This subsidy is intended to reduce the monthly outgoings of the purchaser. Alternatively, a mortgage allowance of €11,450 spread over 5 years is available to assist tenants or tenant purchasers of local authority houses and tenants of dwellings provided by approved voluntary housing bodies under the Capital Loan and Subsidy scheme, who return their accommodation to the body, thus making it available for re-letting, to become owner-occupiers of other dwellings, including affordable housing.
Current income bands and subsidies under the mortgage subsidy scheme and the amount of mortgage allowance payable each year are set out in the table below. There are no plans at this time to widen the household income bands or to increase the subsidy/allowance.
|
Mortgage /Rental Subsidy |
Mortgage Allowance |
||
|
Household Income per annum |
Subsidy payable per annum |
Year |
Allowance Payable |
|
€13,000 and under |
€2,550 |
1 |
€3,560 |
|
€13,001 to €15,500 |
€2,300 |
2 |
€2,800 |
|
€15,501 to €18,000 |
€2,050 |
3 |
€2,040 |
|
€18,001 to €20,500 |
€1,800 |
4 |
€1,780 |
|
€20,501 to €23,000 |
€1,550 |
5 |
€1,270 |
|
€23,001 to €25,500 |
€1,300 |
Total |
€11,450 |
|
€25,501 to €28,000 |
€1,050 |
252 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans for new noise pollution guidelines, particularly house alarms that fail to shut off; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44924/09]
There is a commitment to introduce comprehensive legislation on noise pollution within the lifetime of this Government. Earlier this year, following an extensive consultation process, the General Scheme of a Noise Nuisance Bill was prepared in my Department and approved by the Government. The Noise Nuisance Bill is included in the Government Legislation Programme published on 16 September, 2009.
The issue of noise nuisance caused by intruder alarms was raised in many of the submissions received during the consultation. Measures to tackle this problem, including through the issuing of fixed payment notices, are currently being considered by my Department, in conjunction with the Office of the Attorney General.
253 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the funding his Department allocated to a fire station (details supplied) in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; if the fire brigade ambulance is to be retained at this station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44951/09]
Approval for the extension of Tallaght fire station was granted under the 2006 Fire Services Capital Programme. To date funding of €252,279 (€216,269 in 2006; €4,235 in 2007; €31,775 in 2008 and nil in 2009) has been provided to Dublin City Council in respect of this project. The Council has submitted a revised proposal for the development of Tallaght Fire station to the Department and it is under consideration for inclusion in the 2010 Fire Services Capital Programme.
Dublin Fire Brigade provides an ambulance service in the Dublin area on behalf of the Health Service Executive. I have no function in relation to the location of ambulances, which is a matter to be decided by Dublin City Council and the Health Service Executive.
254 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on whether an independent investigation should be carried out into water management by a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44725/09]
In the current difficult circumstances the ESB is carrying out its responsibilities for water management in the Rivers Shannon, Lee, Liffey and Erne and is reporting to the National Emergency Response Coordination Committee which in turn is reporting to the Government. I have no function in relation to water management and I am not aware of any plans for an independent investigation in this regard.
255 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of businesses connected to the Wexford town metropolitan area network; the cost of each connection; his views on whether the usage of this network is satisfactory; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44728/09]
The Wexford Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) is one of the twenty-seven Phase I MANs currently being managed, maintained and operated on behalf of the State by e|net, the Management Services Entity.
To date, twenty-one connections have been constructed on the Wexford MAN. While the number of connections may appear to be small, it should be noted that each of these connections is being used to provide services to numerous individuals, e.g. employees in organisations such as Wexford County Council and Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. It should also be noted that just one connection by a broadband service provider can allow that service provider to provide onward services to many hundreds of its own customers.
The cost of connecting to a MAN is a commercial matter between e|net and its customers. A connection to a MAN primarily comprises construction costs.
The MANs have played an important role in improving Ireland's telecommunications market. An analysis carried out by e|net showed an estimated 570,000 people rely on the MANs for some form of communications services. The importance of MAN infrastructure, in terms of helping to secure indigenous and foreign investment is highlighted by IDA data which shows that most of the foreign direct investment in 2007 went to MAN-enabled towns, which was not the case before the MANs became available.
256 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding the proposed office rationalisation in County Cork; the decisions that have been made regarding the proposed closure of offices in Mallow and on South Mall, Cork; the contractual arrangements which have been entered into regarding relocation; if he has taken into account both staff and client concerns in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44672/09]
On 15th July, the Government approved my plan for a reorganisation of my Department's Local Office Network. The plan involves reducing, from 57 to 16, the number of offices from which the Department will operate District Veterinary, Forestry and Agricultural Environment and Structures support services in the future.
The decision to close some forty offices of the Department was made only after we had completed a detailed study of the Department's operations at local level. Decisions were made in relation to the overall strategy and against a background of major changes in the Department's operating environment in recent years brought about by the impact of the Single Farm Payment, benefits derived from substantial investment in Information Communications Technology and significant reductions in the incidence of disease.
As part of this plan the Mallow AES and South Mall AES/DVO offices will be closed. The work from these offices will be transferred to a new office to be located in Fermoy. No contractual arrangements have been entered into regarding accommodation in Fermoy to date. The Office of Public Works is in discussions in relation to this accommodation but no decisions have been taken as yet.
As regards client concerns, improvements in business processes, information technology and communications will allow the Department to provide to all of our clients, such services as those referred to earlier, from the 16 enhanced offices set out in the plan. In essence, the new structure was designed to improve and enhance service delivery by integrating into regional offices a range of services that were previously delivered from a much larger number of local offices, thus delivering better levels of customer services through new regional ‘one stop shops'.
The various staff associations are being consulted in relation to the redeployment of staff within my Department and to other Departments.
257 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the legislation governing the sale of unpasteurised milk; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44689/09]
The draft legal instrument to introduce a ban on the sale of raw milk from all species for direct human consumption is at an advanced stage. Officials from my Department have been in consultation with the Department of Health and Children with a view to implementing the ban by means of a Statutory Instrument under the Health Act of 1947 (as amended).
A public consultation process was undertaken last year and resulted in the receipt of submissions from interested parties relating to the proposal to extend the ban to milk from sheep and goats. Following examination of these submissions by my Department's experts, it was decided, with the agreement and support of the FSAI, that the consumption of unpasteurised milk is an unnecessary and unacceptable risk to public health and that a ban on the sale or supply of unpasteurised milk from all species should be implemented.
Introducing the proposed ban will involve notifying the EU Commission as required by EU Directive 98/34, which deals with the provision of information regarding technical standards and regulations. This process will commence shortly.
258 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if a decision has been made on an application by a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [44714/09]
This is a matter for the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA), an independent authority, which was established under Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006 on January 1st 2007. The Act clearly provides that the Authority is independent in the exercise of its functions and as such I have no remit as to its work programme or its strategic deployment of resources.
I have, however, asked the SFPA to reply directly to the Deputy.
259 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding the farm retirement pension in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44722/09]
An application from the person named was received in my Department on 27 October 2009. All applications received up to the closing date of 30 October are being examined in my Department at present. The details of the application from the person named, as well as the funding available, will be taken into account in reaching a decision. As soon as the decision has been made, she will be notified of the outcome.
260 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will consider making contractors (details supplied) carry out work on behalf of farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44749/09]
It is a matter for REPS participants to paint farmyard sheds themselves or to arrange to have them painted and I do not intend to introduce a register of approved painting contractors. I would however encourage anyone who is aware of possible breaches of social welfare schemes to report such incidences to the relevant authority for investigation.
261 Deputy John Cregan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if a person (details supplied) in County Limerick will qualify for a new milk quota following receipt of their green certificate in February 2010; and the criteria for securing a milk quota. [44766/09]
A person intending to acquire milk quota as a new entrant under the Milk Quota Trading Scheme must satisfy a number of eligibility criteria. These include having the necessary educational qualifications, having previously held no quota, and having their own lands, herd number and separate milking facilities. The detailed rules governing the scheme are available from my Department (including on its website) and from participating Co-ops. The first stage of the 2010/2011 Scheme will be completed shortly and a second stage will be implemented in the spring.
The same criteria, together with the requirement to submit a business plan, applied to successful applicants to the recently completed New Entrants Scheme. This scheme is currently being reviewed with a view to deciding whether to implement a similar scheme in 2010.
262 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps taken to reduce CO2 emissions within the agricultural sector; if reductions will be achieved without compromising production; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44941/09]
In 1990, greenhouse gas emissions from Ireland's agriculture sector amounted to 19.9 million tonnes CO2 equivalent. By 2007, this amount had been reduced, by 6.5%, to 18.6 million tones. This reduction was achieved despite a marginal increase in livestock activity in that period. The most recent EPA projections indicate that emissions from the sector will be reduced further, to an average of 18.2 million tonnes per annum for the Kyoto period 2008-2012, a reduction of 8.5% compared to 1990 emissions levels. Even in its “best case” scenario, the EPA projections show that, apart from a reduction of 0.3 million tonnes in the residential sector, Ireland’s agriculture sector will be the only sector of the economy to deliver emissions reductions in the Kyoto period.
To assist the Government in identifying the most appropriate means of achieving emissions reductions in the non-trading sector of the economy (which includes emissions from primary agriculture) the Cabinet Committee on Climate Change and Energy Security is examining the emissions reduction potential of the entire non-trading sector and will report to Government on the optimum alternatives to achieve our national emissions reduction commitments.
While I recognise that achieving further reductions in greenhouse gas emissions in the agriculture sector presents a major challenge, I believe that the sector will continue to play its part in both reducing emissions and adapting to the impacts of, what seems now to be, the unavoidable changes to our climate. Accordingly, my Department will, where possible, continue to take measures designed to the reduce greenhouse gas emissions and that increase renewable energy option. In that context, my Department will continue to examine various abatement options in close liaison with Teagasc.
Under my Department's Research Stimulus Fund there has been a significant commitment, of €15.5 million, to climate change research projects since 2005. This includes research into such areas as more efficient slurry application, increased use of clover, which would reduce nitrogen usage, non-inversion tillage and increasing the length of the grazing season.
263 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on the findings of the report of the National Economic and Social Forum entitled Child Literacy and Social Inclusion: Implementation Issues of November 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44721/09]
The National Economic and Social Forum (NESF) published its Report, "Child Literacy and Social Inclusion — Implementation Issues", on 11 November 2009. The report, which I have welcomed, is the first to be produced under the National Economic and Social Forum's current mandate from the Government, that is, to focus strongly on the Irish experience of policy implementation. The Report is aimed at complementing the ongoing evaluation of DEIS. The project team for the NESF report included representatives from my Department.
The Educational Research Centre (ERC) is the independent evaluator of the School Support Programme (SSP) component of DEIS. A comprehensive evaluation of DEIS involving an in-depth programme of research to inform policy formation has been commissioned and will be concluded in mid-2010. As part of the evaluation of DEIS, an ERC report entitled Educational Disadvantage in Primary Schools in Rural Areas is to be published in the near future.
In addition, the Department's Inspectorate has been undertaking work in relation to evaluation of examples of good practice. The inspectorate has recently published a report entitled "Good Practice in Literacy and Numeracy in Disadvantaged Primary Schools" which is also relevant in this regard. Furthermore, the Inspectorate's routine evaluations in DEIS schools as well as recent reports by the ESRI and Barnardo's and the current NESF report will feed into the evaluation.
One of the key recommendations of the NESF report relates to enhanced integration in service delivery. This is consistent with the integration of social inclusion support services within the National Education Welfare Board. With effect from 1 September 2009, the Home School Community Liaison Scheme (HSCL), the School Completion Programme (SCP) and the Visiting Teachers Service for Travellers (VTST) are now integrated under the NEWB and the NEWB is now developing an integrated model of service building on the combined strengths of the four services (HSCL, SCP, VTST and the Educational Welfare Service) to deliver a child focused and integrated approach to school attendance, retention and participation.
The report includes a central overarching recommendation that a National Literacy Policy Framework be put in place that has a ‘life-cycle' emphasis, with the involvement of the various education and community stakeholders.
Promoting literacy and numeracy skills is already a core element of the ongoing work of schools as well as being a core objective of DEIS. 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 ERC and the reports of the assessments are published.
Having regard to the above, I will consider the recommendations 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 under way.
264 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science his progress to date in introducing an 11-week certified programme for up to 700 redundant apprentices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44921/09]
The Institutes of Technology have developed a new education programme for redundant apprentices, who cannot otherwise secure the job placements required in order to complete their normal apprenticeship programme. The programme focuses on developing core skills in maths, ICT and business in order to facilitate students progressing to other higher education programmes or to completing their apprenticeship at a later stage. Participants will receive a FETAC Level 5 Certificate in Construction Technology or Certificate in Engineering Technology for the programme. The institutes have been working closely with FÁS in making redundant apprentices aware of the scheme. Programmes commenced in a number of Institutes of Technology September 2009. This provision was sufficient to meet immediate demand. The institutes intend to run further programmes in January 2010.
265 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will approve the recommendation outlined in correspondence from this Deputy on 20 October 2009 to allow grant aid in respect of an all-purpose room for a school (details supplied) in County Kilkenny as recommended by the school inspector in order that the current project, which is approved, and the all-purpose room can be completed in 2010. [44710/09]
I can confirm that the school to which the Deputy refers made an application to my Department in February 2008 for large scale capital funding for a classroom, a resource room, a GP room and ancillary facilities. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and assigned a band 2 rating.
Information in respect of the current school building programme along with all assessed applications for major capital works, including the project referred to by the Deputy, are now available on my Department's website at www.education.ie.
The priority attaching to individual projects is determined by published prioritisation criteria, which were formulated following consultation with the Education Partners. There are four band ratings under these criteria, each of which describes the extent of accommodation required and the urgency attaching to it. Band 1 is the highest priority rating and Band 4 is the lowest. Documents explaining the band rating system are also available on my Department's website.
The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.
My Department sanctioned a devolved grant of €60,000 to enable the management authorities of the school in question to build a Resource Room in March 2008. It is understood that the school authority decided to build a Resource Room and an All-Purpose Room costing €323,875.00 without the approval of my Department and are now seeking retrospective funding. As the Deputy will be aware, it is the policy of my Department not to provide retrospective funding for works which were carried out without Departmental approval.
266 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science if a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be facilitated with grant assistance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44715/09]
Under the terms of my Department's Higher Education Grants Scheme, maintenance grants are not payable to candidates who already hold an undergraduate degree and are pursuing a second undergraduate degree. Similarly tuition fees, under the Free Fees Initiative, are not payable in respect of a second period of college attendance on a course at the same level. These restrictions apply to every student who already holds a qualification at the same level, irrespective of where that qualification was obtained or whether or not funding was previously awarded. Clause 7.6 of the Higher Education Grant Scheme refers.
267 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in view of the study carried out by his Department using data from the Central Statistics Office, the General Register’s Office, the Department of Social and Family Affairs and recent school enrolments, County Clare has been identified as an area requiring significant additional school provision at primary and post primary level; the number of the 40 selected locations identified here that are in County Clare; the individual schools in County Clare that were identified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44744/09]
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. Ennis in Co. Clare has been identified as one of those locations.
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 County Clare will be considered in this regard.
268 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding an application for a third level grant in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; if this application will be processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44915/09]
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.
269 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Education and Science if a child of a non-EU national working here who has lived here for almost three years on a valid permit will qualify for EU fees in our universities and institutes of technologies. [44917/09]
The position is that there is a distinction between the criteria which determines eligibility under my Department's free fees schemes, and the criteria by which individual third level institutions establish the rate of tuition fee to be charged, in cases where a student does not qualify for free fees. The third level institutions are autonomous bodies and, as such, may determine the level of fees to be charged in such cases. I have no role in this matter.
270 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in view of the publication of the draft 20-year strategy for the Irish language with its emphasis on immersion education, he will reconsider his decision to end the practice of early immersion education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44927/09]
The revised primary curriculum was launched in 1999 and provides an integrated programme of learning in the spheres of Languages, Mathematics, Social Environmental and Scientific Education, Arts Education, Physical Education, Social Personal and Health Education and Religious Education. Page 27 in the Introduction to the Curriculum states "It is a particular feature of Irish primary education that children, from the beginning of schooling, have experience of language learning in two languages." The curriculum also specifies a set of learning objectives for each area of the curriculum for 4 groupings — infant classes, first and second class, third and fourth class, and fifth and sixth class. It also sets out a suggested minimum weekly time framework for tuition. This provides that where a first language is being taught, there should be four hours instruction per week, and 3 hours per week where there is a shorter day for the infant classes. Where a second language is being taught, the suggested minimum timeframe is 3.5 hours per week, and 2.5 hours per week for infant classes with a shorter day.
My Department fully supports immersion models of education, but this does not obviate the need for Irish medium schools to implement all elements of the national curriculum. Furthermore the achievement of the curriculum objectives in every curriculum area at each of the four levels of primary schooling is an over-riding requirement in all schools. I am convinced of the importance of ensuring that all children have access to the full primary curriculum from the earliest possible stage. This approach is not in conflict with the strategy for the Irish language.
271 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science, further to Parliamentary Question No. 586 of 25 November 2009, the reason the payment will not be backdated to September 2008 in view of the delays outside their control and the commitments given by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44930/09]
The qualifications for the teacher in question were recognised by the Teaching Council in October 2009. It is my Department's policy to pay the qualified rate to teachers from 1st September of the school year in which recognition has been obtained from the Teaching Council.
Accordingly, since the qualifications were recognised during the 2009/2010 academic year, salary at the qualified rate was backdated to the 01st September 2009 to the teacher in question.
272 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in view of circular 0064/2009, he will provide a copy of the data or source which indicated that some schools are considerably in excess of the average water usage level of 3.5 cubic metres per pupil per year; if he will list these schools by name, address and roll number; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44934/09]
As indicated to the Deputy in my answer to Questions Nos. 532 and 546 of 24 November, my Department is in receipt of data from some local authorities on metered water consumption.
I will arrange for information to be forwarded to the Deputy in relation to schools which are considerably in excess of the average water level usage of 3.5 cubic metres per pupil per year according to this data.
273 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to a scheme (details supplied) that will provide whiteboards in primary school classrooms in return for 500 old mobile phones collected by the school community; the percentage of the €150 million in diverted school building funds that will be spent on installing whiteboards in school classrooms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44935/09]
I am aware of the scheme run by the Jack and Jill Foundation whereby schools are provided with Interactive Whiteboards in return for recycling mobile phones. I understand that a large number of schools have registered for this scheme.
The recently published Advisory Group Report "Smart Schools = Smart Economy" recommends an initial investment package of €150m over the next 3 years and I am committed to making funding available for ICT in schools over these years. As a first step, €22 million in grants was issued to primary schools last week, with the priority on ensuring that there is a teaching computer and digital projector in every classroom. Funding for post-primary schools will be made available early in the New Year.
One of the main recommendations of the Advisory Group Report is that, as a minimum, a teaching computer be deployed in every classroom in 2009/2010, along with a digital projector. Schools who have been issued ICT grants are being asked to prioritise the purchase of this equipment. Once this level of technology is in place in every classroom in the school, the funding may then be used towards the purchase of other ICT devices such as interactive whiteboards, digital video cameras, visualisers, speakers etc.
274 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in his role as employer of teachers, he has responsibility for deducting the parking levy from teachers; if he has satisfied himself that the schools under his remit have complied with their legal obligations under sections 3 and 4 of the Finance (No. 2) Act 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44946/09]
The question asked by the Deputy does not yet apply as the Ministerial Order relating to the parking levy as set out in the Finance (No. 2) Act 2008 is not yet agreed.
275 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the private education colleges, universities and institutes operating here; if they are under the control of his Department or agencies under the aegis of his Department; if they are licensed and approved; if diploma and degrees are certified and by whom; the agency or section of his Department which operates as the channel for dealing with such colleges here and universities, colleges and students abroad in setting up or coming here; if a licensing system exists or if it will be introduced; if the roles of the national curriculum of Ireland and City and Guilds will be outlined; if colleges operating here have or can seek a quality assurance certification; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45061/09]
My Department does not regulate the provision of private colleges. In the context of a lifelong approach to learning, it would not be feasible to confine all provision of education and training to providers which are nationally accredited. However, systems are in place to enable private colleges to access external quality assurance and to offer programmes leading to nationally recognised awards.
The National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), was developed and is maintained by the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland (NQAI), a body under the aegis of my Department. The NFQ is a system of ten levels that incorporates awards from basic literary awards up to doctoral degrees. The NFQ enables providers in public, private, workplace or community settings to offer recognised awards in further or higher education. Quality assurance is central to the NFQ and all awards which are recognised through the NFQ are quality assured.
Private colleges who comply with the relevant processes and standards can offer courses leading to framework awards of the Further Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC) or the Higher Education and Training Awards Council (HETAC), bodies established under statute. They must agree their quality assurance arrangements with the relevant awards council, and satisfy the council that the programmes leading to the awards are of an appropriate standard, the necessary supports are in place for learners and the assessment arrangements are fair and consistent. There are also procedures under which international or professional bodies may seek to have their programmes aligned with or included in the NFQ, if they wish to do so. A substantial range of such awards, including City and Guilds awards, have been aligned with the NFQ and many private colleges offer programmes leading to such awards. My Department is also bound by the Lisbon Convention and the EU Directive on Mutual Recognition of Professional Qualifications to give appropriate recognition to nationally accredited awards from other jurisdictions.
It should be noted that under Sections 15 and 25 of the Qualifications (Education and Training) Act 1999, State-funded providers of education and training are required to have their programmes, other than recreational or leisure programmes, validated by FETAC or HETAC. This does not prevent them from offering the awards of other bodies such as City and Guilds in addition, should they wish to do so. Awards bodies such as City and Guilds may also offer their awards in the private sector, in line with EU obligations relating to the provision of services.
In addition to this, the Department's Qualifications, Curriculum and Assessment Policy Unit maintains an Internationalisation Register containing programmes which are approved for the purpose of access to work by students who are citizens from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland. Only programmes which have been quality assured and/or lead to recognised qualifications are included on the Register. Both the Internationalisation Register and a list of recognised higher education providers are maintained on the Department's website. I will also be providing for the introduction of a Code of Practice for colleges providing education and training to international students and an associated Quality Mark for those who can demonstrate compliance. This will be provided for in legislation being prepared to amalgamate NQAI, HETAC and FETAC and the amalgamated agency will be responsible for adopting the Code of Practice and monitoring compliance.
Private schools may also offer the national curriculum if they wish to do so and may seek recognition as examination centres from the State Examinations Commission, or may enter students for certificate examinations as external candidates. My Department does not quality assure or regulate schools which are not State funded. However, under the Educational Welfare Act, there are procedures in place for the purpose of ensuring that students receive a certain minimum education in places other than recognised schools and centres of education.
276 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Education and Science, in view of the business of attracting and catering for foreign students who come here for higher education or university courses in either the public or private system, the number of embassies abroad that have a designated staff member from his Department or an agency under his remit for such purposes; if same will be listed or the person to whom inquiries and requests for contacts from abroad are referred to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45058/09]
My Department's primary role in the promotion of international education is co-ordination and policy development, and Departmental officials are not seconded to Irish Embassies for this purpose.
Under the new arrangements which I have recently put in place to promote Ireland as a centre for international education, Enterprise Ireland has been given operational responsibility, under my authority, for the marketing and promotion of the "Education Ireland" brand overseas and the development, promotion and marketing of international higher education.
The Department of Foreign Affairs, including Ireland's network of diplomatic missions, also plays a key role in promoting international education, including through awareness-raising, supporting Ministerial visits, maintaining contacts with overseas Government Ministries and education agencies and lending support and assistance to visiting Irish institutions; it works very closely with Enterprise Ireland in this regard. The Department of Foreign Affairs is represented on the inter-agency group on international education which my Department chairs, and will also be represented on the high-level group on international education. In order to ensure full awareness of the issues involved in international education, my Department provides a full briefing to Irish Ambassadors and other diplomats prior to their departure on overseas posts.
