Vol. 700 No. 1
99 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to amend the gate three system to facilitate commercially viable new wind farm proposals getting grid connection without unreasonable delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3342/10]
The Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) has statutory responsibility for grid connection offers and for oversight of EirGrid's grid connection process including the Gate process for renewable energy.
There is currently over 1,500 megawatts (MWS) of renewable generation capacity connected to the electricity grid. Wind powered technology is the dominant renewable technology. Over 100 individual windfarms have been connected with a combined capacity of 1,260 MWs. 240 MWs of hydro-power are connected. The balance represents biomass plants mainly landfill gas.
The contribution from renewable energy connected to the electricity grid is increasing very steadily from year to year. Renewable generation contributed 11.9% of all electricity consumed in 2008 compared to just 4.4% in 2003. Ireland is on schedule to meet the 15% target for electricity from renewable sources for this year.
In addition to projects already built and connected, a further 1400 MWs of capacity have already signed grid connection offers and have been accepted into the Renewable Energy Feed in Tariff (REFIT) programme.
These projects were part of the Gate 1 and Gate 2 processes, and will be built and connected to the grid over the next two or three year period.
The CER and EirGrid have calculated that around 5,800 megawatts (MWs) of renewable capacity will be required in total to deliver the 40% target in 2020.
The CER decision on the ‘Gate 3' round provides for connection offers for an additional 4,000 MW of renewable electricity capacity. Approximately 90% of these offers are wind powered capacity including around 800 MW of offshore wind. The Gate 3 decisions, combined with existing renewable energy capacity and projects currently being built and connected, point to the 40% target being met by 2020.
The projects in Gate 3 were selected by the CER on a "first come first served" criterion. Grid connection offers for projects within the Gate 3 process began to issue last month and will continue to be issued on a phased basis until mid 2011.
To ensure this process operates efficiently and to keep the industry stakeholders informed of the ongoing work, the CER has established a Gate 3 Liaison Group involving all stakeholders, including EirGrid and the renewable industry associations. The objective is to ensure the connection offer process is completed quickly, transparently and effectively.
The Gate 3 process was extensively consulted on by the CER. Through public consultation and dedicated industry workshops, all industry stakeholders were given the opportunity of responding in advance to the proposed connection process.
In the event of any non take-up of the Gate 3 offers, the CER would intend to add replacement projects currently in the queue, to ensure delivery of the 2020 target.
A strategic framework to deliver on the potential for exporting renewable electricity from Ireland is also a key priority. This will take account of grid technology developments, power flow management techniques, and progressive interconnection with the UK, and potentially Europe. In that context Ireland's membership of the North Seas Countries Offshore Grid Initiative and involvement in other EU offshore wind fora will ensure that Ireland is at the forefront of European developments in offshore renewable energy.
100 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of applications received for home energy saving schemes to start in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3407/10]
124 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when the national energy efficiency retrofit programme will be launched in view of the difficulties that expenditure in 2009 was running behind profile; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3408/10]
146 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of persons who availed of home energy saving scheme grants in 2009; the value of grants provided in 2009; if the scheme is continuing in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3334/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 100, 124 and 146 together.
The Home Energy Saving (HES) Scheme which is administered by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI), provides grant assistance to homeowners for energy efficiency retrofitting measures including attic and wall insulation, very high-efficiency boilers, heating controls and Building Energy Rating (BER) assessments.
The scheme is open to anybody owning a house that was built prior to 2006. Homeowners can expect to save up to €700 per year on their energy bills if they install the full suite of measures available under the scheme. The scheme offers grants of up to 40% of the typical cost of energy efficiency upgrade measures, depending on the measure concerned.
The scheme, which was launched in March 2009, had attracted 40,724 applications by the end of December 2009. Some €16.26 million was paid out by SEI by the end of the year, representing 33,434 energy efficient measures installed in 18,183 homes. The scheme allows homeowners six months, from the date of grant approval, to have the work undertaken. In the first three weeks of January there have been an average of 1,300 applications per week and some €2.5m has been paid out in HES grants in that period.
The National Energy Retrofit Programme, announced on Budget Day, will further reduce energy costs and carbon emissions in homes and business while also creating employment and developing a sustainable market for energy services in Ireland. The detailed design and specification of the new programme is being finalised by my Department and SEI. The Programme will be the subject of a public consultation in the near future. In broad terms the Retrofit Programme will bring together the HES and the Warmer Homes Scheme (WHS), as well as support programmes for business and the public sector. It will also involve the development and promotion of energy services by the energy companies.
This new Programme has the potential to be the most innovative, ambitious, energy-related initiative ever introduced in Ireland. It will significantly reduce CO2 emissions and contribute to meeting the national efficiency targets including the target of 33% set for the public sector. It will also create significant employment in the energy and construction sectors in support of economic renewal.
It is important to stress that pending the introduction of the Retrofit Programme, the HES and the WHS are fully open for business in 2010 with applications being received and processed by SEI.
101 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the provision of commercial digital terrestrial television here; the further position regarding the ongoing negotiation between the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland and a consortium (details supplied); the timescale for the roll out of a free to air digital terrestrial television service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3384/10]
107 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding digital terrestrial television; when the contract for DTT with a consortium (details supplied) will be finalised; his views on reports that companies have reduced their stake in that consortium; the amount spent on DTT by RTÉ to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3412/10]
126 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the implications for the digital dividend in the event of a collapse of digital terrestrial television contractual negotiations here; the outcome of a digital dividend; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3422/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 101, 107 and 126 together.
Part 8 of the Broadcasting Act 2009 provides for the development of digital terrestrial television (DTT) in Ireland and for the closure of the national analogue TV network.
This Act requires RTÉ to provide a national ‘free to air' digital service with capacity to carry RTÉ 1, RTE 2, TG4 and TV3 by the end of 2011 or such later date as I may specify. The RTÉ ‘free to air' digital service is to replace the existing analogue terrestrial television service and I wish to make it clear, at this stage, that it is my intention that the date stipulated in the Broadcasting Act for the ‘free to air' DTT launch should be met.
In addition, the 2009 Act requires the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI), an independent regulatory authority, to provide for the development of commercial digital terrestrial television services.
On foot of this requirement, the BAI's predecessor, the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland (BCI), launched a competition, which is still ongoing. As the Deputy is aware, the highest placed consortium in the competition withdrew from the process last April. Negotiations then commenced with the next placed bidder and this process is continuing.
As I stated recently in response to a previous question on this issue, I am not prepared to speculate on the outcome of the commercial DTT process, which is a matter for the BAI and one in which I have no role. Nor am I prepared to surmise on the ongoing negotiations between the BAI, RTÉ and the OneVision consortium. I have, however, made clear my view that I would like to see this process concluded as soon as possible.
The conclusion of the process is essential to provide certainty for broadcasters, suppliers and the general public with regard to the development of commercial DTT services in Ireland.
In relation to the rollout of DTT services, I am informed by RTÉ that, to date, 13 sites have been upgraded to accommodate the single ‘free to air' DTT multiplex and also three commercial DTT multiplexes.
I have been informed that the capital expenditure undertaken by RTÉ on DTT to date, is estimated at €31.5m.
Under section 129 of the Broadcasting Act 2009 RTÉ is required to ensure that ‘free-to-air' DTT is available to 90% of the population on such date as may be specified by the Minister. RTÉ has indicated a preference for launching ‘free-to-air' DTT in parallel with a commercial DTT operator as RTÉ believes that the availability of commercial DTT is important to assist it in getting a return on its investment and to ensure adequate viewer choice in the digital era. However, a commercial DTT service, while offering more choice to the viewer, is not an essential element in providing for analogue switch off.
As I have previously stated, my policy objective is the earliest possible switch-off of the analogue TV system operated by RTÉNL and it is my intention that this will be no later that quarter four 2012.
In this regard, I have established a group to advise me on planning for analogue switch-off and related matters.
The Analogue Switch-off Group includes representatives of the BAI, ComReg, RTÉ and my own Department. I expect to be presented with the group's recommendations within the coming weeks and when I have considered them I will announce the precise dates for the availability of ‘free-to-air' DTT and analogue switch-off.
The timely switch-off of analogue broadcast services will release valuable spectrum and will position Ireland to maximise the benefits of the resulting digital dividend.
102 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the research carried out by and supports available from his Department to encourage harvesting combustible gases such as methane of fuel from slurry and other forms of biomass; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3336/10]
The sustainable development of indigenous bioenergy resources is critical to meeting EU and national targets for renewable heat, electricity and transport. Anaerobic digestion technology offers the possibility of generating renewable electricity and heat from a variety of waste materials. It will also contribute to the Government's policy objectives in a number of related fields, not least waste management, rural development and pollution control in groundwater.
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, through its Research Stimulus Fund, has supported a significant amount of research in bioenergy including anaerobic digestion (AD) projects. My Department is also funding a number of projects under the Charles Parsons Awards specifically addressing biogas and biowaste potential. These include work by the Bioresources Research Centre (BRC) in University College Dublin into small scale gasification and the optimisation of AD processes in biowastes. The University of Limerick is also carrying out a range of bioenergy research under the Charles Parsons Awards including the thermochemical conversion by biowaste.
Science Foundation Ireland has taken over the administration of the Charles Parsons Awards in recent months. The Renewable Energy Information Office (REIO) of Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) has been actively advising on the potential opportunities associated with anaerobic digestion technology.
There is growing interest in the economic potential of the technology given not least the large potential supply market in the agricultural and industrial sectors.
Supports are also available for the development of Anaerobic Digestion plants. The Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Deployment Programme, administered by SEI, was opened for Biomass and Anaerobic Digestion CHP applications in January 2008.
The Renewable Energy Feed In Tariff (REFIT) for biomass and anaerobic digestion CHP of 12 cent per kilowatt hour, will support the development of the sector. Six applications have been received to date. Under the auspices of the Renewable Energy Development Group, the Bioenergy Working Group, which is chaired by my Department and includes industry stakeholders, is currently finalising a Bioenergy Road Map to 2020 to underpin the development of bioenergy, including biomass and AD over the next decade. The Working Group is scheduled to submit a report to me by March next.
A number of AD plants are now under construction, some of which will primarily use animal waste and others, which will use biodegradable municipal and household waste. There are at least nine additional AD plants currently seeking planning permission. This level of potential investment underlines the growing interest in potential of anaerobic digestion technology.
103 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the installation of pilot scheme smart electronic meters; when same will be rolled out to every home as per the programme for Government; the cost of the pilot scheme and the estimated cost for the roll out to every home; the geographic locations of the pilot scheme; if this will facilitate the introduction of a micro-generation strategy; the arrangements in place for electricity customers of Bord Gáis and Airtricity to be involved in the smart metering project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3424/10]
121 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the roll out of smart meters by the ESB to homes here. [3401/10]
125 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if, in view of the smart meters, the installation of more than 1,900 meters for the customer behaviour trial of the gas element has been completed; when the trials will begin; when same will be completed; the original timeframe for completion of the smart meter trials overall; the estimated cost of the whole smart meter project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3431/10]
135 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress made to date in the implementation of the smart metering programme; the extent of its performance; the potential expansion in each of the next three years; the net benefit in terms of prices charged to the consumer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3322/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 103, 121, 125 and 135 together.
The Smart Metering Project is progressing well in line with the commitment in the Government's Energy Policy Framework and the Programme for Government. The Smart Metering Project is a central component of the strategy to radically enhance management of energy demand, create smart networks and deliver greater energy efficiency through the use of cutting-edge technology.
Smart Metering is also now seen at European Union level as a critical dimension of energy demand management in the interests of consumers and businesses. At the recent informal meeting of EU Energy Ministers, the Spanish Presidency and the Commission both confirmed the importance of moving ahead with smart meter programmes across Europe. I am pleased to say that Ireland is to the forefront among Member States in our progress on the smart meter agenda.
The national smart metering programme covers both electricity and gas. The pilot phase of the project, which encompasses technology and customer behaviour trials, is under way to schedule. Technology trials are testing a number of advanced metering systems and their associated IT and communications infrastructure. Customer behaviour trials are determining the potential of smart meters to achieve measurable change in consumer behaviour. The trials are essential to ensure that the optimum and most cost effective technology and systems are identified for the implementation phase.
The electricity trials will be completed to schedule at the end of this year.
The electricity technology trial is assessing metering functionality and supporting information and communications systems. Installation of up to 5,000 meters has commenced for technology testing in Limerick/Ennis, Cork City/Bandon and South Dublin/Wicklow.
6,500 participants for the electricity customer behaviour trial have been selected. The group has been selected to ensure that all categories of electricity consumers are represented, both in terms of usage profiles and geographical spread. All meters being used for this trial have been collecting baseline data since 1 July 2009. The trial went live on 1 January this year.
The Customer Behaviour Trial covers both domestic users and SME's. Domestic customers make up the bulk of the trial. It has been agreed that only ESB Customer Supply customers will be involved in the domestic consumer trial due to the costs involved in replicating IT systems. Customers of ESB Customer Supply, Bord Gáis and ESB Independent Energy are involved in the SME trial. The independent suppliers elected not to take part in the pilot phase but they are being kept fully apprised of progress.
The specifications of the metering systems allows the testing of a range of parameters. These include interval metering reading, time of use tariffing and the use of In Home Display devices. They will also provide reliable quality data on actual energy use patterns. This information will lead to significantly better services to consumers including, improved fault monitoring and outage recording, power quality monitoring, reduced theft and losses and improved network planning.
The gas element of the pilot phase is also moving ahead. 1,925 meters have been installed for the Customer Behaviour Trial and have been collecting data since 1 December. A further 500 meters will be installed to facilitate the Gas Technology Trials. These trials will go live next June and will continue until May 2011.
The smart metering pilot project is proceeding in parallel with the work by Sustainable Energy Ireland and ESB on microgeneration. The data gathered from the interval meters being used in the microgeneration scheme will provide vital information on the import and export of electricity. This will feed into the analysis of electricity use under the smart metering pilot project. In turn, the findings of the smart metering pilot will inform the development of a long term microgeneration framework.
The total estimated cost of the smart meter pilot project is approximately €35m which encompasses €30m for the electricity element and €5m for the gas element. The costs of the national roll out will be quantified in light of the results of the pilot project and decisions taken on the most cost effective smart metering/ICT system to deliver the level of functionality required in the Irish market.
In that context a fundamental element of the pilot project is the associated cost benefit analysis. An interim analysis will be completed later this year with the final analysis, to include the results of the gas trials, to be completed by mid next year. The outcome of this cost benefit analysis will critically inform future decisions on the national roll-out of smart meters.
104 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the measures he plans to introduce to promote bio-fuel production domestically here in view of the setting of a biofuel content for petrol and diesel target of 4%. [3354/10]
119 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the commitment to the biofuels directive; the further position regarding the European led sustainability criteria that was to be finalised in December 2009; the role his Department had in finalising such a criteria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3417/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 104 and 119 together.
The 2009 Renewable Energy Directive has set a 10% target for Renewable Energy in Transport for all Member States by 2020. The approach taken by Ireland to deliver on this target will ensure that there is sustainable development of an Irish biofuels market in line with overall EU biofuel policy criteria.
The introduction of the National Biofuel Obligation this year will underpin delivery of the national biofuel target and the development of the Irish biofuels market. The Biofuel Obligation Bill to give effect to the obligation will be published shortly with a view to its introduction in the Oireachtas in the coming weeks.
The Biofuels Mineral Oil Tax Relief Schemes have already supported the development of indigenous production. Under the Obligation fuel suppliers will be legally required to include an average of 4% biofuels in their overall annual fuel sales. The Obligation, by creating a guaranteed market demand, will of itself stimulate and support the supply of Irish sourced biofuels. It will act therefore as an incentive for market production and give the Irish biofuel industry economic certainty.
The trading of certificates under the Scheme, will also act as an incentive for Irish producers. For each litre of biofuel sold in the market a certificate will be issued by the National Oil Reserves Agency as the Administrator of the scheme. Certificates will also be subject to verification by sellers to demonstrate that they meet the sustainability criteria. Biofuel obligation certificates may be traded among registered operators. I am confident tradability of these certificates will enable small indigenous producers, in particular, to enter the market and develop their businesses.
The development of EU biofuel sustainability criteria regime was overseen by a special "ad hoc" Committee, which comprised all Member States and the Commission. My Department participated in the work of the committee. The criteria are duly reflected in the Renewable Energy Directive, which was agreed by Council and the European Parliament in mid 2009. They will also be an integral part of the National Biofuels Obligation scheme. The Commission is finalising its guidance document on the implementation of the criteria including reporting and verification requirements. These will also be reflected in into the National Obligation Scheme.
105 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the way in which he intends to support community television and radio; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3409/10]
The Broadcasting Act, 2009 contains measures designed to support community broadcasting.
The Act provides for the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI), an independent statutory body, to prepare a scheme for the granting of funds to support certain categories of new television or sound broadcasting programmes.
One of the objectives of the scheme is to develop local and community broadcasting. The funds are granted through the Broadcasting Fund which is administered by the BAI. Under the 2009 Act the allocation for the Fund was increased from 5% to 7% of net television licence fee receipts.
The Act also requires the BAI to facilitate the transmission of community broadcasting services by entering into "community content provision contracts" with community interests.
The BAI may also, of its own initiative, or at the request of a local community or a community interest, carry out an assessment of the needs of a community in respect of broadcasting.
My colleague the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs oversees the Community Services Programme, which can also provide funding to community radio.
106 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress made on the roll out of an infrastructure for charging electric vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3376/10]
111 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has worked on securing a memorandum of understanding with any new manufacturers with a view to supplying electric vehicles here following his statement that he would look to other manufactures to guarantee choice and supply of electric vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3370/10]
130 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding his commitment on electric cars and the use of electric cars; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3436/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 106, 111 and 130 together.
The Government has ambitious plans for the large scale deployment of electric vehicles in Ireland. We have set a target of 10% of all vehicles to be powered by electricity by 2020 and all relevant Departments and Agencies are working together to ensure that the necessary policies and infrastructure are in place to meet this target.
Electric vehicles are an increasingly realistic solution to the challenge of reducing the transport sector's Greenhouse Gas Emissions and reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels. There is now very significant global investment under way in research and development in this area. The technology is maturing to a point where large scale commercial deployment appears feasible in the short to medium term. There is keen interest internationally in Ireland's commitment to be an early mover in this field. Ireland is seen as an excellent test-bed particularly in relation to network infrastructure development.
In the European Union context, I have welcomed the commitment of the Spanish Presidency to place electric vehicles firmly on the EU energy policy agenda. The Presidency, together with Ireland, Denmark and Portugal, underlined the real opportunities for Europe to transform energy use in transport at the informal meeting of Energy Ministers in Seville on 15 January. We agreed that the development of electric vehicles technology and standards should be progressed by the European Union as part of delivery of energy efficient and low carbon systems. In the discussion, I highlighted the need for economic incentives to support market entry as well as common standards. The Commission also confirmed that electric vehicles will be included as a priority under the Strategic Energy Technology Plan.
The challenge now for Ireland is to develop a cost efficient electric vehicle infrastructure network, together with measures to develop a market for the vehicles themselves.
ESB Networks is playing a central role in the development of the infrastructure network. Initial estimates by ESB Networks for the roll out of infrastructure are between 6 and 18 months depending on the scale of initial deployment. The company has already begun installing the first 20 charging points. ESB is also playing a leading role in work by European utilities and car manufacturers to progress essential standardisation across Europe. I was pleased to get confirmation from the Commission at the informal Energy Ministers meeting that it also has begun work on standardisation.
The Inter Departmental/Inter Agency Taskforce has reported on the costed options and timeframes for putting in place the necessary infrastructure and other arrangements for the cost effective deployment of electric vehicles on a national basis. Global and EU developments will be factored in as the technologies mature.
I am currently reviewing the report of the Taskforce with a view to bringing it to Government in the near future for agreement to setting a clear roadmap ahead.
My Department and the ESB have agreed a Memorandum of Understanding with Renault-Nissan, which provides for ongoing information exchange on developments. Discussions are under way with a number of other car manufacturers, with a view to developing Memoranda of Understanding, with them also.
The Minister for Finance confirmed in Budget 2010 the Government's commitment to encourage the increased use of environmentally friendly electric cars and related technology development. To that end the VRT exemption for electric vehicles and the VRT reliefs of up to €2,500 for plug-in hybrid vehicles are being extended until end 2012. The Minister for Finance also gave a commitment to bring forward support to offset the initial battery costs for electric vehicles, the details of which are currently being progressed. This scheme is intended to incentivise up to 11,000 electric vehicles to come onto the Irish market over the next three years.
108 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has established an implementation task force chaired by his Department regarding the setting up of a one stop shop to improve the provision of broadband infrastructure here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3397/10]
133 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the development of a one stop shop to improve the provision of broadband infrastructure here; and the reason for the delay in setting up this new structure to date. [3377/10]
142 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the commitment to establish a one stop shop to provide service providers with open access to existing ducting infrastructure; the further position regarding the implementation of proposals from the Next Generation Broadband Report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3437/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 108, 133 and 142 together.
The establishment of a "one-stop-shop" is one of the commitments in the Next Generation Broadband policy paper "Gateway to a Knowledge Ireland", which I published in June last year.
The concept of a "one-stop-shop" arose from a recognition that there is added value to be had from facilitating telecoms operators in gaining access to ducting in State owned networks, thereby ensuring optimal use of State assets and facilitating more cost-effective roll out of broadband. The context to the proposal is the anticipated increase in demand for high speed broadband into the future.
My Department has had consultations with the telecoms operators and has also engaged with the relevant State Bodies who are generally supportive of the proposal. My Department has also undertaken an initial survey of State-owned networks and has published a series of maps showing the routes of infrastructure such as roads, electricity, gas and rail.
A further development in progressing the thinking behind the concept has been the publication of the Premium Rate Services Bill, which contains an amendment to the Communications (Regulation) Act 2002 whereby the National Roads Authority will provide a formal framework to make ducts on national roads and motorways accessible to telecommunications companies. This Bill, which has cleared all stages in the Dáil, is currently before the Seanad and I anticipate that it will be quickly enacted.
The first key requirement is that operators have up-to-date information about the availability and quality of State-owned ducting and access arrangements. Some information is available on this as a result of the initial survey of infrastructure undertaken by my Department and further elaboration is needed in order to meet the specific needs of operators. The immediate objective is to have information on the availability of and access arrangements for all State-owned ducting via a single contact point later this year.
At the same time we will evaluate and progress the best management system that will provide co-ordinated access to such State-owned ducting.
Such a management system should facilitate our wider objective of promoting co-operation between different telecoms providers of backhaul and wholesale services while at the same time not undermining competition in the market.
109 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will report on his commissioned report into the state of readiness here in the event of a cyber attack; when this report will be published; the remit of same; the cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3440/10]
In September 2009, my Department sought tenders from interested parties for the preparation of a report on the development of a national strategy on cyber security.
The terms of reference of the report includes addressing best practice for the detection and reaction to cyber attacks, the development of a structure to oversee planning and response to cyber attacks and the development of structures to keep the public aware of information security threats.
Espion Limited was appointed to conduct the study and to draft the report. The price tendered for the work was €97,616.85.
The work on the preparation of the report is ongoing and has involved engaging with public and private sector stakeholders. The initial discussions with the relevant stakeholders indicate that all the organisations are aware of the potential threat of a cyber attack and that they have put defences and processes in place to guard against cyber attacks.
The report is currently being finalised.
110 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will report on the use of liquefied natural gas here; if he will address concerns that risks associated with liquefied natural gas include, political instability of exporting nations, price volatility, and security of transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3435/10]
Over half of the gas consumed in the EU comes from sources outside Europe. A key security of supply imperative for Europe is to ensure diversification of supply routes and sources of gas. Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) increasingly is a component of this strategy as Member States work to diversify supply sources and routes. LNG imports account for approximately 15% of the total EU gas market and currently represents the main supply source of gas for the Iberian Peninsula although demand has declined with the Spanish recession. LNG supplies to North West Europe have increased in line with the coming on-stream in 2009 of new LNG facilities in UK, Italy and elsewhere, the current competitive price of LNG on world markets and increased availability of supplies. The gas market generally and the LNG market in particular is much less volatile than in 2007 or 2008.
LNG supplies to Europe are currently sourced from Norway, Algeria, Libya, Egypt, Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, Trinidad and Tobago, Qatar, Oman and Malaysia. Most of these countries are seen as largely stable political regions.
Ireland's demand for gas is met almost entirely by imports across the gas interconnectors from the UK. A declining production and storage at Kinsale, now supplying around 4%, accounts for the remainder. Irish imports account for around 5% of the UK gas market. The vast bulk of UK gas demand is currently being met by indigenous North Sea production and imports from Norway. Through the gas interconnectors Ireland has access to diverse sources of supply including UK indigenous production, Norwegian imports and physical interconnection with mainland Europe. The UK has access to worldwide LNG markets through its significant recent investment in LNG terminals and LNG plays an increasingly important part in UK’s gas supplies.
It is prudent, in light of Ireland's dependence on gas imported from the UK, to work to reduce our reliance on this source. In addition to the work to bring Corrib gas production on stream, opportunities for LNG and for gas storage are being developed.
The island of Ireland currently has no LNG import capability. An LNG import terminal is being developed by Shannon LNG on the Shannon estuary. The proposed ‘merchant' LNG terminal would provide additional security of supply for Ireland in that it would bring diversity to our supply sources and would bring connectivity for the first time to the global LNG market. The prospect of such a facility is therefore a potentially positive step for the island of Ireland.
Shannon LNG has been awarded planning permission for an LNG import facility and terminal under the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006.
The safety standards applying to an LNG facility are primarily the responsibilities of the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) and the Commission for Energy Regulation both of whom have stringent regulations and standards in place under the EC Seveso Directive and other EU Regulations.
112 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will introduce independent monitoring of broadband speeds here as in other jurisdictions; his views on introducing independent technical and customer perspective benchmarks to define the position regarding broadband here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3428/10]
Regulation of telecommunications operators and regulatory issuessurrounding the quality of telecommunications services provided to customers, including broadband services, is the responsibility of the independent Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) in accordance with the requirements of the Communications Regulation Act 2002. In their most recent Residential Consumer ICT Survey (July 2009) ComReg report that nearly 70% of consumers expressed satisfaction with their current broadband speeds.
My Department is currently considering additional statistical initiatives including an analysis of broadband speeds experienced by end users in Ireland. This latter proposal may be developed in a manner consistent with a wider EU study, proposed by the EU Commission, to provide useful comparability on the quality of the broadband services experienced by end users in different regions and markets. I expect these initiatives will commence in 2010.
113 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the new measures he will take to ensure that the cost of energy here is tackled in view of concerns expressed by the commercial sector on the high cost of energy and his failure to tackle this high cost for business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3439/10]
Ireland's high energy costs, by comparison with much of Europe, are primarily due to significant dependence on imported fossil fuels, particularly gas, as well a requirement for very significant investment in energy infrastructure, following two decades of under-investment in the networks. The under-investment in networks and power generation posed real risks to security of supply which had become a major concern for enterprise. Structural challenges, including peripherality, a small and widely dispersed population and lack of economies of scale in power generation, also contribute to a higher energy cost base in Ireland than in competitor countries.
In the current economic climate, indigenous business and the inward investment community are concerned about energy costs. In response to this, the Government has put in place a number of measures to mitigate the cost of energy for business.
These measures, which include significant rebates to electricity consumers, have had a significant impact on our competitive position in energy terms. According to the latest statistics on European energy cost competitiveness, as published recently in Sustainable Energy Ireland's report — "Understanding Electricity & Gas Prices in Ireland", Ireland registered the third largest price drop in electricity prices to industry over the 12 month period ending 30 June 2009. At the same time, 22 of the 27 EU countries experienced price increases. It is also the case that some of the larger industrial customers in Ireland paid less for electricity in Ireland than equivalent customers in Britain in the first half of 2009.
In addition, gas prices to Irish business with medium consumption levels have been falling since early 2008 and fell by 15.8% in the year to end June 2009. Gas prices to business in Ireland for the first half of 2009 were 7% to 10% below the EU average in the two main midrange consumption bands and just 1% above the EU average in the next highest band.
Working with the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), my Department is also investigating the scope for further permanent structural changes to our electricity tariffs that will benefit business. Changes under consideration include some rebalancing of network tariffs from next autumn, as well as the possibility of recovering carbon windfall gains from electricity generators.
The CER has also commenced work on a 5-year review of electricity network expenditure. These reviews are designed to ensure that ESB and EirGrid make even greater efficiencies in operational and capital expenditure, thus driving down costs to all consumers. I am confident that CER will ensure that this review is very rigorous in the interests of mitigating energy costs.
Competition among suppliers is a critical means of exerting downward pressure on electricity prices and also towards ensuring diversity of energy supply to reduce our exposure to high and volatile external energy prices. Significant progress has been made to date, most notably with the all-island Single Electricity Market now in place, the sale of ESB generation capacity, the entry of new players and new generation capacity coming on-stream in the Irish market.
The development of supplier competition in the Large Energy User (LEU) market has meant that since 2006 the CER no longer regulates prices for this sector. ESB Customer Supply now supplies less than 10% of this market. The four main independent suppliers are Energia, Bord Gáis, Airtricity and the independent ESB Independent Energy. The Enterprise community has acknowledged that there is healthy competition in the LEU supply market with the suppliers very actively competing for customers.
There is also active competition between electricity suppliers in the SME market and companies can avail of discounts of up to 10% — 20% simply by switching suppliers. Already approximately 60% of SMEs have made this switch and are experiencing the benefits.
Energy support programmes, offered by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI), are proving very successful in helping businesses reduce their energy usage and hence their costs. In the past two years SEI has given free advice and training to over 1,500 businesses in the SME sector and has advised that every single business has identified immediate savings, typically greater than 10% of costs. Total business cost savings from the programme already total close to €60 million per annum, which is in addition to savings of a similar scale in the SEI Large Industry Energy Network.
Firms in this network include some of Ireland's major employers and represent a significant proportion of Irish export income as well as accounting for 61% of all industrial energy use. In addition to the significant annual savings achieved by firms in this network, Irish industry is also developing an international reputation for its energy efficiency achievements.
114 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the measures that have been implemented from the national energy efficiency action plan published in 2009; the position regarding the target of 20% energy efficiency savings here by 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3425/10]
118 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding his commitment to ensuring a mandatory programme of efficiency measures to ensure public buildings produce 33% energy savings by 2020; the level of energy savings produced in 2007, 2008 and 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3421/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 114 and 118 together.
The Government has set a target of achieving 20% energy efficiency savings across the economy in 2020. As part of this energy efficiency drive, the Government has also committed to achieving a 33% energy saving across the public sector by 2020.
The National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (NEEAP) sets out 90 actions that Government is either already taking or will take in the period to 2020 to achieve the national energy efficiency targets. The savings identified in the Action Plan represent approximately €1.6 billion in avoided energy costs for the economy in 2020. An inter departmental/agency group will oversee the implementation of all NEEAP measures. Reporting, verification of savings and communication of progress towards the 2020 targets including the public sector target will be key outputs from this group.
The key NEEAP actions undertaken to date are as follows:
The Home Energy Saving (HES) Scheme, which is administered by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI), was launched in March 2009. The scheme provides grant assistance to homeowners for energy efficiency retro-fitting measures including attic and wall insulation, very high-efficiency boilers, heating controls and Building Energy Rating (BER) assessments.
The scheme is open to anybody owning a house that was built prior to 2006. Homeowners can expect to save up to €700 per year on their energy bills if they install the full suite of measures available under the scheme. The scheme offers grants of up to 40% of the typical cost of energy efficiency upgrade measures, depending on the measure concerned. The scheme had attracted 40,724 applications by the end of December 2009. In total, 33,434 energy efficient measures were installed in 18,183 homes in 2009.
The Warmer Homes Scheme (WHS) provides support for low income housing for insulation and other energy efficiency improvement measures. This scheme is also managed by SEI and implemented by local community groups. Measures include cavity wall insulation, attic insulation, boiler lagging jackets, draught proofing measures and Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs). These measures are provided free or at a nominal cost to the householder. Advice is also provided on minimising energy use. Some €20 million was provided for the scheme in 2009, which included a contribution of €5 million from ESB and BGE. This enabled energy efficiency improvements to be made in over 19,000 vulnerable homes in 2009, effectively doubling the total number of homes benefitting under the scheme in the previous ten years.
In the business sector, the most significant cost-cutting and energy saving potential lies in improving the energy performance requirements of new non-residential buildings, improvement of existing buildings, encouraging more businesses and public bodies to actively address their energy use and to use the most energy efficient plant, machinery and equipment. In 2009, SEI delivered a €5 million programme that provided grant assistance to the business and public sectors. The programme supports energy efficiency measures for businesses and institutions across the country. Over 74 projects have been funded under the programme. As a result of the work carried out, annual energy savings worth €2.6 million and 12kt CO2 where achieved.
SEI also ran a €1.3m support programme providing energy assessments and training to local authorities and other public sector agencies. This has resulted in savings worth between €1.2M and €1.8M in 2009. A range of best practice guides were also developed and an energy efficiency design process initiated to incorporate energy efficiency principles into the design of new or retrofitted public sector services. Regulations introduced in December 2009 require all public bodies to include, in its annual reports published after January 1st next year, a statement describing the actions it is taking to improve its energy efficiency, together with an assessment of the energy savings arising from those actions. SEI is currently finalising the methodology for calculating energy savings across the public sector.
For 2010, a dedicated public sector programme will build on the work of 2009. The Energy Efficiency in the Public Sector Programme will be the main delivery mechanism for energy efficiency actions by public sector bodies. In addition to the services provided in 2009, areas to be supported this year include:
Developing Energy Service Company (ESC) led models under new the National Retrofit programme, outlined in the Budget
Assisting public sector bodies in the development of 2020 energy efficiency strategies to 2020
Working in partnership with all Departments in relation to energy efficient design and procurement.
Regulations have also been finalised to give effect to the EU Energy Efficiency Directive that include new energy efficient public procurement rules. These new rules will require public bodies to purchase or lease only plant and equipment across a diverse range of technologies that are listed on SEI's database of highly energy efficient products. This database has already been developed as part of the Accelerated Capital Allowance (ACA) Scheme for energy efficient technologies.
SEI is also required under the regulations with producing general guidelines on energy efficient procurement and these will be progressed in conjunction with the new OPW National Public Procurement Office and the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
The ACA scheme was expanded in 2009 to take account of additional categories including energy efficient IT infrastructure and electric vehicles. Companies can now write off the full capital cost of energy efficient equipment in the year of purchase. The ACA scheme currently covers equipment accounting for at least 60% of the energy used by industry in Ireland.
In compliance with the 2006 and 2008 Building Regulations, it is also the policy of the Office of Public Works (OPW) to conduct a feasibility study on the utilisation of renewable energy technologies in all new buildings over 1,000m2 as part of the design process.
The OPW has already installed a number of biomass boiler systems and Solar Panel systems in both new and existing buildings where it has been shown to be both technically and economically feasible. OPW will continue to take this approach going forward.
The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has recently prioritised work through the statutory Building Regulations Advisory Board to establish achievable targets for reductions in primary energy and CO2 emissions for buildings in all sectors of the economy including public sector buildings, with a view to upgrading the requirements in Part L (Conservation of Fuel and Energy) of the Building Regulations in 2010. The work programme currently under way will inform the development of a programme for continuous improvement in Part L requirements in coming years with a view to achieving a Carbon Neutral building standard for buildings other than dwellings, including civic buildings, by 2016.
SEI's Large Industry Energy Network (LIEN) continues to engage with the largest energy using enterprises (in manufacturing and services) where the 120 member companies collectively spend over €800 million per annum on energy. Recently published analysis shows that by spending €1.9 million these companies avoided energy costs of €60 million in 2008 alone.
The National Energy Retrofit Programme, announced on Budget Day, will aim to further reduce energy costs and carbon emissions in homes and business while also creating employment and developing a sustainable market for energy services in Ireland. The detailed design and specification of the new programme is being finalised by my Department and SEI. The Programme will be the subject of a public consultation in the near future. In broad terms the Retrofit Programme will bring together the Home Energy Saving Scheme and the Warmer Homes Scheme as well as the support programme for business and the public sector. It will also involve the development and promotion of energy services by the energy companies.
This new Programme has the potential to be the most innovative, ambitious, energy-related initiative ever introduced in Ireland. It will significantly reduce CO2 emissions and contribute to meeting the national efficiency targets including the target of 33% set for the public sector. It will also create significant employment in the energy and construction sectors in support of economic renewal.
115 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the claims that although there are up to 12,000 homes and businesses that cannot access broadband of any kind they are not covered by the national broadband scheme; the provision he will make for these cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3438/10]
It is accepted that even after the full roll-out of the National Broadband Scheme (NBS) there will still be a small percentage of premises that will not be capable of receiving broadband services. This is primarily due to technical and other reasons (suitability of a telephone line, distance from an enabled exchange, no line of sight etc.). The European Commission has set aside a portion of the European Economic Recovery Plan (EERP) funding for rural broadband initiatives. In this context, my Department is currently considering the detailed design and implementation of a scheme which would address the issue of broadband availability to unserved rural premises outside of the NBS areas.
It is hoped to commence the scheme this year with the identification of premises not capable of receiving broadband. State Aid approval has been granted by the European Commission as part of the overall process of securing the necessary approvals and funding for the scheme.
116 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on An Post’s geodirectory; his further views on the different technologies available for postcodes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3423/10]
117 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the rationale behind the postal code system that he is proposing to introduce here; the timescale and cost for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3339/10]
129 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the cost of the introduction of the proposed postal code system here; the way it will be funded; if it will be implemented by 2011; the cost impact assessment the introduction of postcodes will have on business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3405/10]
138 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the possible introduction of postcodes; his views on the benefits of postcodes; the amount spent on postcodes to date; the estimated full cost; the way in which it will be self-financing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3416/10]
527 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the cost of the introduction of post codes; the way in which this will be funded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3821/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 116, 117, 129, 138 and 527 together.
The Government has approved the implementation of a national postcode system for Ireland as recommended by the National Postcode Project Board. For any developed country, a postcode system is a key piece of national infrastructure that can deliver economic and social benefits across the whole economy. Ireland is the only country in the EU that does not have such a code in place.
Consultations conducted by the National Postcode Project Board's advisors revealed an overwhelming support for the introduction of postcodes across public, private and voluntary sectors and identified that postcodes would not only deliver benefits for the postal sector but also would contribute to the development of a knowledge economy and the country's overall competitiveness.
With respect to the postal sector, the forthcoming liberalisation of the market in 2011 has highlighted the absence of a postcode as a potential barrier to market development and many stakeholders see postcodes as playing an important role in development of a competitive, high-quality postal sector.
However, some of the more significant benefits of having a postcode in place will materialise outside of the postal and logistics sectors. These benefits include providing an enhanced capacity and capability to use spatial data effectively and link databases with spatial elements across Government. Using spatial data more effectively can improve public policy making and help with the more effective use of resources. Postcodes will also facilitate better location-based services and will also facilitate the speedier deployment of emergency services.
As regards costs, the National Postcodes Project Board's report in 2006 estimated upfront costs of establishing a postcode address database, implementing and promoting the postcode would be in the region of €15m. This cost is to be met by the Exchequer. The Board was assisted in its work by technical and economic consultants, recruited and funded in 2005 by ComReg, at a cost of approximately €479,000.
Following a Government decision in May 2007, consultants were asked to review and quantify the public sector benefits of introducing postcodes. They estimated the monetary benefits to the State would be €22 million in the medium term. This analysis incurred fees of €54,450 and in its assessment, incorporated similar costs for the postcodes project as the National Postcodes Project Board. The ongoing annual maintenance costs will be financed from revenues generated by the postcode manager charging for value added products and services. The relevant reports are available on my Department's website at www.dcenr.ie.
Postcodes will bring opportunities for many across the whole economy, and while there may also be some costs for businesses in updating large address databases, or for An Post incorporating postcodes into its existing operations, most stakeholders consulted, who were in favour of postcodes, said that they would immediately implement them implying that any costs incurred in updating their databases, would be outweighed by the benefits.
The National Postcodes Project Board, which was established to recommend the most appropriate postcode system for Ireland, recommended an alpha-numeric, publicly available and accessible postcode model. Each postcode would have a geo-coordinate at its centre and consequently would be compatible with global positioning or navigation systems and would be adaptable to the emerging technological and legal environment.
I do not propose to comment specifically an An Post's Geodirectory as a product per se, but it should be noted that the Geodirectory is not a publicly available postcode system and is a commercial, proprietary, address database, thus failing one of the criteria for a public postcode.
My officials and I are now working to address the next steps in the postcodes project, including the process of selection of a body to implement the proposed system which will be done by way of an open, competitive process. It is expected that postcodes will be assigned and in use during 2011.
120 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will seek a strategic partnership with Eircom under the new partnership with a company (details supplied) to roll out fibre broadband to the home. [3347/10]
Government policy pertaining to the electronic communications market in Ireland is set out in "Next Generation Broadband — Gateway to a Knowledge Ireland", which I published in June 2009. The policy paper was developed in accordance with various key principles, which are crucial to the development of the market including (i) competition, at platform and service levels, which drives innovation and investment (ii) investment certainty for service providers considering investing in network infrastructure, (iii) investment intervention by Government to bridge any digital divide in cases of market failure and to meet certain of the State's own communication needs, and (iv) appropriate regulation. The policy paper sets out the Government's position that investment in broadband infrastructure is primarily a matter for the private sector, facilitated, where appropriate and possible, by Government (e.g. by providing access to State owned infrastructure).
Existing policy has facilitated significant progress in broadband roll out and broadband speeds over recent years and my focus will be on continuing implementation of this policy. I welcome all plans by service providers across different platforms to invest in high-speed broadband and will ensure that the State provides a supportive environment for such investment.
122 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the way he will combat the digital divide; if he is satisfied that those who wish to learn how to use the internet have had an opportunity to learn; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3419/10]
My Department and others have been working, and continue to work, on addressing the digital divide with a range of measures to promote digital engagement.
One of the issues has been access to the technology and infrastructure — this is being addressed both by the market and in the case of areas where broadband provision remains an issue through the National Broadband Scheme in which my Department is investing substantially.
Skills are one of the key issues when considering the digital divide. Skills provision is being addressed in several ways. There are training opportunities available across the country provided by community, voluntary and not for profit organisations. My Department has assisted some of these initiatives though various eInclusion grant schemes.
The most recent of these schemes is the BenefIT 2 eInclusion grant scheme. The results of this scheme were announced by my colleague the Minister of State, Conor Lenihan, T.D., in December last. Under scheme 7,390 training places are being made available across the country. Details of the training, the locations and contact information for the training providers are available on my Department's website at www.eInclusion.ie
In addition, training options also exist for people in libraries and in night classes throughout the country and from a range of private sector training providers.
123 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the cost and time frame for the completion of the national broadband scheme. [3434/10]
My Department entered into a contract with "3", a Hutchison Whampoa company, for the delivery of the National Broadband Scheme (NBS) in late December 2008. Since then, 3 has progressed its network rollout and NBS broadband services are now available in almost half of the 1,028 designated Electoral Divisions (ED) to be covered under the Scheme. Under the NBS contract, all EDs in the NBS Coverage Area are required to have broadband connectivity by end September 2010.
The total current and capital cost of the full rollout of the NBS has been estimated by "3" at some €223m, of which a maximum of €79.8m will be contributed by the Government and the EU.
127 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the European Commission stating that Ireland is one of the Member States that has failed to transpose the audiovisual media services directive; the reason for this failure; the implications of this failure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3410/10]
The broadcasting elements of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive, representing its primary provisions, were transposed by the Broadcasting Act 2009 which was enacted on 12th July 2009. The elements of the Directive applicable to on-demand audiovisual media services will be transposed by secondary legislation, the drafting of which is at an advanced stage. I expect that these regulations will be finalised shortly.
128 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on combined heat and power in public buildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3390/10]
Combined Heat and Power (CHP) is a highly efficient way of generating onsite heat and electricity simultaneously. It can offer significantly reduced energy bills for the end user and is a particularly efficient form of energy generation as it minimises any transmission losses involved in getting power to the site.
Traditionally, CHP plants were only used in large industrial units with a high on-site heat load. Increasingly the technology is developing higher efficiency, smaller scale units that are capable of servicing smaller buildings and even down to individual residential scale units.
As this technology becomes more common in the market, smaller commercial premises, including public buildings, can now reduce their energy costs by installing CHP systems.
Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI), administers the Deployment Programme for CHP technologies. The programme was expanded in early 2008 to include dedicated support for Biomass and Anaerobic Digestion powered CHP.
Under the Deployment Programme, SEI has supported 9 hospitals with a total capacity of 1.7 MWe and 5 educational establishments with a total capacity of 1.36 MWe at a cost of over €650,000.
The Renewable Heat Deployment Programme (ReHeat), which incentivises the installation of biomass boilers, is also open to institutional users of heat, and has already supported the construction of a number of projects where the heat load was not sufficient to justify the expense of a CHP plant.
Taken together, CHP technologies and the projects supported by Reheat offer a real and immediate solution to energy costs in public sector buildings by reducing the cost of power and increasing the overall energy efficiency of the buildings.
CHP, in conjunction with the other measures in the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan, including the Energy Demand Reduction Target Programme (EDRT), will provide a more energy efficient and cheaper generation option for public sector buildings which will help ensure that the overall public sector target of 33% improvement in overall energy efficiency is met.
The detailed design and specification of the new EDRT programme is being finalised between my Department and SEI. The programme will be the subject of public consultation in the near future. In that process the inclusion of CHP, particularly for the commercial and public sector will be considered.
131 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to address the issue of windfall profits being made by electricity generators on the back of charging consumers for the cost of carbon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3393/10]
The current EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), which runs until the end of 2012, requires a free allocation of carbon credits to electricity generators.
The North/South Single Electricity Market Committee, which is statutorily responsible for the operation of the all-island electricity market on the island of Ireland, decided that from 2008 all electricity generators must include the full opportunity cost of their carbon allocations when bidding into the Single Electricity Market.
The enterprise community in particular is concerned that this increases the wholesale cost of electricity and gives rise to windfall gains being earned by electricity generators. The cost impact of carbon and the related windfall gains for generators, fluctuates with the price of carbon, which is currently at approximately €13 a tonne.
The Government decided last July to work to progress the introduction of legislation to recover carbon windfall gains from electricity generators up to 2012.
My Department, in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General and the Department of Finance, is examining the complex issues inherent in designing a legislative mechanism, which could recover carbon windfall gains from electricity generation companies.
There are many legal and other considerations to take into account in any potential treatment of carbon windfall gains. I will be reverting to the Government with the outcome of the analysis in the near future.
I would point out that ESB contributed over €300m in 2009 to reduce electricity prices for all consumers, of which ESB's carbon benefits accounted for a significant portion.
For the future and in the context of the European Union's ambitious plans for carbon emissions and cap and trade after 2012, it remains my personal view that the allocation of carbon credits, which is the basis for trading, should be done by auction rather than free allocation. I strongly favour a scenario post 2012 in which all carbon permits should be bought on the open market and producers can compete on the basis of carbon costs.
This will eliminate any windfall gains for electricity producers and promote competition between generators as to who can produce electricity using the least carbon. In my view this is an essential development, which will be good for the environment and good for the consumer.
132 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the OECD figures that ranks Ireland 20th out of a table of 30 OECD nations for households with broadband access in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3429/10]
The OECD report is the most recent in a series of periodic reports on electronic communications markets. The broadband market is a fast moving and dynamic one; this applies to all OECD countries. On this basis annual comparisons of broadband metrics between different countries cannot capture the full extent of market developments. For example, the OECD report is a snapshot of the position as at June 2009 and excludes improved penetration achieved using mobile technologies in calculating the ratings. Ireland has over 400,000 mobile broadband subscribers, an increase of 53.3% over the last year. Mobile broadband is widely used in countries with large, widely dispersed, rural populations like Ireland. If mobile broadband was included Ireland's position in the OECD table would be significantly better. It is noteworthy that Ireland continued to be one of the leading countries in terms of year on year broadband growth in the OECD, adding 2.68 subscribers (per 100 of population) while the OECD average stood at 1.72 subscribers. Ireland's broadband penetration increased to 30.5% in Q3/2009 (with mobile included) as compared with 25.9% in Q3 2008.
As regards other international comparator reports, ComReg, in its latest Quarterly Report, highlighted Ireland, when compared with the EU27, had a fixed broadband penetration of 21.2% and a mobile broadband penetration rate of 8.3% as of Q2'09. Ireland's fixed penetration rate is below the EU27 average of 23.9% but Ireland's mobile broadband penetration rate is well above the EU27 average of 4.2%. If fixed and mobile broadband penetration rates are combined, Ireland ranks 11th out of the EU27 countries (note: no mobile broadband figure was represented for Finland); 14th among fixed broadband penetration rates only and 4th among mobile broadband penetration rates only.
134 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when he will change the regulatory model for setting the price of domestic household electricity in order to allow the ESB to compete on price; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3387/10]
I welcome the fact that the benefits of competition in electricity supply, which have previously been confined to large industrial and commercial customers, are also now available to domestic consumers. The entry into the domestic electricity market of two new suppliers, Airtricity and Bord Gáis Energy, demonstrates that policy to encourage competition in electricity generation and supply is paying dividends for consumers.
The independent suppliers are offering discounts of between 10% and 14% on ESB unit rates which are still regulated. They are also offering domestic consumers alternative billing arrangements and options for the level of renewable electricity they purchase.
Energy price regulation is designed to ensure that a dominant player cannot engage in uncompetitive, short-term pricing practices, which could undermine or drive out emerging competition. The Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) has made it clear that the regulation of ESB tariffs will discontinue when competition has taken firm hold in the market.
The CER is now working with ESB and with the other players in the market to develop a timeframe for deregulation of the regulated ESB tariffs in line with the emergence of competition of scale. On 2nd December last, the CER published its paper for consultation on the timing and conditions under which regulation of prices should be removed from ESB Customer Supply. The CER is also consulting on other actions to be taken, apart from the removal of the price control, in order to ensure a fully competitive deregulated electricity retail market. The closing date for submissions to this consultation paper is February 1st 2010. A clear roadmap for retail electricity deregulation will then emerge from this process.
136 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has had discussions with the Department Education and Science regarding the need for an energy related module available to third level humanities students here; if not, his views on whether this is required in order to progress awareness of energy related issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3432/10]
Raising awareness across society of energy related issues is a key factor in facilitating the substantive behavioural change that is required of us all to ensure a sustainable energy future. My Department and Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) have undertaken a number of publicity programmes in this regard.
I believe that a number of our third level institutions have introduced modular programmes which introduce energy policy issues to a wide range of undergraduate courses. I am very supportive of such an approach but as the development of curricula for third level programmes of study is a matter for the Academic Councils of the individual institutions concerned, it is not a matter in which I have had any discussions with the Minister for Education and Science.
137 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on proposals on a European Supergrid; the implications this would have here; the work he has done on this matter at a European level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3411/10]
At the Energy Council in Brussels on 7 December, I signed the political declaration on the North Seas Countries Offshore Grid Initiative. This important initiative will spearhead the development of an offshore wind energy grid, or ‘supergrid', in the North and North West Seas.
The North Seas Initiative involves Ireland, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Luxemburg, The Netherlands, Sweden and the UK in recognition that the major part of offshore wind energy development in Europe will be focussed on the North and North West seas including the Irish Sea and the Western Seaboard. The development of offshore wind energy infrastructure in North West Europe will deliver enhanced security of supply, greater competition and a more integrated European energy Market, as well as critically underpinning Europe's climate change and renewable energy targets.
Ireland is recognised as having very significant potential for the development of offshore renewable energy including the prospect of becoming an exporter of electricity to Europe. It is therefore essential that Ireland is at the heart of all European renewable energy developments.
The North Seas Initiative is a welcome step forward in delivering on the European vision and ambition in renewable energy policy. The cost of developing the electricity infrastructure and technical, market, regulatory and community acceptance issues are shared challenges for all the countries concerned.
A shared vision on offshore grid development for North West Europe is essential in order to deliver the best and most sustainable solutions. The initiative will also work to achieve compatible political and regulatory regimes for long term offshore infrastructure development in the region.
The North Seas Initiative will take into account the work being done under existing initiatives. This explicitly includes the Irish-Scottish Links on Energy Study (The ISLES project). This is a joint project between Ireland, Scotland and Northern Ireland and is supported by the EU INTERREG programme. The project is examining the feasibility of the construction of an offshore electricity transmission network linking potential offshore sites for the generation of renewable energy in the coastal waters of Ireland, Northern Ireland and western Scotland.
There are other fora in the EU which are addressing the various challenges inherent in developing offshore wind including the Adamowitsch Group and the European Transmission System Operators Group. Ireland actively participates in both of these groups. We will also be working more directly with the UK Government under the work programme of the British Irish Council on the development of our common grid infrastructure.
I also intend setting out our own offshore and grid development plans within the renewable energy action plan which is due to be presented to the EU Commission this summer.
139 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if there the has been a reduction in the price of a cylinder of domestic gas in the past five years; if so, the amount by which it has reduced yearly; the person who regulates the price of domestic gas cylinders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3415/10]
The transportation and supply of domestic gas cylinders which contain liquid petroleum gas (LPG) is not licensed under the Energy Acts and neither my Department nor the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) has any role in the regulation of LPG transportation or supply.
While the regulation of Bord Gáis Éireann natural gas tariffs is the responsibility of the CER, which is statutorily independent in the performance of its functions, the Commission has no function in regard to the setting of the retail price of LPG, which is a by-product of oil. The Irish oil industry is fully privatised, liberalised and deregulated. Accordingly, there is no price control on petroleum products in Ireland and my Department does not have details of retail prices charged in respect of LPG.
140 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will introduce a fuel poverty action plan; the number of persons living in fuel poverty here; the number of homes that were part of the warmer homes scheme for 2008 and 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3414/10]
The Government is committed to mitigating energy costs for vulnerable households through a combination of institutional supports, investment in improving the energy efficiency of the housing stock and the wide availability of advice.
I am working closely with the Ministers for Social and Family Affairs and Environment, Heritage and Local Government to continue to deliver a fully cohesive Government response to the challenges of addressing energy affordability in Ireland in line with the commitment in the Renewed Programme for Government. The Energy Affordability Strategy is being prepared under the auspices of the Interdepartmental/Agency Group and will be subject of public consultation in the near future. It will set out existing strategies and measures and future approaches to addressing energy affordability in a cohesive way.
There are three methods of calculating the extent of fuel poverty: the expenditure method or share of income spent on household fuels; subjective measures on the part of occupants; and objective measurement of residence condition and comfort levels in relation to needs.
ESRI estimates that using the expenditure method, 301,368 or 19.4% of Irish households may have experienced fuel poverty in 2008. Alternatively, using the subjective method 54,372 or 3.7% of households reported that they could not afford to heat their homes adequately in 2008. Enhancing the energy efficiency of homes through structural improvements is pivotal to the Government's strategy to address energy affordability.
To date, energy efficiency improvements in nearly 40,000 homes have been made under the Warmer Homes Scheme (WHS), of which 5,343 homes were completed in 2008 and 19,000 in 2009 (including nearly 3,000 homes delivered by the ESB according to WHS specification). Some €15 million was provided for the scheme in 2009, with a further €5 million provided by ESB and BGE. Of the €15 million Exchequer allocation €12.4m was spent under the scheme last year. Funding of €13m has been provided to the scheme in 2010. Fuel poverty vulnerable homes will also be supported under the National Energy Retrofit Programme which will be launched later this year.
The WHS provides energy efficiency improvements to homes in, or at risk of, fuel poverty and is primarily delivered by community based organisations (CBOs) of which 22 have, to date, been approved to provide this service. The CBOs work in partnership with their local network of poverty and community support organisations including public health nurses, MABS and St. Vincent De Paul to identify and address vulnerable homes. Private contractors were also engaged in 2009 to address the increasing demand for the scheme.
141 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of the 15,400 jobs in the green economy announced on 2 December 2009 that have been created; the number of jobs in the green economy that have been lost since 2007 to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3333/10]
The green economy is set to make a very significant contribution to economic renewal by creating employment in areas such as renewable energy and energy efficiency. The report of the Green Enterprise Group, published in December 2009, indicated that there is potential to create over 80,000 jobs in the green economy over the coming years. At the launch of the Report, I noted that over 15,000 jobs had already been announced during the year for creation in the green economy sector. These jobs are on foot of specific announcements of re-investment in green economy jobs by the private sector and the Energy State Companies as well as an estimate of the employment spin-off impact of energy efficiency measures which have been put in place.
My Department will continue to have regular discussions with ESB, Bord Gáis, Bord na Móna and EirGrid on their respective progress on job creation announced last year. Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) will also be monitoring the numbers of jobs maintained and created in the construction and energy service sector by virtue of the Energy Efficiency Programmes administered by SEI.
The full list of job creation announcements is available on the press release section of my Department's website and is dated 2nd December 2009.
(http://www.dcenr.gov.ie/Press+Releases/2009/)
143 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his target for ocean energy technology; the mega wattage of ocean energy connected to the grid; the number of applications received; the amount of the €26 million announced for ocean energy that was spent in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3433/10]
The Ocean Energy Development Unit (OEDU) was established in Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) in 2008 and full implementation of the Ocean Energy programme commenced in 2009. Government has set an ambitious target of 500MW of ocean energy by 2020.
Ocean energy is currently at the research and development stage globally. There is no ocean energy device as yet connected to the Irish grid. SEI is working in conjunction with ESBI, the Marine Institute and other stakeholders to establish a grid connected ocean energy test facility off Annagh Head County Mayo. The test site will be a key enabler for the development of an ocean energy industry in Ireland. An exploratory foreshore licence was granted to SEI in September 2009, which has enabled site investigation works to commence at the planned test site location. Progressing the test site is a key priority for 2010 in order to ensure that Ireland is demonstrably a competitive player in the European ocean energy arena.
SEI, under the Ocean Energy Prototype Development Fund, has approved funding support totalling €4.35m for 12 projects from over 30 expressions of interest received. The funding support is designed to stimulate the commercial development and deployment of ocean energy devices that can generate renewable electricity. Additional projects are being assessed at present.
The Ocean Energy Package announced in 2008 provided funding of €26m over three years. €7m was allocated to the Ocean Energy Programme for 2009 of which €3.764m was spent, reflecting the fact that work to progress the test site was at a very preliminary stage during 2009 and the approved prototype funding support is being disbursed over the two years 2009 and 2010. €7.8m has been allocated to the Ocean Energy Programme for 2010 and it is expected that this funding will be fully expended.
144 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he continues to be opposed to nuclear power; the overall percentage of energy used that was imported in 2008 and 2009; the amount of same that was from nuclear power; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3426/10]
I have consistently encouraged a debate on nuclear power in Ireland as I believe that informed debate is fundamental to ensuring informed policy making.
For my own part, I have stated firmly that I do not see nuclear power as the answer to Ireland's energy needs. Ireland's position on nuclear energy is shared by several EU Member States. Article 194 of the Lisbon Treaty affirms the right of Member States to determine their choice of energy resources.
Ireland's comparative advantage in renewable electricity resources should see such power supplies rather than nuclear developing over the next decade.
Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) is responsible for developing and maintaining comprehensive national and sectoral statistics for energy production, transformation and end-use.
The latest available statistics on energy consumption and fuel mix relate to 2008; statistics for 2009 will be published later this year. SEI's publication "Energy in Ireland 1990 to 2008", which is available on SEI's website, states that energy imports accounted for 89% of Ireland's energy requirements in 2008. SEI has advised that imported electricity accounted for 0.4% of these energy imports.
Ireland imports electricity from Northern Ireland, which is in turn linked to the UK electricity market via the Moyle Interconnector. While nuclear generation forms a part of the overall UK generation fuel mix, I am advised that it is not technically possible to distinguish the flow of electricity across interconnectors by reference to the original source of supply or generation.
145 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the target date for the switch off of analogue television broadcast services. [3352/10]
Part 8 of the Broadcasting Act, 2009 provides for, amongst other things, the closure of the national analogue TV network.
My stated policy objective on this is that the earliest possible switch-off of the analogue system needs to be achieved thereby releasing valuable spectrum to enable Ireland to reap the benefits of the digital dividend.
The European Commission has set 2012 as the timeline for analogue switch off throughout Europe and has recommended that Member States should endeavour to adopt 1 January 2012 as the target date. The EU Council of Ministers, for its part, has asked member States to, as far as possible, complete the switchover in 2012.
I consider that it is in the best interests of Ireland that the precise switch off date for analogue services should be identified as soon as possible and, as stated above, my objective is that this should take place no later than quarter 4 of 2012. It is also important that there is certainty provided in relation to when free-to-air digital terrestrial television (DTT) will be available.
In this regard, I have established a group to advise me on planning for analogue switch off and related matters. The Group includes representatives of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI), ComReg, RTÉ and my own Department. I expect to be presented with the group's recommendations within the coming weeks and when I have considered them I will announce the precise dates for both the availability of free-to-air DTT and analogue switch off.
148 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount of money allocated in respect of home insulation grants and the greener home scheme in the years 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009; the amount allocated in grants under each heading; the number of persons who applied for and availed of these grants in each year; the amount of funding remaining unused in each of these years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3406/10]
The following table sets out the relevant figures for the Greener Homes Scheme (GHS) from its inception in 2006 to the present date, and also sets out the figures for the Home Energy Savings Scheme (HESS) for 2008 and 2009. The 2008 figures for HESS are for the pilot ‘Insulation Scheme', which was used to test principles and processes required to deliver the full-scale HESS programme.
|
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
|
|
Greener Homes |
||||
|
Total Allocation (€) |
€5m |
€28.221m |
€22.5m |
€15.345m |
|
Total Spend (€) |
€5m |
€27.8m |
€22.5m |
**€11.009m |
|
Underspend (€) |
0 |
€0.421m |
0 |
€4.336m |
|
Number of Grants Paid |
1,341 |
8,385 |
9,643 |
7,237 |
|
**excluding operational costs of €0.695m |
||||
|
Home Energy Savings Scheme |
||||
|
Total Allocation (€) |
— |
— |
€5m |
€47m |
|
Total Spend (€) |
— |
— |
€1.4m |
**€16.258m |
|
Underspend (€) |
— |
— |
€3.6m |
€30.7m |
|
Number of Grants Paid |
— |
— |
711 |
33,434 measures |
|
18,183 homes |
**This is the amount disbursed in capital grants and does not include development/system and operational costs of €2.233m.
In addition, there would have been payment in 2009 of €0.39m carryover from the pilot HESS scheme, which is not included in the above table.
149 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of oil, gas or other mineral exploration licences sought, granted or refused in each of the past five years to date in 2010; the number pending; the number of those granted and not yet activated for whatever reason; the anticipated uptake in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3323/10]
The following table details the number of Mineral Prospecting Licences and Petroleum Exploration Licences sought, granted and refused in the period 2005 to date:
|
Year |
Prospecting Licences (Minerals) (See notes 1 & 2) |
Petroleum Exploration Licences (Oil and Gas) |
||||
|
Sought |
Granted |
Refused |
Sought |
Granted |
Refused |
|
|
2005 |
35 |
51 |
1 |
8 |
7 |
1 |
|
2006 |
185 |
165 |
2 |
6 |
4 |
2 |
|
2007 |
207 |
143 |
44 |
5 |
5 |
0 |
|
2008 |
129 |
91 |
11 |
5 |
5 |
0 |
|
2009 |
28 |
66 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
|
2010 |
8 |
11 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
Note 1: Licence applications can raise complex technical issues to be resolved with applicants with the result that a licence may actually issue in the following calendar year.
Note 2: It should be noted that one application usually covers a number of Prospecting Licence areas, resulting in a separate minerals prospecting licence being issued for each Prospecting Licence area.
Currently, 66 mineral prospecting licence applications, across a number of prospecting licence areas, are being finalised with applicants, though it would be expected a number of these will be withdrawn as applicants finalise their plans. It is not possible to anticipate the number of licences that will be granted this year, which will be a function of current and future applications in 2010 that applicants pursue to finality. The Deputy will note that 66 applications were granted in 2009 and 11 have been granted to date in 2010. All mineral prospecting licences are activated when granted.
All 22 Petroleum Exploration Licences granted since 2005 were activated. One application for a Petroleum Exploration Licence is currently under consideration. While my Department actively engages with the oil and gas industry to promote Ireland's exploration and development potential, it is difficult to predict the exact number of petroleum exploration applications from year to year.
150 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the annual accounts for 2008 of the Central Fisheries Board have been published and laid before Dáil Éireann; if not, the reason for the delay; the timeframe for publication; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3420/10]
Under Section 14 (1) of the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 1999, the Central Fisheries Board is obliged to submit draft annual accounts to the Comptroller & Auditor General (C&AG) no later than three months after the end of each accounting period year.
As soon as may be but not later than one month after an audit by the C&AG, the Board is then obliged to submit to the Department a copy of its annual accounts, together with the C&AG's report.
Upon receipt of the audited 2008 accounts and report of the C&AG, which is not yet available, and after approval by Government, I will lay copies of both the accounts and the report before each House of the Oireachtas in accordance with Section 14 of the Fisheries (Amendment) Act, 1999.
151 Deputy David Stanton asked the Taoiseach the volume and value of sugar imported in 2008 and 2009 respectively; the countries of origin of the sugar; the volumes and values from each country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3447/10]
The information requested by Deputy Stanton is presented in the following table.
The table shows the total quantity of cane or beet sugar and chemically pure sucrose imports by country, for the year January-December 2008 and the most recently available period, namely, January-October 2009.
|
Jan-Dec 2008 |
Jan-Oct 2009 |
|||
|
Country |
€ 000 |
Tonnes |
€ 000 |
Tonnes |
|
Australia |
4 |
3 |
||
|
Austria |
1 |
1 |
||
|
Belgium |
2,278 |
3,147 |
604 |
872 |
|
Brazil |
1 |
1 |
||
|
Canada |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
China |
26 |
14 |
27 |
23 |
|
Czech Republic |
3 |
3 |
||
|
Denmark |
2 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
|
France |
15,333 |
25,612 |
7,624 |
14,383 |
|
Germany |
9,826 |
13,427 |
8,268 |
12,055 |
|
Ghana |
10 |
2 |
||
|
Great Britain |
45,728 |
65,822 |
61,465 |
105,463 |
|
Hong Kong |
1 |
1 |
6 |
5 |
|
Hungary |
1 |
0 |
||
|
India |
2 |
2 |
||
|
Indonesia |
1 |
1 |
||
|
Italy |
246 |
121 |
522 |
170 |
|
Japan |
585 |
194 |
||
|
Kenya |
0 |
0 |
||
|
Lithuania |
5 |
7 |
7 |
10 |
|
Luxembourg |
2,322 |
3,512 |
4,149 |
6,484 |
|
Malawi |
0 |
0 |
30 |
21 |
|
Malaysia |
0 |
0 |
||
|
Mauritius |
3 |
3 |
16 |
11 |
|
Netherlands |
74 |
28 |
101 |
36 |
|
New Zealand |
0 |
0 |
||
|
Nigeria |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Northern Ireland |
209 |
379 |
30 |
26 |
|
Philippines |
0 |
0 |
||
|
Poland |
47 |
37 |
17 |
22 |
|
Singapore |
3 |
4 |
||
|
South Africa |
0 |
0 |
||
|
Spain |
5 |
2 |
26 |
19 |
|
Switzerland |
13 |
6 |
88 |
47 |
|
Thailand |
14 |
12 |
18 |
12 |
|
Turkey |
15 |
11 |
||
|
United Arab Emirates |
8 |
22 |
73 |
138 |
|
United States |
38 |
23 |
69 |
34 |
|
Grand Total |
76,410 |
112,356 |
84,234 |
140,651 |
152 Deputy George Lee asked the Taoiseach, further to Parliamentary Question No. 67 of 1 December 2009, when a reply may be expected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3128/10]
I wish to advise that the data sought has been compiled and was sent to the Deputy on 25 January 2010.
153 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Taoiseach the new capital projects associated with his Department gone to tender that will begin in 2010; the new capital projects gone to tender that were due to start in 2010 but are not now proceeding; the capital projects that are currently in construction; his views on the importance of such projects in getting capital flowing into banks and around the economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3172/10]
My Department has no capital projects.
154 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Taoiseach the number of reports and task forces set up and commissioned in his Department in 2007, 2008 and 2009; the reason for each report; the number of reports completed; the cost of each in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3218/10]
The information sought by the Deputy is contained in the table beneath.
|
Report |
Reason |
Date of Publication |
Cost to date (inc VAT) |
|
€ |
|||
|
Report of the Taskforce on Active Citizenship (incl background and consultation papers) |
To examine the extent to which citizens engage in issues that affect them and their communities and make recommendations on public policy measures that could be taken to encourage greater civic engagement. |
March, 2007 |
94,000.00 |
|
Ancillary Report: |
|||
|
Statistical Evidence on Active Citizenship in Ireland |
Statistical research |
March, 2007 |
22,242.00 |
|
Ancillary Report: |
|||
|
Active Citizenship in Faith-Based Communities |
Background research |
March, 2007 |
4,000.00 |
|
A Review of the Irish Annuities Market |
The Review was undertaken under the auspices of the Partnership Pensions Review Group which was established under the terms of Towards 2016. |
October 2007 |
133,100.00 |
|
Employee Opinion Survey 2007 |
This survey was commissioned in the context of the Performance Management and Development System in the Department of the Taoiseach, in order to inform the development of our HR policies, track progress, and assess staff satisfaction. |
As the report was for internal use, it was not published. |
18,102.00 |
|
“Business Regulation Survey” |
Survey of business attitudes to and experience of regulation |
Completed in 2007 |
103,429.00 |
|
Knowledge Management Report |
To carry out initial analysis of knowledge management in the Department and produce Report and Plan. |
June 2008 |
2,268.75 |
|
eCabinet Virtualisation |
Evaluate and present a report on virtualisation options for eCabinet System |
October, 2008 |
726.00 |
|
2008 Irish Civil Service Customer Satisfaction Survey |
To evaluate satisfaction / dis-satisfaction levels of the Irish Civil Service from the citizen’s point of view. |
November, 2008 |
69,817.00 |
|
Task Force on the Public Service “Transforming Public Services Citizen Centred — Performance Focused” 2008 |
To develop an Action Plan for the Public Service to give detailed consideration to the OECD Review’s recommendations and findings |
November, 2008 |
16,571.50 |
|
“Regulatory Impact Analysis: An Operational Review: |
An independent review of the operation of Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA) |
Completed in 2008 |
108,900.00 |
|
“Review of the Regulatory Environment in Ireland” |
An independent Review of the Economic Regulatory Environment in Ireland |
Completed in 2009 |
408,480.47 |
|
Report from the Task Force on Customer Service, January, 2009 |
To deepen Quality Customer Service |
Completed in 2009 |
No cost as it was produced in-house. |
|
A Regulatory Impact Analysis of the Transposition of the Optional Pensions Provisions of the Transfer of Undertakings Directive. |
The Report was commissioned to meet commitments arising under para 8.9 of Towards 2016 |
The RIA will be published in tandem with the publication of the legislation. |
7,200.00 |
|
Innovation Taskforce |
To advise Government strategy on positioning Ireland as International Development Hub |
Report not yet finalised |
Cost will not be available until after the report has been finalised andpublished. |
|
2009 Survey of Civil Service Customers |
To evaluate general customers’ attitudes and experiences of the Irish Civil Service. |
Report not yet finalised |
68,185.80 |
|
2009 Survey of Civil Service Business Customers |
To evaluate business customers’ attitudes and experiences of the Irish Civil Service. |
Report not yet finalised |
23,752.02 |
155 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Taoiseach the number of tribunals of inquiry conducted by his Department; the title of each; the cost of each to date in 2010; the expected date of conclusion of each; and the projected final costs. [3219/10]
I take it that the Deputy's question concerns Tribunals for the payment of whose costs my Department has responsibility.
In that context, my Department's responsibility relates only to the Tribunal of Inquiry into Payments to Politicians and Related Matters, known as the Moriarty Tribunal. This was established in September 1997 on foot of resolutions of the Dáil and Seanad. The cost of the Tribunal up to 31 December 2009 (the latest date for which figures are available) was €38.27m.
This figure does not include third-party costs. The Sole Member of the Tribunal, Mr Justice Moriarty, has not yet addressed such costs.
The Tribunal secretariat has on many occasions over the years responded to my Department's enquiries in the matter to the effect that any attempt to quantify such costs would lead to conclusions being drawn and suppositions made which could infringe the rights of witnesses and impinge on the independence of the Tribunal. The Comptroller and Auditor General's 2008 Special Report on Tribunals of Inquiry estimates a range of figures for such costs but stresses that they are subject to many caveats and contingencies.
As regards the date for completion of the Tribunal's work, the Tribunal has already published the first part of its Report. The Sole Member has recently informed me that, short of some situation that falls utterly out of his hands, he will make it his business to ensure that preparation for printing of the second, final, part of the Report will be completed by mid-February.
156 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Taoiseach the number of bodies and agencies operated under the remit of his Department; the cost of each on a yearly basis; the name and number that have been abolished in the past four years; the name and number that have been amalgamated; the name of those to be abolished or amalgamated in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3220/10]
157 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Taoiseach the number of staff employed in each agency that derives from his Department at the end of 2007, 2008, and 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3215/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 156 and 157 together.
The National Economic and Social Development Office (NESDO) is the only agency currently under the aegis of my Department. It is an umbrella body for i) the National Economic and Social Council (NESC), ii) the National Economic and Social Forum (NESF), and iii) the National Centre for Partnership and Performance (NCPP). NESDO and its constituent bodies (the NESC, NESF and NCPP), have played an important role in the development of national policy and through support for the social partnership process. However, the profoundly changed national and international context which has emerged in the past eighteen months has thrown up challenges that must shape the role of the NESDO and its constituent bodies in the coming years.
In order to maximise both effectiveness and value for money, the Government has decided to streamline the work of policy advice within the NESDO by amalgamating the three constituent bodies through absorbing the NESF and NCPP into the NESC. In consequence of this, the NESF and the NCPP will be dissolved with effect from a date to be specified in an order which will be made shortly under the National Economic and Social Development Office Act 2006.
With these changes in mind the budget for NESDO in 2010 was reduced by 24% to €3,854,000 with potential for further administrative savings once the restructuring is implemented. The number of staff employed in NESDO and its constituent bodies in 2007 and 2008 was 23.8 whole-time equivalents (wte), while in 2009, 20.8 wte's were employed. Some further reductions in staff numbers are anticipated following implementation of the changes.
The work of the Ireland Newfoundland Partnership was subsumed into my Department in 2009. An amount of €300,000 was provided for the Partnership in the 2009 Estimates. It is expected that the cost of running the Partnership this year will be approximately €40,000.
The National Forum on Europe was closed in 2009. The Forum was an independent body, with its funding provided through my Department's vote. At the time of its closure, the Government indicated that it expected that the Oireachtas would resume the role of primary forum for national debate of issues related to Ireland's membership of the EU, pointing to the work of the Oireachtas Sub-Committee on Ireland's Future in Europe by way of example.
158 Deputy George Lee asked the Taoiseach the number of persons aged under 25 years in the labour force broken down by region and gender for the third quarter of 2007 and the third quarter of 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3576/10]
159 Deputy George Lee asked the Taoiseach the labour force broken down by region and gender for the third quarter of 2007 and for the third quarter of 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3577/10]
160 Deputy George Lee asked the Taoiseach the number of persons aged over 25 years in the labour force broken down by region and gender for the third quarter of 2007 and for the third quarter of 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3578/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 158 to 160, inclusive, together.
The Quarterly National Household Survey (QNHS) is the official source of estimates relating to the labour force. The data requested by the Deputy are presented in the tables below in respect of the third quarters of 2007 and 2009.
|
In Labour Force ‘000 |
In Labour Force ‘000 |
In Labour Force ‘000 |
|||||||
|
Q3 2007 |
Males under 25 |
Females under 25 |
Total under 25 |
Males over 25 |
Females over 25 |
Total over 25 |
Total Males |
Total Females |
Total Persons |
|
Border |
21.9 |
18.5 |
40.3 |
115.8 |
80.4 |
196.3 |
137.7 |
98.9 |
236.6 |
|
Midland |
12.7 |
9.3 |
22.1 |
65.7 |
44.1 |
109.8 |
78.4 |
53.4 |
131.9 |
|
West |
19.3 |
17.6 |
36.9 |
106.7 |
72.3 |
179.0 |
126.0 |
89.9 |
215.9 |
|
Dublin |
57.4 |
53.4 |
110.8 |
304.0 |
241.8 |
545.8 |
361.4 |
295.2 |
656.6 |
|
Mid-East |
22.2 |
19.6 |
41.8 |
131.4 |
94.5 |
225.9 |
153.6 |
114.1 |
267.7 |
|
Mid-West |
16.1 |
13.4 |
29.5 |
90.7 |
62.3 |
153 |
106.8 |
75.7 |
182.5 |
|
South-East |
21.0 |
17.0 |
38.0 |
117.5 |
81.6 |
199.1 |
138.5 |
98.6 |
237.1 |
|
South-West |
26.7 |
24.7 |
51.4 |
158.9 |
114.5 |
273.4 |
185.7 |
139.2 |
324.9 |
|
State |
197.3 |
173.5 |
370.8 |
1,090.8 |
791.5 |
1,882.3 |
1,288.1 |
965.0 |
2,253.1 |
|
In Labour Force ‘000 |
In Labour Force ‘000 |
In Labour Force ‘000 |
|||||||
|
Q3 2009 |
Males under 25 |
Females under 25 |
Total under 25 |
Males over 25 |
Females over 25 |
Total over 25 |
Total Males |
Total Females |
Total Persons |
|
Border |
17.7 |
13.0 |
30.7 |
113.3 |
84.7 |
198.0 |
131.0 |
97.7 |
228.7 |
|
Midland |
8.8 |
7.5 |
16.3 |
66.1 |
46.3 |
112.5 |
75.0 |
53.9 |
128.8 |
|
West |
13.1 |
15.7 |
28.9 |
108.2 |
82.3 |
190.6 |
121.4 |
98.1 |
219.4 |
|
Dublin |
36.9 |
41.3 |
78.2 |
299.7 |
244.0 |
543.7 |
336.7 |
285.2 |
621.9 |
|
Mid-East |
16.0 |
14.9 |
30.9 |
136.6 |
99.1 |
235.7 |
152.6 |
114.0 |
266.5 |
|
Mid-West |
13.0 |
10.0 |
23.0 |
88.7 |
66.5 |
155.2 |
101.7 |
76.5 |
178.2 |
|
South-East |
18.5 |
15.7 |
34.2 |
116.5 |
87.9 |
204.4 |
135.0 |
103.6 |
238.6 |
|
South-West |
20.8 |
20.0 |
40.9 |
157.9 |
121.3 |
279.2 |
178.8 |
141.3 |
320.1 |
|
State |
144.9 |
138.2 |
283.1 |
1,087.1 |
832.1 |
1,919.2 |
1,232.0 |
970.3 |
2,202.3 |
Data may be subject to future revision.
Data may be subject to sampling or other survey errors, which are greater in respect of smaller values or estimates of change.
Reference period: q1=Jan-Mar, q2=Apr-Jun, q3=Jul-Sep, q4=Oct-Dec.
Source: Quarterly National Household Survey, Central Statistics Office.
161 Deputy George Lee asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, further to Parliamentary Question No. 72 of 1 December 2009, if she will provide the requested information as has been done by the Departments of Education and Science, Health and Children, Finance, Foreign Affairs, Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Social and Family Affairs, Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, and Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and is currently being compiled by the Departments of Defence and the Taoiseach; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2979/10]
The information sought by the Deputy is not available for the period prior to the inauguration of the Corepay System in 2002.
The average wage and number of staff employed in my Department each year from 2002 to 2008 broken down by grade is included in the following tables.
|
Grade |
Number |
Annual Average Salary |
|
€ |
||
|
Tánaiste |
1 |
108,088 |
|
Special Advisers |
2 |
99,439 |
|
Secretary General |
1 |
179,900 |
|
Assistant Secretary |
7 |
105,248 |
|
Principal Officer |
40 |
72,125 |
|
Assistant Principal |
101 |
56,157 |
|
Professional Accountants |
12 |
55,467 |
|
Analyst/Case Officer |
2 |
34,981 |
|
Admin. Officer |
19 |
39,103 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
149 |
34,546 |
|
Auditor/Senior Auditor |
3 |
45,228 |
|
Chairperson Labour Court |
1 |
125,923 |
|
Chairperson Competition Authority |
1 |
132,559 |
|
Deputy Chairperson Labour Court |
2 |
112,042 |
|
Chief Exec. Officer, LRC |
1 |
125,930 |
|
Economist/Senior Economist |
6 |
58,063 |
|
Controller of Patents |
1 |
86,141 |
|
Executive Officer |
216.51 (FTE’s*) |
28,742 |
|
Staff Officer |
39 |
24,735 |
|
Clerical Officer |
404 |
20,104 |
|
Examiner of Patents |
52 |
48,266 |
|
Senior Examiner |
61,464 |
|
|
Legal Advisor |
5 |
67,074 |
|
Member of Comp Auth |
4 |
103,071 |
|
Member of Labour Court |
4 |
77,349 |
|
Minister of State |
2 |
40,624 |
|
Director, ODCA |
1 |
106,440 |
|
Registrar of Friendly Societies |
1 |
76,393 |
|
Solicitor |
1 |
49,007 |
|
Civilian Driver |
4 |
25,698 |
|
Head Service Officer |
1 |
27,285 |
|
Secretarial Asst./Sec. |
2 |
32,731 |
|
Service Attendants/Officers |
33 |
19,099 |
|
Cleaners |
17 |
17,807 |
|
Visually Impaired Telephonist |
5 |
24,630 |
*FTE's — Full time equivalents.
|
Grade |
Number |
Annual Average Salary |
|
€ |
||
|
Tánaiste |
1 |
108,088 |
|
Special Adviser |
1 |
106,441 |
|
Secretary General |
1 |
179,900 |
|
Assistant Secretary |
7 |
103,917 |
|
Principal Officer |
39 |
71,927 |
|
Assistant Principal |
104 |
57,994 |
|
Professional Accountant |
12 |
57,924 |
|
Analyst / Case Officer |
16 |
50,147 |
|
Admin. Officer |
16 |
36,020 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
137 (FTE’s*) |
36,294 |
|
Auditor |
3 |
37,530 |
|
Chairperson Labour Court |
1 |
125,930 |
|
Chairperson Competition Authority |
1 |
132,559 |
|
Deputy Chairperson Labour Court |
2 |
111,913 |
|
Chief Exec. Officer, LRC |
1 |
125,931 |
|
Economist |
1 |
75,407 |
|
Controller of Patents |
1 |
88,660 |
|
Executive Officer |
212.60 (FTE’s*) |
30,099 |
|
Staff Officer |
41.50 (FTE’s*) |
26,752 |
|
Clerical Officer |
348.23 (FTE’s*) |
20,898 |
|
Examiner of Patents |
5 |
49,643 |
|
Principal/Senior Examiner |
3 |
64,845 |
|
Legal Advisor |
5 |
73,987 |
|
Member of Comp Auth |
4 |
103,071 |
|
Member of Labour Court |
6 |
79,661 |
|
Minister of State |
2 |
40,625 |
|
Director, ODCA |
1 |
106,441 |
|
Principal Solicitor |
2 |
54,198 |
|
Civilian Driver |
4 |
25,698 |
|
Head Service Officer |
1 |
27,865 |
|
Secretarial Asst. /Sec. |
2 |
33,426 |
|
Service Officers |
33 |
18,619 |
|
Cleaners |
17 |
18,297 |
|
Visually Impaired Telephonist |
5 |
25,154 |
*FTE's — Full time equivalents
Special Advisers included in overall PO grade
|
Grade |
Number |
Annual Average Salary |
|
€ |
||
|
Minister |
1 |
99,764 |
|
Special Adviser |
1 |
81,431 |
|
Secretary General |
1 |
192,784 |
|
Assistant Secretary |
7 |
110,047 |
|
Principal Officer |
56 |
83,047 |
|
Assistant Principal |
114 |
67,171 |
|
Prof. Accountant |
9 |
65,059 |
|
Analyst / Case Officer |
18 |
43,891 |
|
Admin. Officer |
11 |
44,380 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
136.65 (FTE’s*) |
42,216 |
|
Auditor |
2 |
42,075 |
|
Chairperson Labour Court |
2 |
141,888 |
|
Chairperson Competition Authority |
1 |
142,051 |
|
Deputy Chairperson Labour Court |
2 |
109,831 |
|
Chief Exec. Officer, LRC |
1 |
132,302 |
|
Economist |
1 |
88,113 |
|
Controller of Patents |
1 |
100,409 |
|
Executive Officer |
209.60 (FTE’s*) |
33,667 |
|
Staff Officer |
38.50 (FTE’s*) |
31,043 |
|
Clerical Officer |
348.60 (FTE’s*) |
23,759 |
|
Examiner of Patents |
3 |
54,056 |
|
Senior Examiner |
1 |
71,271 |
|
Legal Advisor |
5 |
75,464 |
|
Member of Comp. Auth. |
6 |
96,990 |
|
Member of Labour Court |
5 |
90,161 |
|
Minister of State |
2 |
43,535 |
|
Director, ODCA |
1 |
114,064 |
|
Solicitor |
1 |
66,287 |
|
Civilian Driver |
4 |
29,294 |
|
Head Service Officer |
1 |
31,103 |
|
Secretarial Asst. /Sec. |
2 |
37,621 |
|
Service Officers |
33 |
21,028 |
|
Cleaners |
20 |
20,490 |
|
Visually Impaired Telephonist |
4 |
27,193 |
*FTE's — Full time equivalents.
Special Advisers included in overall PO grade
|
Grade |
Number |
Annual Average Salary |
|
€ |
||
|
Minister |
1 |
106,633 |
|
Secretary General |
1 |
206,059 |
|
Assistant Secretary |
7 |
117,503 |
|
Principal Officer |
60 |
87,118 |
|
Assistant Principal (includes 1 Information Officer) |
110 |
71,435 |
|
Professional Accountant |
10 |
110,083 |
|
Admin. Officer |
9 |
43,421 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
135.23 (FTE’s*) |
45,137 |
|
Auditor / Trainee Auditor |
3 |
44,788 |
|
Chairperson Labour Court |
2 |
151,833 |
|
Chairperson Competition Authority |
1 |
142,051 |
|
Deputy Chairperson Labour Court |
2 |
119,974 |
|
Chief Exec. Officer, LRC |
1 |
142,108 |
|
Controller of Patents |
1 |
106,227 |
|
Executive Officer |
211.80 (FTE’s*) |
38,268 |
|
Staff Officer |
40.63 (FTE’s*) |
34,055 |
|
Clerical Officer |
334.23 (FTE’s*) |
25,859 |
|
Examiner of Patents |
3 |
57,544 |
|
Senior Examiner |
1 |
64,951 |
|
Legal Advisor |
3 |
79,462 |
|
Member of Comp Auth |
4 |
109,896 |
|
Member of Labour Court |
7 |
95,347 |
|
Minister of State |
2 |
46,533 |
|
Director, ODCA |
1 |
121,919 |
|
Solicitor |
1 |
67,473 |
|
Civilian Driver |
4 |
30,782 |
|
Head Service Officer |
1 |
32,683 |
|
Secretarial Asst. /Sec. |
2 |
35,578 |
|
Service Officers |
32 |
22,395 |
|
Cleaners |
18 |
22,114 |
|
Visually Impaired Telephonist |
4 |
27,455 |
* FTE's — Full time equivalents.
Special Advisers included in overall PO grade
|
Grade |
Number |
Annual Average Salary |
|
€ |
||
|
Minister |
1 |
113,250 |
|
Secretary General |
1 |
218,845 |
|
Assistant Secretary |
7 |
124,793 |
|
Principal Officer |
61 |
93,920 |
|
Assistant Principal |
93 |
71,756 |
|
Professional Accountant |
11 |
72,191 |
|
Admin. Officer |
12 |
41,398 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
144 |
47,245 |
|
Auditor |
1 |
54,421 |
|
Chairperson Labour Court |
2 |
161,255 |
|
Chairperson Competition Authority |
1 |
161,255 |
|
Deputy Chairperson Labour Court |
2 |
130,153 |
|
Chief Exec. Officer, LRC |
1 |
153,190 |
|
Senior Economist |
1 |
95,547.05 |
|
Executive Officer |
231.50 (FTE’s*) |
37,274 |
|
Staff Officer |
38.83 (FTE’s*) |
35,644 |
|
Clerical Officer |
311.36 (FTE’s*) |
26,905 |
|
Examiner of Patents |
3 |
59,671 |
|
Senior Examiner |
1 |
76,203 |
|
Legal Advisor |
5 |
89,177 |
|
Member of Labour Court |
7 |
97,769 |
|
Minister of State |
2 |
49,420 |
|
Chairperson of NCA |
1 |
161,255 |
|
Solicitor |
1 |
72,559 |
|
Civilian Driver |
4 |
31,552 |
|
Head Service Officer |
1 |
33,501 |
|
Secretarial Asst. /Sec. |
2 |
36,469 |
|
Service Attendants/Officers |
33 |
24,007 |
|
Cleaners |
17 |
22,767 |
|
Visually Impaired Telephonist |
4 |
25,400 |
*FTE's — Full time equivalents.
Special Advisers included in overall PO grade
|
Grade |
Number |
Annual Average Salary |
|
€ |
||
|
Minister |
1 |
118,981 |
|
Secretary General |
1 |
229,918 |
|
Assistant Secretary |
7 |
137,410 |
|
Principal Officer |
59 |
101,612 |
|
Assistant Principal |
100 |
73,533 |
|
Professional Accountant |
12 |
78,133 |
|
Admin. Officer |
10 |
46,018 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
170 |
48,587 |
|
Auditor |
1 |
51,034 |
|
Chairperson Labour Court |
2 |
169,414 |
|
Deputy Chairperson Labour Court |
2 |
139,613 |
|
Chief Exec. Officer, LRC |
1 |
160,941 |
|
Senior Economist |
1 |
100,381 |
|
Controller of Patents |
1 |
106,170 |
|
Executive Officer |
245.90 (FTE’s*) |
39,052 |
|
Staff Officer |
44.73 (FTE’s*) |
35,927 |
|
Clerical Officer |
338.18 (FTE’s*) |
27,928 |
|
Examiner of Patents |
3 |
62,689 |
|
Senior Examiner of Patents |
1 |
80,059 |
|
Legal Advisor |
5 |
93,737 |
|
Member of Labour Court |
7 |
102,716 |
|
Minister of State |
3 |
51,921 |
|
Registrar of Labour Court |
1 |
42,201 |
|
Civilian Driver |
6 |
33,148 |
|
Supervisor of Cleaners |
1 |
25,333 |
|
Head Service Officer |
1 |
35,196 |
|
Secretarial Ass/Sec |
5 |
43,585 |
|
Service Officers |
33 |
24,304 |
|
Parliamentary Assistant |
2 |
43,770 |
|
Cleaners |
18 |
22,420 |
|
Visually Impaired Telephonist |
3 |
32,899 |
*FTE's — Full time equivalents.
Special Advisers included in overall PO grade
|
Grade |
Number |
Annual Average Salary |
|
€ |
||
|
Tánaiste |
1 |
145,134 |
|
Secretary General |
1 |
253,635 |
|
Assistant Secretary |
7 |
146,657 |
|
Special Advisers |
4 |
89,410 |
|
Principal Officer |
64 |
103,604 |
|
Assistant Principal |
104 |
80,163 |
|
Professional Accountant |
14 |
81,690 |
|
Analyst / Case Officer |
78,768 |
|
|
Admin. Officer |
12 |
53,944 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
170 |
50,948 |
|
Auditor |
2 |
55,030 |
|
Chairperson Labour Court |
2 |
186,891 |
|
Deputy Chairperson Labour Court |
2 |
154,678 |
|
Chief Exec. Officer, LRC |
1 |
177,546 |
|
Controller of Patents |
1 |
112,953 |
|
Executive Officer |
270.50 (FTE’s*) |
42,110 |
|
Staff Officer |
41.30 (FTE’s*) |
36,328 |
|
Clerical Officer |
342.08 (FTE’s*) |
28,994 |
|
Examiner of Patents |
3 |
67,381 |
|
Senior Examiner |
1 |
84,112 |
|
Legal Advisor |
5 |
98,027 |
|
Member of Comp Auth |
114,533 |
|
|
Member of Labour Court |
8 |
113,312 |
|
Minister of State |
3 |
54,548 |
|
Solicitor |
1 |
52,238 |
|
Civilian Driver |
6 |
34,760 |
|
Head Service Officer |
1 |
36,977 |
|
Secretarial Asst. /Sec. |
7 |
37,868 |
|
Service Officers |
32 |
25,727 |
|
Cleaners |
18 |
24,564 |
|
Visually Impaired Telephonist |
3 |
34,565 |
*FTE's — Full time equivalents.
162 Deputy George Lee asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of places in each training centre dedicated to phase two apprentices; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2980/10]
The data is currently being collated and will be provided to the Deputy shortly.
163 Deputy George Lee asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the validation process that was undertaken to pay phase three and four of the Towards 2016 pay agreement from 7 September 2009 to job initiative team leaders; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2981/10]
Labour Court Recommendation 18921 recommended that Job Initiative Team Leaders should receive the appropriate Benchmarking payments under similar terms as applied to the Community Employment Supervisors. A validation process was then undertaken to pay Phases 3 and 4 of the Towards 2016 pay agreement to Job Initiative Team Leaders. This was essentially the same validation process used to award Community Employment Supervisors their Towards 2016 Phases 3 & 4 increases. It encompassed cooperation with the principles concerning Public Service modernisation and flexibility; industrial relations stability; cooperation with the roll-out of the FÁS Community Services Management (CSM); implementation of Quality Assurance policies and procedures; and cooperation with ongoing operational and technological change on Schemes.
164 Deputy George Lee asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the way the FÁS budget was allocated each year from 1997 to 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2984/10]
The FÁS Agency Statement, setting out its income and expenditure for each of the years in question, is included in the Revised Estimates Volume, published after each Budget and is publicly available.
165 Deputy George Lee asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the evaluations for each of the 56 jobs clubs nationwide each year from 1997 to 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2985/10]
169 Deputy George Lee asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the process used to evaluate the jobs club scheme; the evaluations each year from 1997 to 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2989/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 165 and 169 together.
The feasibility of compiling the information requested by the Deputy for the years 1997 to 2009 is currently being established and I will supply the Deputy with whatever information is readily available in the near future.
166 Deputy George Lee asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the way the budget allocated to the jobs club scheme was allocated to each of the 56 job clubs nationwide each year from 1997 to 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2986/10]
167 Deputy George Lee asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the way the budget allocated to the jobs club scheme was allocated to each of the 56 job clubs nationwide each year from 1997 to 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2987/10]
168 Deputy George Lee asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the budget allocated to the jobs club scheme each year from 1997 to 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2988/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 166 to 168, inclusive, together.
The feasibility of compiling the information requested by the Deputy for the years 1997 to 2009 is currently being established and I will supply the Deputy with whatever information is readily available in the near future.
170 Deputy George Lee asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the budget provided to the local employment service network each year from 1997 to 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2990/10]
171 Deputy George Lee asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the budget provided to the each of the 24 designated disadvantaged areas identified by the local employment service network each year from 1997 to 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2991/10]
186 Deputy George Lee asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of new clients registered for services with the local employment services network in 2009; the number placed in employment or self-employment; the number that have progressed into training, education and so on; the status of the remaining clients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3006/10]
187 Deputy George Lee asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of new clients registered for services with the local employment services network in 2008; the number placed in employment or self-employment; the number that have progressed into training, education and so on; the status of the remaining clients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3007/10]
188 Deputy George Lee asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of new clients registered for services with the local employment services network in 2007; the number placed in employment or self-employment; the number that have progressed into training, education and so on; the status of the remaining clients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3008/10]
189 Deputy George Lee asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of new clients registered for services with the local employment services network in 2006; the number placed in employment or self-employment; the number that have progressed into training, education and so on; the status of the remaining clients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3009/10]
190 Deputy George Lee asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of new clients registered for services with the local employment services network in 2005; the number placed in employment or self-employment; the number that have progressed into training, education and so on; the status of the remaining clients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3010/10]
191 Deputy George Lee asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of new clients registered for services with the local employment services network in 2004; the number placed in employment or self-employment; the number that have progressed into training, education and so on; the status of the remaining clients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3011/10]
192 Deputy George Lee asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of new clients registered for services with the local employment services network in 2003; the number placed in employment or self-employment; the number that have progressed into training, education and so on; the status of the remaining clients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3012/10]
193 Deputy George Lee asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of new clients registered for services with the local employment services network in 2002; the number placed in employment or self-employment; the number that have progressed into training, education and so on; the status of the remaining clients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3013/10]
194 Deputy George Lee asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of new clients registered for services with the local employment services network in 2001; the number placed in employment or self-employment; the number that have progressed into training, education and so on; the status of the remaining clients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3014/10]
195 Deputy George Lee asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of new clients registered for services with the local employment services network in 2000; the number placed in employment or self-employment; the number that have progressed into training, education and so on; the status of the remaining clients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3015/10]
196 Deputy George Lee asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of new clients registered for services with the local employment services network in 1999; the number placed in employment or self-employment; the number that have progressed into training, education and so on; the status of the remaining clients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3016/10]
197 Deputy George Lee asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of new clients registered for services with the local employment services network in 1998; the number placed in employment or self-employment; the number that have progressed into training, education and so on; the status of the remaining clients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3017/10]
198 Deputy George Lee asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of new clients registered for services with the local employment services network in 1997; the number placed in employment or self-employment; the number that have progressed into training, education and so on; the status of the remaining clients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3018/10]
199 Deputy George Lee asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, further to Question No. 111 of 8 December 2009, if 28,079 new clients registered for services with the local employment network service in this time period and 2,905 have been placed into employment or self-employment and 8,533 have progressed into training, education and so on, the status of the remaining 16,641 new clients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3019/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 170, 171 and 186 to 199, inclusive, together.
The feasibility of compiling the information requested by the Deputy for the years 1997 to 2008 is being established. I will supply the Deputy with whatever information is readily available in the near future. In responding to Question No. 111 of 8 December 2009 relating to the Local Employment Service Network, statistical information as of 4 December 2009 was provided. It is now possible to provide details for the full year. As at 31 December 2009, activity for the year can be summarised as: a total of 29,787 new clients registered for services with the Local Employment Services Network; and a total of 12,315 were placed in employment or self-employment or have progressed into training or education. Those clients who have not yet been placed into employment, education or training form part of the Networks Active Caseload. The Active Caseload refers to those clients who are actively working with an Local Employment Service Mediator who is supporting them through vocational and career guidance and support; are in the process of entering or re-entering employment; or are identifying and progressing into a suitable educational or training programme within the context of an agreed career plan.
172 Deputy George Lee asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of new clients registered for services in each of the local employment service network designated disadvantaged areas in 2009; the number of these placed into employment and self-employment; the number of these who have progressed into training, education and so on; the status of the remaining clients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2992/10]
173 Deputy George Lee asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of new clients registered for services in each of the local employment service network designated disadvantaged areas in 2009; the number of these placed into employment and self-employment in each of the LESN designated disadvantaged areas; the number of these which have progressed into training, education and so on in each of the LESN designated disadvantaged areas; the status of the remaining clients in each of the LESN designated disadvantaged areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2993/10]
174 Deputy George Lee asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of new clients registered for services in each of the local employment service network designated disadvantaged areas in 2008; the number of these that have been placed into employment and self-employment in each of the LESN designated disadvantaged areas; the number of these which have progressed into training, education and so on in each of the LESN designated disadvantaged areas; the status of the remaining clients in each of the LESN designated disadvantaged areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2994/10]
175 Deputy George Lee asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of new clients that were registered for services in each of the local employment service network designated disadvantaged areas in 2007; the number of these that have been placed into employment and self-employment in each of the LESN designated disadvantaged areas; the number of these that have progressed into training, education and so on in each of the LESN designated disadvantaged areas; the status of the remaining clients in each of the LESN designated disadvantaged areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2995/10]
176 Deputy George Lee asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of new clients that were registered for services in each of the local employment service network designated disadvantaged areas in 2006; the number of these that have been placed into employment and self-employment in each of the LESN designated disadvantaged areas; the number of these that have progressed into training, education and so on; the status of the remaining clients in each of the LESN designated disadvantaged areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2996/10]
177 Deputy George Lee asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of new clients that were registered for services in each of the local employment service network designated disadvantaged areas in 2005; the number of these that have been placed into employment and self-employment in each of the LESN designated disadvantaged areas; the number of these that have progressed into training, education and so on in each of the LESN designated disadvantaged areas; the status of the remaining clients in each of the LESN designated disadvantaged areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2997/10]
178 Deputy George Lee asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of new clients that were registered for services in each of the local employment service network designated disadvantaged areas in 2004; the number of these that have been placed into employment and self-employment in each of the LESN designated disadvantaged areas; the number of these that have progressed into training, education and so on in each of the LESN designated disadvantaged areas; the status of the remaining clients in each of the LESN designated disadvantaged areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2998/10]
179 Deputy George Lee asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of new clients that were registered for services in each of the local employment service network designated disadvantaged areas in 2003; the number of these that have been placed into employment and self-employment in each of the LESN designated disadvantaged areas; the number of these that have progressed into training, education and so on in each of the LESN designated disadvantaged areas; the status of the remaining clients in each of the LESN designated disadvantaged areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2999/10]
180 Deputy George Lee asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of new clients that were registered for services in each of the local employment service network designated disadvantaged areas in 2002; the number of these that have been placed into employment and self-employment in each of the LESN designated disadvantaged areas; the number of these that have progressed into training, education and so on in each of the LESN designated disadvantaged areas; the status of the remaining clients in each of the LESN designated disadvantaged areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3000/10]
181 Deputy George Lee asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of new clients that were registered for services in each of the local employment service network designated disadvantaged areas in 2001; the number of these that have been placed into employment and self-employment in each of the LESN designated disadvantaged areas; the number of these that have progressed into training, education and so on in each of the LESN designated disadvantaged areas; the status of the remaining clients in each of the LESN designated disadvantaged areas. [3001/10]
182 Deputy George Lee asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of new clients that were registered for services in each of the local employment service network designated disadvantaged areas in 2000; the number of these that have been placed into employment and self-employment in each of the LESN designated disadvantaged areas; the number of these that have progressed into training, education and so on in each of the LESN designated disadvantaged areas; the status of the remaining clients in each of the LESN designated disadvantaged areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3002/10]
183 Deputy George Lee asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of new clients that were registered for services in each of the local employment service network designated disadvantaged areas in 1999; the number of these that have been placed into employment and self-employment in each of the LESN designated disadvantaged areas; the number of these that have progressed into training, education and so on in each of the LESN designated disadvantaged areas; the status of the remaining clients in each of the LESN designated disadvantaged areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3003/10]
184 Deputy George Lee asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of new clients that were registered for services in each of the local employment service network designated disadvantaged areas in 1998; the number of these that have been placed into employment and self-employment in each of the LESN designated disadvantaged areas; the number of these that have progressed into training, education and so on in each of the LESN designated disadvantaged areas; the status of the remaining clients in each of the LESN designated disadvantaged areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3004/10]
185 Deputy George Lee asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of new clients that were registered for services in each of the local employment service network designated disadvantaged areas in 1997; the number of these that have been placed into employment and self-employment in each of the LESN designated disadvantaged areas; the number of these that have progressed into training, education and so on in each of the LESN designated disadvantaged areas; the status of the remaining clients in each of the LESN designated disadvantaged areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3005/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 172 to 185, inclusive, together.
The feasibility of compiling the information requested by the Deputy for the years 1997 to 2009 is currently being established and I will supply the Deputy with whatever information is readily available in the near future.
200 Deputy George Lee asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 84 of 1 December 2009, when a reply will issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3020/10]
The feasibility of compiling the information requested by the Deputy for the years 1997 to 2005 is currently being established and I will supply the Deputy with whatever information is readily available in the near future.
201 Deputy George Lee asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 83 of 1 December 2009, when a reply will issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3021/10]
I indicated in my earlier reply that I would revert to you with the relevant information at a later date. I now set out my reply below.
Between 1997 and 2008 management staff increased by 70% from 170 to 291. Assistant Managers comprised 75% of this increase.
The rise in management staff within FÁS was caused by a number of factors. This included a complete revision of FÁS's organisational structure within each of the regions in order to achieve a better focus of staff resources on key customer groups. This resulted in the creation of 37 Assistant Manager posts based across the regions. It also included the integration in 2000 of responsibilities formerly carried out by the National Rehabilitation Board, which resulted in the transfer of 63 staff into FÁS including a number of managerial posts. The overall increase is also attributable to the significant rise in the output of FÁS training services activity as a direct result of the large increase in Apprenticeships over the period.
I would emphasise to the Deputy that as at the end of 2009 management grades in FÁS had decreased by 11% overall (32 posts) and by 16% (6 posts in grades 1-4) in the senior management group from its peak in 2008.
202 Deputy George Lee asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 88 to 99, inclusive, of 9 December 2009, when a reply will issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3022/10]
I am looking into the feasibility of providing this information in the form requested by the Deputy and will reply to him substantively on this matter shortly.
203 Deputy George Lee asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 118 to 129, inclusive, of 8 December 2009, when a reply will issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3023/10]
The feasibility of compiling the information requested by the Deputy for the years 1997 to 2008 is currently being established and I will supply the Deputy with whatever information is readily available in the near future.
204 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the legal position in respect of persons being temporarily laid off; the length of time an employee may be temporarily laid off; when the anomaly in the legislation in this regard will be dealt with, whereby an employee may be temporarily laid off forever; her plans to deal with the loop hole in the legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3033/10]
A lay off situation arises where an employee's employment ceases by reason of his/her employer being unable to provide the work for which the employee was employed and where it is reasonable in the circumstances for that employer to believe that the cessation of employment will not be permanent. The employer must however give notice to that effect to the employee prior to the cessation. If the lay-off continues, the question arises as to whether it is in fact a temporary measure or could potentially be a redundancy rather than a lay-off situation.
Assuming an entitlement to redundancy exists in line with the eligibility criteria set down in Redundancy legislation, the employee can by law, serve written notice (Form RP 9) on the employer, claiming redundancy because of the lay-off situation. Notice must be submitted not later than four weeks after the lay-off ceases. A copy of the RP 9 form may be had from my Department or may be downloaded from the Department's website at www.entemp.ie.
There is no statutory maximum period for lay off situations as this could unnecessarily interfere with the need for flexibility in a lay-off situation which can, in reality, extend for some time or indeed for different protracted periods of time. However, the Redundancy Payments Acts provides a necessary safeguard in that, where an employee has been laid off for four consecutive weeks, or for a series of six or more weeks (of which not more than three were consecutive) within a 13-week period, the employee may file a notice claiming redundancy.
Provided that the employer does not counter claim by offering 13 weeks continual employment, starting within four weeks of the date of receipt of the notice and notified to the employee within seven days of receipt of the notice, the employee may be entitled to claim redundancy.
Payment of statutory redundancy is, in the first instance, a matter for the employer and it is the employer who initially decides whether or not there is a redundancy situation. In the case of a dispute regarding entitlements under the Redundancy Payments Acts, the matter may be referred for adjudication by the Employment Appeals Tribunal (EAT).
It is important to note that an employee must make application for a redundancy payment or seek a determination from the EAT within twelve months of ceasing his employment. The 12 month deadline applies both to the making of a claim to the employer and to the making of a claim to the EAT in a situation where the employer disputes payment of redundancy.
205 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the safeguards which are in place to ensure that companies do not cease trading in order that staff receive statutory redundancy payments from her Department while continuing to operate under a new name. [3063/10]
Under the Redundancy Payments Acts 1967-2007, the objective is to ensure that statutory redundancy payments, due to eligible employees on being made redundant, are made in accordance with the legislative provisions. The legislation places the onus, in the first instance, on the employer to discharge the obligation to pay redundancy entitlement to employees. On so doing, the employer is entitled, by virtue of the pay related social contributions made to the State, to recover 60% of the lump sum redundancy payments paid out to employees.
In the case of liquidations/receiverships, the Department acts in locus of the employer and pays the redundancy lump sums directly to the employees and then seeks to recover from the appointed liquidator/receiver the 40% which the employer would have been due to pay to the employees.
In instances where the employer does not formally wind the company up but goes into informal insolvency and is unable to pay the statutory redundancy entitlements, the Department seeks from the employer evidence of inability to pay the entitlements to the employees. This involves requesting a statement from the company's Accountant or Solicitor attesting to the inadequacy of assets to make the redundancy payments and, the latest set of financial accounts for the company. The employer is also asked to admit liability for the 40% liability attaching to the company arising from the redundancy payments. If this information is provided to the Department, the employees are paid their redundancy entitlement from the Social Insurance Fund. Upon payment, the Department pursues the company for the 40% share which the company would ordinarily have been expected to pay to the employees. In this instance, the Minister becomes a preferential creditor in a winding-up situation in recovering amounts paid from the Social Insurance Fund and this debt stands against a company for as long as it is live on the Companies Register at the Company Registration Office.
Of course it is the case that company failures are a normal facet of business life and it would be unduly penal if, due to a company failure, all the directors and officers of that company were to forever more be prevented from setting up again. That is, provided it is clear that their actions resulted from genuine business failure as opposed to acts of recklessness or inappropriate behaviour.
Under Company law, there are provisions dealing with companies who fail and re-engage in trading under a new name in particular, under the provisions of Part V of the Company Law Enforcement Act 2001. Under section 56 of the Act, Liquidators of insolvent companies are required to submit a report to the Director of Corporate Enforcement within 6 months of their appointment. This report outlines the circumstances of the insolvency and addresses whether the directors acted honestly and responsibly in relation to the conduct of the company's affairs. Liquidators are further obliged to bring High Court proceedings for the restriction of such directors unless relieved of that obligation by the Director of Corporate Enforcement.
A restriction declaration, if made, prohibits an individual from acting, either directly or indirectly, as an officer of a company or from being involved in its formation or promotion for five years, unless the company is adequately capitalised.
The Director of Corporate Enforcement has the power to bring any other prosecution for breaches of the Companies Acts as deemed appropriate in any individual case. If the Deputy is aware of any activities in which the Director may have an interest, I would encourage him to have that information forwarded to the Director of Corporate Enforcement.
206 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the new capital projects associated with her Department gone to tender that will begin in 2010; the new capital projects gone to tender that were due to start in 2010 but are not now proceeding; the capital projects that are in the middle of construction at present; her views on the importance of such projects in getting capital flowing into banks and around the economy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3165/10]
My Department does not directly fund or tender for capital projects. Capital funding which is allocated to my Department is expended through various agencies under the remit of the Department, including IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, Science Foundation Ireland, FÁS, Shannon Development, Inter TradeIreland, the National Standards Authority of Ireland and the 35 County and City Enterprise Boards.
Most of the funding is used by the agencies to provide a range of grants and supports to clients. However, some degree of tendering may take place in relation to specific projects, such as the maintenance of premises and the upgrading of equipment.
My Department does not hold details of tendering processes operated by the agencies. However, I will ask the agencies to respond directly to the Deputy with the information requested.
207 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will investigate the allegation that a FÁS manager tried to induce a member of staff to approve suspect exam results thus breaking exam verification rules and bringing the FÁS examination system into disrepute as recently reported in a newspaper (details supplied). [3296/10]
The particular staffing matter referred to by the Deputy is being handled within FÁS on a confidential basis in accordance with established and agreed staff relations procedures. It would, therefore, be inappropriate for me to comment further whilst this process is ongoing.
208 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of persons engaged in community employment programmes on a county basis in 2008 and 2009; the number of persons engaged in jobs initiatives programmes on a county basis in 2008 and 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3304/10]
The following tables contain details of the number of persons engaged in Community Employment and Job Initiative on a county basis for the years 2008 and 2009.
|
County |
At Year End 2008 |
At Year End 2009 |
|
Carlow |
325 |
322 |
|
Cavan |
224 |
225 |
|
Clare |
573 |
574 |
|
Cork |
2,125 |
2,140 |
|
Donegal |
1,145 |
1,120 |
|
Dublin |
6,001 |
6,428 |
|
Galway |
1,447 |
1,451 |
|
Kerry |
973 |
959 |
|
Kildare |
628 |
661 |
|
Kilkenny |
401 |
404 |
|
Laois |
310 |
299 |
|
Leitrim |
149 |
151 |
|
Limerick |
1,221 |
1,246 |
|
Longford |
301 |
301 |
|
Louth |
754 |
793 |
|
Mayo |
800 |
778 |
|
Meath |
422 |
440 |
|
Monaghan |
354 |
360 |
|
Offaly |
373 |
364 |
|
Roscommon |
300 |
322 |
|
Sligo |
415 |
403 |
|
Tipperary |
1,130 |
1,186 |
|
Waterford |
557 |
580 |
|
Westmeath |
511 |
542 |
|
Wexford |
794 |
819 |
|
Wicklow |
663 |
644 |
|
Totals |
22,896 |
23,512 |
The budgeted figure for CE places for 2009 is 22,780. There can be routine fluctuations on this number during the year.
|
County |
At Year End 2008 |
At Year End 2009 |
|
Carlow |
21 |
21 |
|
Cavan |
28 |
27 |
|
Clare |
66 |
62 |
|
Cork |
89 |
82 |
|
Donegal |
57 |
56 |
|
Dublin |
633 |
601 |
|
Galway |
54 |
50 |
|
Kildare |
23 |
22 |
|
Leitrim |
19 |
19 |
|
Limerick |
160 |
164 |
|
Louth |
79 |
78 |
|
Mayo |
20 |
20 |
|
Monaghan |
57 |
54 |
|
Offaly |
37 |
36 |
|
Sligo |
8 |
8 |
|
Tipperary |
29 |
25 |
|
Waterford |
22 |
20 |
|
Westmeath |
41 |
40 |
|
Wexford |
9 |
10 |
|
Wicklow |
12 |
12 |
|
Totals |
1,464 |
1,407 |
N.B. No recruitment onto JI since November 2004.
209 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of persons in employment who availed of FÁS and Skillnets training in 2009 on a county basis; the number of persons in employment who availed of FÁS and Skillnets training in 2008 on a county basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3305/10]
I wish to refer the Deputy to the reply given to Parliamentary Question 47245/09 of 16 December 2009 and to supplementary figures relating to FÁS and Skillnets training emailed to him on 18 December 2009.
In addition, 5,042 persons availed of FÁSevening courses and 912 persons availed of FÁS on-line training courses in 2008. Unfortunately, statistics for evening courses and on-line training are not collated on a county by county basis.
Full data for 2009 are still not yet available. When the data becomes available, it will be transmitted to the Deputy.
210 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reduction she will make to the community employment and jobs initiative allowances; if her attention has been drawn to the ramifications that this will have on the rate of take-up of these schemes and those persons in long-term unemployment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3306/10]
As stated in the reply to the Deputy on 16th December 2009 the Social Welfare linked allowances paid to participants on Community Employment (CE) and Jobs Initiative (JI) programmes and FÁS training courses were reduced in Budget 2009 in line with the Budget reductions to Social Welfare recipients.
The FÁS additional allowance for participants on CE and JI have been reduced from €24.40 and €48.80 per week to €20 and €40 per week respectively.
The cuts in CE were necessary to fund increased activation measures in 2010 including an additional 500 CE places to bring the total number of CE places to 23,300.
211 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will provide a detailed breakdown of the €2,327,000 expended in 2009 under the heading of Miscellaneous Payments, X2; if she will provide a breakdown of the €2,549,000 provided for same in the Book of Estimates 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3314/10]
The Estimates for my Department which were published on 9 December 2009 in parallel with the 2010 Budget included an estimate for Subhead X2 (Miscellaneous Payments) of €2.327 million for 2009 and €2.549 million for 2010.
The Miscellaneous Payments subhead primarily makes provision for legal costs which might be expected to arise in the course of the work of my Department and its Offices. These costs might arise, for example, from actions taken against the Department or its Offices.
Provision has also been made in the subhead for legal costs in respect of the Personal Injuries Assessment Board. While the Board funds its operational costs through fees charged in the course of its activities, I have been advised by the Attorney General's Office that the Personal Injuries Assessment Board Act 2003, does not allow such fees to be used to cover non-operational legal costs, such as those arising from general legal challenges to the operation of the PIAB. While this advice related to a specific case, it is nonetheless prudent to provide for such costs to be borne by my Department.
The 2009 estimate for Subhead X2 of my Department's Vote included €650,000 to meet potential legal costs arising during 2009 in relation to the Personal Injuries Assessment Board. Approximately €622,000 of this provision was spent. A provision of €581,000 is included in the 2010 Estimate for Subhead X2 in respect of the Personal Injuries Assessment Board's potential legal costs.
Apart from some other very minor provisions, the subhead includes a contingency sum, as required in accordance with standing instructions from the Department of Finance, to cater for unforeseen items which might emerge in the course of the year. A sum of €656,000 was provided for contingencies in 2009. The corresponding sum for 2010 is €588,000.
212 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the breakdown for the €87,310,000 in the 2010 Book of Estimates for appropriations-in-aid received in 2009; the breakdown for the €95,092,000 provided in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3316/10]
The Estimates for my Department which were published on 9 December 2009 in parallel with the 2010 Budget reflected an estimate of €87.310 million in Appropriations-in-Aid for 2009 and an estimate of €95.902 million in Appropriations-in-Aid for 2010.
The breakdown of the 2009 figure was published in the 2009 Revised Estimates Volume. The breakdown of the 2010 figure will be published in the 2010 Revised Estimate Volume in February. In summary, the main sources of funding under this heading relate to receipts from the European Social Fund, Employment Permit fees, monies received by the Companies Registration Office, the Patents Office, the National Consumer Agency and the Competition Authority in the course of their operations, superannuation contributions from certain agencies, contributions from the Pension Related Deduction for public servants, and other miscellaneous receipts.
Appropriations-in-Aid realised in 2009 were lower than forecast, at approximately €73 million. This shortfall was due to the non-receipt of monies from the European Social Fund which are now expected to be received in 2010. The forecast of Appropriations-in-Aid for 2010 published on 9 December 2009 was provisional and will be reviewed in the context of the 2010 Revised Estimates Volume.
213 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on the requirement that limited liability companies engage legal representation for all court-based proceedings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3318/10]
A consequence of the corporate right to sue and be sued is that a company cannot appear in court except through its solicitor or counsel, (unless of course, it is being sued on indictment when it may appear in court by a representative appointed by the company). In Battle v Irish Art Promotion Centre Ltd [1968] IR252, the Supreme Court refused such an application on the basis that the company was a different person, separate and distinct from its controlling shareholder. Given that the Supreme Court decision in the Battle's case is settled law here for some time, I am reluctant to undertake any review of the matter in the absence of some compelling grounds or demonstrated need for doing so.
214 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her plans to amend company law to provide for an alternative to court-sponsored liquidation and strike-off; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3319/10]
The Company Law Review Group [CLRG] made recommendations which have been accepted by Government, to reform the substantive and procedural requirements of the winding-up regime including liquidations. The recommendations were published as Part A11 of the General Scheme of the Companies Consolidation and Reform Bill which is currently being drafted by the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel.
With the exception of non court procedures such as (i) members voluntary winding-up; (ii) creditors voluntary winding-up; and, (iii) dissolution after a fixed period of time, the role of the court in liquidations is to ensure fairness to the companies members and creditors and it is not clear how an alternative could perform this role with the same legal certainty which attaches to the decisions of a court.
Part A12 of the General Scheme provides for Strike-Off and Restoration by a court and by administrative procedure; however only a court may permit the restoration of a company to the register following liquidation.
215 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of premises and restaurants in County Kildare that have been inspected fully by the National Employment Rights Authority in each of the past two years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3325/10]
In 2009, the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA) conducted a total of 208 inspections in county Kildare. Of this total, 7 inspections related to restaurants. In 2008, NERA conducted a total of 301 inspections in county Kildare. Of this total, 31 inspections related to restaurants. The inspections undertaken on restaurants were carried out under the Catering Employment Regulation Order.
Additionally, restaurants in Kildare that are located within Hotels are inspected as part of the general inspections undertaken under the Hotels Employment Regulation Order. While it is not possible to separately identify the restaurant and non-restaurant elements of such inspections, it may be taken that the number of Hotel inspections represents a good approximation of the number of inspections of Hotel restaurants. In 2009, 5 hotels in Kildare were inspected whereas in 2008, 6 were inspected.
The Deputy might also be interested to know that at my request, NERA has undertaken significant work, in conjunction with the NERA Advisory Board on the development of a code of practice for use by NERA staff, including Inspectors. I expect that the code will be finalized shortly and will be published on NERA's website. It will govern the operational manner in which NERA staff conduct compliance work.
216 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of Industrial Development Authority visits to counties Laois and Offaly each year for the past five years; the towns that were visited; and the job creation benefits of each visit. [3446/10]
I have been informed by IDA Ireland that since 2005, a total of 46 site visits were made by potential investors to Counties Offaly and Laois. A breakdown of these visits, by year and location is set out in the tabular statement below.
As a result of these visits, Integra Lifesciences decided in 2007 to locate in Tullamore, giving rise to the creation of 65 jobs.
Today, An Taoiseach announced that the Freund Corporation of Japan was locating in Tullamore with plans to create 25 jobs over the next 5 years.
It is often the case following such visits that a considerable number of meetings and discussions take place between the potential investor and IDA Ireland before the company makes a final decision on location.
|
County |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
|
Laois: Portlaoise |
6 |
5 |
8 |
3 |
1 |
|
Offaly: |
|||||
|
Tullamore |
6 |
1 |
4 |
7 |
4 |
|
Birr |
1 |
217 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will contact a company (details supplied) to discuss its plans regarding jobs in counties Dublin and Kerry with a view to maintaining staffing levels and the possibility of job creation within that corporation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3486/10]
221 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will contact a company (details supplied) to ensure that it maintains current staffing levels and to explore any opportunity for job creation in Coolock, County Dublin and Rathmore, County Kerry; and if she will give a commitment to meet the company before 2 February 2010. [3545/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 217 and 221 together.
Enterprise Ireland is in constant contact with the company's Ireland management team and continues to advise my Department on developments as they occur. Therefore, I think it would not be appropriate for me to become involved at this point. Once the takeover is confirmed, and as soon as it is appropriate to do so, Enterprise Ireland plans to develop a strategy as regards working with the company and initiating discussions with the new owners.
I would like to assure the Deputy that I, together with Enterprise Ireland and the other relevant State agencies, will take all possible action to protect the existing jobs in the company and to bring new employment and investment opportunities to the Coolock and Rathmore areas should opportunities arise in this regard.
218 Deputy John Cregan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when statutory redundancy will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [3490/10]
My Department administers the Social Insurance Fund (SIF) in relation to redundancy matters on behalf of the Department of Social and Family Affairs. There are two types of payment made from the SIF — rebates to those employers who have paid statutory redundancy to eligible employees, and statutory lump sums to employees whose employers are insolvent and/or in receivership/liquidation.
I can confirm that my Department received a statutory lump sum claim for the individual concerned on 5 August 2009 claiming inability to pay on behalf of the employer. This claim awaits processing. In respect of lump sum payments paid directly to employees, such as in this instance, the Section is, in general, processing claims dating from July 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 2009 of 77,001. This figure exceeds the claims lodged for 2008 (40,607) by 90% 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 52.5;
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 we are currently looking at ways in which additional resources can be allocated to the area in the first quarter of 2010.
219 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her plans to increase the number of training places on community employment schemes during 2010 in view of the increased number of unemployed, especially the numbers in the under 30 years age group; if it is her intention to relax the age requirement rules under 60 years and the limit of time for participants within the age limit above; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3492/10]
In December 2009 the Tánaiste announced that an additional 500 places would be provided on the Community Employment (CE) Scheme bringing the total number of participants to 23,300.
The current eligibility criteria set by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment for entry onto the Community Employment programme allows for the combination of periods on different social welfare payments provided they add up to at least 12 consecutive months and the person is currently in receipt of the payment at the time of application.
Eligible persons of 55 or over may be eligible to a maximum of 6 years overall participation on CE.
220 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of persons in north County Tipperary waiting on FÁS training schemes; the waiting time for persons due to start these schemes; if the number of staff working in FÁS offices in north Tipperary has increased over the past year; the increase in the numbers of clients seeking assistance this year over the past year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3502/10]
I understand that a total of 109 persons are currently waiting to commence training schemes delivered in North Tipperary whilst 60 persons are waiting for schemes that are delivered at the FÁS Training Centre in Limerick. In addition, 100 persons eligible for a Community Employment (CE) scheme are awaiting placement on suitable schemes. Current waiting times vary from one to six months depending on the type of training or employment scheme.
The Live Register has increased from 3,801 in November 2008 to 6,898 in January 2010 in North Tipperary and this is reflected in the demand for FÁS services. During the past year there has not been an increase in the number of staff working in FÁS facilities in North Tipperary.
222 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will respond to queries (details supplied) regarding the work placement programme being administered by FÁS. [3587/10]
The Work Placement Programme provides up to 9 months work experience for 2,000 unemployed individuals. The fact that a person is participating in the Programme does not in itself affect their social welfare entitlements.
Participants on the Live Register must be in receipt of social welfare payments for 3 months if they wish to retain these payments as this gives them the opportunity to pursue employment or further education and training opportunities, prior to seeking the work placement. There is considerable churn on the Live Register and in the last 12-month period 498,229 people left the Live Register with 159,390 of these gaining employment. Given that a large proportion of people leave the Live Register in the first few months, the removal of the Work Placement Programme's 3-month criteria could result in less people leaving the Live Register to take up paid employment.
The Programme offers work experience and does not involve paid employment so there is no obligation for the provider to pay social insurance contributions for the person placed with them.
There are no restrictions on the provider of places if they so wish to provide travel and subsistence support. However, if a provider decides to pay travel and subsistence to a person placed with them, this could be deemed to be more and could affect that participant's social welfare entitlements. The Department of Social and Family Affairs would need to be informed of such payments to participants. Further, these payments might require approval of the Revenue Commission from a taxation perspective.
223 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the rate of payment for community employment participants in 2009; the rate that applies in 2010; and the reason for the level of decrease. [3643/10]
The Community Employment Scheme participant payments are comprised of their Social Welfare entitlement and a weekly allowance. The Jobseeker's Allowance was reduced by 4.1% in the December budget while the CE allowance was reduced by from €24.40 to €20 per week.
The cuts in CE were necessary to fund increased activation measures in 2010 including an additional 500 CE places to bring the total number of CE places to 23,300.
The following table contains details of CE allowances for the years 2009 and 2010.
|
Social Welfare element |
CE Allowance |
Total allowance |
|
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
CE Allowance 2009 |
204.30 |
24.40 |
228.70 |
|
CE Allowance 2010 |
196.00 |
20.00 |
216.00 |
224 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position regarding the pay of supervisors of community employment schemes; if she will confirm that this will not be subject to the recent public sector pay cuts in view of the fact that such staff are employed by limited companies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3726/10]
As Community Employment Supervisors are employees of Community Employment scheme sponsors and the pension levy was not applied to them, the recent pay adjustments, as applied under the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (No. 2) Act 2009, do not apply.
225 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Finance the number of householders who are in arrears of mortgage payments at present; the number of householders who defaulted on payments in each of the past 12 months; the number of householders who are in arrears of six or more months; the number who are in arrears of 12 months or more; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3244/10]
The Financial Regulator published new data on mortgage arrears and repossessions on 22 December 2009. This is the latest available data relevant to the Deputy's question and will be updated on a quarterly basis.
The data shows that, as at end September 2009, there were 26,271 (3.3% of total) mortgage accounts in arrears of more than 90 days. Of this figure 17,767 (2.2% of total) were more than 180 days in arrears. By value €4.8 billion was owed in relation to all accounts more than 90 days in arrears and €3.2 billion was owed in respect of accounts more than 180 days in arrears. The full report can be accessed on the Financial Regulator's website: www.financialregulator.ie
226 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Finance if he will bring forward legislation to protect both householders and businesses who were previously insured and are now being refused insurance due to recent flooding; if householders and businesses currently insured but not impacted by recent flooding have to pay increased premiums or levy even though they were not affected by recent flooding and who have not made claims on their policies; if he will curb the policy of cherry picking by insurance companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3491/10]
I am aware that because of the recent flooding, there are people who may have difficulties renewing flood insurance cover. The principal reason for this is that the decision to provide any specific form of insurance cover and the price at which it is offered is a commercial matter based on the assessment an insurer will make of the risks involved. 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. Neither I nor the Financial Regulator has any influence over such decisions due to their commercial nature.
The question of introducing legislation to make the provision of flood insurance mandatory and to preclude companies from choosing what they can cover is not something I am contemplating at this point, as it would run the risk of undermining the existing insurance model and could force many companies out of the market. Even if companies remained within the market they would almost certainly price high risk business in such a prohibitively expensive fashion, that it would quickly undermine the purpose of the legislation and would result in a considerable increase in overall household and business insurance costs.
The question as to whether household and business insurance costs are likely to increase for those not affected by the flooding is a matter for the insurance industry to decide. However, in broad terms insurance prices generally increase when there is an increase in overall claims to enable companies maintain the appropriate level of financial reserves necessary to continue in business over the longer term. Without such reserves insurance companies would struggle to meet future claims resulting from another major weather event.
Finally, the Government is committed to looking at what can be done for those who are unable to obtain insurance cover as part of its broader review of the recent floods.
227 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Finance the thresholds whereby State agencies must implement and comply with tendering procedures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3522/10]
Under EU Directives contracting authorities are obliged to advertise contracts valued above certain thresholds in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU). These contracts are also advertised on the national public procurement website www.etenders.ie .
The current thresholds (exclusive of VAT) which are applicable from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2011 are as follows:
for works contracts — €4,845,000;
for supplies and services contracts of Government Departments — €125,000;
for supplies and services contracts of other public bodies — €193,000;
for supplies and services contracts of entities in the utilities sector — €387,000.
It is a basic principle of public procurement that a competitive process should be used, except in justifiably exceptional circumstances. Under national procedures, the general rule is that contracts in excess of €50,000 are advertised on the national public procurement website.
228 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Finance the amount of tax forgone under the section 481 tax relief in each of the past ten years in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3036/10]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the estimated amount of tax forgone under Section 481 tax relief in each of the past ten years is as follows:
|
Tax Year |
Tax Cost |
|
€m |
|
|
2000/01 |
29.2 |
|
2001 (9 month tax “year”) |
11.4 |
|
2002 |
21.7 |
|
2003 |
24.6 |
|
2004 |
19.5 |
|
2005 |
15.7 |
|
2006 |
36.4 |
|
2007 |
31.1 |
|
2008 |
32.8 |
|
2009 |
35.0* |
*Cost is provisional and may be revised.
229 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Finance the estimated cost of extending the section 481 tax relief scheme to the computer game industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3037/10]
The cost of extending to the computer game industry a tax relief similar to the scheme for film relief operating under section 481 would depend on the level of uptake by investors and the amounts invested. I am not therefore in a position to provide such an estimate.
230 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for Finance the number of staff employed by his Department in 1997 and 2009 broken down by job title and grade; the pay bill for each job title and grade for 1997 and 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3123/10]
The grades, numbers and salaries paid to staff employed by my Department in 1997 and 2009 are set out in tabular format below.
|
December 1997 |
Full-time Equivalent |
Headcount |
FTE Based Salary |
|
€ |
|||
|
Secretary General Finance |
1.00 |
1.00 |
111,257.08 |
|
Secretary General PSMD |
1.00 |
1.00 |
105,379.52 |
|
Second Secretary |
3.00 |
3.00 |
298,513.50 |
|
Chief Medical Officer |
1.00 |
1.00 |
79,669.64 |
|
Asst Secretary Total |
9.00 |
9.00 |
605,364.55 |
|
Principal Total |
44.00 |
44.00 |
2,601,376.56 |
|
Asst Principal Total |
107.00 |
111.00 |
4,796,426.78 |
|
HEO Total |
75.50 |
79.00 |
2,332,831.45 |
|
Inspector Of Taxes Higher GR |
1.00 |
1.00 |
41,257.22 |
|
Engineer Grade 1 Civil |
1.00 |
1.00 |
48,830.23 |
|
AO Total |
42.50 |
43.00 |
1,095,776.96 |
|
EO Total |
44.00 |
45.00 |
1,063,482.76 |
|
SO Total |
18.00 |
20.00 |
325,975.50 |
|
Clerical Asst |
1.00 |
1.00 |
12,543.98 |
|
Clerical Officer Total |
121.00 |
134.00 |
2,093,719.35 |
|
Services Officer / Attendant Total |
25.00 |
25.00 |
401,019.14 |
|
Cleaner |
1.00 |
1.00 |
13,217.27 |
|
Teacher Total |
6.00 |
6.00 |
28,912.82 |
|
Visually Impaired Telephonist Total |
4.00 |
4.00 |
66,035.33 |
|
Personal Secretary |
1.00 |
1.00 |
23,331.24 |
|
Total |
507.00 |
531.00 |
16,144,920.87 |
|
December 2009 |
Full-time Equivalent |
Headcount |
FTE Based Salary |
|
€ |
|||
|
Secretary General Finance |
1.00 |
1 |
285,341.00 |
|
Secretary General PSMD |
1.00 |
1 |
253,635.00 |
|
Second Secretary |
3.00 |
3 |
665,787.00 |
|
Chief Medical Officer — PPC |
1.00 |
1 |
186,891.00 |
|
Assistant Secretary Total |
10.00 |
10 |
1,468,957.00 |
|
Deputy Chief Medical Officer — PPC |
1.00 |
1 |
129,831.00 |
|
Occupational Physician Total |
2.00 |
2 |
227,688.00 |
|
Principal Total |
49.00 |
50 |
5,363,683.00 |
|
Advisory Counsel Grade 3 — PPC |
2.00 |
2 |
173,537.00 |
|
Assistant Principal Total |
141.00 |
147 |
12,268,505.00 |
|
Economist (Contract) |
1.00 |
1 |
90,000.00 |
|
Evaluator — Industrial Eval.Unit |
1.00 |
1 |
70,796.00 |
|
Professional Accountant Gr 1 |
1.00 |
1 |
84,051.00 |
|
Auditor Standard Scale — PPC |
2.00 |
2 |
109,902.00 |
|
Gaeleagras Teacher — PPC |
1.00 |
1 |
56,357.00 |
|
Heo Total |
87.00 |
93 |
4,927,659.00 |
|
Senior Occupational Health Nurse PPC |
1.00 |
1 |
63,464.00 |
|
AO Total |
48.00 |
48 |
2,515,121.00 |
|
Occupational Health Nurse Total |
2.00 |
2 |
107,546.00 |
|
EO Total |
50.00 |
54 |
2,231,768.00 |
|
SO Total |
28.00 |
29 |
1,226,411.00 |
|
CO Total |
100.00 |
116 |
3,489,456.00 |
|
Services Officer / Attendant Total |
25.00 |
25 |
711,070.00 |
|
Teacher |
6.57 |
17 |
262,522.00 |
|
Secretarial Assistant (Contract) |
1.00 |
1 |
43,989.00 |
|
Total |
565.60 |
610 |
37,013,967.00 |
The salary figures in the above tables are Point of Scale / Off Point Salary details as recorded on the Department's Staff information Systems (Censis for 1997 and CS SIP for 2009). The Department's paybill, which includes salaries, allowances, overtime and PRSI, was €18.047 million for 1997 and €42.224 million for 2009. Finally, the 2009 salary rates have decreased with effect from 1 January 2010 in line with the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (No. 2) Act 2009.
231 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Finance the new capital projects associated with his Department gone to tender that will begin in 2010; the new capital projects gone to tender that were due to start in 2010 but are not now proceeding; the capital projects that are in the middle of construction at present; his views on the importance of such projects in getting capital flowing into banks and around the economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3167/10]
I set out below the table showing the information requested by the Deputy. I am very aware of the benefits to the economy, as a whole, that can be attained as a result of such large infrastructural projects.
|
The Capital Projects with a budget estimation exceeding €800,000 that are in the middle of construction at present |
Capital Projects with a budget estimation exceeding €800,000 that will begin in 2010 |
|
Dept of Social and Family affairs, Cavan |
Fit out of offices for An Garda Síochána at Ashtown Gate, Dublin |
|
Dept of Transport, Leeson lane |
Garda H.Q, Drainage Works |
|
Hammond lane/Church St demolition & archaeological excavation |
Decentralisation of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service to Tipperary Town and Tipperary Town Council Civic Office |
|
National Conference Centre |
Garda H.Q, Drainage Works |
|
Trinity House In-Room Sanitation for Irish Youth Justice Service |
Harcourt Square — fit out for Garda Síochána of 2 floors of office accommodation |
|
Kilkenny GS |
Kevin St, G.S |
|
Kilkenny Courthouse |
Mountjoy G.S |
|
Monaghan Courthouse |
Ballincollig, G.S |
|
Decentralisation of the Property Registration Authority to Roscommon Town |
Castleisland GS, Co. Kerry |
|
Wexford Decentralisation, Dept. of Environment, Heritage & Local Government |
Estuary House, Henry St, Limerick — Fitout for An Garda Síochána |
|
Newbridge Decentralisation, Dept. of Defence |
Castletown House East Wing Refurbishment |
|
Castletown House Farmyard enabling works |
Royal Hospital Kilmainham (IMMA : Off site storage) |
|
Portumna Castle Courtyard |
Royal Hospital Kilmainham (IMMA : Fire&Security and Hoist) |
|
Botanic Gardens Teak House |
National Gallery (roof works) |
|
Botanic Gardens Foreman’s Lodge |
National Archives (Fire safety) |
|
Clara Bog visitors Centre |
Leinster House — Roof works and stone works |
|
Doneraile Wildlife Park |
Dublin Zoo — Food and Veterinary Facility |
|
Expo 2010 |
Athlone Garda Station |
|
Galway Garda Divisional HQ |
|
|
Forensic Science Laboratory |
|
|
Newry Road Driving Test Centre, Dundalk |
|
|
Revenue Commissioners, Computer Centre, Johns Road |
|
|
Headford Drainage Depot for Office of Public Works |
There are no projects that have been advertised for tender with a planned commencement on site in 2010 and that are not now proceeding.
232 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance if works carried out under the housing aid for elderly grant scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin are exempt from VAT. [3189/10]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that repairs and maintenance of property for the elderly are not exempt from VAT. In certain circumstances, refunds of VAT can be claimed for work which is carried out to provide an aid to assist a disabled person. This would include for example the construction of specially adapted toilets or shower units.
In the case referred to the work in question appears to relate to routine rewiring of a house and this would not qualify for a refund of VAT. If the taxpayer has further queries in this regard, she can contact the Revenue Commissioners, Central Repayments Office in Monaghan, who will be happy to explain the conditions of refund to her. Their telephone number is 047 62100.
233 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Finance if the funding of €10 million, recently announced by the Minister of State at the Office of Public Works, for flood relief works in Bandon, County Cork has been ring-fenced; when the money will be available to be drawn down; when he expects the works to commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3192/10]
Following the severe flooding which affected the town in Bandon, Co. Cork in November 2009, the Office of Public Works received a scoping report and an application from Cork County Council for the implementation of a flood relief scheme for the town. Following its examination of the report, OPW has decided to appoint consultants to identify the most cost effective option for a flood relief scheme, to which OPW has committed itself in principle, as I announced on a visit to Bandon on Friday, 15 January.
When the consultant's report is to hand, OPW, in conjunction with Cork County Council, will decide the best way to address the issues raised. Major flood relief schemes involve complex engineering design of options, environmental impact and cost-benefit assessments and construction operations, and invariably have significant lead-in times. It is too early to predict at this stage when works on such a scheme might be ready to commence.
234 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Finance if he will respond to the concerns of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12. [3284/10]
The income levy is payable on gross income from all sources before any tax reliefs, capital allowances, losses or pension contributions. However, there are a number of exemptions from the income levy.
The exemptions from the income levy include:
all social welfare payments;
individuals who hold full medical cards;
individuals whose annual income does not exceed €15,028 per annum;
individuals aged 65 or over whose annual income does not exceed €20,000 per annum or €769 per fortnight; or
married couples, one or both of whom are aged 65 or over, whose combined income for the year does not exceed €40,000 per annum.
The reason these arrangements have been applied is to make the income levy as fair as possible by providing exemptions for those on very low incomes or with an entitlement to a medical card and by providing increased exemption thresholds for those age 65 and over. The income levy is highly progressive and has been designed to ensure that those who can afford to pay, pay the most.
235 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide a detailed breakdown of the €405,000 provided under A.9 of the Public Appointment Service vote in the Estimates Book 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3312/10]
The breakdown of the figure of €405,000 in the A9 Subhead of the Public Appointments Service Vote in the Estimates Book 2010 is as follows:
Payments to Interview Board Members €382,000
Pre-employment Medical Checks €19,000
Translation Costs €4,000
The figure reflects the reduced levels of recruitment activities in the Public Service consequent on the Government's Moratorium on Recruitment and Promotion.
236 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Finance the number of mortgage holders in north Tipperary and nationally who lost entitlement to mortgage interest relief following his decision to abolish mortgage interest relief for those with a mortgage for more than seven years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3505/10]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that 322,000 of the 564,000 mortgage accounts that were in receipt of mortgage interest relief up until the introduction of the change in the Supplementary Budget 2009 continued to be eligible for the relief notwithstanding that change.
I am further advised by Revenue that they are not in a position to provide a breakdown by location of those who lost entitlement to mortgage interest relief.
237 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Finance the reason mortgage tax relief operated by financial institutions and the Revenue Commissioners is not applied to the end of the seventh year for first time buyers as intended with the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3574/10]
Tax relief for mortgage interest paid on a qualifying home loan, i.e. a loan used for the purchase, repair, development or improvement of an individual's principle private residence, is operated through the tax relief at source (TRS) system. In my Supplementary Budget 2009, I announced that mortgage interest relief for first-time buyers and non-first time buyers was being limited to the first seven tax years for which an individual has entitlement to relief.
I am satisfied that the timeframe regarding mortgage interest relief at source is applied fully in accordance with the intent and relevant provisions of section 244 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997.
238 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance if it is in order that a person (details supplied) with an intellectual disability who is engaged in rehabilitative employment is subject to a 5% reduction in their basic wage. [3581/10]
I am making enquiries into the matter referred to by the Deputy and I will communicate with her separately as soon as possible.
239 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the proposal to build a sea wall (details supplied) in Dublin 13; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3590/10]
Dublin City Council and Fingal County Council produced the final report of the Dublin Coastal Flooding Protection Project in 2005. Funding for the study was provided by the Office of Public Works. The study was undertaken, by the Councils, in direct response to the extreme tide and flood event experienced across Dublin City and Fingal County during February, 2002 and was primarily aimed at addressing the risk from tidal flooding along the coastline and within the tidal reaches of a number of rivers and canals.
The report contained recommendations in relation to the area referred to by the Deputy and Fingal County Council subsequently applied to OPW in late 2009 for funding to progress the proposal for a sea wall there under the Coastal Protection Programme. The application, at €2.6M, did not qualify for the 2009 Programme as minor works, but will be considered for funding as part of a proposed Major Works Programme.
240 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the State guarantee of customer deposits in participating institutions beyond 30 September 2010. [3596/10]
Under the Eligible Liabilities Guarantee (ELG) Scheme, which commenced on 9 December 2009 following Oireachtas and EU State aid approval, deposits taken by a participating institution under the Scheme between the date that the institution joins the Scheme and 29 September 2010 are guaranteed subject to six-monthly approval by the European Commission under State aid rules. Term deposits can have a maturity which extends beyond September 2010. The maximum maturity allowed for in the Scheme is 5 years. A list of the institutions that have joined the ELG Scheme can be found on the website of the NTMA (www.ntma.ie) who act as operators of the Scheme on behalf of the Minister for Finance.
The deputy should be aware that in any event most deposits will continue to be guaranteed under the existing statutory €100,000 Deposit Guarantee Scheme (the "DGS") which covers 100% of retail deposits with all credit institutions authorised in Ireland (including credit unions) up to a maximum of €100,000 per qualifying depositor per institution. The DGS does not have an end-date and will continue to apply after 30 September 2010.
241 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if it is intended that locums working as substitutes in general practitioner practices are in future to be taxed under PAYE rather than as sole traders; the expected revenue from such a move; the estimated compliance cost; if an impact assessment is being undertaken; if it will apply only to contracts that involve whole-time posts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3624/10]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that there has been no change in their practice in relation to determining the tax status (i.e. employed vs. self-employed) of locums working as substitutes in general practitioner practices. The position is that, notwithstanding that an individual may, in relation to an engagement, be described, correctly or otherwise, as a ‘locum', Revenue's approach is to examine all of the facts and circumstances of each case having regard to the Code of Practice for Determining Employment or Self-employment Status of Individuals and having regard to relevant case law on the subject of contract of service (employed) and contract for service (self-employed).
In relation to medical doctors working as substitutes in GP practices, a recent Appeal Commissioners decision that certain locum doctors were found to be employees attracted some media attention and generated an increased number of queries to Revenue offices. As a result of this, Revenue gave renewed publicity to their long held position on the tax treatment of locums engaged in the fields of medicine, health care and pharmacy, which is now set out in Issue 82 of Revenue's publication Tax Briefing, dated 16 December 2009 — available on www.revenue.ie.
The fact that an individual is engaged on a whole-time basis or otherwise will generally not be the determining factor in coming to a decision as to the status of that individual. Depending on the facts and circumstances of a case, an individual may be a full-time employee, a part-time employee, a temporary employee, a casual employee or, indeed, may be self-employed. The fact that an individual may not have continual work or may not have a whole-time post does not, of itself, make such individual a self-employed contractor.
Revenue is not in a position to predict the amount of increased revenue (tax, PRSI, etc.) that may arise from the identification of cases of misclassification (self-employed instead of employee) of locums in medical practice. However, Revenue will continue, in conjunction with the Department of Social and Family Affairs and the National Employment Rights Authority (where appropriate), to focus on tax risks in this area of misclassification — across a multiplicity of sectors — for the foreseeable future. An "impact assessment", in relation to the compliance costs involved as a result of this ongoing work by Revenue to ensure proper classification, has not been carried out.
242 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if, in view of the limited dental cover remaining under the dental treatment benefit scheme in 2010, more routine dental expenses will be allowed for tax relief. [3654/10]
As you are aware, expenses incurred in respect of routine dental treatment are excluded for the purpose of health expenses relief; this has always been the case since the inception of the relief in 1967. Routine dental treatment for the purposes of the relief is scaling, extraction and filling of teeth and the provision and repair of artificial teeth and dentures.
With regard to the question of extending health expenses relief to cover routine dental treatment, the position is that tax relief provisions are reviewed regularly, particularly as part of the annual Budget and Finance Bill process.
243 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance if he will report on the proposed use of a premises (details supplied) in Dublin 11 when it is vacated shortly. [3656/10]
The Commissioners are evaluating future strategies for these premises.
244 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance, further to previous parliamentary questions, if he will provide this Deputy with more information on the amount of rental default regarding a centre (details supplied) in Dublin 5; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3713/10]
245 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance the number of Office of Public Works owned buildings at a complex (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [3714/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 244 and 245 together.
The Northside Civic Centre at Bunratty Road, Dublin 5 consists of two buildings. The buildings were built by the OPW. The site is still in the ownership of Dublin City Council.
Because the site has not yet been transferred to OPW by Dublin City Council, it has not been possible to formalise tenancy agreements with the occupants. The occupants are, however, aware of the rental situation.
When Dublin City Council completes the transfer of the site to OPW, all outstanding matters, including rental arrears, will be finalised. The Chief State Solicitor, on behalf of the OPW, is actively engaged with the Law Agents of Dublin City Council, in an effort to finalise matters as quickly as possible.
246 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Finance the reason persons on short term contracts have been made subject to the recent public service levy. [3717/10]
The Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (No. 2) Act, 2009 makes provision for the reduction in the pay rates of all persons employed by public service bodies, including those on short-term contracts, with effect from 1 January 2010. The purpose of the Act is to generate €1billion in savings on the public service pay bill in 2010 in light of the need to reduce public expenditure and the cost of providing public services.
247 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of an application for domiciliary care allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; if a decision has been made regarding a retrospective payment of this claim in respect of the period prior to application during which there would have been an entitlement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3554/10]
303 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Health and Children if she is dealing as an historic case with the issue of retrospective payment of domiciliary care allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford whose application was late due to the fact that they were unaware of entitlement; if a decision has been made in this case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3555/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 247 and 303 together.
As the Deputy's questions relate to service matters I have arranged for the questions to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
248 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the threshold below which a person’s total annual income in 2009 must have been to enable them claim back the health levy. [3642/10]
A person who has earned less than €26,000 gross in 2009 may claim a refund of the health contribution deductions made by contacting the Refunds Section in the Department of Social and Family Affairs.
249 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans, in view of the recent unexpected reversal of Government policy, to compensate parents who paid for their daughters’ cervical cancer vaccine in the period between the cancellation of the scheme and its reinstatement in January 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3958/10]
302 Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Health and Children if, further to the recently announced decision to proceed with cervical vaccinations for girls in first and second year in school, she will provide a refund for parents who paid for the cost of this vaccination to be carried out privately following the announcement in 2008 that same was not going to proceed and whose daughters would now be eligible for this vaccine, and who would have waited for this vaccine had they known that the scheme would be introduced. [3543/10]
337 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children, further to the cervical vaccine programme, which is available to students attending first year post-primary, the cost to parents for girls in second year onwards; if it is correct that this will cost €150 per student; if it will be possible to have a similar tendering process initiated to help reduce the price of this vaccine in order that parents would be in a position to defray that element of cost; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3817/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 249, 302 and 337 together.
I have always accepted the consensus view of the relevant expert bodies that the introduction of a universal high uptake vaccination programme in young girls, in conjunction with population based cervical screening, could significantly reduce overall cervical cancer incidence. The issue was not, therefore, whether the case for a cervical cancer vaccination programme was accepted by myself and the Government — because it always was — but how to place such a programme in order of clinical priorities for the allocation of scarce resources available for public health services and for the cancer programme in particular. Recently I requested the HSE to initiate a tendering process for the procurement of a HPV vaccine with a view to commencing a HPV vaccination programme for all girls in first year in secondary school and until this process was completed I was not in a position to say if or when I would introduce this programme. This tendering process for the vaccine is now complete. We can now purchase the vaccine at a price much lower than we expected to pay in 2008 and at a price much closer to what is being paid in other countries. In these circumstances, the programme can now be delivered from the extra resources committed in this year's budget to the overall Cancer Programme. The HSE is committed to starting this campaign during the current school year. This will involve the free vaccination of up to 30,000 girls mainly in school settings and an announcement of the details of the full programme involved will be made by the HSE in the near future. The programme will continue with vaccine being offered to all girls in first year in secondary school each year but it is not proposed to extend the vaccination programme to other classes at present.
Unfortunately it will not be possible to refund the costs of vaccinations administered privately.
250 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will intervene in a situation whereby the client registration unit in Finglas, Dublin 11, is sending letters to applicants for medical cards with no signature except a scribble, therefore, there can be no contact made with the person who signed the letter. [2965/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
251 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the primary health care centre planned for Inchicore, Dublin 8; if funding has been allocated; and if so, when work will commence on the centre. [2968/10]
As the Deputy's question relates to a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
252 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children if a priority appointment in the rheumatology department of Cork University Hospital will be given to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; if this condition will be considered under the National Treatment Purchase Fund; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2971/10]
The scheduling of out-patient appointments is in each case determined on the basis of clinical need. Should the patient's general practitioner consider that his or her condition warrants an earlier appointment, the GP may take the matter up with the consultant involved. The NTPF's primary remit is to facilitate patients who have been waiting longest for surgery on hospital in-patient waiting lists. Patients are placed on in-patient waiting lists when they have seen a consultant at an out-patient clinic and surgery is recommended.
The NTPF has conducted a number of out-patient initiatives on a pilot basis. In selected specialties, a defined number of patients, usually those waiting longest in the specialty, have been offered out-patient consultations in private hospitals and where surgery was required, this was also provided. The NTPF will be considering, in the context of the preparation of its 2010 service plan, the extent to which it continues to facilitate such arrangements.
253 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the provision of orthodontic services at St Finbarr’s Hospital, Cork; the length of time the service has been without an orthodontist; when an orthodontist will be appointed; if this will be a full-time appointment; the extent of the waiting list at the facility; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3025/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
254 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children when orthodontic treatment will be available for persons (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3027/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
255 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to negotiate a bilateral adoption agreement with the Government of Haiti; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3032/10]
There are no plans to negotiate a bilateral adoption agreement with Haitian Government. Haiti is currently not a signatory of the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Inter-country Adoption. Adoptions from Haiti, carried out in accordance with the law of Haiti, do not currently qualify for an entry in the Register of Foreign Adoptions.
I am also conscious of the statement issued by the International Social Service on 18 January 2010 in the wake of the tragic events in Haiti which stated, inter alia, that ‘in general, international adoption should not take place in a situation of war or natural disaster, given that these events make it impossible to verify the personal and family situation of children'. The statement further specifies that ‘any operation to adopt or to evacuate children that are victims of the earthquake to another country must be absolutely avoided'. In addition, Save the Children, World Vision and the Red Cross have called for a moratorium on new adoptions until effects have been made to reunite children with their families.
256 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will establish an all-party Oireachtas committee to review the background to the decision to centralise medical card applications and renewals; the connection of centralisation to the 2009 budget decision to means test all persons applying for a medical card aged 70 years and over, which is now enshrined in the Health Act 2008; the preparations undertaken and considerations given to the initiative prior to the announcement to centralise on 24 December 2008; the effects of centralisation on a vulnerable group; the number of cases processed to date in 2010 by the primary care reimbursement service; the number of cases waiting to be processed by the PCRS; the average period to process each case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3049/10]
Following the change in medical card eligibility for persons aged 70 and over in the Health Act 2008, the Health Service Executive (HSE) through its Service Plan for 2009, advised the Department of plans to introduce a centralised national processing centre for medical cards and community drugs schemes as part of the Executive's Value For Money Programme.
The HSE has indicated that its decision to centralise the processing of all medical card and GP visit card applications and renewals to the Primary Care Reimbursement Service (PCRS) in Dublin was in the context of the Executive's requirements to make efficiencies in business practices that could realise savings in a very challenging economic environment and provide a modern service to the public within sustainable levels of expenditure.
I fully support the HSE's decision to centralise the processing of all medical card and GP visit card applications and renewals at the PCRS as the Executive has advised that when fully implemented, the initiative will ensure:
Improved turnaround times for processing of applications: under the new arrangements the HSE will be aiming for a turnaround time of 15 working days or less, with provision for emergency applications to be dealt with immediately;
Consistent and equitable application of eligibility and service provision;
Clearer governance and accountability, as well as improved management information; and
A reduction in the overall number of staff required to process medical/GP visit card applications, thus freeing up staff for other service needs.
The centralising process is facilitating a number of enhancements to the level of customer service associated with these applications. The HSE has recently launched a facility — www.medicalcard.ie — where a person who has applied through the PCRS can view the status of their medical/GP visit card application or review on-line, using a unique reference number that is provided on the acknowledgement sent to them. If a mobile telephone number is supplied with the application/review, an acknowledgement of receipt and the application status/progress of the case will automatically be delivered to the applicant by text message as their case proceeds through the assessment process. The PCRS is also finalising the development of a facility which will allow people to apply on-line if they wish.
The most recent figures provided to my Department by the HSE show that in 2009, the PCRS processed over 72,000 medical card applications. This included nearly 42,000 reviews. In relation to these reviews, 85% of cases where the required information was supplied were completed within 20 days and 95% within 30 days. The HSE has no control over delays where relevant information is not provided but it has confirmed that when the required information is received, the review is processed without further delay.
The other information sought by the Deputy is not provided by the HSE to my Department, as a matter of routine. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have these matters addressed and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
257 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children if the spouse of a person who is entitled to a medical card on the basis of holding a pension from another EU state is entitled to a medical card on the basis of the spouse having the entitlement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3053/10]
Under EU Regulations a person residing in Ireland who is in receipt of a pension from another member state and is not linked to Irish social security legislation is issued with a medical card. The spouse of such persons is also entitled to a medical card provided they are not subject to Irish social security legislation.
258 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of staff on career breaks from the Health Service Executive and from her Department; the average length of career break; the number that have applied to return from their career break but for whom no position was available; the number of staff on career breaks that have been waiting for an appropriate position to become available which would allow them to return from their career break for less than one month, less than three months, less than six months and six months or more; the number of staff that have availed of the incentivised career break scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3076/10]
The number of staff on a career break in the public health service at 30 November 2009 (latest data available) was 1,738 in whole time equivalent terms (WTEs). The remaining information requested regarding the average length of career breaks, and the numbers of staff who have applied to return but are currently waiting for an appropriate position to become available, is a matter for the Health Service Executive. As a result, this part of the question has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
With regards to the Incentivised Career Break Scheme, my Department issued a suite of three circulars to the HSE on 15 May 2009, which provided for the Incentivised Scheme for Early Retirement (8/2009), the Incentivised Career Break Scheme (Circular 9/2009) and the Shorter Working Year (10/2009), as announced by the Minister for Finance in his Supplementary Budget Statement of 7 April 2009.
The purpose of these circulars was to facilitate a permanent, structural reduction in the numbers of staff employed, along with an associated restructuring of organisation and operations, in as timely a manner as possible and in line with the 2009 Employment Control Framework for the Public Health Sector. While the reduction in numbers achieved under these schemes was intended to contribute significant and ongoing savings to the Exchequer, this had to be done in a way that does not undermine essential service provision.
The schemes did not apply to grades exempted from the moratorium on recruitment and promotions under the 2009 Employment Control Framework for the Public Health Sector (Medical Consultants, Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Clinical Psychologists, Behaviour Therapists, Counsellors, Social Workers, and Emergency Medical Technicians). This was in order to meet the requirements of integrated health care delivery and, in particular, to address needs in the community in respect of care of the elderly and people with disabilities.
Members of all other grades, who meet the eligibility criteria, had access to these schemes, provided the grades/staff groups concerned cooperated with the requirements in relation to redeployment, mobility, skill mix and flexibility which are outlined in the employment control framework: this was designed to allow individuals to avail of the schemes while still protecting services. Because staff who retired under the schemes would not be replaced (save in very exceptional cases), employers were required to pay particular attention, when considering applications, to the scope that existed within the organisation for reorganising and restructuring work in order to minimise the impact on essential service delivery. Staff cooperation and flexibility in that regard was essential.
My Department was informed that the health service trade unions issued a directive in May 2009 instructing their members not to cooperate with redeployment and reassignment requests from management in response to the introduction of the moratorium on recruitment and promotions as set out in 2009 Employment Control Framework for the Public Health Sector. This instruction from the unions, which remains in place, severely restricts the ability of management to organise/restructure work practice and contravenes the qualification criteria for the scheme. As a result, the HSE suspended all three schemes in June 2009 but continued to accept applications, up to the closing date of 23 October 2009. I understand a total of 299 applications for the incentivised career Break scheme have been received in the HSE. Of this figure, 130 have been approved subject to the lifting of the current suspension on the scheme, 16 have been deferred, 150 refused and no decision has been made in respect of the remaining 3.
The HSE recently requested my Department's approval to lift the suspension as it applied to the Incentivised Scheme for Early Retirement (ISER), and to allow it to proceed to process to finalisation applications received prior to the closing date. This request is currently being considered by my Department in consultation with the Department of Finance.
In relation to my Department, I wish to advise that a total of 30 staff are currently on career break. Seventeen of these are on the traditional career break scheme (under the terms of Department of Finance Circular 18/98) and the remaining 13 officers are availing of the new Special Civil Service Incentive Career Break Scheme 2009 (Circular 13/2009).
The following statistics relate to the career break scheme under Department of Finance Circular 18/98: the average length of career break is 2.78 years (this excludes time spent by officers waiting to return from career break). Four officers have applied to return from career break for whom no position is currently available. The length of time they have been waiting for an appropriate position to become available is currently:
Less than one month: 1
Less than three months: 0
Less than six months: 1
Six months or more: 2
Of the 13 officers taking a career break under Special Civil Service Incentive Career Break Scheme, 9 commenced their break during 2009 and the remaining 4 will commence during 2010 following their return from maternity leave.
259 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health and Children the guidelines for the response to questions by the parliamentary affairs division of the Health Service Executive; if there is a limit to the maximum time allowed before reply; the number of questions answered in each of the past three years; the number of questions answered within one week, two weeks, four weeks, eight weeks, 26 weeks and more than 26 weeks in each of the past three years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3077/10]
Responding to the information needs of the Oireachtas is a priority for my Department and is a regular agenda item at meetings between myself and the Chief Executive Officer of the Health Service Executive.
The operation of the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the HSE (PAD) allows for the centralised receipt, assignment and tracking of Parliamentary Questions within the HSE's extensive network of operations. More generally, PAD monitors overall performance in relation to the timely issue of replies and provides a central contact for all requests from Oireachtas members for information relating to matters within the statutory remit of the Executive. It reports on a regular basis to the Chief Executive Officer and his management team.
With regard to the number of Parliamentary Questions referred to the Executive for direct reply in the last three years, the details are as follows:
2007 — 2,744
2008 — 3,544
2009 — 3,145.
The information sought by the Deputy concerning the number of questions answered within one week, two weeks etc. is not available. In 2007 the Executive worked to a timeframe of responding to referred questions within 20 working days and this target was met for 65% of referred questions. From January 2008, this timeframe was reduced to 15 working days and 73% of referred questions were answered within this period. In 2009, 62% of questions referred to the Executive were answered within the 15 day timeframe. The Executive is very conscious of the need for prompt responses to Parliamentary Questions and there is regular liaison between my Department and the Executive in this regard. At my regular meetings with the CEO of the HSE I will continue to stress the importance of providing responses to Parliamentary Questions that are both prompt and of a high quality.
260 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Question No. 253 of 7 October 2009, if she will report on her decision to suspend negotiations on an inter-country adoption bilateral agreement with Vietnam; when she expects the Government to be in a position to re-enter negotiations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3079/10]
273 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children if Vietnam has refused to continue negotiations on the conclusion of a new bilateral agreement; if she has decided to suspend indefinitely negotiations on a new agreement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3116/10]
274 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children the consideration she gave to negotiating a new agreement, incorporating within it provisions to address concerns resulting from the International Social Service report and the creation of structures to properly and transparently monitor the workings of such agreement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3117/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 260, 273 and 274 together.
In the process of re-negotiating the bilateral agreement on inter-country adoption with Vietnam serious issues came to light in relation to the Vietnamese adoption process. The issues were contained in the report on inter-country adoption commissioned by UNICEF and the Vietnamese Ministry of Justice and carried out by International Social Services (ISS). An earlier report published last August by the Vietnamese Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA) was also considered in this regard. The UNICEF/ISS report, which was accepted by the Vietnamese Government, "proposes that Vietnam suspends inter-country adoptions for the necessary period during the year 2010 that will enable it to ensure optimal implementation of the Hague Convention and to prepare for the entry into force of the new law on adoption in 2011". The Report also raises serious questions regarding adoption practices in Vietnam, including as follows:
(a) inter-country adoptions from Vietnam are essentially influenced by foreign demand, i.e. the availability of children who are "adoptable" abroad corresponds more to the existence of foreign prospective adopters than to the actual needs of "abandoned" and orphaned children;
(b) the circumstances under which babies become "adoptable" are invariably unclear and disturbing;
(c) the inter-country adoption system is grounded in a remarkably unhealthy relationship between the mediating agencies and specific residential facilities; and
(d) Governments and central authorities of "receiving countries" collectively at least, and individually in many instances have not effectively committed themselves to applying the basic principles of the Hague Convention or the recommendations of the treaty's practical operation, in their dealings with Vietnam.
Having considered the contents of the two reports the Government decided, on 13th of January, to suspend indefinitely negotiations on a new bilateral inter-country adoption agreement with the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. As a result of this decision, all inter-country adoptions from Vietnam will be suspended until such time as the Adoption Bill 2009 has been enacted and both Ireland and Vietnam have ratified the provisions of the Hague Convention.
261 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Health and Children when works will commence on new accident and emergency unit at Kerry General Hospital; the completion date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3085/10]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
262 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if a travel arrangement will be put in place in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny who has to travel to Cork University Hospital every six months for treatment and cannot afford the cost; if arrangements will be confirmed before their next appointment on the 15 February 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3095/10]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
263 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of head shops here; if the opening of these shops is regulated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3101/10]
326 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on regulating head shops to protect young persons from substances which may be dangerous to their health; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3650/10]
335 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to publish statutory instruments under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1984 on extending the list of prohibited substances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3719/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 263, 326 and 335 together.
The Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 and its associated regulations control the import, export, production, supply and possession of a range of named narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances listed in the Schedules to the Act. Substances are scheduled under the Act in accordance with Ireland's obligations under international conventions and/or where there is evidence that the substances are causing significant harm to public health in Ireland.
Items available for sale in head shops, and which are often referred to as ‘legal highs', are substances which are not currently controlled under the Misuse of Drugs legislation. The list of scheduled substances is kept under ongoing review. For example, in 2006 psychotropic (‘magic') mushrooms, which were on sale in such outlets, were banned and their possession and sale is now illegal. On 31 March 2009, BZP was similarly subjected to legislative control measures and criminal sanctions. Minister John Curran, Minister of State at the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, who has responsibility for co-ordinating the National Drugs Strategy, has identified head shops as an area of concern, and is currently considering the options available to more effectively control the activities of head shops.
Under the National Advisory Committee on Drugs, a Research Advisory Group has been established to identify possible options for the regulation of head shops and the Department is actively participating in this process. In the UK, legislation was introduced immediately before Christmas to control a number of substances and groups of substances that have been on sale in head shops. The Department is currently reviewing this legislation to ascertain how similar controls could be introduced in Ireland. My Department does not have information in relation to the number of head shops which are operating in Ireland.
264 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children if funding will be provided for an operation to be carried out in Tallaght Hospital, Dublin, in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 16. [3102/10]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
265 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children the measures that she will put in place to assist couples that are in the process of adopting children from Ethiopia and Russia; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3108/10]
266 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of applications for adoptions from Russia; the number of applications for adoptions from Ethiopia; when these will be processed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3109/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 265 and 266 together.
The Adoption Bill, 2009, is designed to give force of law to the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Inter-country Adoption. The new legislation, which incorporates the provisions of the Hague Convention, is designed to provide a framework to ensure that appropriate procedures have been followed and that all adoptions are effected in the best interests of the child. Future inter-country adoption arrangements will be governed by the terms of the Adoption Bill 2009 when enacted.
The current policy position, as set out in the Adoption Bill 2009, is that for an adoption to be registered under the Bill it must be effected in a contracting State to the Hague Convention or in a country with which Ireland has a bilateral agreement. For non-Hague countries only those adoptions effected prior to the commencement of the new law can be registered on the Register of Inter-Country Adoptions to be established under the Bill.
The issue of transitional measures for prospective parents who are at a definable stage in the adoption process when the Bill is enacted and who wish to continue to adopt a child from a non-Hague, non-bilateral country, is being examined. Prospective adoptive parents have waited a long time and it is my intention to be as flexible as possible in relation to applicants.
In relation to the Deputy's query regarding the number of applications for adoptions from Ethiopia and Russia, such information is not maintained in my Office. As this is a service matter I have forwarded this aspect of the Deputy's query to the Health Service Executive and asked that a reply issue directly to the Deputy.
267 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will clarify a statement (details supplied) issued in January 2010; the steps she took to ensure she was satisfied prior to entering into the bilateral adoption agreement which expired on 1 May 2009 and prior to furnishing to Vietnam a new proposed draft bilateral agreement in March 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3110/10]
The conclusion of bilateral agreements on adoption with any country must take place in the context of the best information available to authorities at the time the agreement is being concluded. This was the case in relation to the bilateral agreement with Vietnam which expired on 1 May 2009.
We must constantly strive to improve inter-country adoption standards. These standards evolve over time and must reflect best practice at any particular time. In the process of re-negotiating the agreement serious issues came to light in relation to the adoption process in Vietnam. The issues were contained in the report on inter-country adoption commissioned by UNICEF and the Vietnamese Ministry of Justice and carried out by International Social Services (ISS). An earlier report published last August by the Vietnamese Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA) was also considered in this regard. The UNICEF/ISS report, which was accepted by the Vietnamese Government, "proposes that Vietnam suspends inter-country adoptions for the necessary period during the year 2010 that will enable it to ensure optimal implementation of the Hague Convention and to prepare for the entry into force of the new law on adoption in 2011". The Report also raises serious questions regarding adoption practices in Vietnam, including as follows:
(a) inter-country adoptions from Vietnam are essentially influenced by foreign demand, i.e. the availability of children who are "adoptable" abroad corresponds more to the existence of foreign prospective adopters than to the actual needs of "abandoned" and orphaned children;
(b) the circumstances under which babies become "adoptable" are invariably unclear and disturbing;
(c) the inter-country adoption system is grounded in a remarkably unhealthy relationship between the mediating agencies and specific residential facilities; and
(d) Governments and central authorities of "receiving countries" collectively at least, and individually in many instances have not effectively committed themselves to applying the basic principles of The Hague Convention or the recommendations of the treaty's practical operation, in their dealings with Vietnam.
Having considered the contents of the two reports the Government decided, on 13th of January, to suspend indefinitely negotiations on a new bilateral inter-country adoption agreement with the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. As a result of this decision, all inter-country adoptions from Vietnam will be suspended until such time as the Adoption Bill 2009 has been enacted and both Ireland and Vietnam have ratified the provisions of the Hague Convention.
268 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children the action taken by representatives appointed to the Ireland-Vietnam review group during the currency of the relevant bilateral agreement to ensure that Vietnamese adoption practices met appropriate standards; the reports on this issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3111/10]
269 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason she refused to publish full details of meetings held by the review group; the reports furnished by same to her; the further reason she refused to make available relevant information and documentation in respect of the review group when sought by this Deputy under the Freedom of Information Act 1997; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3112/10]
271 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children the consideration given by the review group during the lifetime of the expired agreement to difficulties arising as a consequence of the linkage between humanitarian aid and adoption services; the reports received by her from the review group on this issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3114/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 268, 269 and 271 together.
The Joint Working Group referred to by the Deputy did not meet on a formal basis. However a number of joint meetings between officials from Ireland and Vietnam were held on an ad hoc basis to support the implementation of the Bilateral Agreement. Representatives of my Department and/or the Adoption Board met with their Vietnamese counterparts as required to review issues relating to adoptions from Vietnam on foot of the Agreement. Matters discussed included co-operation on technical assistance, staff training, providing assistance to State competent authorities involved in adoption and the care of children as referred to in Article 24 of the Bilateral Agreement.
Representatives of my Department and/or the Adoption Board met with their Vietnamese counterparts as required to review issues relating to adoptions from Vietnam on foot of the Agreement. Officials from my Department visited Vietnam on at least 5 occasions since the signing of the bilateral agreement in 2003. During the course of these visits some of the matters discussed included co-operation on technical assistance, staff training, providing assistance to State competent authorities involved in adoption and the care of children as referred to in Article 24 of the Bilateral Agreement. As a part of this process two significant reports were produced which helped to inform the Government's policy on adoption from Vietnam.
270 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason she is critical of the linkage between the provision of humanitarian aid in conjunction with adoption services by an adoption agency licensed by her to assist applicants here in effecting Vietnamese adoptions when the expired bilateral agreement entered into by her, under which the agency operated, expressly envisaged the provision of such humanitarian aid and rendered it impossible for applicants here to effect Vietnamese adoptions without making a specific humanitarian aid payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3113/10]
My Office became aware of concerns around aspects of the operation of the mediation agency in question upon receipt of the ‘draft Final Report' of the ‘Assessment of the Adoption System in Vietnam' by ISS in mid August last year. The Adoption Board were contacted immediately upon receipt of the draft report. The Adoption Board's role in registering adoption societies, including the mediation agency in question, makes it the appropriate body to consider the issues raised.
The payment of humanitarian aid as part of the adoption process was provided for in the previous bilateral agreement. However, the Vietnamese authorities themselves wish to break the link between the referral of a child for adoption and the payment of humanitarian aid.
272 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason she gave assurances to 20 couples at an advanced stage in the Vietnamese adoption process after 1 May 2009 that satisfactory arrangements would be made to facilitate them completing Vietnamese adoptions; the further reason no such arrangements have been made; the reason assurances (details supplied) were given for more than six months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3115/10]
It remains my intention to assist 20 named applicants to complete inter-country adoptions in respect of children from Vietnam on an exceptional basis and insofar as it is practicable in law. In communicating the decision to suspend the bilateral negotiations the Irish Government asked the Vietnamese Government whether it will be possible to proceed with the adoptions. A response is awaited from the Vietnamese authorities to this request.
At no time were assurances given that these adoptions would be effected and entered into the Registry of Foreign Adoptions.
275 Deputy Seán Ardagh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm that the human papillomavirus cervical vaccine will continue free of charge into the future; the age group that will be targeted; if it will be extended to include girls from first to sixth year in secondary school; if it is planned to include girls in sixth class primary school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3120/10]
Recently I requested the HSE to initiate a tendering process for the procurement of a HPV vaccine with a view to commencing a HPV vaccination programme for all girls in first year in secondary school. This tendering process for the vaccine is now complete. We can now purchase the vaccine at a price much lower than we expected to pay in 2008 and at a price much closer to what is being paid in other countries. In these circumstances, the programme can now be delivered from the extra resources committed in this year's budget to the overall Cancer Programme. The HSE is committed to starting this campaign during the current school year. This will involve the free vaccination of up to 30,000 girls mainly in school settings and an announcement of the details of the full programme involved will be made by the HSE in the near future. The programme will continue with vaccine being offered to all girls in first year in secondary school each year but it is not proposed to extend the vaccination programme to other classes at present.
276 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support a matter (details supplied). [3131/10]
328 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to introduce legislation to deliver appropriate community-based mental health services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3669/10]
329 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to review the Mental Health Act 2001 with a view to updating it in line with the new United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3670/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 276, 328 and 329 together.
The Government has established an Interdepartmental Committee under the Chairmanship of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform in order to provide for ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The Department of Health and Children is represented on the Committee. The Mental Health Act 2001 provides a modern framework for the admission and treatment of persons with a mental disorder. It provides important safeguards to people who are involuntarily admitted by ensuring that all admission and renewal orders are subject to automatic and independent review by a Mental Health Tribunal. The Act also established the Mental Health Commission which is responsible for promoting, encouraging and fostering the establishment of high standards and good practices in the delivery of mental health services and taking all reasonable steps to protect the interests of persons detained in approved centres. The Act is due to be reviewed in 2011 and the provisions of the UN Convention will be among the issues to be considered in that context. The review will also consider whether further provisions are required in relation to community-based mental health services.
Ireland has a comprehensive mental health policy framework in place which outlines a set of values and principles that will guide both Government and service providers as we proceed to develop and put in place a modern high- quality mental health service. This policy document ‘A Vision for Change' proposes a holistic view of mental illness and recommends an integrated multidisciplinary approach to addressing the biological, psychological and social factors that contribute to mental health problems. It recommends a person centred treatment approach which addressed each of these elements through an integrated care plan, reflecting best practice, and most importantly evolved and agreed with both service users and their carers.
In January 2008, the Government established the Office for Disability and Mental Health as a cross-cutting Government Office with a remit across four Government Departments: Health and Children, Education and Science, Enterprise, Trade and Employment and Justice, Equality and Law Reform. The Office provides for greater cohesion across the public service and brings together responsibility for a range of different policy areas and State services. The Office was assigned four key priorities one of which is to bring a new impetus to the implementation of ‘A Vision for Change' working in partnership with the HSE and other stakeholders including other Government Departments to achieve implementation of agreed targets. Bilateral meetings with officials from other Government Departments to discuss progressing recommendations in ‘A Vision for Change' and ‘Reach Out' the National Strategy for Action on Suicide Prevention take place within this context.
277 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of patients presenting to accident and emergency departments at hospitals (details supplied) for the months of September, October, November, December 2009 and up to 18 January 2010, the waiting times at each hospital for patients, during the hours of 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3141/10]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
278 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when a medical card will be renewed for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [3144/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
279 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when the medical card will be renewed in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [3147/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
280 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the average time it takes to process an application for the over 70 years medical card; the number of applications that have been made; the number granted since the changes were introduced; her plans to expedite the processing time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3155/10]
Details of the number of medical cards and GP visit cards are provided to my Department each month by the Health Service Executive (HSE). The figures are provided on a net basis, showing the balance after new cards have been issued and other cards, as appropriate, have been deleted from the Executive's database, e.g. following a review of a person's circumstances. The most recent figures provided to my Department by the HSE reflect the position on 31st December 2009 and show 1,478,560 medical card holders on that date, of whom 337,519 were aged 70 and over. The Health Service Executive, with my full support, has decided to centralise the processing of all medical card and GP visit card applications and renewals at its Primary Care Reimbursement Service (PCRS) in Dublin.
The process commenced in January 2009 when the PCRS took over the processing of all medical card applications for persons aged 70 or over. The second phase commenced in September 2009 with the transfer of the case load from two local health offices (LHOs) in Dublin to the PCRS.
In 2009, the PCRS processed over 72,000 medical card applications. This included nearly 42,000 reviews. In relation to these reviews, 85% of cases where the required information was supplied were completed within 20 days and 95% within 30 days. The HSE has no control over delays where relevant information is not provided but it has confirmed that when the required information is received, the review is processed without further delay.
The HSE has advised that when fully implemented, the initiative to centralise the processing of all medical card and GP visit card applications and renewals will ensure:
Improved turnaround times for processing of applications: under the new arrangements the HSE will be aiming for a turnaround time of 15 working days or less, with provision for emergency applications to be dealt with immediately;
Consistent and equitable application of eligibility and service provision;
Clearer governance and accountability, as well as improved management information; and
A reduction in the overall number of staff required to process medical/GP visit card applications, thus freeing up staff for other service needs.
As parts of the information sought by the Deputy are not provided by the HSE to my Department as a matter of routine, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to address these matters and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
281 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children when a decision will be made on an application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon; the reason for the delay in processing the application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3157/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
282 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children the new capital projects associated with her Department gone to tender that will begin in 2010; the new capital projects gone to tender that were due to start in 2010 but are not now proceeding; the capital projects that are in the middle of construction at present; her views on the importance of such projects in getting capital flowing into banks and around the economy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3169/10]
Developing and improving our overall infrastructure, including health infrastructure is crucial to Ireland's economic future. In 2010, the Health Sector will benefit from a total capital investment of €483.842m which will help to stimulate economic growth through the progression of wide range of capital health developments countrywide.
A draft capital plan for the period 2010 — 2014 has been submitted to my Department by the Health Service Executive. My Department is reviewing the proposals and following up with the HSE where further details may be required. The proposed plan requires my approval with the consent of the Minister for Finance. Details of the plan will be published by the HSE following its approval.
I have asked the HSE to provide details of capital projects currently under construction.
The HSE has carefully managed its capital programme following confirmation of revisions to its capital envelope in 2009, so as to ensure, inter alia, that construction tenders where issued, related to priority projects expected to proceed without delay to completion. I have requested the HSE to provide details of any projects previously tendered that will not proceed in 2010, following approval of the capital plan.
283 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children when the advanced paramedic service will be rolled out in north Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3193/10]
284 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children if bypass protocol for ambulances has been put in place in relation to Mallow General Hospital, County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3194/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 283 and 284 together.
As these are service matters, they have been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
285 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when a medical card will be renewed in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [3198/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
286 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children if a consultant radiologist has been appointed for Mallow General Hospital, County Cork; the terms of their rotation therein; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3201/10]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
287 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Question No. 167 of 22 September 2009 if she will provide an update; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3233/10]
I refer to your PQ of the 22nd September, 2009. The position has not changed and there are currently no plans to extend the list of eligible conditions covered by the Long Term Illness Scheme, which was introduced on a statutory basis in l971. However, initial discussions have taken place with the Health Service Executive and the Irish Blood Transfusion Service to explore how services might be provided to haemochromatosis patients.
288 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Health and Children the developments in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Galway in relation to his request to return here and receive medical treatment involving a substance which is illegal under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1984; if she is satisfied that Ireland is not in breach of UN conventions and EU directives in the operation of its current practices; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3246/10]
The position in Ireland is that cannabis, and substances and products containing cannabis, are considered as having no medicinal use and are classified as controlled drugs under Schedule 1 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977, as amended. The importation, exportation, manufacture, production, preparation, sale, supply, distribution and possession of cannabis, and products and substances containing cannabis, is unlawful except for the purposes of research. The Misuse of Drugs legislation applies more stringent controls than the UN or EU legislation regarding the use of medicinal cannabis.
The importation of cannabis and substances and products containing cannabis to Ireland, even if legally obtained in another EU Member State, is prohibited. It is not possible for cannabis, products containing cannabis or derivatives thereof to be authorised for medicinal use or for prescription by a medical practitioner. The Misuse of Drugs legislation makes no provision for derogations in respect of the importation or possession of cannabis-containing substances or products.
289 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will review an appeal for a medical card which was refused for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if she will expedite a response. [3281/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
290 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will review the response issued by the Health Service Executive to a parliamentary question by this Deputy relative to the occupational therapy services required by a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; if she will insist on the services being provided in view of the fact that the person is waiting since May 2008 and has now been informed by the HSE that it is not possible to advise when an appointment will be made although the case is deemed a priority; if she will confirm the number of additional staff needed in this area; when in 2010 the staff will be appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3282/10]
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
291 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an application for funding in respect of an organisation (details supplied) in County Clare. [3294/10]
An application for funding from the 2009 National Lottery allocation was received from Clare Crusaders Ltd. The 2009 applications for National Lottery grants far exceeded the resources available and it was not possible to assist the organisation on this occasion. My Department wrote to the organisation on 18th December 2009 informing them of this and inviting them to apply for a grant from the 2010 National Lottery allocation should funding be required.
292 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will review a medical card refusal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3299/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
293 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when home help hours will be increased in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3326/10]
294 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when one or two week respite placement will be offered to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3327/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 293 and 294 together.
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
295 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason 80% of children under five years of age referred to five Linn Dara child and adolescent mental health services in counties Dublin and Kildare for autism spectrum disorder assessment in the first ten months after the Disability Act 2005 became law were considered inappropriate; the further reason the aforementioned children were denied their entitlement to ASD assessment, in accordance with Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005, which guarantees children with disabilities under five years of age an independent assessment of their health and education needs, and a service statement identifying the services to be provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3472/10]
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
296 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Health and Children when the new hospital for Kenmare, County Kerry will begin construction; if this project has been included in the capital programme for 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3485/10]
The Health Service Executive is currently progressing the preparatory work necessary for the development of the replacement Community Hospital in Kenmare. I understand that construction is expected to commence during the course of 2010.
297 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding a bilateral adoption agreement with Ethiopia; if she has been in discussion with an organisation (details supplied) since 30 October 2009 to discuss this matter; if it is envisioned that parents here will be able to adopt from Ethiopia in the near future; if not, if transitional measures will be put in place for parents who have sent their declaration to Ethiopia; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3510/10]
300 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if work has commenced on a bilateral agreement to allow adoption from Ethiopia; when this agreement will be concluded; if the agreement will be in place before the Adoption Bill 2009 becomes law; if couples already granted approval by the Health Service Executive will be facilitated under any transitional or interim arrangements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3528/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 297 and 300 together.
The Adoption Bill, 2009, is designed to give force of law to the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Inter-country Adoption. The new legislation, which incorporates the provisions of the Hague Convention, is designed to provide a framework to ensure that appropriate procedures have been followed and that all adoptions are effected in the best interests of the child. Future intercountry adoption arrangements will be governed by the terms of the Adoption Bill 2009 when enacted.
The current policy position, as set out in the Adoption Bill 2009, is that for an adoption to be registered under the Bill it must be effected in a contracting State to the Hague Convention or in a country with which Ireland has a bilateral agreement. For non-Hague countries only those adoptions effected prior to the commencement of the new law can be registered on the Register of Inter-Country Adoptions to be established under the Bill.
The issue of transitional measures for prospective parents who are at a definable stage in the adoption process when the Bill is enacted and who wish to continue to adopt a child from a non-Hague, non-bilateral country, is being examined. Prospective adoptive parents have waited a long time and it is my intention to be as flexible as possible in relation to applicants.
Ireland does not have a bilateral agreement with Ethiopia in respect of adoption. Consideration of this matter is at an early stage.
I will be meeting the organisation specified by the Deputy when I address its annual general meeting in February.
298 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Cork will be considered for a long-stay bed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3525/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
299 Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Meath will receive medical treatment. [3527/10]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
301 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Laois will receive an appointment to see a consultant neurologist at University Hospital Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3542/10]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
304 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on whether national schools should set up facilities to provide for the early childhood care and education scheme in spite of the fact that child care facilities funded by the State are less than half a kilometre away; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3560/10]
I have responsibility for the implementation of the free Pre-School Year in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) scheme which commenced earlier this month. I also have responsibility for the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010 (NCIP) under which capital grants were provided to community and commercial childcare providers to develop and refurbish childcare facilities to meet the needs of parents and their children.
Some 27,000 additional childcare places are expected to be created under the NCIP. This builds on the 45,000 childcare places created under the EU co-funded Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-2006 (EOCP). In order to qualify for capital grant funding under the NCIP, applicants were required to demonstrate a local need for the service proposed, including non-displacement of existing services in the area. Applications were processed in the first instance by the local City and County Childcare Committee who provided detailed assessments of each project and the extent to which the funding proposed would address identified local childcare needs. The NCIP capital programme closed to new applicants in April 2009.
In addition to capital funding, the NCIP also provides support funding under the Community Childcare Subvention Scheme (CCSS) to enable community childcare services to charge reduced fees to disadvantaged and low income working parents. In December 2009, the Government announced its decision to introduce a follow-on scheme to the CCSS with effect from September 2010.
While the NCIP is an investment programme to develop the childcare infrastructure and provide targeted support to disadvantaged parents using community services, the ECCE scheme is a universal scheme to provide a free preschool year to all children before they enter primary school. All preschool services operating in the State are free to apply to participate, including preschool services established by the Boards of Management of primary schools or located on school grounds. It is not possible, therefore, nor would it be considered appropriate to limit the ECCE scheme to existing services preschool services or to discriminate against a particular category of provider.
305 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support the case of a person (details supplied). [3591/10]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
306 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the changes that have been made to the entitlement of an unemployed person to retain their medical card when they take up employment; the rules that pertain to this scheme. [3592/10]
Under the Health Service Executive's Medical Card / GP Visit Card National Assessment Guidelines for 2009, persons in receipt of either the Job Seekers Allowance or the Job Seekers Benefit for a period of 12 months or more are entitled to retain their medical card for 3 years on taking up employment. There have been no changes to this provision.
307 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Health and Children if the Health Service Executive has introduced a new regulation in which transport for patients receiving outpatient treatments is to be restricted to the closest public hospital; the way persons who have appointments at hospitals that are further away will be able to make their appointments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3594/10]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
308 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if the fair deal nursing home grant is payable from the date of application rather than from the date of approval in view of the fact that a large number of acute hospital beds are being occupied by persons who are awaiting approval under the fair deal scheme and cannot move until such time as the approval is received. [3595/10]
The HSE's Guidelines on the Standardised Implementation of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme state that, subject to overall resources, new entrants to nursing homes will have their financial support paid either from the date that the application was made or from date of admission to the nursing home, whichever is the later. It is not, therefore, the case that applicants will only qualify from the date of approval.
The HSE has indicated that the expected timelines for processing applications under the new Nursing Home Support Scheme and making determination regarding financial support will vary according to individual circumstances and complexities. However, on average, the following timelines are estimated:
Straightforward State Support Application — 1-2 weeks.
Straightforward Nursing Home Loan Application — 3-4 weeks.
309 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of unattached homeless children known to the Health Service Executive on 31 March 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009. [3598/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
310 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the difficulties that persons, many of whom are elderly, are having in contacting to the Health Service Executive medical card office in Finglas, Dublin 11; if her further attention has been drawn to the backlog and waiting times in this office and that different staff members have given contradictory status updates to persons and to this Deputy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3599/10]
I fully support the Health Service Executive's decision to centralise the processing of all medical card applications and reviews. I wrote to all Oireachtas members on 17th January 2010 outlining a range of measures being employed by the Executive to address issues arising from this initiative and I also referred to the various enhancements that this process will facilitate upon completion.
The other issues raised by the Deputy are service matters. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to address these matters and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
311 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the future of the ambulance service in County Dublin; the improvements that have taken place in recent times to ensure that ambulance trolleys are not tied up in hospitals unduly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3601/10]
For many years Dublin City Council, through Dublin Fire Brigade, has provided the emergency ambulance service in Dublin City on behalf of the Health Service Executive. The HSE provides mainly the non-emergency patient transport in the Dublin area. Ambulance services in the rest of the country are provided by the HSE.
It is important to ensure that all of our pre-hospital emergency services, including the services provided by the Dublin Fire Brigade, function as part of a high quality, integrated health service. The advice of the Health Information and Quality Authority on pre-hospital care issues will be a significant factor in determining how services should be organised so that they operate efficiently and that clinical governance, patient safety and quality standards are met.
The HSE and Dublin City Council are in discussion regarding a number of practical issues, including the nature and terms on which Dublin Fire Brigade provides emergency ambulance services in Dublin.
As the other issues raised by the Deputy are service matters, I have referred them to the HSE for direct reply.
312 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Question No. 230 of 17 December 2008, the operational status of the units; the number of cases received since they became operational; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3603/10]
As the Deputy's question relates to a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
313 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of beds in Mallow General Hospital, County Cork; if the number of beds in use in Mallow General Hospital has been reduced in the last 12 months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3608/10]
314 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of bed days used by patients over 65 years of age for the years 2007 to 2009 inclusive at Mallow General Hospital, County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3609/10]
315 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of bed days used by patients under 65 years of age at Mallow General Hospital, County Cork between the years 2007 to 2009 inclusive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3610/10]
316 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the average length of stay, in days, per patient at Mallow General Hospital, County Cork for the years 2007 to 2009 inclusive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3611/10]
317 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the average length of stay, in days, for surgical in-patients at Mallow General Hospital, County Cork for the years 2007 to 2009 inclusive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3612/10]
318 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of day cases at Mallow General Hospital, County Cork for the years 2007 to 2009 inclusive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3613/10]
319 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of out-patient attendances at Mallow General Hospital, County Cork for the years 2007 to 2009 inclusive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3614/10]
320 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the percentage rate of occupancy at Mallow General Hospital, County Cork for the years 2007 to 2009 inclusive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3615/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 313 to 320, inclusive, together.
As these are service matters, they have been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
321 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children if home care packages are available to persons living within the primary, community and continuing care north Cork area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3616/10]
322 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of home care packages available to persons living within the primary, community and continuing care north Cork area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3617/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 321 and 322 together.
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
323 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if there are clear rules for the means test applied for assessing entitlement to a home care package for a person being cared for in the home; if there is a ceiling on the amount payable; if the scheme is demand led or rationed within a fixed budget; and the different resource allocations and availability, that is, numbers served, waiting time or percentage cover of the costs, in different parts of the country. [3625/10]
Government policy in relation to older people is to support people to live in dignity and independence in their own homes and communities for as long as possible and, where this is not feasible, to support access to quality, long-term affordable residential care.
The Home Care Package (HCP) Initiative was introduced in 2006. This year, the Government has made available a total of €130m to allow the HSE provide packages to some 9,000 people at any one time or around 12,500 people during the course of the year. This includes an additional €10m provided in the recent Budget. Such packages provide supports over and above existing mainstream community services to help maintain older people at home and in their communities. They are targeted particularly at older people at risk of inappropriate admission to acute hospital or long-term residential care, or those requiring discharge home from acute hospital. They were designed to be as flexible as possible to best meet the needs of each individual. These criteria were indicated to the HSE when packages were introduced, and have been the basis for administering the programme since.
The capacity of the HSE to provide approved levels of Home Care Package services continues to be reviewed in the context of overall resources available to the Executive. It is incumbent on each Local Health Manager to ensure that HCPs are delivered within allocated budgets. This requires a stringent on-going review of the application of resources.
Levels of services provided under the HCP Initiative are reviewed regularly by the HSE. As a result, the service in individual cases may increase, decrease or may remain the same, based on the assessed need of the individual. Professional staff on the front line, who are aware of local circumstances, undertake individual client assessments and services are targeted at clients with a high level of dependency and in accordance with their assessed need.
An independent Evaluation of Home Care Packages was commissioned by the Department and undertaken by PA Consulting in 2009, and was published on 3 December last. The recommendations of this report, including a more standardised approach to means assessment, will help inform future policy and direction for this service. Following the findings of this report, the Department is satisfied that the funding for HCPs, which is a limited resource, has been used as intended by the HSE. It accepts the recommendations on the need for a more standardised approach to various aspects of the programme. These would include Governance, Operational Delivery, Performance Management, and Funding.
The Department, and the HSE, are at present progressing the implementation of the recommendations of the PA report on Home Care Packages in 2010 including:
agreeing national standardised access and operational guidelines for delivery of Home Care Packages,
the adoption and dissemination by the HSE of a voluntary code of Quality Guidelines for Home Care Support Services for Older People, which will apply to public and private providers, and
a more standardised approach to Procurement of HCPs nationally.
I have referred the Deputy's question to the HSE for direct reply, in relation to the detailed operational information sought.
324 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support an increase in home help in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3633/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
325 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health and Children when a pharmacist (details supplied) in County Longford will be awarded payment of more than €3,000 under the hardship scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3640/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
327 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on providing prosthetic limbs free of charge to amputees who face bills of thousands of euro whenever their limb needs to be replaced; if her attention has been drawn to the difficulties for amputees to qualify for a medical card if they are above the income guidelines despite having lost a limb; if she will engage with the Health Service Executive to address this issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3660/10]
The position remains as outlined in my reply to Question No. 63 of 19th February 2009, namely that when a patient has a limb amputated, the acute hospital is responsible for providing the first prosthesis. Amputees who possess a Medical Card or a Long-Term Illness Card will receive, once sanctioned, new prostheses and repairs to prostheses. Others are liable to meet the costs directly. They have a number of options: (a) they can claim from their private health insurers; (b) they can meet the costs themselves and submit a claim for tax relief to the Revenue Commissioners via the Form Med 1 and (c) they can apply for a Medical Card and request that their special circumstances be considered, especially on the grounds of "undue financial hardship" on the individual or their family.
330 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will review an application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3705/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
331 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Health and Children the guidelines for the admission to hospital for surgery of persons diagnosed with breast cancer; the recommended waiting time for a person whose doctor or specialist has recommended a mastectomy; and if she will intercede in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11. [3710/10]
The matters raised by the Deputy relate to the provision of healthcare services and accordingly, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond directly to the Deputy.
332 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will assist with the renewal of medical cards in the case of persons (details supplied) in Dublin 11. [3711/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
333 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the renewal of medical cards in respect of persons (details supplied) in Dublin 11 who applied two months ago; if she will locate their application and have it renewed before the expiry date of 2 February 2010; and if she will have the new system of medical cards at North Road, Finglas examined. [3712/10]
I fully support the Health Service Executive's decision to centralise the processing of all medical card and GP visit card applications and renewals at the Primary Care Reimbursement Service (PCRS) in Dublin as the Executive has advised that when fully implemented, the initiative will ensure:
Improved turnaround times for processing of applications: under the new arrangements the HSE will be aiming for a turnaround time of 15 working days or less, with provision for emergency applications to be dealt with immediately;
Consistent and equitable application of eligibility and service provision;
Clearer governance and accountability, as well as improved management information; and
A reduction in the overall number of staff required to process medical/GP visit card applications, thus freeing up staff for other service needs.
I wrote to all Oireachtas members last week providing the position on medical card applications in the PCRS.
As the other issue raised by the Deputy is a service matter, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to address this matter and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
334 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will lift the recruitment embargo on the appointment of nurses in Roscommon primary, community and continuing care in which vacant posts are now reaching crisis point; the number of vacant posts in each Roscommon PCCC area; the steps she will take to address this situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3718/10]
In order to implement savings measures on public service numbers, the Government decided that, with effect from 27 March 2009 to end 2010, no post in the public sector, however arising, may be filled by recruitment, promotion, or payment of an allowance for the performance of duties at a higher grade. The decision applies to all grades of permanent and temporary staff, including nursing, notwithstanding a number of specific exemptions, some of which are highlighted below. A HSE circular has issued which gives effect to the Government decision in the public health services and other specific aspects of the employment control framework for the health services.
The Government decision was modulated to ensure that key services are maintained insofar as possible in the health services, particularly in respect of children at risk, older people and persons with a disability. The HSE has been focussing on the scope that exists within the health services for reorganising and restructuring of work in order to minimise the impact on essential service delivery. The redeployment and reassignment of existing staff will also support the reorientation of care from hospitals to the community to facilitate the development of integrated care. It is seeking a high level of flexibility from staff and unions to achieve this.
In addition, the employment control framework specifically exempts the following front line grades in the health sector from the moratorium: Medical Consultants, Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Clinical Psychologists, Behaviour Therapists, Counsellors, Social Workers, and Emergency Medical Technicians. The framework actually allows for a growth in the number of those posts within the overall approved employment ceiling for the health sector. In addition, special provisions apply in relation to certain specialist grades under the National Cancer Control Programme.
The focus on these key grades is in line with existing Government policy on the prioritisation of certain development areas, for which significant funding has already been provided. The overall result will be to assist in the reorientation of health employment to services delivered in primary and community care.
Health employment levels are monitored by the Joint Employment Control Monitoring Committee, which comprises officials from my Department, the Department of Finance and the HSE. This committee also reviews the implementation of the moratorium and any issues arising.
The position in regard to the management of employment levels in specific areas is a service matter, and the Deputy's question has accordingly been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
336 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Question No. 175 of 10 November 2009, the steps she is taking to resolve this situation; the timetable for the opening of the facility; the issues of concern raised by the union and the further steps she is taking to address these issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3720/10]
I understand from the HSE that a reply to the Deputy's Parliamentary Question dated 10 November 2009 issued on 16 November 2009 from the Local Health Manager, Roscommon. As this remains a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
338 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport his views on rail transportation and the way it may contribute to national economic development; his further views on the development of a national rail network outside of Dublin in conjunction with the national roads programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3187/10]
I remain committed to the development of rail transportation in Ireland. This commitment is reflected in the provision of over €600m in Exchequer funding for investment in public transport infrastructure in 2010. Significant progress has been made in the recent past through investment in the rail network such as under the railway safety programme, the purchase of new carriages and the opening of the Cork to Midleton rail line. Further progress will be made this year with the opening of phase 1 of the Western Rail Corridor, the completion of the upgrade of the Kildare line and the opening of phase 1 of the Navan line.
As I have stated previously my priority for future investment in public transport infrastructure is the provision of additional capacity and, in this regard, Metro North and DART Underground are important projects. More generally, the transport infrastructure projects and programmes selected for continued investment will be guided by the overarching priorities set out by the Minister for Finance for capital investment, namely strengthening the productive capacity of the economy and sustaining employment. Investment in this infrastructure will add to Ireland's capital stock and help support the development of a competitive productive economy in the long term.
339 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 156 of 26 November 2009, if he will further respond to a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2973/10]
I responded directly to the person in question on 25th January 2010. A copy of the letter is set out below for the information of the Deputy.
January 2010
Ms Lisa Doyle
Lisadoyle61@hotmail.co.uk
Dear Ms Doyle,
I refer further to your email regarding Iarnród Éireann services to/from Laytown, Co. Meath.
As I am sure you appreciate a number of the issues raised in your letter are day-to-day operational matters for Iarnród Éireann. However, given that you went to the trouble of contacting me to voice your concerns and to try and be helpful in responding to you my Department raised these matters directly with the company and asked for a response.
At the outset it might be useful to advise you that I have in recent months introduced significant reforms in relation to arrangements for the delivery of public transport infrastructure and services. The National Transport Authority was recently established and this body now has statutory responsibility to procure public transport services and, in relation to the Greater Dublin Area, secure public transport infrastructure on behalf of the State. The new Authority has recently entered into public service contracts with each of the CIE companies. The purpose of these contracts is to set enforceable standards in relation to the quality and quantity of services provided to the State in return for the payment of State subvention.
Your specific queries related to ticket pricing, the rail service to Laytown, Exchequer and EU funding of Iarnród Éireann and the plans to enhance rail services in the Greater Dublin Area under the Transport 21 Investment Framework. I shall seek to address each of these in turn.
As part of the reforms I referred to earlier the approval of fare increases for Iarnród Éireann is now the responsibility of the recently established National Transport Authority. Prior to the setting up of the Authority, my Department approved the standard single fare in respect of bus and rail services provided by the CIÉ companies. This is now a matter for the Authority. Return fares, discounted fares, concessionary fares etc. are a matter for the companies concerned. No increase is proposed for 2010 in the price of the annual Taxsaver commuter ticket from Laytown to Dublin. Iarnród Éireann has advised my Department in response to your letter that the price of €1,770 quoted by yourself has been the price of that ticket that has applied since March 2009 and ticket prices are based broadly on distance travelled. For example Laytown is 42km from Dublin and the annual ticket costs €1,700 whereas, in comparison, Skerries is 28km from Dublin and the annual ticket cost is €1,030.
In relation to train services, in this case services from Laytown, again, this is a day-to-day operational matter for Iarnród Éireann. On this issue Iarnród Éireann has stated that in the morning peak hour, it provides 5 departures from Laytown arriving in Dublin between 8am and 9am. This is an average frequency of a train every 12 minutes, which is comparable with DART frequencies. In the evening peak hour, there are 4 departures from Dublin to Laytown between 5.15pm and 6.15pm, which would also be similar to train frequencies on other routes such as the Maynooth line. In relation to the quality and reliability of such services, Iarnród Éireann have also advised my Department that prior to the Malahide Viaduct incident on the 21st of August 2009, that 93.6% of trains on the northern commuter line were arriving on time or within 5 minutes of schedule. The company has indicated that, since the reintroduction of services following the reconstruction of the viaduct, there have been some temporary speed restrictions in place on the line. However, a number of these have already been removed and punctuality has returned to 95.45% of trains arriving within 10 minutes of schedule.
With regard to Exchequer and EU Capital Funding, over the last 5 years 2005 to 2009, Iarnród Éireann has received funding for the Transport 21 capital investment programme from the Exchequer and EU as set out in the following table.
|
Year |
EU |
Exchequer |
|
€ |
€ |
|
|
2005 |
28,344,807.00 |
279,551,987.00 |
|
2006 |
41,895,018.00 |
258,720,862.00 |
|
2007 |
30,930,810.00 |
409,837,837.00 |
|
2008 |
2,795,177.00 |
538,545,903.00 |
|
2009 |
1,352,746.32 |
433,545,202.00 |
The Transport 21 programme for rail has included the infrastructure renewal programme, the rolling stock replacement programme, station upgrading and accessibility works and car parking extensions. In Laytown, in particular, €1.5m has been provided for station accessibility works and these are nearing completion
In terms of appraising projects, my Department fully complies with the Department of Finance Guidelines on "The Appraisal and Management of Capital Expenditure Proposals in the Public Sector". For your information, this can be found at http://www.finance.gov.ie/ documents/publications/other/capappguide05.pdf
As I stated in a press release on 9th December the public transport subvention provision payable to CIE is €276 million for 2010, which is a reduction of €27 million (8.8%) in 2009. This reduction reflects the need to reduce public expenditure in the current very difficult economic climate. The CIE companies will seek to minimise the impact by continuing their work to reduce costs and increase efficiency. This press release can be found at: http://www.transport.ie/pressRelease.aspx?Id=149
Transport 21 Programme
The "Inter-connector" is now known as the DART Underground. The preliminary design of the project has been completed. Work is currently underway on the scheme design, geotechnical investigation and preparation of an environmental impact study including a detailed archaeological report. Iarnród Éireann undertook further public consultations during November and early December in the lead up to the Railway Order application and expect to submit an application for a Railway Order to An Bord Pleanala in early 2010. The DART Underground will deliver:
A second high capacity DART line through the heart of the city centre, a 7.5 kilometre underground line;
Dramatically increased frequency and capacity for services on the Northern, Maynooth and Kildare lines — the three fastest growing population corridors in the country — and relieving the current congestion at Connolly Station;
A fully integrated rail network for the Greater Dublin area, linking all modes — DART, Commuter, Intercity, LUAS and Metro — and ensuring that suburb to suburb as well as suburb to city centre journeys can be made by a frequent, high capacity public transport network;
Two high capacity DART lines proposed as Balbriggan/Howth to Hazelhatch; and Maynooth/Dunboyne (M3) to Bray/Greystones, with DART extensions to some routes likely to be delivered in advance of the DART Underground;
A trebling of the number of passenger journeys by DART and Commuter rail annually — up from 33 million today to 100 million;
A critical piece of urban, regional and national infrastructure; and
Between 6,000 and 7,000 jobs directly in each year of the construction phase, with many thousands more jobs indirectly.
I have stated on many occasions that the DART Underground and Metro North are the main public transport priority projects.
Further information on the Dart Underground and other Transport 21 projects can be found at the following links.
http://www.transport21.ie/
http://www.transport21.ie/Projects/Heavy_Rail/DART_Underground.html
http://www.irishrail.ie/projects/dart_underground.asp
http://www.transport21.ie/Projects/Heavy_Rail/Electrification_of_and_Provision_of_ Rolling_Stock_on_the_Dublin_Suburban_Network.html
As I explained many of the issues you refer to are a matter for Iarnród Éireann. However, I appreciate you taking the trouble to write and I have taken careful account of your comments. I have asked Iarnród Éireann to do likewise.
Yours sincerely
Noel Dempsey TD
Minister for Transport
340 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 185 of 1 December 2009, if the requested information has been supplied as has been completed by the Departments of Education and Science, Health and Children, Finance, Foreign Affairs, the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Social and Family Affairs, Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, and Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, and is currently being compiled by the Departments of Defence and the Taoiseach; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2976/10]
The information the Deputy requested regarding staff numbers by grade is outlined in the attached for the years since my Department came into existence in 2002. (Appendix 1.) *
Copies of the corresponding pay scales as at end of said years for general grades, as laid down in Department of Finance Circulars, are also attached. (Appendices 2-8)*
Copies of the corresponding pay scales for the technical grades in my Department are currently being collated and will be sent to the Deputy upon completion.
A copy of Parliamentary Question No. 185 of 1 December 2009, as referred to by the Deputy, is copied hereunder for the Deputy's convenience.
*=This information is available from Department of Transport
REPLY
Pay scales are laid down in Department of Finance Circulars.
My Department makes monthly returns to the Department of Finance of the number of officers serving in each grade.
I will arrange to have copies of the Department of Finance Pay scales and end of year return for each of the years specified, sent to the Deputy.
341 Deputy Michael Kennedy asked the Minister for Transport if he will grant approval to Dublin Bus allowing it to operate all outbound Dublin Bus 41X services through the Dublin Port tunnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3046/10]
The initiation or alteration of a bus service by Dublin Bus is subject to compliance with a requirement to give advance notice to my Department and to compliance with the provisions of Section 25 of the Transport Act 1958 concerning competition with licensed private operators.
Where proposed services by the Company are deemed to be in competition with services that are the subject of a licence held by a private bus operator issued under the Road Transport Act, 1932, Dublin Bus is required to obtain my consent under section 25 of the Transport Act 1958 before the Company can introduce such services.
On 12th June 2008, approval was granted by my Department to Dublin Bus to operate its morning 41X services from Swords to Belfield via the Port Tunnel.
Dublin Bus notified my Department on 8th July 2008 of its proposal to operate the existing 41X services from the City Centre to Swords in the evening via the Port Tunnel. A decision on this proposal has been deferred until such time as prior applications in relation to this route are finalised. Applications are dealt with on a first come first served basis and Dublin Bus is aware of these procedures generally and has been advised of the position in respect of this particular application. Details of applications are treated as confidential until they are finalised.
342 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport the timescale for the provision of funding in respect of the development of a modern rescue centre by the Doolin unit of the Coast Guard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3050/10]
Normal public service procedures do not ring fence monies prior to site purchase and planning permission being obtained by the State. An application for a Coast Guard station at Doolin, County Clare is being made by the OPW and I will review the matter when that process is completed.
343 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the statutory provision that bans parking within five metres of a junction; and the maximum penalty that applies. [3068/10]
344 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the statutory provision that bans parking within 15 metres of a pedestrian crossing; and the maximum penalty that applies. [3069/10]
345 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the statutory provision that bans parking on the side of a road which has a solid white line marked in the middle; and the maximum penalty that applies. [3070/10]
346 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the statutory provision that bans parking where to do so would partially or wholly block a driveway; and the maximum penalty that applies. [3071/10]
347 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the statutory provision that bans parking wholly or partially on a grass verge; and the maximum penalty that applies. [3072/10]
348 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the statutory provision that bans parking wholly or partially on a footpath; and the maximum penalty that applies. [3073/10]
349 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the statutory provision that bans parking where to do so would narrow access so much that an emergency vehicle could not pass. [3074/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 343 to 349, inclusive, together
The Statutory provisions for these offences are outlined in Article 36 of the Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations, 1997 as amended. (S.I. No. 182 of 1997).
Fixed charges apply to these offences. The fixed charge is €40 if paid within 28 days of receiving the fixed charge notice and €60 if paid within 56 days of receiving the notice.
The maximum fine applying to these offences, provided for under the Road Traffic Acts, following a Court conviction is currently €2,000, which is the general penalty that applies to the majority of offences under these Acts. The determination of the actual fine to be imposed in each particular case is a matter for the Courts.
350 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Transport the new capital projects associated with his Department gone to tender that will begin in 2010; the new capital projects gone to tender that were due to start in 2010 but are not now proceeding; the capital projects that are in the middle of construction at present; his views on the importance of such projects in getting capital flowing into banks and around the economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3173/10]
The construction, improvement and maintenance of national roads is a matter for the National Roads Authority under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility only for the overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme element of Transport 21.
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is a statutory function of each local authority in accordance with the provisions of section 13 of the Roads Act, 1993. Grant allocations to local authorities for are made on an annual basis. I will forward the Deputy details of the 2009 regional and local road grant payments for specific projects.
The 2010 regional and local road grant allocations are being finalised in my Department at present and I expect to announce the allocations by mid February. The amount of money provided in the 2010 Estimates for funding regional and local roads is €411.177 million and this year's allocation will be based on that amount.
I will forward details of the 2010 road grant allocations directly to the Deputy at that time.
Public Transport
Since 1st December 2009, the provision of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area is a matter which comes under the remit of the National Transport Authority (NTA).
In relation to 2010, over €600m in Exchequer funding has been provided for investment in public transport infrastructure. This investment will allow the completion of a number of projects including the Kildare route project, Navan phase 1 and Luas line B1. Work will also continue in 2010 on the rollout of the railway safety programme and the Luas line to City West.
Planning will also progress on a number of projects such as Metro North and DART Underground.
Aviation
Terminal 2 at Dublin Airport is due to finish construction in November 2010. This construction is funded entirely by the DAA. National Sustainable Travel Office
Capital projects associated with implementation of the SmarterTravel policy that are in the middle of construction are provision of a walking and cycling network in Carrigaline, Co Cork, routes from PassageWest to Rochestown, Co Cork and at Fisheries Field, Galway and routes linking Adamstown to Grand Canal, South Dublin and in Westport, Co Mayo.
In addition, further projects will be started in 2010. For example, schemes will be selected from competitions such as the Smarter Travel Demonstration Areas Fund and the Smarter Travel Demonstration Projects Fund. Details of these will be available on www.smartertravel.ie as progress is made.
351 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport if the roads allocation for Cork County Council will reflect the national average per kilometre in view of the fact that the current allocation to County Cork, per kilometre of road serviced, is among the lowest awarded in the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3195/10]
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads, in its area, is a statutory function of each road authority in accordance with the provisions of section 13 of the Roads Act, 1993. Works on such roads are a matter for the relevant local authority to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of projects to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.
Regional and Local road grants are allocated under a number of grant categories. The only grant categories which are calculated by reference to length of road are the discretionary improvement, discretionary maintenance and restoration maintenance categories.
The amount of money provided in the 2010 Estimates for funding regional and local roads is €411.177 million and this year's allocation will be based on that amount.
Details of the 2009 grant allocations per kilometer to each county council under these specified grant categories are set out in the following Table.
|
County Councils |
2009 allocation under Discretionary Improvement & Discretionary Maintenance and Restoration Maintenance |
Regional and Local Road length in County Council areas (KM) |
2009 allocation per Km under Discretionary Improvement & Discretionary Maintenance and Restoration Maintenance |
|
€ |
€ |
||
|
Carlow Co Council |
1,646,000 |
1,153 |
1,428 |
|
Cavan Co Council |
4,106,000 |
2,876 |
1,428 |
|
Clare Co Council |
5,625,000 |
3,940 |
1,428 |
|
Cork Co Council |
16,524,000 |
11,574 |
1,428 |
|
Donegal Co Council |
8,596,000 |
6,022 |
1,427 |
|
Dún Laoghaire Rathdown Co Council |
1,860,000 |
652 |
2,853 |
|
Fingal Co Council |
2,188,000 |
1,022 |
2,141 |
|
Galway Co Council |
8,669,000 |
6,072 |
1,428 |
|
Kerry Co Council |
6,030,000 |
4,224 |
1,428 |
|
Kildare Co Council |
2,984,000 |
2,090 |
1,428 |
|
Kilkenny Co Council |
4,068,000 |
2,850 |
1,427 |
|
Laois Co Council |
2,816,000 |
1,973 |
1,427 |
|
Leitrim Co Council |
2,931,000 |
2,053 |
1,428 |
|
Limerick Co Council |
4,859,000 |
3,404 |
1,427 |
|
Longford Co Council |
2,093,000 |
1,466 |
1,428 |
|
Louth Co Council |
1,637,000 |
1,147 |
1,427 |
|
Mayo Co Council |
8,392,000 |
5,878 |
1,428 |
|
Meath Co Council |
4,177,000 |
2,925 |
1,428 |
|
Monaghan Co Council |
3,388,000 |
2,374 |
1,427 |
|
North Tipperary Co Council |
3,469,000 |
2,431 |
1,427 |
|
Offaly Co Council |
2,773,000 |
1,943 |
1,427 |
|
Roscommon Co Council |
5,311,000 |
3,720 |
1,428 |
|
Sligo Co Council |
3,567,000 |
2499 |
1,427 |
|
South Dublin Co Council |
1,695,000 |
792 |
2,140 |
|
South Tipperary Co Council |
3,906,000 |
2,736 |
1,428 |
|
Waterford Co Council |
3,507,000 |
2,457 |
1,427 |
|
Westmeath Co Council |
2,859,000 |
2,004 |
1,427 |
|
Wexford Co Council |
4,551,000 |
3,188 |
1,428 |
|
Wicklow Co Council |
2,833,000 |
1,984 |
1,428 |
From this table it is clear that the allocations for Cork County Council, under the grant categories which are directly related to length, are in line with the allocations to other county councils, (with the exception of the 3 Dublin authorities where specific provision is made for very significant traffic).
I will announce the 2010 regional and local road grant allocations by mid February 2010 at the latest.
352 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the allocation that will be made to Cork County Council for non-national, secondary and national primary and secondary roads in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3196/10]
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme element of Transport 21. The construction, improvement and maintenance of individual national road and bridge projects, including those within Cork County Council's functional area, is a matter for the National Roads Authority under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Grants in respect of national roads are allocated to local authorities by the NRA and I have no function in this regard.
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is a statutory function of each road authority in accordance with the provisions of section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. The carrying out of works on these roads is a matter for the relevant local authority to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State road grants.
The initial selection and prioritisation of projects to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.
In determining the annual regional and local road grant allocations, the overall objective is to resource each local area, including Cork County Council, appropriately in relation to their ongoing and special needs.
Grants are provided each year to local authorities for works on regional and local roads under a number of grant categories. The level of grants allocated to individual authorities is determined each year having regard to the total funds available in a particular year; eligibility criteria for the different grant schemes; road pavement conditions; length of road network; the need to prioritise projects and competing demands from other local authorities.
The amount of money provided in the 2010 Estimates for funding regional and local roads is €411.177 million and this year's allocation will be based on that amount.
I will announce the 2010 regional and local road grant allocations by mid February 2010.
353 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Transport the various charges and fees set by him in relation to driving licences, applications for driving licences and tests of driving ability in relation to his powers under Section 18 of the Road Traffic Act, 1968; if those charges and fees have changed in 2007, 2008 or 2009; the annual income that is expected to accrue from each such charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3519/10]
Under the Road Traffic (Driver Instructor Licensing) (No. 2) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 203 of 2009), made under section 18 of the Road Traffic Act 1968, fees in relation to the licensing of driving instructors were set and have not been changed.
Current fees in relation to driving licences were set in the Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 537 of 2006) and remain unchanged. The fees for driving tests were increased from 7 April 2009 by the Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) (Amendment) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 130 of 2009) to €75 in respect of cars and motorcycles and €110 in respect of other vehicles (trucks and buses). The fees relating to the professional competence of drivers were set in the European Communities (Vehicle Drivers Certificate of Professional Competence) (No. 2) Regulations 2008 (S.I. 359 of 2008) and remain unchanged. The fees in respect of applications for driving licences and tests of driving ability had previously been unchanged for a number of years.
Income from the fees charged for the above accrues to the Road Safety Authority and to Local Authorities.
354 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Transport if additional funding will be made available to counties Cavan and Monaghan to help cover the cost that each of the councils incurred in keeping the roads clear and additionally to cover the damage which has been done to the road surfaces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3559/10]
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is a statutory function of each road authority in accordance with the provisions of section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. The carrying out of works on these roads is a matter for the relevant local authority to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of projects to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.
When Exchequer grants for regional and local roads are allocated each year, my Department does not hold back a reserve allocation, at central level, to deal with weather contingencies. Holding back such an allocation would mean a reduction in the road grant allocations made to all local authorities at the beginning of each year.
The allocations made to local authorities are inclusive of a weather risk factor. Local authorities are expressly advised in the annual road grants circular letter that they should set aside contingency sums from their overall regional and local roads resources to finance necessary weather related works.
The amount of money provided in the 2010 Estimates for funding regional and local roads is €411.177 million and this year's allocation will be based on that amount.
I have, however, asked local authorities to provide details of exceptional road related costs associated with the recent flooding and prolonged severe weather, which fall outside the normal financial provision for winter maintenance.
I will announce the 2010 regional and local road grant allocations by mid February 2010 at the latest.
355 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the amount of moneys allocated to each county and the average amount per kilometre for the maintenance of non national roads in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3561/10]
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads, in its area, is a statutory function of each road authority in accordance with the provisions of section 13 of the Roads Act, 1993. Works on such roads are a matter for the relevant local authority to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State road grants.
The initial selection and prioritisation of projects to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.
Regional and Local road grants are allocated under a number of grant categories. The only grant categories which are calculated by reference to length of road are the discretionary improvement, discretionary maintenance and restoration maintenance categories.
Details of the total 2009 grant allocations are set out in Table 1 and details of the 3 categories where grants are calculated per kilometer to each county council are set out in Table 2.
|
2009 Allocations |
|
|
€ |
|
|
County Councils |
|
|
Carlow |
5,196,199 |
|
Cavan |
13,052,025 |
|
Clare |
16,032,498 |
|
Cork |
43,880,723 |
|
Donegal |
28,664,397 |
|
Dunlaoghaire-Rathdown |
6,109,699 |
|
Fingal |
5,788,866 |
|
Galway |
24,234,746 |
|
Kerry |
17,985,097 |
|
Kildare |
15,769,264 |
|
Kilkenny |
11,373,699 |
|
Laois |
9,045,928 |
|
Leitrim |
8,960,699 |
|
Limerick |
13,190,198 |
|
Longford |
6,380,799 |
|
Louth |
10,920,631 |
|
Mayo |
22,316,746 |
|
Meath |
16,566,473 |
|
Monaghan |
12,445,199 |
|
North Tipperary |
11,008,598 |
|
Offaly |
8,180,699 |
|
Roscommon |
13,118,265 |
|
Sligo |
10,706,899 |
|
South Dublin |
8,250,899 |
|
South Tipperary |
10,762,998 |
|
Waterford |
13,672,699 |
|
Westmeath |
13,941,365 |
|
Wexford |
12,784,498 |
|
Wicklow |
20,603,820 |
|
City/Borough Councils |
|
|
Cork |
4,264,000 |
|
Dublin |
12,682,450 |
|
Galway |
1,674,000 |
|
Limerick |
2,294,000 |
|
Waterford |
2,289,000 |
|
Clonmel |
488,903 |
|
Drogheda |
405,000 |
|
Kilkenny |
393,000 |
|
Sligo |
1,993,000 |
|
Wexford |
443,000 |
|
Town Councils |
|
|
Arklow |
177,000 |
|
Athlone |
359,000 |
|
Athy |
177,000 |
|
Ballina |
177,000 |
|
Ballinasloe |
177,000 |
|
Birr |
177,000 |
|
Bray |
385,000 |
|
Buncrana |
177,000 |
|
Bundoran |
126,000 |
|
Carlow |
373,000 |
|
Carrickmacross |
177,000 |
|
Carrick-On-Suir |
177,000 |
|
Cashel |
126,000 |
|
Castlebar |
177,000 |
|
Castleblaney |
126,000 |
|
Cavan |
177,000 |
|
Ceannanus Mor |
177,000 |
|
Clonakilty |
177,000 |
|
Clones |
126,000 |
|
Cobh |
177,000 |
|
Dundalk |
385,000 |
|
Dungarvan |
177,000 |
|
Ennis |
373,000 |
|
Enniscorthy |
177,000 |
|
Fermoy |
177,000 |
|
Killarney |
177,000 |
|
Kilrush |
126,000 |
|
Kinsale |
177,000 |
|
Letterkenny |
359,000 |
|
Listowel |
177,000 |
|
Longford |
177,000 |
|
Macroom |
126,000 |
|
Mallow |
177,000 |
|
Midleton |
177,000 |
|
Monaghan |
177,000 |
|
Naas |
373,000 |
|
Navan |
373,000 |
|
Nenagh |
177,000 |
|
New Ross |
177,000 |
|
Skibbereen |
126,000 |
|
Templemore |
126,000 |
|
Thurles |
177,000 |
|
Tipperary |
177,000 |
|
Tralee |
373,000 |
|
Trim |
177,000 |
|
Tullamore |
177,000 |
|
Westport |
177,000 |
|
Wicklow |
177,000 |
|
Youghal |
177,000 |
|
County Councils |
2009 allocation under Discretionary Improvement & Discretionary Maintenance and Restoration Maintenance |
Regional and Local Road length in County Council areas (KM) |
2009 allocation per Km under Discretionary Improvement & Discretionary Maintenance and Restoration Maintenance |
|
€ |
€ |
||
|
Carlow Co Council |
1,646,000 |
1,153 |
1,428 |
|
Cavan Co Council |
4,106,000 |
2,876 |
1,428 |
|
Clare Co Council |
5,625,000 |
3,940 |
1,428 |
|
Cork Co Council |
16,524,000 |
11,574 |
1,428 |
|
Donegal Co Council |
8,596,000 |
6,022 |
1,427 |
|
DunLaoghaire-Rathdown Co Council |
1,860,000 |
652 |
2,853 |
|
Fingal Co Council |
2,188,000 |
1,022 |
2,141 |
|
Galway Co Council |
8,669,000 |
6,072 |
1,428 |
|
Kerry Co Council |
6,030,000 |
4,224 |
1,428 |
|
Kildare Co Council |
2,984,000 |
2,090 |
1,428 |
|
Kilkenny Co Council |
4,068,000 |
2850 |
1,427 |
|
Laois Co Council |
2,816,000 |
1,973 |
1,427 |
|
Leitrim Co Council |
2,931,000 |
2,053 |
1,428 |
|
Limerick Co Council |
4,859,000 |
3,404 |
1,427 |
|
Longford Co Council |
2,093,000 |
1,466 |
1,428 |
|
Louth Co Council |
1,637,000 |
1,147 |
1,427 |
|
Mayo Co Council |
8,392,000 |
5878 |
1,428 |
|
Meath Co Council |
4,177,000 |
2,925 |
1,428 |
|
Monaghan Co Council |
3,388,000 |
2,374 |
1,427 |
|
North Tipperary Co Council |
3,469,000 |
2,431 |
1,427 |
|
Offaly Co Council |
2,773,000 |
1,943 |
1,427 |
|
Roscommon Co Council |
5,311,000 |
3,720 |
1,428 |
|
Sligo Co Council |
3,567,000 |
2,499 |
1,427 |
|
South Dublin Co Council |
1,695,000 |
792 |
2,140 |
|
South Tipperary Co Council |
3,906,000 |
2,736 |
1,428 |
|
Waterford Co Council |
3,507,000 |
2,457 |
1,427 |
|
Westmeath Co Council |
2,859,000 |
2,004 |
1,427 |
|
Wexford Co Council |
4,551,000 |
3,188 |
1,428 |
|
Wicklow Co Council |
2,833,000 |
1,984 |
1,428 |
356 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans for the introduction of a scheme, similar to the United Kingdom individual voluntary arrangements, to assist those in difficulty with personal debts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3143/10]
The Law Reform Commission's Consultation Paper on Personal Debt Management and Debt Enforcement, published in September 2009, contains an extensive list of provisional recommendations for reform of the law on personal debt that includes provision for a system of non-judicial debt settlement. While the system of Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVA's) that operates in the United Kingdom is referred to in the Paper in that context, no recommendation is made in that regard. The Commission has indicated that the date for completion of submissions on its Paper is the end of January 2010. It is aiming to have its Final Report available by end of August 2010.
I can assure the Deputy that the Government intends that early action be taken by the relevant Departments, including my Department, to address the Commission's final views on all matters, including those on non-judicial debt settlement systems.
357 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the Multi-Unit Developments Bill; when he intends to progress the passage of this Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3248/10]
The position is that amendments to the Multi-Unit Developments Bill 2009 are currently being drafted to respond to issues raised during Second Stage discussions in the Seanad and in submissions subsequently received by my Department from relevant stakeholders.
358 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, further to Parliamentary Question No. 201 of 1 December 2009, if he will provide the requested information as has been done by the Departments of Education and Science, Health and Children, Finance, Foreign Affairs, the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Social and Family Affairs, Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, and Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, and is currently being compiled by the Departments of Defence and the Taoiseach; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2977/10]
The position in respect of my Department remains as outlined in my reply to the Deputy's question on 1 December 2009.
359 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has agreed to ratify the UN Convention against Corruption; when he will ratify this convention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3041/10]
The United Nations Convention against Corruption was signed on behalf of Ireland, when it opened for signature, in December 2003. The Convention entered into force in December 2005.
There are certain legislative measures required to be in place before Ireland can proceed with ratification of the Convention. In this regard, it is intended that arrangements will be made for ratification of the Convention, following enactment of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill 2008; this measure is currently awaiting Committee Stage in the Dáil.
360 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will investigate the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3044/10]
The person concerned, accompanied by her infant child, applied for asylum on 23 April 2003. The child was included in his mother's asylum application. In accordance with Section 9 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended), the person concerned and her child were entitled to remain in the State until her application for asylum was decided. Her asylum application was refused following consideration of her case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Arising from the refusal of her asylum application, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was notified, by letter dated 17 May 2004, that the Minister proposed to make Deportation Orders in respect of her and her child. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of Deportation Orders or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why Deportation Orders should not be made against her and her child. Representations were received on behalf of the person concerned at that time.
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 and all representations received were considered in arriving at a decision in her case. On 27 October 2004 Deportation Orders were signed in respect of the person concerned and her child. Notice of these Orders was served by registered post dated 27 January 2005. This communication advised the person concerned of the legal requirement that she and her child present themselves at the Offices of the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) on 3 February 2005 in order to make travel arrangements for their deportation from the State. The person concerned ‘presented' on that occasion and on a number of subsequent dates but has failed to ‘present' since 5 July 2005.
On 6 October 2005, the person concerned initiated Judicial Review Proceedings in the High Court, challenging the Minister's decision to make Deportation Orders in this case. On 23 March 2007, the High Court refused the Judicial Review Leave Application.
On 1 November 2005, an application was received on behalf of the child of the person concerned requesting that he be re-admitted to the asylum process in accordance with the provisions of Section 17(7) of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended). Following the consideration of this application, a decision was taken to refuse the application and the person concerned was notified of this refusal decision by letter dated 18 November 2005.
An application for the revocation of the Deportation Orders, under Section 3 (11) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), has also been submitted on behalf of the person concerned. This application is under consideration in my Department at present. When a decision has been made on this application, the person concerned will be notified in writing of that decision and of the consequences of the decision.
The person concerned and her child remain the subject of valid Deportation Orders. The Deputy may be assured that these Orders will not be enforced pending the determination of the application for the revocation of the Deportation Orders as referred to above.
361 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will support a matter (details supplied). [3054/10]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the area referred to is in the Pearse Street Garda District. Gardaí from the Neighbourhood Policing Unit engage with the community and community leaders in the area, and regular meetings are held to address any issues that arise.
Residents of the area have been reassured of Garda commitment to the area. Any issues arising or fears being expressed or experienced by members of the community will be addressed by local Garda management.
The area is subject to regular foot and mobile patrols and patrols by the Garda Mountain Bike Unit, supplemented by the District Detective and Drug Units and the Divisional Crime Task Force.
Current policing plans in the area are designed to address issues of crime and public order offences, including the prevention of crimes of violence against persons and property and the maintenance of an environment conducive to the improvement of the quality of life of residents. Community policing is a central feature of the policing plans. This strategy is central to the delivery of the policing service to the area in question.
I am further informed that the incident referred to is the subject of ongoing investigation by An Garda Síochána, with one person charged. It would therefore be inappropriate for me to comment further at this time.
362 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for citizenship in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Longford. [3055/10]
A valid application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in October 2009.
All valid applications are dealt with in chronological order as this is deemed to be the fairest to all applicants. The average processing time from application to decision is now at 24 months. More complicated cases can at times take more than the current average, while an element of straight forward cases can be dealt with in less than that timescale.
The length of time taken to process each application should not be classified as a delay, as the length of time taken for any application to be decided is purely a function of the time taken to carry out necessary checks. There is a limit to the reduction in the processing time that can be achieved as applications for naturalisation must be processed in a way which preserves the necessary checks and balances to ensure that it is not undervalued and is only given to persons who genuinely satisfy the necessary qualifying criteria.
363 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if Garda personnel will be replaced in Ballycastle, County Mayo. [3081/10]
374 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí located in Lifford Garda Station, County Donegal; and if there are plans to increase same. [3202/10]
389 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a garda will be appointed to a station (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3531/10]
390 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a garda will be appointed to a station (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3532/10]
391 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a garda will be appointed to a station (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3533/10]
392 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when one sergeant and three gardaí will be appointed to a station (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3534/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 363, 374 and 389 to 392, inclusive, together.
I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength of Lifford, Knock, Ballindine, Hollymount and Ballycastle Garda Stations, their Districts and Divisions on 31 December 2009 was as set out in the table hereunder:
|
Station |
Strength |
District |
Strength |
Division |
Strength |
|
Lifford |
13 |
Letterkenny |
181 |
Donegal |
468 |
|
Knock |
0 |
Claremorris |
38 |
Mayo |
309 |
|
Ballindine |
0 |
Claremorris |
38 |
Mayo |
309 |
|
Hollymount |
1 |
Claremorris |
38 |
Mayo |
309 |
|
Ballycastle |
0 |
Claremorris |
38 |
Mayo |
309 |
The allocation of resources in An Garda Síochána, including the distribution of personnel, is a matter for the Commissioner and senior Garda Management and it is the responsibility of the Divisional Officer to allocate personnel within each Division. Garda management will continue to appraise the policing and administrative strategy employed in the Mayo and Donegal Garda Divisions with a view to ensuring that an effective Garda service is maintained.
The moratorium on recruitment and promotions in the Public Service applies to the Garda Síochána, both sworn members and civilian support staff. However, I will keep the situation under review in consultation with the Garda Commissioner and my colleague the Minister for Finance.
364 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of unaccompanied children who have come here, aged six years and under, aged between seven years and 12 years, and aged between 13 years and 18 years, who have been allowed to remain here upon reaching 18 years. [3105/10]
I have been informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that Section 8(5)(a) of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) provides that, where it appears to an Immigration Officer or an authorised officer that a child under the age of 18 years who has arrived in the state and is not in the custody of any person, that child must, as soon as is practicable be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) and thereupon the provisions of the Child Care Act, 1991 apply to the child.
For the purposes of the Deputy's Question, the following is the position with regard to the number of unaccompanied children within the various age categories who have claimed asylum in this State in recent years. This being the case, the numbers of unaccompanied children for the years 1998 to 2009 inclusive are as follows:
|
Number of Claims 0-6 years |
Number of Claims 7-12 years |
Number of Claims 13-18 years |
Total |
|
|
1998 |
— |
— |
2 |
2 |
|
1999 |
— |
2 |
36 |
38 |
|
2000 |
1 |
5 |
295 |
301 |
|
2001 |
23 |
25 |
552 |
600 |
|
2002 |
1 |
11 |
275 |
287 |
|
2003 |
— |
3 |
268 |
271 |
|
2004 |
— |
1 |
127 |
128 |
|
2005 |
1 |
— |
130 |
131 |
|
2006 |
4 |
— |
127 |
131 |
|
2007 |
3 |
3 |
87 |
93 |
|
2008 |
4 |
9 |
85 |
98 |
|
2009 |
— |
1 |
55 |
56 |
|
Total |
37 |
60 |
2,039 |
2,138 |
As the Deputy will be aware, all asylum applications, whether they relate to adults or children, require an investigation to be carried out to determine whether refugee status should be granted or refused. Clearly in the context of determining asylum applications involving unaccompanied children, regard will be had for the age and maturity of the child.
The following is the position on the grant of refugee status in cases involving unaccompanied children in the years 1998 to 2009 inclusive. The Deputy might note that decisions made in one year may relate to applications made in an earlier year.
|
Under 18 at time of grant |
Over 18 at time of grant |
Total Granted |
|
|
1998 |
— |
— |
— |
|
1999 |
— |
— |
— |
|
2000 |
1 |
— |
1 |
|
2001 |
12 |
10 |
22 |
|
2002 |
49 |
44 |
93 |
|
2003 |
27 |
11 |
38 |
|
2004 |
31 |
27 |
58 |
|
2005 |
45 |
11 |
56 |
|
2006 |
28 |
2 |
30 |
|
2007 |
15 |
9 |
24 |
|
2008 |
13 |
— |
13 |
|
2009 |
2 |
1 |
3 |
|
Total |
223 |
115 |
338 |
|
Under 18 at time of grant |
Over 18 at time of grant |
Total Granted |
|
|
1998 |
— |
— |
— |
|
1999 |
— |
— |
— |
|
2000 |
— |
— |
— |
|
2001 |
2 |
— |
2 |
|
2002 |
6 |
7 |
13 |
|
2003 |
11 |
32 |
43 |
|
2004 |
7 |
27 |
34 |
|
2005 |
11 |
8 |
19 |
|
2006 |
7 |
4 |
11 |
|
2007 |
3 |
3 |
6 |
|
2008 |
2 |
2 |
4 |
|
2009 |
1 |
7 |
8 |
|
Total |
50 |
90 |
140 |
*Please note that the figures in these tables refer to the year in which the decision/recommendation was made and not the year the application was received.
The Deputy might also wish to note that in the instances where refugee status is refused, the unaccompanied children involved will be made aware of the entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in the State and to submit written representations to the Minister as to why a Deportation Order should not be made and any such communications are again copied to the HSE and to the child's legal representative.
In relation to the treatment of such cases where an applicant reaches 18 years, the same legal entitlements and provisions will apply to such persons as would to cases involving persons who were adults at the time an asylum claim was lodged. For this reason, it is not possible to dis-aggregate the cases of previously unaccompanied children who were subsequently granted permission to remain in the State from the overall figures for persons granted permission to remain in the State.
The Deputy might also wish to note that it is not uncommon for persons arriving in the State as unaccompanied children to be re-united with family members already in the State and once such re-unification is achieved, the HSE will no longer be required to act as guardian to such children.
I understand that the HSE has information in relation to the non-asylum seeking unaccompanied children arriving in the State and that the HSE will be in contact with the Deputy directly in this regard.
365 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the establishment of a new children’s mental health coalition; if he will act on its recommendation that there should be a national framework for mental health assessment of children in detention, and at community level post release, including monitoring that the necessary follow-up services are delivered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3106/10]
366 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the establishment of a new children’s mental health coalition; if he will act on its recommendation to establish a diversion system for a child with a mental health problem away from the criminal justice system into specialised mental health services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3107/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 365 and 366 together.
I wish to advise the Deputy that policy for the care of children in the criminal justice system is outlined in the National Youth Justice Strategy 2008-2010, one of the actions of which states that the Department of Health and Children will work with the HSE to implement the recommendations of the Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy, to increase access to appropriate child and adolescent mental health services for children in the youth justice system.
Also, the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse Report Implementation Plan, commonly known as the Ryan Implementation Plan, states ‘In conjunction with the Irish Youth Justice Service (IYJS), the HSE will develop a national specialist multidisciplinary team for children in special care and detention by July 2010'. I understand the HSE is currently working to progress this recommendation.
In relation to children in detention schools, I can advise the Deputy that each of the children detention schools provides access to specialist mental health assessments and appropriate treatment. Mental health care in the community is a matter for the HSE, however, the IYJS is working with the HSE to ensure that offending children with mental health issues are identified at the earliest opportunity and diverted from the criminal justice system where possible.
I wish to inform the Deputy that while officials in my Department are aware of the new children's mental health coalition, my office has not received any proposals from this group to date. Any proposals received in the future will be given due consideration.
367 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to amend the existing legislation relating to begging; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3126/10]
I propose to publish new legislation on begging in due course. The new legislation arises from, and will take account of, the High Court judgement in the Dillon case. In that judgement the Court found that the current law, Section 3 of the Vagrancy (Ireland) Act 1847, was unconstitutional.
368 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the latest crime statistics for Blanchardstown, Dublin 15; the comparable figures for the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3133/10]
The Garda Síochána Act 2005 makes provision for the compilation and publication of crime statistics by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose.
I have requested the CSO to provide the statistics sought by the Deputy directly to her.
369 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí and community police stationed at Blanchardstown Garda station, Dublin 15; the comparable figures for each of the past three years; the number of gardaí who have retired from the Blanchardstown Garda station; the number of retired gardaí who have yet to be replaced at Blanchardstown Garda station; if changes are foreseen during 2010 in the number of gardaí, and community police, stationed at Blanchardstown Garda station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3134/10]
I am informed by the Commissioner that the total personnel strength, the number of Community Gardaí and the number of retirements in Blanchardstown Garda Station as at 31 December 2007 — 2009 are as follows:
|
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
|
|
Personnel Strength |
180 |
193 |
204 |
|
Community Gardaí |
22 |
24 |
21 |
|
Retirements |
5 |
3 |
8 |
The allocation of resources in An Garda Síochána, including the distribution of personnel, is a matter for the Commissioner and senior Garda Management and it is the responsibility of the Divisional Officer to allocate personnel within each Division. Garda management will continue to appraise the policing and administrative strategy employed in Garda Division with a view to ensuring that an effective Garda service is maintained.
The moratorium on recruitment and promotions in the Public Service applies to the Garda Síochána, both sworn members and civilian support staff. However, I will keep the situation under review in consultation with the Garda Commissioner and my colleague the Minister for Finance.
370 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will review a decision on an application for naturalisation in respect of a person (details supplied) in Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3140/10]
An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in November 2009.
On examination of the application submitted it was determined that the person in question did not meet that statutory residency requirements as set out in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 1956, as amended. The person concerned was informed of this in a letter issued to her on 26 November, 2009.
It is open to the person concerned to lodge a new application for a certificate of naturalisation with the Citizenship Division of my Department if and when they are in a position to meet the statutory requirements.
371 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the next round of recruitment will take place to the Garda Síochána; the position regarding persons who already completed their medical examination some time ago and who are waiting the next entry date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3154/10]
397 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the recruitment campaign the Garda Síochána will undertake in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3586/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 371 and 397 together.
The moratorium on recruitment and promotions in the Public Service applies to the Garda Síochána, both sworn members and civilian support staff. However, I will keep the situation under review in consultation with the Garda Commissioner and my colleague the Minister for Finance.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that following selection by the Public Appointments Service each applicant must undergo a Physical Competency Test, a Medical Examination and also Character Vetting. Applicants successful at all three stages will remain on a panel and are available to be offered positions as Garda Trainees in a future intake.
372 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application by a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3158/10]
A valid application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in January 2008.
All valid applications are dealt with in chronological order as this is deemed to be the fairest to all applicants.The average processing time from application to decision is now at 24 months. More complicated cases can at times take more than the current average, while an element of straight forward cases can be dealt with in less than that timescale. Officials in the Citizenship Division inform me that further processing of the application has commenced and the file will be submitted to me for a decision in due course.
The length of time taken to process each application should not be classified as a delay, as the length of time taken for any application to be decided is purely a function of the time taken to carry out necessary checks. There is a limit to the reduction in the processing time that can be achieved as applications for naturalisation must be processed in a way which preserves the necessary checks and balances to ensure that it is not undervalued and is only given to persons who genuinely satisfy the necessary qualifying criteria.
373 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the new capital projects associated with his Department gone to tender that will begin in 2010; the new capital projects gone to tender that were due to start in 2010 but are not now proceeding; the capital projects that are in the middle of construction at present; his views on the importance of such projects in getting capital flowing into banks and around the economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3170/10]
I can inform the Deputy that my Department has no new capital projects, which have gone to tender, and were due to start in 2010 but are not now proceeding.
In relation to new capital projects associated with my Department which have gone to tender or about to go to tender in 2010, the position is as follows:
Capital projects that will begin in 2010
Bridge Project, Dublin
In August 2009 my Department gave approval to the Board of Management of the Bridge Project to tender for the fit-out of their new premises at Wolfe Tone Street, Dublin 1. Contracts were awarded in December 2009 and works commenced in January 2010 with a completion date in May 2010. The Bridge Project is a specialised Intensive Probation programme fully funded by my Department through the Probation Service.
Forensic Science Laboratory, Leixlip, Co. Kildare
The design and planning phase of the new purpose built Forensic Science Laboratory, which will be located at the Backweston Complex, Leixlip, is nearing completion. It is anticipated that, subject to the appropriate sanction, the tendering for construction process will commence shortly with a view to the construction phase getting underway later this year. The project is a priority component of the criminal justice sector building programme and it is being progressed as expeditiously as possible by the Office of Public works on behalf of my Department.
Medico-Legal Centre, Dublin
The new Medico-Legal Centre, incorporating a new State Pathologist Laboratory and Mortuary Project, is a joint venture with Dublin City Council. The project has proceeded to tender. The construction phase will commence once the tender process is completed.
Cloverhill Prison, Dublin
The refurbishment of Audio Visual Gates throughout the prison.
Prison Services Psychology Service, Arbour Hill, Dublin
The provision of new office space and upgrade of existing facility at Arbour Hill Prison to facilitate the relocation of the Psychology Service from Clonskeagh.
Shelton Abbey, Co. Wicklow
The provision of a new car park. The work is currently under tender and is due to commence in 2010.
The provision of two Work and Training workshops. Tenders are currently being evaluated.
Mountjoy Prison, Dublin
Security works are currently at tender stage and work is due to commence in March 2010.
Capital projects currently under construction
Gorey Courthouse, Co. Wexford
The construction of a new courthouse in Gorey
Kilkenny Courthouse
The refurbishment and extension of Kilkenny Courthouse
Monaghan Courthouse
The refurbishment of Monaghan Courthouse
Midleton Courthouse, Co. Cork
Upgrading works at Midleton Courthouse
Trinity House School, Co. Dublin
The Irish Youth Justice Service is currently engaged in the refurbishment of residential accommodation at Trinity House School, a children detention facility located in north Co. Dublin. The capital works are well underway and will be completed in 2010.
Property Registration Authority, Roscommon Town
Construction began on a new building to accommodate 230 staff of the Property Registration Authority in Golf Links Road, Roscommon Town in October 2009, The Office of Public Works (OPW), are charged with the responsibility of providing the accommodation. Construction is proceeding to schedule and it is anticipated that the new building should be ready for occupation by the end of the 1st quarter 2011.
Wheatfield Prison, Clondalkin, Dublin
Upgrade package to facilitate the increased demand on existing facilities as a result of new cell block due to come on stream in 2010. The work includes: Commissioning of new cell block, extension and upgrade of the existing kitchen, extension to Visits Building, completion of fire safety contract.
Cork Prison
Works to yards, roofs and toilets block.
Limerick Prison
A number of separate projects tendered together and currently ongoing. The work includes refurbishment of 14 currently unused female cells, new main boiler and generator and additional visiting booths.
Castlerea Prison, Co. Roscommon
Prisoner Locker Room extension.
Mountjoy Prison, Dublin
Refurbishment of tuck shop and keys room.
I would also like to inform the Deputy that, subject to resources, I intend to ensure that across the justice sector every effort continues to be made to bring key capital projects to the market so that full advantage can be taken of the current highly competitive trading environment in the construction sector.
375 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason registration has not been completed for land registry in respect of land certificate folios (details supplied) in County Monaghan in view of the fact that notices were served on the notice parties in July 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3217/10]
I can inform the Deputy that under the Registration of Deeds and Title Act 2006, the Property Registration Authority (PRA) was established as and from 4 November, 2006. The PRA replaces the Registrar of Deeds and Titles as the registering authority in relation to property registration in Ireland and, subject to the above Act, is independent in the performance of its functions.
The Deputy will be aware of the service to T.D.s and Senators which provides information on the current status of applications, such as the subject of this question, which was introduced in May 2006. The service provides a speedier, more efficient and more cost effective alternative to submitting Parliamentary Questions. It is operated by the PRA and is available all year round.
I can further inform the Deputy that his query has been forwarded to the PRA for attention and direct reply via the above mentioned service.
376 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 247 of 13 October 2009 if a decision has been made on undertaking further additional planting; the cost of such work if it is to take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3235/10]
I set out the current position for the Deputy in my reply of the 21st January, 2010 in Question No. 196. I have nothing further to add to that reply.
377 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of whole-time equivalents serving in the grades of Secretary General, deputy secretary general, assistant secretary general, higher principal officer, principal officer, higher assistant principal officer, assistant principal officer, higher executive officer, executive officer, staff officer and clerical officer on the latest date for which figures are available in his Department; and the breakdown of these figures for each of the agencies and bodies under the auspices of his Department, including the Garda Síochána, the Courts Service, the Law Reform Commission, the Equality Authority, the Equality Tribunal, the Probation Service, the Prison Service, the Law Reform Commission, and the Private Security Authority. [3273/10]
The number of whole-time equivalent staff serving in my Department and executive offices and agencies staffed by it in the grades concerned is as follows: 1 Secretary General, 8 Assistant Secretaries, 81 Principal Officers, 175 Assistant Principal Officers, 219 Higher Executive Officers, 366 Executive Officers, 34 Staff Officers and 661 Clerical Officers.
The above figures include staff in these grades in agencies such as the Equality Authority, Equality Tribunal, the Probation Service and the Private Security Authority, to which the Deputy specifically refers.
Detailed staffing figures are currently being finalised in respect of a number of other agencies or bodies under the auspices of the Department who recruit their own staff. This information will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
378 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding residency in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3330/10]
This applicant arrived in the State on the 11 February 2003 and she applied for asylum on the same date. The applicant's application for refugee status and an appeal were refused and a Deportation Order was made on 16 December, 2004. The applicant instituted Judicial Review proceedings on 1 March, 2005 challenging the Deportation Order. Prior to the case proceeding on the hearing date the 15 December 2009 both parties agreed to the striking out of the Deportation Order proceedings with No Order as to costs.
On 16 October 2006 the applicant indicated she intended to submit an application for subsidiary protection under the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006 S.I. No 518 of 2006 (‘the Regulations'). On 19 October 2006 my Department informed the applicant that the regulations are not applicable in cases where a deportation order was made before coming into operation of the regulations on 10 October 2006.
The applicant instituted Judicial Review proceedings on 9 November 2006 challenging the decision not to process an application for Subsidiary Protection. These proceedings were settled on the 4 December 2007 following the finding of Justice Feeney in the cases of Hila and Djolo that I have a discretion under Regulation 4(2) of the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006 S.I No. 518 of 2006 to accept and consider applications for subsidiary protection from persons who do not have an automatic right to apply but who have identified new facts or circumstances which demonstrate a change of position from that which pertained at the time the deportation order was made. Following a subsequent consideration of the material submitted by the applicant, it was concluded on 18 March, 2008 that she had established no grounds which would enable me to exercise my discretion under Regulation 4(2) to consider an application for subsidiary protection from her. The applicant instituted further Judicial Review proceedings on 11 April, 2008 challenging that decision and accordingly, as the matter is sub judice, I do not propose to comment further.
379 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of murders recorded in which a firearm was used in 2006; the number of convictions that have been secured arising from these murders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3473/10]
380 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of murders recorded in which a firearm was used in 2007; the number of convictions that have been secured arising from these murders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3474/10]
381 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of murders recorded in which a firearm was used in 2008; the number of convictions that have been secured arising from these murders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3475/10]
382 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of murders recorded in which a firearm was used in 2009; the number of convictions that have been secured arising from these murders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3476/10]
383 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of murders recorded in which a firearm was used to date in 2010; the number of convictions that have been secured arising from these murders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3477/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 379 to 383, inclusive, together.
In the time available it has not been possible to obtain the details requested by the Deputy. I will be in contact with the Deputy when the information is to hand.
384 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of the 40,000 teachers nationally waiting to be cleared by the Garda Vetting Unit that are working in the constituency of north County Tipperary; the reason for the backlog; the number of staff working in the vetting offices compared with this time in 2009; if the backlog includes new teachers and existing teachers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3501/10]
The Garda Central Vetting Unit (GCVU) provides employment vetting for a large number of organisations in Ireland which are registered with the GCVU and which employ personnel to work in a full-time, part time, voluntary or student capacity with children and/or vulnerable adults. The Teaching Council is the organisation registered with the Garda Central Vetting Unit to submit Garda Vetting applications in respect of new teachers.
I am informed by the Garda Authorities that all applications received from the Teaching Council in respect of new teachers are processed in accordance with the GCVU's standard operating procedures and the results in respect of each individual applicant are disclosed to the registered organisation. I am further informed by the Garda Authorities that discussions are ongoing regarding the process of vetting of existing teachers, in the context of the continuing expansion and enhancement of Garda vetting. These vetting applications will also be submitted through the Teaching Council. This process is expected to commence during 2010.
The current average processing time for valid vetting applications received at the GCVU is approximately 6 weeks. This processing time may fluctuate due to seasonal demands and the volume of applications received. The timeframe may be longer in cases where further enquiries need to be made in individual cases. A total of 78 personnel is assigned to the GCVU at present, the same allocation as at this time in 2009.
385 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of members of the Garda Síochána who have received early retirement nationally and in north Tipperary since the supplementary budget in April 2009; the ranks and position of those who have left the force; if their positions have been filled; the number of members of the force operating at present in north Tipperary; the number of gardaí currently in training; when the next batch of students will enter the Garda College; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3506/10]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that 714 members voluntarily retired from the Force during 2009. The number of Gardaí by rank, who retired from the Tipperary Garda Division from the 1 April 2009 to the 31 December 2009 and the personnel strength of the Tipperary Garda Division as at 31 December 2008 and 2009 was as set out hereunder. I am further informed that as of 31 December 2009 there was a total of 1,199 personnel at various stages of their training from students through to attested probationers.
|
Retirements 1/4/09 – 31/12/09 |
C/Supt |
Supt |
Insp |
Sgt |
Garda |
|
— |
— |
1 |
3 |
8 |
|
Garda Strength |
C/Supt |
Supt |
Insp |
Sgt |
Garda |
|
2008 |
1 |
7 |
6 |
66 |
304 |
|
2009 |
1 |
7 |
5 |
63 |
395 |
The moratorium on recruitment and promotions in the Public Service applies to the Garda Síochána, both sworn members and civilian support staff. However, I will keep the situation under review in consultation with the Garda Commissioner and my colleague the Minister for Finance.
386 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding a decentralisation project (details supplied) in County Tipperary; the stage at which this project is at; the number of staff transferred to the site; the number of staff who remain to be transferred; the timeframe for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3508/10]
The position remains as outlined in my reply to the Deputy's Question in this regard on 9 June 2009.
387 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the proposed development of land in north Tipperary purchased by a group (details supplied) will become operational for tactical training as planned; the cost of the development; the timeframe for the commencement and completion of same development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3509/10]
I am advised by the Garda authorities that the development of the site referred to by the Deputy is at the conceptual planning stage and the Garda authorities, in consultation with the Office of Public Works, are advancing their plans. As the proposals are still at an early stage of development and are dependent on the availability of resources, it is not yet possible to give a timeframe for completion.
388 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda stations in each Garda district in County Mayo; the number in operation; the number of gardaí assigned to each station; the number and locations of stations that are not in use in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3530/10]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Garda Stations in each District in the Mayo Garda Division and the personnel strength of each is as set out in the following table. I am further informed that remedial works are being carried out at Foxford Garda station and in the interim Gardaí assigned to that station continue to provide a full Garda service to the Foxford area from Swinford Garda station. In relation to Ballyvary, I understand that arrangements have been made for the provision of a temporary Garda station which is expected to be available shortly.
|
District/Station |
31/12/2009 |
|
Castlebar |
75 |
|
Balla |
2 |
|
Ballyglass |
1 |
|
Ballyvary |
1 |
|
Partry |
2 |
|
Tourmakeady |
0 |
|
Garda Info Services |
3 |
|
Glenisland |
1 |
|
Ballina |
49 |
|
Ballycastle |
0 |
|
Bonniconlon |
1 |
|
Crossmolina |
4 |
|
Killala |
1 |
|
Lahardane |
1 |
|
Belmullet |
22 |
|
Glenamoy |
1 |
|
Ballycroy |
1 |
|
Bangor Erris |
3 |
|
Bellacorrick |
0 |
|
Blacksod |
1 |
|
Claremorris |
25 |
|
Ballindine |
0 |
|
Hollymount |
1 |
|
Knock |
0 |
|
Ballinrobe |
9 |
|
Kilmaine |
1 |
|
Cong |
1 |
|
Shrule |
1 |
|
Swinford |
29 |
|
Ballyhaunis |
10 |
|
Charlestown |
7 |
|
Foxford |
3 |
|
Kilkelly |
9 |
|
Kiltimagh |
3 |
|
Westport |
31 |
|
Achill Sound |
3 |
|
Louisburgh |
2 |
|
Mulranny |
1 |
|
Newport |
3 |
|
Keel |
1 |
The allocation of resources in An Garda Síochána, including the distribution of personnel, is a matter for the Commissioner and senior Garda Management and it is the responsibility of the Divisional Officer to allocate personnel within each Division. Garda management will continue to appraise the policing and administrative strategy employed in the Mayo Garda Division with a view to ensuring that an effective Garda service is maintained.
393 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to strengthen the protection of old age pensioners and vulnerable people in their homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3562/10]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the number of Gardaí assigned as dedicated Community Gardaí has increased from 709 at the end of December 2008 to 1,058 at the end of December 2009; an increase of almost fifty percent. The work of An Garda Síochána is driven by a community policing ethos. The new Garda Síochána National Model of Community Policing was launched last year to deliver:
a consistent national structure to the Community Policing function;
a more coordinated and efficient Garda service to the community; and
the spread of good practices and quality service in Community Policing on a national basis.
Community Alert, set up by Muintir na Tíre in association with An Garda Síochána in 1985, is a national movement comprising over 1,300 local groups dedicated to improving the quality of life of people in rural communities who are vulnerable, in particular the elderly, by:
preventing crime;
promoting general community safety and well-being;
promoting personal safety;
preventing accidents;
promoting neighbourliness and self-reliance; and
having an anti-poverty focus and awareness of social inclusion.
My Department provides financial support to Community Alert. Neighbourhood Watch was established by the Gardaí to enlist the voluntary help of the community in cooperation with An Garda Síochána and operates mainly in urban areas. It promotes community participation and good citizenship at a time when sections of our community are in danger of becoming marginalised. Its importance lies in reducing opportunities for crime by improving personal and home security, including the security of older people, and fostering a community spirit where neighbours look out for each other. The programme is administered by An Garda Síochána through the Garda Community Relations Division.
I am informed that the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs provides grant support for community and voluntary organisations to address the isolation and security needs of older people. The Scheme of Community Support for Older People has enabled the installation of monitored alert systems since 1996. The Department estimates that the homes of some 90,000 older people are currently monitored on a 24 hour seven day basis. The Scheme was reviewed during 2009. The Review called for closer working relationships at local level between community groups working with older people, the fire services and An Garda Síochána to improve coordination and lessen the risks for older people living alone. I am informed that an improved Scheme will become available in the coming weeks.
394 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, further to recently enacted legislation regulating the issue of gun licences, his attention has been drawn to the fact that a considerable number of applicants are being refused the new three year gun licence without adequate reasons for refusal; his views on whether applicants, who held a licence for target pistol shooting prior to November 2008, would only be refused if they failed to meet certain requirements under this legislation; if he is satisfied with the operation of this legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3567/10]
As the Deputy may be aware, provision is made under the Firearms Acts, as amended, including the provisions of the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2009 that, before granting a Firearm Certificate to any person, a Superintendent or a Chief Superintendent, as the case may be, shall be satisfied that an applicant:
(a) has a good reason for requiring the firearm in respect of which the certificate is applied for, and
(b) can be permitted to have in his possession, use, and carry a firearm or ammunition without danger to the public safety or to the peace, and
(c) is not a person declared to be disentitled to hold a firearms certificate under the Firearms Acts.
These three conditions must be satisfied in respect of every application, thereby ensuring that Firearm Certificates are granted to responsible persons. Additionally, a Chief Superintendent, when considering an application for a Restricted Firearm Certificate, must be satisfied that the applicant has ‘demonstrated that the firearm is the only weapon suitable for the purpose for which it is required'.
The licensing of firearms is an operational matter and each application is judged on its own individual merits and the decision on whether, or not, to grant a Firearm Certificate rests solely with the issuing person. The decision of the issuing person cannot be fettered in any way and I have no role in the matter. Where an issuing person refuses an application for a firearms certificate the reason for such refusal shall be communicated to the applicant, in writing, within three months of the valid application being received. Applicants, who have been refused and are dissatisfied with the decision of an issuing person, have recourse to appeal that decision, within 30 days, to the District Court, in accordance with the provisions of section 43, Criminal Justice Act, 2006.
395 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon who is potentially due for deportation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3575/10]
The person concerned, accompanied by her infant child, applied for asylum on 23 April 2003. The child was included in his mother's asylum application. In accordance with Section 9 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended), the person concerned and her child were entitled to remain in the State until her application for asylum was decided. Her asylum application was refused following consideration of her case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Arising from the refusal of her asylum application, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was notified, by letter dated 17 May 2004, that the Minister proposed to make Deportation Orders in respect of her and her child. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of Deportation Orders or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why Deportation Orders should not be made against her and her child. Representations were received on behalf of the person concerned at that time.
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 and all representations received were considered in arriving at a decision in her case. On 27 October 2004 Deportation Orders were signed in respect of the person concerned and her child. Notice of these Orders was served by registered post dated 27 January 2005. This communication advised the person concerned of the legal requirement that she and her child present themselves at the Offices of the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) on 3 February 2005 in order to make travel arrangements for their deportation from the State. The person concerned ‘presented' on that occasion and on a number of subsequent dates but has failed to ‘present' since 5 July 2005.
On 6 October 2005, the person concerned initiated Judicial Review Proceedings in the High Court, challenging the Minister's decision to make Deportation Orders in this case. On 23 March 2007, the High Court refused the Judicial Review Leave Application. On 1 November 2005, an application was received on behalf of the child of the person concerned requesting that he be re-admitted to the asylum process in accordance with the provisions of Section 17(7) of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended). Following the consideration of this application, a decision was taken to refuse the application and the person concerned was notified of this refusal decision by letter dated 18 November 2005.
An application for the revocation of the Deportation Orders, under Section 3(11) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), has also been submitted on behalf of the person concerned. This application is under consideration in my Department at present. When a decision has been made on this application, the person concerned will be notified in writing of that decision and of the consequences of the decision. The person concerned and her child remain the subject of valid Deportation Orders. The Deputy may be assured that these Orders will not be enforced pending the determination of the application for the revocation of the Deportation Orders as referred to above.
396 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, further to Parliamentary Question No. 226 of 15 December 2009, when the number of gardaí, for each rank, that have retired from the Garda Síochána will be made available. [3579/10]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the number of Gardaí, by rank, who retired either voluntarily or on age grounds in 2009, was as set out below.
|
Comm |
D/Comm |
A/Comm |
C/Supt |
Supt |
Insp |
Sgt |
Gda |
Total |
|
— |
— |
3 |
14 |
26 |
27 |
175 |
472 |
717 |
398 Deputy John Cregan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the Anglesboro area of County Limerick will continue to be policed by the Mitchelstown Garda division following the recent review that took place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3607/10]
I am advised by the Garda authorities that the Anglesboro area of County Limerick will remain within the Mitchelstown Garda District.
399 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of an application for citizenship in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3629/10]
A valid application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in January 2007. All valid applications are dealt with in chronological order as this is deemed to be the fairest to all applicants. The average processing time from application to decision is now at 24 months. More complicated cases can at times take more than the current average, while an element of straightforward cases can be dealt with in less than that timescale. Officials in the Citizenship Division inform me that further processing of the application is ongoing and the file will be submitted to me for a decision in due course.
The length of time taken to process each application should not be classified as a delay, as the length of time taken for any application to be decided is purely a function of the time taken to carry out necessary checks. There is a limit to the reduction in the processing time that can be achieved as applications for naturalisation must be processed in a way which preserves the necessary checks and balances to ensure that it is not undervalued and is only given to persons who genuinely satisfy the necessary qualifying criteria.
400 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Longford for asylum and permission to remain here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3639/10]
The person concerned applied for asylum on 12 June 2009. In accordance with Section 9 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended), the person concerned was entitled to remain in the State until his application for asylum was decided. His asylum application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Arising from the refusal of his asylum application, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was notified, by letter dated 5 November 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.
401 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of postings overseas of members of the Garda Síochána in the past five years; the remit of the posting; the length of time of the posting; the number of Garda members seconded to such posting to date in 2010; the cost to date of the posting; if the State has been reimbursed for moneys expended on the posting by an international body or by the states to which they are posted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3659/10]
I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Commissioner and as soon as it is to hand I will forward it to the Deputy.
402 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the undocumented scheme in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3673/10]
I have been informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that the person referred to by the Deputy submitted an application under the undocumented scheme in November 2009. This application is currently being processed and officials from INIS will be in touch with this person shortly.
403 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the employment of civilians to do routine paper work in Garda stations in order to free up gardaí to carry out mainstream policing duties; the number of such civilians employed in Garda stations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3811/10]
I am informed by the Garda Authorities that the number of full-time equivalent civilian staff employed in An Garda Síochána as at 31st December 2009 was 2,108. The equivalent figure at 31st December 2006 was 1,282. This represents an increase of 826 (or 64.4%) in civilian personnel strength over this period. Civilian staff are involved in the provision of a wide range of important support services in the administrative, professional, technical and industrial areas, including Human Resources, Training and Development, IT and Telecommunications, Finance and Procurement, Internal Audit, Communications, Research and Analysis, Accommodation and Fleet Management, Scene-of-crime support and Medical services.
Civilians at many different grades have been recruited into the Force, and an example of this civilianisation process is that clerical officers were recruited and assigned to positions throughout the country in Garda stations and also in such units as the Garda Central Vetting Unit, Garda Fixed Penalty Office in Thurles, and the Garda Information Services centre in Castlebar. The increased number of civilian support staff has released sworn members who were performing exclusively clerical, administrative or technical duties for operational duties. It has also allowed sworn members who would otherwise have to perform some administrative duties to focus exclusively on front-line policing duties. The civilian support staff may also perform new or expanded administrative, managerial and professional support roles in An Garda Síochána.
404 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his response to the earthquake in Haiti; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3045/10]
The entire world has been deeply moved by the plight of the Haitian people following the earthquake there. The devastation wrought and the impact on peoples' lives were made all the worse by the levels of poverty experienced by most Haitians. The Haitian Government reports that more than 150,000 are dead, although that number could rise as reports from outside of Port-au-Prince are collated. There has been widespread destruction of infrastructure, including to schools and hospitals. Water and electricity supplies were severely damaged and there is growing concern about the spread of disease. Following the completion of search and rescue operations, attention now is focused fully on helping the survivors of the earthquake.
The Government responded immediately and within hours of the earthquake, Irish Aid was in contact with NGOs such as Concern and Goal to make emergency funding available to these organisations. On the day following the earthquake, we pledged €2m to support the initial emergency relief effort. To date, €300,000 each has already been disbursed to the World Food Programme and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) which is coordinating the international relief effort. A further €250,000 was paid out to the Red Cross.
The Government also freighted 84 tonnes of essential shelter, water and sanitation equipment to Haiti from our emergency stockpiles. These arrived on 21 January and were distributed by Concern and Goal. Yesterday I announced a further shipment of 40 tonnes at the recommendation of an Irish Aid technical team which travelled to Haiti in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake. This team was tasked with assessing the humanitarian situation in Haiti and recommending how Ireland should focus its contribution to the international relief effort. It identified a continued urgent need for emergency shelter and water supplies and this second shipment will help to address these needs.
In addition to these contributions, two members of the Irish Aid Rapid Response Corps have deployed to Haiti. The two concerned, an IT expert and an electrical engineer, have been assigned to the World Food Programme. Others, with skills in areas such as logistics, water and sanitation and child protection, are on stand-by. The Rapid Response Corps is a 130-strong group of highly-specialised volunteers available at short notice to humanitarian organisations in need of their skills. It was established following the 2004 tsunami.
The total value of the Government response both financially and in kind is more than €3 million. It is likely that this will increase further once we have a clearer and more comprehensive picture of Haiti's needs. Our funding forms part of a €122 million humanitarian response by the European Union, agreed at an emergency meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council, which I attended last week. At that meeting the European Commission also pledged €300 million for the longer term reconstruction of Haiti in advance of an international donor meeting planned for the spring. Ireland will consider its role in reconstruction in the light of the report of our technical team and a thorough assessment of Haiti's medium and long term needs.
405 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to reports suggesting that North Korean public funds are being concealed in bank accounts in Luxembourg; his views on these reports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3065/10]
I am aware of the reports to which the Deputy refers. There are widespread allegations relating to North Korea's financial arrangements abroad and to possible money-laundering activities. The allegations made in these reports are even more regrettable in the context of the plight of ordinary people in North Korea. While the North Korean regime continues to invest precious resources in its nuclear and military programmes, and in the welfare of its elites, the country is suffering chronic food insecurity and high malnutrition rates, and remains reliant on external food assistance to meet the needs of its 23 million people.
Violations of human rights in North Korea are also well-documented. In his report of 22 October last, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in North Korea, Prof. Vitit Muntarbhorn, described the human rights situation there as "abysmal". He noted that despite various formal guarantees in the Constitution, the people of the DPRK are subject to persecution, clampdowns, collective punishment, torture, arbitrary executions and public executions and he added that almost 9 million people in the DPRK are suffering from food shortages. I take these human rights violations very seriously. Issues relating to human rights are raised bilaterally with the North Korean authorities by our Ambassador in Seoul, who is accredited to North Korea, during his regular visits to the North. They have also been raised by visiting senior officials from my Department.
North Korea broke off the Human Rights Dialogue which the EU initiated with it some years ago. EU meetings of a more general nature continue to take place, however, and human rights concerns are raised in this context. The most recent such meeting, at senior official level, took place during an EU Troika visit to Pyongyang from 26-30 October last.
On 7 December North Korea was subject to a Universal Periodic Review (UPR) by the Human Rights Council. A wide range of issues regarding human rights abuses were raised. In its contribution to the UPR, the Irish delegation raised a number of specific human rights issues directly with the DPRK authorities, including those relating to the right to a fair trial and freedom of religion. We noted the widely-shared alarm, across the international community and from all regions, at the extent of human suffering caused by the violations of human rights in DPRK and we called again on the authorities there to work with the Special Rapporteur. Unfortunately, North Korea has consistently refused to recognise or co-operate in any way with the Special Rapporteur or with any other human rights investigations.
As regards the issue of money laundering and concealment of funds in foreign bank accounts, this issue was much highlighted previously in the context of Macau. Action has been taken internationally to address illegal money-laundering and we will continue to monitor whether additional regulation is required in this regard. At the EU level, the EU Council's 3rd Money Laundering Directive requires financial institutions and certain other persons, such as lawyers and accountants, to identify their customers (including beneficial owners) and to report suspicions of money laundering to the national authorities . This Directive's provisions apply to all EU Member States, including Luxembourg.
406 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the ongoing plight of a person (details supplied); if he has had contact with the Tunisian authorities regarding this case; if he is satisfied that the United Nations convention against torture ratified by Tunisia on 23 September 1988 is respected there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3075/10]
As I stated previously in my reply of 19 January, I am aware of the case of Dr. Sadok Shourou, who was re-arrested on 3 December 2008, shortly after serving nearly 18 years of a 30 year sentence for his leadership of an Islamist group allegedly attempting to overthrow the Tunisian government. I understand that Dr. Shourou was arrested for the second time on foot of comments he had made publicly and to the media about his earlier detention. He had also urged legalisation of the an-Nahdha political movement, of which he is the former president. The Tunisian authorities banned the an-Nahdha Party in 1991 on the grounds that they viewed it as an extremist organisation.
Dr. Shourou was sentenced on 13 December 2008 to a further year in prison on charges of resuming his political activities and speaking on behalf of a banned movement. His appeal in March 2009 was denied. Reports indicate that he remains in custody. I understand that there are concerns about his health, given the duration of his earlier period in detention and that he is now 62 years of age. Dr Shourou's case has been raised at UN level by a number of NGOs, including in the context of the Universal Periodic Review of Tunisia at the UN Human Rights Council in April 2008. It is possible that this contributed to Dr. Shourou's release later that year.
The UN Special Rapporteur on the question of torture has expressed some concerns and has requested a visit to Tunisia on a number of occasions since 1998. I note that the recommendations arising from the Universal Periodic Review, which were supported by Tunisia, include a recommendation that Tunisia consider cooperation with the Special Rapporteur on the question of torture. I would hope that such cooperation on the part of the Tunisian authorities would be forthcoming.
The issue of freedom of expression and human rights generally in Tunisia is an important one and is subject to regular consideration at EU level. The EU has supported measures by the Tunisian authorities to promote pluralism, democracy and freedom of expression and of association. The EU also has a regular dialogue with Tunisia on human rights within the framework of the EU-Tunisia Association Agreement. Regrettably, the latest meeting of the sub-committee on human rights and democracy, which should have taken place under the Swedish Presidency, had to be postponed, at Tunisia's request. I hope that it will be re-arranged during the current Presidency.
407 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the new capital projects associated with his Department gone to tender that will begin in 2010; the new capital projects gone to tender that were due to start in 2010 but are not now proceeding; the capital projects that are in the middle of construction at present; his views on the importance of such projects in getting capital flowing into banks and around the economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3168/10]
As the Deputy will appreciate, my Department does not engage in significant capital expenditure in the State. Most of the relatively small amount of capital expenditure undertaken by my Department is on the renovation or purchase of properties, both in Ireland and abroad. In Ireland in 2010, there is one renovation project being undertaken where an additional floor of the Passport office building in Molesworth Street will be remodelled. This project is currently at tender and works are expected to be completed in the spring. Throughout our diplomatic network of 75 Missions overseas, there are three new capital projects planned for 2010 which will be tendered locally. These are the refurbishments of the Chancery in Paris and the Ambassador's Residences in Abuja and Ljubljana. An additional three capital projects are ongoing and are expected to be completed in 2010; the refurbishments of the Chancery in Addis Ababa and the Ambassador's Residences in Ottawa and Prague. There are no instances of capital projects which have gone to tender that were due to start in 2010 but are not now proceeding.
408 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will support a matter (details supplied). [3191/10]
I refer to my response to PQ no 1221/10 on the issue of Irish investors who are experiencing difficulties with their investments in Turkish property. I am aware of a number of similar cases to the one outlined and in this regard I recently wrote to my counterpart, the Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs, to raise my concerns regarding the problems experienced by Irish citizens with their property purchases in Turkey. The Irish Embassy in Ankara has also been in contact with the Turkish authorities and an officer in the Turkish Ministry of Finance has been designated as a contact point for Irish nationals experiencing difficulties regarding their property investments. I have asked the Embassy in Ankara to pass the details of this case to this Turkish officer. They will also raise it with the local authorities of the area in question. This case, in common with most cases that have been brought to my attention, relates to an Irish purchaser finding it difficult to claim their title deeds. I note that this Irish citizen is following legal advice and has decided to pursue the matters through the courts. The Embassy in Ankara will continue to assist Irish investors in any way open to it, including in finding suitable legal representation.
409 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his plans to implement savings and efficiencies in running the Irish embassy and consular offices globally in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3295/10]
The Administrative Budget available to my Department in 2010 is some €10million less than in 2009. Some of the necessary savings will fall on headquarters activities but savings and efficiencies in running our embassies and consular offices will also be implemented in 2010. The details of the reductions are currently being worked through but there will be reductions in all areas of expenditure to take account of the reduced resources. As far as possible these will be achieved without affecting our service to the public. In addition to these general reductions, I have decided, on a trial basis, to make structural changes with regard to some of our embassies in the European Union. I intend to put in place in a number of capitals a lighter model of representation. Such missions will be staffed by a single Irish diplomat with appropriate local support and backup from Dublin and other missions in the region. They will generally operate from a more modest residence and without an official car. They will be explicitly tasked to prioritise our work on EU affairs and the promotion of our economic interests. There are particular challenges in implementing such a model. Irish embassies are already relatively small in comparison to many other countries and it remains to be seen if a one-person mission is entirely feasible. The performance of these lighter missions will be closely monitored in that regard to see if the desired outcomes can be achieved.
410 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the details of grants that he issued in 2009 which will include all press statements issued on the occasion of the announcement of the grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3298/10]
There are a number of different schemes operating in my department which administer grant funding: the Reconciliation Fund for North-South and Anglo-Irish Co-operation; the Anti-Sectarianism Fund; the Emigrant Support Programme; the Communicating Europe Initiative; and the Irish Aid programme, Ireland's programme of official development assistance. In addition to this there are a number of grants which are given to specific programmes or organisations such as the Atlantic Corridor Project; the Irish College in Paris; the Fulbright Commission.
Reconciliation Fund for North-South & Anglo-Irish Co-operation & Anti-Sectarianism Fund
The purpose of the Reconciliation Fund for North-South and Anglo-Irish Co-operation is to assist organisations involved in reconciliation work and to support efforts to create better understanding between people on the island of Ireland, as well as between Ireland and Britain. In addition, an Anti-Sectarianism Fund was launched in February 2008, to assist local efforts aimed at tackling sectarianism. This Fund supports community based projects that focus on developing new and more effective ways of addressing sectarianism and division in society. The grant budget for 2009 was €3 million, covering both the Reconciliation Fund and the Anti-Sectarianism Fund, which was disbursed to 147 groups last year. Details of the grants announced in 2009, are set out below.
Emigrant Support Programme
Under the Emigrant Support Programme in 2009, grants totalling €14,885,680 were provided to Irish community organisations abroad and in particular to organisations which support vulnerable members of those communities. The table below summarises the regions and organisations to which the funds were allocated.
Promoting Ireland Abroad Grants
Under the Cultural budget of the Department funding is provided in the form of annual grants to two bodies under the aegis of the Department. The first of these is the Fulbright Commission which supports study, research, teaching and other educational activities between Ireland and the United States. The Fulbright Commission received funding of €254,000 for 2009. The second is the Irish Cultural Centre in the Irish College in Paris, which promotes cultural and educational exchange between France and Ireland, received a grant of €150,000 in 2009. A grant of €250,000 was given to the Atlantic Corridor Ireland in 2009. Atlantic Corridor Ireland facilitates the development of projects that will assist in supporting sustainable development and enhanced educational attainment, through its network activities and international linkages between economically deprived regions of Ireland, the United States and Northern Ireland.
Communicating Europe
The Communicating Europe Initiative (CEI) was established in 1995 to raise awareness about the European Union and to improve the quality and accessibility of public information on European issues. A call for proposals issues on an annual basis. In March of this year the Minister approved funding of €292,372 for 42 projects. A list of the groups funded in 2009 is set out below. A press release did not issue on the occasion of the announcement of the grants.
Title V of the Treaty on European Union Grants
Title V of the Treaty on European Union constitutes the provisions on the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) of the European Union. Expenditure under this Subhead includes, mandatory contributions under the ESDP (the EU Satellite Centre and EU Institute for Security Studies), and (ii) discretionary funding of activities in support of Ireland's CFSP objectives. A list of grants made under this funding scheme is listed below.
Irish Aid
The Government provided a total of €696 million for Official Development Assistance (ODA) in 2009. Of this, €571 million was administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs, which manages the Government's development aid programme. Under Vote 29 (International Cooperation), Irish Aid, which is based in the Development Cooperation Division of the Department, provides funding to a wide range of partners, including developing country governments and local authorities, UN Agencies, development Non-Governmental Organisations, missionaries and other civil society groups. This funding is provided through the various funding schemes managed by the aid programme. The clear focus of the programme, and funding allocations, is the alleviation of poverty, with a particular concentration on meeting fundamental needs, including food security, access to safe water, primary health care and access to a basic education. Approximately 95% of the overall funding allocated to Vote 29 is managed through Grant or Grants in Aid funding schemes. The balance is allocated to meet the costs associated with the management, oversight and administration of the aid programme. The main funding schemes, together with overall allocations for 2009, are summarised asfollows:
|
€ million |
|
|
Bilateral Priority Partner Countries |
194.5 |
|
Other Bilateral countries |
24.3 |
|
Civil Society Funding Schemes including the Multi Annual Programme funding scheme |
107.4 |
|
Development Education and Public Information , including the Strategic partnership with Irish Third Level Institutions |
10.2 |
|
Global Initiatives in the areas of Health, Education, HIV and AIDS, Food Security, Governance, Gender and Environment, |
42.5 |
|
Recovery and support to Fragile States |
27.5 |
|
Emergency Humanitarian Assistance |
56.0 |
|
Contributions to Multilateral and other International Organisations including Voluntary Contributions to UN Agencies |
68.5 |
Detailed information on expenditure under Vote 29 and Ireland's total Overseas Development Programme is provided annually in the Irish Aid Annual Report. All press releases regarding the allocation of grants in 2009 are available via the Irish Aid website at http://www.irishaid.gov.ie/press_archive.asp
Details of all other grants schemes are listed in the following table.
|
Grants paid out under reconciliation and Anti-Sectarianism Funds in 2009 |
|
|---|---|
|
Organisation |
Award |
|
€ |
|
|
174 Trust |
38,500 |
|
Achieve Enterprises |
30,000 |
|
Active Communities Network |
25,000 |
|
All Saints Caring Association |
9,000 |
|
All Saints Youth Club |
12,000 |
|
All-Ireland Schools’ Choir |
45,000 |
|
Altnaveigh House |
7,500 |
|
Ardoyne Focus Group |
15,000 |
|
Ardoyne Holy Cross Boxing Club |
4,500 |
|
Ardoyne Youth Providers Forum |
15,000 |
|
Artillery Youth Club |
9,500 |
|
Arts For All |
50,000 (over 2 yrs) |
|
Autism NI |
7,500 |
|
Ballybeen Historical & Cultural Society |
1,000 |
|
Ballykeel II Residents Association Community House |
2,500 |
|
Ballymoney Community Resource Centre |
15,000 |
|
Ballynafeigh Community Development Assoc. |
15,000 |
|
Ballysillan Youth For Christ |
15,000 |
|
Bannside Ballyroan Friendship Group |
1,000 |
|
Beechfield and St. Joseph’s Primary Schools |
7,000 |
|
Belfast YMCA |
7,000 |
|
British Irish Rights Watch |
5,000 |
|
Business In The Community |
145,000 |
|
CALMS |
20,000 |
|
Carlingford Community Development |
25,000 |
|
Carnagh Border Community |
2,250 |
|
Carrick Hill Community Association |
9,500 |
|
Carrickfergus YMCA |
6,000 |
|
Carswell Trust |
2,500 |
|
Cathedral Youth Club |
9,500 |
|
Caw / Nelson Drive & Galliagh Women’s Group |
5,000 |
|
Changing Attitude Ireland |
5,000 |
|
Churchtown Community Association |
35,000 |
|
Clogher Diocese Project |
55,000 |
|
Clonard Monastery Youth Centre |
14,500 |
|
Clooney Estate Residents Association |
4,000 |
|
Community Development Agency |
9,500 |
|
Community Relations in Schools |
25,000 (over 2 yrs) |
|
Connecting the Dots Belfast Seminar |
4,300 |
|
Cooperation Ireland |
300,000 |
|
Corpus Christi Youth Centre |
20,000 |
|
Corrymeela Community |
150,000 (over 3yrs) |
|
Cregagh Clonduff Transitions Group |
3,250 |
|
Creggan Country Park Enterprises Ltd |
17,500 |
|
Creggan Enterprises |
20,000 |
|
Creggan Youth Drop-in Centre |
12,500 |
|
Cross Border International Arts, Cultural & Sports Week |
17,500 |
|
Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland |
40,000 |
|
Cross Border Women’s Collective |
8,750 |
|
Cumann Spoirt an Phobail |
7,500 |
|
Dove House Community Trust |
15,000 |
|
Downpatrick Listowel Linkage Group |
25,000 |
|
Drugwiser Family Support Group |
5,000 |
|
East Belfast Community Celebration and Conference |
3,500 |
|
East Belfast Community Focus |
5,000 |
|
Empire Community Centre |
9,500 |
|
Farset Inishowen & Border Counties Initiative |
8,000 |
|
Farset Youth & Community Development Ltd |
14,500 |
|
Forge Family Resource Centre |
10,000 |
|
Foyle Day Care |
37,500 |
|
Foyle Womens Information Network |
6,000 |
|
Gaslight Productions Ltd |
20,000 |
|
Gig’n The Bann Cross Community Festival |
2,500 |
|
Glencree |
265,000 |
|
Glenshane Community Development |
10,000 |
|
Groundwork NI |
22,000 |
|
Guild Of Uriel |
10,000 |
|
Harmony Community Trust |
12,000 |
|
Harryville / Melmount / Newtowncunningham Cross Community Youth Project |
3,500 |
|
History of Entertainment of Border Counties |
1,000 |
|
Holy Family Youth Centre |
20,000 |
|
Holy Trinity Youth Centre |
9,500 |
|
Holywell Trust / Teenage Kickz |
45,000 |
|
Institute For British-Irish Studies |
3,500 |
|
Integrated Education Fund |
52,500 |
|
Interaction Belfast |
8,500 |
|
Intercomm |
25,000 |
|
Irish Peace Institute |
9,000 |
|
Kilcooley Womens Centre |
25,000 |
|
Ledley Hall Boys & Girls Club Trust |
20,000 |
|
LINC |
20,000 |
|
Lisbellaw LOL / Longford Historical Society |
9,500 |
|
Lisnasharragh and St. Bernard’s Primary Schools |
17,500 |
|
Maiden City Festival Committee |
40,000 |
|
Mastery Foundation NI |
7,500 |
|
Mayfield Residents Association |
7,500 |
|
McCracken Cultural Society |
10,000 |
|
Meath Peace Group |
25,000 |
|
Mediation Northern Ireland |
11,000 |
|
Mummers Foundation |
20,000 |
|
New Belfast Community Arts Initiative |
50,000 (over 2 yrs) |
|
NI Mixed Marriages Association |
20,000 |
|
NICE |
25,000 |
|
North Belfast Interface Network |
12,500 |
|
Northside Partnership |
15,000 |
|
Omagh Forum for Rural Associations |
8,750 |
|
Peace & Reconciliation Group |
5,000 |
|
PeacePlayers International NI |
25,000 |
|
PLACE |
32,500 |
|
Public Achievement |
40,000 |
|
Quaker Service |
25,000 |
|
R.E.A.C.H. Across |
10,000 |
|
Rasharkin Residents’ Association |
2,200 |
|
Rathcoole Friends Of The Somme Association |
300 |
|
Relatives for Justice |
20,000 |
|
RISE Foundation of Ireland |
17,500 |
|
River/Brooke Young Adult Initiative |
11,000 |
|
Roden Street Community Dev Group |
7,500 |
|
RTU / LDS (Regional Training Unit / Leadership Development for Schools) |
5,500 |
|
Rural Community Network |
12,500 |
|
Saints Youth Centre |
8,000 |
|
Shalom House Community Resource |
5,000 |
|
Shankill Womens Centre |
18,000 |
|
Signs of the Times Group |
23,000 |
|
Sliabh Beagh Development Association |
7,000 |
|
Small Wonders Childcare |
20,000 |
|
Something Special |
8,000 |
|
Speedwell Trust |
23,500 |
|
St Cecillia’s College |
16,500 |
|
St Columb’s Park House |
5,700 |
|
St John Vianney Youth Centre |
7,500 |
|
St John’s Youth Centre |
7,500 |
|
St Louis House Youth Group |
12,500 |
|
St Patrick Centre |
20,000 |
|
St. Peter’s Immaculata Youth Centre |
10,000 |
|
St. Teresa’s Youth Centre |
15,000 |
|
Star Neighbourhood Centre |
6,000 |
|
Strathfoyle Youth Centre |
5,000 |
|
Strawberry Tree Playgroup |
2,500 |
|
Summer Madness |
7,500 |
|
Sydenham Historical & Cultural Society |
15,000 |
|
Tim Parry & Jonathan Ball Foundation 4 Peace |
100,000 |
|
Tipperary Peace Convention |
3,000 |
|
Top Of The Rock (Barr Na Carriage) Healthy Living Centre |
10,000 |
|
Training For Women Network |
11,500 |
|
Truagh Development Association |
35,000 |
|
Tyrone / Derry & Donegal Action |
19,500 |
|
Village Focus Group |
8,750 |
|
Vineyard Church |
7,500 |
|
Whiterock Steering Festival Group |
5,000 |
|
Women’s TEC |
9,250 |
|
Youth Initiatives |
20,000 |
|
YouthAction NI |
30,000 |
|
Youthcom |
32,500 |
|
Youthlife |
20,000 |
|
Youthlink NI |
75,000 |
|
Youthworks |
20,000 |
|
Emigrant Support Programme |
14,885,680 |
|
Britain |
8,460,339 |
|
USA |
4,950,661 |
|
Ireland |
1,029,232 |
|
Australia |
229,943 |
|
Canada |
104,819 |
|
Argentina |
29,086 |
|
Zimbabwe |
27,500 |
|
New Zealand |
25,000 |
|
South Africa |
12,000 |
|
Netherlands |
10,000 |
|
P.R. of China |
7,100 |
|
Britain |
Total 8,460,339 |
|
Acton Homeless Concern (London) |
51,436 |
|
Age Concern Hillingdon (Middlesex) |
8,020 |
|
Aisling Project (London) |
113,382 |
|
Bell Farm Christian Centre (Middlesex) |
11,271 |
|
Benefits Advice Shop (Denbighshire) |
5,844 |
|
Birmingham Irish Community Forum |
139,189 |
|
Blackfriars Advice Centre (London) |
22,692 |
|
Bolton Irish Community Association |
20,761 |
|
Brent Adolescent Centre (London) |
31,486 |
|
Brent Irish Advisory Service (London) |
196,256 |
|
Brian Boru Club (Wigan) |
31,595 |
|
Bristol Playbus Project |
18,856 |
|
Causeway Irish Housing Association (London) |
25,691 |
|
Celtic & Irish Cultural Society (Crawley) |
20,278 |
|
Central & Cecil Housing Trust (London) |
63,013 |
|
Central Eltham Youth Project (London) |
27,231 |
|
Comhaltas Ceoltoirí Eireann (Liverpool) |
173,211 |
|
Conradh na Gaeilge, Glaschú (Glasgow) |
38,904 |
|
Corby Irish Centre |
49,294 |
|
Council of Irish County Associations (London) |
11,346 |
|
Coventry Irish Society |
130,660 |
|
Cricklewood Homeless Concern (London) |
220,274 |
|
Derby Irish Association |
31,126 |
|
Dewsbury Celtic RLFC |
54,852 |
|
Dewsbury Irish National League Club |
4,102 |
|
Eastleigh & District Irish Society |
36,724 |
|
Edinburgh Cyrenians |
18,750 |
|
Eireann’s Ways (Glasgow) |
4,085 |
|
Emerald Circle Club (Harrow) |
3,506 |
|
Emerald Senior Citizens Group (Wolverhampton) |
8,181 |
|
Equinox (London) |
32,055 |
|
Federation of Irish Societies (London) |
659,216 |
|
Forest Bus (Southampton) |
5,729 |
|
Friends, Families and Travellers (Brighton) |
17,644 |
|
Full Irish Festival and Funday (Cheshire) |
5,163 |
|
Gael Music (Reading) |
8,510 |
|
Garngad Irish Heritage Group |
7,942 |
|
GEAR Project (Gloucester) |
23,375 |
|
Greenwich Irish Pensioners Association (London) |
6,662 |
|
Halifax and District Irish Society |
20,103 |
|
Halifax Irish Centre |
20,774 |
|
Haringey Irish Cultural and Community Centre (London) |
177,202 |
|
Haringey Irish Pensioners |
3,971 |
|
Harps Community Project (Glasgow) |
40,846 |
|
Haslingden IDL Club |
5,750 |
|
Huddersfield Irish Centre |
7,409 |
|
Huddersfield St. Patrick’s Day Parade Association |
5,844 |
|
Immigrant Counselling and Psychotherapy (ICAP) (London) |
205,651 |
|
IN-GB Association — Ireland Network Great Britain (London) |
5,844 |
|
Irish Centre Housing (London) |
114,708 |
|
Irish Chaplaincy in Britain (London) |
219,069 |
|
Irish Charitable Trust (London) |
193,022 |
|
Irish Community Care Manchester |
198,194 |
|
Irish Community Care Merseyside |
311,473 |
|
Irish Cultural Centre, Hammersmith |
248,901 |
|
Irish Diaspora Foundation (Manchester) |
65,920 |
|
Irish Elderly Advice Network (London) |
102,619 |
|
Irish Heritage (Surrey) |
11,688 |
|
Irish in Greenwich (London) |
225,622 |
|
Irish Network (Stevenage) |
29,176 |
|
Irish Oral History Archive (London) |
83,689 |
|
Irish Repertory Theatre and Film Company (London) |
6,070 |
|
Irish Traveller Movement in Britain (London) |
136,000 |
|
Irish Tuesday Club (Liverpool) |
5,166 |
|
Irish Welfare & Information Centre (Birmingham) |
241,975 |
|
Irish World Heritage Centre (Manchester) |
43,172 |
|
Kilburn Irish Pensioners |
6,598 |
|
Lancashire Federation of IDL Clubs |
877 |
|
Leeds Gypsy & Traveller Exchange |
52,809 |
|
Leeds Irish Centre Charity |
32,448 |
|
Leeds Irish Health & Homes |
171,184 |
|
Leeds St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Celebrations |
11,914 |
|
Leicester & Leicestershire Irish Forum |
46,599 |
|
Lewisham Irish Community Centre |
57,187 |
|
Lewisham Irish Pensioners Association |
10,402 |
|
Liverpool Irish Festival Society |
4,967 |
|
London Gypsy and Traveller Unit |
110,271 |
|
London Irish Amateur Rugby Club |
10,439 |
|
London Irish Centre Charity |
579,688 |
|
London Irish Music School |
7,597 |
|
London Irish Pensioners Choir |
4,243 |
|
London Irish Women’s Centre |
88,640 |
|
Luton Irish Forum |
287,327 |
|
Manchester Irish language Group |
877 |
|
Mansfield & Dukeries Irish Association |
4,675 |
|
Marian Senior Citizens Club (London) |
3,623 |
|
Milton Keynes Irish Centre |
37,858 |
|
Momentum Care Irish Elders Centre (Glasgow) |
111,349 |
|
Monica’s Place (Birmingham) |
35,063 |
|
New Horizon Youth Centre (London) |
66,976 |
|
NOAH Enterprise (Luton) |
136,812 |
411 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason a passport has not been returned to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15 who mislaid their passport and applied for a duplicate, subsequently found their passport which was then cancelled due to earlier report; if renewal of passport will be undertaken in view of the need for study and employment purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3329/10]
As indicated in my reply to your question number 94019, on Thursday 17th December, 2009, the person in question submitted his application for a passport having lost his first Irish passport and the vital documents which provide evidence of his citizenship. Section 7 of the Passports Act 2008 requires that before issuing a passport to a person, the Minister shall be satisfied that the person is an Irish citizen, and as to the identity of the person. Additional information was sought from the applicant. Having examined that information the Passport Office is now satisfied as to the identity of the applicant and his entitlement to a passport. The applicant has been contacted and his passport has now been issued.
412 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the level of financial assistance available to a family who wish to repatriate a member of their family (details supplied) who was seriously injured in the United States; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3816/10]
At the outset, I wish to advise the Deputy that I am informed that Consular assistance was not sought from my Department, either through the Consular Assistance Section in Dublin or our Consulate in Boston by the person, or his family, mentioned by the Deputy. Our Missions overseas provide a wide range of practical assistance where Irish citizens experience serious illness or are hospitalized. This includes the provision of lists of English speaking doctors and appropriate local medical facilities; communicating with medical personnel or hospital authorities; visiting hospitals and transferring funds from family and friends. They also liaise with insurance or medical evacuation companies. There is a limited amount of funding available (€79,000 p.a.) in the emergency repatriation fund. Applicants for financial support are examined on an individual basis but where support is given it is usually to Irish citizens who urgently need to return home and have insufficient funds to do so. Advances are normally repayable. In the case of long term hospital patients, arrangements are normally made between the hospitals concerned and the HSE.
413 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism further to Parliamentary Question No. 231 of 1 December 2009, if he will provide the requested information as has been done by the Departments of Education and Science, Health and Children, Finance, Foreign Affairs, the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Social and Family Affairs, Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, and Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, and is currently being compiled by the Departments of Defence and the Taoiseach; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2978/10]
In the reply to Question No. 231 of 1 December 2009, the Deputy was referred to relevant and easily-accessible published data in the Department's annual reports and the annual estimates for the Department which show the overall staffing numbers, grade breakdown and total payroll costs at year end. This information is provided in these publications specifically in order to meet requests from public representatives and the wider public for such data and is available both on the Department's website www.dast.gov.ie and in the Dáil Library. In order to be helpful to the Deputy, the following table has been compiled and sets out a breakdown of staff numbers by grade at the end of each of the years since the Department was established.
|
Grade |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
|
Secretary General |
1.00 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
|
Assistant Secretary |
3.00 |
3.00 |
3.00 |
3.00 |
3.00 |
3.00 |
|
Director |
3.00 |
3.00 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
|
Principal Officer |
9.00 |
9.00 |
9.00 |
10.00 |
10.00 |
10.00 |
|
Assistant Principal |
21.50 |
23.10 |
22.70 |
24.10 |
24.10 |
24.30 |
|
Professional Accountant |
1.00 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
32.00 |
30.40 |
23.80 |
24.80 |
24.80 |
25.40 |
|
Administrative Officer |
1.00 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
|||
|
Executive Officer |
34.00 |
37.98 |
28.43 |
31.90 |
31.90 |
35.07 |
|
Staff Officer |
4.50 |
3.30 |
3.50 |
3.00 |
3.00 |
5.00 |
|
Clerical Officer |
78.00 |
75.80 |
40.70 |
42.80 |
42.80 |
33.70 |
|
Head Services Officer |
1.00 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
||
|
Services Officer |
10.00 |
8.00 |
9.00 |
11.00 |
11.00 |
8.00 |
|
Senior Attendant |
5.00 |
5.00 |
||||
|
Services Attendant |
5.00 |
4.00 |
||||
|
Ministerial Contract Staff |
3.00 |
3.00 |
4.00 |
4.00 |
4.00 |
4.00 |
|
Cleaner |
9.00 |
7.00 |
||||
|
Caretaker |
2.00 |
1.00 |
||||
|
Keeper |
10.00 |
11.00 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
|
Senior Archivist |
4.00 |
3.00 |
3.00 |
3.00 |
3.00 |
3.00 |
|
Archivist |
3.00 |
7.00 |
8.00 |
8.00 |
8.00 |
11.00 |
|
Conservation Officer |
3.00 |
3.00 |
1.00 |
0.50 |
0.50 |
0.50 |
|
Conservation Intern |
1.00 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
|||
|
Head of Services |
1.00 |
0.00 |
||||
|
Asst. Keeper Grade I |
12.00 |
16.10 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
|
Asst. Keeper Grade II |
42.00 |
30.00 |
||||
|
Preservation Officer |
1.00 |
1.00 |
||||
|
Senior Technical Officer |
1.00 |
1.00 |
||||
|
Technical Officer |
1.00 |
1.00 |
||||
|
Senior Technical Assistant |
2.00 |
2.00 |
||||
|
Technical Assistant |
19.00 |
18.00 |
||||
|
Senior Library Assistant |
4.00 |
3.00 |
||||
|
Library Assistant Grade I |
6 |
5.75 |
||||
|
Library Assistant Grade II |
4.00 |
4.00 |
||||
|
Library Assistant Grade III |
14.00 |
16.00 |
||||
|
Science and Art Attendant |
65.00 |
63.78 |
||||
|
Senior Photographer |
1.00 |
1.00 |
||||
|
Photographer |
1.00 |
1.00 |
||||
|
Head Attendant |
1.00 |
1.00 |
||||
|
Mounter and Binder |
1.00 |
1.00 |
||||
|
Archaeologist |
2.00 |
2.00 |
||||
|
Visually Impaired Telephonist |
1.00 |
0.80 |
||||
|
Student Clerical Officer |
3.00 |
3.00 |
||||
|
Senior Graphic Artist |
1.00 |
1.00 |
||||
|
Graphic Artist |
2.00 |
1.00 |
||||
|
Totals |
427.00 |
414.01 |
163.13 |
173.10 |
173.10 |
169.97 |
It was not possible in the time provided to give any reasonably accurate or meaningful average wage cost for the grades of staff employed in the Department over the period from mid 2002 to 2008 given the format in which the relevant information is retained. In addition during that period, the Department included the National Museum of Ireland and the National Library of Ireland until they were established as separate legal entities in May 2005, both of which employ a significant number of professional and technical grades. Also due to the decentralisation of the Department to Killarney there was a turnover of staff for the years 2006 to 2009 in excess of 90%. In light of all these factors any effort to compute average wage costs based on data retained would involve a disproportionate amount of staff resources in what would likely give a less than satisfactory result. The relevant pay scales for Civil Service grades and key professional grades are already a matter for public record.
414 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the new capital projects associated with his Department gone to tender that will begin in 2010; the new capital projects gone to tender that were due to start in 2010 but are not now proceeding; the capital projects that are in the middle of construction at present; his views on the importance of such projects in getting capital flowing into banks and around the economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3160/10]
Given its primary role of policy making and administration, the Department (including the National Archives) does not have capital projects planned or underway in the current year. In respect of some of the agencies under the remit of the Department, major capital projects, the day-to-day responsibility for which remains with those agencies, are continuing apace, including the development of a National Conference Centre, the development of a new stadium at Lansdowne Road and the redevelopment of the National Concert Hall. In addition, under the ACCESS, Sports Capital, Local Authority Swimming Pool and Tourism Product Development Programmes a provision of over €93 million has been made in the Capital Estimates for the Department for 2010 to meet the cost of ongoing projects across the Arts/Culture, Sport and Tourism sectors. The responsibility for the delivery of these projects rests with the groups/agencies both voluntary and statutory which have been allocated funds under the various programmes. These programmes are of crucial importance in the provision of facilities and in retaining persons in employment.
415 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the funding sources available to a group (details supplied) in Dublin 12; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3285/10]
The club in question received an allocation of €25,395 under the Sports Capital Programme in 2001. This allocation has been drawn down in full. No decision has been taken on the timing of the next round of the Programme.
416 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the new capital projects associated with his Department gone to tender that will begin in 2010; the new capital projects gone to tender that were due to start in 2010 but are not now proceeding; the capital projects that are in the middle of construction at present; his views on the importance of such projects in getting capital flowing into banks and around the economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3162/10]
My Department's capital allocation for 2010, as shown in the Estimates announced on Budget Day, is €105m. I regard this as very important for the achievement of specific outputs and also in terms of the stimulation of economic activity at a local level across the country. The capital allocation is distributed across my Department's Vote as follows:
€9.150m for Developing Communities,
€3m for the Drugs Initiative,
€49.89m for Rural Development,
€33m for Gaeltacht and Islands Development,
€0.6m for the Promotion and Maintenance of the Irish Language,
€8.75m for North-South Co-Operation, and
€0.61m for administration-related services in my Department.
Expenditure on the various Departmental programmes and schemes under the above headings is disbursed mainly through agencies, intermediaries and other bodies rather than directly by my Department. The chief exception to this is the allocation for islands infrastructure, where it is expected that €11m will be spent this year, mainly in respect of capital projects that are already underway (the largest being the Cill Rónáin harbour works on Inis Mór, Árainn).
417 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the funding available under Axes 3 and 4 of the rural development programme; the planned expenditure for each year of the programme; the amount allocated to each county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3242/10]
418 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the process involved in applying for funding in respect of individual and community applicants under Axes 3 and 4 of the rural development programme; the criteria for assessing such applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3243/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 417 and 418 together.
My Department is responsible for the delivery of Axes 3 & 4 of the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 for which funding of the order of €425m is available. The roll-out of these axes commenced in February 2009 and by the end of December 2009, more than €18m had been spent. The allocation under the Programme for 2010 of €40m represents an increase of approximately 120% on the level of expenditure in 2009. Future allocations will be subject to the normal budgetary processes and will be agreed with the Department of Finance on an annual basis. I have no doubt, however, that we will achieve the full target of €425m over the lifetime of the Programme. The main objectives of the Programme are to improve the quality of life in rural areas and facilitate the diversification of the rural economy. The individual measures under the Programme including initiative allocations are listed as follows:
Diversification into non-agricultural activities for farm families — €16.66m;
Support for business creation and development — €48.26m;
Encouragement of tourism activities — €45.4m;
Basic services for the economy and rural population — €49.61m;
Village renewal and development — €54.2m;
Conservation and upgrading of the rural heritage — €51.7m;
Training and information on adapted and new skills — €29.45m; and
Implementing co-operation projects – €10.7m.
A number of Local Action Groups (LAGs), formerly known as LEADER companies, have been contracted by my Department to deliver the Programme throughout Ireland. The following table details the group names, their county coverage and their overall funding allocations to date.
In terms of the delivery of the Programme, my Department has issued a set of operating rules to each group based on the EU Regulations which govern it. These rules are regularly updated, as necessary. However, in line with the bottom-up nature of the LEADER approach, the Deputy should note that the LAG is the principle decision-maker in relation to the eligibility criteria for Programme funding, the application process and the allocation of project funding to individual applicants. Funding decisions are made by the LAG following extensive evaluation and approval processes in the context of the Group's Local Development Strategy and in line with the operating rules and EU Regulations. Groups or individuals interested in applying for funding under the Programme should, therefore, contact their local LAG for further information.
|
Local Action Group |
Area Covered |
Indicative Allocation |
|
€ |
||
|
Avondhu /Blackwater Partnership Ltd |
Cork East |
9,057,810 |
|
Ballyhoura Development Ltd |
Limerick East and North Cork |
11,673,519 |
|
Carlow County Development Partnership Ltd |
Carlow |
8,878,177 |
|
Cavan & Monaghan Partnerships |
Cavan and Monaghan |
12,035,118 |
|
Clare Local Development Company Ltd. |
Clare |
14,028,529 |
|
Comhar na nOileáin Teoranta |
The Islands |
4,642,415 |
|
Donegal Local Development Company Ltd. |
Donegal |
12,831,901 |
|
Fingal LEADER Partnership (Rural Dublin) |
Fingal, County Dublin |
7,766,780 |
|
Forum Connemara |
Galway |
9,668,965 |
|
Galway Rural Development Community Ltd. |
Galway |
15,257,985 |
|
Inishowen Development Partnership (Donegal) |
Donegal |
8,286,143 |
|
I.R.D. Duhallow |
Cork North-West & Kerry South-East |
10,315,943 |
|
Cill Dara ar Aghaidh Teoranta |
Kildare |
12,282,448 |
|
County Kilkenny LEADER Parntership Ltd |
Kilkenny |
11,523,729 |
|
Laois Community & Enterprise Development Company Ltd. |
Laois |
10,993,608 |
|
Leitrim Integrated Development Company |
Leitrim |
10,845,497 |
|
Longford Community Resources Ltd. |
Longford |
8,714,110 |
|
Louth LEADER Partnership |
Louth |
8,839,815 |
|
Mayo North East LEADER Partnership Company Teoranta |
Mayo |
10,751,894 |
|
Meath Partnership |
Meath |
12,748,771 |
|
Meitheal Forbartha na Gaeltachta Teoranta |
Gaeltacht Areas |
17,278,809 |
|
North & East Kerry LEADER Partnership Teoranta |
North and East Kerry |
10,558,882 |
|
North Tipperary LEADER Partnership Company |
North Tipperary |
9,708,008 |
|
Offaly Integrated Local Development Company |
Offaly |
11,520,489 |
|
Roscommon Integrated Development Company |
Roscommon |
12,838,021 |
|
County Sligo LEADER Partnership Company |
Sligo |
10,888,673 |
|
South & East Cork Area Development Ltd. |
South and East Cork |
10,641,494 |
|
South Kerry Development Partnership Ltd. |
South Kerry |
12,370,667 |
|
South Tipperary Local Development Company Ltd. |
South Tipperary |
11,106,187 |
|
South West Mayo Development Company Ltd. |
South West Mayo |
12,150,007 |
|
Waterford LEADER Partnership Ltd. |
Waterford |
10,558,519 |
|
West Cork Development Partnership |
West Cork |
14,601,149 |
|
West Limerick Resources |
West Limerick |
9,997,751 |
|
Westmeath Community Development |
Westmeath |
10,987,060 |
|
Wexford Local Development |
Wexford |
12,515,565 |
|
County Wicklow Partnership |
Wicklow |
11,135,560 |
419 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount of financial support and assistance given by his Department to an organisation (details supplied) in the years 2006 to 2009 inclusive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3302/10]
The organisation in question submitted an application under the 2006 call for proposals under the Community Service Programme (CSP). The application and business plan was subsequently approved and the contract commenced in mid-2007. The organisation received the following funding:
€3,872 for the period 1 July to 31 December 2007;
€78,439 for 2008;
€80,775 for 2009.
420 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will introduce changes to the Civil Registration Act 2004 with particular reference to recognising the registration in this State of deaths of Irish citizens where such deaths occurred outside this jurisdiction in the form of a register of foreign deaths; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3270/10]
The provisions and procedures governing the registration of deaths in Ireland are contained in Part 5 of the Civil Registration Act 2004.
Where a death occurs in the State it is the duty of a qualified informant (normally a relative of the deceased) to attend at a registrar's office and register the death on foot of a certificate of cause of death supplied by a registered medical practitioner. Where a death is referred to a coroner, the death is registered by a registrar on foot of a coroner's certificate.
In general, only deaths which occur within the State are registerable. Exceptions apply under the provisions of section 39 of the Act, concerning;
deaths of members of the Garda Síochána or the Permanent Defence Force or of the spouse or specified members of the family of such a member outside the State while the member is serving outside the State as such member,
deaths of persons on board an Irish aircraft or an Irish ship,
deaths of Irish citizens on board a foreign ship or a foreign aircraft travelling to or from a port, or an airport, as the case may be, in the State.
Where the death of an Irish citizen domiciled in the State occurs abroad, the death may be registered here if at the time of the death there was not a system of registration of deaths in the place where the death occurred, or such a system that applied to such a death, or it is not possible to obtain copies of or extracts from civil records of the death. Where an Irish citizen dies abroad and the death is registered by the civil authorities of the place where the death occurred, a certified copy of the death registration, translated, if necessary, is sufficient for all legal and administrative purposes here and there is no necessity for the event to be entered in the register of deaths in the State. Accordingly, it is not proposed to make any changes to the existing provisions at this time.
421 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if small business owners who go out of business are eligible to claim jobseeker’s allowance or jobseeker’s benefit; if not, her plans to change this so that a safety net is provided to these risk takers who provide employment here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2959/10]
The PRSI system, in line with other European social protection systems, provides for separate arrangements for employed and self employed workers.
Self-employed people pay a modified rate of PRSI contribution (Class S) which provides cover for long-term pensions such as state pension and widow's/widower's contributory pension. These contributions do not provide cover for short-term benefits such as jobseeker's and illness benefits — these are only available to persons covered by PRSI Classes A, E, H and P. This reflects the need for coverage for various contingencies, the rate of contributions that self-employed people pay, the practicalities of administering and controlling access to short-term payments and the annualised system of contributions that these same people enjoy.
The range of benefits and pensions to which different groups of workers may establish entitlement reflects the risks associated with the nature of their work. This in turn reflects the rate of contribution payable. Self-employed workers are liable for PRSI at the Class S rate of 3%. They are consequently eligible for a narrower range of benefits than general employees who, together with their employers, pay a total social insurance contribution of 14.05%, excluding levies, under the full-rate PRSI Class A.
In certain cases, a self-employed person who had insurable employment in the relevant year (currently 2008) and has sufficient PRSI contribution paid at the appropriate class, may qualify for a jobseeker's benefit payment provided all the conditions of the scheme are satisfied.
A self-employed person who has insufficient PRSI contributions paid may qualify for a jobseekers allowance which is a means tested payment.
There are no plans to extend cover for short-term benefits to this group of insured workers. Any such measure would have significant financial implications and would have to be considered within a budgetary context. Consideration would also have to be given to an appropriate increase in the rate of the PRSI Class S contribution.
422 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will support the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9. [2975/10]
The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which includes mortgage interest supplement, is administered on behalf of the Department by the community welfare service of the Health Service Executive.
The Executive has advised that the person concerned was initially awarded a mortgage interest supplement based on the interest paid on his original loan of €68,000 which related to his primary residence. The Executive has further advised that as the person concerned was dissatisfied with the rate of payment awarded in this case, he appealed this decision to the Executive's designated Appeals Officer but that this appeal was unsuccessful. This decision was appealed to the Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO) which awarded a mortgage interest supplement based on a mortgage valued at €136,000.
The Executive advised that as a result of the Social Welfare Appeals Office decision, the mortgage interest supplement payment increased from €36 to €61 per week. The Executive has now advised that, following a further review of his entitlement, payment of mortgage interest supplement will be reduced to €22 per week from 1 February 2010. The reduction in mortgage interest supplement payable is due to the reduction in the amount of interest payable by the person concerned in respect of his loan.
The Executive further advised that the person concerned was notified of the decision to reduce the rate of payment of mortgage interest supplement in October 2009. It is open to the person concerned to appeal this decision to the Executive's designated Appeals Officer.
423 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if persons who are granted temporary leave to remain on humanitarian grounds by the Department for Justice, Equality and Law Reform are classified as habitually resident by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3061/10]
Any person who makes a claim for jobseeker's allowance, domiciliary care allowance, child benefit, one parent family payment, disability allowance, State pension non-contributory, carer's allowance, widow's non-contributory, guardian's non-contributory payment, blind pension or supplementary welfare allowance must be habitually resident in the State.
Section 15 of the Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Act 2009, passed by this House on 15 December 2009, provided for an amendment to the habitual residence provisions to ensure that only those who have a legal right to reside in the State shall be regarded as habitually resident for the purposes of any claim for social welfare. This amendment states that a person who is awaiting a decision on their application for leave to remain shall not be regarded as habitually resident. It also states that a determination as to whether a person satisfies the habitual residence condition from the date of grant of leave to remain shall be determined in accordance with all the circumstances of the case, including in particular:
(a) the length and continuity of residence in the State or in any other particular country;
(b) the length and purpose of any absence from the State;
(c) the nature and pattern of the person's employment;
(d) the person's main centre of interest, and
(e) the future intentions of the person concerned as they appear from all the circumstances.
In the experience of the Department of Social and Family Affairs, it has been found that in most cases of persons who have been granted leave to remain on humanitarian grounds sufficient evidence concerning these factors is readily available to show that they satisfy the habitual residence condition. However, cases do occur where such evidence is not immediately available to the Department and the normal investigation has to be made to determine where the person has been living during the period of their application for leave to remain, what they have been living on during this period, where their main centre of interest lies and what their future intentions are.
424 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of cases where her Department has been instructed by the courts to deduct part of someone’s social welfare payment as a means of paying maintenance following a court order to pay such maintenance; if there is a legal impediment in courts instructing her Department to deduct such payments in view of the fact that such payees are depending on social welfare payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3078/10]
Statistics are not maintained of the number of court orders compelling the Department to make deductions from social welfare payments for maintenance purposes. Each order is dealt with on an individual basis.
Under normal circumstances, social welfare payments cannot be reduced below the corresponding rate of supplementary welfare allowance which would be payable, based on family circumstances, without the agreement of the claimant. However if the court orders the Department to deduct an amount of money from a person's social welfare payment and pay it either directly to another person or to the court office, the Department must comply with the order of the court.
425 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if an urgent appeal will be arranged in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny regarding their State contributory pension and her decision to cease payment; if a reasonable expectation of continued payment of this pension was created following acceptance by her Department of payment of PRSI contributions and thereafter the payment of arrears by her Department to the person and a weekly pension; and if she will reconsider the reason for refusal and determine a solution to the issue in order to allow the pension. [3086/10]
Spouses who are actively engaged in a commercial partnership, including the operation of a farm, as opposed to simply being the joint owners of a property, are treated as individual self-employed contributors. In these cases, both spouses are liable to pay PRSI (Class S) contributions in a timely manner.
On foot of a Programme for Government commitment an information leaflet, ’Working with your spouse: how it affects your social welfare contributions and entitlements’, has been developed between the Department of Social and Family Affairs and the Revenue Commissioners to set out the social welfare and tax implications of families co-working in a shared business. It was published on the 25 June 2008. The leaflet clarifies that spouses who operate in a commercial partnership may be brought into the social insurance system, subject to certain criteria. In this way, both spouses incur a liability to pay self-employed PRSI and build up entitlement towards a contributory state pension and other social welfare benefits. It is open to person to apply for recognition of a commercial partnership, at any time.
The qualifying conditions for State Pension (Contributory) require the applicant to:
have entered insurable employment before attaining the age of 56 years
have at least 260 paid contribution weeks since entry into insurance
satisfy the yearly average condition.
In addition, section 110 (1) of the Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act 2005 provides that a self-employed contributor shall not be regarded as satisfying the qualifying conditions unless:
(a) the person has paid self-employment contributions in respect of at least one contribution year before attaining pensionable age,
and
(b) all self-employment contributions payable by him or her have been paid.
Section 110 (1)(a) of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005, has been on the statute books for over fifteen years and there has not been a change in policy in relation to the requirement to have paid at least one year's self employment contributions prior to reaching age 66, in order to qualify for a State Pension (Contributory).
The person concerned was awarded a State Pension (Contributory) from 5th November 2004. However, following a review it was found that the self-employment contributions were all paid by the person concerned after their 66th birthday. The person concerned does not therefore satisfy the condition at (a) above and has no entitlement to a State Pension (Contributory) and should not have been put into payment under the scheme. The person has been notified of this decision on 12 January 2010 and has been advised in relation to their right to appeal this decision, or to have it reviewed.
It should be noted that while the publication of the leaflet ‘Working with your spouse: how it affects your social welfare contributions and entitlements’ clarified existing procedures in relation to the recognition of commercial partnerships between husbands and wives for social insurance purposes, including retrospective payment of social insurance, it did not involve a change in existing policy or administration. In particular, the clarification of the position did not alter people’s potential entitlements and all applicants for the state pension (contributory) must continue to satisfy the eligibility conditions as contained in legislation, and outlined above.
The Department understands and apologises for the upset and distress caused to this person and regrets the administrative error involved.
427 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason payment of a State contributory pension has ceased in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; if payment will be resumed in view of the fact that all PRSI contributions have been paid to date and that an outstanding amount requested by her Department has also been paid; and if she will bring about a resolution to the issue and the reason for refusal so that full pension payments will resume. [3088/10]
Spouses who are actively engaged in a commercial partnership, including the operation of a farm, as opposed to simply being the joint owners of a property, are treated as individual self-employed contributors. In these cases both spouses are liable to pay PRSI (Class S) contributions in a timely manner.
On foot of a Programme for Government commitment an information leaflet, ‘Working with your spouse: how it affects your social welfare contributions and entitlements’, has been developed between the Department of Social and Family Affairs and the Revenue Commissioners to set out the social welfare and tax implications of families co-working in a shared business. It was published on 25 June 2008. The leaflet clarifies that spouses who operate in a commercial partnership may be brought into the social insurance system, subject to certain criteria. In this way, both spouses incur a liability to pay self-employed PRSI and build up entitlement towards a contributory state pension and other social welfare benefits. It is open to a person to apply for recognition of a commercial partnership, at any time.
The qualifying conditions for State Pension (Contributory) require the applicant to:
have entered insurable employment before attaining the age of 56 years
have at least 260 paid contribution weeks since entry into insurance
satisfy the yearly average condition.
In addition, section 110 (1) of the Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act 2005 provides that a self-employed contributor shall not be regarded as satisfying the qualifying conditions unless:
(a) the person has paid self-employment contributions in respect of at least one contribution year before attaining pensionable age,
and
(b) all self-employment contributions payable by him or her have been paid.
The person concerned was awarded a State Pension (Contributory) from 20 July 2008. However, following a review it was found that the self-employment contributions were all paid by the person concerned after their 66th birthday. The person concerned does not therefore satisfy the condition at (a) above and has no entitlement to a State Pension (Contributory), and should not have been put into payment under this scheme.The person has been notified of this decision on the 12th January 2010 and has been notified of their right to appeal this decision, or to have it reviewed.
Section 110 (1)(a) of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005, has been on the statute books for over fifteen years and there has not been a change in policy in relation to the requirement to have paid at least one year's self employment contributions prior to reaching age 66, in order to qualify for a State Pension (Contributory).
An overpayment will be determined in the above case and the person concerned will be notified and requested to repay the amount involved. However a Recovery Officer may reduce or cancel an overpayment based on the circumstances of an individual case, in line with governing legislation.
It should be noted that while the publication of the leaflet ‘Working with your spouse: how it affects your social welfare contributions and entitlements’ clarified existing procedures in relation to the recognition of commercial partnerships between husbands and wives for social insurance purposes, including retrospective payment of social insurance, it did not involve a change in existing policy or administration. In particular, the clarification of the position did not alter people’s potential entitlements and all applicants for the state pension (contributory) must continue to satisfy the eligibility conditions as contained in legislation, and outlined above.
The Department understands and apologises for the upset and distress caused to this person and regrets the administrative error involved.
428 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason her Department have ceased payment of a State contributory pension in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny having sanctioned the payment of the pension after a detailed investigation and approving a weekly pension and arrears; if the pension will be restored based on her Departments acceptance of payment from the applicant of PRSI contributions; if her Department is now obliged to continue payments having accepted on investigation the clients right to the pension and thereafter entering into the agreement; and if an agreed solution to this issue can be found. [3089/10]
Spouses who are actively engaged in a commercial partnership, including the operation of a farm, as opposed to simply being the joint owners of a property, are treated as individual self-employed contributors. In these cases, both spouses are liable to pay PRSI (Class S) contributions in a timely manner.
On foot of a Programme for Government commitment an information leaflet, ‘Working with your spouse: how it affects your social welfare contributions and entitlements’, has been developed between the Department of Social and Family Affairs and the Revenue Commissioners to set out the social welfare and tax implications of families co-working in a shared business. It was published on 25 June 2008. The leaflet clarifies that spouses who operate in a commercial partnership may be brought into the social insurance system, subject to certain criteria. In this way, both spouses incur a liability to pay self-employed PRSI and build up entitlement towards a contributory state pension and other social welfare benefits. It is open to a person to apply for recognition of a commercial partnership, at any time.
The qualifying conditions for State Pension (Contributory) require the applicant to:
have entered insurable employment before attaining the age of 56 years
have at least 260 paid contribution weeks since entry into insurance
satisfy the yearly average condition.
In addition, section 110(1) of the Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act 2005 provides that a self-employed contributor shall not be regarded as satisfying the qualifying conditions unless:
(a) the person has paid self-employment contributions in respect of at least one contribution year before attaining pensionable age,
and
(b) all self-employment contributions payable by him or her have been paid.
Section 110(1)(a) of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005, has been on the statute books for over fifteen years and there has not been a change in policy in relation to the requirement to have paid at least one year's self employment contributions prior to reaching age 66, in order to qualify for a State Pension (Contributory).
The person concerned was awarded a State Pension (Contributory) from 18 August 2006. However, following a review it was found that, the self-employment contributions were all paid by the person concerned after their 66th birthday. The person concerned does not therefore satisfy the condition at (a) above and has no entitlement to a State Pension (Contributory), and should not have been put into payment under the scheme. The person has been notified of this decision on 12 January 2010 and has been advised in relation to their right to appeal this decision, or to have it reviewed. Section 310 (1) (a) of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 provided that a Deciding Officer may at any time revise the decision of a Deciding Officer for a number of reasons including the correction of a mistake made in relation to the law or the facts.
An overpayment will be determined in the above case and the person concerned will be notified and requested to repay the amount involved. However a Recovery Officer may reduce or cancel an overpayment based on the circumstances of an individual case, in line with the governing legislation.
It should be noted that while the publication of the leaflet ‘Working with your spouse: how it affects your social welfare contributions and entitlements’ clarified existing procedures in relation to the recognition of commercial partnerships between husbands and wives for social insurance purposes, including retrospective payment of social insurance, it did not involve a change in existing policy or administration. In particular, the clarification of the position did not alter people’s potential entitlements and all applicants for the state pension (contributory) must continue to satisfy the eligibility conditions as contained in legislation, and outlined above.
The Department understands and apologises for the upset and distress caused to this person and regrets the administrative error involved.
430 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if an appeal for supplementary allowance will be expedited and granted in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny while they await the outcome of their appeal for jobseeker’s allowance; if they will be considered to be habitually resident in the state in view of their ties to family, community and school in Kilkenny and the fact that they are resident here over one year and 16 years in the common travel area; and if she will expedite the matter. [3092/10]
The supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) scheme is administered on behalf of the department by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive (HSE).
A person may qualify for basic supplementary welfare allowance
if s/he is living in the State,
satisfies a means test,
has applied for any other benefit or allowances s/he may be entitled to, for example, one-parent family payment, jobseeker's allowance,
has registered for work with FÁS if s/he are of working age
satisfies the habitual residence condition (HRC).
However, a number of categories are specifically excluded from receiving assistance. These are people in full-time work, people in full-time education and people involved in trade disputes. Additionally SWA cannot at any time be viewed as a temporary or interim means of income support available independently of HRC, while an applicant awaits the outcome of either a decision — or an appeal against a decision — on a claim for a social welfare payment from the Department.
The HRC guideline advises that the main factors to be considered in determining whether a person is habitually resident are as follows:
Length and continuity of residence in Ireland or in any other particular country
Length and purpose of any absence from Ireland
Nature and Pattern of employment
Applicant's main centre of interest
Future intentions of applicant as they appear from all the circumstances.
These factors are not exhaustive and no single factor is conclusive. (These have been included in section 246 of the Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act 2005 as amended by section 30 of the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2007). The person concerned was refused SWA on 23 September 2009 as she was not deemed to be habitually resident in the state on the basis of the examination of her claim taking these factors into account. The HSE has advised that the person concerned appealed against the decision to refuse her SWA to the HSE Appeals Officer. The HSE Appeals Officer upheld the decision in December 2009 to refuse SWA and the person concerned was advised of her right to Appeal the decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO). She lodged an appeal with the SWAO in December 2009. The person concerned will be advised of the outcome as soon as a decision has been given in this case. In the meantime, SWA is not payable in this case.
432 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if an application for old age contributory pension in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick will be reassessed. [3129/10]
Spouses who are actively engaged in a commercial partnership, including the operation of a farm, as opposed to simply being the joint owners of a property, are treated as individual self-employed contributors. In these cases, both spouses are liable to pay PRSI (Class S) contributions in a timely manner.
On foot of a Programme for Government commitment an information leaflet, ‘Working with your spouse: how it affects your social welfare contributions and entitlements’, has been developed between the Department of Social and Family Affairs and the Revenue Commissioners to set out the social welfare and tax implications of families co-working in a shared business. It was published on the 25 June, 2008. The leaflet clarifies that spouses who operate in a commercial partnership may be brought into the social insurance system, subject to certain criteria. In this way, both spouses incur a liability to pay self-employed PRSI and build up entitlement towards a contributory state pension and other social welfare benefits. It is open to a person to apply for recognition of a commercial partnership, at any time.
The qualifying conditions for State Pension (Contributory) require the applicant to:
have entered insurable employment before attaining the age of 56 years
have at least 260 paid contribution weeks since entry into insurance
satisfy the yearly average condition.
In addition, section 110(1) of the Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act 2005 provides that a self-employed contributor shall not be regarded as satisfying the qualifying conditions unless:
(a) the person has paid self-employment contributions in respect of at least one contribution year before attaining pensionable age,
and
(b) all self-employment contributions payable by him or her have been paid.
Section 110(1)(a) of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act, 2005, has been on the statute books for over 15 years and there has not been a change in policy in relation to the requirement to have paid at least one year's self employment contributions prior to reaching age 66, in order to qualify for a State Pension (Contributory).
The person concerned was awarded a State Pension (Contributory) from 15 November 2007. However, following a review it was found that the self-employment contributions were all paid by the person concerned after their 66th birthday. The person concerned does not therefore satisfy the condition at (a) above and has no entitlement to a State Pension (Contributory) and should not have been put into payment under the scheme. The person has been notified of this decision on 12 January 2010 and has been advised in relation to their right to appeal this decision, or to have it reviewed.
An overpayment will be determined in the above case and the person concerned will be notified and requested to repay the amount involved. However a Recovery Officer may reduce or cancel an overpayment based on the circumstances of an individual case, in line with governing legislation.
It should be noted that while the publication of the leaflet ‘Working with your spouse: how it affects your social welfare contributions and entitlements’ clarified existing procedures in relation to the recognition of commercial partnerships between husbands and wives for social insurance purposes, including retrospective payment of social insurance, it did not involve a change in existing policy or administration. In particular, the clarification of the position did not alter people’s potential entitlements and all applicants for the state pension (contributory) must continue to satisfy the eligibility conditions as contained in legislation, and outlined above.
The Department understands and apologises for the upset and distress caused to this person and regrets the administrative error involved.
434 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the new capital projects associated with her Department gone to tender that will begin in 2010; the new capital projects gone to tender that were due to start in 2010 but are not now proceeding; the capital projects that are in the middle of construction at present; her views on the importance of such projects in getting capital flowing into banks and around the economy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3171/10]
The Office of Public Works has responsibility for the provision of office accommodation for the Department. I understand that the information requested by the Deputy in relation to new capital projects associated with the Department is being compiled by the OPW and it will be provided to the Deputy as soon as possible.
435 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when domiciliary care allowance will be awarded in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3223/10]
In order to qualify for Domiciliary Care Allowance a child must have a disability so severe that it requires the child needing care and attention and/or supervision substantially in excess of another child of the same age. This care and attention must be given by another person, effectively full-time so that the child can deal with the activities of daily living. The child must be likely to require this level of care and attention for at least 12 months.
An application for Domiciliary Care Allowance was received by the Department on 9 th July 2009. This application was referred to one of the Departments Medical Assessors who found that the child in question did not meet the medical criteria to be eligible for Domiciliary Care Allowance.
A letter issued to the person in question on 2nd September 2009 where she was advised of the decision to refuse Domiciliary Care Allowance for not satisfying the medical criteria. In the case of an application which is refused on medical grounds, the applicant may submit additional information and/or ask for the case to be reviewed by a different Medical Assessor specially designated for this task. Where a person is not satisfied with the decision of a Deciding Officer they may appeal the decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. There has been no appeal of the decision or request for a review received in the Department to date.
436 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will intervene in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [3225/10]
Spouses who are actively engaged in a commercial partnership, including the operation of a farm, as opposed to simply being the joint owners of a property, are treated as individual self-employed contributors. In these cases both spouses are liable to pay PRSI (Class S) contributions in a timely manner.
On foot of a Programme for Government commitment an information leaflet, ‘Working with your spouse: how it affects your social welfare contributions and entitlements’, has been developed between the Department of Social & Family Affairs and the Revenue Commissioners to set out the social welfare and tax implications of families co-working in a shared business. It was published on the 25th of June, 2008. The leaflet clarifies that spouses who operate in a commercial partnership may be brought into the social insurance system, subject to certain criteria. In this way, both spouses incur a liability to pay self-employed PRSI and build up entitlement towards a contributory state pension and other social welfare benefits. It is open to a person to apply for recognition of a commercial partnership, at any time. The qualifying conditions for State Pension (Contributory) require the applicant to:- have entered insurable employment before attaining the age of 56 years; — have at least 260 paid contribution weeks since entry into insurance; — satisfy the yearly average condition.
In addition, Section 110 (1) of the Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act 2005 provides that a self-employed contributor shall not be regarded as satisfying the qualifying conditions unless: (a) the person has paid self-employment contributions in respect of at least one contribution year before attaining pensionable age, and (b) all self-employment contributions payable by him or her have been paid.
According to the records of this Department, the self-employment contributions were all paid by the person concerned after their 66th birthday. The person concerned does not therefore satisfy the condition at (a) above and has no entitlement to a State Pension (Contributory) based on her self-employment contributions. However she has an entitlement to a State Pension (Contributory) at a reduced rate based on her standard rate PRSI contributions excluding self-employment contributions, and has been advised in writing of this entitlement on 12th January 2010. This pension is payable at 50% of the maximum rate and is based on her yearly average of 11 contributions. A yearly average of 48 or more is required to qualify for a full-rate State Pension (Contributory).
Section 110 (1)(a) of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act, 2005, has been on the statute books for over fifteen years and there has not been a change in policy in relation to the requirement to have paid at least one year's self employment contributions prior to reaching age 66, in order to qualify for a State Pension (Contributory).
An overpayment will be determined in the above case and the person concerned will be notified and requested to repay the amount involved. However a Recovery Officer may reduce or cancel an overpayment based on the circumstances of an individual case, in line with the governing legislation.
It should be noted that while the publication of the leaflet ‘Working with your spouse: how it affects your social welfare contributions and entitlements’ clarified existing procedures in relation to the recognition of commercial partnerships between husbands and wives for social insurance purposes, including retrospective payment of social insurance, it did not involve a change in existing policy or administration. In particular, the clarification of the position did not alter people’s potential entitlements and all applicants for the state pension (contributory) must continue to satisfy the eligibility conditions as contained in legislation, and outlined above.
The Department understands and apologises for the upset and distress caused to this person, and regrets the administrative error involved.
437 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the PRSI classes in operation; the criteria that apply to each class; the number of persons within each class; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3229/10]
The following table provides data on the total number of contributors to the Social Insurance Fund together with a breakdown of this figure by PRSI Class type. The figures for 2007 represent the most recent end-of-year returns received from the Office of the Revenue Commissioners for both employees and self-employed contributors.
A breakdown of the 2008 figures will be published in the "Statistical Information on Social Welfare Services 2009" later this year.
In general, PRSI contribution classes are decided by the nature of a person's employment and the amount of the employee's gross reckonable earnings in any week. The following sets out the PRSI classes in operation and the criteria that apply in each class.
PRSI Class A
People in industrial, commercial and service-type employment who are employed under a contract of service with gross earnings of €38 or more per week from all employments; Civil and Public Servants recruited from 6 April, 1995 and Community Employment participants from 6 April, 1996.
PRSI Class J
People in industrial, commercial and service-type employment who are employed under a contract of service and whose gross earnings are less than €38 per week from all employments; People insured for Occupational Injuries Benefits only, e.g. employees aged 66 years or over; People participating in certain FÁS training schemes who are insurable for Occupational Injuries Benefits only, and People whose employment is of a subsidiary nature or of inconsiderable extent, e.g. people insurable at Class B, C, D or H in their main employment and who have a second job; attendants at Department of Education Examinations; Presiding Officers and Poll Clerks at Elections, and R.D.F. members on annual training.
PRSI Class B
Permanent and pensionable Civil Servants, Registered Doctors and Dentists employed in the Civil Service and Gardaí, recruited prior to 6 April, 1995.
PRSI Class C
Commissioned Army Officers and members of the Army Nursing Service, recruited prior to 6 April, 1995. PRSI Class D Permanent and pensionable employees in the public service other than those mentioned in Classes B and C, recruited prior to 6 April, 1995. PRSI Class H NCOs and enlisted personnel of the Defence Forces.
PRSI Class E
Ministers of Religion employed by the Church of Ireland Representative Body.
PRSI Class S
Self-employed people such as farmers, certain company directors, people in business on their own account and people with income from investments, rents and maintenance.
PRSI Class P (optional)
Self-employed people whose principal means of livelihood comes from share fishing. PRSI Class K People receiving income which is not subject to social insurance contributions but which is liable for the Health Contribution, such as occupational pensions, income deriving from positions of certain Office Holders (e.g. Judiciary and State Solicitors) and income of people aged 66 to 70 years who were previously liable for Class S.
PRSI Class M
The M Class should be used for people with NIL contribution liability, e.g. employees under age 16 years, people within Class K with a NIL liability (medical card holders, widows/widowers, people aged 70 years or over), etc.
|
PRSI Class |
Coverage |
Numbers of contributors insured — 2007 |
||
|
Male |
Female |
Total |
||
|
A |
All benefits. |
1,245,686 |
1,147,992 |
2,393,678 |
|
B |
Widow’s/Widower’s (Contributory) Pension, Guardian’s Payment (Contributory), Bereavement Grant, Carer’s Benefit & limited Occupational Injuries Benefits. |
17,053 |
12,161 |
29,214 |
|
C |
Widow’s/Widower’s (Contributory) Pension, Guardian’s Payment (Contributory), Bereavement Grant & Carer’s Benefit. |
817 |
129 |
946 |
|
D |
Widow’s/Widower’s (Contributory) Pension, Guardian’s Payment (Contributory), Bereavement Grant, Carer’s Benefit & Occupational Injuries Benefits. |
36,692 |
46,021 |
82,713 |
|
E |
All benefits except Jobseeker’s Benefit, Bereavement Grant & Occupational Injuries Benefits. |
131 |
29 |
160 |
|
H |
All benefits on discharge. Treatment Benefit, Bereavement Grant, Carer’s Benefit & Widow’s/Widower’s (Contributory) Pension (in certain cases) during service. |
7,914 |
416 |
8,330 |
|
J |
Occupational Injuries Benefits. |
14,436 |
16,065 |
30,501 |
|
K |
None. Class K consists of Health Levy. |
24,890 |
9,636 |
34,526 |
|
M |
Occupational Injuries Benefits in certain circumstances. |
102,731 |
71,004 |
173,735 |
|
P |
Treatment Benefit & limited Jobseeker’s and Illness Benefit. |
14 |
— |
14 |
|
S |
Widow’s/Widower’s (Contributory) Pension, Guardian’s Payment (Contributory), State Pension (Contributory), Bereavement Grant, Maternity Benefit & Adoptive Benefit. |
265,357 |
70,467 |
335,824 |
|
Voluntary Contributors |
High rate : State Pension (Transition) + (Contributory), Widow’s/Widower’s (Contributory) Pension, Guardian’s Payment & Bereavement Grant. |
1,174 |
740 |
1,914 |
|
Low rate : Widow’s/Widower’s (Contributory) Pension, Guardian’s Payment (Contributory) & Bereavement Grant. |
||||
|
TOTAL |
1,716,895 |
1,374,660 |
3,091,555 |
438 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if an appeal for supplementary welfare will be expedited in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [3280/10]
Under Section 201 of the 2005 Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act, the Community Welfare division of the Health Service Executive (HSE) may make a single payment to meet an exceptional need to people on social welfare or health board payments. These payments are known as Exceptional Needs Payments (ENPs) and are made to assist with any essential, once-off cost which the applicant is unable to meet from his/her own resources. There is no automatic entitlement to this payment. Each application is determined by the Executive based on the particular circumstances of the case.
The person concerned was refused an ENP in November 2009 as in the opinion of the CWO the person concerned did not have an exceptional need at the time of the application. The person concerned was advised of her right to appeal the decision to the designated Appeals Office of the HSE. To date no appeal has been received. The person concerned should contact the local HSE Appeals Office, 8 O'Connell Street, Clonmel, Co.Tipperary. (phone: 052-6125758) should she wish to appeal the original decision to refuse an ENP.
439 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when invalidity appeal will be heard in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3331/10]
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that, in accordance with statutory requirements, the Department was asked for the documentation in the case and the Deciding Officer's comments on the grounds of the appeal. In that context, an examination by another Medical Assessor will be carried out. The person concerned will be notified when arrangements for the examination have been completed.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
440 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a domiciliary care allowance appeal will be heard in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3332/10]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that, following receipt of the relevant Departmental papers including comments on the grounds of appeal, the appeal from the person concerned has been referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
441 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will review the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will supply this Deputy with a policy comment on same. [3444/10]
It is understood that this Question relates to the treatment of cohabiting couples in the social welfare and tax systems.
These systems have evolved over time and in response to a variety of factors, including Constitutional imperatives as interpreted by the Courts, changing social trends and EU Directives.
The social welfare code recognises the couple status of co-habiting couples and treats married and co-habiting couples in a similar manner. The EEC Equality Directive 79/9 and the subsequent Supreme Court case (Hyland v Minister for Social Welfare, 1989) led to the change in the treatment of non-married cohabiting couples in the social welfare code. The Court ruled that it was unconstitutional for the total income a married couple received in social welfare benefits to be less than the couple would have received if they were unmarried and cohabiting.
The income tax arrangements and subsequent legislation for cohabiting couples are a matter for the Minister for Finance.
442 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, further to Parliamentary Question No. 789 of 19 January 2010, the reason for the discrepancy between the 2008 figures provided in the reply and those provided in her reply to Parliamentary Question No. 341 of 10 March 2009 in respect of the refusal of social welfare payments to Irish citizens for failure to meet the habitual residency requirements. [3452/10]
Based on the information available in March 2009 in the Central Unit dealing with habitual residency cases, the number of Irish people refused for failure to meet the habitual residency requirements was 424.
In addition to the decisions made in the central unit and the other payment areas, the figure of 985 which was provided in response to the question on 19th January is an accurate reflection of the number of decisions made in offices throughout the Department. This figure took account of cases dealt with in the Central Decisions Unit and in the HQ payment areas in Sligo, Letterkenny and Longford. It subsequently emerged, however, that a number of other cases had been decided locally and these cases had not been reported centrally.
443 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved and awarded their jobseeker’s allowance. [3478/10]
The person concerned applied for jobseeker's allowance on 19 January 2010 having exhausted entitlement to jobseekers benefit on 6 January 2010. Her application is currently being examined and she will be notified as soon as a decision is made.
444 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of fraudulent claims that have been identified by her Department for both Galway city and county in 2009; the amount of moneys involved in these fraudulent claims; the most common cases involved in these claims; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3493/10]
The information sought by the Deputy is not compiled on a city or county basis within the Department.
Statistics on fraudulent claims are not maintained in such a manner as to enable the information sought by the Deputy to be provided.
445 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the percentage increase in the number of clients seen in the north Tipperary money advice and budgeting service offices to year ending 2009 in comparison to year ending 2008; if the additional post of a temporary part-time money adviser for the constituency has been filled; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3503/10]
The number of people in North Tipperary who have availed of the services of the Money Advice and Budgeting Service in 2008 and in 2009 is outlined in the following table.
|
Year |
New Clients in North Tipperary MABS |
|
2008 |
206 |
|
2009 |
311 |
This represents a 51% increase in new clients in 2009 as compared to 2008. An additional part-time money advisor was appointed in North Tipperary MABS on 23 November 2009.
I am satisfied that the additional resources provided to North Tipperary MABS will assist them to meet the demand for their services.
446 Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason for refusal of disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Meath. [3513/10]
Disability Allowance is a weekly Allowance paid to people with a specified disability who are aged over 16 and under 66. The disability must be expected to last for at least one year and the allowance is subject to a medical assessment, a means test and a habitual residence test.
The person concerned applied for Disability Allowance on 10 November 2009. Her claim was assessed by a Medical Assessor who deemed that she was not medically suitable for Disability Allowance. A letter issued to the person on 11 January 2010 advising her of this decision and of her right of appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.
447 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 803 of 19 January 2010 if she will reproduce the table of data, dividing disability payments to include disability allowance statistics only. [3514/10]
The information requested by the Deputy is contained in the supplied tabular statement.
|
Year |
Labour Force (1) |
Number in Employment (1) |
One-Parent Family Payment |
One-Parent Family Payment as % of Labour Force |
One-Parent Family Payments as % of Employed |
Disability Allowance |
Disability Allowance as % of Labour Force |
Disability Allowance as % of Employed |
|
2000 |
1,763,700 |
1,684,100 |
74,119 |
4.2% |
4.4% |
54,303 |
3.1% |
3.2% |
|
2001 |
1,807,400 |
1,738,100 |
77,142 |
4.3% |
4.4% |
57,655 |
3.2% |
3.3% |
|
2002 |
1,850,800 |
1,768,500 |
79,195 |
4.3% |
4.5% |
62,783 |
3.4% |
3.6% |
|
2003 |
1,886,700 |
1,800,000 |
79,296 |
4.2% |
4.4% |
67,720 |
3.6% |
3.8% |
|
2004 |
1,940,000 |
1,852,200 |
80,103 |
4.1% |
4.3% |
72,976 |
3.8% |
3.9% |
|
2005 |
2,040,400 |
1,944,600 |
80,366 |
3.9% |
4.1% |
79,253 |
3.9% |
4.1% |
|
2006 |
2,132,800 |
2,034,900 |
83,081 |
3.9% |
4.1% |
83,697 |
3.9% |
4.1% |
|
2007 |
2,217,000 |
2,113,900 |
85,084 |
3.8% |
4.0% |
89,048 |
4.0% |
4.2% |
|
2008 |
2,239,600 |
2,112,800 |
87,840 |
3.9% |
4.2% |
95,754 |
4.3% |
4.5% |
|
2009 |
2,203,100 |
1,938,500 |
90,484 |
4.1% |
4.7% |
99,576 |
4.5% |
5.1% |
448 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding a jobseeker’s appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6; if this appeal will be dealt with; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3526/10]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that, following receipt of the relevant Departmental papers including comments on the grounds of appeal, the appeal from the person concerned has been referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration. As part of this consideration, the Appeals Officer will examine all evidence submitted.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
449 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding insurability of employment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick on the date of their accident. [3529/10]
On 5 March 2009 a Deciding Officer gave a formal insurability decision that the person (details supplied) was engaged in self-employment on the day of the accident. On 2 April 2009 solicitors acting on behalf of the person appealed the decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. The Social Welfare Appeals Office wrote to the Department in September 2009 and requested that additional information be obtained. Social Welfare Inspectors are in the process of interviewing relevant parties and compiling the necessary information. When the information becomes available it will be forwarded to the Social Welfare Appeals Office without delay.
450 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if the reduction in farm assist awarded in respect of a person (details supplied) is consistent with the percentage reduction announced in budget 2010. [3541/10]
As a result of Budget 2009 the personal rate of farm assist was reduced from €204.30 to €196.00. This represents a decrease of 4.1%. The reduction in the persons farm assist rate is consistent with the decreases announced in the Budget.
451 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the criteria for the payment of the clothing allowance; and the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9 was asked to provide a doctor’s letter in order for their application to be considered. [3565/10]
Under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which is administered on behalf of the Department by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive, an exceptional needs payment (ENP) may be made to help meet an essential, once-off cost which the applicant is unable to meet out of his/her own resources. There is no automatic entitlement to this payment. Each application is determined by the Executive based on the particular circumstances of the case.
A single payment for the purpose of replacement of clothing and/or footwear under this scheme may be considered in special circumstances including :
Where the claimant or one of his/her dependants is suffering from a chronic ailment or serious disease which gives rise to a need for extra clothing or special footwear from time to time.
Where a person is going into hospital and does not have suitable clothing
Where a person leaves hospital or prison after a long period of time and has no suitable apparel
The person concerned recently contacted the HSE to apply for an allowance for clothing. In the opinion of the Community Welfare Officer the person concerned did not demonstrate that they had an exceptional clothing need. However, based on the circumstances of the case, the person concerned was asked to provide further evidence to support his claim for assistance, and was advised that evidence regarding his medical circumstances could be helpful in that regard.
452 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will respond to correspondence from a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [3568/10]
My Department encourages people to engage in voluntary work within the State. Any person who engages in voluntary work may continue to be entitled to Jobseeker's Benefit or Allowance provided that, in engaging in the voluntary work, the customer continues to satisfy the statutory conditions of being available for and genuinely seeking work. Examples of voluntary work in which jobseeker's may engage include:
helping the sick, elderly or persons with a disability
assisting youth clubs, church groups, sports groups, cultural organisations, local resident associations
The groups involved may be nationally organised groups or local voluntary or community groups.
The aim of the Voluntary Work Option is twofold, namely — to encourage voluntary organisations to involve jobseeker's to the greatest extent possible in their existing activities by creating new opportunities for voluntary work and to inform jobseeker's of their freedom to involve themselves in voluntary work and to encourage them to do so. In addition, the existing Community Employment Scheme, operated by FÁS, offers the opportunity to unemployed persons to participate in paid employment in the social economy.
453 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason lump sums payments received as compensation for injuries incurred is treated the same way as savings when dealing with applications for disability allowance. [3588/10]
The legislation governing means-tests for Disability Allowance and other welfare schemes provides that certain compensation awards are disregarded in the assessment of means. For instance, compensation awards by the Hepatitis C Compensation Tribunal 1997, the Hepatitis C and HIV Compensation Tribunal 2002 or compensation awards by a court of competent jurisdiction to persons who have contracted Hepatitis C or HIV from contaminated blood products, together with subsequent income from the investment of that money, are not assessed as means. Similarly, compensation awards to persons who have a disability caused by Thalidomide together with subsequent income from the investment of that money are disregarded in the means test.
More generally, compensation awards for injuries are treated as capital income. In this regard, the capital disregard in the means test for Disability Allowance was increased from €20,000 to €50,000 in 2007. This measure recognised the need to provide additional supports for people with disabilities on low incomes by addressing the fact that in cases where a compensation award has been made to a client as a result of accident or injury, the assessment of capital received in excess of €20,000 could have resulted in a reduction or loss of payment of Disability Allowance and associated benefits.
454 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a decision will be made on an appeal, submitted in June 2009, against the decision refusing an application for carer’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [3600/10]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that, following receipt of the relevant Departmental papers including comments on the grounds of appeal, the appeal from the person concerned has been referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
455 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the rules for tapered withdrawal of rent supplement or mortgage interest supplement in the case of person returning to work under State supported schemes such as community, employment, back to work, graduate placement and so on. [3605/10]
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 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 an d 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, approved training schemes; or to engage in full-time employment and retain entitlement to mortgage interest supplement for up to 4 years on a tapered basis. If a claimant is on an approved scheme they can retain 75% of their mortgage interest supplement in year 1, 50% in year 2, and 25% in years 3 and 4. This arrangement is subject to the claimant's income being below an income threshold, currently €317.43. Back to work allowance and family income supplements are disregarded in the assessment of household income. PRSI and reasonable travelling expenses are also disregarded.
The Department is developing proposals in relation to the payment of rent and mortgage interest supplements to people who participate in the graduate placement scheme. These will be finalised and announced shortly.
456 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason her Department does not reclaim illness benefit payments from insurance companies when full liability is accepted by the company; her estimate of the amount foregone in each of the past five years arising from this policy; if the same policy applies to all disability and illness type payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3622/10]
457 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of disability or illness type claims granted for each of the past five years where the person had another source of private insurance or where their loss of income was covered through an insurance claim, court judgment or otherwise; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3623/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 456 and 457 together.
Social welfare legislation does not currently provide for the reimbursement to the Department by insurance companies of social welfare payments deducted from awards of special damages in respect of loss of earnings.
However, officials in the Department have been examining this matter. The Department does not routinely collect information on the numbers of clients who hold private insurance or whose loss of income was covered through an insurance claim. It is not possible, therefore, at this time to produce robust estimates of how much money might be reimbursed if the legislation in this area were changed.
458 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when social welfare assistance will be awarded in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Longford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3632/10]
The person concerned applied for a jobseeker's allowance on 16 November 2009. One of the conditions for receipt of Jobseeker's Allowance is that the person must satisfy a means test. In this regard her application was referred to the local Social Welfare Investigator and their investigation has been completed. A decision on her claim will issue to her shortly. A person may apply for Supplementary Welfare Allowance from their local Community Welfare Officer while an application for Jobseeker's Allowance is being processed.
459 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding an application for jobseeker’s allowance of a person (details supplied)in County Cavan; if she will expedite the case. [3634/10]
The Department has no record of an existing claim for Jobseeker's Allowance or any other Social Welfare payment from the person concerned. If he wishes to submit an application he should contact his local Social Welfare Office.
460 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Longford has been disallowed a contributory pension, having been notified of entitlement to same on 24 October 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3638/10]
Spouses who are actively engaged in a commercial partnership, including the operation of a farm, as opposed to simply being the joint owners of a property, are treated as individual self-employed contributors. In these cases both spouses are liable to pay PRSI (Class S) contributions in a timely manner.
On foot of a Programme for Government commitment an information leaflet, ‘Working with your spouse: how it affects your social welfare contributions and entitlements’, has been developed between the Department of Social & Family Affairs and the Revenue Commissioners to set out the social welfare and tax implications of families co-working in a shared business. It was published on the 25th of June, 2008. The leaflet clarifies that spouses who operate in a commercial partnership may be brought into the social insurance system, subject to certain criteria. In this way, both spouses incur a liability to pay self-employed PRSI and build up entitlement towards a contributory state pension and other social welfare benefits. It is open to a person to apply for recognition of a commercial partnership, at any time.
The qualifying conditions for State Pension (Contributory) require the applicant to:
have entered insurable employment before attaining the age of 56 years
have at least 260 paid contribution weeks since entry into insurance satisfy the yearly average condition.
In addition, Section 110(1) of the Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act 2005 provides that a self-employed contributor shall not be regarded as satisfying the qualifying conditions unless:
(a) the person has paid self-employment contributions in respect of at least one contribution year before attaining pensionable age,
and
(b) all self-employment contributions payable by him or her have been paid.
The person concerned was awarded a State Pension (Contributory) from 24th October 2008. However, according to the records of this Department, the self-employment contributions were all paid by the person concerned after their 66th birthday. The person concerned does not therefore satisfy the condition at (a) above and has no entitlement to a State Pension (Contributory) based on their self-employment contributions and should not have been put into payment on this scheme. The person has been notified of this decision on the 12th January 2010, and has been advised in relation to their right to appeal this decision, or to have it reviewed.
Section 110(1)(a) of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act, 2005, has been on the statute books for over fifteen years and there has not been a change in policy in relation to the requirement to have paid at least one year's self employment contributions prior to reaching age 66, in order to qualify for a State Pension (Contributory).
An overpayment will be determined in the above case and the person concerned will be notified and requested to repay the amount involved. However a Recovery Officer may reduce or cancel an overpayment based on the circumstances of an individual case, in line with governing legislation.
It should be noted that while the publication of the leaflet ‘Working with your spouse: how it affects your social welfare contributions and entitlements’ clarified existing procedures in relation to the recognition of commercial partnerships between husbands and wives for social insurance purposes, including retrospective payment of social insurance, it did not involve a change in existing policy or administration. In particular, the clarification of the position did not alter people’s potential entitlements and all applicants for the state pension (contributory) must continue to satisfy the eligibility conditions as contained in legislation, and outlined above.
The Department understands and apologises for the upset and distress caused to this person and regrets the administrative error involved.
461 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding an entitlement to sick benefit in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Longford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3641/10]
Disability Allowance is a weekly allowance paid to people with a specified disability who are aged over 16 and under 66. The disability must be expected to last for at least one year and the allowance is subject to a medical assessment, a means test and a habitual residence test.
The person concerned applied for Disability Allowance on 16 October 2009. His claim was assessed by a Medical Assessor who requested that the person be asked to furnish a medical report from the specialist he is attending. A letter issued to the person concerned on 14 January 2010 requesting this report. To date the report has not been received.
The person's file was forwarded to a Social Welfare Inspector in order to determine his means. The Inspector called to his address on 19 January 2010 but the person concerned was not at home. The Social Welfare Inspector will be in contact with the person to schedule another appointment. A decision on his Disability Allowance claim will be given when the medical report and the Social Welfare Inspector's report are received and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
462 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason persons on reduced rate social assistance payments have received a full decrease in their payment for 2010 and not a decrease proportionate to their reduced rate payment. [3644/10]
The various social assistance schemes operated by my Department are means tested and include schemes such as jobseeker's allowance and one-parent family payment. For means test purposes, account is taken of the value of any capital or property owned by the person in addition to any cash income the person might have including, inter alia, earnings from employment, income from self-employment, foreign social security pensions and occupational pensions. If a person has a spouse or a partner, the means of that person is also taken into account.
As provided for in social welfare legislation, where a person has means the weekly value of those means is deducted from the maximum weekly rate of payment and a reduced rate is payable. Where a person has weekly means in excess of the maximum personal rate of the relevant social assistance payment, no payment is made.
The purpose of the means test is to reflect that fact that the person has other income or assets available to support him or her. Accordingly, the total weekly income available to that person or couple comprises both the value of the means of the person in addition to any social assistance payment they may be entitled to.
In addition, where a person has income from certain sources, some of that income is disregarded. In the case of jobseeker's allowance, for example, the first €20 per day is disregarded, subject to a maximum of €60 per week and 60% of the balance is assessed where a claimant or a spouse/partner has income from employment,
Where a person has no means, jobseeker's allowance is payable at the maximum rate of payment. In the case of a single person, the maximum weekly rate was €204.30 in 2009 and is €196 in 2010, a reduction of €8.30 per week or 4.1%. In the case of a couple with no means, the reduction is €13.80 per week, also 4.1%, from €339.80 to €326.10 (including the qualified adult allowance).
The effect of the Budget changes in rates of payment where a person has means can be illustrated by way of the following example. In the case of a couple where the claimant is unemployed and the spouse or partner is working three days per week with net earnings of €460 per week, jobseeker's allowance of €99.90 per week would have been payable in 2009. This reduced rate is equivalent to the combined maximum weekly personal and qualified adult rates of €339.90 less weekly means of €240. Accordingly, the total income of the couple in this example would have been €559.90 per week in 2009 comprising net earnings of €460 and jobseeker's allowance of €99.90.
Consequent on the reduction in the maximum weekly personal and qualified adult rates of jobseeker's allowance announced in Budget 2010, the total weekly income of the couple will reduce to €546.10 per week in 2010, an overall reduction of €13.80 per week or 2.5%.
As the example shows, the overall reduction in percentage terms in total family income for persons on reduced rates of jobseeker's allowance is somewhat less than applies in the case of a person with no means who receives the maximum rate of payment. This arises because the element of their total income which is represented by their means is not affected by the recent Budget. The introduction of pro-rata reductions for recipients of reduced rate jobseeker's allowance payments would further reduce the overall percentage loss in total family income when compared with that experienced by persons who had no means and are, accordingly, totally dependent on the social welfare payment.
Similar effects will occur in relation to other social assistance payments. The precise level of reduction in overall family income will vary as the income disregards and assessment rates vary from scheme to scheme. No change was made in Budget 2010 in relation to the means testing arrangements where a claimant or a spouse/partner is engaged in employment in order to maintain incentives to take up, or remain in, employment.
Where a claimant, or his or her spouse, is in employment and net earnings from that employment reduce for one reason or another, the claimant should request his or her Social Welfare Local Office, or the relevant Department Headquarters Office dealing with the claim, to review their means. In the event of a reduction in means, the level of entitlement will increase.
463 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the difficulties caused to persons by the Department’s refusal to inform them of their old age pension entitlements should they continue working to the age of 65 years; if her further attention has been drawn to the fact that this is preventing persons from being able to plan for their retirement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3651/10]
The Department continues to provide customers, on request, with a copy of their full social insurance contribution history, together with the booklet "Working it Out", to assist them in assessing their possible pension entitlement. This enables a customer to review their contribution history. Should they identify any "gaps" in their record, they can have these investigated and rectified in advance of pension application stage.
464 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) is not entitled to any income support or secondary benefits. [3652/10]
The person concerned made a claim for Jobseeker's Allowance on 6 January 2009, at Finglas Social Welfare Local Office. He was assessed with means which were in excess of his entitlement. His means were derived from self–employment, spouse's insurable employment and capital/property. Accordingly, he was not entitled to Jobseeker's Allowance.
He was informed of this decision on 27 February 2009. He was also informed that he had a right to appeal this decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office within 21 days of receiving the letter. There is no record of any appeal made by the person.
If the person feels that he may be entitled to Jobseeker's Allowance at this time, he should call into his Local Office where the staff would be happy to assist him.
465 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if the qualifying criteria, in terms of age and PRSI contributions history, remains the same for a person to benefit from the free dental examination in 2010 under the dental treatment benefit scheme. [3653/10]
The qualifying criteria for the Treatment Benefit scheme remain unchanged for 2010. The changes introduced in the recent Budget affect only the range of treatments available under the scheme, which for 2010 are limited to a free Dental and Optical examination and medical appliances, namely hearing aids and contact lenses prescribed for medical purposes.
The scheme will be reviewed again towards the end of the year, when a further decision will be made taking account of the prevailing circumstances at that time.
466 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the fact that her press release on 3 July 2009 encouraged women who had been working in commercial business partnerships to explore their entitlement to contributory State pensions bringing them as equal partners into the social insurance scheme and that her Department is now telling these applicants that due to the fact that a paid contribution had not been in their own name prior to their 66th birthday they no longer have an entitlement and in fact persons already awarded this pension will have same removed; her views on whether this is unjust in view of the fact that the contribution was paid by their spouses but that many women working in family businesses had no idea that they held an entitlement until this was highlighted by her Department; if she has changed her mind regarding commercial partnerships; if she will provide clarification; if she will ensure that women are included where they have established an entitlement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3664/10]
Spouses who are actively engaged in a commercial partnership, including the operation of a farm, as opposed to simply being the joint owners of a property, are treated as individual self-employed contributors. In these cases, both spouses are liable to pay PRSI (Class S) contributions in a timely manner.
On foot of a Programme for Government commitment an information leaflet, ‘Working with your spouse: how it affects your social welfare contributions and entitlements’ has been developed between the Department of Social and Family Affairs and the Revenue Commissioners to set out the social welfare and tax implications of families co-working in a shared business. It was published on 25 June, 2008. The leaflet clarifies that spouses who operate in a commercial partnership may be brought into the social insurance system, subject to certain criteria. In this way, both spouses incur a liability to pay self-employed PRSI and build up entitlement towards a contributory state pension and other social welfare benefits. It is open to any person to apply for recognition of a commercial partnership.
Approximately 1,000 people applied for partnership under the scheme by showing that they were in partnership with their spouses. Of these, 579 cases have been decided on the basis of whether or not they qualify as a partnership. Some 508 of those were deemed to have a partnership in existence. Of those, 268 applied for a State Pension (Contributory). One condition for receiving State Pension (Contributory) is that the person must have paid one years contributions before reaching pension age. Unfortunately a number of claimants who failed to meet this condition were authorised for payment of the pension. When their cases were reviewed the error was discovered and revised decision was made disallowing the claim. To date 85 claims for State Pension (Contributory) which were in payment have been disallowed and 16 customers have had their rates reduced. A further 46 customers have failed to satisfy the qualifying conditions State Pension (Contributory) and accordingly their claims have been refused.
The qualifying conditions for State Pension (Contributory) require the applicant to have entered insurable employment before attaining the age of 56 years; have at least 260 paid contribution weeks since entry into insurance; satisfy the yearly average condition.
In addition, Section 110(1) of the Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act 2005 provides that a self-employed contributor shall not be regarded as satisfying the qualifying conditions unless (a) the person has paid self-employment contributions in respect of at least one contribution year before attaining pensionable age, and (b) all self-employment contributions payable by him or her have been paid.
It is open to any person to apply for recognition of a commercial partnership. However, to be eligible for State Pension, the legislation stipulates that at least 52 self-employment contributions must be paid by a person before they reach 66 years of age. Contributions paid by a pension applicant's spouse do not satisfy this condition.
Overpayments will be determined in these cases. The persons concerned will be notified and requested to repay the amount involved. However a Recovery Officer may reduce or cancel an overpayment based on the circumstances of an individual case, in line with governing legislation.
It should be noted that while the publication of the leaflet “Working with your spouse: how it affects your social welfare contributions and entitlements” clarified existing procedures in relation to the recognition of commercial partnerships between husbands and wives for social insurance purposes, including retrospective payment of social insurance, it did not involve a change in existing policy or administration. In particular, the clarification of the position did not alter people’s potential entitlements and all applicants for the state pension (contributory) must continue to satisfy the eligibility conditions as contained in legislation, and outlined above.
The Department understands and apologises for the upset and distress caused to all persons concerned and regrets the administrative error involved.
467 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of persons who applied under the commercial partnership status for inclusion in the social insurance system that will have their pensions removed; if the pensions already awarded must be refunded; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3665/10]
Spouses who are actively engaged in a commercial partnership, including the operation of a farm, as opposed to simply being the joint owners of a property, are treated as individual self-employed contributors. In these cases, both spouses are liable to pay PRSI (Class S) contributions in a timely manner. In addition, to qualify for a State Pension (Contributory), at least one year's contributions must be paid before reaching pension age.
On foot of a Programme for Government commitment an information leaflet, ‘Working with your spouse: how it affects your social welfare contributions and entitlements’, has been developed between the Department of Social & Family Affairs and the Revenue Commissioners to set out the social welfare and tax implications of families co-working in a shared business. It was published on the 25th of June, 2008. The leaflet clarifies that spouses who operate in a commercial partnership may be brought into the social insurance system, subject to certain criteria. In this way, both spouses incur a liability to pay self-employed PRSI and build up entitlement towards a contributory state pension and other social welfare benefits. It is open to any person to apply for recognition of a commercial partnership.
The qualifying conditions for State Pension (Contributory) require the applicant to have entered insurable employment before attaining the age of 56 years; have at least 260 paid contribution weeks since entry into insurance; satisfy the yearly average condition.
In addition, Section 110(1) of the Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act 2005 provides that a self-employed contributor shall not be regarded as satisfying the qualifying conditions unless (a) the person has paid self-employment contributions in respect of at least one contribution year before attaining pensionable age, and (b) all self-employment contributions payable by him or her have been paid.
Section 110(1)(a) of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act, 2005, has been on the statute books for over fifteen years and there has not been a change in policy in relation to the requirement to have paid at least one year's self employment contributions prior to reaching age 66, in order to qualify for a State Pension (Contributory).
Approximately 1,000 people applied for recognition of a commercial partnership with their spouses. Of these, 579 cases have been decided on the basis of whether or not they qualify as a partnership. Some 508 of those were deemed to have a partnership in existence. Of these 268 have applied for a State Pension (Contributory). However, following a review it was found that the self-employment contributions were all paid by the persons concerned after their 66th birthday. The people concerned did not therefore satisfy the condition at (a) above and has no entitlement to a State Pension (Contributory), and should not have been put into payment under this scheme. 85 claims for State Pension (Contributory) which were in payment have been disallowed and 16 customers have had their rates reduced. A further 46 customers have failed to satisfy the qualifying conditions for State Pension (Contributory) and accordingly their claims have been refused.
Overpayments will be determined in these cases. The persons concerned will be notified and requested to repay the amount involved. However a Recovery Officer may reduce or cancel an overpayment based on the circumstances of an individual case, in line with governing legislation.
It should be noted that while the publication of the leaflet ‘Working with your spouse: how it affects your social welfare contributions and entitlements’ clarified existing procedures in relation to the recognition of commercial partnerships between husbands and wives for social insurance purposes, including retrospective payment of social insurance, it did not involve a change in existing policy or administration. In particular, the clarification of the position did not alter people’s potential entitlements and all applicants for the state pension (contributory) must continue to satisfy the eligibility conditions as contained in legislation, and outlined above.
The Department understands and apologises for the upset and distress caused to all persons concerned and regrets the administrative error involved.
469 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when an application for domiciliary will be processed in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [3814/10]
An application for Domiciliary Care Allowance was received by the Department on 10 January 2010. This application is currently being processed, a decision will issue to the person in question within eight weeks of the date of receipt.
470 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the amount that has been made available under the emergency flood relief for flood victims; the criteria governing the use of this funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2444/10]
In recognition of the devastation suffered by people in many areas of the country as a result of the flooding from November 2009 onwards the Government set up a Humanitarian Assistance Scheme to provide income tested financial support to people who have suffered damages to their homes not covered by insurance. An initial sum of €10 million has been set aside by the Government for this purpose.
Community Welfare Service staff throughout the country have been providing support to families since this flooding occurred. Up to the 15 January 2010 they had already made over 1,861 payments to 1,091 individuals to the value of €744,000. The average payment per individual is €680, with the largest payment to an individual in excess of €20,000. Initially, the vast bulk of applications for humanitarian assistance were for small amounts to assist with basics such as food, clothing, bedding, heating and the hire of dehumidifiers.
As the flood waters began to recede in some areas and householders were able to assess the extent of damage to the contents of their homes, claims have been submitted and approved for items such as carpets, flooring, furniture and white goods.
While assistance is available for structural repairs to homes not covered by household insurance, very few large scale claims have been made at this stage. This is because homeowners have not yet established the cost of repair in many cases, for example because they are awaiting builder's estimates. As the flood waters have receded in most areas, individuals are now in a better position to assess the extent of the damage to their homes. It is expected that large scale claims will be received over the coming weeks.
Application forms and information about the Humanitarian Assistance Fund are available from the Department of Social and Family Affairs website, www.welfare.ie. This material is also available through the Citizens Information Service, and the HSE website, www.HSE.ie.
471 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Defence if he or the officer in command in Sarsfield Barracks, Limerick, received a formal request from Limerick County Council for assistance during the recent cold weather period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3080/10]
473 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Defence the reason the Army in Limerick was not prepared to clear footpaths except in special circumstances such as outside hospitals when asked to do so by officials of Limerick County Council on 11 January 2010 during the cold spell. [3222/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 471 and 473 together.
In accordance with the Framework for Major Emergency Management, the Defence Forces in their role as aid to the civil power (an Garda Síochána) and aid to the civil authorities (i.e. local authorities, HSE, etc.) can be called upon to provide support to locally based services.
During the recent period of severe weather conditions, I directed that all assets, resources and capabilities of the Defence Forces throughout the country be made available to assist the civil authorities where and when called upon.
Limerick County Council were advised that the assistance of the Defence Forces was available. Neither my Department nor the Defence Forces received an official request for assistance from Limerick County Council. If such a request had been made, assistance would have been forthcoming.
The provision of Defence Forces capabilities is dependent on the exigencies of the service and within available resources at the time. However, where additional forces are required in an emergency in any one particular area, the Defence Forces has the adaptability to marshal capability to meet the need.
472 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Defence the new capital projects associated with his Department gone to tender that will begin in 2010; the new capital projects gone to tender that were due to start in 2010 but are not now proceeding; the capital projects that are in the middle of construction at present; his views on the importance of such projects in getting capital flowing into banks and around the economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3163/10]
My Department is engaged on an ongoing capital building programme designed to modernise and enhance the training, operational and accommodation facilities available to members of the Defence Forces. The programme provides for new starts and the continuation of capital building projects already underway. The amount allocated in 2010 for this programme is €12.8m of which €7m approx. will be expended on projects already underway and the balance will be used for new starts in 2010.
There are no new projects that went to tender and were due to start in 2010 which are not now proceeding.
A number of capital building projects are at various stages of construction at a number of military locations. The main projects include gymnasium facilities at Aiken Barracks, Dundalk and Custume Barracks, Athlone, administration and security buildings at Finner Camp, and billet accommodation at Lynch Camp, Kilworth.
The principal projects due to go to tender in 2010 are new locker room facilities at both Aiken Barracks, Dundalk and Finner Camp, upgrade of dining hall/kitchen facilities at Kilbride Camp, garaging facilities at Custume Barracks, Athlone and upgrading of the medical facilities at the Defence Forces Training Centre, Curragh Camp.
While I am aware of the importance of such expenditure in the context of the economy in general, it is also imperative that my Department and the Defence Forces look to whatever efficiencies we can make, taking into account the current difficult economic environment and the overall financial envelope available for the Department for investment in new capital building projects over the coming years.
474 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Defence his plans to dispose of a property (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3585/10]
The property referred to by the Deputy will be disposed of, taking account of market conditions, so as to maximise the return to the State and generate funding for reinvestment in Defence Forces equipment and infrastructure.
475 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Defence the remit and the duties carried out by Irish soldiers operating in Afghanistan with the international security assistance force; the number of soldiers that have served there to date in 2010; the cost of their secondment to such a force; the length of time involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3657/10]
On 20 December 2001, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 1386 under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, authorising the establishment of an International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. Ireland has participated in the NATO–led UN mandated mission since 5 July 2002, following the Government Decision of 2 July 2002, authorising the provision of seven (7) members of the Permanent Defence Force for service with the force. Over the past number of years the UN is increasingly relying on regional organisations such as the European Union, African Union and NATO to launch and manage operations on its behalf and under its authority.
Since 2002, the Government has reviewed and approved, on an annual basis, the continued participation by seven (7) members of the Permanent Defence Force in ISAF. On 30 June 2009, the Government approved continued participation by seven members of the Permanent Defence Force in ISAF for a further period from July 2009 subject to ongoing review by the Department of Defence.
The seven Irish personnel currently participating in ISAF, comprising 4 Officers and 3 Non Commissioned Officers, are located in the two ISAF Headquarters in Kabul. The Irish personnel work in staff appointments in planning and administrative roles. Irish personnel are rotated every 6 months.
Seven members of the Permanent Defence Force have served with the force to date in 2010. The additional cost to the Defence Vote arising out of Defence Force participation in ISAF is approximately €270,000 per annum.
476 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Defence the number of postings overseas of Irish soldiers in the past five years; the remit of the posting or operation; the length of time of the operation; the number of soldiers seconded to such posting to date in 2010; the cost to date of the posting or operation; if the State has been reimbursed for moneys expended on the posting or operations by an international body or by the States to which they are posted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3658/10]
Ireland is currently contributing 758 Defence Forces personnel to 11 different missions throughout the world. Full details of all personnel currently serving overseas, including the dates from which the Defence Forces have participated in these missions, are listed in the tabular statement below.
The main overseas missions, in which Defence Forces personnel are currently deployed, are the United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic and Chad (MINURCAT) with 419 personnel, the NATO-led International Security presence (KFOR) in Kosovo with 236 personnel and the EU-led operation, ALTHEA, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with 44 personnel. Other personnel are serving as monitors and observers with the United Nations and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). Staff are also deployed at the organisational headquarters of the EU, OSCE and NATO.
The taskings for the MINURCAT mission in Chad is similar to the former EUFOR mission in Chad but MINURCAT has two additional tasks, namely; to escort humanitarian aid convoys where and when necessary and to protect logistics distribution points and centres, including escorts. KFOR's mandate is to establish a safe and secure environment in Kosovo conducive to the implementation of refugee return and reconstruction. The EU-led operation, ALTHEA, in Bosnia and Herzegovina is tasked with the main peace stabilisation role under the military aspects of the General Framework for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Troops serving on the main overseas missions are rotated on a six-monthly basis except in the case of troops serving with MINURCAT in Chad who are rotated on four-monthly basis.
Details of the total number of Defence Forces personnel who served on overseas missions in the past five years are, as follows:
|
Year |
Defence Forces Personnel |
|
2005 |
1,440 |
|
2006 |
2,222 |
|
2007 |
1,652 |
|
2008 |
2,015 |
|
2009 |
1,881 |
In the case of UN-led missions e.g. MINURCAT (Chad), UNMIL (Liberia) and UNIFIL (Lebanon), the costs of deployment, repatriation, rotation, sustainment, accommodation, food and water, supply are all met by the UN.
As regards participation in UN mandated missions led by the EU and NATO e.g. EUFOR (Chad), KFOR (Kosovo), these missions operate on the basis of costs lie where they fall — i.e. contributing countries bear all costs incurred in the deployment and sustainment of their personnel. Additional costs incurred on the above missions are not reimbursed by the UN, EU and NATO. No reimbursement is received for Defence Forces personnel deployed as Military Observers on overseas missions.
Secondments of Defence Forces personnel to Irish Missions e.g. Military Adviser, Permanent Mission of Ireland to the United Nations are funded by my Department. Secondments of Defence Forces personnel to international organizations e.g. UN are paid for by the organization.
The annual estimated additional cost to the Defence Vote of participation by the Defence Forces in KFOR (Kosovo) amounts to €10.5m approximately, and to €2.4m approximately for Operation ALTHEA (BiH). The annual estimated additional costs to the Defence Vote, net of annual UN reimbursement of €8.6m for troop and equipment costs, arising from participation in the MINURCAT mission in Chad amounts to some €7.6m. Participation by the Defence Forces in smaller overseas operations is not individually costed.
|
Number |
||
|
1. |
UN Missions |
|
|
(i) |
UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) HQ — May 1978 |
8 |
|
(ii) |
UNTSO (United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation) — Israel, Syria and Lebanon — Dec 1958 |
12 |
|
(iii) |
MINURSO (United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara) — Sep 1991 |
3 |
|
(iv) |
MONUC (United Nations Mission in Democratic Republic of Congo) — Jun 2001 |
3 |
|
(v) |
UNOCI (United Nations Mission in Ivory Coast) — Jun 2004 |
2 |
|
(vi) |
MINURCAT (United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic and Chad) — HQ 15 March 2009 |
13 |
|
MINURCAT (United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic and Chad) — 101st Inf Battalion 15 March 2009 |
406 |
|
|
TOTAL |
447 |
|
|
UN Mandated Missions |
||
|
(vii) |
EUFOR (EU-led Operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina) — Dec 2004 |
44 |
|
(viii) |
KFOR (International Security Presence in Kosovo) — HQ Jan 1999 |
20 |
|
KFOR (International Security Presence in Kosovo) 41st Inf Group — Jan 1999 |
216 |
|
|
(ix) |
ISAF (International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan) July 2002 |
7 |
|
TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONNEL SERVING WITH UN MISSIONS |
734 |
|
|
2. |
Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) |
|
|
(i) |
OSCE Mission to Bosnia & Herzegovina — 1995 |
2 |
|
(ii) |
OSCE Mission in Belgrade — Serbia — 1995 |
1 |
|
(iii) |
Staff Officer, Higher Level Planning Group, Vienna — 1994 |
1 |
|
TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONNEL SERVING OSCE |
4 |
|
|
3. |
EU Military Staff |
|
|
Brussels — 2001 |
7 |
|
|
4. |
Nordic Battlegroup HQ Staff — Sweden – (Aug 2009) |
4 |
|
5. |
Military Representatives/Advisers/Staff |
|
|
(i) |
Military Adviser, Permanent Mission to UN, New York (1978) |
1 |
|
(ii) |
Military Adviser, Irish Delegation to OSCE, Vienna (1994) |
1 |
|
(iii) |
Military Representative to EU (Brussels) (2001) |
4 |
|
(iv) |
Liaison Office of Ireland, NATO/PfP (Brussels) (1999) |
2 |
|
(v) |
Military Representative to NATO/PfP Co-ordination Cell/Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE), Mons. Belgium (1997) |
1 |
|
TOTAL NUMBER OF DEFENCE FORCES PERSONNEL SERVING OVERSEAS |
758 |
477 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3188/10]
The initial 30% instalment of payment for participation in the Hen Harrier Farm Plan Scheme was approved for the person in question on 21 January 2010. This payment will issue in the coming days. The remaining 70% instalment for year one and the initial payment for year two will be paid together on completion of the first year of the relevant plan.
478 Deputy John Cregan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the public service embargo prevents the movement of public servants such as planners from one local authority to another to fill vacant permanent positions. [3489/10]
My Department has a delegated sanction from the Department of Finance for implementation of the general moratorium on the filling of public sector posts in the Local Authority Sector, on the condition that the overall staffing levels in the local authority sector are to be reduced significantly by the end of 2010 in adherence with the Government's Policy on Staffing and Numbers in the Public Sector.
Under the new arrangements which issued to the local authority sector on 20 August 2009, Local Authorities are expected, where vacancies arise, to consider options for reorganisation and reallocation of work to meet requirements. Any exceptions to this principle, which will arise in very limited circumstances, require sanction from my Department.
Under section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, each County and City Manager is responsible for staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authorities for which he or she is responsible, including the employment of Planners, in compliance with the relevant public sector recruitment and employment law requirements.
479 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 841 of 19 January 2010, if he will confirm whether the Minister of each Department or the Minister of State at each Department attended each meeting; and the names of each such Minister or Minister of State. [3499/10]
The information on ministerial attendance at the National Emergency Response Co-ordination Committee (NERCC) meetings is as follows:
NERCC on flooding—
An Taoiseach, Mr. Brian Cowen — 21 November 2009.
Minister for the Environment, Heritage & Local Government, Mr. John Gormley — 21 & 25 November 2009.
Minister for Defence, Mr. Willie O'Dea — 25 November 2009.
NERCC on Severe Weather
Minister for the Environment, Heritage & Local Government, Mr. John Gormley — 8, 9, 10, 11 & 12 January 2010.
Minister for Transport, Mr. Noel Dempsey — 10, 11, 12 & 14 January 2010.
Minister for Defence, Mr. Willie O'Dea — 21 January 2010.
Minister for Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs, Mr. Eamon Ó Cuiv — 7 January 2010.
480 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to prepare national health and welfare standards in respect of commercial dog breeding establishments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3572/10]
489 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding breeding establishment legislation; the further position regarding new legislation or regulation under Section 19 of the Control of Dogs Act, 1986 following the working groups final report; when same will be brought forward. [3136/10]
506 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will prepare national health and welfare standards for commercial dog breeding establishments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3621/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 489, 480 and 506 together.
I published the Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009 on 22 December 2009.
The Bill contains provision to give statutory effect to the recommendations of the Working Group that reviewed the management of dog breeding establishments. A dog breeding establishment is defined in the Bill as a premises with not less than 6 bitches of 4 months old capable of breeding.
The Bill proposes that all dog breeding establishments be required to register with the relevant local authority, pay a registration fee and meet a minimum set of veterinary, welfare and other standards, together with some associated requirements. Regulations will be introduced following its enactment and these will set out the detailed criteria for dog breeding establishments Guidelines for dog breeding establishments to meet the requirements of the legislation will be introduced by way of Regulations following enactment of the Bill. The draft Regulations will be subject to consultation with interested parties. to meet the requirements of the legislation.
In addition, my colleague the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Mr. Brendan Smith, T.D., is preparing an Animal Health and Welfare Bill.
481 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the proposed opening date for his new Department headquarters at Newtown, County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2954/10]
495 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the opening date for his Department’s new headquarters in County Wexford. [3272/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 481 and 495 together.
The Office of Public Works (OPW) has responsibility for the provision of office accommodation under the decentralisation programme and it is managing the development of the Department's new headquarters on the Newtown Road in Wexford.
I have been advised by the OPW that following recent discussions between it and the contractor, the building is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2010. The transfer of staff into the new building will take place immediately thereafter. In the interim, the Department, through the OPW, has secured temporary accommodation for some 120 staff in Wexford.
482 Deputy Michael Kennedy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if a full water rate reimbursement scheme will be considered with local authorities for businesses in instances in which water supplies are cut off to them for more than 24 hours in view of the fact that a number of businesses have to close down when such water shortages take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2963/10]
Local authorities are responsible for setting water charges in their functional areas. The Government's water pricing policy provides for full cost recovery without profit, with charges based on actual metered consumption. The cost of providing water services to the non-domestic sector includes elements of infrastructure provision including meter installation and operation and maintenance costs and as a result the level of water charges varies from authority to authority.
A national water metering programme for purposes of supply to non domestic customers is now largely complete and the majority of non domestic users are being charged based on consumption. Such customers will not be charged for consumption in the event of a disruption where the local authority cannot provide a metered water supply.
It is matter for individual local authorities to consider offering discounts or reduced water charges for customers paying fixed charges who have been affected by recent disruptions in services.
483 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the proposed new mayor for Dublin will represent the entire county of Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2983/10]
On 12 May 2009 I announced that the Government had decided to introduce a directly elected Mayor for the Dublin Region in 2010. This area encompasses the area of Dublin City Council and the three Dublin County Councils.
484 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the statement in the Towards 2016 policy document that the housing forum will play an important part in inputting policy development and evaluating outcomes over the ten year period of the framework agreement including housing issues in both the urban and rural environments reviewed following the first phase of the ten year framework agreement; and if the minutes of housing forum will be placed in the library of the Houses of the Oireachtas. [3082/10]
485 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the involvement a group (details supplied) and other representatives have had regarding the housing forum since its inception; the evaluation of the housing situation of the housing forum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3083/10]
486 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the composition of the housing forum; the reports, minutes or other documents that have been produced during its existence; the person who sets its meeting agendas, calls and chairs its meetings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3084/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 484 to 486, inclusive, together.
The Housing Forum, as reconstituted under Towards 2016 in December 2006, has met on six occasions and I am arranging to have the minutes of those meetings, already adopted by the members, placed in the Oireachtas Library.
The Forum provides an opportunity for its members to contribute constructively to ongoing housing policy formulation and implementation. It also has a monitoring role in relation to activity on housing programmes. The Forum does not produce specific reports or papers; however, progress reports are prepared periodically for meetings of the Forum and I am arranging to have copies of these reports placed in the Oireachtas Library also.
Schedules showing the composition and current membership of the Forum are attached. It is entirely a matter for each of the bodies participating in the Forum — the social partnership pillars, Government Departments and Agencies — to nominate their own representatives. Meetings are chaired by me in my capacity as Minister for Housing and Local Services and are arranged after consultation with the members. The members are also entitled to put forward items for inclusion on meeting agendas.
|
Composition of the Housing Forum |
|
|
Chair |
Minister for Housing and Local Services |
|
Social Partners |
|
|
Employers Pillar |
Two nominees |
|
Trade Union Pillar |
Two nominees |
|
Community and Voluntary Pillar |
Two nominees |
|
Farming Pillar |
Two nominees |
|
Environment Pillar |
Two nominees |
|
Government Departments |
|
|
Dept. of an Taoiseach |
One nominee |
|
Dept. of Finance |
One nominee |
|
Dept. of Social and Family Affairs |
One nominee |
|
Dept. of Justice, Equality and Law Reform |
One nominee |
|
Dept. of Health and Children |
One nominee |
|
Dept. of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government |
One nominee |
|
Other Agencies |
|
|
Local Authority Housing Practitioners Network |
One nominee |
|
City & County Managers Association (Standing Committee-Housing) |
One nominee |
|
City & County Managers Association (Community, Social and Economic Development, Committee) |
One nominee |
|
Affordable Homes Partnership |
Chief Executive Officer |
|
Centre for Housing Research |
Director |
|
Voluntary & Co-operative Housing Sector |
ICSH — one nominee |
|
NABCo — one nominee |
|
|
Secretariat Housing Policy and Finance Section |
|
Membership of the Housing Forum |
|
|
Chair |
Michael Finneran, T.D., Minister for Housing and Local Services |
|
Social Partners |
|
|
Employers Pillar |
|
|
IBEC |
Mr Fergal O’Brien |
|
Construction Industry Federation |
Mr Hubert Fitzpatrick |
|
Trade Union Pillar |
Mr Fergus Whelan |
|
Irish Congress of Trade Unions |
Mr Des Geraghty |
|
Community and Voluntary Pillar |
Ms Joanne McCarthy |
|
Disability Federation of Ireland |
Mr Patrick Burke |
|
Simon Community |
(Alternate) Fr Sean Healy (CORI) |
|
Farming Pillar |
|
|
ICOS |
Mr Seamus O’Donohoe |
|
IFA |
Mr Gerry Gunning |
|
Environment Pillar |
Ms. Emer O’ Siochru |
|
Mr Michael Ewing |
|
|
Government Departments |
|
|
Dept. of an Taoiseach |
Ms Sharon Finegan |
|
(Alternate) Mr John Callinan |
|
|
Dept. of Finance |
Ms Breda Kenny |
|
Dept. of Social and Family Affairs |
Ms Ursula Gilhawley |
|
Dept. of Justice, Equality and Law Reform |
vacant |
|
Dept. of Health and Children |
Ms Mary Reilly |
|
Dept. of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government |
Mr Philip Nugent |
|
Other Agencies |
|
|
Local Authority Housing Practitioners Network |
Ms Anne Marie Walsh |
|
City & County Managers Association (Housing Committee) |
Mr Peter Carey (Laois County Council) |
|
City & County Managers Association (Community Committee) |
Mr Declan Nelson (Monaghan County Council) |
|
Affordable Homes Partnership |
Mr John O’Connor |
|
Centre for Housing Research |
Mr David Silke |
|
Voluntary & Co-operative Housing Sector |
|
|
Irish Council for Social Housing |
Mr Donal McManus |
|
NABCo |
Mr Bernard Thompson |
487 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the Lough Mask regional water supply scheme; the further position regarding the Shrah to Westport extension and the extension from Westport to Louisburgh; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3118/10]
A scheme to extend the Lough Mask Regional Water Supply to Louisburgh and a scheme to extend the supply from Shrah to Westport and to upgrade the water treatment plant in Tourmakeady were included for funding in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009 at estimated costs of €6.3m and €21.3m respectively.
My Department is currently examining Mayo County Council's latest tender proposal, received in October 2009, to advance the extension from Shrah to Westport and to upgrade the water treatment plant at Tourmakeady. A decision will be conveyed to the Council as soon as possible in the light of the finalisation of the Water Services Investment Programme for 2010 to 2012.
My Department is awaiting the Council's tender proposals to advance the extension to Louisburgh.
Local authorities were asked in July 2009 to submit an assessment of needs for water and sewerage services in their areas to my Department by 23 October 2009. My Department is currently considering these assessments, which form a key input to the development of the 2010 to 2012 Water Services Investment Programme. In conducting their assessments, local authorities were asked to prioritise schemes and contracts for progression over the coming years based on key environmental and economic criteria. I expect to publish the Water Services Investment Programme 2010 to 2012 early this year.
488 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when will the provision which allows tenants of apartments and maisonettes to buy out their properties be implemented by city and county councils; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3124/10]
Part 4 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009, which provides for a scheme for the sale of local authority apartments to tenants, based on the principles of the incremental purchase model, has not yet been commenced as detailed Regulations are required to give full effect to the scheme. My Department will be working to finalise these Regulations as soon as possible after the incremental purchase arrangements under Part 3 of the Act are rendered fully operational.
490 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the new capital projects associated with his Department gone to tender that will begin in 2010; the new capital projects gone to tender that were due to start in 2010 but are not now proceeding; the capital projects that are in the middle of construction at present; his views on the importance of such projects in getting capital flowing into banks and around the economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3166/10]
My Department's responsibilities include capital programmes for Housing, Water Services, Environmental and Heritage Protection, Fire Services, Libraries and other capital projects implemented primarily by local authorities but also by my Department. The scale of these activities, involving hundreds of separate projects at varying stage of implementation primarily by local authorities, ranges across social and affordable housing, water supply and waste water treatment systems, construction and upgrading of fire stations and libraries, as well as improvement works by my Department at National Parks.
I am acutely aware of the value of our key infrastructural investment programmes in terms of employment creation and maintenance, economic recovery, and social and environmental support. Expenditure provisions for 2010 for my Department are set out in the Estimates Volume published by the Minister for Finance as part of Budget 2010; these include some €1.5 billion for investment in my Department's capital programmes. My Department, local authorities and related agencies will work to maximize outputs from the 2010 provisions through prioritisation, increased efficiency and lower procurement costs generally. The compilation of the detailed information sought in relation to individual projects would involve a disproportionate amount of time and work by my Department, including contact with local authorities.
491 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of personal injuries claims settled by each local authority in the years 2006, 2007 and 2008 involving incidents related to roads and footpaths and other claims; the number of settlements concluded by way of tribunal, court or out of court settlement; the range and average value of payments made by each local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3197/10]
The information requested is not available in my Department.
492 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the housing related legislation expected to come before Dáil Éireann in 2010; if he will indicate a proposed schedule; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3199/10]
Work is continuing in my Department on the review of the Residential Tenancies Acts 2004 to 2009 with a view to preparing legislative proposals that will streamline and simplify the Act and reduce delays. I will be aiming to have the General Scheme of the Bill prepared by Autumn 2010, with publication dependent on the time required thereafter for drafting by the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel.
I also propose to include in the Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2009, by way of amendment at Committee Stage, provisions allowing existing purchasers under affordable housing or shared ownership arrangements to re-mortgage or top-up their mortgage without triggering the clawback. In addition, my Department is examining options to ensure that Part V can continue to operate effectively and flexibly, having regard to, inter alia, evolving housing market conditions and this may give rise to further amendments in the Planning Bill.
Developments in the housing area which cannot be anticipated at this stage may also necessitate a specific legislative response in the course of the year.
493 Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will give the date for payment for a bog in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if not, if they can save turf from their bog due to the fact that they have lost five years supply of turf. [3221/10]
Having regard to available budgetary resources, priority is being given under the bog purchase scheme to those wishing to sell their interest in the 32 raised bog sites which were nominated for designation as Special Areas of Conservation in 1999. For these sites the ten year derogation given by the Government, which allowed the continuation of turf cutting for personal domestic use, has now expired. The person in question owns land within a Natural Heritage Area designated in 2004, and the 10 year derogation period will not expire until 2014. Land transactions within this area do not qualify for priority attention at present. Turf cutting for domestic purposes can continue on this site until 2014. However, the individual in question would lose out on the incentive bonus that is provided to those who have not cut turf on lands subject of a proposed sale to the Department.
494 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the role his Department has in ensuring that all bio-cycle units installed as a condition of planning meet all the appropriate national and EU legislation; the role of local authorities in policing these matters where their installation is a condition of planning; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3240/10]
Part H of the Building Regulations (Drainage and Waste Water Disposal) sets out the requirements for the design and installation of wastewater systems. The relevant Technical Guidance Document (TGD) H provides guidance on how to comply with the requirements of Part H. Part H / TGD-H is currently under review and the public consultation process in this regard will end on 8 March 2010.
The EPA Code of Practice on Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Systems serving Single Houses refers to the suite of new European Standards for small wastewater treatment plants EN 12566. It is proposed to call up the EPA Code of Practice in TGD-H in substitution for SR:6 of 1991 which will be withdrawn by the National Standards Authority of Ireland.
The renewed Programme for Government includes a commitment to introduce a scheme for the licensing and inspection of septic tanks and other on-site wastewater treatment systems. My Department is chairing a task force to consider how the inspection of septic tanks should be carried out. In order to comply with a recent European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruling, legislation will be required to give effect to the new inspection system. At this stage, while this matter is receiving priority attention, it is too early to estimate when the new arrangements will be operational.
In the interim, my Department has recently issued a circular letter to planning authorities regarding the implementation of EPA's new Code of Practice, and inter alia, requests planning authorities to continue their practice of requiring that details of on-going proprietary wastewater systems maintenance contracts with suppliers and/or expert contractors are provided as part of the planning application documentation, and that such contracts should be maintained by the applicants, developers and/or property owners as appropriate, as a condition of any planning permission or approval.
496 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the anomalies that appear to exist between the decisions of planning departments of local government authorities and those of An Bord Pleanala; the sanctions, if any, that apply where there are clear guidelines set down in the Planning and Development Act or in a local authority development plan and these are breached in arriving at a decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3286/10]
Separate provisions apply to the exercise of planning control by a planning authority and An Bord Pleanala under Part III of the Planning and Development Act, 2000. The raison d'etre of the Board, as an independent planning appeals body, also suggests that it will make decisions that do not accord with those already taken by planning authorities; this does not mean that the planning authority is not properly considering the relevant factors, including its development plan policies and the provisions of relevant legislation and guidelines.
An Bord Pleanala's Annual Report 2008 shows that the Board confirmed planning authority decisions in about one third of planning appeal cases, varied planning authority decisions in one third of cases and reversed planning authority decisions in the remaining one third of cases; while there will be variations amongst planning authorities, these proportions have generally remained constant in recent years.
My Department keeps the planning code under regular review in order to ensure that it supports proper planning and sustainable development. My Department has also issued a large number of statutory planning guidelines to promote best practice in planning authorities and consistency across planning authorities. Copies of the guidelines are available on my Department's website at www.environ.ie.
497 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount collected nationally by Limerick County Council and by Limerick City Council under the 2009 non-principal private residence charge. [3300/10]
The amount collected under the non-principal private residence charge for 2009, as at 25 January 2010, is €1,301,460 in respect of Limerick County Council and €1,192,480 in respect of Limerick City Council.
498 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if local authorities have the discretion to waive, discount or issue a credit note against commercial rate charges that have been invoiced to rated persons and businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3301/10]
Local authorities are under a statutory obligation to levy rates on any property used for commercial purposes in accordance with the details entered in the valuation lists prepared by the Commissioner of Valuation. A standard Annual Rate on Valuation (ARV) is applied to all such property within any local authority area and there is no provision for discounting the ARV or issuing credit notes in respect of commercial rate charges.
Under section 2(1) of the Local Government (Rates) Act 1970, a rating authority may make and carry out a scheme providing for the waiver of all or a portion of rates due to it by ratepayers or a class of ratepayer in respect of specified property. The making of such a scheme is subject to the consent of the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
Any application received for a rate waiver scheme is carefully considered by me. However, in considering any such application, it would have to be borne in mind that a waiver of rates for one class of ratepayer could unfairly impact on other businesses in the area by giving a competitive advantage to a certain group through a reduction of costs. In addition, the introduction of a waiver scheme could increase costs on the part of ratepayers who are not part of the scheme, as they could be required to make up the costs of the waiver scheme through the payment of additional rates. This would impose an additional burden in what are already difficult economic circumstances.
499 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide a breakdown of the €14,317,000 provided under I.2 of his Department’s vote in the Estimates Book 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3313/10]
The details requested will be available in the Revised Estimates for Public Services 2010 which, I understand, the Minister for Finance intends to publish next month.
500 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding a site (details supplied) in County Cork; the amount that has been spent on this site in the past two and a half years per month by his Department in tabular form; the amount that will be spent on the site in 2010 as set aside in his budget for 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3441/10]
As previously advised, the Government has decided that the Office of Public Works will chair a working group to develop a structured and coherent approach to the further management and development of the site. The establishment of this group is a matter for the OPW and I understand that the Terms of Reference of the group are currently being finalised.
Future funding requirements are contingent on determination as to the future use of the site. However, a sum of €100,000 has been set aside in respect of the costs of normal care and maintenance, utilities, monitoring, wages and small service contracts. Payments are made on the basis of invoices submitted, and these invoices can relate to works that straddle different months or years depending on the timing of their submission. Accordingly the invoiced amounts in the table below relate to the months in which the payments were made which will not necessarily correspond to the months in which the works or services were undertaken.
|
Year |
Month |
Invoiced Amount |
|
€ |
||
|
2007 |
February |
98,693.65 |
|
April |
62,781.69 |
|
|
May |
126,793.29 |
|
|
June |
378,956.27 |
|
|
July |
267,582.52 |
|
|
September |
425,456.20 |
|
|
October |
110,282.94 |
|
|
November |
384,663.80 |
|
|
2008 |
January |
562,927.09 |
|
February |
7,136,058.67 |
|
|
March |
6,497,758.70 |
|
|
April |
6,956,703.59 |
|
|
May |
10,678,243.34 |
|
|
October |
10,592,012.72 |
|
|
December |
782,519.58 |
|
|
2009 |
April |
148,703.18 |
|
May |
262,426.05 |
|
|
August |
151,054.04 |
|
|
November |
4,056.21 |
|
|
December |
147,838.30 |
|
|
2010 (to 26 January) |
No payments made to date |
501 Deputy Ulick Burke 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 for compensation under the bog compensation scheme who applied in 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3494/10]
The contracts of sale in this case have recently been referred by my Department to the Chief State Solicitors Office. I expect the CSSO to make contact with the vendor's solicitor in the near future, with a view to progressing the sale.
502 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when an application for funding for a new fire station facility (details supplied) in County Tipperary will be approved; the timeframe for the provision of the funding; the reason for the delay in providing funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3504/10]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 465 of 7 July, 2009. The position is unchanged.
503 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will respond to correspondence regarding the motor tax system from a person (details supplied). [3515/10]
The correspondence concerned was submitted to my Department on Friday 22 January. I will arrange for a response to issue as soon as possible.
504 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he is satisfied with the level of payment of the €200 non-principal private residence charge to local authorities under the Local Government (Charges) Act 2009; if his Department is taking any responsibility for pursuing defaulters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3589/10]
As at 25 January 2010, €59,447,800 has been raised under the non-principal private residence charge in respect of 2009, well in excess of the original target of €40 million, and implementation of the Local Government (Charges) Act 2009 has been successful. The question of pursuing non payment of the charge is a matter for individual local authorities, who have statutory responsibility under the Act for collection of the charge.
505 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the boundaries of Dublin Corporation’s administrative area on the south side of Dublin in 1961; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3618/10]
The boundary of Dublin Corporation in 1961 was the boundary established by the Local Government (Dublin) Act 1930, as extended by the Local Government Provisional Order Confirmation Act 1953. Both Acts contain written descriptions of the boundary and they may be accessed at www.irishstatutebook.ie.
507 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if a deer was killed during a hunt (details supplied) on 29 December 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3704/10]
The hunt which was organised by the club in question on 29 December, 2009 was monitored by a team from my Department. No deer was killed and the hunt passed off without incident. However, my Department's monitoring team had attended a hunt meeting held on 11 December, 2009 where a deer collided with a motor vehicle. The deer was examined by two veterinary surgeons, including the veterinary surgeon employed by my Department, and it was decided to euthanise the deer on account of its injuries.
508 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of development levies owed to each local authority for the years 2007, 2008 and any indicative figure for 2009; the estimated provision for bad or doubtful debts; the number of the accounts due that are in excess of €5 million; if each local authority reported on development levies in their annual reports for 2008 and 2009, if available, as requested; the final end of year balance both held on account and still due; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3899/10]
As Minister, my role is to provide the necessary statutory and policy framework within which individual development contribution schemes are adopted by each local authority. The adoption of individual development contribution schemes is a reserved function of the locally elected members of each planning authority. It is a matter for the members to determine the level of contribution and the types of development to which they will apply.
Details of individual development contribution schemes and local authority annual reports are available directly from each planning authority. Each planning authority is required to include details of contributions received and contributions owing to it, together with information on how the contributions have been expended, in their statutory annual report.
A new requirement was introduced by my Department for the financial year 2008 requiring the inclusion, by each local authority, of details in the annual statement of all outstanding uncollected levies. The Department has reviewed the provisional financial information to hand from local authorities on the level of contributions owed to them at the end of 2008. This indicates a figure in excess of €800m. However, this figure does not include any provision for bad or doubtful debts, and may well include contributions in respect of developments not yet commenced (and for which payments are not yet due). It is reasonable to expect, therefore, that a certain level of data adjustment may be required.
At this stage, many of the 2008 Annual Financial Statements are subject to full audit by the Local Government Audit Service. On completion of the audits for the 2009/2010 audit cycle in March 2010, my Department will have full information on development contributions that are due and outstanding at the end of 2008. My Department does not hold information on the number of accounts due that are in excess of €5 million for any of the years 2007-2009.
As outlined in the reply to Question No. 25 of 24 June 2009, the overall Development Contributions balance at 31 December 2007, comprising both cash and debtors, was some €1.5 billion. The provision for bad/doubtful debts for 2007 was €98 million. The accounting code of practice requires local authorities to submit their Annual Financial Statements for the proceeding year by 1 July; therefore the un-audited figures for 2009 are not yet available.
509 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his decision in respect of the Fisheries Bill 2009 in the context of its implications for the retention of offices in Ballina and Galway in respect of River Basin Districts; if he will confirm if he intends to retain the office in Ballina and the office in Galway in view of the importance of both locations and the extent of fisheries involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3138/10]
As the Deputy is aware the Inland Fisheries Bill 2009 was published on the 18 November 2009 and has commenced its passage through the Oireachtas.
In cognisance of the growing obligations on Ireland under European law and in particular responsibilities under the Habitats Directive and Water Framework Directive, the Government has decided that Inland Fisheries Ireland should manage and report on its operations on the basis of the River Basin Districts established for the implementation of the Water Framework Directive. The House may be aware that there are six River Basin Districts within the area covered by the existing seven Regional Fisheries Boards.
Notwithstanding the arguments put forward for retention of the status quo in the seven regions, I remain convinced of the merits of the river basin approach. Aligning the management of Inland Fisheries Ireland in this way will enable an integrated ecosystem approach to be adopted, which will be fully coordinated with the structures already in place for the implementation of the Water Framework Directive for environmental and habitat protection across all animal species.
However, I am cognisant of the scale and variety of activities and the location and number of staff across the North West and Western regions and can confirm that the Government has decided that the retention of offices in both Galway and Ballina, within the Western River Basin District, is warranted for an initial period at least.
510 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he is satisfied that the persons worst affected by the ban on salmon fishing have been adequately recompensed through the salmon hardship scheme; his views on whether the administration of this scheme has prioritised the persons worst affected by changes and regulations introduced. [3626/10]
The Independent Salmon Group was established in 2006 to examine the implications of fully aligning the management of the wild salmon fishery with the scientific advice. The Government adopted the key recommendations of the report, which included the creation of a salmon hardship fund for those affected by the cessation of mixed stock fishing.
The scheme, which was administered by BIM, provided a measure of relief to individuals in line with the level of hardship likely to be experienced on foot of the cessation of fishing. The level of payment, recommended by the Independent Salmon Group and applied through the scheme, was based on the recorded catch history of the eligible licensees and the average net income per salmon in the commercial drift and draft net fishery.
I understand that payments to beneficiaries ranged from €1,140 to €190,000 whilst the average payment was approximately €21,000.
511 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when the application for an attic insulation grant will be approved in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3631/10]
I have been informed by Sustainable Energy Ireland that they have no record of an application for the Warmer Homes Scheme being made by the individual in question. If the Deputy can forward a contact number, my Department will arrange for the relevant community-based organisation to make contact with the individual as soon as possible to assess their suitability for the scheme.
512 Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when work under the warmer homes scheme will be carried out on the home of a person (details supplied) in County Meath. [3031/10]
I am advised that over the last number of days, the company contracted to carry out the work in the area has been in contact with applicants on the Warmer Homes Scheme waiting list and that work will start in the individual's home within the next fortnight.
513 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the new capital projects associated with his Department gone to tender that will begin in 2010; the new capital projects gone to tender that were due to start in 2010 but are not now proceeding; the capital projects that are in the middle of construction at present; his views on the importance of such projects in getting capital flowing into banks and around the economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3161/10]
The information requested by the Deputy is set out below:
New projects gone to tender to begin in 2010
Silvermines Remediation: To rehabilitate former mine sites at Silvermines, County Tipperary
New projects gone to tender and not proceeding in 2010
NIL
Capital projects in the middle of construction
Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) — Phase II: To provide underground telecommunications networks that are located in regional cities and towns. Phase II of the MANs project covers 66 towns.
100 Mbps Connectivity to Post Primary Schools (Pilot Project): To deliver 100mbps broadband connectivity to 78 post-primary schools.
Project Kelvin: To provide a direct international telecommunications link between the North West of Ireland, North America and Europe.
National Broadband Scheme: To provide specified broadband services to residential and business premises and to wholesale operators wishing to supply such premises in identified parts of Ireland (the NBS coverage area).
INFOMAR: Integrated mapping to assemble data for the sustainable development of Ireland's marine resource.
The projects listed above are important in fulfilling the remit of my Department in the communications and natural resources sectors. The various investments in communications will provide key infrastructure to underpin the development of the smart economy. In addition, further economic stimulus to help sustain and create jobs is to be provided by my Department though approximately €90 million expenditure on energy efficiency measures which will include the new multi-annualNational Retrofit Programme in 2010. This growing area of innovation has huge commercial and employment potential, and has potential to create up to 5,000 jobs this year alone. All such economic stimulus initiatives will assist in getting capital flowing in the economy.
514 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources further to Parliamentary Question No. 41 of 19 November 2009, if the strategy has been finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1972/10]
: In September 2009, my Department sought tenders from interested parties for the preparation of a report on the development of a national strategy on cyber security.The terms of reference of the report include addressing best practice for the detection and reaction to cyber attacks, the development of a structure to oversee planning and response to cyber attacks and the development of structures to keep the public aware of information security threats.The work on the preparation of the report is ongoing and has involved engaging with public and private sector stakeholders. I expect the report to be completed in the near future.
515 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of the 15,400 jobs announced on 2 December 2009 that are in the private sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3443/10]
At the launch of the Report of the Green Enterprise Group last December, I noted the announcements, over the year, of 15,400 jobs to be created across sectors of the green economy. In general, the employment to be created by these announcements, including those from investment by the commercial Energy State Companies and grant assistance by Sustainable Energy Ireland, will be in the private sector. The full list of job creation announcements is available on the press release section of my Department's website and is dated 2nd December 2009. (http://www.dcenr.gov.ie/Press+Releases/2009/)
516 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the group, body or agency responsible and accountable for monitoring or regulating the extent and quality or all aspects of the telecommunications sector with particular reference to the ability of the public to have recourse to such bodies or agencies in the event of a perceived or lack of or inferior service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3487/10]
517 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the person to whom the public have recourse for complaint in the event of poor, inefficient, unreliable or undependable elements of the telecommunications sector; if it is left to the service provider, competition, regulation or otherwise to determine best practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3488/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 516 and 517 together.
Responsibility for the regulation of electronic communications services rests with the independent Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) in accordance with the requirements of the Communications Regulation Act 2002, as amended, and the EU Regulatory Framework for Electronic Communications.
Issues relating to the provision of electronic communications services are, in the first instance, a matter for the relevant service provider. The service provider retains the primary responsibility for complaint resolution. If a customer is not satisfied with the service provider's complaints handling procedures, he or she may contact the Commission for Communication Regulation (ComReg). Part of ComReg's role is to establish the Codes of Conduct for the handling of consumer complaints by service providers. Each code sets out the minimum level of service that a customer can expect to receive from a service provider. ComReg will examine whether any issue that is raised, falls within its powers and may arbitrate in accordance with regulatory obligations.
518 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the breakdown of expenditure for the €7.4 million allocated to the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland for 2010; the mechanism in place to ensure the money is spent prudently and appropriately; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3518/10]
In accordance with section 37 of the Act, the setting of the budget for the BAI for any particular year is a matter for the Authority. While the legislation makes provision in section 37(1) for the Minister to be able to specify the form the estimates should take and any additional information as may be needed, it does not require the estimates to be submitted for specific Ministerial approval.
The budget for 2010 has been set by the BAI at €7.6 million which will be fully funded by the industry levy as provided for in the Act. Details of this budget have been submitted to my Department and I will be considering if additional information is required. In accordance with section 37(7) of the Act, this 2010 estimate of income and expenditure will be published shortly by the BAI on its website, with my consent and that of the Minister for Finance.
The BAI has indicated that the increase in the budget for 2010 over that of the 2009 budget for the BCI is as a result of the increased role given by the Oireachtas to BAI. While the BAI has taken over the functions of the BCI and the BCC, it has also been given a range of new functions additional to those held by its predecessors, mainly in relation to public service broadcasting and the provision of digital broadcasting services. The BAI has also indicated that the extent to which this budget is actually expended will depend on the level of activity of the organisation. They have confirmed that they will discharge their functions in a cost effective manner and are conscious of not imposing an undue burden on the broadcasting sector.
In this context, section 32(4) of the Broadcasting Act, requires the Authority to ensure that regulation by the Authority and the statutory committees does not involve the imposition or maintenance of unnecessary administrative burdens. In addition to including this provision in legislation, I have made it clear to the Authority the need to be particularly vigilant about keeping costs down in the current economic climate. I understand that the Authority has requested the Chief Executive to continuously review its proposed expenditure throughout 2010 with the aim of reducing it where possible. In accordance with section 33 of the Act, any surplus of levy income over expenditure in 2010 shall be offset against future levies or refunded, as appropriate.
519 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the provision of proper broadband facilities at Kilmovee, County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3535/10]
520 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the provision of proper broadband facilities in Uralar, County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3536/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 519 and 520 together.
Broadband services are provided by private service providers over various platforms including DSL (i.e over telephone lines), fixed wireless, mobile, cable, satellite and fibre. I understand that broadband is available in the general areas of Kilmovee and Uralar, County Mayo, from mobile, wireless and satellite service providers. Details of the availability of broadband services in County Mayo are available at www.broadband.gov.ie. I would add that the information contained in this website is provided by service providers.
521 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the provision of proper broadband facilities in Carracastle, County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3537/10]
522 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the provision of proper broadband facilities in Kilkelly, County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3538/10]
523 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the provision of proper broadband facilities in Cloontia, County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3539/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 521 to 523, inclusive, together.
In December 2008, my Department entered into a contract with "3", a Hutchison Whampoa company, for the delivery of the National Broadband Scheme (NBS). The company is required to provide services, using a mix of technologies, to all fixed residences and businesses that are located within the NBS Coverage Area and which seek a service.
3 continues to progress its network rollout and NBS broadband services are available in almost half of the 1,028 designated Electoral Divisions (ED) to be covered under the Scheme. With particular reference to County Mayo, the table below, shows the 112 EDs to be covered under the NBS in the County and identifies the 49 EDs, which can now avail of the NBS broadband services. Details of all the areas to be covered by the NBS, including the status of the NBS rollout, are available at www.three.ie/nbs. Under the NBS contract, all EDs in the NBS Coverage Area will have broadband connectivity by end September 2010.
|
ED Name |
ED Reference No. |
Status |
|
Aghagower North |
157003 |
Live |
|
An Geata Mor Theas |
157007 |
Live |
|
Ardnaree North |
157010 |
Live |
|
Attymass West |
157013 |
Live |
|
Ballynagoraher |
157028 |
Live |
|
Ballysakeery |
157030 |
Live |
|
Bohola |
157037 |
Live |
|
Brackloon |
157038 |
Live |
|
Burriscarra |
157043 |
Live |
|
Callow |
157044 |
Live |
|
Carrowmore |
157047 |
Live |
|
Clogher |
157052 |
Live |
|
Clogher |
157053 |
Live |
|
Cloghermore |
157054 |
Live |
|
Cloonmore |
157056 |
Live |
|
Coonard |
157059 |
Live |
|
Croaghmoyle |
157062 |
Live |
|
Croaghpatrick |
157063 |
Live |
|
Crossmolina South |
157066 |
Live |
|
Cuildoo |
157067 |
Live |
|
Dalgan |
157069 |
Live |
|
Deel |
157070 |
Live |
|
Derryloughan |
157072 |
Live |
|
Fortland |
157078 |
Live |
|
Glenhest |
157083 |
Live |
|
Goolamore |
157084 |
Live |
|
Islandeady |
157087 |
Live |
|
Kilbeagh |
157088 |
Live |
|
Kilfian East |
157091 |
Live |
|
Kilfian South |
157092 |
Live |
|
Killala |
157097 |
Live |
|
Kilmaclasser |
157100 |
Live |
|
Kilmeena |
157102 |
Live |
|
Kilvine |
157106 |
Live |
|
Knappagh |
157107 |
Live |
|
Lackan South |
157113 |
Live |
|
Mayo |
157118 |
Live |
|
Meelick |
157119 |
Live |
|
Mount Falcon |
157120 |
Live |
|
Newbrook |
157125 |
Live |
|
Newport East |
157126 |
Live |
|
Rathoma |
157133 |
Live |
|
Roslee |
157134 |
Live |
|
Sallymount |
157135 |
Live |
|
Shrule |
157137 |
Live |
|
Slievemahanagh |
157138 |
Live |
|
Tagheen |
157145 |
Live |
|
Addergoole |
157002 |
Planned |
|
Aghagower South |
157004 |
Planned |
|
Aghamore |
157005 |
Planned |
|
Aillemore |
157006 |
Planned |
|
An Geata Mor Thuaidh |
157008 |
Planned |
|
Attymass East |
157012 |
Planned |
|
Ballinchalla |
157019 |
Planned |
|
Ballycastle |
157022 |
Planned |
|
Ballycroy North |
157023 |
Planned |
|
Ballycroy South |
157024 |
Planned |
|
Ballyovey |
157029 |
Planned |
|
Bangor |
157031 |
Planned |
|
Barroosky |
157032 |
Planned |
|
Bekan |
157033 |
Planned |
|
Beldergmore |
157034 |
Planned |
|
Belmullet |
157036 |
Planned |
|
Bunaveela |
157040 |
Planned |
|
Bundorragha |
157041 |
Planned |
|
Cappaghduff |
157045 |
Planned |
|
Caraun |
157046 |
Planned |
|
Clare Island |
157050 |
Planned |
|
Coolnaha |
157058 |
Planned |
|
Corraun Achill |
157060 |
Planned |
|
Course |
157061 |
Planned |
|
Culnacleha |
157068 |
Planned |
|
Derry |
157071 |
Planned |
|
Doocastle |
157073 |
Planned |
|
Dooega |
157074 |
Planned |
|
Drummin |
157075 |
Planned |
|
Erriff |
157077 |
Planned |
|
Garrymore |
157079 |
Planned |
|
Glenamoy |
157080 |
Planned |
|
Glencastle |
157081 |
Planned |
|
Glenco |
157082 |
Planned |
|
Hollymount |
157085 |
Planned |
|
Houndswood |
157086 |
Planned |
|
Kilcommon |
157090 |
Planned |
|
Kilfian West |
157093 |
Planned |
|
Kilgarvan |
157094 |
Planned |
|
Kilgeever |
157095 |
Planned |
|
Kilkelly |
157096 |
Planned |
|
Killavally |
157098 |
Planned |
|
Killedan |
157099 |
Planned |
|
Kilmaine |
157101 |
Planned |
|
Kilsallagh |
157104 |
Planned |
|
Knock South |
157109 |
Planned |
|
Knockadaff |
157110 |
Planned |
|
Knocknalower |
157111 |
Planned |
|
Lackan North |
157112 |
Planned |
|
Letterbrick |
157114 |
Planned |
|
Muingnabo |
157121 |
Planned |
|
Muings |
157122 |
Planned |
|
Murneen |
157123 |
Planned |
|
Neale |
157124 |
Planned |
|
Newport West |
157127 |
Planned |
|
Owenbrin |
157128 |
Planned |
|
Owennadornaun |
157129 |
Planned |
|
Portroyal |
157131 |
Planned |
|
Rathhill |
157132 |
Planned |
|
Sheskin |
157136 |
Planned |
|
Sonnagh |
157140 |
Planned |
|
Srahmore |
157142 |
Planned |
|
Tawnynagry |
157146 |
Planned |
|
Toocananagh |
157147 |
Planned |
|
Tumgesh |
157149 |
Planned |
524 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the provision of proper broadband facilities in Roskey, Doocastle, County Sligo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3540/10]
In December 2008, my Department entered into a contract with "3", a Hutchison Whampoa company, for the delivery of the National Broadband Scheme (NBS). The company is required to provide services, using a mix of technologies, to all fixed residences and businesses that are located within the NBS Coverage Area and who seek a service.
3 continues to progress its network rollout and NBS broadband services are available in almost half of the 1,028 designated Electoral Divisions (ED) to be covered under the Scheme. With particular reference to County Sligo, the table below, shows the 22 EDs to be covered under the NBS in the County and identifies the 11 EDs, which can now avail of the NBS broadband services. Details of all the areas to be covered by the NBS, including the status of the NBS rollout, are available at www.three.ie/nbs. Under the NBS contract, all EDs in the NBS Coverage Area will have broadband connectivity by end September 2010.
|
Electoral Divisions (ED) to be covered by the NBS in County Sligo |
||
|---|---|---|
|
ED Name |
ED Reference No. |
Status |
|
Cliffony South |
207027 |
Live |
|
Drumcolumb |
207039 |
Live |
|
Killadoon |
207048 |
Live |
|
Lakeview |
207056 |
Live |
|
Lissadill |
207061 |
Live |
|
Shancough |
207069 |
Live |
|
Skreen |
207070 |
Live |
|
Streamstown |
207072 |
Live |
|
Templeboy North |
207074 |
Live |
|
Templeboy South |
207075 |
Live |
|
Toberpatrick |
207079 |
Live |
|
Cloonoghill |
207029 |
Planned |
|
Cuilmore |
207033 |
Planned |
|
Glendarragh |
207045 |
Planned |
|
Kilmactranny |
207052 |
Planned |
|
Kilshalvy |
207053 |
Planned |
|
Kilturra |
207054 |
Planned |
|
Leitrim |
207057 |
Planned |
|
Mullagheruse |
207063 |
Planned |
|
Rathmacurkey |
207065 |
Planned |
|
Templevanny |
207076 |
Planned |
|
Toomour |
207080 |
Planned |
525 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if, in order to be eligible for wall insulation under the sustainable energy grant scheme, a wall must be of a certain thickness; the requirement in millimetres; and if this requirement has been changed following Budget 2010. [3583/10]
All works carried out under the Home Energy Savings Scheme are underpinned by a comprehensive Technical Specification and Code of Practice for contractors which ensure that works undertaken represent best value for each homeowner's investment and also best value for all public monies expended.
In general, all products used must be fit for purpose, improve the energy efficiency of the building and have no detrimental impact on the structure, viability, quality or safety of the property. All insulation products must meet relevant product standards. One underlying objective of this Scheme is to put in place materials that will achieve a level of performance in the home, equivalent to the standard required in the most recent update of Part L of the Building Regulations.
The standard for Wall Insulation is to achieve a U-value of 0.27 W/m2K for external walls. Different materials have different thermal performance and so the thickness of material required is dependent on the material selected as well as the existing wall construction form and what insulation might already exist. Insulation thickness only becomes an issue in the case of dry-lining walls because with cavity wall insulation, Sustainable Energy Ireland only requires the cavity to be fully filled. Budget 2010 has not led to any modification to the requirements of the scheme.
526 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the provision of broadband facilities at Clonahussy, Edgeworthstown, County Longford on behalf of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3628/10]
Broadband services are provided by private service providers over various platforms including DSL (i.e over telephone lines), fixed wireless, mobile, cable, satellite and fibre. I understand that mobile, fixed wireless and satellite broadband is available in the general area of Clonahussy, Edgeworthstown, County Longford. Details of broadband availability throughout the country are available at www.broadband.gov.ie. I would add that information contained on this website is provided by the service providers.
528 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the extent to which energy price costs to the manufacturing or service sectors here compares with the prices applicable throughout Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3822/10]
529 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the extent to which the price of gas, electricity and motor fuel costs here compare with those throughout each of the EU Member States; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3823/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 528 and 529 together.
Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) collects and publishes energy statistics to support policy analysis and development, in line with national needs and international obligations. Every six months SEI publishes a report on Understanding Electricity and Gas Prices in Ireland, which details electricity and gas prices to every category of domestic and industrial user and compares those figures with other Member States of the European Union.
The latest SEI report was published on January 24th 2010 and contained comparative price data to 30th June 2009. I have requested SEI to send a copy of this report to the Deputy but broadly speaking the report found that falling electricity and gas prices are bringing Irish energy costs closer in line with and, in some cases below, European averages.
Ireland experienced the third largest price drop in electricity prices to industry across the entire EU over the 12 month period ending on 30th June 2009. At the same time, 22 of 27 EU countries experienced price increases. Gas prices also continued to fall with a result that gas prices are now 7% to 10% below the EU average in the two main consumption bands for business.
As well as comparative figures, SEI's report also provides valuable insight into the drivers of higher energy costs in our market. Our high energy costs are primarily due to significant dependence on volatile imported fossil fuels, particularly gas, as well a requirement for very significant investment in energy infrastructure, following two decades of under-investment in the networks. The under-investment in networks and power generation posed real risks to security of supply which had become a major concern for enterprise.
The Government remains firmly committed to increasing competition as the best means of exerting downward pressure on energy prices, and also towards ensuring diversity of energy supply to reduce our exposure to high and volatile external energy prices. Significant progress has been made to date, most notably with the all-island Single Electricity Market now in place, the sale of ESB generation capacity, entry of new players and new generation capacity coming on-stream in the Irish market.
The Irish oil industry is fully privatised, liberalised and deregulated and there is free entry to the market. There is no price control on petroleum products and prices at the pump reflect global market price, transportation costs, euro/dollar fluctuations and other operating costs. Price differences are an ongoing feature of the market economy and it is a matter for retailers to explain price differences where they occur.
530 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of households currently equipped with smart metering technology; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3824/10]
Under the national smart meter pilot project smart meters have been installed in 6,500 households around the country to underpin the electricity customer behaviour trial. All meters being used for this trial have been collecting baseline data since 1 July last year. The trial went live on 1 January this year. The electricity technology trial is assessing metering functionality and supporting information and communications systems. Installation of a further 5,000 meters is underway for technology testing in Limerick/Ennis, Cork City/Bandon and South Dublin/Wicklow. The electricity element of the pilot phase will be completed in December 2010.
Meters have been installed in 1,925 households around the country for the Gas Customer Behaviour Trial and have been collecting data since 1 December last. A further 500 meters will be installed in households to facilitate the Gas Technology Trials. The gas trials will go live next June and will continue until May 2011.
531 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the extent of the television licence fund reserve; the annual income from television licences; the way in which it is currently spent; the way in which this compares with established practices over the years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3825/10]
Television licence revenue is generated from the sales of television licences and the recoupment of the cost of free television licences from the Department of Social and Family Affairs. There is no fund reserve as such because the revenue generated is received and paid out on an ongoing basis. The annual income generated from television licences was €226.2m in 2009.
Under Section 123 of the Broadcasting Act, 2009, with the approval of the Minister for Finance, I may pay RTÉ in respect of each financial year an amount equal to the total of receipts in that year in respect of broadcasting (TV) licence fees less (i) any expenses incurred in relation to the collection of those fees, and (ii) an amount being equal to 7% of these net television licence fee receipts, which is paid under Section 156 of the Broadcasting Act 2009 to the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland in respect of the Broadcasting Funding Scheme. This amount was increased from 5% to 7% under the 2009 Act. In effect, therefore, RTÉ is now being paid 93% of net television licence fee receipts on an annual basis.
532 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the extent to which the digital hub project is progressing with original intentions and objectives, costs and investments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3826/10]
The Digital Hub Development Agency (DHDA) continues to develop and grow the Digital Hub. There are 835 full-time employees and 350 part-time employees currently working in 97 Digital Hub companies. The Hub has attracted significant inward investment with approximately 10% of the enterprise cluster and 30% of the employees resulting from foreign direct investment.
The DHDA continues to successfully promote the identity and brand of the Hub and companies located there have enjoyed notable successes and have gained national and international recognition. The Hub is a sought after location for digital media companies and the cluster effect is recognised as an attractive environment for innovation.
On its educational remit the DHDA delivers a very successful learning programme, which provides state-of-the-art digital media education to schools and the wider community in Dublin's inner city. The DHDA has developed an award-winning community engagement process, the Community Public Private Partnership (CPPP). To date, 36 digital media learning programmes have been delivered to 10,000 participants in local schools and community groups.
The DHDA has leased office space to meet the requirements of its tenant companies and has reached the point where all of its own available space has been occupied — approximately 80,000 square feet. A further 80,000 square feet is occupied by Digital Hub tenants under interim lease arrangements with third parties. An additional 20,000 square feet will be delivered by next April through redevelopment of a building in the Hub in partnership with the OPW.
The level of Exchequer funding for the agency has fallen over the years from 100% to approximately 40% in 2009. The Agency had plans for the development of further office space that would have eliminated its reliance on Exchequer funding. This development is not progressing at present in light of the current economic climate and the Agency is pursuing the matter with the two developers concerned. Meanwhile I will shortly undertake a review of the DHDA in light of its work to date, the implications of current economic circumstances for its future funding and its potential role in delivery of the Government's objectives for the smart economy.
533 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when product from the Corrib gas field will be available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3827/10]
534 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when all oil, gas or other mineral discoveries on and offshore are expected to become available for commercial purposes with particular reference to those areas that have shown discoveries of commercial value but are not yet developed or available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3828/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 533 and 534 together.
The only petroleum discovery that has been declared commercial but has yet to be developed is the Corrib Gas Field. Construction of the Corrib Gas Terminal at Bellanaboy is almost completed as are the subsea facilities at the Corrib Gas Field. Last summer the 83km offshore section of the Corrib gas pipeline was installed. The developers are engaged in the process of securing a number of statutory consents required for the construction of the onshore section of the Corrib gas pipeline.
Completion of the development works by the developers is the principal factor that will determine the date for first gas. There are currently no new mineral discoveries that are proving commercially viable; however, there have been some encouraging results.
535 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the research undertaken in respect of the suitability of biodiesel for home heating; the degree to which this will be improved in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3831/10]
My Department is not aware of any current research in Ireland on the use of biofuel for home heating purposes. OFTEC, which is the trade association representing manufacturers of oil fired heating and cooking equipment in Ireland and the UK, is currently undertaking field trials in the UK of bio-heating oils. I am advised that pilot trials of such fuel may take place in areas in Ireland by the end of this year.
536 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of alternative energy generation projects operational or pending throughout County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3832/10]
The EirGrid website contains a list of connected and contracted generators, both wind and non wind generators, and the locations of these throughout the country — see http://www.eirgrid.com/customers/connectedandcontractedgenerators/
EirGrid and ESB Networks have provided the following information specifically relating to County Kildare
|
Status |
Project |
MW Export Capacity |
Type |
|
Connected |
Arthurstown, Kill, Co. Kildare |
4.260 |
Land Fill Gas |
|
Connected |
Arthurstown, Kill, Co. Kildare |
1.250 |
Land Fill Gas |
|
Connected |
Silliot Hill, Brownstown |
1.255 |
Land Fill Gas |
|
Connected |
Arthurstown Landfill Phase 3 |
4.100 |
Land Fill Gas |
|
Pending |
Arthurstown Landfill Phase 3 Ext |
0.170 |
Land Fill Gas |
|
Connected |
Drummond Mills Athgarvan Grain Co |
0.020 |
Hydro |
|
Pending |
Arthurstown Landfill Ext4 |
4.260 |
Land Fill Gas |
|
Connected |
Celbridge Mills |
0.055 |
Hydro |
|
Pending |
Gorteen Lower, Nurney |
1.000 |
Biogas |
|
Pending |
Meades Land, Naas |
3.195 |
Biogas |
|
Pending |
Athgarrett, Kildare |
9.999 |
Wind |
|
Pending |
Athgarrett, Kildare |
4.000 |
Wind |
|
Pending |
Owenstown, Kildare |
0.018 |
Wind |
|
Pending |
Rossacurra, Kildare |
9.999 |
Wind |
|
Pending |
Dunstown Power, Co Kildare |
196.800 |
Wind |
537 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the extent of wind generated electricity projects operational throughout the country; the extent of production; the number and location of such projects awaiting approval; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3833/10]
EirGrid publishes comprehensive and regularly updated lists of connected wind farms and contracted wind farms throughout the country on its website at:
http://www.eirgrid.com/customers/connectedandcontractedgenerators/
As of 12 January 2010, there was 1260MW of installed wind capacity on the system and as of 25 November 2009, there was a further 1415MW of wind projects contracted to connect.
The Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) and EirGrid have calculated that around 5,800 megawatts (MWs) of renewable capacity will be required to deliver the 40% target in 2020.
The CER decision on the ‘Gate 3' round provides for connection offers for 4,000 MW of additional renewable electricity capacity. Approximately 90% of these offers are wind powered capacity including around 800 MW of offshore wind. The list of projects included in the Gate 3 decision can be found in the CER Decision 08/260, which can be found on its website at: www.cer.ie. Gate 3 connection offers began to issue in December 2009 and rollout of the offers will continue on a phased basis over the next 18 months.
The decision by CER on Gate 3 projects is potentially capable of delivering the 40% national target for the contribution from renewable energy resources to electricity consumed by 2020. In the event of any non take-up of the Gate 3 offers, the CER would intend to add replacement projects, to ensure delivery of the 2020 target.
538 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the extent to which alternative electricity generation is expected to affect a reduction in energy prices in the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3834/10]
Wind generation is the most abundantly available alternative renewable energy technology in Ireland. The development of onshore wind generation in the Irish electricity system is supported under the Renewable Energy Feed-In Tariff (REFIT) which guarantees a minimum price for wind generation. This cost is recouped through a public service obligation (PSO) paid by all electricity users. For the last two years the overall PSO levy has been set at zero by the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) due to a combination of offsetting factors.
Recently completed research by CER and the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) respectively have examined the costs of renewable electricity under a range of scenarios including fossil fuel and carbon prices to 2020. Their respective research generally concludes that high levels of wind capacity can provide a hedge against high fossil fuel prices particularly gas prices. It is the case that when fossil fuel and carbon prices are low, high wind penetration will be more expensive.
The ESRI concludes overall that in a scenario of mid range to high oil and gas prices over the coming years extensive wind generation could facilitate reductions in Irish electricity prices. I agree with the ESRI that investment in renewable energy provides a valuable insurance policy against the risk of future high fossil fuel and carbon prices as well as achieving a significant reduction in emissions. I also agree with the International Energy Agency that the era of cheap oil is over.
The impact which renewable electricity will have on Irish electricity prices in 2015 will depend on the price of fossil fuels and carbon at that time.
539 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the highest quality broadband and other telecommunication services are available to the health and financial services throughout the country; the way this compares with the quality of services available worldwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3835/10]
540 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the degree to which high speed, high quality broadband services are available throughout the country; if he expects such a service to become comparable in every respect with the highest quality and service prevailing throughout the European Union or world trade areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3836/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 539 and 540 together.
The provision of broadband services, including the provision of such services to the health and financial services sectors, is a matter for electronic communications service providers who operate in a fully liberated market, regulated by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg).
Government policy pertaining to the electronic communications market in Ireland is set out in "Next Generation Broadband — Gateway to a Knowledge Ireland", which I published in June 2009. The policy paper was developed in accordance with various key principles, which are crucial to the development of the market including (i) competition, at platform and service levels, which drives innovation and investment (ii) investment certainty for service providers considering investing in network infrastructure, (iii) investment intervention by Government to bridge any digital divide in cases of market failure and to meet certain of the State's own communication needs, and (iv) appropriate regulation. The policy paper sets out the Government's position that investment in broadband infrastructure is primarily a matter for the private sector, facilitated, where appropriate and possible, by Government.
Existing policy has facilitated significant progress in broadband roll out and broadband quality over recent years. According to ComReg's Quarterly Report for Q3/2009, 68% of residential subscriptions in Ireland are in the 2-10 Mbps range. 72% of the non-residential subscriptions in Ireland are in the 2-10Mbps range. Only 21% of the non residential subscriptions and only 24% of the residential subscriptions are in the 1-2 Mbps range. Higher speeds, in some cases up to 50Mbps are also available to residential and SME customers in urban areas. For example, speeds of up to 24Mbps are available from DSL providers, 50Mbps products are available from fibre operators and 20Mbps products are available from cable operators.
I have no specific information on the quality of broadband services provided to the health and financial services sectors.
541 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the initiatives he has taken at national or European level to combat spam and the spread of viruses on the Internet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3838/10]
Directive 2002/58/EC (Directive on Privacy and Electronic Communications) contains provisions prohibiting the sending of unsolicited communications for direct marketing purposes (spam). This Directive was transposed into national law in November 2003 via the Data Protection and Privacy Regulations 2003 (SI No. 535 of 2003). The regulations prohibit the sending of unsolicited phone calls or emails for direct marketing purposes and provide for a summary offence in respect of each unsolicited call.
Responsibility for the enforcement of the regulations rests with the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner. In 2008, I amended the regulations in order to strengthen the Commissioner's enforcement powers by providing for an indictable offence, carrying a penalty of up to €250,000 or 10% of turnover, whichever is the greater. These penalties are in line with the highest in the EU and should provide an effective deterrent against this practice.
My Department, in conjunction with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, and other private sector and not-for-profit organisations have, since 2004, conducted a number of public awareness campaigns called "Make It Secure", to promote the safe use of the Internet, and to reduce the spread and effect of computer viruses.
The campaign is designed to increase awareness among citizens of the most common security risks related to accessing and transacting on the Internet — such as identity theft, spyware, and phishing. More information on MakeITSecure can be seen at the www.makeitsecure.org website.
542 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of occasions on which he has met with representatives of management or staff of the public and private broadcasting sectors in each of the past three years to date; the subject matter of such discussions; the outcome and the degree to which such talks are ongoing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3839/10]
In the context of the development of broadcasting policy in the past three years my officials and I have had cause, on a regular basis, to meet with the various interests that comprise the broadcasting sector including but not limited to commercial broadcasters, public service broadcasters and independent producers.
I am not in a position to inform the Deputy on the precise number of occasions I have met with representatives of management or staff of the public and private broadcasting sectors. As stated above these discussions have related to various aspects of broadcasting policy and policy implementation. I take full account, as appropriate, of such discussions in the formulation and implementation of broadcasting policy.
543 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of occasions on which he has met with representatives of management or staff of An Post in each of the past three years to date; the subject matter for discussion; the outcome of such discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3840/10]
As Minister with responsibility for policy in the postal sector, and as the main shareholder in An Post, both I and my officials regularly meet representatives from An Post to discuss a range of matters of importance to the company. These meetings cover the full range of postal issues, from corporate governance to wider postal policy issues.
The Government's core policy goal for the postal sector is to ensure that Irish customers, both business and residential, enjoy competitively priced, high quality postal services.
544 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans for the development of the postal service with particular reference to the delivery of other services compatible with those already provided by An Post; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3842/10]
The Government's core policy goal for the postal sector is to ensure that Irish customers, both business and residential, enjoy competitively priced, high quality postal services. Legislation is currently being drafted in my Department to transpose the third Postal Services Directive which mandates opening the postal market to full competition from 1 January, 2011 and provides for a regulatory framework for a liberalised postal market. I expect to publish this Bill towards the middle of the year.
In designing this new regulatory framework, the key principles are the maintenance of universal postal services and the provision of competitively priced high quality postal services to both business and residential customers.
However, decisions regarding new products and services are a matter for postal service providers themselves and not one in which I have a direct role.
545 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the development and availability of digital television throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3843/10]
Part 8 of the Broadcasting Act, 2009 provides for the development of digital terrestrial television in Ireland.
This Act requires RTÉ to provide a national ‘free to air' digital service with capacity to carry RTÉ 1, RTE 2, TG4 and TV3 by the end of 2011 or such later date as I may specify. The RTÉ ‘free to air' digital service is to replace the existing analogue terrestrial television service and I wish to make it clear, at this stage, that it is my intention that the date stipulated in the Act for the ‘free to air' DTT launch should be met.
In addition, the 2009 Act requires the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI), an independent regulatory authority, to provide for the development of commercial digital terrestrial television services.
On foot of this requirement, the BAI's predecessor, the BCI, launched a competition, which is still ongoing. As the Deputy is aware, the highest placed consortium in the competition withdrew from the process last April. Negotiations then commenced with the next placed bidder and this process is continuing.
While I have no direct function in these matters, I would like to see this process concluded as soon as possible.
In relation to the rollout of DTT services, I am informed by RTÉ that, to date, 13 sites have been upgraded to accommodate both the single ‘free to air' DTT multiplex and also three commercial DTT multiplexes.
546 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans regarding the granting of permission to allow commercial fishermen fish for bass at sea; the way he will ensure the preservation of the inshore bass stock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3481/10]
558 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on allowing a commercial fishery for bass in the near future; the scientific basis for such a decision for stock numbers; the limitations that may be imposed on a new commercial fishery for bass if such a decision was made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3445/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 546 and 558 together.
At the moment there are no specific plans in place to allow a resumption of commercial fishing for sea bass. However, the Federation of Irish Fishermen (FIF) has made a proposal regarding the possibility of a limited offshore Sea Bass fishery to my colleague Minster Killeen.
Minister Killeen is giving careful consideration to this proposal in conjunction with the Marine Institute and the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority and is particularly conscious of the necessity of maintaining the existing protection afforded to the inshore Sea Bass fishery. This factor is also recognised in the FIF proposal which gives assurances that the inshore Sea Bass fishery around our coast would not be targeted for commercial fishing. Under the FIF proposal, vessels would be permitted to land Sea Bass caught south of (51.30'N) in area VII. This area is approx 50 KM off the SE coast of Ireland.
Given the overall economic situation and the challenges facing fishermen generally, Minister Killeen is anxious to pursue any proposal that would create additional commercial fishing opportunities for the Irish fleet. In that context Minister Killeen has written to Minister Lenihan in the Department of Energy, Communications and Natural Resources, who has responsibility for inland fisheries, seeking his views on this proposal before making any final decision in the matter.
547 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made in providing a new pier for the fishermen of Cromane, County Kerry due to the fact that this project was first announced 12 years ago; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3482/10]
Kerry County Council proposes to construct a new pier at Cromane. The proposed pier will be the property of that Local Authority who will be responsible for its development, maintenance and repair.
Under the Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme my Department has, in previous years, allocated funding to Kerry County Council to progress works at Cromane. This Programme operates on an annual basis and provides funding for approved projects up to an agreed amount or 75% of the total cost in the year, whichever is the lower. Approval for funding in any particular year does not imply any commitment of funding in future years and any funds not drawn down before the end of that calendar year return to the Exchequer.
The following is a summary of the funding my Department approved for the project in recent years:
2004: €150,000
2006: €200,000
2007: €500,000
2008: €750,000
I understand, however, that Kerry County Council has encountered difficulties in acquiring lands required to progress this project and are working to move matters forward.
I would point out however that due to the current budgetary situation, funding can not be provided for Local Authority owned facilities under the 2010 Programme. Funding under the 2010 programme has been allocated to meet contractual commitments and essential safety and maintenance works.
It is hoped that in the future, when the Exchequer situation improves, my Department will be in a position to recommence funding projects for the development and repair of Local Authority owned facilities under the Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme.
548 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Longford will be issued a licence to re-open a tannery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3635/10]
Regulation (EC) No. 1774 of 2002 and Statutory Instrument No. 252 of 2008, as amended, lay down strict controls for the safe use and disposal of animal by-products, with a view to safeguarding human and animal health.
In November 2009, my Department received a completed application for the approval under these Regulations of a Category 3 intermediate plant for the storage of hides and skins.
A Veterinary Inspector from my Department visited the premises in question on 21st December 2009. A representative of the applicant was present during this visit. A number of issues were discussed which require attention before the application can be progressed. When the issues identified are addressed, my Department will be in a position to progress the application for approval.
549 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding the usage of salmon aquaculture sites by third parties; if he will indicate within the relevant Fisheries Acts or Statutory Instruments the basis by which he can permit any party other than the licensee to carry out aquaculture activities at a licensed site; if he has any statutory power to impose sanctions on a third party should there be a breach of licence condition by the said party; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2956/10]
Aquaculture licences are issued in accordance with the provisions of the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 1997, as amended, and Regulations made thereunder.
The privileges and obligations associated with an aquaculture licence rest with the holder of that licence and can only be changed following a process of assignment to another party if approved by the Minister.
The use of a licensed site by a third party is a matter between the licensee and such third party.
550 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of farmers per county due to finish REP scheme three in 2010 and 2011 that have not transferred to REP scheme four in tabular form. [3034/10]
The information requested is set out in the table.
|
County |
Number of participants leaving REPS 3 in 2010 and 2011 |
REPS 3 participants who have not applied for REPS 4 |
|
Carlow |
347 |
340 |
|
Cavan |
1,274 |
1,259 |
|
Clare |
1,830 |
1,786 |
|
Cork |
2,210 |
2,079 |
|
Donegal |
2,932 |
2,913 |
|
Dublin |
62 |
60 |
|
Galway |
4,047 |
3,991 |
|
Kerry |
2,105 |
2,063 |
|
Kildare |
379 |
371 |
|
Kilkenny |
927 |
913 |
|
Laois |
557 |
534 |
|
Leitrim |
1,076 |
1,036 |
|
Limerick |
1,034 |
962 |
|
Longford |
575 |
571 |
|
Louth |
216 |
214 |
|
Mayo |
3,738 |
3,679 |
|
Meath |
762 |
752 |
|
Monaghan |
1,072 |
1,057 |
|
Offaly |
906 |
866 |
|
Roscommon |
1,754 |
1,716 |
|
Sligo |
1,160 |
1,140 |
|
Tipperary Nth |
833 |
820 |
|
Tipperary Sth |
820 |
771 |
|
Waterford |
604 |
591 |
|
Westmeath |
701 |
676 |
|
Wexford |
863 |
838 |
|
Wicklow |
477 |
467 |
|
Totals |
33,261 |
32,465 |
551 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when animal health and welfare legislation will be brought forward to replace the 1911 act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3137/10]
Drafting of the Animal Health and Welfare Bill, which gives effect to commitments in the Programme for Government and the Renewed Programme for Government is ongoing in my Department. The legislation will amend and consolidate legislation in the area of animal health, particularly to reflect the changed disease status of our animals. Existing legislation will also be updated, including provisions of the Protection of Animals Act 1911, to ensure that the welfare of all animals, including non-farm animals, is properly protected and that the penalties for offenders are increased significantly. The proposed legislation will also provide for the consolidation of responsibility for the welfare of all animals within my Department. I intend to submit the proposed heads of this Bill to the Government at an early date this year.
552 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive a payment under REP scheme four; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3142/10]
REPS 4 is a measure under the current Rural Development Programme 2007–13 and is subject to EU Regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications to be completed before the first payments issue. Payments have issued to those whose applications required no further examination following the administrative checks. However, queries arose in the course of those checks on a significant number of applications, including that of the person named. My Department is continuing to process such applications with a view to payment as soon as possible, and will be in touch with the applicants where necessary to resolve outstanding issues.
553 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when guidelines will issue to agricultural and environment structures offices in relation to REP scheme plans that have failed the checks for usage of the chemical Phosphorous; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3145/10]
REPS 4 is a measure under the current Rural Development Programme 2007–13 and is subject to EU Regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications to be completed before the first payments issue. Payments have issued to those applicants whose applications cleared the administrative checks. However, queries arose on a significant number of applications in the course of the administrative checks including queries relating to chemical Phosporous levels. These applications will now be returned to the applicant requesting that an amended plan be submitted. Payment will issue as soon as possible on receipt of the amended plan.
554 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a REP scheme payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [3146/10]
REPS 4 is a measure under the current Rural Development Programme 2007–13 and is subject to EU Regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications to be completed before the first payments issue. Payments have issued to those whose applications required no further examination following the administrative checks. However, queries arose in the course of those checks on a significant number of applications, including that of the person named. My Department is continuing to process such applications with a view to payment as soon as possible, and will be in touch with the applicants where necessary to resolve outstanding issues.
555 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the new capital projects associated with his Department gone to tender that will begin in 2010; the new capital projects gone to tender that were due to start in 2010 but are not now proceeding; the capital projects that are in the middle of construction at present; his views on the importance of such projects in getting capital flowing into banks and around the economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3159/10]
My Department has not tendered for any capital construction projects that are due to begin in 2010.
There are two ongoing capital projects being constructed by my Department at present — the Castletownbere Fishery Harbour Centre — Dinish Wharf Development project and the Rossaveel Fishery Harbour Centre — Ferry Terminal Pontoons project.
There is also a third ongoing capital construction project — the Greencastle Phase 1 — Breakwater construction which is being project managed by my Department on behalf of Donegal County Council.
In addition to the above construction projects, there are three ongoing ICT developments in my Department which are being funded by capital expenditure namely the Animal Identification and Movement (AIM) System, the Fisheries Electronic Recording System (ERS) and the European Fisheries Fund System.
556 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of REP scheme four participants whose application for payment are delayed due to a discrepancy in relation to chemical P; the reason the persons concerned have not been notified of the delay; if this is a computing matter arising from a discrepancy between the eREP scheme and his Department’s computing system. [3185/10]
REPS 4 is a measure under the current Rural Development Programme 2007–13 and is subject to EU Regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications to be completed before the first payments issue. Payments have issued to those applicants whose applications cleared the administrative checks. The administrative checks are carried out manually in the Department's local offices and queries arose on a significant number of applications in the course of the checking procedure. These include about 2,100 cases relating to chemical Phosporous levels. These applications will now be returned to the applicant requesting that an amended plan be submitted. Payment will issue as soon as possible on receipt of the amended plan.
557 Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding an application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Leitrim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3250/10]
REPS 4 is a measure under the current Rural Development Programme 2007–13 and is subject to EU Regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications to be completed before the first payments issue. Payments have issued to those whose applications required no further examination following the administrative checks. However, queries arose in the course of those checks on a significant number of applications, including that of the person named. My Department is continuing to process such applications with a view to payment as soon as possible, and will be in touch with the applicants where necessary to resolve outstanding issues.
559 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when payment under REP scheme four will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3451/10]
REPS 4 is a measure under the current Rural Development Programme 2007–13 and is subject to EU Regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications to be completed before the first payments issue. Payments have issued to those whose applications required no further examination following the administrative checks. However, queries arose in the course of those checks on a significant number of applications, including that of the person named. My Department is continuing to process such applications with a view to payment as soon as possible, and will be in touch with the applicants where necessary to resolve outstanding issues.
560 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the qualifying criteria for the compensation awarded to fishermen in Castlemaine Harbour, County Kerry for storm damage in October and November 2001; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3483/10]
I would like to put on record that at no point has compensation been awarded to fishermen in the Castlemaine Harbour, County Kerry, area. It therefore follows that no qualifying criteria exist.
As a non-prejudicial, once off response to the events of late 2000, early 2001, whereby the bottom grown mussel industry in Castlemaine Harbour suffered protracted closures due to biotoxin incidence, resulting in an inability for operators to market their stock during the usual sale period of October to December, the Government decided to provide funding for an Industry Revitalisation Programme, designed exclusively as a rebuilding measure. The qualifying criteria for the Revitalisation Programme required that eligible applicants be those operators who: Were licensed under the 1998-2003 Ground Allocation by the Castlemaine Harbour Fishermen's Co-op Society Ltd., in accordance with the Mussel Fishery (Castlemaine Harbour) Order 1979. Had transplanted either individually, or as part of a group, seed mussels between the 16th and the 21st October 1999, from Inch Point and Rossbeigh Point into the intertidal nursery areas, Area F, known locally as Ban Fluic.
561 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will introduce a support scheme for the many producers of vegetables and potatoes who have had losses due to the flooding and frost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3496/10]
I am aware that due to very wet conditions in November 2009 a proportion of the total national area of potatoes remained unharvested at the end of the year. Since Christmas Ireland has experienced very severe frost conditions which have resulted in losses to potatoes and other crops. The extent of losses is difficult to quantify at this stage. It would be influenced by the nature of the crop, its location and the extent to which it was exposed. I have received representations on behalf of growers in relation to the losses incurred and the matter is currently being considered by officials in my Department.
562 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a higher area based payment has not been issued to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3500/10]
To be eligible under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme applicants are required, inter alia, to occupy and farm a minimum of three hectares of forage land; land designated as other than forage is not eligible. The closing date for the 2009 Scheme was 15 May 2009. The Scheme provided for amendments forms to be submitted up to 31 May 2009, without penalty, and afterwards up to 9 June 2009, subject to penalty. However, applicants were advised that land could not be added after that date.
The person named submitted an application under the 2009 on 14 April 2009, in respect of which payment in full issued on 21 September 2009. An amendment form was submitted on 22 December 2009, the land use of the additional land being declared as ‘bog'; however, as this application was both late and in respect of ineligible land, no further payment was due to the person named.
563 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food further to Parliamentary Question No. 212 of 12 November 2009, the status of an application (details supplied) in County Clare. [3524/10]
The Early Retirement Scheme application from the person-named could not be accepted for processing, as it did not satisfy all of the scheme conditions. The applicant was notified on 21 January 2010 of the reasons for the refusal of his application.
564 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of employees of Horse Sport Ireland in 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010. [3563/10]
Horse Sport Ireland is a private company limited by guarantee controlled and managed by it's own Board of Directors. The Deputy's query regarding the number of employees in Horse Sport Ireland is an operational matter for that organization, as a result the query should be addressed directly to Horse Sport Ireland.
565 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the public funding and the sources of the funding made to Horse Sport Ireland in 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010. [3564/10]
My Department provided €2,541,890 in 2008 and €2,007,759 in 2009 to Horse Sport Ireland to assist it in the development and promotion of an internationally competitive Irish sport horse (i.e. non-thoroughbred) industry through the breeding, sport, leisure and business sectors. No monies have been paid to Horse Sport Ireland in the year to date by my Department. Funding from my Department is intended for HSI breeding activities.
It is my understanding that Horse Sport Ireland also receives funding from the Irish Sports Council details of which can be obtained directly from that organisation.
566 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the amount of money awarded to primary and secondary processors and retailers under the pig meat recall scheme; the number of companies that benefited from this scheme; the amount each company received under this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3571/10]
To date, a total of €85m has been paid to qualifying applicants under the Scheme, €35m in 2008 and €50m in 2009/2010. Of this, €41m has been paid to 9 primary processors and €44m to 104 secondary processors. Payments are still continuing and it is not possible to provide a final list of all beneficiaries, or the total sums involved. However, a list of the applicants who have received payment to date is being supplied separately to the Deputy. No payments have been made to retailers under the Scheme.
567 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the action being taken to ensure a co-ordinated approach in animal health and welfare legislation between here and Northern Ireland during the preparation of the proposed animal health and welfare bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3573/10]
Mindful of the commitments to the development of an All-Island Animal Health and Welfare Strategy agreed under North South Ministerial Council arrangements, officials from both administrations are in ongoing contact on issues of mutual concern pertaining to animal health and welfare in both parts of the island including a co-ordinated approach to legislation appropriate to the area. Drafting of the Animal Health and Welfare Bill, which gives effect to commitments in the Programme for Government and the Renewed Programme for Government is ongoing in my Department and I intend to submit the proposed Heads of this Bill to the Government at an early date this year.
568 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a REP scheme four payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3584/10]
An issue has arisen during the processing of the REPS 4 application from the person named. Processing of the application cannot be completed until this has been resolved. My officials have been in contact with the person named.
569 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3593/10]
REPS 4 is a measure under the current Rural Development Programme 2007–13 and is subject to EU Regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications to be completed before the first payments issue. Payments in 2009 to those whose applications required no further examination following the administrative checks. However, queries arose on a significant number of applications, including that of the person named, in the course of the administrative checks. My Department is continuing to process the application to payment stage, including the application from the person named, with a view to payment as soon as possible and, in this context, will be in touch with the applicants where necessary, to resolve outstanding issues.
570 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food further to Parliamentary Question No. 1025 of 3 November 2009, the progress made to date in 2010 on the case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3604/10]
The person named in Parliamentary Question No 1025 of 3 November 2009 has been visited in 2010 by an Inspector from my Department and he has signed a document which will enable a purchase agreement and payment receivable order for the turbary plot to be drawn up. The Inspector will again be in contact with the person named in the next few days.
571 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to extend Animal Health Ireland to include sheep, pigs and poultry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3619/10]
Animal Health Ireland (AHI) is a private company limited by guarantee and is not a public body under my control. Accordingly it is not within my sole authority to extend its remit.
AHI has just completed its first year of operation and I expect the board of AHI to further develop its scope of operation in the control of non-regulated diseases in respect of bovine animals and in other species as resources allow.
572 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will sanction the payments of the 537, REP scheme four payments in County Donegal that are still outstanding from 2009; his views on whether farmers are already under financial strain due to the refraction of the farm waste management scheme in January 2009 and the reluctance of banks to supply farmers with agricultural credit for the purchase of store stock in autumn 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3620/10]
REPS 4 is a measure under the current Rural Development Programme 2007–13 and is subject to EU Regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications to be completed before the first payments issue. Payments issued in 2009 to those whose applications required no further examination following the administrative checks. However, queries arose on a significant number of applications, in the course of the administrative checks. My Department is continuing to process applications to payment stage, with a view to payment as soon as possible and, in this context, will be in touch with the applicants where necessary, to resolve outstanding issues.
Earlier this month, I authorised payments of a further €190 million in grants to farmers under the Farm Waste Management Scheme. This expenditure was in addition to the €49 million already paid out by this Department by way of the second tranche of grant-aid under the Scheme towards the end of 2009. Total Exchequer funding for the 34,000 participants for this scheme now exceeds €1 billion, which represents 90% of the total funding of the scheme.
I have made ongoing efforts to impress upon the banks the need to provide more assistance to their farmer clients at a difficult time, particularly having regard to low product prices last year. It is my intention to continue ongoing discussions with the Irish Bankers' Federation and the banks with regard to agri-sector issues including credit to farmers. This will represent a significant component of the ongoing Government objective to free up lending on a commercial basis into the economy as a whole.
It will also compliment the work of the Credit Supply Clearing Group, set up by the Tánaiste, to identify credit bottlenecks to viable businesses and to seek to identify credit supply solutions. This group includes representatives from the main banks, business interests, including the farming sector, and state agencies. These meetings provide the opportunity to impress upon the banks the short-term liquidity difficulties being experienced by the farming sector and, in particular, the need to extend normal working capital facilities to farmers.
573 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the final payment of REP scheme four will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; the reason for the delay in payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3627/10]
A 75% payment issued to the person named on 31 December 2009. The remaining 25% is currently being processed and will be issued shortly.
574 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the proportion of REP scheme four applicants who have received their full payment to date in 2010. [3721/10]
The first payments for the 2009 scheme year issued on 18 December 2009, and payments have continued to issue in the meantime. To date, 9,823 REPS 4 participants have been paid in full. A further 4,508 have received the first phase of 75% of their payments and are due to receive the balance shortly. Payments will issue this week to approximately 1,300 participants. My Department continues to process payments as a matter of priority with a view to completing all payments due as quickly as possible and, in this context, may be in contact directly with participants to resolve queries arising.
575 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when REP scheme payment will issue to a person (details supplied). [3725/10]
REPS 4 is a measure under the current Rural Development Programme 2007–13 and is subject to EU Regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications to be completed before the first payments issue. Payments have issued to those whose applications required no further examination following the administrative checks. However, queries arose in the course of those checks on a significant number of applications, including that of the person named. My Department is continuing to process such applications with a view to payment as soon as possible, and will be in touch with the applicants where necessary to resolve outstanding issues.
576 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the results of the assessments carried out on the problem of abandoned horses; the action he will take to assist the voluntary services cope with the increase in abandoned horses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3727/10]
It is clear from meetings held recently between officials of my Department and representatives of Animal Welfare Organisations, the Horse Industry and Local Authority Veterinary Inspectors that there is an increase in the number of reported horse welfare problems nationally including an increasing risk of abandonment of horses. My Department's legislative responsibility extends to farmed animals only and Veterinary Inspectors have assessed the situation and are satisfied that there is no widespread equine welfare issue on farms.
Local Authorities have extensive powers under the Control of Horses Act 1996. My Department provides annual funding in the region of €2m to assist them in their work in implementing the Act.
Through the auspices of the Farm Animal Welfare Advisory Council and particularly its Early Warning Intervention System, Department officials are working in close cooperation with the ISPCA to address and intervene in potential welfare situations before they become critical. Mindful of the valuable work being done by the welfare organisations and as a contribution towards the cost of their activities in the forthcoming year, I recently provided funding of €1.185 million to assist them in their work in 2010. I also urged those welfare organisations that have the capacity to deal with larger animals to consider placing greater resources in promoting horse welfare.
577 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the amount that has been made available under the emergency flood relief for farmers; the amount that has been drawn down by various organisations or bodies; the criteria governing the use of this funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2444/10]
Mindful of the hardship and distress caused by the recent widespread flooding, on 27 November 2007 I announced the introduction of the Fodder Aid Scheme, targeted directly at those farmers who encountered damage to fodder in the affected areas. While I was very anxious that the funding reach the affected farmers as quickly as possible, it was essential that farmers demonstrate that their fodder was damaged and to what extent. To this end, therefore, it was necessary that each claim be verified by an on-the-spot inspection. I had initially set the closing date for receipt of applications as 11 December, but subsequently extended it by one week. Immediately applications began to be received by my Department, the necessary inspections were begun, following which the applications were further processed for payment. I am pleased to say that payments commenced issuing on 18 December and, to date, payments worth €504,074 have issued to 237 applicants. Payments continue to issue as individual cases are confirmed eligible.
578 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Education and Science the cost to the Exchequer of abolishing third level tuition fees in respect of part-time courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2961/10]
There are currently some 21,000 part-time undergraduate students enrolled in the university and institute of technology sectors. It is not known how many of these students would qualify under any extension of the Free Fees Initiative as this would be determined by the eligibility criteria that would apply to such a scheme, including for example, residency, nationality, previous higher education attainment etc. The availability of free fees would also be likely to impact on future demand for access to higher education on a part-time basis. Accordingly, the Deputy will appreciate that any estimate of costs is very tentative depending on the range of variables referred to.
The annual revenue that is currently generated by part-time tuition fees amounts to some €40 million. In addition, taking into account the associated unit funding cost implications for colleges as well as the likely growth in numbers, it is tentatively estimated that such factors could bring costs up to €100 million per annum.
579 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Education and Science if the remuneration of a person (details supplied) in County Cork will be affected by measures introduced in budget 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3569/10]
For the purposes of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (No. 2) Act 2009, UCC is a public service body. A public servant is defined in the Act as a person who is employed by, or holds any office or other position in, a public service body. Consequently, employees of UCC are comprehended by the Act. Remuneration payable by or on behalf of a public service body to its employees, irrespective of funding source or employment status, falls to be reduced in accordance with the provisions of the Act.
In relation to the person referred to by the Deputy, the position is that as the person concerned is an employee of UCC the person's remuneration falls to be adjusted in accordance with the provisions of the Act.
580 Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in view of the fact that physical activity is part of the primary school syllabus, he is required to fund the cost of swimming classes in public swimming pools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2969/10]
My Department does not provide specific grants to primary schools to fund swimming classes.
I intend to streamline the different grant schemes that provide funding to primary and post-primary schools, both for ease of administration and to ensure that school management has greater autonomy over the funding provided.
Therefore, capitation funding provided for general running costs and funding provided for caretaking and secretarial services may be regarded as a common grant from which the Board of Management can allocate according to its own priorities. In due course, both grant schemes will be merged. In the interim, both grants will continue to be paid according to existing timelines and calculated separately as heretofore.
Primary schools may use this funding to support the implementation of the curriculum, including Physical Education.
581 Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has in place child protection guidelines for schools when they are required to use swimming pools and sports facilities changing rooms in public facilities; if not, his plans to bring in guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2970/10]
My Department's child protection guidelines for schools are based on Children First — the Department of Health & Children's national guidelines for the protection and welfare of children.
In accordance with a school's duty of care to its pupils, each school authority should have in place appropriate practices and procedures to ensure the safety and protection of its pupils in all aspects of its activities including during swimming and other sports activities.
The Deputy will be aware that, in anticipation of the review and recent updating of Children First, my Department wrote to all the education partners last Autumn inviting submissions from them on potential changes that might be desirable to the Department's existing child protection guidelines to schools. The education partners were also invited to participate in a working party to review the guidelines and the working party commenced its work before Christmas.
I have also recently re-iterated my view that ensuring that the Stay Safe Programme is implemented in all schools to ensure child safety is important and it for this reason that I have stated my intention to have it included as a mandatory requirement for all schools.
582 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will support a school (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [2974/10]
I understand that the school authority has been in telephone contact with the Building Unit of my Department concerning a problem with the water tanks. I understand that an application for emergency funding will be submitted in the near future. When this application is received it will be assessed without delay and the school authorities will be notified of the outcome.
583 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Education and Science when funding will be sanctioned for an extension to a school (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3035/10]
I can confirm that the school to which the Deputy refers has made an application to my Department for large scale capital funding for an extension and refurbishment project. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and assigned a band 2.1 rating.
Information in respect of the current school building programme along with all assessed applications for major capital works, including the project referred to by the Deputy, is now available on my Department's website at www.education.ie.
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.
584 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3059/10]
As the Deputy will be aware, officials in my Department met with the Trustees of the school to which he refers. The Trustees expressed some concern about the future of the school and it is my understanding that they are considering a number of options in this regard.
The Department understands that the Trustees have met with the Board of Management, staff and representatives of parents from the school to inform them of their concerns on its viability. Officials from my Department contacted the Trustees to clarify their intentions in December and are awaiting the outcome of their deliberations.
The Department's decision will be made in light of the decision of the Trustees and Board of Management on the school's future.
585 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding a building project at a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3060/10]
The Department is currently awaiting receipt of the Supplementary Tender Report from the school's Design Team. Assuming that there are no issues arising from that Report, the project will be authorised to proceed to the award of a contract.
586 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the teacher supply panel; if it is proposed to make any changes to this scheme; and the details of same. [3062/10]
The supply teacher scheme was initially set up at primary level over 15 years ago at a time when schools had difficulty getting substitute teachers. The supply scheme operates on the basis of an additional full-time teacher being allocated to a school to cover certified sick leave absences in that school and a cluster of neighbouring schools. If the teacher is not required on a given day to cover sick leave absences they generally assist with other work in their school such as administrative duties. There are 60 posts allocated to the scheme. A value for money review was published in July 2006. The review found that approximately 60% of these teachers' time was used to cover sick leave absences with the balance on various other school duties. This reflects the unpredictable nature of sick leave absences.
While there are benefits for schools in having these full-time teachers it is considered more cost effective to use the normal substitution arrangements that apply to all other schools to cover sick leave absences instead of having a cohort of full-time teachers "on call" all the time in these schools to cover sick leave absences that may or may not arise.
The supply teacher scheme will cease from the start of the 2010/11 school year. The teachers concerned will be redeployed in accordance with the existing redeployment arrangements to other schools that have vacancies.
587 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Education and Science the arrangements made to create an independent trust to support the needs of survivors of institutional abuse for general education and welfare purposes; the funds to be furnished by religious orders and congregations for such trust; if he will publish, in draft form, the documentation required for the establishment of such a trust; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3103/10]
588 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Education and Science the additional financial contributions to be made by religious orders and congregations to the redress board funds contributed to date in 2010 and which may be utilised in the future to make compensation payments to victims of institutional abuse; the proposals made by each religious order and congregation regarding both moneys and property by way of a further acknowledgement of their liability to the victims of institutional abuse. [3104/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 587 and 588 together.
The present position is that I have received individual responses from the 18 religious congregations that were party to the 2002 Indemnity Agreement, to the call for them to make further substantial contributions by way of reparation, following publication of the Ryan Report.
I will be bringing details of the congregations' offers of contributions, together with the report of the Panel appointed by the Government to assess the Statements of Resources submitted by the Religious Congregations, to the attention of the Government at the earliest opportunity. The arrangements for the publication of the Panel's Report and the offers of contributions from the religious congregations will be considered by the Government.
On the question of the uses to which the contributions will be put, the Deputy will be aware that in the meetings with former residents and the congregations, support was expressed for the proposal that the use of a further substantial contribution from the congregations should include a form of independent trust to be set up by the State which would be available to support the needs of survivors for general education and welfare purposes. The Government will consider the matter, in consultation with the representatives of the survivors and the congregations.
589 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will restore full-time provision of a special needs assistant to a person (details supplied) in County Louth; his views on the fact that they must contend with a substantial disability, thus making a full-time special needs assistant essential; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3135/10]
As the Deputy will be aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), for allocating resource teachers and special needs assistants to schools to support children with special needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support.
I have arranged for the details supplied to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.
All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie.
590 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if it is permissible for non-teaching staff like caretakers to be appointed to the board of management of a school by the patron in view of section 14 of the Education Act 1998; if only teachers can be appointed to be the staff representatives of boards of management; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3156/10]
In accordance with section 14 of the Education Act, it is the duty of a school patron, to appoint where practicable a board of management the composition of which is agreed between patrons of schools, national associations of parents, recognised school management organisations, recognised trade unions and staff associations representing teachers and the Minister.
Under the existing agreed arrangements, there are no provisions for the appointment of non-teaching staff representatives on Boards of Management.
591 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Education and Science the new capital projects associated with his Department gone to tender that will begin in 2010; the new capital projects gone to tender that were due to start in 2010 but are not now proceeding; the capital projects that are in the middle of construction at present; his views on the importance of such projects in getting capital flowing into banks and around the economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3164/10]
The Deputy will be aware that I previously announced 78 projects to progress to tender and construction and all these projects are proceeding. The current position of these projects is as follows:
10 projects have reached practical/substantial completion;
28 projects are under construction;
23 projects are at tender stage;
17 projects are at pre-tender stage.
I expect the 23 projects currently at tender stage to progress to construction in the first half of 2010. The 17 projects currently at pre-tender stage will proceed to tender and construction as soon as possible.
I am currently in the process of reviewing the school building and modernisation programme with my officials in the context of the funds available for 2010 and I will be making a further announcement on the programme when that review has been completed.
592 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 383 of 17 December 2009, the position regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3228/10]
As I stated in my reply to the Deputy in Question 326 on Wednesday 20 January 2010, dialogue with the Protestant community about issues of concern is ongoing.
The Deputy will be aware that I have repeatedly stated my, and the Government's, commitment to supporting Protestant education while at the same time ensuring that funding arrangements for schools under Protestant management are in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.
Indeed, it is in order to deal with the concerns expressed by some members of the Protestant community of the effect of changes to certain funding arrangements on Protestant second-level schools that I have sought to ensure the direct engagement with those involved in Protestant education in identifying and resolving issues collaboratively.
I have had meetings with a number of groups on this issue. On 21 October, I met with the Committee on Management for Protestant Schools. I extended an invitation to that committee to join a working group with my officials to identify particular measures to support the schools and consider options that might deal with their needs. Regrettably, the committee declined my invitation.
While that is the case, discussions have taken place between senior officials of my Department and representatives of the Church of Ireland Bishops. Discussions were held as recently as 13 January, and it is planned that those discussions will continue for the purpose of identifying a range of measures to address the needs of the schools.
I earnestly believe that it is through engagement between representatives from the Protestant education sector and my officials that solutions tailored to meet the concerns can be identified.
593 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 1262 of 16 September 2009 the status of this application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3238/10]
I can confirm that the school to which the Deputy refers has made an application to my Department for large scale capital funding. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and has been assigned a band rating of 3. There is no deficit of mainstream accommodation at the school and the application relates to ancillary accommodation/refurbishment.
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, is 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.
594 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of lease portacabins at schools in each of the counties of Cavan and Monaghan; the number of years the portacabins are leased by each school; the cost of same; his views on the fact that it would be more beneficial if long-term structures were put in place at a time when the building industry are prepared to work for lower prices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3249/10]
Details on prefab units for County Cavan and Monaghan are provided in the table below.
The overall policy goal is to ensure the highest standard of permanent accommodation for all schools. However, I'm sure the Deputy will appreciate that in the context of a rapidly increasing school population, the necessity to put additional accommodation in place in a short time-frame and competing pressure on the capital budget, it will continue to be necessary to use temporary accommodation to meet the needs of schools in certain circumstances. This is because competing priorities mean that it will not always be possible to have a permanent accommodation solution in place in a short time-frame. My Department will continue to provide funding for such prefabricated accommodation and the decision on whether to rent or purchase will depend on the likely length of time it will be required. In all cases, the approach will be to ensure best value for money.
The overall amount spent on the rental of temporary accommodation in 2008 was almost €53m. In 2009, expenditure on the rental of temporary accommodation fell significantly to €39m, a saving of €14m over 2008.
One change in policy that has been implemented is to grant aid the purchase (rather than rental) of temporary accommodation where the need for such accommodation is likely to exist for more than 3 years. Furthermore, since July 2008, it is my policy to offer schools being approved for grant aid for temporary accommodation the option to use their capital grant aid to build a permanent classroom(s) rather than purchase a prefab.
These policies will reduce the usage of temporary accommodation and, particularly, the incidence of long term rental of prefabs and have contributed to the saving of €14m on annual expenditure on rental of temporary accommodation in 2009 as compared to 2008.
In addition, my Department has engaged a specialist firm to develop new procedures and systems for the provision of temporary accommodation with a view to achieving best value for money. Work is well underway and the firm of specialists is working closely with officials in the Planning and Building Unit of my Department. The review incorporates the development of standard specifications for temporary accommodation, the development of new contractual terms to incorporate buy-out and relocation options to cater for individual local circumstances and appropriately protect the interests of the Department and school authorities.
Another strand of the review is negotiations with prefab suppliers to buy out existing rental contracts or reductions in annual rent, as appropriate. An initial group of 46 schools with rented prefabricated accommodation has been identified for priority negotiations with suppliers to buy out existing rental contracts.
A number of these prefabs have now been bought-out and negotiations are ongoing with a view to ending rental contracts for as many schools as possible in 2010.
In the meantime, schools proposing to rent temporary accommodation must seek competitive quotes from suppliers which should allow them to take advantage of competitive market prices.
|
Roll No. |
School Name |
Address |
Town/ Townland |
County |
Desc. of rental |
Annual Rent |
Start Date |
|
€ |
|||||||
|
08143P |
Scoil Mhuire |
Swanlinbar |
Cavan |
Pre-fab |
15,668.64 |
01/09/05 |
|
|
08453H |
Crubany NS |
Crubany |
Cavan |
Pre-fab |
16,426.79 |
01/09/06 |
|
|
08453H |
Crubany NS |
Crubany |
Cavan |
Pre-fab |
16,426.79 |
01/11/07 |
|
|
08490N |
St Clare’s PS |
Ardmhuire |
Cavan |
Pre-fab |
16,742.70 |
01/09/07 |
|
|
08490N |
St. Clare’s PS |
Ardmhuire |
Cavan |
Pre-fab |
16,742.70 |
01/09/07 |
|
|
08490N |
St. Clare’s PS |
Ardmhuire |
Cavan |
Pre-fab |
16,742.70 |
01/09/07 |
|
|
14732U |
Scoil Bhríde |
Mountnugent |
Cavan |
Pre-fab |
16,426.79 |
01/09/07 |
|
|
16057S |
Convent of Mercy NS |
Belturbet |
Cavan |
Pre-fab |
13,583.70 |
01/09/07 |
|
|
16057S |
Convent of Mercy NS |
Belturbet |
Cavan |
Pre-fab |
13,583.70 |
01/09/07 |
|
|
16083T |
St Mary’s NS |
Bailieboro Road |
Virginia |
Cavan |
Pre-fab |
12,000.00 |
01/09/07 |
|
16083T |
St Mary’s NS |
Bailieboro Road |
Virginia |
Cavan |
Pre-fab |
15,174.90 |
01/09/05 |
|
16083T |
St Mary’s NS |
Bailieboro Road |
Virginia |
Cavan |
Pre-fab |
2,831.40 |
01/09/05 |
|
16083T |
St Mary’s NS |
Bailieboro Road |
Virginia |
Cavan |
Pre-fab |
15,162.40 |
01/08/06 |
|
16083T |
St Mary’s NS |
Bailieboro Road |
Virginia |
Cavan |
Pre-fab |
4,422.60 |
01/09/06 |
|
16083T |
St Mary’s NS |
Bailieboro Road |
Virginia |
Cavan |
Pre-fab |
16,205.31 |
01/08/07 |
|
16083T |
St Mary’s NS |
Bailieboro Road |
Virginia |
Cavan |
Pre-fab |
9,088.33 |
01/08/07 |
|
16083T |
St Mary’s NS |
Bailieboro Road |
Virginia |
Cavan |
Pre-fab |
4,404.36 |
01/10/07 |
|
16959M |
Curravagh NS |
Curravagh |
Glangevlin |
Cavan |
Pre-fab |
2,727.48 |
01/09/01 |
|
17326B |
St Felim’s NS |
Farnham St |
Cavan |
Pre-fab |
12,004.20 |
17/11/04 |
|
|
17625L |
Knocktemple NS |
Virginia |
Virginia |
Cavan |
Pre-fab |
30,958.20 |
01/09/07 |
|
18857O |
Carrigabruise NS |
Cavan |
Pre-fab |
15,162.40 |
01/09/05 |
||
|
19608V |
St Kilian’s NS |
Mullagh |
Cavan |
Pre-fab |
15,479.10 |
01/09/02 |
|
|
19608V |
St Kilian’s NS |
Mullagh |
Cavan |
Pre-fab |
15,479.10 |
01/09/02 |
|
|
19608V |
St Kilian’s NS |
Mullagh |
Cavan |
Pre-fab |
15,479.10 |
01/09/02 |
|
|
19608V |
St Kilian’s NS |
Mullagh |
Cavan |
Pre-fab |
18,420.90 |
01/09/07 |
|
|
19608V |
St Kilian’s NS |
Mullagh |
Cavan |
Pre-fab |
18,420.90 |
01/09/07 |
|
|
19608V |
St Kilian’s NS |
Mullagh |
Cavan |
Pre-fab |
14,405.04 |
01/09/04 |
|
|
19608V |
St Kilian’s NS |
Mullagh |
Cavan |
Pre-fab |
5,172.90 |
01/09/07 |
|
|
19871N |
Scoil Naomh Padraig |
Killinagh |
Blackloin |
Cavan |
Pre-fab |
4,412.44 |
01/09/01 |
|
61051L |
St Clare’s College |
Ballyjamesduff |
Cavan |
Pre-fab |
16,584.75 |
01/09/07 |
|
|
61051L |
St Clare’s College |
Ballyjamesduff |
Cavan |
Pre-fab |
16,584.75 |
01/09/07 |
|
|
61051L |
St Clare’s College |
Ballyjamesduff |
Cavan |
Pre-fab |
16,584.75 |
01/09/07 |
|
|
61051L |
St Clare’s College |
Ballyjamesduff |
Cavan |
Pre-fab |
16,584.75 |
01/09/07 |
|
|
70390L |
Virginia College |
Keadue |
Cavan |
Pre-fab |
22,724.00 |
01/08/09 |
|
|
MONAGHAN |
|||||||
|
10429W |
Scoil Mhuire |
Rockcorry |
Monaghan |
Pre-fab |
15,795.00 |
01/09/06 |
|
|
15142E |
Donaghmoyne NS |
Donaghmoyne |
Carrickmacross |
Monaghan |
Pre-fab |
2,843.10 |
01/09/07 |
|
16769H |
Latnamard NS |
Latnamard |
Smithboro |
Monaghan |
Pre-fab |
17,374.50 |
01/09/07 |
|
16923O |
SN iorball Sionnaigh |
An Bhoth |
Monaghan |
Pre-fab |
12,320.00 |
01/09/05 |
|
|
16954C |
St Michaels NS |
Rackwallace |
Castlehare |
Monaghan |
Pre-fab |
5,686.20 |
01/08/06 |
|
17099Q |
St. Josephs NS |
Carrickmacross |
Monaghan |
Pre-fab |
18,006.30 |
01/04/08 |
|
|
17099Q |
St. Josephs NS |
Carrickmacross |
Monaghan |
Pre-fab |
0.00 |
01/04/08 |
|
|
17099Q |
St. Josephs NS |
Carrickmacross |
Monaghan |
Pre-fab |
0.00 |
01/04/08 |
|
|
17686I |
Scoil Mhuire BNS |
Carrick Rd |
Castleblaney |
Monaghan |
Pre-fab |
20,106.52 |
03/09/07 |
|
17686I |
Scoil Mhuire BNS |
Carrick Rd |
Castleblaney |
Monaghan |
Pre-fab |
14,010.68 |
03/09/07 |
|
18028V |
Scoil Naomh Padraig |
Corracra |
Enquale |
Monaghan |
Pre-fab |
12,636.00 |
01/08/05 |
|
19162H |
St Mary’s NS |
Threemilehouse |
Monaghan |
Pre-fab |
28,431.00 |
27/04/09 |
|
|
19736H |
Scoil Phadraig |
Corduff |
Carrick-macross |
Monaghan |
Pre-fab |
5,685.76 |
26/11/07 |
|
19936P |
Gaelscoil Ultain |
An Cnoc |
Monaghan |
Pre-fab |
14,847.30 |
28/08/06 |
|
|
72170H |
Ballybay Community School |
Ballybay |
Monaghan |
Pre-fab |
13,899.60 |
01/09/08 |
|
|
72170H |
Ballybay Community School |
Ballybay |
Monaghan |
Pre-fab |
13,899.60 |
01/09/08 |
|
|
72170H |
Ballybay Community School |
Ballybay |
Monaghan |
Pre-fab |
13,899.60 |
01/09/08 |
|
|
72170H |
Ballybay Community School |
Ballybay |
Monaghan |
Pre-fab |
13,899.60 |
01/09/08 |
595 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the funding that has been made available for 2010 in respect of the construction of schools at Tyrellstown, Dublin 15; when the relevant school sites will be acquired; when these school projects will come on stream; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3274/10]
The Local Authority recently advised my officials that the negotiations with a land owner have concluded and they are now exchanging contracts to complete the sale of a site. My Department, as sought by the Local Authority, has arranged to provide the funding to the Council to enable the transaction to be concluded.
The Department has already commenced preliminary work on master-planning the site and other associated work and a building project will be progressed to deliver school accommodation for Tyrellstown as soon as possible.
596 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the funding that has been made available for 2010 in respect of the construction of schools at Kellystown, Dublin 15; when the relevant school sites will be acquired; when these school projects will come on stream; if a school (details supplied) will open at the new site in Kellystown in September 2010; if not the alternative target date. [3275/10]
597 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the funding allocated for the construction of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15 for the years 2010, 2011 and 2012; when a contract will be signed for the acquisition of the site; when a planning application will be submitted; when construction will commence; when the school will be ready to open; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3276/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 596 and 597 together.
Fingal County Council has recently advised my Department that negotiations are continuing in relation to a site for the school referred to by the Deputy. The matter of submitting a planning application will be dependent on the successful completion of the site acquisition by the Local Authority. As the Deputy will appreciate, due to commercial sensitivities relating to site acquisition, I am not in a position to comment further at this time.
When the site has been acquired the progression of the building project on the site will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
598 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding a school building (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; if he will expedite a decision to allow the project to move to the next stage in view of the co-operation of the two religious orders to make land available and the need to provide modern accommodation for the amalgamated schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3283/10]
The proposed project for the school to which the Deputy refers has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and assigned 1.4 rating.
Information in respect of the current school building programme along with all assessed applications for major capital works, including the project referred to by the Deputy, is now available on my Department's website at www.education.ie.
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.
599 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of students in County Donegal who received financial assistance from the millennium partnership fund in the most recent year for which figures are available. [3288/10]
600 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of students on a county basis who received financial assistance from the millennium partnership fund in the most recent year where figures are available. [3289/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 599 and 600 together.
The total number of students who have received financial assistance from the Millennium Partnership Fund, by county, in the academic year 2008-2009 is set out below.
|
County |
Yearly Totals |
|
Carlow |
43 |
|
Cavan |
49 |
|
Clare |
26 |
|
Cork |
368 |
|
Donegal |
162 |
|
Dublin |
1,419 |
|
Galway |
136 |
|
Kerry |
138 |
|
Kildare |
77 |
|
Kilkenny |
19 |
|
Laois |
66 |
|
Leitrim |
60 |
|
Limerick |
175 |
|
Longford |
38 |
|
Louth |
131 |
|
Mayo |
62 |
|
Meath |
11 |
|
Monaghan |
117 |
|
Tipperary |
42 |
|
Offaly |
82 |
|
Roscommon |
106 |
|
Sligo |
40 |
|
Waterford |
66 |
|
Westmeath |
50 |
|
Wexford |
80 |
|
Wicklow |
141 |
601 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of students in County Donegal who were eligible for the student maintenance grant in 2008. [3290/10]
602 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of students on a county basis who were eligible for the student maintenance grant in 2008. [3291/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 601 and 602 together.
The information requested by the Deputy is set out below, on a county basis, and has been supplied to my Department by the local authorities and the Vocational Education Committees.
|
County |
Number of Students |
|
Carlow |
815 |
|
Cavan |
985 |
|
Clare |
1,596 |
|
Cork |
4,982 |
|
Donegal |
1,967 |
|
Dublin |
8,404 |
|
Galway |
3,390 |
|
Kerry |
2,306 |
|
Kildare |
1,534 |
|
Kilkenny |
1,354 |
|
Laois |
848 |
|
Leitrim |
524 |
|
Limerick |
2,205 |
|
Longford |
542 |
|
Louth |
1,170 |
|
Mayo |
2,221 |
|
Meath |
1,280 |
|
Monaghan |
976 |
|
Offaly |
818 |
|
Roscommon |
981 |
|
Sligo |
958 |
|
Tipperary |
1,804 |
|
Waterford |
1,281 |
|
Westmeath |
899 |
|
Wexford |
1,587 |
|
Wicklow |
953 |
|
TLT Scheme * |
10,881 |
|
Total |
57,261 |
*Breakdown on a county basis not available for students in receipt of the TLT Maintenance Grant as students are paid by the Institutes of Technology directly.
603 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of persons in training and education in Youthreach and vocational training opportunities schemes in County Donegal. [3292/10]
604 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of persons in training and education in Youthreach and vocational training opportunities schemes on a county basis. [3293/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 603 and 604 together.
The information requested by the Deputy is included in the table below, which shows the number of Youthreach and Vocational Training Opportunity Scheme (VTOS) places approved for 2009/2010, broken down by county.
|
County |
Youthreach |
VTOS |
|
Carlow |
25 |
75 |
|
Cavan |
105 |
40 |
|
Clare |
85 |
160 |
|
Cork |
402 |
550 |
|
Donegal |
160 |
180 |
|
Dublin |
981 |
1,860 |
|
Galway |
189 |
320 |
|
Kerry |
120 |
175 |
|
Kildare |
85 |
270 |
|
Kilkenny |
25 |
120 |
|
Laois |
50 |
100 |
|
Leitrim |
0 |
48 |
|
Limerick |
190 |
275 |
|
Longford |
55 |
40 |
|
Louth |
90 |
110 |
|
Mayo |
110 |
160 |
|
Meath |
185 |
70 |
|
Monaghan |
70 |
40 |
|
Offaly |
70 |
80 |
|
Roscommon |
70 |
90 |
|
Sligo |
40 |
60 |
|
Tipperary |
95 |
190 |
|
Waterford |
120 |
300 |
|
Westmeath |
50 |
100 |
|
Wexford |
125 |
220 |
|
Wicklow |
175 |
300 |
605 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools at the various stages of architectural planning in December 2008. [3307/10]
606 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools at the various stages of architectural planning as and from December 2009. [3308/10]
607 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools completed from December 2008 to date in 2010. [3309/10]
608 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools that proceeded to construction from December 2008 to date in 2010. [3310/10]
609 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools that have entered into the various stages of architectural planning from December 2008 to date in 2010. [3311/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 605 to 609, inclusive, together.
At the end of 2008 there were 247 major capital projects in architectural planning up to and including stage four (in construction). Currently there are 226 major capital projects in architectural planning up to and including stage four. There were 33 major school projects completed since December 2008. There were 39 major projects which commenced construction since December 2008. There were 14 major projects which entered architectural planning since December 2008.
Information in respect of projects in architectural planning is available on my Department's website and will be updated periodically as the projects, including those announced by me since September 2008, enter and progress through architectural planning.
610 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if and when the Primrose Gate estate entrance of a school (details supplied) in County Kildare will be opened, in view of the increased concerns of parents of children attending same, as the other entrance at the GAA pitch is on the main road with no pedestrian lights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3324/10]
The opening of the pedestrian entrance for access to the school in question is being addressed at local level. I understand that there are insurance issues which have to be resolved before the pedestrian access will be permitted by the landowners and that discussions on the matter are ongoing.
611 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will provide funding under the summer works scheme to a school (details supplied) in County Kerry to carry out extensive emergency works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3484/10]
I can confirm that an application under the Summer Works Scheme 2010 has been received from the School to which the Deputy refers.
Following an assessment process, projects will be selected for funding from all valid and approved applications on a top down basis in accordance with the prioritisation criteria published with the Scheme.
The timetable for the Summer Works Scheme 2010 has been published as part of the governing Circular Letter for the Scheme. This Circular Letter (0057/2009) is available on the Department's website, www.education.ie. In accordance with the timetable, it is my intention to publish a list of successful SWS applicants in the spring.
612 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on the fact that only 73% of second level teachers here are in permanent teaching posts, which is in contrast with most other European countries; if he will alter this situation in the interest of the delivery of the highest quality of education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3495/10]
The number of permanent teaching posts available in second-level schools at any one time is determined in accordance with the agreed criteria relating to the application of the pupil teacher ratio. It is a matter for each school authority, as employer, to determine whether any particular post when vacated may be filled on a permanent basis.
When deciding on the number of teaching posts, if any, which may be filled in a permanent capacity in a particular school year, the school authorities must take account of the approved teacher allocation for the school for that year, the number of permanent teachers currently employed, including those on approved leave, the overall limits as to the level of permanency as agreed from time to time and the need for flexibility to cater for the needs of all of the pupils attending the school. The assignment of teachers to individual classes within the overall approved allocation is a matter for the authorities of the school concerned.
Teachers who are on approved leave (e.g. career break, secondment, study leave, sick leave, maternity leave) or in job-sharing arrangements are entitled to return to their full-time teaching positions at the end of their period of approved leave/job-sharing. Replacement teachers may be appointed but, because of the permanent teachers' right to return to their posts, the replacement teachers may only be appointed in a temporary capacity.
613 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will report on the number of special needs assistants employed in schools in County Clare as of 31 December 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3497/10]
There were 261 Special Needs Assistants (whole time equivalents) employed in County Clare on 31 December 2009 and paid on payrolls operated by my Department. Two hundred and twenty were serving in primary schools and forty one were serving in secondary and community/comprehensive schools. The Deputy should contact Co. Clare Vocational Education Committee in relation to the number of special needs assistants employed by them.
As the Deputy will be aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), for allocating Special Needs Assistants to primary and post primary schools to support children with special educational needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support.
614 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will report on the review being undertaken in schools regarding the provision of special needs assistants; the number of assessments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3498/10]
The Deputy will be aware that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through its network of Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), is at present carrying out a review of Special Needs Assistant (SNA) allocations in all schools with a view to ensuring that the criteria governing the allocation of such posts, as outlined in my Department's Circular 07/02, are properly met. This is an exercise in identifying surplus posts which are in the system and which do not meet the current criteria — posts that have been retained when a pupil's care needs have diminished or where the pupil has left.
SENOs are communicating the outcome of the review directly to schools as the review progresses. The allocation for any school and any adjustments to that allocation depends on a number of factors such as the number of pupils with care/medical needs leaving, the number of new pupils, the changing needs of the pupils and any surplus identified. It is expected that the NCSE will have completed the review by the end of March 2010.
I wish to assure the Deputy that the SNA support will continue to be made available to schools which have enrolled pupils who qualify for such support.
615 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Education and Science the stage of development of a proposed new school in Kilfinane, County Limerick. [3521/10]
The Department is currently awaiting receipt of the Supplementary Tender Report from the school's Design Team. Assuming that there are no issues arising from that Report, the project will be authorised to proceed to the award of a contract.
616 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will support a project (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [3523/10]
622 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the public concern regarding the implications of the €1.2 million cuts in projects in local drugs task force areas in Dublin City and county; his views on whether such a cut would be short sighted in view of the preventative nature of these projects; if this funding will be reinstated in order that these projects, which have already been evaluated, will continue to provide essential supports to at risk young persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3661/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 616 and 622 together.
My Department provides funding for thirty eight projects in Local Drugs Task Force areas, including the project specifically referred to by Deputy McGrath. These projects, through a variety of programmes and activities, seek, in the main, to encourage young people not to engage in drug-taking. My Department originally took on responsibility for funding these projects through a mainstreaming process, whereby projects on interim funding were assigned to a number of departments and State agencies. Thirty five of the projects are administered by the three VECs in Dublin City, Dublin County and in Dún Laoghaire, while the remaining three projects are funded directly by my Department. The allocation for the 38 projects over the past three years were as follows:
2007 — €3,621,000;
2008 — €3,715,000;
2009 — €3,643,000.
Arising from Budget 2010, it was decided that funding for these projects was to be reduced to €2,461,000 in 2010. My Department is currently reviewing the implications of this decision for the individual projects concerned.
617 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding a school (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3544/10]
I assume that the Deputy is referring to special needs assistant (SNA) support in the school in question. My Department does not fund classroom assistant posts. As the Deputy will be aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), for allocating resource teachers and SNAs to schools to support children with special educational needs. SNAs are sanctioned to schools to enable them support the care needs of pupils with disabilities. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie. I have arranged for the information provided by the Deputy to be forwarded to the NCSE for its direct reply.
618 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Education and Science when a permanent building will be provided to a national school (details supplied) in County Kilkenny to replace the temporary classrooms. [3556/10]
I can confirm that the school to which the Deputy refers has made an application to my Department for large scale capital funding for an extension and refurbishment project. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and assigned a band 2.1 rating. Information in respect of the current school building programme along with all assessed applications for major capital works, including the project referred to by the Deputy, is now available on my Department's website at www.education.ie. 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.
619 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science if a person (details supplied) in County Dublin is entitled to financial assistance from his Department in respect of their child to enable them to travel to and from school from their home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3570/10]
The family of the pupil referred to by the Deputy in the details supplied has and continues to be in receipt of a grant towards the cost of private transport arrangements from their home to the school concerned.
620 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Education and Science when a person (details supplied) in County Longford will be awarded their maintenance grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3630/10]
The Third Level Maintenance Grant Schemes are administered by the Local Authorities and Vocational Education Committees' on behalf of my Department. The arrangement for the payment of grants and refunds of student service charges under the grant schemes are a matter for the administering authorities. Officials in Longford Vocational Education Committee have confirmed that the candidate referred to by the Deputy was awarded a full rate of maintenance grant on 2nd December 2009 and was paid all arrears by the relevant college on 7th January 2010.
621 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science if funding is available to schools for repairs caused by flooding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3649/10]
Emergency works grants are made available to those schools most in need of resources as a result of unforeseen emergencies of a capital nature that may arise during the school year. Primary, Secondary and VEC schools which have suffered damage due to flooding during the recent inclement weather should, in the first instance, contact their insurance companies. Community and Comprensive schools should contact the Building Unit of my Department.
623 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science his plans to open a new school at a location (details supplied) in County Galway in September 2020; and if the patronage of this school has been determined. [3715/10]
The Forward Planning Section of my Department has carried out a study of the country to identify the areas where, due to demographic changes, there may be a requirement for significant additional school provision at both primary and post-primary levels over the coming years. This study has been conducted using data from the Central Statistics Office, the General Register Office and the Department of Social & Family Affairs in addition to recent schools' enrolment data. The study indicates that the requirement for additional primary provision in years 2010, 2011 and 2012 is likely to be greatest in more than 40 selected locations across the country based on significant changes to the demographics of those areas. Following from this detailed analysis it appears prudent to plan for the establishment of new schools to commence operation in September 2010 to meet increasing demand in up to nine identified areas. The area referred to by the Deputy has been identified as one of these areas.
This information has been circulated to all existing school Patrons who have been invited to bring forward proposals for the expansion of existing schools or indeed to put themselves forward as Patron for any new primary school, should it be required.
The requirement for the establishment of new schools will of course be lessened where it is possible to expand and extend existing schools in those areas. The progression of all large scale building projects will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
624 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the name, address and roll number of each primary and second level building project that will be funded through the carryover of capital expenditure commitments from 2009; the allocation to each project and a brief description of each project; the name, address and roll number of all the primary and second level building projects which will be funded from the 2010 allocation; the allocation to each project for such new 2010 expenditure; if he will provide a brief description of each such project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3722/10]
As you are aware, a total of €79m of my Department's capital budget in 2009 is being carried forward to 2010. Of the total amount, €72m is being allocated to primary schools' capital and the remainder of €7m to my Department's Information & Communications Technology Policy area towards payment of capital grants to schools as I announced towards the end of last year. The €72m additional funding in primary schools' capital will primarily be used to cover expenditure on 57 primary school projects, as detailed in my response to you of 19th January 2010. In addition, the 21 post-primary school building projects, arising from my announcements last year, will be progressed to completion as soon as possible. I am currently in the process of reviewing the school building and modernisation programme with my officials in the context of the funds available for 2010 and I will be making a further announcement on the programme when that review has been completed.
625 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the name and address of each capital building project to be built under the 2010 third level capital allocation following budget 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3723/10]
The allocation for higher education capital in 2010 is €141m The allocation will allow me to continue the programme of investment in upgrading and modernising undergraduate facilities at institutes of technology, universities and other colleges around the country. €46m of this allocation will be specifically targeted at research. In terms of mainstream projects my Department currently has exchequer funding committed to a number of large scale capital projects under construction. In addition, a number of major projects are at design stage and are expected to go to construction during 2010 subject to available resources. I am currently working with my officials to finalise the construction programme for 2010.
626 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science his plans to appoint parents of children with special needs to the National Council for Special Education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3813/10]
As the Deputy is aware the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) was established under the Education of Persons with Special Educational Needs (EPSEN) Act, 2004 to improve the delivery of education services to persons with special educational needs arising from disabilities with particular emphasis on children. Section 21 of the EPSEN Act sets out the process required to be followed before making appointments to the NCSE Council. Before making appointments, I engaged in a consultative process with a broad range of bodies.
In December 2009, after following the aforementioned process required under the Act, I appointed 11 of the 13 NCSE Council members for the 2010-2012 term of office. Each of the appointees has a special interest in, or knowledge relating to, the education of children with special educational needs. The two remaining members will be appointed from nominees of the National Disability Authority.
627 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the summer works scheme for 2010; and the cuts under the budget 2010. [3818/10]
Over 2,300 schools submitted applications by the closing date on 27 November 2009 in respect of the Summer Works Scheme 2010. Following an assessment process which is currently underway, projects will be selected for funding from all valid and approved applications on a top down basis in accordance with the prioritisation criteria published with the Scheme. When the assessment process is completed I shall be in a position to announce the successful applicant schools under the Summer Works Scheme 2010. The total funding available for the school capital programme 2010 is €579m and this will allow my Department to deliver a similar sized programme of large and small scale building projects in primary and post-primary schools as was provided in 2009. It is not expected that the Summer Works Scheme 2010 will differ significantly in scale from the Scheme delivered in 2009.
628 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science if all schools throughout the country, including DEIS banded schools, are subject to water charges; and if it is his policy to only allow schools in non-rented accommodation access to water saving measures under the summer works scheme. [3819/10]
Since 1 January 2010, all schools, including those within the DEIS programme, are liable for full metered water charges. In order to avoid substantial increases in their water charges, it is essential that schools put in place water conservation measures. Actions that schools can take in this regard were included in Circular 46/2008, issued by my Department in April 2008. Schools were advised to develop a water management plan, in order that they be familiar with the water distribution systems serving the school and the areas where water is used along with potential areas for wastage and leakage. Practical suggestions for reducing water consumption, along with examples of best practice, were also included. However, as advised to schools in Circular 64/2009, data from local authorities indicates that water consumption levels in many schools remains too high. Schools are urged to reduce water consumption to a recommended per capita usage of 2.1 cubic metres.
Under the terms and conditions of the Summer Works Scheme 2010, it is open to all schools with permanent recognition to apply for water conservation measures, including those with prefabricated buildings, whether owned or rented by a school.
The exception to this provision concerns schools that are occupying rented buildings from a private landlord. Schools occupying such buildings should contact their landlord to explore the possibility of having water conservation measures implemented by the landlord. The full terms and conditions of the Summer Works Scheme are contained in Circular letter 0057/2009, which is published on my Department's website: www.education.ie.
629 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding a school (details supplied) in Dublin 11; if he intends to purchase a property in acknowledgement of the development and growth of this school. [3820/10]
I wish to advise the Deputy the acquistion of the site will be considered in the context of the capital budget available to the Department for school buildings generally.
