Vol. 705 No. 2
69 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 75 of 10 February 2010, if he will provide details of the employment packages and benefits provided to the chief executives of agencies under his aegis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12896/10]
In my response to Question number 75 of 10th February, I indicated that I had asked my Department to provide the information in tabular form. I understand that this has since been provided to Deputy O'Dowd and I have asked that the information be also provided to Deputy Reilly.
In the case of commercial State bodies, the salary scales of chief executives are reviewed from time to time by the Minister for Finance and based on comparisons with posts in the private sector.
Salary ranges recommended through this system — known as the "Hay Rates" — were last approved by Government in 2007, with a further general sanction by the Department of Finance for revised pay ranges with effect from 1st September 2008.
In some cases, chief executives are on non-Hay rates. These are primarily cases where chief executives had already been on salaries higher than the Hay rates and opted not to move to a Hay contract.
Chief Executives of non-commercial State companies and agencies come within the remit of the Review Body on Higher Remuneration and have been subject to the salary reductions provided for in the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (No.2) Act 2009.
The Minister for Finance has indicated his concerns about top-level pay across the economy and has moved already in addressing this in the non-commercial sector. He has also confirmed that he will carry out a review of the pay of chief executives of the commercial State companies, including the transport companies. I understand the review is currently under consideration.
70 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Transport if he will amend the Roads Act 2003 to compel the National Roads Authority to seek toll decreases in line with the consumer price index on roads controlled by private investors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12846/10]
The statutory power to levy tolls on national roads, to make toll bye-laws and to enter into toll agreements with private investors in respect of national roads is vested in the National Roads Authority under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended).
I do not propose to amend the Roads Acts on the lines suggested by the Deputy as it would involve an inappropriate interference with contractually binding agreements entered into with private investors.
71 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Transport his views on rural transport provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12849/10]
The provision for the rural Transport Programme in 2010 is being maintained at €11m, reflecting the Government's continued commitment to the programme, which plays an important role in combating social exclusion in rural Ireland.
The development of rural transport is also a key objective in the Government's sustainable travel and transport plan, "Smarter Travel — A Sustainable Transport Future" and in my Department's Sectoral Plan under the Disability Act 2005.
On rural transport generally, I have made the point in the House previously that it is important that existing resources in this area are utilised as cost-effectively as possible. In that context a number of initiatives are currently underway in the country exploring the potential for improved synergies between existing transport providers, which include the Health Service Executive for health transport, the Department of Education and Science for school transport, Bus Éireann, Pobal for Rural Transport Programme services and other transport providers, such as the Irish Wheelchair Association.
These initiatives involve pilot transport projects in the North East and North West, an exercise to map all transport services in County Louth and a cross-border pilot rural community transport project under the auspices of the British/Irish Council. The outcome of these initiatives, as well as recent reports from the Citizens Information Board and the Joint Committee on Arts Sport, Tourism, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs on the matter, will feed into the process for developing rural transport policy into the future.
The Public Transport Regulation Act 2009 introduces a modern framework for public transport services, including rural public transport services.
72 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Transport the reason he has decided to downgrade Waterford search and rescue helicopter services to a 12 hour service; the impact this will have in an emergency situation; the savings that are being made from this; if he will provide details of the new contract for 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12883/10]
97 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Transport if he will review his plans to downgrade the coast guard and marine search and rescue helicopter service for the south east region; the examination that has been carried out on the safety implications for the entire south east coast if his plans to downgrade this critical service go ahead; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12791/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 72 and 97 together.
There has been much ill informed comment about the proposed new SAR contract. Because we are in the "standstill" period of the procurement process and about to commence contract negotiations I am somewhat constrained by what I can say.
However I can make the following points in response to some comments made.
1. The new contract has been presented as a "cutback" in services; nothing could be further from the truth. The new contract will cost significantly more on an annual basis than the current contract because of the improved services to be provided.
2. The Government has just approved a massive half a billion euro investment in maritime search and rescue capability on the island. The proposed contract represents a dramatic increase in funding for SAR helicopter services in Ireland from approximately €30 million to €50 million per annum. This is an increase, in difficult circumstances, of €20 million a year in this service alone.
The new contract represents a stepped improvement in the capacity, range, speed and capability of Ireland's SAR service.
73 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport the amount spent by his Department in the tendering process for terminal two at Dublin Airport which has now been abandoned; when the tendering process began; if the Department’s tender document recognised the scale of the project; the plans he has now for the terminal two building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12886/10]
The consultants appointed by my Department to advise and organise a procurement process relating to the operation of Terminal 2 at Dublin Airport have undertaken their work in two phases. In the 1st phase, the consultants reported on the design and organisation of a procurement process. Having accepted the 1st Phase report, I retained the consultants to organise and run the procurement process. To date the consultants have been paid €699,219.63 (excluding VAT) for work on the 1st and 2nd phases.
The consultants started the formal procurement process in July 2009. The pre-qualification documentation published by the consultants as part of that process set out the proposed scope of the project.
Following the decision to terminate the facilities management procurement process relating to Terminal 2 at Dublin Airport, I announced, on the 10th March, that I was mandating the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) to operate Terminal 2, while requiring it to demonstrate that it can do so within a benchmark set by the Commission for Aviation Regulation (CAR).
In this context the Determination on Dublin Airport Charges for 2010-2014 made by the Commission for Aviation (CAR) in December last year, has set very specific and stringent operating cost targets for operating an efficient Terminal 2.
I have asked DAA to report back to me within three months on DAA's capacity to operate Terminal 2 satisfactorily with effect from November 2010.
74 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on the new mutual recognition of disqualified drivers that is now in operation between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland; if he will give a progress report on the moves towards mutual recognition of penalty points between Ireland and the UK; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12796/10]
Bilateral arrangements between the UK and Ireland, under Article 15.4 of the 1998 EU Convention on driving disqualifications, came into operation on 28th January 2010.
As the system only came into effect less than two months ago, it would be somewhat premature to consider reporting on its operation at this time.
Unlike driving disqualifications, there is no agreed international framework dealing with the recognition of penalty points for driving offences and a very significant volume of work needs to be done, including the provision of an appropriate framework of law and international agreement.
My officials will continue to work with the relevant authorities in the UK towards the longer term objective of the Mutual Recognition of Penalty Points.
75 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Transport his views on the restructuring plans of Aer Lingus; the discussions he has had with the board on its proposed job cuts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12871/10]
The Government is satisfied, from all of the information available to it, that a major restructuring of the Group's cost base is essential if Aer Lingus is to return to profitability and growth. The cost base of Aer Lingus is seriously out of line with that of its competitors. The Government want to see a strong viable Aer Lingus in the future.
The cornerstones of Government aviation policy are competitiveness and connectivity and a viable Aer Lingus is key to ensuring the achievement of these objectives.
The implementation of the restructuring plan is a commercial matter for the Board and management of Aer Lingus to address. I have no function in this regard.
77 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Transport if he has been briefed by Bus Éireann on the second round of cutbacks to services and routes that will be implemented from 28 March 2010; his views on the impact of a further reduction of public bus services around the country especially on low income communities and senior citizens; the level of funding that he believes should be allocated to Bus Éireann in 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12770/10]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Questions 78, 86 and 119 on 10 February, which sets out the position relating to Bus Eireann's service changes as part of its cost recovery plan. The level of Exchequer funding support for CIE's public service obligation transport services, including Bus Éireann's services, in 2011 will be determined in the context of the budgetary process for 2011.
78 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Transport the action he plans to take to address the abuse of the penalty points system by those not holding an Irish or UK driving licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12492/10]
The Road Traffic Bill 2009, which is currently before the Dáil for Second Stage consideration, amends driving licence provisions to ensure that penalty points and disqualifications can be applied to non-national driving licences and to give the Gardaí powers to seize a licence where the driver has been disqualified or where the licence has been fraudulently obtained or is forged or altered.
80 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Transport if he is undertaking a further review of the governance structures at a company (details supplied); if he has been briefed by this company in this regard; if he has liaised with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12792/10]
I have responded to priority questions relating to the corporate governance of Shannon Foynes Port Company in the House on 9 December and 9 February last.
My Department carried out a review of corporate governance arrangements in all State bodies under its aegis in 2008. As a result of this I wrote to these bodies, including Shannon Foynes Port Company, outlining new procedures for the monitoring of corporate governance.
The new procedures include more detailed reporting requirements and annual formal meetings with the management and boards of these bodies.
My Department continues to monitor Shannon Foynes Port Company's compliance with corporate governance requirements in accordance with these new procedures.
In 2008, a new chairperson and board were appointed to the company to provide renewed leadership and strategic direction to the company. The chairperson's annual report to the Minister in respect of 2009 will be submitted shortly.
As stated previously, any correspondence relating to Shannon Foynes Port Company alleging inappropriate corporate behaviour has been brought to the attention of An Garda Síochána and the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement.
81 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide a detailed assessment of the €180 million cost for repairing damage caused by recent weather conditions as estimated by county councils; the cost involved for each county council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12863/10]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Priority Question 63, answered today.
82 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport his preferred options for the future development of air transport with particular reference to Dublin Airport; the extent to which he sees airlines (details supplied) and or other carriers operating through the airport; if he perceives a dominant role for any one carrier; the role he sees for the Dublin Airport Authority and the extent to which the DAA will accommodate these airlines and or other carriers at the airport; the extent to which he envisages air transport policy to be determined by his Department, the DAA, various carriers or otherwise; his plans for the future development of air passenger transport between here and other European capitals and worldwide; the extent to which it is intended to provide aircraft servicing and maintenance at Dublin Airport in the future; if he regards such service as essential in similar geographic situations to those prevailing at Dublin Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12925/10]
The whole trust of our aviation policy is based on promoting maximum competitiveness and connectivity. We do this by promoting regular, safe cost effective and competitive air services linking the country with key business and tourism markets. I do not perceive that a dominant role for any one carrier would be consistent with this policy as it would militate against competitiveness.
Development of air services through our airports will be primarily influenced by airlines' perception of market potential and the attractiveness and the competitiveness of the services on offer at our airports. Commercial decisions on specific air services to and from our airports are essentially a matter for airlines. A key objective of airports policy is to ensure that the three State Airports have sufficient capacity to provide vital international access and to respond to a competitive airline sector. Dublin Airport is our major airport and offers a wide range of shorthaul and longhaul services to locations that are important to our trade and tourism development. As an economically regulated Airport, DAA's role is to manage Dublin Airport efficiently and cost effectively and to undertake necessary investment for the future. DAA's current €1.2 billion investment programme will strengthen the capacity of the Airport to serve the needs of existing and future airline users.
While decisions about aircraft servicing at Dublin Airport are mainly a matter for the airlines and enterprises involved, I can assure the Deputy that State Agencies and relevant Government Departments recognise and support the job creation potential of such activities. I would refer the Deputy to the DAA Statement of the 24th February to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport which sets out in detail its position on the use of hangars at Dublin Airport.
83 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Transport when he will push the revised traffic signs manual; the reason there is such a delay in publishing this updated manual which had publication deadline of the third quarter of 2006 and for which the National Roads Authority was awarded a contract for publication in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12782/10]
Work on the comprehensive review and updating of the Traffic Signs Manual is continuing. This work involves a number of working groups deliberating under the guidance of my Department and the NRA and with the assistance of consultants. I understand that the content of the revised Manual is expected to be finalised during the second quarter of this year.
Amendments to the Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations and the Road Traffic (Signs) Regulations will be required to underpin new provisions in the revised Manual and publication is not envisaged until the secondary legislation is completed.
84 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Transport if he will list the bodies under the aegis of his Department for which freedom of information legislation does not apply; when he expects the legislation will be extended to include these agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12900/10]
The information requested cannot be provided at this time due to Industrial Action.
85 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Transport the support his Department has provided to the new Cork Swansea passenger ferry service; the steps that he is taking to enhance national marine connectivity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12794/10]
The Irish market for shipping services is highly competitive and provides a diverse range of maritime links into and out of the State. This is vital to facilitate trade and tourism.
As for any new venture, a range of supports is available from various State agencies for the new Cork Swansea service.
Two bodies under my own Department, the Port of Cork Company and the Irish Maritime Development Office, have provided technical and marketing advice to the new venture.
I should emphasise that my Department has no function in, or finance for, the provision of ferries on this or any other route, other than being as supportive as possible. Its promotion of the shipping sector concentrates on fiscal areas, marketing and education, in particular, through the work of the Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO).
However, I gave approval, with the consent of the Minister for Finance, to allow the Port of Cork Company make a commercial investment of €200,000 in the Fastnet Line should it so wish, but such a decision is entirely a matter for the company.
86 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport the steps he has taken to ensure that the 33 agencies and bodies operating under the aegis of his Department perform in the most efficient and cost effective manner possible and that they provide value for money for the tax payer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12805/10]
There is a wide range of oversight mechanisms and reporting arrangements in place to ensure that the agencies and bodies under the aegis of my Department operate efficiently and cost-effectively. It is not possible to have the details of these collated at the present time due to industrial action.
87 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport his views on the recent report by the Comptroller and Auditor General into the Road Safety Authority driver testing service; his further views on the consistency of testing in view of the divergent rates at test centres across the country outlined in the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12795/10]
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 477 of 2006) this is a matter for the Road Safety Authority.
88 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Transport his views on the development of light rail systems in Galway, Cork, Limerick and Waterford; if he has been in contact with Galway City Council on the publication of a feasibility study for the Galway Luas; if the Gluas would be developed through a public private partnership; if his Department will conduct feasibility studies in respect of Luas systems for Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12801/10]
The Programme for Government of 2007 made a commitment to conduct feasibility studies into Luas-type light rail systems in Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford. I subsequently asked the local authorities in these cities, which have responsibility for these studies, to see that the feasibility of Bus Rapid Transit systems was simultaneously taken into account. These studies have been completed or are close to completion in all four cities.
The Final Report on the Galway Public Transport Feasibility Study was adopted by the City Council at its meeting on the 8th March 2010. The report concluded that Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is the recommended solution for Galway City.
The recommendation for a BRT system is accompanied by a range of complementary measures that are necessary to facilitate the provision of BRT in Galway City.
The Study examined all options for the future development of public transport in Galway, and included an assessment of the Gluas proposal.
I understand that the Members of the City Council expressed a preference for a light rail system (LRT) for Galway, and also that the City Council would work with the Gluas group to explore issues which arose in the context of its proposal. I understand that the City Council will examine mechanisms to progress these issues and also to progress the development of the improved transport system for Galway as recommended in the Study and endorsed by the City Council.
I will await the outcome of those deliberations by the City Council before concluding my consideration of the Study. Pending this it would be premature to speculate on a public private partnership or any other delivery mechanism.
89 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on the new guidelines for accessible maritime passenger transport that he published in conjunction with the National Disability Authority; if he will be bringing forward legislation to accompany these new guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12793/10]
The "Guidelines for Accessible Maritime Passenger Transport" were drawn up by my Department in conjunction with the National Disability Authority (NDA), on foot of a recommendation in the Report of the Maritime Passenger Transport Forum, published in November 2008. The Forum was established to oversee implementation of the maritime section of the Department's Sectoral Plan under the Disability Act 2005, and is made up of representatives from organisations representing people with disabilities, passenger ship and port services providers, relevant Departments and the NDA.
The Guidelines contain a range of practical advice and information and are designed as a key support to those involved in providing maritime passenger transport services. They cover all aspects of a journey, including advice on providing accessible information for planning the journey, improving access on board vessels, making shore side facilities accessible, disability awareness training for staff and improving communications with passengers.
This is the first time that such guidelines for the maritime sector have been produced in Ireland. Copies are being sent to maritime passenger transport service providers who are being asked to use them to review their services with a view to improving access to their customers.
As the Guidelines have only just been published, it is not my intention at this stage to introduce legislation to accompany them. However, how they are being used by vessel operators will be reviewed in due course and if found necessary consideration will be given to introducing statutory requirements. In this regard, I have taken the opportunity in the Merchant Shipping Bill 2009, to strengthen my powers to introduce measures to facilitate access to passenger vessels to persons with reduced mobility. The Bill recently passed Committee Stage in the Dáil.
90 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport if he has met Aer Lingus senior management and staff in the context of current industrial relations problems; his views on the staff and salary cutbacks that are being considered for Aer Lingus cabin crew; if he has been briefed by the three Government appointed directors to the board of Aer Lingus on this matter; the directions that he has given his board members in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12767/10]
Industrial relations at Aer Lingus are entirely a matter for the board, management and staff of Aer Lingus. The industrial relations machinery of the State remains available to assist the parties where difficulties exist.
The duties of the three Government appointed directors to the board of Aer Lingus derive from the Companies Acts and, as such, the directors are obliged to pursue the best interests of the company. Subject to that duty, the three Government appointed directors are mandated to seek to ensure that all decisions of the company that have significant implications for wider Government, aviation or regional development policies are considered at board level. In any such decisions they are directed to seek to reconcile commercial and public policy objectives.
The Government is satisfied, from all of the information available to it, that a major restructuring of the Group's cost base is essential if Aer Lingus is to return to profitability and growth. From an aviation policy perspective, the Government wants to see a strong viable Aer Lingus in the future. The cornerstones of Government aviation policy are competitiveness and connectivity and a viable Aer Lingus is key to ensuring the achievement of these objectives.
91 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Transport the steps that he has taken to oversee the implementation of the recommendations which were contained in the CIE-commissioned report on alleged irregularities in the procurement process at Irish Rail; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12802/10]
The implementation of the recommendations of the Baker Tilly Ryan Glennon report into procurement practices in Irish Rail is a matter for the Boards and management of CIE and Irish Rail. However I sought and received from the Board of CIE a full report (dated 15 January 2010) on the background to the report and the state of implementation of its recommendations. A copy of this report is available in the Oireachtas Library.
92 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which the objectives he set out in the context of Transport 21 have been achieved to date; the degree to which it is intended to meet the proposals contained therein in full within the projected timescale; the extent to which additional measures are likely to be incorporated in the plan; if any of the original proposals are likely to be dropped; if the necessary funding required has been identified and sourced; if it is intended to review the progress on the plan over the next ten years on an annual basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12926/10]
130 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport his preferred options for spending on major road development projects in each of the next five years; if the proposals are likely to be hit by the current economic situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13084/10]
133 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which the various projects identified by his Department in the context of the national development plan are on time and within cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13090/10]
141 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the degree to which investment in roads, as anticipated by him in his commencement of Transport 21, is likely to remain the target; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13098/10]
142 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which his Department intends to provide capital funding of the National Roads Authority and the local authorities over each of the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13090/10]
143 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport his plans for investment in national and commuter rail services over the next five years in the context of Transport 21 or otherwise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13100/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 92, 130, 133 and 141 to 143, inclusive, together.
Very substantial progress has been made on Transport 21 and the National Development Plan: the five major inter-urban motorways (totalling over 740 kilometres) will be completed this year, as will the M50 upgrade; the Irish Rail inter-city fleet has been renewed with the delivery and entry into service of 244 carriages and railcars; the Midleton rail line opened for service in 2009 and the first phase of the Western Rail Corridor will open at the end of this month and the first phase of the Navan line will open later in the year; the Kildare railway line has been upgraded and a number of new stations have opened on the Dublin suburban network; the Luas extension to Docklands opened last December, the Cherrywood extension will open at the end of this year and Citywest early next year. All the trams on the Tallaght line have been extended to 40 metres and new trams have been purchased; and over 500 new and replacement buses have been purchased.
In the light of the changed economic circumstances, it has been necessary to review investment priorities across all Government Departments. The results of this review are reflected in the Renewed Programme for Government and my Department's Transport 21 priorities for the coming years are as follows. For national roads, the priorities are the completion by end 2010 of the five major inter-urban motorways and the M50 upgrade and the progression of the Atlantic Road Corridor. For public transport, the priority is to deliver significantly increased long term capacity to the network through: the construction of Metro North; the construction of DART Underground and the implementation of the associated electrification, signalling and rolling stock investments; and investment in buses, bus priority and real time passenger information, subject to the implementation of the recent cost efficiency reviews and the availability of subvention. It is also a priority that we continue planning other projects to enable their earliest possible delivery when the economic situation improves.
Funding for the period ahead will be decided by the Government having regard to the capital review carried out by the Department of Finance.
It is unlikely that all of the projects originally identified in Transport 21 will be completed by 2015. However, no projects have been cancelled and Transport 21 continues to provide the strategic framework for capital spending on transport infrastructure into the future.
Projects will be released by construction having regard to the priorities in the Renewed Programme for Government and the availability of funding.
93 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Transport the number of cars that have been recalled by all Irish-based car manufacturers due to faults or design flaws; if he has met or been briefed by the management of companies (details supplied) or any other Irish-based companies on the crisis which has seen the recall of more than 30,000 cars; if not, the reason for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12769/10]
When a vehicle is subject to a recall due to a defect which could endanger safety, manufacturers and distributors endeavour to contact all registered owners with the assistance of data from my Department's National Vehicle and Driver File (NVDF). During 2009 the NVDF provided details on 170,712 vehicles covering 82 recall events and to date in 2010 details have been supplied in respect of 35,000 vehicles for 17 recalls. Recall details in respect of earlier years are not currently available due to industrial action.
It will be noted that there may also be some recall events where NVDF data is not required because manufacturers have ownership particulars from their own records.
Following the international recall earlier this year of a significant numbers of cars by one of the two companies referred to by the Deputy, a briefing document from the management of that company was sent to my Department in order to assist in responding to queries that might arise.
95 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on the rolling out of integrated ticketing and real time information systems on bus services across the greater Dublin area; when both of these systems will be fully in place and operational across the GDA: if he has been briefed by Dublin Bus management on the network review that it is currently undertaking; when the revised network will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12771/10]
103 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Transport when the integrated ticketing project will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12491/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 95 and 103 together.
The Integrated Ticketing project is being introduced in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) on a phased basis, based on smartcard technology. A progressive approach is being adopted to allow customers to familiarise themselves with using the new system and to permit transport operators to undertake the necessary testing with the integration of the technologies involved. The project is now firmly in the implementation phase and extensive testing of elements of the system is already underway.
The system will be progressively rolled out over the coming months on Dublin Bus and Luas services, such that, by end-2010, smartcards with a "pay-as-you-go" function will be available to some 75% of public transport customers in the GDA. Private bus operators are also participating in the scheme and it is anticipated that a number of these operators, along with DART and commuter rail services and Bus Éireann on a pilot basis, will join the scheme throughout 2011.
The project remains on target to deliver real and tangible benefits to public transport users on a progressive basis during 2010. However, in a project involving numerous organisations, and where there are many business and technical complexities, there are and will continue to be difficulties that will pose challenges to all participants in delivering on the agreed programme. This has also been the experience internationally. The experience to date is that the Project Board is working well and in a manner that allows them to meet these challenges as they arise.
Since 1st December 2009, Real Time Passenger Information is a matter which comes under the remit of the National Transport Authority (NTA).
Dublin Bus recently briefed me on the deterioration in the financial position of the company due to declining demand and revenue and increased costs in the current difficult economic climate. The company also outlined its intention to take a number of actions to restore its financial viability. Principal amongst these actions is the implementation of the network changes recommended by Deloitte in its cost and efficiency review of Dublin Bus. These network changes will ensure the efficient provision of quality bus services.
96 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Transport if he has received submissions from road safety campaigners on the current provisions in law for the mandatory testing of all drivers involved in road collisions; if he has reviewed the legal provisions that are in place in this regard in other jurisdictions including Northern Ireland and France; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12778/10]
I recently received a submission from PARC relating to the sections of the Road Traffic Bill 2009 dealing with drink driving and in particular, the testing of drivers at collision sites. My officials, who are familiar with international practice in this area, are currently examining that submission in consultation with the key stakeholders involved.
The Bill, which is currently before the Dáil for Second Stage consideration, includes a provision for the mandatory testing for alcohol of drivers involved in road traffic collisions, where an injury is caused to another person that requires medical assistance. That provision meets a commitment I have made on a number of occasions following representations from various road safety campaigners, including the PARC Road Safety Group.
Any necessary amendments to the Bill will be considered at Committee Stage.
98 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on the €240 million allocation for regional and local road maintenance and upgrade for 2010; if the regional and local road allocation has been cut by €200 million since the original Budget 2009 allocations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12776/10]
The total Exchequer provision for regional and local roads in 2010 is €412 million, compared with a provisional outturn for 2009 of €451 million. The original Budget 2009 allocation was €607 million.
99 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Transport the representations he has had from Dublin City Council regarding the possibility of permitting parking on pavements under certain strict criteria; the action that was taken on foot of any representations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12807/10]
I have received correspondence from Dublin City Council, city councillors and others regarding partial footpath parking. While all such representations were considered carefully within my Department, I have no plans to amend the Traffic and Parking Regulations to vary the offence of parking a mechanically propelled vehicle on any part of a footpath. Footpaths are provided for the safety of pedestrians to segregate them from passing or parking traffic. Mounting of footpath kerbs by vehicles is potentially an unsafe practice.
It is also important to have a minimum width of passable footpath for the safe passage of wheelchairs or prams/buggies, and to bear in mind that footpaths have been constructed to a certain weight bearing standard and provide access points for utilities.
Local authorities wishing to address difficulties with on-street parking have other options available to them including, for example, restricting parking to one side of a street or the indenting of the footpath to provide on- street parking.
100 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Transport the steps he has taken to provide the necessary additional funding to county councils to ensure that the damage caused to roads as a result of the recent weather conditions is rectified and that the roads are sealed so that we will not finish up in the same disastrous situation which was the case especially in counties Cavan and Monaghan in the late 1980s and early 1990s when we were known as the pothole counties; his views on whether that prevention will cost much less than major repairs at a later stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12508/10]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Priority Question 63, answered today
101 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Transport his views on plans by Irish Rail to withdraw the critical Waterford to Rosslare commuter rail service; if he has been briefed by Irish Rail management on this matter; his further views on the Waterford to Rosslare line as a critical link to the western rail corridor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12777/10]
Irish Rail recently briefed me on the deterioration in its financial position due to declining demand and revenue and increased costs. The company is implementing a wide-ranging cost recovery plan to ensure its financial viability. In this context, I understand the company is considering the suspension of services on the Waterford-Rosslare line.
This line, on which one train operates each way daily, has experienced low patronage for many years with approximately 25 passengers each way per day. I understand that revenue covers only 2% of operating costs and each passenger is being subvented by the State at a cost of nearly €80,000 per annum to travel by rail.
Decisions in regard to services such as those on the Waterford-Rosslare route and their links with other railway routes and services are a matter for Iarnród Éireann having regard to the resources available to it. I understand that Iarnród Éireann has surveyed customers on the route in terms of origin and destination and is examining possible alternative services, which could be provided to customers on the route. I understand that the company will make a decision in regard to the continuation of the service in the coming weeks. I also understand that it is exploring with interested parties the possibility of establishing a heritage railway on the route, which would be of benefit to tourism in the area.
102 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Transport if the cross-Border pilot project on enforcing toll charges and parking fines has begun; the details of the pilot project; the cost of same; the length of time it will run; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12797/10]
The non-payment of tolls and penalties arising from road traffic offences incurred by out of State vehicles has been a matter of concern for some time. To address this issue in a North/South context, discussions between my Department and its UK and Northern Ireland counterparts resulted in an agreement to introduce a data exchange pilot project with Northern Ireland. This involves the transfer of vehicle ownership data which will allow the authorities in each jurisdiction to identify people who have not paid tolls or traffic penalties. It will then be a matter for the relevant authorities to pursue recovery of the outstanding amounts using this information. No change in the law is involved, nor does the agreement cover arrangements for the recovery of payments.
The pilot project was launched at the North South Ministerial Council meeting on 3 March, and will run until the end of November this year.
The technical systems involved have been fully tested and are in readiness for live operation. It is expected that the process of exchanging the data between the relevant vehicle registration and licensing authorities in both jurisdictions will commence shortly. As the exchange process will rely largely on technical systems already in place there will be no ongoing additional cost.
104 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if he is preparing legislation to introduce specific penalties for heavy goods vehicle-related road offences; the Department or agency that is responsible for invigilating and monitoring the European working time directive as it relates to HGVs; if there is now a risk rating register in operation to monitor rogue HGV operators who have committed offences here and abroad; the number of HGV driver licences that have been rescinded following a fatal collision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12779/10]
The Road Traffic and Road Transport Acts already provide for heavy goods vehicle-related offences and respective penalties on conviction in court for such offences.
However, the Road Traffic Bill 2009, which is currently before the Dáil for Second Stage consideration, provides for the inclusion of offences under the Road Transport Act 1933, not tried on indictment, and under any regulation made under the European Communities Act 1972, providing for the carriage of merchandise by road or the carriage of passengers by road or the issuing of transport discs within the Fixed Charge System which replaced the old ‘on-the-spot fines' system in 2002. Such offences are currently dealt with by way of direct summons to court.
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is responsible for monitoring the implementation of the Road Transport Working Time Directive. EC Member States are also obliged under Directive 2006/22 EC to introduce a risk rating system for undertakings based on the relative number and severity of any infringements of drivers' hours rules. The RSA has established a risk rating register in line with requirements of the Directive and matters relating to the risk register are dealt with by the RSA.
My Department holds data regarding all driver's licences that have been rescinded, whether by a decision of a Court, or by the accumulation of penalty points. However, there is no specific data which link those rescinded licences to fatal road accidents.
105 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the western rail corridor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12800/10]
Services between Limerick and Galway will commence on 30 March, marking the completion of Phase 1 of the Western Rail Corridor. Iarnród Éireann will now carry out a detailed evaluation of Phase 2 and 3 with a view to arriving at precise costs to undertake those works.
106 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Transport if he is reviewing any new procedures or updated security arrangements for our national ports in liaison with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Garda in view of the surge in contraband cigarettes and other illegal materials that have been seized at ports here; if his attention has been drawn to concern among Revenue Commissioners staff at the lack of security in ports here; the number of contraband cigarettes that have been seized at ports and airports here in 2007, 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12773/10]
I wish to refer the Deputy to the replies to similar Parliamentary Questions on Thursday 5th November 2009 (Dáil Question No. 22) and Wednesday 10th February 2010 (Dáil Question No. 91) which set out the position in detail.
In summary, the seizing of contraband cigarettes in Ireland is the responsibility of the Customs and An Garda Síochána. My Department is responsible for the implementation of International and EU security requirements at Irish ports. These require that the main ports have an approved port facility security plan and a port facility security officer is responsible for day-to-day security activities.
107 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Transport his views on the implications for national public road safety if local authorities are unable to undertake the amount of road works necessary to repair the damage caused by the recent weather conditions over the winter period; the estimated cost of repairing all non-national and regional roads that were damaged during the recent weather conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12775/10]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Priority Question 63, answered today.
108 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Transport if he has received any requests or submissions from Dublin City Council or any other local authority for the urgent introduction of updated speed laws; his views on these requests; if he is preparing legislation to allow for a 40 km/h default urban, inner city and home zone speed limit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12790/10]
I have not received any requests or submissions from Dublin City Council or any other local authority for the urgent introduction of updated speed laws.
The Road Traffic Act 2004 establishes default speed limits that apply to defined categories of roads and which can only be changed on a permanent basis by county and city councils through the making of special speed limit bye-laws. Section 9 of the 2004 Act sets out the range of special speed limits that may be applied by local authorities through bye-laws. The legislation underpinning both the default speed limits and the range of special speed limits is kept under review by my Department on an ongoing basis. There are, however, currently no proposals to provide for a 40 km per hour default speed limit for a defined category or categories of road.
109 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive a decision on their redundancy claim from the social insurance fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13225/10]
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.
As I indicated to the Deputy in Parliamentary Question 125 of 24 November, 2009, I can confirm that my Department received an application for a statutory redundancy lump sum payment on 5 November, 2009 in respect of the person concerned which is still awaiting processing.
In respect of lump sum payments paid directly to employees in instances where employers are unable to pay the statutory redundancy entitlements as in this case, the Section is, in general processing claims dating from August 2009 so that the current waiting time for processing claims is generally 7 months. In the interests of equity to all claimants, claims are processed in order of date of receipt.
The unprecedented influx of redundancy claims received by my Department since the latter end of 2008 and which is continuing, has placed considerable pressure on the Department's ability to process claims in an acceptable timeframe. In 2009, a total of 50,664 claims were processed, up 70% on 2008 levels, and corresponding payments totalling €336m were made which results in average weekly payments to the value of €6.5m being issued. In the period 2007-2009, the level of new claims lodged with my Department has increased cumulatively by 200%. This contrasts with the previous two-year period 2005-2007 in which period the increase in new claims lodged was just 10%.
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 although the Section is currently carrying two vacant positions which are due to be filled;
the prioritisation of the Department's overtime budget towards staff in the Redundancy Payments Section to tackle the backlog outside normal hours;
the establishment of a special call handling facility to deal with the huge volume of telephone calls from people and businesses who are naturally concerned about their payments, using the facilities and cooperation of the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA). This centre has received an average of 12,500 calls per month this year with an estimated 60% relating to redundancy payments;
The provision of better quality information relating to current processing times on the Department's website;
Engagement with the Revenue Commissioners to facilitate the offset of redundancy rebate payments by employers against outstanding tax liabilities with the Revenue Commissioners.
The Tánaiste and I continue to monitor closely the impact of these changes against the continuing influx of redundancy claims and it is clear that additional measures are required to help reduce the backlog of claims which currently stands in excess of 39,000. The Department is actively engaged in efforts to secure up to 16 additional staff resources to be deployed to the area in the first half of 2010.
110 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will intervene in order to ensure that Aer Lingus is not allowed proceed with its plans to decimate its current cabin crew staff as part of its attempt to undermine wages and conditions. [13305/10]
In October 2009 Aer Lingus announced details of a cost savings programme aimed at reducing operating costs by €97 million, comprising staff savings of €74 million and non-staff cost savings of €23 million.
Following four months of intense negotiation between Aer Lingus management and Unions, under the auspices of the Labour Relations Commission, the resulting joint agreements were put to Aer Lingus staff with a recommendation for acceptance by each of the respective unions. The results of the ballots were that the plan was accepted by four out of the five unions involved. Cabin crew rejected the plan by a 2:1 majority. Aer Lingus subsequently announced their plans to achieve the necessary cost savings.
As a result of further discussions at the Labour Relations Commission on 19 March, during which clarifications on the cost saving plan were given, a general meeting of union members decided on Monday 22nd March to hold another ballot of all cabin crew on the restructuring package. Balloting commenced on Tuesday 23rd March.
The Government is satisfied, from all of the information available to it, that a major restructuring of the Group's cost base is essential if Aer Lingus is to return to profitability and growth. The cost base of Aer Lingus is seriously out of line with that of its competitors. Airlines throughout the world are either rationalising or going out of business as a result of the global economic downturn.
The Government want to see a strong viable Aer Lingus in the future. The cornerstones of Government aviation policy are competitiveness and connectivity. A viable Aer Lingus is key to ensuring the achievement of these objectives.
111 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance if a person who received a gift or inheritance under the then capital acquisitions tax threshold in a given category is liable for capital acquisitions tax; and if the threshold is subsequently adjusted below the value of the gift or inheritance due to consumer price index indexation. [13356/10]
Capital Acquisitions Taxation (CAT) applies to gifts and inheritances. The relationship between the person who provided the gift or inheritance (i.e. the disponer) and the person who received the gift or inheritance (i.e. the beneficiary) determines the tax-free threshold below which CAT does not apply on the gifts or inheritances. There are three tax-free thresholds based on the relationship of the beneficiary to the disponer and these tax-free thresholds are indexed annually by reference to the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The tax free thresholds for 2010 are: Group A (gifts or inheritances from parents to their children), €414,799; Group B (gifts/inheritances to grandchildren, siblings, nephews, nieces or to parents), €41,481; and Group C (all other persons), €27,127.
In the case of a gift, the tax-free threshold that applies is the specific tax-free threshold for the year in which the gift is received. In the case of an inheritance, the tax-free threshold that applies is the specific tax-free threshold for the year in which the disponer died (subject to a number of exceptions in the areas of trusts and settlements).
If the value of the gift or inheritance is below the specific relevant tax-free threshold for the year in question when prior benefits are also taken into account, then no tax is payable. If the tax-free thresholds are subsequently adjusted downwards in the following year due to a fall in the CPI and below the value of the gift or inheritance, this has no impact on the tax position of the beneficiary because the tax-free thresholds that apply to the beneficiary are, as stated, the specific tax-free thresholds for the year in which the gift is received or in which the disponer died and these tax-free thresholds are fixed at those points in time.
112 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will review the policy of non-recruitment of staff in the County Kerry area to compensate for increased levels of retirement. [13212/10]
I regret that due to industrial action I am not in a position to provide a substantive response to your Parliamentary Question. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
113 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the arrangements that are in place for the contracting of interpretation services; if it is the case that travel time to and from the place at which interpretation is needed is remunerated at the same rate as the time spent interpreting; the arrangements that are in place to reduce such costs by recruiting locally; the name and location of each interpreting company contracted by the Health Service Executive in the past three years with a breakdown of the amount each was remunerated in each of these years by the HSE; the number of interpreting hours delivered by each of the companies in each of the years; the number of interpreting hours billed by each of the companies in each of the years. [13213/10]
I regret that due to industrial action I am not in a position to provide a substantive response to your Parliamentary Question. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
114 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the hotline for missing children which is already in use in 11 European Union member states; if she will provide funding to subsidise this service to facilitate its operability here which, at present, is prohibitive to non-Governmental organisations and charitable organisations and which number could prove invaluable in co-ordinating cross-border investigations in attempting to locate missing children from State care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13215/10]
I have discussed the proposal to put in place a hotline for missing children that is operational in some EU Member States with members of charitable organisations and non governmental organisations with a view to providing some level of service. I will keep the Deputy informed of developments in this regard.
115 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will consider the provision of an extra preschool year for a child (details supplied) in Dublin 12. [13222/10]
I have responsibility for implementation of the free Pre-School Year in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) scheme which was introduced in January of this year.
The ECCE makes a number of provisions to facilitate children with disabilities and special needs. The upper age limit is waived where children have been assessed as being developmentally delayed or where they have a physical, sensory or mental condition which will result in them starting school at a later than normal age. Provision is also made to enable children who have been assessed as having a disability, and who would benefit from attending pre-school for 2/3 days rather than 5 days each week, to be eligible over 2 years, for example 2 days in year 1 and 3 days in year 2. To avoid delays for parents, in addition to assessments by the Health Service Executive (HSE) for children with special needs and/or disabilities, at this point assessments provided by the treating consultant will be accepted as evidence of developmental delay and/or disability.
In addition, where children have been assessed as having a disability which will result in them starting school at a later than normal age, the provision of a second free pre-school year, on a non pro-rata basis, will be considered where this will be of particular benefit to them. Parents of children who have availed of the pre-school year in January 2010 and have an assessed disability which will result in them starting school at a later than normal age, should apply to the Childcare Directorate of my Office where they wish their child to be considered for a 2nd pre-school year in September 2010. Applications will be considered on a case by case basis.
116 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on a transition period for parents who have undertaken substantial preparation for a proposed adoption from Ethiopia; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13228/10]
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.
Ireland does not have a bilateral agreement with Ethiopia in respect of adoption. Consideration of this matter is at an early stage.
I brought forward at Committee stage an amendment to the Adoption Bill 2009 that will enable prospective adoptive parents to proceed with an adoption from a non-Hague or non-bilateral country, if prior to the establishment date, they have been issued with a Declaration of Eligibility and Suitability to adopt. The proposed amendment requires that the Adoption Authority (to be set up under the Act) would be satisfied that the particular adoption meets all the standards of the Hague Convention. Following the Committee stage debate I am also giving consideration to the possibility of including the three month ‘cooling off' period provided for in the ratification process for the Hague Convention in the transitional provision.
The HSE and the Adoption Board are both aware of the deadlines associated with the transitional measure and are making every effort to process applications on hand for Declarations of Eligibility and Suitability to Adopt prior to commencement of the legislation.
117 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that children who are with Beechpark services who progress to a secondary school placement, lose their home support grant, even though they have the same care needs; if she will take steps to ensure that there will be uniformity of treatment of children based on their needs rather than the accident of the particular service to which their care is attached; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13229/10]
I regret that due to industrial action I am not in a position to provide a substantive response to your Parliamentary Question. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
118 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13262/10]
I regret that due to industrial action I am not in a position to provide a substantive response to your Parliamentary Question. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
119 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied). [13263/10]
I regret that due to industrial action I am not in a position to provide a substantive response to your Parliamentary Question. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
120 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an application for respite grant in respect of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13264/10]
I regret that due to industrial action I am not in a position to provide a substantive response to your Parliamentary Question. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
121 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support the case of a person (details supplied). [13269/10]
I have responsibility for implementation of the free Pre-School Year in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) scheme which was introduced in January of this year.
One condition of the scheme is that children must be aged between 3 years and 3 months, and 4 years and 6 months in the September at the start of the pre-school year. My office has interpreted this condition as generously as possible, to allow children who are in the age range for even one day during September enter the scheme, which means that children born between 2 February 2006 and 30 June 2007 will be eligible next September, effectively a 17 month age range. The Department of Education & Science inform my Office that approximately half of children commence Junior Infants following their fifth birthday, and those who commence school before then are generally older four year olds.
I am also informed that it would be extremely rare for a child to commence school before their fourth birthday, and that a number of schools do not take children before their 5th birthday, and a greater number require the child to have reached their 4th birthday in advance of the preceding Summer holidays.
As stated in the original documentation regarding the scheme, exceptions may be made to this condition for older children, where (a) the child has Special Needs, which make later enrolment more appropriate, or (b) local schools enrolment policies require the child to start Junior Infants aged 5 years 7 months or older. There has never been provision to provide an exemption for children under the qualifying age, and it is not proposed to introduce one at this stage.
The returns made by services indicate that the average age of a child in the scheme would have been 3 years and 10 months old in the September at the start of the pre-school year.
My Office received a letter earlier this month from the person named, seeking an exemption from the above rule in respect of her daughter, who was born on 16 August 2007, as she wishes to avail of the scheme from next September. I regret, however, that as outlined, such an exemption is not allowed for under the scheme, and her eligibility will arise from 1 September 2011, i.e. 16 days after her 4th birthday, making her two months older than the average age in the scheme, rather than the 10 months younger she would be if the rules of the scheme were amended to accommodate enrolment in September 2010.
122 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will make immediate contact with the Health Service Executive with regard to the care required by a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22 who poses a risk to himself and to others as a consequence of his anti-social conduct; if she will seek to provide appropriate residential care and to further inquire with the HSE as to the reason, in recent times, when accommodation has been provided, it has been at an adult service for drug abusers; and if she will detail the response received by her from the HSE. [13274/10]
I regret that due to industrial action I am not in a position to provide a substantive response to your Parliamentary Question. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
123 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children the inquiries she has made into the circumstances surrounding an alleged burglary of 15 Health Service Executive laptop computers at the community care offices in Roscommon town which occurred shortly prior to the commencement by the group (details supplied) inquiring into the circumstances surrounding the Roscommon incest case; whether the laptop computers were ever recovered; whether she has sought information from the HSE as to whether information contained on the computers was of relevance to the investigation being conducted; if her attention has been drawn to any person being prosecuted arising out of the theft of these computers; and if the laptop computers have not been recovered, the extent if any to which their disappearance inhibited the investigation that occurred; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13275/10]
I regret that due to industrial action I am not in a position to provide a substantive response to your Parliamentary Question. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
124 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will inquire from the Health Service Executive the reason for the decision made to close down the emergency HSE unit for troubled young people in Galway; if she will detail the number of young people in private residential places being paid for by the HSE; the weekly cost to the HSE for such private residential care as provided throughout 2009 and this year to-date. [13276/10]
I regret that due to industrial action I am not in a position to provide a substantive response to your Parliamentary Question. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
125 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when an application will be processed in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare. [13288/10]
I regret that due to industrial action I am not in a position to provide a substantive response to your Parliamentary Question. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
126 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of referrals to private nursing homes of senior citizens by the Health Service Executive in the Kildare and west Wicklow region from Naas General Hospital or any other hospital within the HSE remit since the fair deal system was put in place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13291/10]
I regret that due to industrial action I am not in a position to provide a substantive response to your Parliamentary Question. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
127 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of referrals to St. Vincent’s Hospital in Athy, County Kildare, or any other such hospital by the HSE from Naas General Hospital within its remit since the commencement of the fair deal programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13292/10]
I regret that due to industrial action I am not in a position to provide a substantive response to your Parliamentary Question. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
128 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she is satisfied that the school setting is the appropriate place for the Gardasil vaccine to be administered in view of the possible reactions such as fainting or seizure-like symptoms as experienced in other countries. [13310/10]
I regret that due to industrial action I am not in a position to provide a substantive response to your Parliamentary Question. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
129 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support the case of a person (details supplied). [13324/10]
My Department has no function relevant to this matter, which rests between the parties to the litigation referred to.
131 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if he has given consideration to highlighting road speed cameras or traffic control vans as is the case in other jurisdictions arising from which it appears to achieve a greater compliance with speed limits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13085/10]
Enforcement of speed limits and the use of speed detection equipment is a matter for the Garda and my colleague the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.
132 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the number of penalty points imposed for various offences in each of the past five years to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13089/10]
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 477 of 2006) this is a matter for the Road Safety Authority.
134 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the number of drivers who have lost their licences arising from incurring the maximum number of penalty points; the number whose licences have been restored or renewed since the introduction of the regime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13091/10]
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 477 of 2006) this is a matter for the Road Safety Authority.
135 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport his views on whether the current restructuring at Aer Lingus is likely to affect any of his projections set out in Transport 21; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13092/10]
136 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the action he has taken in the current restructuring plan for Aer Lingus in view of the likely impact of recent developments on his air transport policy as announced previously; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13093/10]
137 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the way his shareholding in Aer Lingus is being utilised to influence policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13094/10]
139 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if he plans to make any intervention or positive suggestion in the current situation at Aer Lingus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13096/10]
140 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if he has any concerns that current restructuring plans at Aer Lingus, including those affecting cabin crew, pilots and ground staff, are likely to have a particular impact on the airline with particular reference to alignment with his air transport policy. [13097/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 135 to 137, inclusive, 139 and 140 together.
The implementation of the cost restructuring plan at Aer Lingus is entirely for the Board, Management and Staff of the company and it is not open to the Government to intervene. The industrial relations machinery of the State remains available to assist the parties where difficulties exist. Indeed, the Labour Relations Commission recently intervened to invite the parties to separate talks on 19th March. Arising from those talks, I understand that IMPACT is to ballot cabin crew members again on the company's cost restructuring plan which the four other groups at the company had voted to accept.
The duties of the three Government appointed directors to the board of Aer Lingus derive from the Companies Acts and, as such, the directors are obliged to pursue the best interests of the company. Subject to that duty, the three Government appointed directors are requested to seek to ensure that all decisions of the company that have significant implications for wider Government, aviation or regional development policies are considered at board level. Inany such decisions they are directed to seek to reconcile commercial and public policy objectives.
From an aviation policy perspective, the Government wants to see a financially stable and viable Aer Lingus competing in the Irish air transport market. The cornerstones of Government aviation policy are competitiveness and connectivity. A viable Aer Lingus is key to ensuring the achievement of these objectives. I note that the Question relating to the impact on the Social Insurance Fund is also directed to my colleague, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Innovation, who will address the Question insofar as it relates to his remit. The restructuring of Aer Lingus has no bearing on Transport 21 projections.
138 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the degree to which costs, including landing fees, at Dublin, Shannon and Cork airports, or other airports, compare with other EU locations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13095/10]
As I have previously informed the Deputy, the Commission for Aviation Regulation (CAR) regulates airport charges levied at Dublin Airport. CAR's detailed report of 4th December 2010 on the Dublin Airport charges determination is available on its website (www.aviationreg.ie). Charges at Cork and Shannon are set by the airport authority. Passenger charges levied at the six regional airports, which are owned and operated independently, are a matter for each airport concerned.
In relation to comparative charges at other European Airports, I have been informed by the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) that independent research indicates that charges at Dublin are towards the lower end of a broad comparison group of the top airports in Europe. I also understand from the DAA that charges at Cork and Shannon are competitive and compare favourably with UK benchmarks.
144 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which his plan for air, rail, road and sea transport conforms to the institutional concept of an integrated transport policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13101/10]
The multi-annual strategy statement of the Department of Transport is a comprehensive and forward looking document that sets out the key goals, objectives and related strategies of the Department at the national level for all three transport modes — land, sea and air. The current strategy was published in 2008 and covers the period 2008-2010.
145 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport when his proposals to redress the issue of non-Irish registered drivers who fail to pay tolls will come into effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13066/10]
The non-payment of tolls and penalties arising from road traffic offences incurred by out of State vehicles has been a matter of concern for some time. To address this issue in a North/South context, discussions between my Department and its UK and Northern Ireland counterparts resulted in an agreement to introduce a data exchange pilot project with Northern Ireland. This involves the transfer of vehicle ownership data which will allow the authorities in each jurisdiction to identify people who have not paid tolls or traffic penalties. It will then be a matter for the relevant authorities to pursue recovery of the outstanding amounts using this information. No change in the law is involved, nor does the agreement cover arrangements for the recovery of payments. The pilot project was launched at the North South Ministerial Council meeting on 3 March, and will run until the end of November this year.
The technical systems involved have been fully tested and are in readiness for live operation. It is expected that the process of exchanging the data between the relevant vehicle registration and licensing authorities in both jurisdictions will commence shortly. As the exchange process will rely largely on technical systems already in place there will be no ongoing additional cost.
146 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Transport if there is an Irish and European international minimum level of strength needed to drive a manual car following a traffic accident when such a driver gets tired easily and may not be able to drive in a safe manner for too long a journey; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13281/10]
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 477 of 2006) driver licensing is a matter for the Road Safety Authority.
147 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the policy changes which he plans to introduce in relation to the management fees charged by owners of property in multi-unit developments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13300/10]
Section 15 of the Multi-Unit Developments Bill 2009, which is awaiting Report Stage in the Seanad, provides that an owners' management company must establish and maintain a scheme for annual service charges. These charges must be calculated on a transparent basis and be equitably apportioned between apartment owners. The income from charges must be used for the purposes of maintenance, insurance and repair of common areas and providing common services (legal, security, accounting etc.) for the apartment owners.
This section also provides that the service charge must be approved by a general meeting of the members of the company and where over 75% of the members do not approve the proposed charge, the existing charge shall remain in place until adoption of a new charge. The owners' management company will also be required to maintain sufficient and proper records of expenditure incurred by it to enable verification and audits to be undertaken.
148 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the supports available to allow an unemployed non-national worker return to their home country. [13357/10]
My Department has no specific support system in place of the nature referred to by the Deputy. However, my Department, through the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), provides voluntary return assistance to persons who have no entitlement to remain in the State who wish to return to their countries of origin.
149 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will make a statement on the community alert schemes here; and the funding he has allocated to the schemes for 2010. [8404/10]
The Community Alert Programme is a community-based initiative in rural communities, set up in 1985 by Muintir na Tíre in association with the Garda authorities. The Programme is dedicated in particular to improving the quality of life of vulnerable people in rural communities, especially the elderly, by:
crime prevention;
neighbourliness and self-reliance;
general community safety and well-being;
accident prevention; promotion of personal safety;
and awareness of social inclusion.
There are over 1,300 Community Alert schemes in operation throughout the country.
Community Alert Schemes operate under a strategy which covers the period 2007 to 2011 and was launched by the then Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform in October, 2007. The strategy was developed following a root and branch review of the programme by a sub committee of the Community Alert Management Committee, which consisted of representatives of Muintir na Tíre, An Garda Síochána and Development Officers. The review took account of the social and demographic changes that have taken place since 1985.
In recent years my Department has provided funding to Muintir na Tíre for the Community Alert Programme of €150,000 in 2004, €120,000 in 2005, €175,000 in 2006, €200,000 in 2007, €200,000 in 2008 and €200,000 in 2009. Funding is also provided by the Health Service Executive.
The funding covered the costs associated with running the Programme, including salaries, travel and subsistence, staff training and administration. Funding is not provided directly by my Department to schemes, but resource material, including booklets, stickers and survey and related material, is provided by An Garda Síochána, in addition to advice and information.
The position regarding funding by my Department for 2010 in the context of the overall budgetary position of the Department has not yet been finalised.
150 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will make a statement on the neighbourhood watch scheme; and if there are changes envisaged to the scheme. [8405/10]
Neighbourhood Watch is a crime prevention programme which aims to enlist the active co-operation of the community in a neighbourhood by observing and reporting suspicious activities and by so doing reducing the level of criminal behaviour. Since its establishment, the Garda authorities have sought to encourage the active participation of the public in Neighbourhood Watch by encouraging and supporting communities to establish and maintain such initiatives and deploying crime prevention officers and liaison Gardaí to assist schemes.
Neighbourhood Watch continues to operate under the Neighbourhood Watch Strategy 2007-2011, which has helped to strengthen its management and operation.
151 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will make a statement on the amount of community alert schemes in County Kildare. [8406/10]
I am not in a position to respond to the Deputy at this time, but will do so as soon as the relevant information is available.
152 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he plans to reform the regulations governing foreign student employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11672/10]
As the Deputy will be aware, a general review of the immigration regime for non-EEA students is underway at present. Following publication of a discussion paper on 1 September 2009 and a public consultation process, an Interdepartmental Committee chaired by my Department has been drawing up final recommendations. I expect to receive the Committee's report shortly. The discussion paper had indicated that a separate exercise over a longer timeframe would be carried out by this Committee in relation to the student work concession. When I have received the Committee's report on the overall reform of student immigration and reviewed its recommendations I will consider further when the Committee should carry out its review of the work concession.
153 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to instances in which high nominal rents are being maintained in order to force the hand of other tenants, but where rebates, rent holidays or other deals are being negotiated with new or existing tenants; if his further attention has been drawn to the fact that the maintenance of rent at unrealistically high levels is undermining efforts to restore competitiveness and is forcing many businesses to close; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11664/10]
Representations have been made to me concerning alleged deals of the kind instanced by the Deputy in her question. However, I have no direct knowledge of such deals as the establishment of the conditions associated with a business tenancy is essentially a private matter between the parties to the contract.
The concern expressed in relation to this matter was one of the factors which led me to establish a Working Group to examine the question of transparency in rent reviews. The terms of reference of the Working Group are as follows: "To consider the operation of the current system for determining the rent payable on foot of a rent review clause, with particular emphasis on the arbitration process and the adequacy of the information available to all parties and, if necessary, to make such recommendations for change as may seem appropriate."
It is envisaged that the Group will report by 30 June 2010.
In relation to the general issue of competitiveness, it is obviously the case that every effort must be made, by all relevant parties, to ensure that all our cost pressures are kept under control. This applies in relation to the area of commercial rents in much the same way as it applies in relation to areas which fall directly within Government control.
154 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the investigation into the security incident at Dublin Airport when dangerous explosive materials were allegedly brought here from Slovakia; when he will publish the report into this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12803/10]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 254 of 2 March 2010 and previous replies in the same matter. As I have indicated, the Garda Commissioner has appointed a Detective Chief Superintendent to inquire into all the circumstances surrounding the incident. That inquiry is ongoing and the report is awaited. When the report is completed I will consider what further action, if any, is required on my part and what information may be made publicly available.
155 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, further to Parliamentary Question No. 144 of 2 April 2009, if he requested the report from the Garda authorities on the matters set out in the original question; if he has received this report from the Garda authorities; if so, if he will provide a copy to this Deputy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13216/10]
I refer the Deputy to my response to Parliamentary Question No. 340 of 16 February 2010 which sets out the position.
156 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason for the delay in processing the visa application in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13218/10]
I regret to advise the Deputy that it is not possible to provide a response to his Question at this time. The information sought by the Deputy will be provided at a later date.
157 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, further to Parliamentary Question No. 191 of 17 February 2010, when the promised notice required to clarify arrangements for parents of Irish-born children granted permission to remain in the State under the IBC 05 scheme will be published in the newspapers and posted on the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service website; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13219/10]
I wish to inform the Deputy that registration of renewals of permission to remain for parents of Irish-born children is being effected by the Garda National Immigration Bureau in accordance with the conditions set out in the original notice posted on the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service website on 17 December 2009.
158 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will review the practice that requires non-nationals living outside Dublin to have their fingerprints taken before renewing their residency permits, in view of the fact that this is not required of those renewing at the Garda National Immigration Bureau; if his attention has been drawn to the distress that this practice may cause to parents who have their fingerprints taken in front of their children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13220/10]
The capture of fingerprints of all foreign nationals (from outside the EEA) upon registration with the Garda National Immigration Bureau is being implemented on a phased basis, initially outside of the Dublin area and as the requisite equipment became operational in local Garda Stations for this purpose. I have no plans for a review of this decision which is essential in maintaining the overall integrity of the immigration system. The practical arrangements for the taking of the prints involved are an operational matter for the Garda Authorities.
159 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon will receive a decision on an application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13271/10]
The Garda Central Vetting Unit (GCVU) provides employment vetting for a large number of organisations in Ireland registered with the Garda for this purpose and which employ persons in a full-time, part-time, voluntary or training capacity to positions where they would have substantial, unsupervised access to children and/or vulnerable adults.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that three separate applications for employment vetting have been received by the GCVU in respect of the person to whom the Deputy refers and these will be processed in the normal course.
160 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when an application will be processed in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13279/10]
I regret that the information requested by the Deputy is not readily to hand. I will write to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
161 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for naturalisation in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13306/10]
I regret that the information requested by the Deputy is not readily to hand. I will write to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
162 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress of the Garda inquiry into the issues raised in the Murphy report into child abuse in the Dublin diocese; when he proposes to publish this report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13307/10]
The Assistant Commissioner appointed by the Garda Commissioner to examine the findings of the Dublin Archdiocese report relating to the handling of complaints and investigations by both Church and State authorities is carrying out such investigations and inquiries as he deems appropriate. When he reports to the Commissioner with his recommendations, the Commissioner will consult with the DPP as to what issues arise in the context of criminal liability. I am informed by the Garda authorities that, while it is at this stage too early to give a precise date for the completion of the Assistant Commissioner's investigation, the Commissioner has directed that it be concluded as early as possible.
163 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the remarks by a judge (details supplied) that he could not understand the reason an international arrest warrant has not been served on a solicitor who fled Ireland having defrauded clients of money; if he proposes to raise the issue of an international arrest warrant with the Garda Commissioner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13308/10]
As Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, I have no function in relation to the application for the issue of a European Arrest Warrant. This is a matter for the Garda authorities in consultation with the Director of Public Prosecutions. Under the European Arrest Warrant Act 2003, as amended, a court may, upon application made by or on behalf of the DPP, issue a European Arrest Warrant subject to the provisions of the Act.
164 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will support the call for an independent investigation into policing operations at Corrib Gas and the sinking of a ship (details supplied). [13311/10]
In accordance with section 7 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Síochána is statutorily required to provide policing services for the State with the objective of, inter alia, preserving peace and good order, protecting life and property and preventing crime. The ongoing policing operation in north County Mayo meets these objectives.
The Garda Síochána Act 2005 established the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission to provide the public with independent and effective oversight of policing by receiving and dealing with complaints which members of the public may have concerning conduct of members of the Garda Síochána. I am aware that a number of complaints arising out of the protests at the Corrib Gas site have been investigated by the Ombudsman Commission under a number of provisions of the Garda Síochána Act 2005.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the sinking of a ship to which the Deputy refers was the subject of a thorough investigation but no party has yet been made amenable in relation to this incident. I do not support a call for an independent inquiry into the policing operation in north County Mayo associated with the Corrib Gas development.
165 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will clarify a matter (details supplied). [13217/10]
As the Deputy is aware the Passport Service is currently experiencing disruption to services caused by ongoing industrial action throughout the public service. This industrial action has curtailed the flexibility previously available in delivering passport services. On 4 March the Department of Foreign Affairs advised passport customers through the press and on the Passport Service website that the public counters and out of hours services should only be used by those who have a necessity to travel for reasons of family emergency. Additionally it was explained that it would not be possible to fast-track any application other than in a case of genuine family emergency. A definition of travel in respect of a genuine family emergency was further defined as that travel necessitated by the death, illness or welfare of a family member. In the case of this applicant the circumstances of genuine family emergency did not apply and therefore it was not possible to fast-track the application. Passport customers are advised to send their applications through the An Post Passport Express service where current turnaround times are approximately fifteen — twenty working days.
166 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he raised the slaughter of innocent civilians in Afghanistan with the US authorities during his St. Patrick’s Day visit. [13277/10]
US military actions in Afghanistan were not discussed during the meetings which the Taoiseach and I had with President Obama and Secretary of State Clinton in Washington last week. Discussion of Afghanistan focussed on food security and police training, where Ireland is prepared to make a direct contribution. In addition, both the President and the Secretary of State thanked Ireland for the contribution of the seven Defence Force personnel who carry out non-combat Headquarters duties with the UN-mandated ISAF force.
Over the decades, invasions and civil war have exacted a very heavy toll on the lives of innocent Afghan civilians. Before and after the Taliban came to power in 1996, they and their associates were the primary perpetrators of killings and crimes against Afghan civilians. However, in the nine years since the beginning of ISAF's operations in Afghanistan in 2001, the high numbers of Afghan civilians being killed by international troops reflected a failure on the part of ISAF to prioritise adequately the protection of ordinary Afghans. This failure helped to fuel radical sentiment within Afghanistan. Fortunately, the international military forces have recently been taking steps to ensure enhanced protection of Afghani civilians.
The new ISAF and US strategy includes a range of measures to consult, involve, protect and support the local communities where military operations are taking place. Greater priority is being accorded in current military operations in Afghanistan to the protection of civilian lives and the ending of inadvertent killings by the international forces. However, I deeply regret each and every civilian casualty, and wish to see every effort made to avoid death and suffering among the civilian population in Afghanistan.
167 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will support the case of persons (details supplied). [13283/10]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that arrangements were made for the father of the children concerned to collect the passports at the Molesworth Street office on 23 March.
168 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the allocation of funds for investment in sports facilities in 2010 from all sources; the source of these funds; and the allocation of these funds by project type. [13226/10]
The table sets out the funding provided in the 2010 revised estimates for the public service for each of the votes in my Department that fund the development of sports facilities.
|
Sub-head |
Amount |
|
€ |
|
|
C.1 — GRANTS FOR SPORTING BODIES AND THE PROVISION OF SPORTS AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES (PART FUNDED BY NATIONAL LOTTERY) |
48,000,000 |
|
C.2 — GRANTS FOR PROVISION AND RENOVATION OF SWIMMING POOLS |
7,500,000 |
|
C.4 — NATIONAL SPORTS CAMPUS |
7,754,000 |
|
C.5 — LANSDOWNE ROAD |
4,500,000 |
169 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position regarding a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13224/10]
Given the difficulty in responding adequately to the issue of public concern raised by the Deputy within the constraints of a ‘details supplied' Question, I am arranging to have the relevant information forwarded directly to him. If the Deputy would prefer to re-submit the Question in a less restricted format, I will, of course, be glad to put my response on the record of the House.
170 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his progress to date in establishing an employer job PRSI incentive scheme; the eligibility criteria for this scheme; when the scheme comes into operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13214/10]
Full details of the Employer Job (PRSI) Incentive Scheme, including the application procedure, will be announced shortly. It will be administered by the Department of Social and Family Affairs. The scheme will run for the calendar year 2010 only. However, any qualifying employment created in 2010 will be eligible for the scheme, which will structured so that employments created prior to the launch can participate for 12 months forward from the time of launch and employments created later in the year will participate for 12 months to the corresponding date in 2011.
171 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will explain and rationalise the position regarding the case of a person (details supplied) and the withdrawal of his or her contributory State pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13206/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
172 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding an application for respite grant in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13265/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
173 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding an application for carer’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13268/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
174 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding an illness benefit application appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13282/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
175 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding a claim for jobseeker’s benefit in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13286/10]
Due to staff currently being taken, I regret that I am unable provide the information sought by the Deputy.
176 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of applicants who are under 20 years who are in receipt of rental supplement on a county basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13287/10]
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.
As of December 2009, the most up to date information available, the number of persons in receipt of rent supplement who are less than twenty years of age is 1,359. This represents 1.5% of the total number of persons currently benefitting from the scheme. Due to industrial action this analysis cannot be provided on a county basis.
177 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the cost of child benefit payments; the cost his departmental review and control measures in respect of checking eligibility and combating fraud; the details of the review and control measures in operation by his Department for child benefit; his views on the viability of using PRSI paid or credited contribution records or other social welfare claim information as a means of checking eligibility to child benefit and reducing the level of fraud on the scheme; the barriers to introducing same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13315/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
178 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of non-Irish national families receiving child benefit in 2009; if certificates continue to be issued on a quarterly basis to non-Irish national child benefit recipients to check eligibility to the payment on employment or residency grounds; the number of such certificates issued in 2009; the cost of issuing same; the number of claimants whose payments were stopped as a result of these checks; the savings which accrued to his Department as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13316/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
179 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6 is asked to supply the same information every three months with regard to the child benefit claim. [13323/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
180 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs further to the announcement of the extension of retirement age under the national pensions framework, if it is his intention to raise the qualifying age for free travel. [13355/10]
The qualifying age for free travel for those living permanently in the State is currently 66, aligned with the age for the State Pension. There is also provision for free travel for certain categories of persons under 66, including those in receipt of an Invalidity Pension, Blind Person's Pension, Disability Allowance or a Carer's Allowance. A widowed person aged between 60 and 65 years may also be entitled to Free Travel in some circumstances.
As part of the National Pensions Framework, the qualifying age for the State Pension will be increased to 67 years of age in 2021 and 68 in 2028. The implications for other relevant social welfare schemes of raising the qualifying age for the State Pension will be considered in due course.
181 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of persons on back to work enterprise schemes with a breakdown by scheme type (details supplied). [13358/10]
The Department's back to work enterprise schemes are designed to assist people on a social welfare payment return to work by setting up a self-employment business.
Prior to the 1st May 2009, the back to work enterprise allowance was a four year scheme under which eligible participants who set up a business retained 100% of their social welfare payment in year one, 75% in year two, 50% in year three and 25% in year four.
At the end of April 2009, there were 4,225 people in receipt of the allowance. From the 1st May 2009, the duration of the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance was reduced from 4 years to 2 years at 100% of existing social welfare entitlement in the first year and 75% in the second year. The qualifying period was reduced from 24 months to 12 months, provided a person has an underlying entitlement to Jobseeker's Allowance. At the end of February 2010 there were 4,909 participants in the back to work enterprise allowance; 1,443 under the 2-year scheme and 3,466 carried over from the 4-year cycle.
A new Short Term Enterprise Allowance scheme was introduced from the 1st May 2009 for people who are entitled to Jobseeker's Benefit and have been awarded statutory redundancy or have paid full rate PRSI contributions as an employee for at least two years prior to their claim to Jobseeker's Benefit. This new scheme can be accessed immediately and is payable for the duration of their Jobseeker's Benefit entitlement while they are establishing their enterprise. The number of participants at the end of February 2010 was 1,314.
The nature and structure of the back to work enterprise schemes will continue to be monitored in the context of the objectives of the schemes and changes in the economic climate.
182 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will reply to a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13284/10]
A circular letter (SHIP 2010.07 Leasing Clarification) has recently issued from my Department clarifying arrangements to facilitate housing authorities who wish to lease single or small numbers of properties from individual owners, including previously occupied housing. This circular letter is subject to the conditions of the original leasing initiative circular letter (N3-09 Leasing Arrangements) and authorities must satisfy themselves on issues such as housing need, tenure mix and value for money.
Property holders should contact the housing section of their relevant local authority if they wish to be considered for the scheme.
183 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the final sanction of €77,000 has been awarded to an association (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13285/10]
On 22 March 2010, my Department notified Cork County Council that a supplementary grant of €77,340 had been approved in respect of this project.
184 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will exclude packs of hounds maintained by the hunt clubs from the terms of the Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009, as committed to by his predecessors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13303/10]
The Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009 proposes to give statutory effect to the recommendations of the Working Group that reviewed the management of dog breeding establishments. The Bill defines a dog breeding establishment 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, and that they pay a registration fee and meet a minimum set of veterinary, welfare and other standards, together with some associated requirements.
The Hunting Association of Ireland (HAI) made submissions to me in relation to their activities and the nature of these. As a consequence and in recognition of the "not for profit" basis of these activities, I decided to provide an exemption in the legislation in respect of the payment of registration fees. The HAI has made it clear that their premises operate in accordance with comprehensive and appropriate voluntary standards. Accordingly, I do not consider that this aspect of the proposed legislative regime should cause difficulty to their members.
Regulations will be introduced following enactment of the Bill and 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. These draft Regulations will guidelines will be subject to consultation with interested parties, including the HAI. to meet the requirements of the legislation.
185 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of persons who were approved by local authorities for the rental assistance scheme, who are under 20 years on a county basis for each year since the scheme was established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13320/10]
186 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of social housing units provided to housing applicants who were under 20 years on a county basis for each year since 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13321/10]
187 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide information in respect of each voluntary housing agency that allocated housing units to applicants who are under 20 years on a county basis for each year since 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13322/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 185 to 187, inclusive, together.
My Department does not collate age specific information on housing allocations to specific household categories. However, more general information in relation to activity under the range of housing programmes is set out in my Department's annual and quarterly Housing Statistics Bulletin, copies of which are available in the Oireachtas library and on www.environ.ie.
While the allocation of dwellings to individual households is a matter for the authority concerned there is scope for authorities, within their Scheme of Letting Priorities, to set aside a proportion of dwellings to meet the housing needs of particular groups, including the needs of younger people or single adult households. In addition, my Department continues to advise local authorities of the need to provide a reasonable mix of accommodation solutions for the different kinds of households already on waiting lists and to plan their future programmes, including the Rental Accommodation Scheme and long term leasing, taking account of the estimated size and type of households likely to be seeking housing in the future in their functional area.
188 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the date by which the warmer homes scheme will be extended to the region of Erris in north Mayo; the efforts that have been made to ensure that persons in this area, who qualify, can avail of this scheme; and the alternative plans that are in place in the absence of a community and voluntary group facilitating the scheme. [13319/10]
I regret to advise the Deputy that it is not possible to provide a response to his Question at this time. I will write to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
189 Deputy Beverley Flynn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding an application by a community group (details supplied) for funding to upgrade a harbour in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13266/10]
Due to Industrial Action by staff in my Department, I am not in a position to provide a reply to this question.
190 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food further to Parliamentary Question No. 556 of 16 February 2010 and the audited accounts provided by applicants to the beef and pigmeat processing fund, if he is satisfied that the sector is paying properly for product from the primary producer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13267/10]
The Beef and Sheepmeat Investment Fund supports investment in scale and efficiency in primary processing of beef and sheepmeat, and added value in further processing for retail, food service and manufacturing outlets. Pigmeat processing is not included within the scope of the fund.
The selection of projects followed evaluation by an expert committee comprising members from Enterprise Ireland, my Department, Bord Bia, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, private industry and academia. Applicants were requested to supply financial information including audited accounts for the previous two years, and projected profit and loss, balance sheet and cash flow statements for four years. Grant recipients are also required to submit annual audited accounts during the period of the grant agreement.
This financial information is provided to ensure, in line with state aid requirements and the evaluation criteria developed for the assessment of applications, that support is only granted to companies that are not in financial difficulty, and for projects that demonstrate financial/market viability.
As regards the price paid for beef and sheepmeat, this a commercial matter between the producer and his/her processor, and is subject to market demand and other economic variables.
191 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a REP scheme four will be awarded in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13272/10]
Due to industrial action by staff in my Department, I am not in a position to provide a reply to this question.
192 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food further to Parliamentary Question No. 325 of 1 December 2009, the position regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13273/10]
The Parliamentary Question referred to by the Deputy concerns the payment of the second instalment of 40 per cent due to farmers under the Farm Waste Management Scheme. Total expenditure under the Scheme in 2009 was €292.76 million which included expenditure of €49 million in respect of the second instalment of grant-aid to 3,683 farmers. Expenditure under the Scheme, to date in 2010, has been €194.3 million comprised mainly of further payments of the second instalment of grant-aid due to farmers under the Scheme. The final instalment of grant-aid will be paid to farmers in 2011.
In a small number of cases (estimated at substantially less than 1 per cent), no grant payment has yet been approved for applicants under the Scheme (i) as applicants have not yet submitted the necessary tax clearance documentation or have not provided the required documentary proof of payment of the contractors concerned, or (ii) due to technical issues having arisen in relation to the standard of the completed buildings.
193 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a REP scheme payment will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13280/10]
Due to industrial action by staff in my Department, I am not in a position to provide a reply to this question.
194 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will engage in full consultation with all stakeholders before the proposed animal health and welfare Bill is published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13304/10]
Drafting of the Animal Health and Welfare Bill, which gives effect to commitments in the Programme for Government and the Renewed Programme for Government on issues relating to animal health and welfare 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 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 Bill will provide any necessary statutory basis to give effect to the commitment in the Programme for Government that responsibility for welfare of all animals (including non-farm animals) be consolidated in my Department.
My officials have met with a wide range of organisations that made submissions following the public consultation process initiated by me on the Bill. The views expressed are being considered in the context of the drafting of the Bill. I intend to submit the proposed heads of this Bill to the Government at an early date.
195 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will appoint a district inspector in the Kerry area to approve and sign off on hundreds of REP scheme plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13354/10]
As the Deputy will be aware there is a moratorium on recruitment and promotion in the public service. My Department has been seeking to put in place alternative arrangements to ensure the prompt processing of claims.
196 Deputy John Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science when she will respond to an application for a post-primary school in County Waterford, lodged in October 2008 by Educate Together; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13207/10]
My Department is considering a number of broad policy issues relating to the recognition process for second level schools. The applications from Educate Together to establish schools at second level in County Waterford and in a number of other locations is being fully examined within the context of the relevant legal, financial and other factors.
In view of the range of issues involved, it has not been possible to bring this matter to a conclusion as quickly as I would have liked. However, it is my intention to finalise this matter and convey a decision to Educate Together at the earliest date possible.
197 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science her views on the implications of her decision to end the substance misuse prevention programme dedicated support service to LDTFA and DEIS primary schools; her further views on the fact that her action risks undoing the advances made in LDTF areas in recent years in terms of reducing the numbers of children at risk of becoming addicted to drugs; and if she will restore the substance misuse prevention programme dedicated support service to all primary schools in LDTF areas and to all DEIS schools in the immediate term. [13208/10]
198 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science if she will make a statement detailing the way she envisages the prevention pillar of the national drugs strategy can be fully delivered upon following her decision to end the substance misuse prevention programme dedicated support service to LDTFA and DEIS primary schools; and the way her Department will meaningfully and comprehensively deliver on its responsibility to monitor the development implementation and review of substance use policies in schools. [13209/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 197 and 198 together.
My Department is reconfiguring the delivery of support for teachers in light of the current resource allocation. Although the Walk Tall Support Service will no longer exist in its current guise, it is my intention that the support for substance misuse prevention be further integrated into SPHE support. It is widely acknowledged that while a strand of SPHE can be taught in isolation, it should be linked to each of the other strands of the SPHE curriculum in order to be at its most effective.
199 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science if she will report on whether the moratorium on recruitment in the public service will be lifted to fill a position (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13211/10]
I can inform the Deputy that all primary and post primary schools have access to psychological assessments either directly through the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS), or through the Scheme for Commissioning Psychological Assessments (SCPA), where schools can have an assessment carried out by a member of the panel of private psychologists approved by NEPS, and NEPS will pay the psychologist the fees for this assessment directly.
NEPS in common with other psychological services encourages a staged assessment process whereby each school takes responsibility for initial assessment, educational planning and remedial intervention, in consultation with their assigned NEPS psychologist. Only if there is a failure to make reasonable progress in spite of the school's best efforts, will a student be referred for individual psychological assessment. This system allows the psychologists to give early attention to urgent cases and also to help many more students indirectly than could be seen individually.
The introduction of the General Allocation model for primary schools in 2005/06 means that children with high incidence special needs can get access to extra support without having to undergo an individual assessment.
Children who manifest very special or urgent needs in school and who have not been previously assessed by a psychologist and are brought to the attention of a NEPS psychologist by the Principal teacher will usually be assessed by the psychologist within that school term. Normally, principals of schools prioritise those children in need of psychological assessment in consultation with the assigned psychologist.
In the case of schools that do not currently have dedicated NEPS psychologists assigned to them, as I already mentioned, such schools have access to psychological assessments through the SCPA. Under this Scheme, schools can commission assessments from a member of the panel of private practitioners approved by NEPS, and NEPS will pay the fees directly to the psychologist concerned.
I have made enquiries with my Department's local NEPS service in Ennis, Co Clare and am informed that they have not been made aware of a backlog of cases awaiting assessment in the school mentioned in the Deputy's query.
Furthermore I can confirm to the Deputy that the expansion of the NEPS service has been excepted from the stricture of the moratorium on recruitment in the public service and my government has made specific commitment within the Renewed Programme for Government to an overall expansion of NEPS psychologist numbers to 210 — current NEPS staffing numbers stand at 156.
In this regard a national recruitment competition has been recently launched by the Public Appointments Service on behalf of my Department with a view to the creation of a panel of suitably qualified psychologists to enable the employment of these additional staff as quickly as possible. The NEPS Mid-West Region will be a target for this recruitment drive.
In the interim should authorities, in the school referred to by the Deputy, have specific difficulties with regard any of the foregoing I would suggest that they should contact the relevant local NEPS Regional Director, for whom contact details are available on my Department's website.
200 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science if she will respond to the needs of a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13221/10]
The key factor for determining the level of staffing resources provided at individual school level for the coming school year is the pupil enrolment at 30 September 2009.
The staffing schedule for the coming school year was recently published by my Department. The additional posts in the renewed Programme for Government enabled some improvement to be made to the staffing schedule. These improvements have been targeted at medium-to-larger schools which are typically under the greatest pressure in relation to class sizes.
The staffing schedule includes an appeals mechanism for schools who are dissatisfied with their staffing allocation. The appeals criteria are outlined in the published staffing schedule which is available on my Department's website.
Due to industrial action on the part of some staff in the Department of Education and Science, I am not in a position to give the full details sought by the Deputy.
201 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science if a person in receipt of a back to education allowance and a maintenance grant who will complete a post-leaving certificate course in the coming months, and who has applied through the CAO for a follow-on degree course starting in 2010 will be considered an existing student and will retain both the back to education allowance and the maintenance grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13223/10]
Students currently in receipt of the BTEA or VTOS allowances and the maintenance grant will continue to be eligible for both payments for the duration of their current course provided they continue to meet the terms and conditions of the relevant grant schemes.
Students progressing to a new course with effect from 2010/11 will no longer be eligible for student maintenance grants but can apply for assistance towards the cost of the student services charge and any fees payable. A student progressing from a PLC course to a third-level degree course is progressing to a new course.
202 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science if in the means test for higher education grants the income of a separated spouse is taken into account or if efforts are made by the education authorities to pursue the separated spouse to contribute if he or she is in a good financial position; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13227/10]
The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter, in the first instance, for the relevant assessing authority, i.e. the applicant's local authority or VEC.
Clause 4.4.3 of the Higher Education Grants Scheme states that, "...In the case of a candidate other than an independent mature candidate, the candidate's reckonable income shall be that of the candidate and of the candidate's parents or guardians, except where the candidate's parents are divorced, legally separated or it is established to the satisfaction of the Local Authority that they are separated, in which case, the candidate's reckonable income shall be that of the candidate and of the parent with whom the candidate resides..."
It is a matter for the assessing authority to determine the application of this provision, depending on the particular circumstances in each case.
203 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science if a masters in social work in University College Dublin is eligible for support from the higher education grant. [13230/10]
Due to industrial action on the part of some staff in the Department of Education and Science, I am not in a position to address details of the case referred to by the Deputy.
204 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science the works that are proposed in the summer school building programme for an area (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13270/10]
Applications under the Summer Works Scheme for 2010 are currently being assessed in my Department.
Following the 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.
In keeping with the timetable published with the governing Circular letter, I expect to be in a position to publish the list of successful applicants later this month.
205 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science if he will support a school (details supplied) in Dublin 3. [13278/10]
I wish to advise the Deputy that the service in question is one funded by the Health Service Executive and the provision of ongoing supports by this service is a matter for the Health Service Executive.
206 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science the amounts spent in current and capital budget in each of the education sectors in 2009. [13314/10]
The information requested by the Deputy is contained in a Table.
|
Current |
Capital |
Total |
|
|
€ million |
|||
|
First level Education |
3,371 |
355 |
3,726 |
|
Second level & Further Education |
3,266 |
210 |
3,476 |
|
Higher Education & Research |
1,849 |
201 |
2,050 |
207 Deputy David Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science the sections and subsections of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004 which would need to be implemented to allow the Special Education Appeals Board to begin hearing appeals; the estimated cost of implementing same in one full year; the nature of appeals which SEAB will be charged with hearing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13317/10]
The Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs (EPSEN) Act, 2004 provides for the establishment of the Special Education Appeals Board to hear and determine appeals under the act. The appellant sections of the Act which have not yet been commenced are: Sections 3 (13), 4(7), 6 (1), 7(5), 10(3) (6), 11(6), 12(1a), 12(1b) and 39(5). These sections if commenced would provide for appeals to be taken by parents, principals or boards of managements of schools on a range of issues as stated in the relevant sections.
As the Deputy is aware, the commitment in the renewed Programme for Government is to develop, in consultation with stakeholders, a costed multi-annual plan to implement some priority aspects of the EPSEN Act, focussing on measurable, practical progress in education and health services for children with special needs. All parts of the EPSEN legislation, which have not been commenced to date, will be considered during this process.
Since its establishment, the Board has developed draft procedures which could be used to consider appeals once the relevant sections of the EPSEN Act are commenced. In considering the requirements of the appeals process which would be required under EPSEN, the Board members have examined the range of legal issues associated with such a process. In this context they have also reviewed the outcome of judicial reviews of education decisions and looked at the structures and procedures in other tribunal fora. Costs associated with approved appeals procedures will also be included in implementation estimates.
208 Deputy David Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science the number of appeals from parents and schools regarding special education needs organiser decisions and special needs assistants allocations which have been received by the National Council for Special Education since its internal appeals process began on 22 February 2010; if parents and schools who are unhappy with SENO decisions made prior to 22 February 2010 will have the opportunity to appeal these decisions using the same appeals process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13318/10]
I wish to advise the Deputy that the issues he has raised are an operational matter for the National Council for Special Education (NCSE). My Department does not keep a record of such activity.
The Deputy may wish to raise these issues directly with the NCSE.
