Vol. 705 No. 4
76 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the measures that the international community should now be taking to head off any prospect of ethnic violence in advance of the elections in Kenya in 2012 in view of the increasing reports of large stocks of armaments being assembled by competing groups in Kenya. [13353/10]
I share the Deputy's concern that everything possible must be done to avoid a repeat of the ethnic violence that erupted after the 2007 elections in Kenya, in which it was estimated that over 1,500 people were killed and as many as 600,000 were displaced.
Following mediation talks led by the former UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan, an agreement designed to bring an end to the conflict was negotiated between the Kenyan government and opposition in February 2008. Under the terms of the agreement, a new power-sharing government was established which committed itself to implementing a programme of reforms intended to address the underlying causes of the post election violence. The reform agenda as set out in the National Accord includes a comprehensive constitutional review; electoral, police and judicial reforms; as well as a commitment to adopt measures to end the impunity of perpetrators of the post-election violence and to fight corruption.
Regrettably, the progress achieved since the formation of the power-sharing government has not lived up to expectations, in particular in the areas of judicial reform and the fight against impunity. On foot of the failure of the government to set up a special tribunal to deal with those accused of post-election violence, the International Criminal Court is considering whether to authorise investigations by the Prosecutor on Kenya. Progress on electoral reform, meanwhile, is slow and funding for it continues to be a challenge. As for the fight against corruption, to date not a single high-level official has ever been convicted on corruption charges. Additional to our concerns over the lack of reform, are our concerns over the general security situation in the country with persistent yet unconfirmed reports of communities arming themselves and fears of increased ethnic hostility.
It is imperative to ensure the full implementation of the reforms set out in the National Accord in order to avoid a recurrence of the unfortunate events of December 2007. Together with our partners in the EU, we will continue to make clear our concerns regarding the situation in Kenya and to call upon the parties in power urgently to implement the reform agenda well in advance of the elections in 2012.
77 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will indicate the specific proposals he has made to the European Union as it finalises its position for the September UN high level conference on the review of the millennium development goals. [13332/10]
The eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) adopted by Heads of Government at the Millennium Summit in 2000 provide the framework for international development up to 2015. They involve a series of ambitious and far-reaching commitments by the entire international community, together with a set of specific targets against which to measure progress in the reduction of global poverty.
The Summit meeting in New York in September to review progress on the MDGs will be an important test of commitment to the world's poorest people in the face of increased global challenges and continuing international economic difficulty. As the largest single provider of development assistance worldwide, it will be essential that the EU plays a central role in the effort to accelerate progress on all of the MDGs by 2015.
In its annual report on progress on the MDGs, the UN noted late last year that, despite significant achievements since 2000, we are not on track for the achievement in full of the Goals by 2015. It emphasised that we need to focus in particular on stronger action in the fight against global hunger, in maternal mortality, in primary school enrolment and in the provision of employment.
At the meeting of EU Development Ministers held in Spain in February, Ireland was represented by Minister of State Power who emphasised the importance of maintaining the commitments we have made for 2015 and of working in closer partnership with developing countries for their achievement. Ireland also urged a strong focus on the MDGs where least progress has been made, with a particular emphasis on the first Goal, the eradication of extreme poverty and hunger.
The Government will work for a clear, concise and focused EU position at the Summit. I believe that if we can concentrate more effectively on a comprehensive approach to the scandal of world hunger we can generate greater progress on a range of MDGs, including maternal mortality, gender equality, employment and education levels.
Since the launch of the Government's Hunger Task Force Report at the UN in September 2008, Ireland has taken a leadership role internationally on the fight against hunger. Hunger is a cornerstone of the Ireland's aid programme. We are determined that, by 2012, we will devote 20% of the programme to actions on the eradication of hunger.
When I met with US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton in Washington on 16 March we agreed that Ireland and the US will cooperate closely in the areas of food security, agriculture and nutrition. Ireland and the US will co-host an international event on a comprehensive approach to the global hunger crisis at the New York Summit in September. This high-level political meeting will highlight the importance of linking agriculture, food security and nutrition programming in order to provide a realistic and sustainable solution to the global hunger crisis.
Over the coming months, the EU Development Ministers will work on the preparation of the Union's position for the MDG Summit, which will be finalised by Heads of State and Government at the European Council in June. I can assure the Deputy that Ireland will continue to play a strong role with our EU partners and in discussions at the UN in New York to ensure that September's meeting provides renewed impetus to the fight against global poverty in all its forms.
78 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if assistance has been provided to Chile following the recent earthquake; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13232/10]
122 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide details of any proposals, at national and or EU level, to offer support to the afflicted following the recent earthquake in Chile. [13343/10]
293 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which the international community was able to offer assistance in the aftermath of the earthquake in Chile. [13526/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 78, 122 and 293 together.
On 27 February, an earthquake measuring 8.8 on the Richter scale struck off the Chilean coast, just 90 kilometres from Concepción, Chile's second largest city. The earthquake was followed by a destructive tsunami and several serious aftershocks were also registered. According to the Chilean authorities, the earthquake resulted in more than 400 fatalities, 200,000 houses damaged beyond repair and some 2 million people affected.
Ireland's Ambassador to Chile, Ms Philomena Murnaghan, represented Ireland at the recent inauguration of the new Chilean President, Mr. Sebastián Piñera. She reiterated the condolences of the President and Government at the terrible loss of life and destruction caused by the earthquake and the subsequent tsunami. She also expressed our solidarity with the people of Chile, with whom Ireland shares historical ties.
Chile has a strong emergency preparedness and response capacity, and the Chilean authorities have effectively led the earthquake response from the outset. The Chilean people have also demonstrated great generosity in raising funds to assist those affected by the earthquake. For example, one Telethon event raised some US$60 million.
Given the capacity and resources available to the Chilean Government, the United Nations has not launched an international funding appeal in response to this crisis. The Government does not, therefore, propose to provide direct financial assistance to Chile. The UN Secretary General has, however, announced an allocation of US$10 million from the UN Central Emergency Fund. This Fund was established in 2006 to provide a pool of funding from which the UN could draw without delay during humanitarian emergencies. Ireland has provided a total of €73 million to the Fund since 2006.
The EU deployed a civil protection team to Chile in the days immediately after the earthquake and a number of EU Member States have provided specialised in-kind assistance, such as water purification units and medical equipment. The European Commission has also announced an emergency allocation to Chile of up to €3 million, following a recent visit to the country by the Commissioner for International Cooperation, Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Response, Kristalina Georgieva. Commissioner Georgieva briefed EU Foreign Ministers on her visit at the meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council on 22 March.
79 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide details of his recent visit to Egypt; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13242/10]
As the Deputy will be aware, I visited Cairo on 23-25 February for discussions with my Egyptian counterpart, Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit. Whilst in Cairo I also took the opportunity to meet with the Secretary General of the Arab League, Amre Moussa, and with the Director of the Egyptian Intelligence Service, General Omar Suleiman. Discussions in Cairo largely focused on the Middle East Peace Process and the prospects for the US efforts to bring about a resumption of negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. Other international issues discussed included Iran, Sudan and the forthcoming Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty review conference.
Foreign Minister Aboul Gheit and I shared our views at some length on the proposed proximity talks and possible next steps for the peace process if and when these talks got underway. I was also briefed on ongoing Egyptian efforts to promote intra-Palestinian reconciliation. Foreign Minister Aboul Gheit also updated me on the local understanding of the situation in Gaza ahead of my visit there the following day, which the Egyptian government kindly facilitated. We both agreed that conditions in Gaza were unacceptable on humanitarian grounds and I advised him of the itinerary of my visit which was organised in close coordination with UNRWA.
I also discussed the situation in Iran with Foreign Minister Aboul Gheit and my other interlocutors in Cairo, and I reiterated Ireland's strong support for the dual-track approach and the discussions now underway in New York on a new Security Council Resolution, in light of Iran's continuing failure to engage seriously with the international community on its nuclear programme. On the Egyptian side concern was expressed in relation to the possible destabilising effect on the region of the ongoing international concerns and tensions arising from Iran's nuclear programme.
Other issues raised at my meetings in Cairo included the forthcoming Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference and Sudan where confidence was expressed that Darfur may now be on the track to a solution but the situation in the South remains more problematic, with considerably more needed in the way of assistance for that region, in advance of next January's referendum.
I also availed of my meetings in Cairo to brief on the Irish and EU position in relation to the recent assassination of a senior Hamas leader in Dubai and the fraudulent use of Irish passports and those of other EU Partners by those suspected of carrying out this killing.
80 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is in a position to make a statement on the prospects of an amendment to the electoral law in Burma in advance of the forthcoming elections such as would render these elections suitable for international monitoring. [13326/10]
81 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the recently announced restrictions by the Burmese Government which formerly annul the National League for Democracy’s 1990 election win, under laws enacted for polls expected later in 2010, which will prohibit pro-democracy leaders, including the detained Aung San Suu Kyi, from participating in those elections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13260/10]
295 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the situation in Burma; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13528/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 80, 81 and 295 together.
As Deputies will be aware from many previous statements in this House, the Government has long been deeply concerned about the situation in Burma. We are actively engaged in the EU and international efforts to support the Burmese people in their struggle for justice, democracy and development.
The Burmese authorities are pushing ahead with plans to hold elections later this year, although no date has yet been confirmed for these elections. Despite a broad view that the terms of the discredited 2008 Constitution virtually precluded the possibility of credible elections, the international community felt it important to do all in its power to urge the regime to conduct elections, and an electoral process, which were free, fair, inclusive and transparent. We also made clear the need for all political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi, to be released without delay and for a process of national dialogue and reconciliation, involving all opposition and all ethnic groups, to be initiated in advance of the elections. Ireland, the EU, the UN and even a number of ASEAN Members played an active role in such efforts. UN Secretary Ban Ki-moon was particularly clear in articulating international expectations during his visit to the country last July.
As Deputies will be aware, however, none of this happened. Efforts by the new US Administration to try to engage with the regime, in the interests of promoting the agenda of credible elections, have also met with virtual silence. Instead of being given her freedom, Aung San Suu Kyi's detention was extended for a period of 18 months in August, to ensure that she would not be in a position to contest the elections or lead her party in them. Few other political prisoners have been released. No effort was made to initiate national dialogue. While the regime has tried to induce some of the ethnic groups who have agreed ceasefires with them to endorse, and participate in, the electoral process, few are prepared to accept the regime's terms. Meanwhile, military offensives against a number of other ethnic groups continue, designed to crush their resistance in the lead-up to the elections.
There was little surprise therefore, when the publication of the new electoral laws in the last few weeks confirmed that the elections were going to lack all credibility; that, in place of inclusivity, there would be heavy restrictions on the registration of political parties and individuals; that Aung San Suu Kyi would be among the many opposition and ethnic representatives rendered ineligible to participate in the elections or even to belong to a recognised political party; and that the elections would be run entirely on the regime's terms. If there was any element of surprise, it was perhaps the extent to which the Burmese regime so blatantly ignored the demands of the international community, and the absence of even the smallest concessions to placate international opinion. The regime has made it clear that it intends to control every aspect of the preparation of the elections, their outcome and the future government that will emerge from them.
Many Burmese opposition and ethnic groups have responded quickly, making clear their views that these elections are a sham. Aung San Suu Kyi declared the new laws ‘unjust' and her NLD party has announced that they will not register for, or contest, the elections on the basis of these laws. Among the international community, there have been strong expressions of concern. There is need, I believe, for the international community to assess the situation in a careful and co-ordinated manner, to listen to what the people of Burma are saying and to prepare a clear and coherent response to these developments.
With this as my objective, I have proposed to my colleagues in the EU Foreign Affairs Council that we have a full discussion on Burma at the earliest opportunity, and particularly on the implications for the EU and international community, of the new Burmese electoral laws. Unfortunately, it was not possible to do this at last week's Council, due to a very full agenda, but it was agreed that this discussion would take place at the next Council in April.
As Deputies may recall, the EU had agreed in December that we should send an exploratory mission at official level to Burma with a focus on the electoral process, essentially to investigate whether the EU could play any part in encouraging a credible electoral process. Clearly we will now have to review our position very carefully. It will be important also for the EU to liaise closely with the US and other international partners in the preparation of a strong and co-ordinated response to these developments.
82 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of posts unfilled in his Department due to the recruitment embargo; the sections they are in; the number in Dublin; the number in decentralised locations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13239/10]
Since January 2009, there has been a net reduction of 58 in staffing levels in my Department.
The moratorium on recruitment has meant that staff and functions within my Department are continually being reallocated and reorganised. In addition, the changing business needs of my Department, along with the nature of its core work, require the frequent reassignment of staff, both at home and to our Missions abroad.
Under the Government's decentralisation programme announced in 2003, the Development Cooperation Division of the Department of Foreign Affairs, which operates externally under the name of Irish Aid, decentralised to Limerick. I can advise the Deputy that, at present, there are 9.5 fewer staff working in the Irish Aid office in Limerick than at the beginning of 2009.
However, my Department has sanction for 50 temporary clerical officers for the Passport Office and these people should be recruited as soon as possible.
83 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress made to date on resolving the issue of undocumented Irish in the United States; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13233/10]
Finding a solution for our undocumented citizens in the United States continues to be an important priority for this Government. We are also committed to enhancing our bilateral migration arrangements with the US through the establishment of a reciprocal two year renewable visa scheme, known as the E3 visa, and the further development of the working holiday programme.
During our recent St Patrick's Day visit Washington, the Taoiseach and I took the opportunity to discuss immigration reform and the plight of the undocumented Irish during our meetings with President Obama, Secretary of State Clinton and leading members of Congress. In his remarks at the St Patrick's Day reception, President Obama offered an assurance that his own commitment to comprehensive immigration reform remains unwavering.
On 18th March, Senator Charles E Schumer (D-New York) and Senator Lindsay Graham (R-South Carolina) unveiled their draft framework for action on immigration. This bipartisan proposal includes provision for a path towards legalisation for the undocumented. It proposes that the undocumented could become legalised provided that they admit to having violated US laws, undertake the repayment of taxes and perform community service.
I am encouraged by this significant development and also by the efforts which continue to be made on Capitol Hill to resolve this issue despite the considerable political challenges which still remain.
Our Embassy in Washington will continue to maintain very close ongoing contacts with both Congressmen and advocates who are engaged on this matter, so as to ensure that Irish interests are considered as part of the ongoing process towards the introduction of a new immigration bill. These contacts have made clear that the issue of the undocumented can only be fully addressed through comprehensive immigration reform.
This Government will continue to support and encourage movement towards finding a solution for the undocumented Irish. Through the Emigrant Support Programme, we have provided $285,000 to the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform, since 2006, to assist with their lobbying efforts. In 2009, we also provided $10,000 to the Chicago Celts for Immigration Reform.
84 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the latest report that there has been a 22% increase in arms sales by Germany in the past five years; the implications of this for the EU’s foreign policy, and, in particular, in so far as a very high proportion of these sales are to some of the poorest countries in the world, many with authoritarian regimes. [13347/10]
I am aware of the report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) which indicated a rise in the level of arms exported from Germany in recent years.
Since December 2008, all European Union Member States, including Germany, are legally bound to uphold Council Common Position 2008/944/CFSP, which defines common rules governing the control of exports of military technology and equipment.
I am satisfied that the EU Common Position ensures that the export of military technology and equipment from the EU is carried out with the strongest possible safeguards. Furthermore, I would emphasise that Germany maintains a robust export control system and would also note that the SIPRI report states that "European recipients represent the main destinations" for German military exports.
The EU Common Position ensures that every application for a licence to export items on the EU Common Military List is assessed against eight criteria. These criteria take into consideration a number of factors, including matters such as respect for the international obligations and commitments of Member States, in particular the sanctions adopted by the UN Security Council or the European Union; respect for human rights in the country of final destination as well as respect by that country of international humanitarian law; the internal situation in the country of final destination — such as the existence of tension or armed conflict; the preservation of regional peace, security and stability; the national security of Member States and of friendly and allied countries; terrorism and respect for international law; the risk of diversion to an undesirable end user, either within the buyer country or by re-export; and the compatibility of the particular equipment with the level of development of the country in question, i.e. whether the proposed export would seriously hamper the sustainable development of the recipient country.
I would also recall that this Government, in line with our EU partners, is committed to supporting a binding and comprehensive global treaty on the arms trade, covering all weapons and ammunition. Germany in particular has played a leading role in this effort and the EU as a whole will be working towards this goal in the coming months.
85 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the positive developments he expects to flow from Baroness Ashton’s visit to Gaza. [13345/10]
87 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will propose at EU level the establishment of a permanent secretariat to existing and particularly new initiatives for peace in the Middle East. [13346/10]
99 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on implications for the peace process in the Middle East of the approval of the Israeli Government of further housing units in East Jerusalem. [13327/10]
105 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps he will take to officially break the EU consensus which affords Israel preferential trade by withdrawing Irish consent for this in view of the recent announcement by Israel of its intention to build a further 1,600 illegal settlement houses and the many atrocities committed by that State. [13296/10]
107 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, during his recent meeting with the US Secretary of State, the subjects of Gaza and the settlements were raised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13342/10]
115 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he directly or through the EU or the UN has been in a position to positively influence or develop the peace process in the Middle East with particular emphasis on the need for a permanent structure to which all sides can have recourse; if he will indicate his own conclusions arising from any of the discussions he has had with the various interests in the region; if any progress has been made on rebuilding operations in Gaza; if the funding made available through the international community is still accessible; if he will outline the extent to which the EU specifically hopes to influence the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13359/10]
125 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on whether the proximity talks between Palestinian and Israeli representatives are likely to take place and yield a result in view of the impasse in relation to the expansion of illegal settlements. [13350/10]
287 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the degree to which he and his EU and UN colleagues have observed ongoing developments in Gaza, the West Bank and the Middle East; if any particular strategy, policy of initiative is likely to follow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13520/10]
296 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the initiatives that are open to the international community to advance the peace process in the Middle East in the wake of recent extension of Israeli settlements and the ongoing need for the reconstruction of buildings in Gaza; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13529/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 85, 87, 99, 105, 107, 115, 125, 287 and 296 together.
I refer to my earlier reply to Priority Questions 70 and 72 for details on my discussions with Secretary Clinton, and on the issues of Gaza and of Israeli settlement construction. Further to that reply, I would add a number of points in answer to matters raised by Deputies.
The difficulties inherent in reaching a comprehensive settlement to the Israeli-Palestinian and Israeli-Arab conflicts are readily apparent, not least in the light of the very great difficulty in even bringing the parties to the starting point. But we are very familiar in Ireland with the long, frustrating and endlessly patient work that can be required in a process of this nature, and we must continue to encourage the parties to take those difficult steps. The US Administration has put a great deal of effort into trying to reach the commencement of talks, in the belief that the issues to be settled are well capable of resolution, most of them having been the subject of intermittent negotiation and debate for the best part of two decades. I share their view that the talks can succeed if both sides genuinely want them to. That is the crucial question.
The idea of a secretariat structure for the peace talks has been raised before in the House. I have to say however that in my discussions with them, none of the parties to the conflict have suggested that they would find such a structure useful. Indeed it is unlikely that they would accept any such structure, even if it were to be clear under what auspices or mandate it would operate. It might simply add to the long list of issues on which there is no agreement. I do not therefore plan to make such a proposal at EU level. There are, of course, already Special Representatives in the field for the UN, the EU, the US and the Quartet, each with a small staff.
The problems in the Middle East are primarily caused by lack of political will and spirit of compromise, not lack of process and structure. It is true that each successive negotiation effort has to some extent had to begin again at zero, but nonetheless some of the outlines or parameters of possible agreement have gradually emerged through these talks and interim agreements. I strongly approve the firm US intention that the current negotiation process, if it can be launched, should reach a final comprehensive agreement within two years, to avoid any further loss of ground gained.
I have on many occasions restated the consistent policy of successive Irish Governments that it would be neither helpful nor feasible to pursue EU trade measures against Israel, despite our many and clear differences with them on issues relating to their continuing occupation of Palestinian Territories. Such an approach would not increase our influence on Israeli policy or public opinion, nor among our EU colleagues. Nor is there any possibility of reaching agreement on such a policy at EU level, which would in fact require a consensus in favour of such sanctions.
I support any initiative to positively address the dreadful situation in Gaza. In particular, I welcome the recent visits to the strip by the UN Secretary Genera, Ban Ki-moon, and the EU High Representative, Catherine Ashton, which followed closely on my own visit.
As I saw myself, there has been very little reconstruction of damaged buildings and infrastructure, due to the continued blockade on the import of construction materials. Since it is clear that militant groups are readily able to import materials for their own construction purposes through the tunnels, this policy primarily affects ordinary Gazan citizens in the homes and businesses. There have been some recent positive steps by the Israeli authorities, acting in cooperation with the UN, UNRWA and the Quartet Representative, Tony Blair, in allowing in materials for 150 housing units, work on the sewage treatment plant, an elevator for the maternity hospital, the flour mill, and some window glass and window and door frames. But UN Secretary General Ban has accurately described these exceptions to the blockade — welcome as they are — as ‘a drop in a bucket'. The only acceptable and rational policy is for a complete and lasting end to the blockade.
It is also important that I restate clearly that the firing of a further missile at Israel even during the visit to Gaza of EU High Representative Ashton, which killed a Thai agricultural worker in Israel, is an example of how little some militant groups care about the effects of their actions on innocent civilians on either side of the border. I also repeat that Israel has a right to expect that the abducted soldier, Sergeant Shalit, be released immediately from Gaza.
86 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which the EU, the UN or the wider international community has influenced matters in Iran, with particular reference to that country’s nuclear development programme, the stability of the region and the alleged human right abuses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13360/10]
288 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps that have been taken at EU or UN level to address human rights abuses in Iran, with particular reference to the aftermath of civil protest; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13521/10]
300 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the degree to which the international community has remonstrated with the Iranian authorities in relation to the ongoing persecution of academics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13533/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 86, 288 and 300 together.
International concerns about the nature and aims of Iran's nuclear programme, which are shared by Ireland, have been the focus of diplomatic efforts for some years. The EU has been actively engaged with the Iranian authorities since 2004 in trying to reach a satisfactory resolution of this issue. This EU commitment was repeated in the Declaration on Iran which was issued by the European Council in December. An intrinsic element of this approach has been the need to introduce progressively stronger measures which might persuade Iran to reconsider its position. This need is reinforced by the continuing refusal of Iran to comply with its obligations under both IAEA and UN Security Council Resolutions, and by the current stalemate in the negotiations. Consistent with this dual-track approach, the European Council Declaration stated that the Union would support action by the UN Security Council if Iran continues to ignore its obligations.
In line with our consistent support for the efforts of the E3+3, Ireland has always made clear that, in the event of continuing non-compliance by Iran, we could contemplate the adoption of further restrictive measures against Iran. Our strong preference would be for this to be agreed at UN level. If this cannot be achieved, we would be ready to support EU action. Discussions are continuing in New York on a possible new Security Council resolution imposing new sanctions against Iran but it is likely to be a number of weeks yet before any such text is tabled.
Iran's own neighbours, especially its Gulf Arab neighbours, have long made clear their extreme concern at the implications of Iran's nuclear programme, and indeed have raised the possibility that they may feel obliged to follow a similar path, which would be most unwelcome in an already tense region. It is in this context that recent reports of possible defensive measures, including by US forces based in the Gulf, should be seen. However, it is important to stress that all sides, including the United States, have made clear that they are committed to a peaceful resolution of this issue through diplomacy. This remains the absolute priority for Ireland and our EU partners.
The EU has been vocal in its reaction to the deterioration in human rights generally in Iran since the disputed Presidential elections, with a particular focus on the maltreatment of those in detention and the need for due legal process to prevail. High Representative Ashton has issued a number of strong statements, the latest on 11 February, expressing the EU's serious concerns regarding the deteriorating human rights situation in Iran which Ireland welcomes and fully supports. I note that High Representative Ashton also issued a joint statement with the United States on 8 February in which the European Union and the United States together condemned the continuing human rights violations in Iran since the June 12 election and called on the Government of Iran to live up to its international human rights obligations, to end its abuses against its own people, to hold accountable those who have committed the abuses and to release those who are exercising their rights.
I have also reported to the House on a number of occasions of my own efforts to engage with the Iranian authorities bilaterally on the steady deterioration of human rights protection in Iran in recent years. Most recently during the UN Human Rights Council Universal Periodic Review of Iran on 15 February Ireland raised a number is issues including the continued use of the death penalty, and of torture in Iranian prisons as well as women's rights and the situation of human rights defenders. My Department has also raised the case of a number of those detained since the elections last June, including that of Dr. Kian Tajbakhsh, an American citizen who was sentenced to five years imprisonment in Iran for a variety of charges linked to the post election disturbances in Iran. We welcome Dr. Tajbakhsh's brief release to celebrate the Persian New Year with his family and will continue to monitor his case closely.
88 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the recruitment process for the staff of the European External Action Service; if he envisages Irish citizens being afforded an opportunity of applying for such positions; if such positions will be open for public application; and the manner in which the process will be advertised. [13339/10]
The European External Action Service (EEAS) is an important innovation under the Lisbon Treaty which will support the work of the new High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Catherine Ashton. The High Representative has on 25 March presented a proposal for a Council Decision on the organisation and functioning of the EEAS and discussion will soon commence on this.
As regards the staffing of EEAS posts, the Treaty provides that the EEAS will comprise officials from relevant departments of the Commission and the Council Secretariat, as well as staff seconded from national diplomatic services of the Member States. The High Representative's forthcoming proposals will include proposals for the staff recruitment process. Appropriate amendments will also need to be made to the EU's Staff Regulations.
As I indicated in my reply to parliamentary questions last month, the EEAS recruitment process should be open, transparent and merit-based while also ensuring that EEAS staffing is representative of the diversity of the Union. These points were made again on 22 March when Ministers in the General Affairs and Foreign Affairs Councils had a useful, wide-ranging discussion with High Representative Ashton.
Irish candidates will be able to compete for positions within the EEAS on an equal footing with those from other Member States. My Department has sought general expressions of interest from officials in our own foreign service in seeking positions in the EEAS. It is not yet clear how the EEAS will advertise the posts available but as the recruitment procedures are developed, steps will be taken to ensure that qualified Irish candidates are fully informed.
Separately, a limited number of posts vacant in EU missions abroad this year have been opened to competition and the details have been circulated to qualified staff.
The overall size of the EEAS is still under consideration and it will be some years before it reaches full operational strength. Staffing from the member States, including Ireland, is likely to start modestly. However, over time there will be a real benefit to the State through the experience gained by the rotation of Irish officials between the EEAS and the Irish diplomatic service. I look forward to Irish candidates of the highest calibre being recruited into the new Service.
89 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on whether such reforms of the international monetary system, as a foreign policy principle, as would allow for the establishment of a transaction tax, such as the Tobin tax, so as to contain or eliminate the destructive anti-democratic consequences of speculation in international debt and currency. [13352/10]
The question of introducing any tax measures is primarily a matter for the Minister for Finance.
From a foreign policy perspective, I would not exclude that taxation measures might have a role to play in regulating international financial markets, alongside other international instruments.
As the Deputy will be aware, there were calls at the G20 Summit in St Andrews last November for a global financial levy or an insurance fee to be implemented by all the world's financial centres, in consideration of the need to reflect the global responsibilities of financial institutions to society. While this was not agreed at the meeting, the G-20 leaders have tasked the IMF to prepare a report in time for their June 2010 meeting laying out a range of options as to how the financial sector could make a fair and substantial contribution toward paying for any burdens associated with government interventions to repair the banking system.
The European Council in December 2009 emphasised the importance of renewing the economic and social contract between financial institutions and the society they serve and of ensuring that the public is protected from risk.
90 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his contingency plans for the passport office following the recent flooding there; his further plans to address delays in the passport office as a result of ongoing industrial action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13244/10]
91 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the procedure that is in place to facilitate the issuing of urgent passports during the ongoing dispute by public service unions; the affect that this dispute is having on the passport office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13252/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 90 and 91 together.
I refer the Deputies to my response to Priority question number 13403/10.
As the Deputy is aware, customers have been experiencing disruption to passport services as a result of ongoing industrial action in the public service. The industrial action has led to a backlog of over 50,000 passport applications in the system and application turnaround time is currently 15-20 working days. As a result, the Department advises that it is not possible to fast-track any application other than in a case of genuine family emergency, in which case proof will be required that travel is necessitated by the death, illness or welfare of a family member. The issuing of passports in such emergencies is not affected by the industrial dispute. Furthermore, 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.
In the circumstances,customers are advised to check the expiry dates of passports before making any overseas travel plans and to apply in sufficient time that the new passport can be received before the intended date of travel. In response to the industrial action the Department has in addition temporarily suspended the requirement that applicants submit their existing passport with their application for a new passport. Where the current passport has not yet fully expired customers may include a photocopy of the personal details pages of the current passport with their application for a new passport.
Clearly the present situation is not acceptable where so many of our citizens are experiencing intolerable delays. However, the situation will not ease until normal working is resumed. The Passport business is seasonal throughout the world and every service has to rely on the recruitment of seasonal workers and overtime. Until the current restrictions in these areas are overcome, the Passport service will continue to struggle with the timely provision of passports for Irish citizens.
Without the normal flexibility, which has characterized the Passport Service in the past, it is simply not possible to provide these functions. I am calling on the CPSU to resume normal working arrangements as soon as possible particularly now that there was a conclusion to the Public Sector talks early this morning in Croke Park under the Chairmanship of Mr. Kieran Mulvey.
Following this morning's agreement, there are clear grounds for ending the current industrial action. Should this occur, my Department will move immediately to eliminate the backlog of passport applications by offering overtime, redeploying staff to get ease bottlenecks in the process and recruiting temporary staff. With the cooperation of staff, who let us not forget made the Passport Service the efficient, customer friendly service it was before this dispute, we can soon again have a service to be proud of.
92 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of public servants employed by Irish Aid in Dublin that did not renew their posts when the agency was decentralised to Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13245/10]
112 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of public servants employed by Irish Aid that have requested a transfer to other Departments or public agencies in the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13247/10]
116 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of vacant posts at a mid to senior management level in Irish Aid that remain to be filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13246/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 92, 112, and 116 together.
Under the Government's decentralisation programme announced in 2003, the Development Cooperation Division of the Department of Foreign Affairs decentralised to Limerick. This Division operates externally under the name of Irish Aid. The Headquarters of Irish Aid is situated in my Department's Limerick building.
Of the 108 staff assigned to Irish Aid at the time decentralisation was announced, 19 officials were transferred to other areas of my Department as they did not wish to decentralise.
In the past three years, five staff of the Development Cooperation Division of my Department have transferred to other Departments or public bodies.
It is in the nature of the work of my Department that staff members transfer between Divisions at HQ, and indeed to Embassies abroad, on a regular basis. This routine rotation accounts for the balance of the staff transfers from Irish Aid.
The total number of unfilled posts in Irish Aid is currently 9.5. Of those, 6.5 are at, or above, Executive Officer level and equivalent.
93 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of Irish citizens who are permanently resident abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13763/10]
There is no legal requirement for Irish citizens living abroad to register with their nearest Embassy. As such, no official figures are available for the number of Irish citizens who are permanently resident abroad.
During 2009 our diplomatic missions issued 81,000 passports to Irish citizens ordinarily resident abroad. The most recent US census recorded 124,000 Irish born residents, although some 42 million people claim Irish ancestry. The 2001 census in Britain showed that there were 750,000 Irish born people living in Britain and it is estimated that a further 1.7million people are born to Irish parents. There are also significant numbers of Irish citizens living in Australia, New Zealand, Argentina and Canada.
The Government takes a broad and inclusive approach when it comes to defining our global community. The Irish Diaspora is not limited to Irish born people living overseas or to those who have activated Irish citizenship. Instead, it encompasses all those who believe they are of Irish descent and feel a sense of affinity with this country. I believe it is essential that we in Ireland value and affirm the validity of this sense of Irishness, felt by so many people abroad.
Supporting Irish communities abroad is a priority for this Government. Since 2004 almost €70 million has been allocated, through the Emigrant Support Programme, mainly to Irish community organisations throughout the world. Despite the difficult economic situation, a further €13 million has been allocated to the Emigrant Support Programme for 2010.
The Government has also developed new initiatives aimed at creating a more strategic relationship with the global Irish, particularly in the economic sector. The Global Irish Economic Forum and the subsequent establishment of the Global Irish Network clearly demonstrate our commitment to achieving this objective.
94 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the breaches of human rights affecting trades union members in Columbia. [13330/10]
I am aware of and share the deep concern that has been expressed at the manner in which trade union activists, human rights defenders and journalists have been treated in Colombia. To this end, a number of steps have been taken over the past year in addressing human rights issues directly with the Government of Colombia and together with the European Union.
First, in December 2008, at the Universal Periodic Review of Colombia at the Commission on Human Rights in Geneva, Ireland made a set of strong recommendations inter alia on the protection of human rights defenders in Colombia. Foreign Minister Bermudez subsequently wrote to me outlining in detail the steps that Colombia has undertaken, particularly in response to Ireland’s recommendations at the Human Rights Council. In my response to Foreign Minister Bermudez’ letter, I acknowledged the progress made but equally stressed the need for further serious efforts by the Colombian Government in order to meet its human rights commitments.
In particular, I underlined my grave concern at the number of deaths of trade union members, who play a crucial role in our societies. I called on the Colombian Government to ensure that thorough investigations are carried out into the deaths of those trade unionists who have died in violent circumstances and that concrete action is taken immediately to ensure the protection of those people who continue to participate in trade union activity in Colombia. Finally, I sought detailed information on the measures being taken by the Colombian Government to ensure the safety of trade union members in Colombia.
Secondly, the Irish Ambassador to Colombia met with President Uribé, Foreign Minister Bermudez and senior officials in Bogota in November 2009 and raised a range of human rights issues, in particular the question of the number of trade unionists killed in recent years. The Colombian side acknowledged the difficulties they are facing with regard to the protection of human rights but outlined the steps being taken such as trebling the budget of the Protection Programme for Human Rights Defenders to $47 million in 2009. This permitted the extension of the Protection Programme to cover trade unionists and journalists. Indeed in the first half of 2009, the Protection Programme benefited 1,430 trade unionists.
Thirdly, during negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement between the EU and Colombia, Ireland insisted on the inclusion of a clause committing both the EU Member States and Colombia to the implementation of their human rights responsibilities with the proviso that failure to do would result in the suspension of the Agreement. In addition, I wrote to the EU Trade Commissioner in January to underline the importance I attach to the inclusion of a strong and effective human rights and suspension clause as an essential element of the Agreement.
In addition to the bilateral track, the European Union has stepped up its human rights dialogue with the Colombian authorities, who have been left in no doubt about the seriousness of our concerns regarding the human rights situation and the extent of the improvements needed.
I can assure you that the Government will continue to closely follow the human rights situation in Colombia and take the steps we consider necessary bilaterally as well as in cooperation with our EU partners.
95 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of honorary consuls and their location; the numbers of vacancies for the position of honorary consul; the locations of same; his plans to fill these vacancies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13762/10]
There are a total of 89 Honorary Consuls serving at present and the table below sets out where they are located.
Consideration of whether to appoint an Honorary Consul in a particular country or specific area within a country is taken on the basis of several criteria eg Consular needs, location of significant Irish community, business opportunities etc.. The Department requests all missions to keep the situation under review. Should a need for a new Honorary Consul be identified, I will give it active consideration.
When an Honorary Consul retires or resigns, we conduct a review of whether the position should remain in that particular location. Before any public announcement of an Honorary Consul appointment, it is necessary to get the agreement of the Receiving State.
|
Country |
Location of Honorary Counsuls |
|||||
|
Australia |
Perth |
|||||
|
Bahrain |
Manama |
|||||
|
Belgium |
Antwerp |
|||||
|
Bermuda |
Hamilton |
|||||
|
Bolivia |
La Paz |
|||||
|
Botswana |
Gaborone |
|||||
|
Brazil |
Sao Paulo |
|||||
|
Canada |
Calgary |
Montreal |
Edmonton |
Toronto |
Vancouver |
St. John’s Newfoundland |
|
Channel Islands |
Jersey |
|||||
|
Chile |
Santiago |
|||||
|
China |
Hong Kong |
|||||
|
Columbia |
Bogota |
|||||
|
Croatia |
Zagreb |
|||||
|
Ecuador |
Quito |
|||||
|
Egypt |
Alexandria |
|||||
|
El Salvador |
San Salvador |
|||||
|
Finland |
Helsinki |
|||||
|
France |
Antibes |
Cherbourg |
||||
|
Germany |
Cologne |
Frankfurt |
Hamburg |
Munich |
||
|
Georgia |
Tbilisi |
|||||
|
Greece |
Corfu |
Crete |
Rhodes |
|||
|
Guatemala |
Guatemala |
|||||
|
Guyana |
Georgetown |
|||||
|
Iceland |
Gardabaer |
|||||
|
India |
Bangalore |
Mumbai |
||||
|
Indonesia |
Jakarta |
|||||
|
Italy |
Milan |
|||||
|
Japan |
Osaka |
|||||
|
Jordan |
Amman |
|||||
|
Kenya |
Nairobi |
|||||
|
Korea |
Seoul |
|||||
|
Malawi |
Blantyre |
|||||
|
Mexico |
Cancun |
|||||
|
Monaco |
Monaco |
|||||
|
Morocco |
Agadir |
Casablanca |
||||
|
Netherlands |
Rotterdam |
|||||
|
New Zealand |
Auckland |
|||||
|
Nigeria |
Lagos |
|||||
|
Oman |
Muscat |
|||||
|
Pakistan |
Karachi |
|||||
|
Panama |
Panama |
|||||
|
Peru |
Lima |
|||||
|
Philippines |
Manila |
|||||
|
Poland |
Poznan |
|||||
|
Russian Federation |
St.Petersburg |
|||||
|
Serbia |
Belgrade |
|||||
|
Sierra Leone |
Freetown |
|||||
|
Spain |
Alicante |
Barcelona |
Bilbao |
El Ferrol |
Gran Canaria |
|
|
Spain cont. |
Lanzarote |
Malaga |
Mallorca |
Seville |
Tenerife |
|
|
Sri Lanka |
Colombo |
|||||
|
Sudan |
Khartoum |
|||||
|
Switzerland |
Zurich |
|||||
|
Syria |
Damascus |
|||||
|
Thailand |
Bangkok |
Phuket |
||||
|
Trinidad and Tobago |
Port of Spain |
|||||
|
Tunisia |
Tunis |
|||||
|
Turkey |
Istanbul |
|||||
|
Ukraine |
Kiev |
|||||
|
U.S.A. |
Houston |
Los Angeles |
Naples, FL |
Reno, NV |
St. Louis |
Seattle |
|
Denver |
||||||
|
Venezuela |
Caracas |
|||||
|
Zimbabwe |
Harare |
|||||
|
Total number: 89 |
96 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No 307 of 23 February 2010 in which he indicated that it is intended to use the Irish Ambassador’s residence in Ottawa, a building on which his Department just spent $7 million renovating, as an amenity to promote trade with Ireland, if a strategy to maximise the return to the taxpayer has been put in place including a schedule of events in terms of presentations by State agencies and Irish companies and so on; and if so, if he will provide this Deputy with a list of same. [13298/10]
127 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs further to Parliamentary Question number 307 of 23 February 2010, in which he indicates that it is intended to use the Irish ambassador’s residence in Ottawa, Canada, a building on which his Department just spent $7 million renovating, as an amenity to promote trade with Ireland, if his Department developed and considered detailed projections on the scale of the return that the taxpayer can expect on their investment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13297/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 96 and 127 together.
Ireland has strong commercial and business linkages with Canada. Total trade (manufacturing and services) between Ireland and Canada in 2008 was valued at more than €1.6 billion. The first ten months of 2009 saw a 12 % increase in this trade. Canada is also a key tourism market for Ireland with 108,000 Canadians visiting Ireland in 2008.
Further development of Ireland's economic interests in Canada is a key priority for the Embassy in Ottawa. To this end, the Embassy works closely with the state agencies and in particular with the Enterprise Ireland office in Toronto, to support their activities in Canada and to grow and develop our bilateral economic relationship. The Embassy also works with individual companies seeking to enter the Canadian market and provides assistance to Irish companies in relation to market access issues. The Embassy and the Residence are used for this purpose and are available to the state agencies and their clients to assist them in developing their business in Canada.
The renovated Residence in Ottawa is now in operation and represents a valuable asset for the State and a resource in the consolidation and enhancement of our important relationship with Canada with whom we also have many shared foreign policy values.
A key promotional focus for the Embassy every year is St Patrick's Day. This year, the Embassy hosted a reception, at the Ambassador's Residence, for up to 500 people including senior political and business representatives.
An important element of the evening was the ability to promote, including through audiovisual display, the work of Tourism Ireland, Bord Bia, Enterprise Ireland and the IDA.
A number of Irish food and drinks products were also showcased. The Ambassador's Residence is the ideal location for this type of promotional work and is extremely cost effective by comparison with other possible options such as a hotel.
The Embassy will continue to work closely with the State agencies and the private sector and has a number of trade development activities in planning for the remainder of the year.
I am confident that through assiduous use of the new resources and a cohesive approach to trade, tourism and investment promotion, the investment made in our representation in Canada, which is the world's seventh largest economy, will yield a positive result.
97 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the EU has held any discussions regarding the ongoing tensions between the power sharing government in Zimbabwe; if there are any plans for EU involvement to assist in resolving these tensions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13255/10]
The situation in Zimbabwe continues to be of great concern to the Government and to the European Union as a whole. While we have seen some improvements in the economic sphere since the formation of the unity government, this has not been matched in other crucial areas, including respect for human rights, the rule of law and security sector reform.
The lack of progress in implementing the Global Political Agreement (GPA) has been the main source of tension between the parties in the power-sharing government. The most recent crisis was triggered by the arrest and indictment last October of the MDC nominee for Deputy Minister for Agriculture on treason charges and culminated in the disengagement by the MDC from their Zanu-PF partners in government. Both sides subsequently agreed to enter talks facilitated by the South African Development Community (SADC) on the full implementation of the GPA. These talks are continuing. Ireland, with our EU partners, remain supportive of this effort, believing that Zimbabwe's neighbours have a critical role to play in encouraging reform, and can bring the greatest influence to bear in achieving progress in implementing the power sharing agreement.
The EU has repeatedly stated its willingness to re-engage with the Zimbabwean Government. Re-engagement, however, remains conditional on a willingness to pursue in good faiththe agreed goals set out in the GPA. On 21 April, a ministerial delegation from Zimbabwe will travel to Brussels where they will meet with the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Catherine Ashton. I am hopeful that these discussions will be productive.
In the meantime, Ireland has worked closely with our EU partners in developing a consistent approach to Zimbabwe that benefits the people of Zimbabwe, while maintaining pressure on the Government to reform. In keeping with other international donors, we do not provide funding to the Zimbabwean Government, but respond to the humanitarian needs of the Zimbabwean people through support for the work of multilateral and non-governmental organisations. In 2009, Ireland provided funding of €5.6 million to a range of humanitarian programmes in Zimbabwe, focussed on food security, tackling HIV and AIDS, human rights and supporting civil society organisations that provide essential services for the population.
98 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is in a position to report progress at the level of the EU on accepting former detainees of Guantánamo. [13329/10]
At an early stage, a number of EU Member States, including Ireland, agreed to accept former Guantánamo detainees cleared for release. To date, twenty-two former detainees have been received by EU Member States. I understand that in the case of certain other Member States, the consideration of whether or not to accept detainees is ongoing.
Together with our EU partners, Ireland continues to encourage the US to bring about the closure of the Guantánamo Bay detention facility in the shortest possible time.
100 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the ongoing protests by anti-government protestors in Thailand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13261/10]
Thailand is currently experiencing large scale demonstrations on the streets of the capital Bangkok. The rallies have been taking place since 12 March with anti-government ‘Red Shirt' protesters — supporters of ousted former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra — demanding the dissolution of Parliament and new elections. The Prime Minister, Abhisit Vejjajiva, has stated that he will not dissolve Parliament and that his Government will continue in office for its full term. 50,000 security personnel have been deployed in the capital and the Internal Security Act has been invoked.
There have been reports that over the week-end twelve soldiers and four civilians were hurt in hand-grenade attacks at a military barracks and at three television stations associated with the Government. I very much regret these incidents. I hope that restraint and caution will be exercised by all sides. Observance of the rule of law, respect for the Thai constitution and protection of the democratic process by all parties are vital.
In response to a Parliamentary Question following protests that took place in 2008, I expressed the view that, if political stability was to be achieved, and if Thailand was to successfully address the many challenges it faces, it was vitally important for the parties there to engage with each other in a spirit of national reconciliation. That remains my position.
It is regrettable that there is continued political polarisation. I hope, however, that restraint and reason will prevail in this instance and that serious efforts will be made by all sides to maintain stability. In this context, I welcome the talks which took place between the Prime Minister and the ‘Red Shirt' protesters on Sunday and Monday and which were also televised. I hope that these talks will lay the foundation for broader dialogue on the range of issues which divide the country.
101 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the current political position in Nigeria. [13351/10]
There have been a number of developments of interest and concern in Nigeria in recent weeks, relating both to the composition of the Federal Government, and to outbreaks of violence in the country. The absence of President Yar Adua, who left Nigeria in November last year for medical treatment in Saudi Arabia without transferring power to Vice President Goodluck Jonathan, caused some Constitutional uncertainty as the Vice President was not legally empowered to carry out all the functions of the President. On 9 February the National Assembly adopted a unanimous resolution to recognise the Vice President as Acting President. Subsequently, on 23 February President Yar Adua returned to Nigeria, although he has still not been seen in public since his return.
On Wednesday 17 March, after a 12 hour cabinet meeting, Acting President Jonathan dismissed the other Ministers of Government, promising to nominate a new Government within two weeks. Duties and powers have been handed over to the permanent secretary in each ministry. The Acting President indicated that he expects to reappoint most of the previous ministers.
In relation to the recurrent violence in Jos, in which several hundred people have died since the beginning of the year, Vice President Goodluck Jonathan has acted swiftly and sent the army to the area to stop the violence, and reinforce a curfew. The Federal Attorney General also dispatched a special legal team in early March to help prosecute perpetrators of the attacks. Much work is needed to identify and address the root causes of the violence if the cycle is to be broken and long term peace restored.
The situation in the Niger Delta had been relatively calm, but in recent weeks violence has flared again. Last week Nigerian militants detonated two car bombs outside a government building in the southern city of Warri where talks were being held about implementing the amnesty programme. Acting President Goodluck Jonathan has made reviving the amnesty programme and restoring peace in the Niger Delta a priority. The Acting President is acting to control and address the extremely difficult situations faced in those parts of Nigeria affected by violence, especially Jos and the Niger Delta.
I am hopeful that, with the support and goodwill of the people in these regions, the Nigerian authorities will continue to seek stability, inclusion and reconciliation in these areas. Our Embassy in Abuja will continue to monitor these developments as well those relating to the nomination of members of the federal Government of Nigeria.
102 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of marriages conducted at foreign embassies in Dublin which are not recognised by Irish law; the representations he has received from foreign missions accredited to Ireland regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13325/10]
Marriages performed by Embassies in Ireland have never been recognised in Irish law although they may of course be recognised in the laws of the states whose Embassies perform them. In international law a marriage performed at an Embassy will only be internationally recognised if it is in the country in which it is performed. It is for this reason that a state proposing to perform marriages at its Embassies abroad should ideally consult with the relevant local authorities in advance in order to establish whether these marriages will be recognised in all states or only in the state whose Embassy performs the marriage. As Irish law does not recognise or regulate Embassy marriages we have no statistics as to how many have been performed here.
When the matter recently came to my Department's attention that a number of Embassies have been performing marriages, we contacted the Registrar General and the Department of Social and Family Affairs and advised all Embassies of the requirements of the law governing marriages in Ireland.
Representations were subsequently made by a number of Embassies and their concerns have been forwarded to the Registrar General. The matter is currently being reviewed by the Department of Social and Family Affairs and my Department to consider what if any assistance can be provided to couples that have encountered practical difficulties arising from the non-recognition by Irish law of marriages performed at Embassies here.
I understand that Embassies have now ceased to perform marriages.
Irish law does not authorise the performance of marriages at Irish Embassies abroad by Irish diplomatic and consular officers.
103 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the follow up assistance that is being offered by the international community in general and the EU specifically to the relief effort in the aftermath of the earthquake in Haiti; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13344/10]
129 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the recommendations for action by Irish Aid in the medium and longer term made by the technical team he sent to Haiti to undertake an analysis of priority needs; the actions he has taken and plans to take resulting from these recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13249/10]
290 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the degree to which international aid to Haiti has been successfully and strategically delivered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13523/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 103, 129 and 290 together.
The challenges faced in responding to the devastating Haiti earthquake of 12 January were exceptionally serious: the destruction of essential infrastructure, the tragic loss of both key Government and UN personnel, and enormous pre-existing vulnerabilities.
The international community generally and the EU specifically responded decisively and comprehensively to the disaster. From the outset, immediate operational support was provided through the deployment of search and rescue teams, and other expert personnel, including from the EU. EU Member States and the European Commission quickly committed significant levels of emergency funding for emergency assistance, and airlifts of essential humanitarian supplies were organised. Despite the difficult circumstances, hundreds of thousands of people in Haiti have now received vital humanitarian assistance.
Within days of the earthquake, the Government sent a technical team of four personnel to Haiti to undertake an analysis of priority needs and to make recommendations for action by Irish Aid in the medium and longer term. The team — three Irish Aid officials and an engineer from the Defence Forces — spent five days on the ground.
The team reported to me with a comprehensive set of recommendations which have underpinned the actions taken by the Government in response to the crisis. Drawing on lessons learned following the 2004 Asian Tsunami, they advised that Irish Aid focus on a small number of key sectors and experienced partners.
The most urgent recommendation was for a second airlift of emergency shelter, water and sanitation equipment in addition to the 84 tonne shipment carried out immediately following the earthquake. The Government responded by transporting a further 50 tonnes of essential relief items from our pre-positioned supplies. These supplies, to benefit 12,000 disaster affected families, were distributed by Concern, Goal and Trócaire.
The team recommended that the Government concentrate its short to medium resources on the protection of vulnerable groups such as women, children, the elderly and people with disabilities, and sanitation, to help prevent the spread of disease. We are therefore providing support to Concern for work in the area of water, sanitation and hygiene; to Haven for the construction of latrines; and to World Vision and Plan Ireland for the education and protection of children.
The team proposed that Irish Aid support Cash for Work schemes, which employ local people in delivering recovery projects. Irish Aid-funded water and sanitation projects are therefore providing much need employment for local people in their implementation.
In the longer term the team recommended the Government support the Haitian people in developing the necessary capacity to rebuild their country. The EU, together with the wider international community, has repeatedly underlined the importance of Haitian leadership of its own recovery and development processes. Irish Government funding will enable UN HABITAT to provide technical and secretariat assistance to the Haitian Government in the vital areas of housing, social and physical infrastructure, urban and spatial planning, and shelter advice.
The informal European Council in Brussels of 11 February committed the European Union to a central role in Haiti's recovery and rehabilitation over the medium and longer term. The European Commission, together with the Haitian Government, the UN, the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank, undertook a comprehensive Post-Disaster Needs Assessment in Haiti. The Assessment will provide the framework for Haiti's long term recovery and will be an important input to an International Donors' Conference in New York tomorrow (31 March).
A common EU position for the Conference was agreed by the Foreign Affairs Council, which I attended on 22 March. The Council agreed to support, in partnership with the international community, a Haitian Government-led plan for long-term reconstruction and sustainable development in Haiti. The common EU position will be conveyed by the EU High Representative at the International Donors' Conference and will include a common pledge representing the overall EU commitment to the reconstruction of Haiti.
In line with the recommendation of our own technical team for a longer term engagement in Haiti, the Government will pledge a multi-million Euro, three year package of Irish Government support to Haiti at tomorrow's Donor Conference. This package, which is a clear indication of Ireland's commitment to the Haitian people, will include relief, recovery and development assistance over the period to the end of 2012, as well as a contribution to the relief of Haiti's debt.
104 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is satisfied that the new EU Foreign Policy Chief and External Action Service will respect the neutral status of our nation and afford Ireland equal input into common foreign policy in view of the fact that we have already been excluded from a meeting of the Baroness with a number of foreign ministers that took place in Finland over the weekend of the 13th and 14th March 2010. [13295/10]
I have previously welcomed the appointment of Catherine Ashton as High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and Vice President of the European Commission. HR Ashton is already working closely with European Union Foreign Ministers to ensure that the Union plays an active and influential role on the world stage. It is important that we put in place a capable External Action Service to support the High Representative in this work, as envisaged in the Lisbon Treaty.
At the recent meeting of EU Foreign Ministers hosted by the Spanish Presidency in Cordoba, I made the point that recruitment to the new service should be open, transparent and on merit, while having regard to geographic and gender balance. The discussions on setting up this ambitious new service are ongoing and Ireland is fully engaged in this process. There was also a suggestion at the Cordoba meeting that given the busy and varied agenda, there would be benefit from smaller informal gatherings of Ministers in terms of helping to deepen dialogue on a particular issue.
In this regard, I welcome the initiative of my colleague Alexander Stubb, Foreign Minister of Finland, whom I met at the Foreign Affairs Council on Monday, to invite a small number of EU colleagues, HR Ashton and the Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu to an informal meeting in Lapland recently. There is no question of Ireland being excluded from EU meetings. Nor is there any threat to Ireland's traditional policy of military neutrality, as was made clear in the decision adopted by the European Council in June of last year.
The reality is that following the endorsement of the Lisbon Treaty by the Irish people, we are again at the heart of Europe, working hand in hand with our EU colleagues on issues including the Middle East Peace Process, Afghanistan and Haiti.
106 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is in a position to make a statement on the continued detention of opposition leaders in Ethiopia. [13328/10]
I am very concerned over the continued detention of Ms Birtukan Midekssa a prominent opposition figure in Ethiopian politics. Ms Midekssa was among the opposition leaders who were imprisoned following the 2005 elections in Ethiopia and the ensuing violence. Almost all of these detainees were pardoned and released in 2007, on condition that they admitted to errors in the post-election period. However, in December 2008, Ms Midekssa, then leader of a new opposition party called Unity for Democracy and Justice (UDJ), was re-arrested and re-imprisoned because statements which she had made about the 2007 pardon process were regarded as having violated the terms of her pardon.
Our Embassy in Addis Ababa continues to monitor closely her situation and, together with our EU partners, to raise regularly our interest in her case with the Ethiopian authorities. Ireland's concerns were also raised by my colleague, the Minister of State with responsibility for Development Cooperation, when he visited Ethiopia last year.
As a long-standing development partner of Ethiopia, Ireland believes that the strengthening of democracy is an essential element of the development process. Although positive progress was made in this regard following the introduction of Ethiopia's first Constitution in 1995, a number of developments in recent years, such as legislation introduced in relation to civil society and media, have given rise to some concerns about the Ethiopian Government's commitment to democratic freedoms. An integral aspect of Ireland's relations with Ethiopia is working with all parties to address these concerns.
These concerns are all the more pressing in view of the preparations which are now underway in Ethiopia for elections in May 2010. Ensuring that the forthcoming elections are fair, free and peaceful will be an important test of the democratic commitment of the Ethiopian Government and of wider society. Creating an environment which encourages the widest possible participation in the democratic process is essential to this. In this regard, I welcome the fact that an electoral Code of Conduct which meets best international practices is now enshrined in legislation. I encourage all parties to implement this Code fully. In the period ahead, we will continue to avail of all opportunities to assist in the strengthening of democracy in Ethiopia and to voice our concerns about threats to the latter, such as the detention of opposition representatives.
108 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the potential from trade tourism and otherwise through the development of Ireland’s links with Taiwan; and if, taking into account all the circumstances of the situation, he has any proposals in this regard. [13231/10]
As the Deputy is aware, the Government of Ireland recognises the Government of the People's Republic of China as the sole legitimate government of China.
This does not inhibit the development of economic relations with Taiwan, however, and our trade with Taiwan has increased steadily over the years.
Our merchandise trade with Taiwan in 2008 was worth €761 million: trade in services is also significant. Several Irish companies export products and services to Taiwan and, in collaboration with Enterprise Ireland, are exploring additional opportunities there, particularly in the ICT and software sectors. A number of Taiwanese companies operate successfully in Ireland, and the IDA continues to market Ireland as a location for research and development, and as a headquarters or support centre for Europe, along with high-value manufacturing.
A visa waiver scheme with Taiwan became effective on 1 July 2009. This has facilitated business-related travel between Ireland and Taiwan and has enabled opportunities, including tourism and education opportunities, to be explored. Other areas of potential interest include medical devices, food and green energy.
My Department will continue to work with other Government Departments and State Agencies to promote our trade, investment and tourism links with Taiwan.
109 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will indicate his position for membership of the EU by Iceland. [13336/10]
Iceland applied for membership of the EU in July 2009. On 24 February, the Commission delivered a largely positive opinion (avis) on Iceland’s readiness to begin accession negotiations. The avis recommends that a date should be set for commencement of talks. The Council of Ministers should now consider the Commission’s recommendation and I look forward to its inclusion on a forthcoming agenda.
Ireland supports the Commission's recommendation to open accession negotiations with Iceland. It is a country with which we have strong ties of geography, history, culture and politics. Iceland is already closely integrated with the EU in several areas, through its membership of the European Economic Area and the Schengen area which should ease some of the negotiating process. We would regard Iceland's accession to the EU as a positive development.
Enlargement of the EU is of course a negotiated process and, as in any negotiation, the eventual outcome and timeframe cannot be predicted. Some of the areas to be covered in negotiations will present challenges and we are currently considering our approach to these.
110 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress being made to ban female genital mutilation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13234/10]
The practice of female genital mutilation is a clear violation of the human rights of women and girls. It has serious social, health and psychological consequences, and it infringes on children's rights to special protection. The World Health Organisation estimates that between 100 million and 140 million girls and women worldwide are currently living with the consequences of female genital mutilation. In Africa alone, it is estimated that three million girls are at risk annually.
The Government is active in global policy development, funding and research to address this appalling practice. We recognise that it is a form of gender-based violence, and that it must be an important element in our comprehensive approach to tackling such violence, through our overseas aid programme. The Government's 2006 White Paper on Irish Aid includes a firm commitment that Ireland will build its support for measures focused on preventing and responding to gender-based violence.
Irish Aid, the Division of the Department of Foreign Affairs which manages the Government's aid programme, is a founding member of the Joint Consortium on Gender Based Violence, which brings together representatives from Government Departments and Irish development, humanitarian and human rights Non-Governmental Organisations to promote a coordinated response to all forms of gender-based violence, including female genital mutilation.
Internationally, we are cooperating with United Nations agencies in a concerted effort to end the practice of female genital mutilation. Last year, the Government provided core funding of €8 million to the United Nations Fund for Children (UNICEF) and €3 million to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to support their work on child protection, gender equality, reproductive health, maternal mortality and HIV and AIDS. These agencies operate a joint programme to counter female genital mutilation with the aim of ending the practice in seventeen countries by 2012. Ireland contributed €0.5 million to this specific programme in 2007. In addition, in 2009 a total of €1.1 million was provided specifically for support of gender equality and women's empowerment, including through support for the UN Trust Fund for actions to Eliminate Violence Against Women.
Progress is being made towards ending the practice of female genital mutilation, but detailed international coordination and consultation remains essential. On 6 February 2010 which is designated International Day Against Female Genital Mutilation, UNICEF and the UNFPA reported that there has been success in reducing the incidence of the practices in several countries where it was once highly prevalent. They noted that it is important to focus on encouraging change from within societies, and that where communities have chosen to make public declarations against the practice, for example in Senegal, declines of up to 65 per cent have been recorded.
111 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding the abuse of Irish passports used by individuals of members of groups involved in an assassination in Dubai recently. [13331/10]
I refer the Deputy to my answer of this afternoon to Priority Question 69.
113 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will indicate such representations he has received from countries represented here as to the attempt to recruit Irish citizens for the assassination of a named Swedish citizen. [13337/10]
I am not aware of any representations made to my Department in respect of matters referred to in the Deputy's question.
114 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the increasing militarisation of international development initiatives in general and in particular Afghanistan. [13333/10]
The central objective of Ireland's aid programme is to contribute to the fight against global poverty and hunger. We pursue this objective through the Government's aid programme, and in consultation with our EU partners. The European Union — Member States and the European Commission — provides over half of all official development assistance worldwide, with the overarching goal of eradicating poverty in a sustainable way, in the framework of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
Insecurity and conflict are amongst the biggest obstacles to achieving the MDGs. It is estimated, for instance, that the costs of conflict in Africa between 1990 and 2005 were equivalent to the total international aid in the same period. It is also clear that poverty and poor governance contribute directly to conflict and instability. Security and development must therefore be seen as mutually reinforcing, with security recognised as an important condition for development. Peace and security have been established as central to the EU's development policy, and to Ireland's. The European Security Strategy and the European Consensus on Development acknowledge that sustainable development cannot be achieved without security, nor can there be sustainable peace without development.
In Afghanistan, the prospects for sustainable development are directly linked to the establishment of peace and security in the country and the surrounding region. The primary role of the international military forces now in Afghanistan is to assist the Afghan Government in establishing a secure and stable environment. International military forces also support security sector reform through the mentoring and training of the Afghan National Army. In providing this type of assistance, the military have a clearly defined role.
International military personnel in Afghanistan are also engaged in some areas of development and humanitarian assistance which would normally be carried out by civilians, in more secure environments. This work is primarily undertaken at the provincial and district level through Provincial Reconstruction Teams, which are often the only available option for the safe delivery of much-needed aid.
In general, however, there is strong agreement that development assistance should be delivered by civilians with the necessary skills and expertise, and with a long-term perspective on development needs. Military structures should only be used to channel humanitarian assistance in very limited circumstances, where there is no comparable civilian alternative, and where there is a critical humanitarian need.
While recognising the complementary role of humanitarian, development and military/security actors, it is essential that the international community continue to recognise their different roles and mandates. In this way, I believe that the impartiality, humanity, neutrality and independence of humanitarian and development action must and can be safeguarded.
I should add that Ireland does not use military structures to channel assistance in Afghanistan. Our humanitarian and development funding to Afghanistan is provided through UN and Non-Governmental Organisation partners, as well as through a World Bank-administered Trust Fund in support of the Afghan Government. Through Irish Aid, the Government allocated a total of €5.2 million to Afghanistan last year, including support for food assistance, mine clearance and the effective coordination of the overall humanitarian effort.
117 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of Irish Embassies overseas; if there are plans to reduce our diplomatic representation abroad in view of the new provisions of the Lisbon treaty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13253/10]
The Irish Diplomatic Network is made up of 75 overseas missions, in addition to offices in Armagh and Belfast. The network consists of 58 Embassies, 7 multilateral missions and 10 Consulates General and other offices overseas. In addition to their country of primary accreditation, many Ambassadors are also accredited to additional countries on a non-resident basis.
The Irish diplomatic network provides essential consular services, diplomatic representation and commercial services overseas. 26 of our Embassies are in other EU Member States where they perform a strong role in advancing Ireland's EU interests. A number of missions also play a key role in the delivery of Ireland's development aid programme. The size of our network is modest when compared to other equivalent European States. Moreover, three quarters of our missions consist of only two or three diplomatic officers.
The European External Action Service (EEAS) is an important innovation under the Lisbon Treaty to support the work of the new High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Catherine Ashton. The High Representative will shortly present a proposal for a Council Decision on the operation of the EEAS.
A Declaration concerning the common foreign and security policy attached to the Lisbon Treaty makes clear that the provisions in the Treaty, including the establishment of an External Action Service, do not affect the existing responsibilities of Member States for the formulation and conduct of their foreign policy nor their national representation in third countries and at international organisations.
The work of the EEAS will be complementary to the work of national diplomatic services. In countries outside of the European Union, European Commission Delegations have now become European Union Delegations and form part of the EEAS structure. These Delegations will work in close cooperation with Embassies from EU member States, including Irish Embassies. EU Delegations will also take on work at international organisations which is currently performed by the rotating Presidency, although the details of how this will operate have yet to be agreed.
The size of the EEAS has not yet been decided. It will be modestly-sized in its initial stages and will take some time to reach its full complement of staff and for the scope of its operations and its working methods to be settled.
There are key areas of my Department's work where the EEAS does not have responsibility. In particular, the promotion of Ireland's trade and economic interests, the provision of consular assistance, and the administration of our overseas development aid programmes remain our own responsibility. The EEAS may play a role in regard to consular assistance but this would be subsidiary to the work of national Embassies.
The EEAS will not play any role in relations between EU Member States and therefore will not affect the work of our Embassies in other Member States in promoting bilateral relations with our EU partners.
Taking the role of the EEAS and other factors into account, the size and scale of our diplomatic network is considered by the Government on an ongoing basis. Decisions regarding any reduction in our diplomatic representation abroad must take full account of the operational and reputational costs.
Likewise any decision to expand our diplomatic network will be taken having regard to clear national priorities and available resources, and must be on the basis of an anticipated significant return for the State.
An internal review of our Mission network was undertaken in 2009 and this matter will be revisited on a regular basis.
118 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the way the cuts to overseas aid funding announced in budget 2010 will be implemented; the details of the projects and programmes that will be affected; the amount by which they will be cut; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13250/10]
For 2010, the Government has provided an overall allocation for Official Development Assistance (ODA) of €671 million. Of this total, €536 million will be administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and a further estimated €135 million will come from other Government Departments, together with Ireland's share of the EU Development Cooperation budget.
The allocation involves a relatively small reduction of €25 million on the 2009 ODA allocation. Based on current projections Ireland's expenditure on ODA will stabilise at approximately 0.52% of GNP. This level of funding will ensure that we exceed our commitment as an EU Member State to spend 0.51% of GNP on ODA in 2010. It will also confirm that Ireland remains one of the more generous donors internationally on a per capita basis. This is a very significant achievement in the difficult budgetary situation we face. The decision to maintain our funding is also a reflection of the Government's determination, supported by the Irish people, to help those in the world who are most in need.
As the Deputy will be aware the 2010 detailed budget allocations across Vote 29 are now published in the Revised Estimates Volume. In making those detailed budget and programming decisions we are determined that Ireland will continue to deliver an internationally acclaimed aid programme, sharply focused on poverty reduction and hunger eradication — concentrated on a limited number of very poor, mainly African, countries. Most of our programmes and projects in these countries represent long term investments in their people and institutions designed to relieve poverty and to build capacity, in order to bring about real and lasting social and economic progress.
Over €190 million has been allocated to nine countries, called Programme Countries, seven in Africa and two in Asia. Our programmes are concentrated on the sectors of health, education, governance and democracy-building, community development, local government and agriculture.
The fight against global hunger remains a cornerstone of the aid programme and one on which we have led internationally. In line with one of the key recommendations of our Hunger Task Force Report I plan to spend up to 20% of the Irish Aid budget on actions to alleviate and eradicate hunger. Expenditures on tackling HIV and AIDS and other communicable diseases will also remain very high at around €100 million.
Ireland's aid programme is recognised internationally as providing strong support to Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs). Indeed we are one of the largest donors to NGOs in the world. In 2010 we will continue to support development NGOs and Missionary Organisations and will provide in excess of €100 million to their development efforts. We will also work with our NGO partners to assist them in enhancing their own development effectiveness.
A sum of €54 million has been set aside specifically for humanitarian assistance in emergencies. I have also have made available considerable additional funding for recovery and post emergency rehabilitation and reconstruction.
Finally we have maintained our 2010 multilateral allocations to our UN partners and the European Development Fund largely in line with 2009 levels.
Our ODA programme, notwithstanding the current budgetary circumstances, remains one of the largest in the world on a per capita basis. It is also one of the most effective in the world, as pointed out by the OECD in its most recent Peer Review of our aid programme. Aid volumes are important in the fight against global poverty. But equally important, or perhaps even more important, is aid quality. We will ensure that this quality is maintained at every level of the aid programme in order to maximise effectiveness and provide value for money.
119 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his view on the application for membership of the EU by Turkey. [13335/10]
The European Union has a long and close relationship with Turkey. Accession negotiations were opened in 2005, and are continuing. Ireland makes a constructive input to those negotiations.
As a beneficiary of a past enlargement, and on the experience of more recent accessions, Ireland is generally supportive of enlargement. Enlargement bolsters economic and political reform processes and helps to promote stability, security and prosperity in Europe. It is subject to rigorous conditionality and should take account of the capacity of the EU to integrate new members. Enlargement is a negotiated process and, as in any negotiation, the eventual outcome and timeframe cannot be predicted.
These factors shape Ireland's supportive approach to Turkey's candidacy. There are, in addition, potential gains to the single market and to trade through the accession of a country of Turkey's size. The Union's reach and influence in the Middle East and Central Asia could be enhanced through Turkish accession. With our partners we have subscribed to successive European Council conclusions which have highlighted the progress made by Turkey, drawn attention to the need to accelerate the pace of reforms, and called for Turkish compliance with obligations under the Ankara Protocol and on the Cyprus issue.
Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, in our meeting here in Dublin of 10 March, outlined the progress Turkey has made on reforms in a number of areas as it has sought to bring Turkey more in line with the EU acquis. He explained how the accession negotiations provide a strong incentive for Turkey to pursue reforms, strengthen democracy and human rights and further modernise the country. Much has been achieved in Turkey in these areas, but the challenge is now for Turkey to maintain and accelerate the progress on reforms. In this meeting, I reiterated Ireland’s support for the Turkish candidacy. At the same time, I noted the Council’s deep regret at Turkey’s continued non-compliance with its obligations under the Ankara Protocol and encouraged Turkey to make progress towards normalisation of its relations with the Republic of Cyprus.
120 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his recent meeting with the US Secretary of State; and the issues discussed at that meeting. [13341/10]
123 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide details of his visit to the United States of America for St. Patrick’s Day 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13240/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 120 and 123 together.
I accompanied the Taoiseach on his St Patrick's Day visit to Washington D.C. from 15-18 March 2010 and to his meetings with President Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senators Pat Leahy and Chris Dodd, Congressman Ritchie Neal and other members of the Congressional Friends of Ireland Group. I also had a very useful bilateral meeting with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
On St. Patrick's Day, I accompanied the Taoiseach to his bilateral meeting with President Obama. The discussions with the President covered a wide range of priority issues for Ireland and the United States including global economic developments, Northern Ireland, Middle East, Afghanistan and immigration reform. Following the bilateral meeting, President Obama attended the lunch hosted by the Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, in honour of the Taoiseach at the US Capitol. President Obama and First Lady Obama later hosted the Taoiseach and his delegation at the evening White House reception and Shamrock Ceremony. The Taoiseach and I took the opportunity to repeat the open invitation to President Obama to come to visit Ireland and assured him of a great welcome from the Irish people when he comes.
The Taoiseach and I also had the opportunity to meet with Vice President Joe Biden when he and Dr. Jill Biden hosted the Taoiseach and his delegation at a St Patrick's Day breakfast in his residence. I joined the Taoiseach in his meetings with Senators Dodd and Leahy, and with Congressman Neal and other members of the Friends of Ireland group in Congress. I also joined the Taoiseach in his meeting with his Economic Advisory Board and members of the Global Irish Network. We took the opportunity to update this group on the progress made in dealing with the economic downturn and the Government's preparations to position Ireland to take full advantage of the upturn. I also briefed the meeting on progress made since the Global Economic Forum in Farmleigh in September.
During my meeting with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Tuesday, 16 March, we discussed a broad range of foreign policy issues, including the Middle East, Afghanistan, Iran, international aid, conflict resolution and immigration issues. We agreed new areas for cooperation including cooperation on a joint event on Hunger at the UN Millennium Goals Summit in New York next September. I also conveyed our appreciation for the longstanding and ongoing support of the United States to securing peace and prosperity in Northern Ireland and for the Secretary's personal support for the Hillsborough Agreement on the transfer of policing and justice powers.
On the evening of 16 March, the Taoiseach and I attended the Ireland Fund of America dinner which honoured Secretary of State Clinton. The dinner was attended by President Bill Clinton and representatives of a wide cross section of Irish America.
Earlier that day, the Taoiseach announced the appointment of Gabriel Byrne as Ireland's first cultural ambassador in the United States.
This year's St Patrick's Day programme in Washington DC again provided Ireland with unrivalled access to promote Ireland's economic, political and cultural interests at the highest levels in the US Administration and Congress.
121 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the recent statement by the UN Secretary General to seek an independent evaluation of the scientific work of the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. [13338/10]
The Government welcomes Secretary General Ban Ki-moon's recent initiative to ask the InterAcademy Council to conduct an independent review of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's (IPCC) processes and procedures. It is important that the occurrence of a small number of inaccuracies be reviewed and placed in context, and not allowed to obscure the wider picture of the contribution of man-made emissions to climate change.
The IPCC has made a hugely significant contribution to our understanding of the impacts of climate change on the earth and its ecosystems. Apart from the recently reported issues in relation to its work, climate change science is evolving all the time and it is appropriate that the review be conducted to ensure that the IPCC can continue to provide the scientific advice necessary to underpin the international agenda under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
At a meeting of EU Environment Ministers on 15 March 2010, the Council adopted the following conclusions, which Ireland fully supports:
EMPHASISES its continued full support to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in deepening our understanding of climate change through its robust and solid scientific assessments of climate change; TAKES NOTE of the fact that a limited number of inaccuracies have been reported; IS CONVINCED that the IPCC offers the most authoritative and comprehensive assessment process on the existing science of climate change; in this context, WELCOMES the initiatives to review the internal IPCC procedures for its future work.
124 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the disappearance of a Chinese human rights lawyer (details supplied); his views regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13254/10]
As stated in the House on 9 February and on 11 March last, in reply to Parliamentary Questions relating to the same case, I have been deeply concerned about the disappearance of Mr. Gao Zhisheng, a prominent Chinese human rights lawyer.
I am therefore heartened by press reports yesterday which suggest that Mr. Gao Zhisheng appears to be alive and that he has been in contact with associates. These reports suggest that fellow lawyers spoke to him on Sunday; that he is in good health and that he is currently located at a Buddhist mountain retreat in Wutaishan in Shanxi Province. I am currently seeking verification of these reports and I hope that it will be possible to ascertain more about Mr Gao's circumstances.
Mr. Gao had been missing for over a year from his home in Shanxi province. On the two occasions on which he had been sighted since that time, the last of which was June 2009, he was accompanied by police officers. From June of last year until now, neither family members nor his professional colleagues were able to make contact with him.
Human rights issues in China, including individual cases, are regularly discussed on a bilateral basis with the Chinese Government, both in Beijing and in Dublin. The Government continues to stress at such meetings the great importance attached by Ireland to human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law, and to urge the Chinese authorities to ratify the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
A broad-ranging EU-China human rights dialogue enables the EU to engage with China on such issues as freedom of expression, the death penalty, the independence of the judiciary, prison conditions, and freedom of religion and minority rights. It also provides an opportunity for the EU to raise individual cases, such as that of Mr. Gao Zhisheng.
In the period since the disappearance of Mr. Gao Zhisheng, the EU repeatedly called on the Chinese authorities to reveal his whereabouts. His case was raised during the last two meetings of the EU-China Human Rights dialogue, held in Prague on 14 May 2009 and in Beijing on 20 November 2009 respectively. We called on the Chinese authorities to give Mr. Gao access to legal advice and to allow him to maintain contact with his family. We urged them to clarify without delay his present situation and to open a fully independent and transparent investigation into his disappearance.
Since I last referred to this case in the House on 11 March, the Chinese Foreign Minister Mr. Yang Jiechi commented at a press conference on 16 March that Mr. Gao had been sentenced on a charge of subverting state power. It is unclear whether this is a new charge brought against Mr. Gao or whether it relates to a previous sentence imposed in 2006.
On my instructions, my Department is planning to raise the case of Mr Gao Zhisheng and the situation regarding human rights defenders in China more generally, at forthcoming consultations with the Chinese Government.
126 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the efforts that are being made at EU level to implement the EU-brokered ceasefire agreement between Georgia and the Russian Federation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13259/10]
The EU continues to play a key role in seeking a resolution to the conflict between Georgia and Russia following the war in August 2008. As the Deputy is aware, the then French EU Presidency negotiated a cease-fire between Russia and Georgia on 12 August 2008. A peace plan was subsequently agreed on 8 September 2008. The EU has consistently called on all sides to implement the terms of the August 2008 ceasefire agreement and the September 2008 peace plan, including the withdrawal of all military forces to the positions held prior to the outbreak of hostilities.
An EU Monitoring Mission (EUMM) comprising over 300 personnel was deployed on 1 October 2008 in accordance with the arrangements set out in September 2008 peace plan. Its mandate has been extended until September 2010. The Mission has played an important role in stabilising the situation on the ground in Georgia. Ireland at the outset provided four personnel to the Mission. Three remain with the EUMM, funded by the exchequer, while a fourth is now directly contracted. The EU is pressing for the Mission to be allowed unhindered access to the breakaway regions.
The September 2008 peace plan also provided for talks to take place in Geneva under the co-chairmanship of the UN, the EU and the OSCE. These talks have taken place on eight occasions, most recently on 28 January 2009. The talks provide the only forum in which all the parties to the conflict are involved and have made some limited progress, most notably the establishment of incident response and prevention mechanisms. The next round is due to take place today, 30 March 2010.
An EU-backed independent investigation into the origins of the August 2008 war undertaken by Heidi Tagliavini, a Swiss former UN special representative to Georgia, reported in September 2009. The report found fault on both sides and made recommendations as to how such a conflict might be avoided in the future.
The EU continues to reiterate its firm support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia. The EU has also encouraged the Georgian Government to recognise the need to engage with the breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia in order to avoid isolating them. In January, the Georgian Government published a strategy paper setting out its policy towards the breakaway territories. The paper outlines various strategies of practical engagement and cooperation and commits the Georgian Government to the use of peaceful means to achieve its goals. The EU welcomed the spirit of the initiative as a constructive step towards easing tensions and encouraged the Georgian Government to consult with all parties in developing the plan.
128 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of passports issued annually since 2005; the number of passports deemed lost annually since 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13243/10]
Details of the numbers of passports reported as lost or stolen since 2005 are set out in the table below.
|
Year |
Total Passports issued |
Lost or mislaid |
Stolen |
Total lost, mislaid or stolen |
% of total issued |
|
2005 |
630,000 |
31,500 |
5,900 |
37,400 |
5.90% |
|
2006 |
630,000 |
32, 820 |
5,910 |
38,730 |
6.15% |
|
2007 |
601,000 |
31,500 |
4,959 |
36,459 |
6.07% |
|
2008 |
576,617 |
31,262 |
5,002 |
36,264 |
6.29% |
|
2009 |
579,508 |
29,801 |
4,821 |
34,622 |
5.97% |
The introduction of the biometric or e-Passport on 16 October, 2006 further enhanced the security features of the Irish passport. The microchip in the passport contains a digital image of the holder which cannot be altered. Any attempt to alter the data on the microchip will be apparent when the passport is read at a border control station because of the added security on our chip. Border control authorities can be assured that the document is genuine and unaltered.
To compliment the major technical advance which the APS passport represented new legislation was enacted in 2008. The Passports Act 2008 introduced a series of new offences relating to the misuse of passports and passport fraud.
As regards lost or mislaid passports, the Department is constantly urging that care and vigilance be observed, and that passports should always be kept in a secure place. The percentage of Irish passports which are lost and stolen is in line with other countries, including the United Kingdom.
Since 1 October, 2009 the Department increased the frequency of its reporting of the serial numbers of all lost/mislaid or stolen passports to Interpol through An Garda Síochána, to daily reports. This information is then made available immediately to police forces worldwide in the Interpol database to protect against the fraudulent use of these Irish passports.
The holders of lost/mislaid or stolen passports are advised not to use them again for any travel if they are subsequently recovered. When completing the statement of loss as part of their new passport application, applicants undertake not to travel on a missing passport if subsequently found. However, a number of individuals either unknowingly or mistakenly use their previously reported lost or stolen passports. This may account for the following numbers of Irish citizens who were delayed at international border controls:
2008 — 87;
2009 — 126.
There has been an increase in these incidents which is due to in part to heightened security at international ports and airports and an increase in the number of border stations worldwide that are electronically reading passports.
In each of the cases above, the Passport Office has received a request from Interpol to verify the identity of the travellers. The Passport Office has been able to resolve such cases after checks of the relevant passport details against its own database were carried out.
130 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement detailing his approach to negotiations around the draft EU 2020 strategy including whether he is pushing for a set of objectives; the details of those objectives; and if same include the inclusion of a poverty reduction commitment on the part of each member state in the strategy. [13299/10]
The Government has consistently held the view that any new European Strategy for Jobs and Growth (also known as "Europe 2020") must be effective in steering a comprehensive exit from the financial and economic crisis in the short term, while also equipping the EU towards a higher sustainable growth potential, accompanied by job creation, in the medium to long term.
We hold that the primary focus for the Europe 2020 Strategy must remain squarely on sustainable jobs and growth.
The European Commission Communication, of 3 March 2010, on "Europe 2020, A Strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth", provides us with a very useful framework for the discussions which will continue on this proposed new Strategy, up until its anticipated adoption before the end of June 2010.
The broad thrust of the Commission Communication is for Europe, over the coming decade, to deliver "smart, sustainable and inclusive growth". It proposes a set of five EU headline targets covering employment; research and development, including innovation; climate change and energy; education; and poverty.
The Government believes that the creation of sustainable jobs and growth is central to improving social inclusion in Europe. The key link between jobs and growth and social inclusion is underlined in the Commission's Communication. Of the five EU headline targets, three directly concern issues of social inclusion: employment, education and poverty. Specifically, these targets seek to increase employment to 75% of those aged between 20 and 64; reduce the share of early school leavers to under 10%, ensuring that at least 40% of the younger generation have a third level degree; and work to reduce the number of people at risk of poverty by 20 million. Furthermore under the Strategy, the Commission propose putting forward a dedicated initiative, the ‘European Platform against Poverty', to combat social exclusion by ensuring that the benefits of growth and jobs are shared throughout society.
The Spring European Council (25 – 26 March 2010), at which the Taoiseach represented Ireland, had a lengthy discussion on the new Strategy. The European Council agreed on the new Strategy's main elements, including the key targets which will guide its implementation and arrangements for its improved monitoring.
Ireland fully supports the core elements of the new Strategy as they have been agreed, with a sharp focus on knowledge and innovation, a more sustainable economy, high employment and social inclusion — which are in line with our own national strategy —Building Ireland’s Smart Economy.
We are very satisfied with the broad thrust of the five EU headline targets which the European Council have agreed upon, which cover: employment; research and development, including innovation; climate change and energy; education; and social inclusion, in particular poverty. These targets cover the main areas where efforts are rapidly needed and they are interrelated and mutually reinforcing.
In the case of the education and social inclusion targets, further work is needed to be done to reach numerical rates and appropriate indicators respectively. The European Council will return to these at its June meeting.
Ireland had also sought to ensure that the role of the agriculture and food sector in achieving growth and jobs, whilst ensuring sustainable use of natural resources and addressing the critical strategic issue of food security, should be appropriately recognised in this new Strategy. We are very happy with the conclusions reached by the European Council, which now recognise the important contribution of a sustainable, productive and competitive agricultural sector to the new Strategy and the role of the Common Agricultural Policy in supporting the Strategy.
We have also cautioned against complicating discussions on Europe 2020 by running them into the EU budget and financial perspectives debate, as to do so would likely delay reaching agreement on this Strategy. We are most satisfied with the outcome of the Spring European Council on this issue of importance also.
The Government previously made a written submission to a European Commission consultation process on a new Europe 2020 Strategy in January of this year. We have availed of every opportunity to promote Ireland's position on the new European Strategy for Jobs and Growth in all appropriate fora at EU level, including in the Council of Ministers and the European Council. We will continue to do so ahead of its anticipated final adoption at the June European Council.
131 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will meet with his Swedish counterpart to request that his Government reconsiders its proposal to close itsSwedish Embassy in Dublin. [13256/10]
As I informed the Dáil on 16th February, I made clear the Irish Government's deep regret at this decision to my Swedish counterpart, Mr. Carl Bildt, when he telephoned me to communicate the decision on the evening before the official announcement was made. I reiterated this regret and disappointment in a subsequent letter I wrote to Minister Bildt.
The Government recognises that each country makes its own assessment of how best to use resources in the current economic climate, but we are nevertheless disappointed that there appears to be no scope for maintaining a resident Swedish Embassy in Dublin. This is a view that we continue to put to our Swedish friends, through political and official channels, when the opportunity arises.
132 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the arrests in Gambia of opposition supporters including a former Minister; his views regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13257/10]
I am aware of and concerned by the recent arrest of opposition supporters, including one of their leaders Halifa Sallah, as well as that of the former Minister of Fisheries, Antouman Saho.
The broader context to these incidents is a series of dismissals in the past two months of senior officials in the police and defence forces and members of the Cabinet. This was accompanied by a wave of arrests of former officials and opposition supporters and the trial on charges of treason of seven former defence personnel and three businessmen.
I understand Mr Sallah has since been released from custody and charged with sedition. The charges against him reportedly relate to a number of articles he wrote for the main opposition newspaper Foroyya criticising the Gambian security forces.
The reason for the arrest and detention of Mr Saho, who is still in custody, is unclear.
The treason trial of former defence personnel, including the former Chief of Defence, remains ongoing.
These events raise questions regarding the standard of human rights and governance adhered to by the Gambian Government. Unfortunately, these questions are not new. Ireland and the EU view with great concern the human rights situation in the Gambia, in particular with regard to freedom of expression.
The EU is a major development and trade partner of the Gambia. This presents some opportunities for leverage in relation to our concerns over human rights in the Gambia. Most recently, the EU and the Gambia discussed these issues at a political dialogue provided for under Article 8 of the Cotonou Agreement that was held in Banjul on 8 December 2009. The EU side warned that there could be adverse consequences for EU funding for the Gambia. The EU side also cited a series of specific human rights cases of concern. While the Gambian side challenged the EU presentation, it did accept that there was an international perception that standards of human rights and governance were decreasing and that this needed to be addressed.
In February of this year the Gambia underwent its first Universal Periodic Review at the Human Rights Council. The EU raised many issues there regarding the enforcement of rights and freedoms provided for by the Gambian Constitution and made several recommendations for improvement.
Ireland is accredited to the Gambia through our Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York. We will continue to monitor the situation, and in conjunction with our EU colleagues, to urge the Government to adhere to its own constitution and commitments to international standards of human rights and good governance.
133 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the increase in pro-democracy movements in Cuba; the efforts that are being made at EU level to demonstrate solidarity with these movements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13258/10]
As a country in transition, Cuba is faced with far reaching choices regarding its future. The EU's position is that it is the right of Cuban citizens to decide independently about their future.
The EU's longstanding Common Position on Cuba is reviewed on an annual basis at the June Foreign Affairs Council. In the most recent Council conclusions on Cuba in June 2009, the Council reaffirmed its determination to pursue a result-oriented comprehensive dialogue with the Cuban authorities as well as with representatives of civil society and the peaceful pro-democracy opposition.
The EU follows developments in Cuba closely and engages with Cuba on a number of levels, including a structured political dialogue. Human rights form a detailed part of this dialogue. The next meeting of this dialogue will take place at Ministerial level on 6 April in Brussels.
134 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the talks in relation to building the peace process in Darfur includes both African and Arab communities. [13349/10]
The persistence of the conflict in Darfur, albeit at a lower level than the intense violence of 2003-2004, and the ongoing suffering of the people in the region are of grave concern. The UN estimates that the past seven years of conflict there have resulted in the deaths of over 300,000 people and the displacement of nearly three million.
The Doha peace process is the focal point for international efforts to bring an end to the conflict in Darfur. The negotiations are being led by the joint AU-UN chief mediator, Djibril Bassole, whose work Ireland fully supports. Bassole has been supported in his efforts by a number of representatives of regional and international stakeholders, including both the African and Arab communities. These include former South African President Thabo Mbeki, who is helping in his capacity as chairman of the AU High Level Implementation Panel for Sudan, to which the EU contributes through the African Peace Facility. The Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) is also involved. Its most recent initiative was a Donors' Conference on Darfur that was held in Cairo last week, at which the EU and many of its Member States, including Ireland, were represented. Envoys from Qatar and Libya have also played a very active role in efforts to bring peace to the region.
Other stakeholders engaged in the process from outside the African and Arab communities include President Obama's special envoy Scott Gration as well as EU Special Representative Torben Brylle. The presence of such a wide range of actors can enhance the prospects of a solution being found which includes the interests of both the Arab and African communities.
In recent weeks there has been some welcome progress on the Doha peace process. In February of this year, the Sudanese Government and one of Darfur's biggest rebel groups, the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM), signed a framework peace agreement aimed at ending their hostilities. Another milestone was reached last week when the Government signed a similar framework agreement with the Liberation and Justice Movement, a newly-formed umbrella group of rebel factions in Darfur. While the details of these agreements are still being negotiated, we are hopeful that they will lead to an inclusive and comprehensive peace agreement that will bring durable peace and stability in Darfur.
Ireland, with its EU partners, welcomes the commitment of the major regional and international stakeholders to achieving peace in Darfur. We welcome in particular the strong African lead taken, which increases the possibility of success. At the same time, we believe that it is essential that a unified and coherent international approach is taken. This approach will continue to inform EU policy on Darfur in the push for further progress in the Doha peace process.
135 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Taoiseach the numbers of persons that immigrated here in each year between 2000 and 2010; the numbers that emigrated in each year from 2000 to 2010; the net immigration and emigration numbers in each year between 2000 and 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13393/10]
The following table provides the most up-to-date and current estimates of immigration, emigration and net migration for the 12 month period ending mid April for the years 2000-2009.
|
Persons |
|||
|
Year |
Immigrants |
Emigrants |
Net migration |
|
2000 |
52,602 |
26,630 |
25,972 |
|
2001 |
59,036 |
26,244 |
32,792 |
|
2002 |
66,921 |
25,607 |
41,314 |
|
2003 |
60,008 |
29,259 |
30,749 |
|
2004 |
58,502 |
26,486 |
32,016 |
|
2005 |
84,578 |
29,448 |
55,130 |
|
2006 |
107,759 |
35,952 |
71,807 |
|
2007 |
109,500 |
42,200 |
67,300 |
|
2008 |
83,794 |
45,307 |
38,487 |
|
2009 |
57,304 |
65,149 |
-7,845 |
136 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Taoiseach the number of properties that his Department is currently leasing from property landlords along with the location of same; the number of these that lease agreements contain upward only rent review clauses; the cost arising from these rents; the efforts that are being made by his Department to ensure that these rents are operating at a sustainable level in the current business and economic environment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13606/10]
My Department is not currently leasing any properties from property landlords.
137 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Taoiseach the number of properties his Department is currently leasing to commercial business along with the location of same; the number of these that lease agreements contain upward only rent review clauses; the income derived from these rents; the efforts that are being made by his Department to ensure that these rents are operating at a sustainable level in the current business and economic environment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13607/10]
My Department is not currently leasing any properties to commercial business.
138 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Taoiseach the numbers and percentage on the live register for each year between 2000 and 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13391/10]
The Live Register series gives a monthly breakdown of the number of people claiming Jobseekers Benefit, Jobseekers Allowance and other registrants as registered with the Department of Social and Family Affairs. The most recent Live Register figures available are for February 2010. The Live Register for March will be published on March 31st.
It should be noted that the Live Register is not a definitive measure of unemployment as it includes part-time workers, and seasonal and casual workers entitled to Jobseekers Benefit or Allowance. The table below contains the number of persons, both unadjusted and seasonally adjusted on the Live Register along with the standardised unemployment rate (SUR) for each month from January 2000 to February 2010.
The standardised unemployment rate represents the estimated percentage of persons unemployed as a percentage of the labour force. It is estimated using the most recently available unemployment and labour force estimates from the Quarterly National Household Survey (QNHS) extrapolated with reference to the trend on the Live Register in the most recent months.
|
Actual Live Register |
Seasonally Adjusted Live Register |
Standardised Unemployment Rate (SUR) |
||
|
(Number) |
(Number) |
% |
||
|
2000 |
January |
176,162 |
172,400 |
4.8 |
|
February |
172,093 |
170,100 |
4.7 |
|
|
March |
163,489 |
165,500 |
4.5 |
|
|
April |
161,796 |
164,600 |
4.4 |
|
|
May |
152,871 |
159,200 |
4.2 |
|
|
June |
156,753 |
155,600 |
4.1 |
|
|
July |
159,914 |
152,100 |
4.0 |
|
|
August |
159,026 |
150,100 |
4.0 |
|
|
September |
144,932 |
146,600 |
3.9 |
|
|
October |
139,189 |
144,800 |
3.9 |
|
|
November |
136,962 |
143,700 |
3.9 |
|
|
December |
141,586 |
140,700 |
3.8 |
|
|
Annual Average 2000 |
155,398 |
155,500 |
4.2 |
|
|
2001 |
January |
142,071 |
138,500 |
3.7 |
|
February |
139,515 |
137,400 |
3.7 |
|
|
March |
135,885 |
137,900 |
3.7 |
|
|
April |
136,561 |
139,400 |
3.8 |
|
|
May |
133,691 |
139,800 |
3.9 |
|
|
June |
140,865 |
139,200 |
3.9 |
|
|
July |
147,101 |
138,600 |
4.0 |
|
|
August |
149,439 |
140,000 |
3.9 |
|
|
September |
140,550 |
142,800 |
3.9 |
|
|
October |
141,835 |
147,800 |
4.0 |
|
|
November |
147,121 |
154,000 |
4.2 |
|
|
December |
152,406 |
153,900 |
4.3 |
|
|
Annual Average 2001 |
142,253 |
142,400 |
3.9 |
|
|
2002 |
January |
159,960 |
156,700 |
4.4 |
|
February |
162,337 |
160,200 |
4.4 |
|
|
March |
162,252 |
164,100 |
4.5 |
|
|
April |
156,237 |
159,300 |
4.3 |
|
|
May |
154,944 |
160,900 |
4.3 |
|
|
June |
164,277 |
162,000 |
4.3 |
|
|
July |
172,098 |
162,800 |
4.3 |
|
|
August |
173,563 |
163,500 |
4.4 |
|
|
September |
161,432 |
164,100 |
4.5 |
|
|
October |
157,706 |
164,100 |
4.6 |
|
|
November |
158,636 |
165,800 |
4.6 |
|
|
December |
166,142 |
166,500 |
4.7 |
|
|
Annual Average 2002 |
162,465 |
162,500 |
4.4 |
|
|
2003 |
January |
170,701 |
167,800 |
4.8 |
|
February |
171,394 |
169,300 |
4.7 |
|
|
March |
168,059 |
169,800 |
4.5 |
|
|
April |
170,940 |
174,300 |
4.5 |
|
|
May |
166,105 |
172,000 |
4.5 |
|
|
June |
177,852 |
174,900 |
4.7 |
|
|
July |
185,447 |
175,200 |
4.8 |
|
|
August |
185,953 |
175,200 |
4.7 |
|
|
September |
170,822 |
173,900 |
4.6 |
|
|
October |
166,552 |
173,400 |
4.6 |
|
|
November |
164,541 |
172,100 |
4.5 |
|
|
December |
170,604 |
171,400 |
4.5 |
|
|
Annual Average 2003 |
172,414 |
172,400 |
4.6 |
|
|
2004 |
January |
174,500 |
172,000 |
4.6 |
|
February* |
173,100 |
171,200 |
4.8 |
|
|
March |
168,900 |
170,300 |
4.7 |
|
|
April |
164,700 |
167,800 |
4.5 |
|
|
May |
162,000 |
167,600 |
4.4 |
|
|
June |
169,000 |
165,200 |
4.3 |
|
|
July |
177,500 |
166,300 |
4.3 |
|
|
August |
175,800 |
164,500 |
4.3 |
|
|
September |
160,500 |
164,100 |
4.4 |
|
|
October |
155,500 |
163,300 |
4.5 |
|
|
November |
152,000 |
160,400 |
4.6 |
|
|
December |
158,800 |
160,500 |
4.4 |
|
|
Annual Average 2004 |
166,025 |
166,100 |
4.5 |
|
|
2005 |
January |
160,500 |
158,300 |
4.3 |
|
February |
158,600 |
156,500 |
4.1 |
|
|
March |
157,700 |
158,700 |
4.3 |
|
|
April |
151,600 |
154,600 |
4.4 |
|
|
May |
150,800 |
155,800 |
4.5 |
|
|
June |
159,300 |
154,600 |
4.5 |
|
|
July |
168,500 |
156,500 |
4.5 |
|
|
August |
169,400 |
157,900 |
4.5 |
|
|
September |
153,300 |
157,700 |
4.4 |
|
|
October |
149,600 |
158,600 |
4.4 |
|
|
November |
150,100 |
159,500 |
4.3 |
|
|
December |
155,800 |
158,400 |
4.3 |
|
|
Annual Average 2005 |
157,100 |
157,300 |
4.4 |
|
|
2006 |
January |
160,100 |
158,200 |
4.4 |
|
February |
159,600 |
157,100 |
4.4 |
|
|
March |
155,500 |
155,900 |
4.4 |
|
|
April |
154,600 |
156,800 |
4.4 |
|
|
May |
152,600 |
156,500 |
4.4 |
|
|
June |
163,100 |
157,300 |
4.5 |
|
|
July |
168,900 |
156,300 |
4.5 |
|
|
August |
169,600 |
158,300 |
4.6 |
|
|
September |
152,300 |
157,700 |
4.5 |
|
|
October |
148,500 |
158,900 |
4.4 |
|
|
November |
148,500 |
159,200 |
4.3 |
|
|
December |
155,400 |
159,000 |
4.4 |
|
|
Annual Average 2006 |
157,392 |
157,600 |
4.4 |
|
|
2007 |
January |
158,800 |
156,800 |
4.4 |
|
February |
159,400 |
156,200 |
4.5 |
|
|
March |
155,900 |
155,300 |
4.4 |
|
|
April |
154,300 |
155,700 |
4.5 |
|
|
May |
154,000 |
156,900 |
4.5 |
|
|
June |
166,400 |
159,700 |
4.5 |
|
|
July |
174,600 |
161,600 |
4.5 |
|
|
August |
174,200 |
163,100 |
4.5 |
|
|
September |
160,700 |
167,000 |
4.6 |
|
|
October |
157,400 |
169,100 |
4.7 |
|
|
November |
161,700 |
173,700 |
4.8 |
|
|
December |
170,400 |
174,800 |
4.8 |
|
|
Annual Average 2007 |
162,317 |
162,500 |
4.6 |
|
|
2008 |
January |
181,400 |
179,400 |
4.8 |
|
February |
189,500 |
185,600 |
4.9 |
|
|
March |
198,000 |
196,700 |
5.2 |
|
|
April |
195,600 |
196,100 |
5.2 |
|
|
May |
201,800 |
203,700 |
5.5 |
|
|
June |
220,800 |
213,400 |
5.9 |
|
|
July |
238,200 |
225,000 |
6.4 |
|
|
August |
247,400 |
236,600 |
6.8 |
|
|
September |
240,200 |
247,400 |
7.2 |
|
|
October** |
250,700 |
263,300 |
7.6 |
|
|
November |
267,200 |
280,000 |
8.1 |
|
|
December |
290,000 |
295,100 |
8.6 |
|
|
Annual Average 2008 |
226,733 |
226,900 |
6.4 |
|
|
2009 |
January |
326,300 |
324,100 |
9.4 |
|
February |
352,500 |
348,100 |
10.1 |
|
|
March |
369,200 |
367,400 |
10.7 |
|
|
April |
381,900 |
381,900 |
11.2 |
|
|
May |
394,100 |
395,600 |
11.6 |
|
|
June |
415,500 |
407,700 |
12.0 |
|
|
July |
432,400 |
419,100 |
12.3 |
|
|
August |
436,700 |
426,200 |
12.4 |
|
|
September |
419,900 |
427,400 |
12.4 |
|
|
October |
412,400 |
425,400 |
12.4 |
|
|
November |
413,500 |
426,800 |
12.4 |
|
|
December |
423,600 |
428,900 |
12.5 |
|
|
Annual Average 2009 |
398,167 |
398,200 |
11.6 |
|
|
2010 |
January |
436,900 |
434,700 |
12.7 |
|
February |
437,000 |
432,400 |
12.6 |
*QNHS calendar quarter benchmarking began in February 2004.
**Figures from October 2008 have been revised.
139 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Taoiseach the salary of each chief executive of agencies under the aegis of his Department on 1 August 2008 and 1 September 2008 in tabular form; if a voluntary pay cut was taken by each CEO; if so, the date of same; the salary of the CEO at that date; the full benefits package now applying to each such person including pension contributions and amount of bonus, if any; if same was awarded, the way in which it was benchmarked; the cost of a company car and any other benefit in kind; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13642/10]
The National Economic and Social Development Office is the only agency under the Aegis of my Department.
The Office has three constituent bodies; the National Economic and Social Forum (NESF), the National Centre for Partnership and Performance (NCPP) and the National Economic and Social Council (NESC), each of which has a Director/ CEO. The information regarding pay and remuneration for each of these individuals as requested by the Deputy is given in the table below.
|
Organisation |
NESDO/ NESC |
NESF |
NCPP |
|
Salary 1 on August 2008 |
€147,036 |
€111,577 |
€111,577 |
|
Salary on 1 September 2008 |
€150,712 |
€114,366 |
€114,366 |
|
Voluntary Pay-cut |
No |
No |
No |
|
Current Salary |
€146,191 |
Retired |
€105,429 |
|
Bonus |
No |
No |
No |
|
Pension |
Payment of 16.66% of salary |
Public Service Pension |
Public Service Pension |
|
Car / Benefit-in-Kind |
No |
No |
No |
140 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Taoiseach if he raised the plight of undocumented Irish people in the United States with President Obama during his St. Patrick’s Day visit to the White House; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13729/10]
I raised the issue of immigration reform in the US during the course of my meeting with President Obama. I informed the President that my Government has campaigned very hard over recent years to try to find a solution to the situation facing our undocumented community in the US and to put in place new bilateral migration arrangements between our two countries. In the US the feeling is that the best prospect for a solution for the undocumented is through comprehensive immigration reform. President Obama stated that comprehensive immigration reform remains high on his agenda.
141 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Taoiseach the list of all proposals in the report of the special group on public service numbers and expenditure relating to his Department or to bodies or agencies under his remit which have been implemented to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13889/10]
The position is summarised in the table beneath:
|
Recommendation |
Action Taken |
|
|
NESDO |
Discontinue NESDO except for the NESC |
The NESF and the NCPP, constituent bodies of the NESDO, are being dissolved and their staff are being absorbed into the NESC. |
|
Ireland Newfoundland Partnership |
Discontinuation of the Ireland Newfound Partnership |
The work of the Ireland Newfoundland Partnership has been subsumed into my Department |
|
Active Citizenship Office |
Discontinuation of Active Citizenship Office |
The work of the Active Citizenship Office has been subsumed into my Department. |
|
Central Statistics Office |
Staff Restructuring |
Restructuring measures are yielding savings of €2.7million in the CSO in 2010. Re-organisation plan prepared by CSO and implemented from September 2009 has same overall impact as McCarthy Report proposals. The following are being implemented in 2010: Closure of library; Consolidation of administrative support, changing data collection methodologies; Using ICT in collecting price data for the Consumer Price Index; Greater use of administrative data, where available, in the compilation of the major annual structural surveys of business; Reduction of field staff employed to follow up business surveys. |
|
Reduce Census 2011 Costs |
Census of Population administration costs are being reduced by €0.3m on an ongoing basis from 2010 onwards. Larger once-off savings of €2.7m are planned for 2011, when the Census will be collected. |
|
|
Expedite the use of electronic solutions for data extraction and filing, in the first instance for business and commercial returns with the household and census forms following as soon as practicable |
Electronic systems for extraction and return of earnings payroll data are in place. Further development of e-forms solutions for business surveys is being planned. |
|
|
Attorney General’s Office |
Administrative Savings |
Included in the calculation of Estimates for 2010. |
|
Chief State Solicitor’s Office |
Administrative Savings |
Recommendations were taken into account in forming the 2010 Estimates. The provisional outturn for 2009 shows a saving of €1m over the 2009 estimate. The 2010 estimate is reduced by a further €1.8m over the 2009 provisional outturn. |
|
Director of Public Prosecutions |
Administrative Savings |
Achieved. |
|
Reduction in Professional Fees |
In 2009 a reduction of 8% was applied to legal fees paid to barristers engaged by the DPP’s Office. It is estimated that this produced savings of approximately €640,000 in 2009 and will realise savings of the order of €1m in 2010. A further 8% reduction is being applied to barrister’s fees from 1 April 2010. This will produce further savings on top of those already realised. |
142 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the current use of the former Enterprise Ireland sites at Merrion and Glasnevin, Dublin; the annual cost of maintaining these sites; his future plans for these sites; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13585/10]
When Enterprise Ireland was established in 1998 it became a strategic objective to bring all Dublin based staff together in one location. This was achieved with the move to East Point Business Park in September 2008. Until this time, Enterprise Ireland occupied four office locations in Dublin, primarily as a result of the amalgamation of various state agencies into a single organisation over a number of years to support indigenous enterprise. From an operational perspective, occupying four separate locations in Dublin was not satisfactory for an Agency mandated to provide a range of services and expertise in a holistic manner across several critical business functions.
The leases on two of the buildings occupied (Merrion Hall and IPC House) expired in Quarter 4, 2008 and the properties reverted to the landlords.
The offices occupied at Wilton Park House reverted to Forfás which already occupies the building. The Glasnevin site, which is owned by Enterprise Ireland, was vacated by the agency in September 2008. The National Metrology Laboratory of the National Standards Authority of Ireland remains on a part of the site that will be retained. The remainder of the Glasnevin site was assigned to the Affordable Housing Initiative by a Government decision made in April 2008. Following the completion of a feasibility study by the Affordable Homes Partnership, the Government decided on 13 January 2010 that the site was no longer required for the scheme. The OPW are now carrying out an evaluation of the site to determine its best utilisation for public service use.
The cost of maintaining the Glasnevin site is approximately €1m per annum, made up of local authority rates €620k, security €240k, heat / light / power €120k and general maintenance €20k. There are annual savings of approximately €3m, in addition to significant operational efficiencies, resulting from the Dublin HQ centralisation move to the East Point Business Park. Pending a final decision by the OPW, EI engaged Estate Agents in December 2010 to explore potential leasing options for the property.
143 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will refer the decision of Aer Lingus to lay off all of its cabin crew to the Labour Court to determine whether it constitutes a case of exceptional collective redundancies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13582/10]
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, cabin crew agreed to ballot again on the restructuring package. The outcome of this ballot was in favour of acceptance of the plan and the company has welcomed the result and announced its intention to work with the Unions to achieve the required productivity targets.
Given the positive outcome negotiated between the company and the Unions representing employees in this instance, recourse to legislation governing exceptional collective redundancies does not arise.
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.
144 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will examine and change the current format of e-tender questions regarding the requirement for new companies to provide a three year financial statement of accounts which then precludes them from tendering for all State contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13599/10]
Any changes to the qualification criteria in respect of prospective tenderers in relation to the Governmente-tenders website would be a matter for the Minister for Finance.
145 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the salary of each chief executive of agencies under the aegis of his Department on 1 August 2008 and 1 September 2008 in tabular form; if a voluntary pay cut was taken by each CEO; if so, the date of same; the salary of the CEO at that date; the full benefits package now applying to each such person including pension contributions and amount of bonus, if any; if same was awarded, the way in which it was benchmarked; the cost of company car and any other benefit in kind; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13635/10]
I am not in a position to supply the requested information in the time available. However, the information is currently being compiled and I will reply directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
146 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when a redundancy payment will be awarded in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13661/10]
My Department administers the Social Insurance Fund (SIF) in relation to redundancy matters on behalf of the Department of Social and Family Affairs. There are two types of payment made from the SIF — rebates to those employers who have paid statutory redundancy to eligible employees, and statutory lump sums to employees whose employers are insolvent and/or in receivership/liquidation.
I can confirm that my Department received a statutory lump sum claim for the individual concerned on 16 July 2009 claiming inability to pay on behalf of the employer. I understand that a query was raised with the employer on this claim which has now been resolved. I am pleased to advise the Deputy that the claim has recently been processed and authorized for payment. Payment should issue to the claimant over the next one to two week period.
147 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the financial allocation for each county and city enterprise board in respect of 2007 to 2010 inclusive. [13723/10]
In the time available it is not possible to provide the information requested.
148 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the proposal to use statutory redundancy payments as an element in the organisation of new working conditions is in accordance with the rules of the redundancy fund; and if it constitutes State aid in a case such as Aer Lingus. [13769/10]
In general, redundancy is payable in instances where the job as opposed to the person is made redundant. In relation to the issue of eligibility for redundancy payments, I should point out that redundancy is a matter of fact that occurs after the event of termination of employment. Qualification for an entitlement to the payment of statutory redundancy under the Redundancy Acts cannot be made until the full facts of the situation are known, after the event. When presented with redundancy claims for payment, the Department will have regard to the legislative provisions governing the eligibility of any such claims and can, if necessary, have the matter referred to the Employment Appeals Tribunal for a decision on any claims that might actually be made.
In October 2009 Aer Lingus announced details of a cost savings programme aimed at reducing operating costs by €97million, 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, cabin crew agreed to ballot again on the restructuring package. The outcome of this ballot was in favour of acceptance of the plan and the company has welcomed the result and announced its intention to work with the Unions to achieve the required productivity targets.
149 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of county enterprise funds that exist in the State; the level of funding that has been granted to each of these funds in each of the past five years by his Department in a tabular format on a county basis; if there is a ceiling on the level of loans to be awarded from each fund per application; the person who is the accounting authority in each case; and if there is an annual audit report in respect of each fund. [13816/10]
There are 6 County Enterprise Fund Companies. They are separate, individual legal entities and my Department has no function in relation to their activities. My Department does not allocate funding to these companies. The companies are subject to the provisions of the Companies Acts.
150 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the size of the unit responsible for skills and training policy currently within his Department; the exact number of personnel directly employed in his Department who will be transferred to the Department of Education and Science; the location in the estate of the Department of Education and Science where they will be housed; the size of the budget as set out in the Estimates for 2010 for which they have responsibility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13863/10]
151 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the way in which the work of the expert skills group currently attached to his Department will transfer for the training activities of FÁS, as recently announced by the Taoiseach on 23 March 2010; the number of personnel who are civil servants; the number of personnel who are public servants; the number of staff which will move from his Department or FÁS; the location within the estate of the Department of Education and Science where they will be accommodated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13864/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 150 and 151 together.
Following last week's announcement in the Dáil by the Taoiseach of Ministerial changes and changes to certain Departmental functions, the exact details of the transfer of resources from my Department that will be necessary to fully effect these changes, including the work of the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN), have still to be finalised.
152 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the Secretary General of his Department will be the Accounting Officer for purposes of reporting to the Committee of Public Accounts and the Comptroller and Auditor General; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13865/10]
The Secretary General of my Department is and will be the Accounting Officer for purposes of reporting to the Public Accounts Committee and the Comptroller and Auditor General on the activities of my department. The standard responsibilities of the Accounting Officer role will continue to apply.
153 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the list of all proposals in the report of the special group on public service numbers and expenditure relating to his Department or to bodies or agencies under his remit which have been implemented to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13882/10]
The Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes included recommendations for the rationalisation of some services provided by my Department's agencies, and for reductions in certain programme and staffing costs. A number of these recommendations have been accepted in whole or in part and the projected financial savings were incorporated into the Revised Estimate for my Department which was published on 18 February this year. Details of these recommendations and their associated savings are provided on the table. In addition to the savings outlined on the table, further savings will be realised in 2010 through the reduction in staff numbers and in pay levels across my Department and its agencies.
|
Recommendation in the Report of the Special Group |
Saving in 2010 |
Comments |
|
€m |
||
|
Reduce IDA capital and administrative costs, including rationalisation of regional offices in Ireland and shared services |
0.857 |
Administrative costs have been reduced by €857,000 for 2010. The question of rationalisation of offices requires further consideration. |
|
IDA’s Capital allocation for 2010 is directly related to its legal commitments. However, €10m was cut from the agency’s budget in 2009 on a once-off basis. |
||
|
Enterprise Ireland — efficiency saving in administration. |
3.024 |
Enterprise Ireland’s administrative budget has been reduced by €3.024m for 2010. |
|
Cease funding FÁS Services to Business and Skillnets 1 |
6.000 |
Reduction of €6 million has been made in 2010 Estimates for FÁS’s Services to Business |
|
Abolish FÁS training allowances for participants who do not qualify for Jobseekers Benefit/Allowance1 |
3.200 |
This recommendation is being implemented in 2010 |
|
Formally merge the functions of the Registrar of Friendly Societies and Companies Registration Office and secure additional efficiencies |
0.146 |
The CRO and the RFS currently operate on a shared office basis. Legislative change is required to formally merge the bodies. The Department is currently reviewing the Industrial and Provident Societies (co-operatives) and Friendly Societies legislation. In the meantime, administrative efficiencies of €146,000 have been identified for 2010. |
|
Savings in Corporate Services; reduction in Administrative Budget. |
0.468 |
Non-Pay savings of €468,000 and substantial Pay savings in the Administrative Budget will be reflected in the Revised Estimates Volume. |
|
Total |
13.695 |
1 In accordance with the Taoiseach’s statement to the Dáil on 23 March 2010, responsibility for FÁS’s training activities will transfer shortly to the Department of Education and Skills, while responsibility for FÁS’s Employment Services and Community Services programmes will transfer to the Department of Social Protection.
154 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the specific requirements set down for employers participating in the work placement programme in relation to minimum training requirements and where these requirements are set down; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that no requirements are mentioned in the work placement programme provider application form or in the accompanying guidelines document; the steps that have been taken to ensure that any such requirements are met before a placement is sanctioned and while a placement is in progress; and the penalties applying to providers who do not meet any such requirements. [13899/10]
Under the Work Placement Programme there are no compulsorily minimum training requirements for placements to be approved. The purpose of the programme is to provide valuable work experience to unemployed individuals and as such it is essentially a work experience programme. FÁS, however, encourages employers to offer training during a placement but it is not a requirement of the programme. In fact several existing placements do include a training element for participants on the Work Placement Programme. Individuals participating in the Work Placement Programme can also avail of the broad range of FÁS training, during their placement. This training can be delivered through a range of different methodologies such as online, blended learning, evening courses, which would enable these individuals to combine their work placement with a training element.
155 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the penalties applying to an employer who makes a false declaration in Part C of the work placement programme provider application form. [13900/10]
157 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps he is taking to ensure that the work placement programme is not being exploited to displace existing or prospective employment. [13902/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 155 and 157 together.
FÁS are responsible for managing and overseeing the operation of the Work Placement Programme and they have introduced a number of measures designed to prevent exploitation and the displacement of existing or prospective employment. For instance, all potential providers must confirm the following:
The placement will not be provided to fill an existing vacancy.
The placement will not be provided to displace an existing employee.
Providers must have Public and Employers liability insurance and this must cover the participant on the work placement.
Providers must confirm that their company is fully compliant with current workplace health and safety and all other legal requirements.
In addition, organisations are not allowed to participate if they have made an employee redundant in the last three months. However, where there is no direct displacement of an employee, and the level of redundancies in the last three months was less than 5% of the workforce, these organisations will be eligible to participate. Prior to any placement commencing, an organisation must complete and sign the provider application form and confirm that they meet these requirements.
FÁS has also put in place a process whereby opportunities offered under the Work Placement Programme are cross checked against any recent similar job vacancies notified to FÁS by employers with a view to avoiding any related job displacements. Within the first two months of the commencement of a placement, the Provider receives a formal monitoring visit from FÁS. The visit is conducted to monitor whether the placement is taking place as described in the Work Placement description. A monitoring report is completed with any issues that arose during the visit detailed. Some possible outcomes of the monitoring visit could be to recommend that:
The placement continues;
The placement continues with a follow up monitoring visit scheduled;
The placement is ended;
The Provider should not be approved for future placements.
In addition to the formal application process and formal monitoring of the placement and the Provider, at all times any staff member, a Participant or member of the public can raise issues or make known their concerns about a placement or a Provider by contacting any FÁS office. FÁS will in all instances follow up on any complaints made in relation to abuse of participants or of the spirit of the programme. If any organisation is in breach of the conditions of the programme or make a false declaration such as under Part C on the Provider application form, FÁS may immediately remove them from the programme.
156 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of work placement provider applications that have been sanctioned to date; and the number that have been refused. [13901/10]
Under the Work Placement Programme 2,126 provider applications have been received to date. Of these a total of 2,033 have been sanctioned and 93 applications have been refused to date.
158 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, further to Parliamentary Question No. 157 of 9 February 2010, when a reply will issue to this Deputy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13910/10]
The information sought by the Deputy requires a report to be generated by personnel engaged in industrial action. The information will be provided as soon as possible after the cessation of this action.
159 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when former workers of a company (details supplied) in County Limerick that have yet to be paid the Labour Court recommendation for an additional three weeks redundancy pay despite the approval of the Rights Commissioner will be paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14020/10]
In November 2004 the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment announced a policy change to the Job Initiative Programme that provided for contracts to be renewed for participants who wished to remain on the scheme thus removing the requirement for participants to leave. This policy change brought about an amendment to the rules regarding redundancy payments and allowed for the payment of enhanced redundancy to persons made redundant after November 2004. I understand that the matter in question relates to persons employed under a Job Initiative Scheme who were made redundant in November 2003, prior to the rule change, and therefore they would not have an entitlement to an enhanced redundancy payment.
160 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Finance the amount of State funding that has been invested in Newgrange world heritage site, County Meath, in each of the past four years; the international promotion that has taken place to promote it as a tourist destination; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13907/10]
The Office of Public Works is responsible for Brú Na Bóinne which is a designated World Heritage Site. Direct expenditure by the Office of Public Works on management and related works is as follows:
|
Year |
2006 |
2007* |
2008 |
2009 |
|
Amount |
€1,312,425.82 |
€2,159,237.00 |
€1,621,628.15 |
€1,433,031.83 |
*Includes vehicle (buses) replacement costs.
|
Location |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
|
Visitor Centre |
48, 591 |
49,439 |
44,437 |
40,406 |
|
Newgrange |
128,316 |
135,361 |
133,524 |
130,083 |
|
Knowth |
53,642 |
56,465 |
58,351 |
51,941 |
|
Total |
230,549 |
241,265 |
236,312 |
223,430 |
Direct international promotion of the site is undertaken by the tourist authorities.
161 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance the reason for the removal of many trees in the Phoenix Park, Dublin 7; the number of trees removed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13586/10]
As part of the normal management of the Park tree surveys are carried out to identify trees which are dangerous to the public. As a result of a recent survey 31 broadleaf trees were felled as they were judged to be in a dangerous condition. The trees suffered from a range of tree diseases or were structurally unstable and posed a serious danger to public safety. A programme of woodland restoration is in progress & over 190 replacement trees have been planted this spring with an additional 300 proposed for this autumn.
162 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance the action he is taking to prevent public drinking and lighting of barbecues in the Phoenix Park, Dublin 7; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13587/10]
The Park Rangers Unit actively work to deter individuals from drinking in the Phoenix Park, and liaise closely with the Gardaí to remove such individuals. Small barbecues are permitted in the Park at designated picnic areas, and these are monitored closely by the Ranger Unit.
163 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Finance his plans to address the concerns raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13615/10]
The concerns outlined in the correspondence enclosed by the Deputy refer to the need to update legislation governing the operation and regulation of credit unions in Ireland and to the proposal to amend Section 35 of the Credit Union 1997 which imposes limits on credit unions in relation to longer-term lending.
With reference to credit union legislation, I agree that the current legislative framework needs reform. Accordingly, I have requested the Financial Regulator to initiate a strategic review of the credit union sector in Ireland. This project, which is already underway, will involve an examination of the structure, operation, regulation and legislation of the credit union sector. It will provide a report making recommendations, including specific proposals to strengthen prudential soundness, which will advise and inform an assessment of the future strategic direction of credit unions.
The restrictions contained in Section 35 of the Credit Union Act 1997 are an important asset and liability instrument protecting the financial stability of the credit union movement over many years. The need for such a mechanism will be addressed in the strategic review but in the immediate future it is necessary to address ongoing issues with regard to Section 35 now. The matter has been considered by my Department following consultation with the two Credit Union representative bodies, the Irish League of Credit Unions and the Credit Union Development Association and with the Registrar of Credit Unions and a provision has been included in the Central Bank Reform Bill 2010 published this morning.
164 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Finance the salary of each chief executive of agencies under the aegis of his Department on 1 August 2008 and 1 September 2008 in tabular form; if a voluntary pay cut was taken by each CEO; if so, the date of same; the salary of the CEO at that date; the full benefits package now applying to each such person including pension contributions and amount of bonus, if any; if same was awarded; the way in which it was benchmarked; the cost of a company car and any other benefit in kind; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13637/10]
The information requested in relation to agencies under the aegis of my Department is set out below. It should be noted that it is not the practice to identify individuals in relation to voluntary deductions from their remuneration.
|
National Lottery |
Special EU Programmes Body (has 2 sponsor departments: Department of Finance and Department of Finance and Personnel of Northern Ireland) |
|
|
Salary at 1 August 2008 |
€230,000 |
£61,217–£69,020–£76,826–£84,630 |
|
Salary at 1 September 2008 |
€230,000 (Salary frozen at €230,000 since 1st January 2008). |
£61,217-£69,020-£76,826-£84,630 (It was confirmed by sponsor departments that no annual increase would be applied to the scale on 1st April 2009). |
|
(It was confirmed by sponsor departments that no annual increase would be applied to the scale on 1st April 2009). |
||
|
Director’s Fee |
€12,500 |
|
|
Car allowance |
€15,000 |
|
|
Health Insurance |
€5,000 |
|
|
Company Pension contribution |
€33,000 |
|
|
Performance related pay |
Non-pensionable performance related bonus (0% to 25% based on performance related objectives — not finalised in 2009 by Remuneration Committee). |
The CEO’s contract of employment provides for a performance pay system. The range of possible bonus payment was set for 2008 at between £nil to £10,000. |
|
CEO’s personal pension contribution |
6.5% |
The North/South Pension Scheme (“the Scheme”) is an unfunded, contributory, defined-benefit Scheme. The Scheme was established by the North/South Implementation Bodies and Tourism Ireland Limited (“the Bodies”) with effect from 29 April 2005. The CEO contributes 1.5% of his salary. Benefits are based on 1/80th of final pensionable salary for each year of reckonable service subject to a ceiling of 40 years. Lump sum is based on 3/80ths of pensionable salary for each year of reckonable service. |
The Chief Executive Officer of the Public Appointments Service (PAS) is remunerated at the grade of Assistant Secretary in the Civil Service, and enjoys the same terms and conditions applicable to that grade.
165 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if he will clarify the impact of the carbon tax on marked gas oil and agricultural diesel; if he has received representation regarding the deferral of that date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13670/10]
I announced in the Budget that a carbon tax at a rate of €15 per tonne is being introduced on fossil fuels. The tax was applied to petrol and auto-diesel with effect from midnight, 9 December 2009; and will apply from 1 May 2010 to kerosene, marked gas oil (also known as ‘green diesel' or ‘agricultural diesel'), liquid petroleum gas (LPG), fuel oil and natural gas. The application of the tax to coal and commercial peat is subject to a Commencement Order.
The carbon tax will result in an increase of approximately 4 cents per litre (excluding VAT) on Marked Gas Oil including agricultural diesel, broadly the same as that for regular diesel. I have received representations from numerous organisations in relation to the carbon tax, including the treatment of agricultural diesel. However, as provided for in the Finance Bill 2010, the carbon tax will apply to marked gas oil on 1 May 2010.
166 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding persons bringing cigarettes from EU countries here; the position in respect of people returning from trips to Europe with cigarettes and cigarettes posted from an EU country to family members living here; the legal position in this regard; if cigarettes can be brought in once the duty has already been paid in the EU country of purchase; if there is any duty liable on these goods here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13672/10]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that tobacco products tax is not, by virtue of section 104(2) of the Finance Act 2001, chargeable on cigarettes that are bought tax-paid by a private individual in another Member State of the European Union. The cigarettes must be acquired by the person for his or her own use and not for commercial purposes, and be personally transported and accompanied into the State by that person. However, in the case of territories where EU rules on VAT and excise duties do not apply, such as the Canary Islands, an absolute limit of 200 cigarettes may be so brought into the State.
The question of whether cigarettes are for a private individual's own use or for commercial purposes falls to be determined in accordance with criteria set down in the Control of Excisable Products Regulations 2001. The specified considerations include the reasons given by the person for having the cigarettes, and the quantity involved. The guide level as to what constitutes a quantity consistent with personal use is set at 800 cigarettes. A person with a larger quantity of cigarettes may be asked questions to establish that they are not intended for commercial purposes. Cigarettes posted to a person in the State by a person in another EU Member State are liable to tobacco products tax and VAT.
167 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance if a former chief executive (details supplied) has repaid a €1 million bonus to a building society; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13704/10]
I am informed by the building society that the bonus has not been repaid but that the society is continuing to pursue the matter. I have asked the society to continue to strongly press this matter and I fully support the society's efforts to recoup the payment in accordance with the commitment made by the former chief executive.
168 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Finance the value of Irish public contracts advertised in the Official Journal of the EU in 2008 that were awarded to Irish companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13730/10]
Public contracts valued at approximately €4.5 billion were advertised by Irish contracting authorities in the Official Journal of the European Union in 2008. Of this total, returns from contracting authorities indicate that contracts to the value of over €4 billion were awarded to Irish companies.
169 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 299 of 3 November 2009, the ranges of options being considered for the long-term use of the vacant building at the Kells Road, Navan, County Meath; if allowing the building to be used by voluntary and community groups locally is one such consideration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13731/10]
Having regard to the ongoing rationalisation programme of the State Property Portfolio, the Office of Public Works is considering the long term use of the State owned property on the Kells Road, Navan, which is a valuable and strategic site. The property options include whether or not to retain the existing buildings, that are is in need of major refurbishment. Accordingly, allowing the building to be used by voluntary and community groups is not under viable consideration at present.
170 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Finance if she will respond to correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13733/10]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a Revenue Official contacted the taxpayer on 25 March 2010 and advised her that the form P21 for 2009 issued on 23 March 2010. A further copy was also posted on the 25 March 2010.
171 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Finance the cost of the Cabinet reshuffle; the amount it is costing in terms of administration and other expenses; the amount it is costing each Department; the way the allocation of resources and votes will be distributed now due to the changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13740/10]
All transfers of funds between votes will be carried out on an Exchequer-neutral basis in all cases. In addition, the re-allocation of resources will be provided for by way of Amended Estimates or Further Revised Estimates as appropriate. Some administrative costs will arise (for example, stationery costs) and I will be asking the relevant Departments to ensure that these are kept to a minimum. Final figures in respect of these costs are not yet available.
172 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance when he will allocate funds for flood prevention measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13804/10]
173 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance if funding for flood prevention will now be allocated arising from the recent flooding in Bandon, County Cork; the amount thereof; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13805/10]
174 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance if funding for flood prevention will now be allocated arising from the recent flooding in Clonakilty, County Cork; the amount thereof; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13806/10]
175 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance if funding for flood prevention will now be allocated arising from the recent flooding in Skibbereen, County Cork; the amount thereof; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13807/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 172 to 175, inclusive, together.
The Government has allocated approximately €68.3m towards Flood Risk Management in 2010. This includes €50m for Capital Flood Risk activities and approximately €18.3m for ongoing Drainage Maintenance and Hydrometric activities.
Under the 2010 Capital allocation, OPW has made an initial sum of €6M available for the Minor Flood and Coastal Erosion Works Programme initiated in 2009. Based on assessments completed by OPW of applications received from Local Authorities to date, €5.43m has been allocated to 12 Local Authorities for measures to address localised flooding problems in 52 inland areas. In addition, allocations totalling €1.27m are being made to 6 Local Authorities for minor coastal flooding and erosion measures, at 8 locations around the country Following that initial allocation, OPW will continue to liaise with a number of Local Authorities with regard to applications received that require further information.
OPW has committed to undertaking a full Feasibility Study of the flooding problem in Bandon, Co Cork. In this regard, applications for a pre-qualification assessment are about to be invited from Consulting Engineers, and, following the tender process, OPW expect to be in a position to make an appointment in July 2010.
Cork County Council have submitted applications for funding for works in both Clonakilty and Skibbereen under the 2010 Minor Flood Works Programme. In this regard, OPW has agreed to fund both a study of the Ilen River at Skibbereen which will inform future works, and works to improve channel capacity at Clonakilty aimed at alleviating flood risk.
176 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance if he will reply to a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13826/10]
The matter raised by the Deputy is currently being investigated and as soon as information is available it will be forwarded directly to him.
177 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance if he will reply to the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13846/10]
Prior to Finance Act 1999, any person taking a pension under a defined contribution scheme or a Retirement Annuity Contract (RAC), was required to purchase an annuity with the pension fund money remaining after the drawdown of the appropriate tax-free lump sum.
Finance Act 1999 introduced significant changes which gave a considerable degree of control, flexibility and personal choice to certain categories of individuals in relation to the drawing down of benefits from their pension plans. These choices include the following options:
to purchase an annuity from a life assurance company,
to receive the balance of the pension fund in cash (subject to tax, as appropriate),
to invest in an Approved Retirement Fund (ARF) or Approved Minimum Retirement Fund (AMRF), as appropriate,
or a combination of these.
ARFs and AMRFs are not pension schemes per se. They are investment options into which the proceeds of certain pension arrangements can be invested on retirement. Individuals are entitled to take their tax-free lump sum option as part of the election for an ARF. Beneficial ownership of the assets in an ARF/AMRF rests with the individual. The ARF/AMRF is managed by a Qualifying Fund Manager and pays no tax on its investment income or capital gains while the funds are invested in it.
The option to have all or part of an individual's accumulated pension fund placed in an ARF must be exercised not later than the date on which the annuity or pension would otherwise become payable. The option is open to a qualified person who is either over 75 years of age or who has a guaranteed pension income (specified income) actually in payment for life of at least €12,700 per annum. Where the minimum specified income test is not met, then an AMRF must be chosen into which the first €63,500 of the pension fund or the whole of the fund, if less than this amount, must be invested (alternatively an annuity can be purchased with the first €63,500 of the pension fund and the balance placed in an ARF). The capital in an AMRF is not available to an individual until he or she reaches 75 years of age, though any income generated by the fund can be drawn down subject to tax. The purpose of an AMRF is to ensure a capital or income "safety net" for certain individuals throughout the period of their retirement.
All of the conditions and requirements attaching to investment in an ARF or AMRF are set out in sections 784A to 784D of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 (reflecting Finance Act 1999 and subsequent Finance Act changes). The trustees of the individual's pension fund and the Qualifying Fund Manager with whom the individual invested in an AMRF would have been aware of the requirements involved.
As is stated in the recently published National Pensions Framework, the Government is aware that individuals who invested their funds in an AMRF because they did not satisfy the specified income requirements at retirement, may later satisfy those requirements. Notwithstanding this, such individuals are effectively locked into the AMRF until they reach 75. The Government has decided to allow those individuals who meet the specified income conditions after retirement to have their AMRFs treated as ARFs to which they will have access. The details of this change will be worked out during the implementation phase of the Framework and legislated for in due course.
178 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Finance the list of all proposals in the report of the special group on public service numbers and expenditure relating to his Department or to bodies or agencies under his remit which have been implemented to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13884/10]
As the Deputy is aware the report of the Special Group on Public Numbers and Expenditure Programmes outlined a wide range of proposals across all departments, a number of which can only be achieved through restructuring over a number of years. The implementation of the proposals for my Department and the Offices under its aegis is ongoing, and initial progress has been made in this regard in Budget 2010.
The Special Group also made a number of cross-cutting recommendations in relation to initiatives such as procurement reform, shared services, greater focus on performance and outputs and strengthening of multi-annual budgeting arrangements. The consideration and progression of these recommendations is being coordinated by the Department of Finance in the broader context of the Transforming Public Services agenda.
The proposals recommended for my Department and the Offices under its aegis, together with an update on the status of these proposals, are set out in the tables.
|
Office/Other |
Group’s recommendation |
Status |
|
Office of the Minister for Finance |
General administration and programme efficiencies including staff reductions of 60 over four years, €5.0m |
Completed |
|
Office of the Minister for Finance |
Administrative savings in the IPA and the ESRI resulting in reduced grants in aid |
Completed |
|
Office of the Minister for Finance |
Potential to develop shared services (salaries, pensions, accounts, HR) |
In progress |
|
Office of the Minister for Finance |
Further scaling-back and re-prioritisation of capital expenditure. |
In progress |
|
Office of the Minister for Finance |
A uniform Public Service Numbers Policy. |
In progress |
|
Cross-cutting |
Implementation of measures in the Green Paper on Pensions |
In progress |
|
Strategic |
Medium-term envelopes |
In progress |
|
Strategic |
Strategic objectives for the new NPPPOU. |
In progress |
|
Strategic |
Prepare legislation to centralise the management of State property in OPW |
In progress |
|
Strategic |
Updated and enhanced guidelines for acquisition, management, sale and inter-agency transfer of property. |
In progress |
|
Strategic |
Centralised shared approaches to ICT services and data centre facilities, IT Advisory Group. |
In progress |
|
Strategic |
Pension policy should be adjusted to take account of future pension liabilities to the state. |
In progress |
|
Strategic |
Public Service Performance Charter |
In progress |
|
Strategic |
Development and enhancement of IT skills |
In progress |
|
Office of the Minister for Finance |
Enhanced VFM & Policy Reviews & Possible role for the C&AG in auditing or verifying the Annual Output Statements |
Under consideration |
|
Office of the Minister for Finance |
New benchmarking process. |
Under consideration |
|
Cross-cutting |
Monitor performance against objectives of NPPPOU |
Under consideration |
|
Cross-cutting |
Estimates should be produced on a programme-by-programme basis. |
Under consideration |
|
Cross-cutting |
All regulators to submit budgets to the DoF |
Under consideration |
|
Office |
Group’s recommendation |
Status |
|
State Laboratory |
Sharing of services with HSE laboratories. |
The proposal was examined but will not be implemented. |
|
Valuation Office |
Administrative efficiencies in the Valuation Office |
In progress |
|
Ombudsman |
Consider undertaking investigative functions at lower grading levels, Amalgamate ombudsmen/regulators offices into the Office of the Ombudsman. |
Under consideration |
|
Public Appointments Service |
Reduce Expenditure by 20%, Reduce large volume recruitment, Rationalise senior executive recruitment, Deferral of selected research projects and staff efficiencies, Improve the efficiency of recruitment, Staff reductions |
In progress, staffing levels reduced by 31% and Vote reduced by34%. |
|
C&AG |
Merge the Local Government Audit Service within the aegis of the C&AG |
Under consideration |
|
C&AG |
Make legislative changes to ensure that significant public expenditure is audited by the C&AG. |
Under consideration |
|
Appeals Commissioner |
Publish decisions of Appeal Commissioners electronically. |
Under consideration |
|
Valuation Office |
Merge the Valuation Office (VO) and the Ordnance Survey of Ireland (OSI) with the Property Registration Authority (PRA) |
The merits/demerits of the proposed merger are being assessed. |
|
Commission for Public Service Appointments |
Potential to merge the Office of the Commission for Public Service Appointments with the Office of the Ombudsman, Reduce staff numbers |
In progress |
|
Office of Public Works |
Spare capacity should be reduced |
In progress |
|
Office of Public Works |
Benchmark rents & occupancy levels with private sector rates |
In progress |
|
Office of Public Works |
Introduce a moratorium on the state providing car parking spaces in urban areas |
Under consideration (no new spaces being taken) |
|
Office of Public Works |
Identify the State’s real estate portfolio |
Under consideration |
|
Office of Public Works |
Outsource engineering and architectural activities |
Ongoing |
|
Office of the Revenue Commissioners |
IT efficiencies |
In progress. A number of measures have been taken including e-Stamping. |
|
Office of the Revenue Commissioners |
Efficient use of consumables |
Completed |
|
Office of the Revenue Commissioners |
Savings in legal services |
Completed |
|
Office of the Revenue Commissioners |
Review the number of regional office locations |
In progress — a number have been closed and others are under review |
|
Office of the Revenue Commissioners |
Examine scope for further efficiencies |
Savings substantially achieved. One further option under review. |
|
Office of the Revenue Commissioners |
Associated reduction in staff numbers |
Completed |
179 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance the average time it takes for the issue of a VAT number and an employer PPS number for a new company starting up a business; and his views on whether in the context of encouraging enterprise and employment a special effort should be made to minimise any delays in enabling such new companies to be fully Revenue registered and compliant. [13892/10]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that Revenues Customer Service Standards, published in August 2009, state that they will register 100% of employer registrations within 5 working days and 100% of VAT registrations within 10 working days.
The 10 working day standard for VAT registrations takes into account an extra level of scrutiny carried out by Revenue to ensure that the VAT registration is in respect of a legitimate trade. A VAT registration carries a greater risk of abuse than other registration types. 95% of Employer Registrations are dealt with within 5 working days. 96% of VAT Registrations are dealt with within 10 working days.
Revenue is currently developing an online self-service registration system through its Revenue Online Service. This will be available to taxpayers and their agents and will allow them to complete their Registrations online. This new service will further reduce the time and the administrative burden involved in registering for an Employer number and VAT number. This development is scheduled for completion in late 2010.
180 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Finance when he will be in a position to allocate funding for flood relief measures under the minor works scheme; the amount of moneys available under this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13914/10]
Under the 2010 Capital allocation, OPW has made an initial sum of €6m available for the Minor Flood and Coastal Erosion Works Programme initiated in 2009. Based on assessments completed by OPW of applications received from Local Authorities to date, €5.43m has been allocated to 12 Local Authorities for measures to address localised flooding problems in 52 inland areas. In addition, allocations totalling €1.27m are being made to 6 Local Authorities for minor coastal flooding and erosion measures, at 8 locations around the country. Following that initial allocation, OPW will continue to liaise with a number of Local Authorities with regard to applications received, where further information is required.
181 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the purpose of putting wind mills and solar panels at Mountjoy Corner in the Phoenix Park, Dublin; the cost of same; their purpose; the reason they have been removed; the further plans for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14021/10]
The wind / solar lamp standards were temporarily placed at the Mountjoy Roundabout for health and safety reasons for the purpose of illuminating the construction works area at night during the recent refurbishment works to the roundabout. As works on site are now completed, with the installation of the new five headed gas lamps and up lighters to the centre of the roundabout, the wind / solar lamp standards have been removed and are now permanently installed at Kilmacurragh Arboretum carpark, Co. Wicklow. The cost of the four wind / solar lamp standards was €11,000. Ex VAT.
182 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the measures that will be taken at Mountjoy Corner in the Phoenix Park, Dublin, to prevent motorists going straight across the cobblestoned roundabout at the junction instead of around the roundabout; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14022/10]
The newly refurbished roundabout at the Mountjoy junction, Phoenix Park has been designed and constructed to ensure speed of oncoming traffic entering the roundabout is reduced. The new 5-headed gas lamp centrepiece and electric up lighters illuminate the roundabout at night. The outer edge of the roundabout is clearly delineated with solar powered road studs, which automatically illuminate at night. These measures are considered adequate and appropriate to both control the speed of traffic and protect the structure of the roundabout.
183 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on extending early childhood cover to children who are now underage but have committed to enroll in primary school in September 2011 by which time they will be four years of age and who will therefore miss out on the pre-school year. [13578/10]
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 objective of the scheme is to make early learning in a formal setting available to all children in the key developmental year before they commence primary school, with appropriate age related activities and programmes being provided within a particular age cohort. Targeting the pre-school year at a particular age cohort is, therefore, fundamental to the scheme and for this reason minimum and maximum limits to the age range within which children participate in the scheme, have been set. While the majority of children commence school between the age of 4 years 6 months and 5 years 6 months, an age range of almost 17 months has been set for the scheme to maximise flexibility. As a result, the scheme is open to children who are aged more than 3 years and two months and less than 4 years 7 months at 1 September each year. A child who will be too young to avail of the scheme in September 2010 will qualify for the scheme in September 2011.
184 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Health and Children the cost of training one general practitioner, broken down according to cost of undergraduate medical training, and postgraduate GP training; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13875/10]
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.
185 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children the best international practice in relation to audiology screening for newborn babies; if her Department has investigated introducing such a screening programme here; the annual cost of such a scheme; the amount this would save in emergency measures and complicated medical procedures being caught early; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13569/10]
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.
186 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if persons who are separated but over 70 years have the maintenance payment to their spouse taken into account when calculating eligibility for the medical card. [13579/10]
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.
187 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Question No. 400 of 19 January 2010, when it is anticipated that the Health Service Executive will be in a position to reply this question; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13591/10]
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.
188 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding Belmullet Hospital, County Mayo which has seen wards closed and reductions in front-line nursing staff due to the embargo on recruitment; the future plans for developing Belmullet Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13594/10]
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.
189 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the schools dental scheme has been withdrawn in the east Galway area by the Health Service Executive; if her attention has been drawn to the frustration and anxiety this has caused to children and parents alike; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13595/10]
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.
190 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide structured occupational therapy and or speech and language therapy for the pupils of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 6; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13597/10]
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.
191 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the early childhood care and education scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13598/10]
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 objective of the scheme is to make early learning in a formal setting available to all children in the key developmental year before they commence primary school, with appropriate age related activities and programmes being provided within a particular age cohort. As a result, the scheme is open to children who are aged more than 3 years and two months and less than 4 years 7 months at 1 September each year. I am pleased to say that approximately 90% of pre-school services are participating in the scheme and over 51,000 children, or 80% of children in the year before starting school, are availing of the scheme.
192 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will put in place a plan to provide occupational and or speech and language therapy services for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 6 either in conjunction with the Lucena clinic or through the appointment of appropriate staff directly to the school; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that only a small minority of children are receiving these services through the Lucena clinic and these are mainly children registered with the Lucena clinic in Rathgar who have been referred to the school by the clinic; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13605/10]
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.
193 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children when her cardiovascular health policy will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13624/10]
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.
194 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to deal with the delays for applicants applying for medical cards; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13627/10]
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.
195 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to lift the moratorium on recruitment in the public sector to fill vacancies (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13628/10]
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.
196 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children the salary of each chief executive of agencies under the aegis of her Department on 1 August 2008 and 1 September 2008 in tabular form; if a voluntary pay cut was taken by each CEO; if so, the date of same; the salary of the CEO at that date; the full benefits package now applying to each such person including pension contributions and amount of bonus, if any; if same was awarded; the way in which it was benchmarked; the cost of a company car and any other benefit in kind; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13639/10]
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.
197 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if she is satisfied with the current number of maternity beds available; if additional beds are necessary; her views on whether additional beds should be public beds or private beds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13664/10]
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.
198 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on stand alone private maternity hospitals and whether these hospitals should be integrated into a larger hospital campus which would provide public and private services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13665/10]
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.
199 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8 was not granted a medical card; if she will consider granting a full medical card in this case due to financial hardship; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13669/10]
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.
200 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [13673/10]
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.
201 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) will receive an eye appointment in Ardkeen Hospital, Waterford. [13675/10]
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.
202 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the proposed new children’s hospital at the site of the Mater hospital; if she continues to be satisfied that this is the most appropriate location for this hospital in view of the fact that the metro north project is unlikely to go ahead for a number of years; her views on access to this facility in the future in view of the traffic situation in Dublin city; her further views on parking facilities for the hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13679/10]
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.
203 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children if she plans to make available to the public the draft plans for the proposed children’s hospital at the Mater site; if so, when these plans will be available; the locations at which they may be viewed; if she will be providing a consultative process for the public on these draft plans; if so, the dates and locations of such a consultative process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13680/10]
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.
204 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the provision of a new primary care health centre in Glenties, County Donegal,; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13681/10]
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.
205 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children the action she will take arising from the recent disclosures on symphysiotomies carried out in hospitals in this country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13702/10]
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.
206 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8 was refused a medical card and a general practitioner visit card; if she will consider granting a card in this case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13703/10]
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.
207 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on couples who have been through assessment for adoption as potential foster care parents in view of the thorough Garda vetting, various courses and child protection education procedures that these couples have undertaken; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13716/10]
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.
208 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if there is a provision, under domestic or EU law, whereby a person (details supplied) in County Cork, who has a very rare condition, and has to be treated in London may have some or all of the costs defrayed by the Health Service Executive in view of the fact that there is no treatment available here for the condition. [13720/10]
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.
209 Deputy Darragh O’Brien asked the Minister for Health and Children if she is in receipt of a report on the facilitated days complementary therapists which were organised in 2007; if she plans to fill the vacancy left by the death of a person (details supplied) in order to take this process forward; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13722/10]
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.
210 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 135 of 24 February 2010, when a reply will issue from the Health Service Executive. [13738/10]
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.
211 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 136 of 24 February 2010, when a reply will issue from the Health Service Executive. [13739/10]
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.
212 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has assessed the scientific evidence on the merit of fluoridation of water supplies for general distribution; if she is satisfied that the existing levels of fluoridation in water supplies are appropriate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13771/10]
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.
213 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps she is taking to address concerns regarding the possible health impact of the fluoridation of water supplies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13772/10]
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.
214 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children who have been assessed and diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder in the mid-Leinster region during the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13780/10]
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.
215 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children with a diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorder who are currently receiving therapy including psychology, occupational, speech and language and physiotherapy by the early intervention team in County Laois; the number of children with a diagnosis of ASD who are currently receiving therapy by the early intervention team in County Offaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13781/10]
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.
216 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children with a diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorder who are currently receiving therapy including psychology, occupational, speech and language and physiotherapy in post-early intervention service in County Laois; the number of children with a diagnosis of ASD who are currently receiving therapy in post-early intervention service in County Offaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13782/10]
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.
217 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children with a diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorder who are currently on waiting lists for assessment from an early intervention team in County Laois; the number of children diagnosed with ASD who are currently on waiting lists for assessment from an early intervention team in County Offaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13783/10]
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.
218 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children with suspected autistic spectrum disorder who are currently on waiting lists for assessment from post-early intervention service in County Laois; the number of children with suspected ASD who are currently on waiting lists for post-early intervention service in County Offaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13784/10]
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.
219 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children with a diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorder who are currently on waiting lists for therapy from an early intervention team in County Laois; the number of children with a diagnosis of ASD who are currently on waiting lists for therapy from an early intervention team in County Offaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13785/10]
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.
220 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children with a diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorder who are currently on waiting lists for therapy from a post-early intervention team in County Laois; the number of children with a diagnosis of ASD who are currently on waiting lists for therapy from a post-early intervention team in County Offaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13786/10]
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.
221 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the approximate timeframe that children with autistic spectrum disorder may expect to wait for assessment and therapy from an early intervention team in County Laois; the approximate time frame that children with ASD may expect to wait on assessment and therapy from an early intervention team in County Offaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13787/10]
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.
222 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the approximate timeframe that children with autistic spectrum disorder may expect to wait for assessment and therapy from a post-early intervention team in County Laois; the approximate timeframe that children with autistic spectrum disorder may expect to wait for assessment and therapy from a post early intervention team in County Offaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13788/10]
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.
223 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of posts that are vacant including those where therapists are on maternity leave on the early intervention team in County Laois; the number of posts that are vacant including those where therapists are on maternity leave on the early intervention team in County Offaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13789/10]
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.
224 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of posts that are vacant including those where therapists are on maternity leave on post-early intervention team in County Laois; the number of posts that are vacant including those where therapists are on maternity leave on post early intervention team in County Offaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13790/10]
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.
225 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the policy on the filling of posts vacant on account of therapists including occupational, speech and language and physiotherapy services on leave including maternity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13791/10]
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.
226 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will take the action necessary to attach to a school (details supplied) in Dublin 6 a full clinical team including a consultant psychiatrist, psychologist, occupational therapists and speech and language therapists as was attached to it until approximately six years ago to provide essential services for the educational needs of 60 children attending the school with emotional, behavioural and learning difficulties; that such clinical team should be provided in conjunction with the Lucena clinic in Rathgar or through the appointment of appropriate staff directly to the school; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that many of the children attending this school are in urgent need of structured and regular occupational therapy and or speech and language therapy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13793/10]
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.
227 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will reply to a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13796/10]
It is not possible to disaggregate the amount spent on the quality of disability services from the overall total spent on disability services annually.
Children with disabilities in generic residential centres under the Child Care Act 1991 are covered by the standards and inspection regimes already applying to those centres. There are a number of other centres providing residential or respite care to children with disabilities. Children who reside in these centres are not in the care of the State, although they are cared for by the State. The majority of these centres are run by voluntary organisations funded by the HSE and are not included in the inspection regime under the Child Care Act 1991. In relation to the children with disabilities in these other residential centres, the Ryan Commission report recommends that "All services for children should be subject to regular inspections in respect of all aspects of their care". An implementation plan for the recommendations of the Ryan Commission was submitted to Government by the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs which included proposals to implement in full, all the recommendations of the Commission. The implementation plan contains a commitment that the Health Act 2007 will be commenced to allow the independent registration and inspection of all residential centres and respite services for children with a disability by December 2010.
As the Deputy may be aware, "National Quality Standards: Residential Settings for People with Disabilities" which relate to adult services have been published by HIQA. These standards will provide a national framework for quality, safe services for persons with disabilities in a residential setting.
Given the current economic situation, to move to full statutory implementation of the standards, including regulation and inspection, presents significant challenges at this time. However, notwithstanding the difficulties of immediate statutory implementation, the Department of Health and Children, the HSE and HIQA have agreed that progressive non-statutory implementation of the standards will now commence, and that they will become the benchmark against which the HSE assesses both its own directly operated facilities and other facilities that the HSE funds. The Minister for Health and Children will shortly be bringing detailed proposals to Government with regard to the protection of vulnerable adults with disabilities who are currently in institutional care.
228 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding persons who want to adopt children from non-Hague and non-bilateral countries. [13798/10]
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.
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 ‘cooling off' period provided for in the ratification process for the Hague Convention in the transitional provision.
229 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people who have obtained the H1N1 swine flu vaccine through their general practitioner; the total cost involved; the number of persons who have obtained the H1N1 swine flu vaccine through Health Service Executive clinics and health centres and the cost involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13799/10]
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.
230 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the case of persons (details supplied) in County Carlow; if same will be examined and amended; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13809/10]
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.
231 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has received a request to meet with the chief executive officer of an organisation (details supplied) to discuss issues of concern; if she plans to accede to this request; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13810/10]
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.
232 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [13831/10]
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.
233 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support the case of a person (details supplied). [13833/10]
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.
234 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 has been landed with a debt of €9,000 for funeral expenses in respect of the burial of a family member. [13858/10]
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.
235 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Health and Children when surgery will be carried out in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13869/10]
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.
236 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of orthopaedic operations carried out by each surgeon on a monthly basis for the past 24 months at the Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore, County Offaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13870/10]
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.
237 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of applications for the nursing home scheme that were made by hospitals or institution administrators on behalf of patients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13872/10]
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.
238 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the grounds that the Health Service Executive is continuing funding for a group (details supplied) in County Cork; if she will provide a breakdown of the way in which this funding is spent; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13873/10]
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.
239 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children if it is her intention to install a methadone dispensing clinic at a location (details supplied) in Dublin 15; if a licence has been provided for same; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that this premises is located directly beside a facility for adults with special needs; and if her further attention has been drawn to the concerns expressed by the families of those using this service. [13874/10]
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.
240 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Health and Children the cost of training one general practitioner, broken down according to cost of undergraduate medical training, and post-graduate GP training; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13876/10]
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.
241 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Health and Children the list of all proposals in the report of the special group on public service numbers and expenditure relating to her Department or to bodies or agencies under her remit which have been implemented to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13886/10]
The information sought by the Deputy is set out in the following table:
|
Recommendations |
Status |
|
Vote 39 |
|
|
Reduce the size of the Department of Health & Children |
The Incentivised Scheme for Early Retirement and the recruitment and promotion moratorium has been applied to the Department. Number of staff (Whole Time Equivalents) in 2008 was 526.50 and in 2009 was 485.88, including an additional 24.17 WTEs who transferred into the Department during 2009. |
|
Merge the Ombudsman for Children with the Office of the Ombudsman |
Government decided not to implement this |
|
Merge Health Research Board with single stream science funding |
Initiative to streamline STI funding announced in Budget |
|
Integrate the Health Insurance Authority into the Financial Regulator |
Not implemented but no savings would accrue here as the Health Insurance Authority is funded by the industry |
|
Restrict the National Treatment Purchase Fund |
Not implemented |
|
Remove the Exchequer element of agencies part funded by the National Lottery |
Funding has been reduced by €199,000 in 2010 |
|
Vote 40 |
|
|
Health sector efficiencies |
HSE to achieve €106m in efficiencies in 2010 |
|
Health sector staffing |
HSE pay is being reduced by €100m in 2010 for reduced staffing |
|
Eliminate all bonus payments to HSE staff |
Bonus payments not provided for in 2010 |
|
Revise income guidelines for medical cards |
Not implemented |
|
Increase threshold for Drugs Payments Scheme |
Threshold increased |
|
Introduce co-payment (€5) for GMS and LTI schemes |
As announced in Budget intention is to introduce a €0.50c per item prescription charge |
|
Tendering for GMS services |
Reductions in drug costs agreed with the IPHA, together with other measures, expected to produce savings of €94m in a full year. |
|
Increase hospital charges |
Charges are not being increased this year but collection of charges is being improved |
|
Increase charges for private beds in public hospitals |
Charges are not being increased this year but collection of charges is being improved |
|
Introduce mandatory protocols to use generic medicines |
Legislation will be introduced on reference pricing |
|
Efficiencies in non-emergency patient transport |
HSE is to make savings of €4.3m in 2010 |
|
Efficiencies in Disability and Mental Health administration |
Overall €106m savings to be achieved on non-pay by HSE, including Disability and Mental Health providers, in 2010 |
|
Increase percentage recoupment under Fair Deal |
Not implemented |
|
Introduce Means Test for Homecare Packages |
Not implemented |
|
Vote 41 |
|
|
Abolish the transitional provisions for the National Childcare Investment Programme |
The allocation to the NCIP was reduced by €2.5m |
|
Alter the means test by eliminating Band C |
New arrangements to achieve savings will be introduced in September 2010. |
|
Rationalise the administrative structures of the National Childcare Investment Programme |
Not implemented pending introduction of new Early Childhood Care & Education (ECCE) scheme |
242 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health and Children the average waiting time for children seeking speech and language therapy on a county basis in tabular form; if she considers this is an acceptable time for children to be on waiting lists; the action she will take to alleviate the waiting lists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13903/10]
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.
243 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health and Children the details of the waiting period for children seeking speech therapy in County Meath for the past four years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13904/10]
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.
244 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of speech and language therapists who are working in each of the Twenty-six Counties for the past four years in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13905/10]
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.
245 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will approve additional funds for a child care project (details supplied) in County Roscommon; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13912/10]
I have responsibility for implementation of the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010 (NCIP).
The company referred to by the Deputy, was approved under the NCIP for capital grant funding up to a maximum of €520,000, of which €501,093 has been paid to date. I understand that the company is seeking additional funding for the project and that Pobal, who assist my Office in the day to day management of the NCIP, is examining this request. When Pobal report to my Office a decision on the company's request will be made and the outcome will be advised to the company.
246 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 300 of 23 March 2010, if she will address the issue of the small number of women who received contaminated anti-D but who have tested negative for hepatitis C despite having similar health problems to persons who have tested positive; if legislative change is necessary to address this; if she will amend the legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14019/10]
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.
247 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 105 of 4 November 2009, when a reply will issue from the Health Service Executive. [14023/10]
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.
248 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 145 of 12 November 2009, when a reply will issue from the Health Service Executive. [14024/10]
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.
249 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 69 of 25 February 2010, when a reply will issue from the Health Service Executive. [14025/10]
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.
250 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 70 and 71 of 25 February 2010, when a reply will issue from the Health Service Executive. [14026/10]
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.
251 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Transport the detail of a new contract between the State and a Canadian company for the provision of a helicopter search and rescue service; the way this will interact with the current service provider by the Coast Guard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13572/10]
CHC Ireland has been selected as the preferred bidder for the supply of the national Search and Rescue Helicopter service from mid-2013.
Following the required stand-still period, which finished yesterday (29th March 2010), contract negotiations have just commenced.
The new contract will run for 10 years and will represent a stepped improvement in the capacity, range, speed, and capability of Irelands SAR service, using modern medium-load helicopters.
CHC Ireland are also the current service provider.
252 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Transport if he will publish details of the call out incidents for helicopter search and rescue service for each of the operating bases run by the Coast Guard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13573/10]
The detailed statistics requested cannot be provided at this time due to industrial action. However I will provide the Deputy at a later date with a table and charts that may be of interest to him.
253 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Transport the rationale behind proposals to downgrade the level of cover for helicopter search and rescue missions for the south and east coast in view of the heavy volume of fishing commercial and recreational traffic in the south and east; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13574/10]
There has been much ill informed comment about the proposed new SAR contract.
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.
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 Irelands SAR service.
254 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Transport the contact between his Department and the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform regarding the ability of the Garda helicopter service to participate in search and rescue in view of new contractual arrangements being considered and specifically the proposal to downgrade the level of service available in the south east; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13575/10]
The helicopters in use by the Garda Air Support Unit are unsuitable for maritime Search and Rescue tasks. They are not equipped or configured for maritime Search and Rescue and would certainly not be suitable for most of the conditions and circumstances where SAR operations are deployed in the Irish Search and Rescue region.
255 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Transport the contact between his Department and the Department of Defence regarding the ability of the Air Corps to participate in search and rescue in the view of the new contractual arrangements being considered and specifically the proposal to downgrade the level of service available in the south east; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13576/10]
The possibility of the Department of Defence taking over responsibility for Search and Rescue operations was considered by both Departments. However the potential for the Air Corps to re-enter this area of operations was not considered feasible.
256 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport if he has assessed the need to develop stronger transport links with Asia; and the initiative he plans to develop these links. [13580/10]
The Department and its agencies have aviation, maritime and land transport links across the world, including with Asia. The potential for enhancing these links or establishing new ones is a matter that is kept under review.
257 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport if there are opportunities to develop the air freight sector here as an internationally traded service with specialised back office support; and if aviation interests and the enterprise agencies here have carried out any assessment of the opportunities in this sector. [13581/10]
266 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Transport if, in view of a recent response from the European Commission which indicates that the Commission would be supportive of the Irish Government investing in the Lynx Cargo project at Shannon Airport, he will make the necessary finance available to invest in this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13913/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 257 and 266 together.
Responsibility for driving the development of the air freight sector lies primarily with the Dublin Airport Authority, given its mandate with regard to the three State airports. This development will be primarily influenced by airlines' assessment of market potential. Accordingly commercial decisions on specific air services, such as air freight, are essentially matters for the airlines concerned. I am not aware that the European Commission has made a decision on the lines suggested by the Deputy with regard to the proposed Lynx cargo project in Shannon Airport.
The current position with regard to this project is that in 2009 the DAA concluded a memorandum of understanding with the Lynxs Group, a global airport cargo facility company, to explore jointly the feasibility of developing a major cargo facility at Shannon Airport. My Department has recently received the DAA's evaluation of the business case for the project. The DAA has to operate to a commercial mandate and it does not have access to unlimited funds to undertake capital investment. Accordingly, consideration of the best way to support the project will take account of the extent of potential investment by the DAA on foot of its evaluation of the business case and any support that could be provided by the State, subject to compliance with EU state aid rules.
258 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Transport his views on the decision of Aer Lingus to lay off all of its cabin crew; if he has or will contact the board of management about this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13584/10]
Decisions on commercial and operational matters at Aer Lingus are a matter for the Board and management of the Company and it is not open to the Government to intervene in such matters. Aer Lingus is an independent Company and it has to make decisions on a commercial basis. In a second ballot, the result of which was announced on Friday 26th March, Aer Lingus cabin crew members of IMPACT voted in favour of the company's cost reduction programme. All five union groups at the company have now voted in favour of the programme.
259 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport when the roads review that was a key transport commitment in the programme for Government 2007 will begin; if his Department will oversee the review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13593/10]
The review is being undertaken by the National Roads Authority, as the body with statutory responsibility for the improvement and maintenance of national roads, including the allocation of funding to individual projects. The review has already commenced and will be completed later this year and submitted to my Department.
260 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the salary of each chief executive of agencies under the aegis of his Department on 1 August 2008 and 1 September 2008 in tabular form; if a voluntary pay cut was taken by each CEO; if so, the date of same; the salary of the CEO at that date; the full benefits package now applying to each such person including pension contributions and amount of bonus, if any; if same was awarded, the way in which it was benchmarked; the cost of a company car and any other benefit in kind; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13643/10]
Further to Parliamentary Question No. 75 of 10th February 2010, the Department provided the Deputy with the pay scales for each chief executive of an agency under the aegis of this Department. The additional information requested by the Deputy cannot be provided at this time due to industrial action.
261 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Transport if he will give local authorities the power to introduce 40 kilometre per hour speed limits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13657/10]
Section 9 of the Road Traffic Act 2004 sets out the range of special speed limits that may be applied by local authorities through bye-laws. This legislation is kept under review by my Department on an ongoing basis. There are, however, currently no proposals to provide for a 40km per hour special speed limit option in addition to the 50kmph and 30kmph options that are currently provided for.
262 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the that fact that proposed alterations in the Bus Éireann service between Gorey, County Wexford and Dublin will increase the weekly commute time by up to four hours; if his further attention has been drawn to the fact that these proposed changes have the potential to put jobs at risk for travellers who will be unable to arrive in their workplace at the due time owing to the altered bus schedule and that they will impact adversely on family life where parents will arrive home much later than at present; if Bus Éireann sought his Department’s permission for these alterations and whether the impact of such alterations was taken into account; if he will intervene to ensure that Bus Éireann reviews the proposed diminution in service to take account of all consequences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13818/10]
This is an operational matter for Bus Éireann.
263 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Transport the length of the waiting lists at each of the national car testing centres in the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13849/10]
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 477 of 2006) vehicle testing is a matter for the Road Safety Authority.
264 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport his views on the current impasse between an organisation (details supplied) and the Irish Aviation Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13871/10]
Statutory responsibility for the regulation of safety standards of civil aviation in the State has been vested in the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) under the Irish Aviation Authority Act, 1993. I have no function in this regard. I understand from the IAA that it issued a consultation document on the current requirements for microlight operations in the State on 5th February. The consultation period has recently ended and I understand that the IAA has undertaken to publish the outcome of this review in mid-April. Prior to this recent consultation process, I understand from the IAA that its officers had met representatives of the National Microlight Association of Ireland on seven occasions between January 2009 and 2010. I trust that the comprehensive review of the requirements for microlight operations that is currently underway will afford all parties with an interest in this matter to make their views known and that all submissions will be given due consideration by the IAA in completing its review.
265 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Transport the list of all proposals in the report of the special group on public service numbers and expenditure relating to his Department or to bodies or agencies under his remit which have been implemented to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13890/10]
The following savings for my Department, arising from the Report of the Special Group were included in Budget 2010.
|
Transport Savings Measures |
Savings 2010 |
|
|
€m |
||
|
Programme A — Administration |
||
|
A.1 |
Reduce pay expenditure |
1.90 |
|
A.2 |
Reduce non pay expenditure |
0.90 |
|
Programme A Savings |
2.80 |
|
|
Programme B — Roads |
||
|
B1 |
Reduce expenditure on roads maintenance/improvement |
13.80 |
|
B4 |
National Vehicle and Driver File (NVDF) |
3.5 |
|
Programme B Savings |
17.30 |
|
|
Programme C — Public Transport |
||
|
C1 |
Operational efficiencies among CIE companies |
27.00 |
|
Programme C Savings |
27.00 |
|
|
Cross Programme Savings |
||
|
Reduction in National Roads Authority (NRA) administrative budget |
1.00 |
|
|
Reduction in Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) administrative budget |
0.35 |
|
|
Cross Programme Savings |
1.00 |
|
|
Total Programme Savings |
48.10 |
The National Roads Authority has taken over responsibility for the administration of regional and local road grants to local authorities.
267 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason Ireland has not yet ratified the UN Convention Against Corruption; when same will be ratified and implemented here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13658/10]
The United Nations Convention Against Corruption was signed on behalf of Ireland when the Convention was opened in December 2003. Before Ireland can proceed with ratification of this Instrument, there are certain legislative measures required to be in place. As soon as the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill 2008, which is currently awaiting Committee Stage in the Dáil, has been enacted, it is intended that the appropriate arrangements will be made for ratification of the Convention.
268 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 Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13568/10]
I regret that information relating to the application from the person concerned is not readily to hand. I will write to the Deputy as soon as it is available. However, I can advise the Deputy of the position generally. The average processing time from application to decision is 26 months. More complicated cases can at times take more than the current average while an element of straight forward cases are now being dealt with in less than that time scale. Applications for a certificate of naturalisation are dealt with in chronological order as this is deemed to be the fairest to all applicants. Additional resources were allocated to the Citizenship Division of my Department to enable certain categories of applicant to be dealt with more expeditiously. These include refugees, spouses of Irish citizens and minors.
269 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the person who authorised the use of private personal laptops and mobile telephones for Garda duties; the nature of the information stored on both personal laptops and mobile telephones relating to Garda duties; if this information is encrypted, backed up and secure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13601/10]
The conditions under which equipment is used by members of the Garda Síochána in the course of their official duties are determined by the Garda Commissioner. I regret that current information with regard to the issues raised by the Deputy is not readily to hand. I will write to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
270 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding fines and or penalties imposed for breaches of the laws relating to cycling offences. [13609/10]
The penalties imposed for breaches of the law in relation to cycling offences are set out in road traffic legislation which is the responsibility of my colleague the Minister for Transport. I am informed by the Garda authorities that all members of An Garda Síochána are tasked with enforcing road traffic legislation including the relevant provisions in respect of cyclists. An Garda Síochána also conducts on an ongoing basis awareness and education campaigns and enforcement initiatives to reduce road fatalities and serious injuries, prevent and detect breaches of road traffic and transport legislation and promote an improved compliance culture among all road-users, including cyclists.
271 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason a person (details supplied) was removed from Dublin and sent to Waterford on the person’s 18th birthday in view of the fact that the person was receiving support and language tuition at a school in Dublin 1 where the person was a student in fifth year; if his attention been drawn to the fact that this person is not currently in school in Waterford and has no guarantee of further schooling; and if he will make a statement on the practice of removing foreign nationals from their location and school on their 18th birthday. [13611/10]
The person referred to in the question made an application for asylum on 21 February, 2008, was deemed an unaccompanied minor by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner (ORAC) and referred to the HSE which has responsibility for the care of unaccompanied minors under the Child Care Act, 1991. Where an unaccompanied asylum seeker minor in the care of the HSE reaches 18 years of age, he or she may be referred by the HSE to the Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) for transfer to adult accommodation and service provision. In circumstances where the HSE deem such a person to be particularly vulnerable, the period in HSE care can be extended beyond 18 years of age at the HSE's discretion.
The RIA is responsible for the accommodation of asylum seekers in accordance with the Government policy of direct provision and dispersal. In respect of persons referred to the RIA by the HSE at age 18, it is the RIA's policy to disperse such persons to centres outside Dublin, generally family centres which have established links to HSE services and NGO supports. The person concerned was referred to the RIA by the HSE and was dispersed in accordance with the policy outlined above. While it is not the policy of the RIA to give details of specific cases, I can confirm that the person concerned presented to RIA with no schooling requests.
272 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will clarify the entitlements of a person who is on a stamp 1 permit from his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13623/10]
In general, immigration stamp 1 is granted to persons to facilitate their residence while working in the State on foot of a specific permission. Most Stamp 1 holders are persons whose permission to work is obtained through an employment permit. In addition, a number of persons who are not covered by employment permit arrangements but nevertheless permitted to work by the Minister for Justice and Law Reform may be given Stamp 1 (e.g. persons granted business permission by my Department or those on Working Holiday Authorisations). It is not possible to state the entitlements, outside of the residence and work rights, which a person may have where they hold immigration Stamp 1. Such other entitlements would be a matter for the department or agency concerned and would depend on the individual circumstances of each case.
273 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the salary of each chief executive of agencies under the aegis of his Department on 1 August 2008 and 1 September 2008 in tabular form; if a voluntary pay cut was taken by each CEO; if so, the date of same; the salary of the CEO at that date; the full benefits package now applying to each such person including pension contributions and amount of bonus, if any; if same was awarded, the way in which it was benchmarked; the cost of company car and any other benefit in kind; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13640/10]
The following table sets out the salary scales at 1 August 2008 and 1 September 2008 of the post holders in the role of Chief Executive Officer or relevant position in each of the agencies on those dates:
|
Name of Body |
CEO/Equivalent |
Salary Scale 1 August 2008 |
Salary Scale 1 September 2008 |
|
Equality Authority* |
CEO |
Assistant Secretary scale |
Assistant Secretary scale |
|
€128,535 – €147,036 |
€131,748 – €150,712 |
||
|
Human Rights Commission* |
President |
High Court Judge level €237,151 |
High Court Judge level €243,080 |
|
CEO |
Assistant Secretary scale |
Assistant Secretary scale |
|
|
€128,535 – €147,036 |
€131,748 – €150,712 |
||
|
Courts Service |
CEO |
Secretary General level €216,516 |
Secretary General level €221,929 |
|
Garda Síochána Complaints Board* |
CEO |
Assistant Secretary Scale |
Assistant Secretary scale |
|
€128,535 – €147,036 |
€131,748 – €150,712 |
||
|
Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC)# |
Chairperson |
Previously High Court Judge scale – see note below |
Previously High Court Judge scale – see note below |
|
Two Commissioners |
Specific one-point scale €163,328 |
Specific one-point scale €167,412 |
|
|
Legal Aid Board* |
CEO |
Assistant Secretary scale |
Assistant Secretary scale |
|
€128,535 – €147,036 |
€131,748 – €150,712 |
||
|
National Disability Authority |
CEO |
Principal Officer higher scale |
Principal Officer higher scale |
|
€90,468 – €111,577 |
€92,730 – €114,366 |
||
|
Office of the Data Protection Commissioner* |
Data Protection Commissioner |
Assistant Secretary Scale |
Assistant Secretary scale |
|
€128,535 – €147,036 |
€131,748 – €150,712 |
||
|
Private Security Authority |
CEO |
Principal Officer scale |
Principal Officer scale |
|
€84,066 – €103,982 plus |
€86,168 – €106,582 plus |
||
|
Director’s Allowance €19,416 |
Director’s Allowance €19,902 |
||
|
Property Registration Authority* |
CEO |
Deputy Secretary scale €173,217 |
Deputy Secretary scale €177,547 |
#During the course of Judge Kevin Haugh's service with GSOC (2006 – 2009), he was remunerated as a High Court Judge. Following Judge Haugh's death in January 2009, Mr Dermot Gallagher was appointed Commissioner with a salary of €90,000.
In addition to these posts, there are also a number of other full-time Heads of Office in the Justice and Equality Sector (that are generally graded at Deputy Secretary, Assistant Secretary or Principal Officer level) responsible for the Irish Prison Service, the Equality Tribunal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal, the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner, the Garda Síochána Inspectorate, the Irish Film Classification Office, the State Pathology Service etc.
The issue of a voluntary pay cut is a matter for each post holder. The statutory pay reductions provided for under the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (No. 2) Act, 2009 apply in respect of all post holders with effect from 1 January 2010.
All post holders, with the exception of the President of the Human Rights Commission and the Chairperson of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission, are members of the relevant civil service pension scheme for established or non-established staff. The President of the Human Rights Commission and the Chairperson of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission have no pension entitlements in relation to their positions as President and Chairperson respectively.
Those post holders marked with an asterisk in the table above and a number of the Heads of Office in the Justice and Equality Sector were covered by the Civil Service-wide scheme of performance related awards. No payments were made under this scheme in respect of 2008 and subsequent years following the suspension of the scheme. None of the post holders above are in receipt of cars provided by the State.
274 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when it is proposed to advertise for another intake of Garda recruits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13662/10]
The moratorium on recruitment in the Public Service currently applies to the Garda Síochána, both sworn members and civilian support staff. The strength of sworn members of An Garda Síochána on the last day for which figures are readily available was 14,547 with an additional 232 students in training. I am keeping the situation under review in consultation with the Garda Commissioner and my colleague the Minister for Finance with a view to maintaining Garda operational strength at the highest possible level.
275 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding a visa appeal in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13663/10]
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.
276 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the Garda helicopters and Garda plane; the cost of purchasing and leasing same; the annual running costs including the maintenance of same for each of the past five years; if the maintenance of the helicopters and plane are included in any tendering process; the details of same including the amount and name of successful company; if the Air Corps has been asked to tender; if not, the reason for same; if it has ever expressed an interest; the location at which the helicopters and plane are kept; if Air Corps maintenance is located adjacent to such base; the number of staff working in such facility; their maintenance qualifications and the helicopters and planes they work on; the cost of building and maintaining such facility for each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13684/10]
The making of arrangements for the operation of the Garda Air Support Unit is primarily a matter for the Garda Commissioner and the Air Corps. I regret that current information with regard to the issues raised by the Deputy is not readily to hand. I will write to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
277 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress that has been made in establishing five trial sites within the existing complement of Garda youth division projects to help determine whether the approach advanced in the baseline report adds to project effectiveness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13705/10]
The youth justice trial site project commenced in July 2009 and will conclude before the end of 2010. The 5 trial sites are :-
The TACT Project, Togher, Cork
SUB Project, Birr, Co. Offaly
Woodale Project, Dublin 17
JAY Project, Tallaght, Dublin
The Junction Project, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway
This project involves the development of prototype projects to provide leadership to the remaining 95 Garda Youth Diversion Projects (GYDPs) in terms of best practice in service planning aimed at reducing youth crime. The Irish Youth Justice Service and the Garda Office for Children and Youth Affairs are coordinating the project.
These trial sites are engaged in a detailed process of evidence based service design. This involves a detailed analysis of local youth crime in cooperation with An Garda Síochána and a clear response from each GYDP demonstrating how its interventions will impact youth crime in the community it serves. Understanding the specific patterns of youth crime in any given community will greatly assist in devising strategies to reduce offending behaviour. Interventions will be designed and deployed to respond directly in interrupting these patterns of youth offending, taking account of the most up-to-date available research evidence.
The learning from the 5 prototype services will be disseminated across GYDPs across the country and should lead to a more general improvement in outcomes for this important crime prevention investment. Each of the 5 GYDPs in this trial site project has agreed to subject itself to this process and implement any findings within its existing resources. The trial site project is just one of the recommendations to improve the effectiveness of GYDPs which came out of the baseline analysis published in July 2009. The other recommendations relate to improved knowledge and capacity across all projects and improvements to the annual business planning format. The implementation of these recommendations is well advanced. I am satisfied that this change programme will deliver improvements in project effectiveness. Progress will be evaluated on an ongoing basis. In addition a detailed evaluation exercise will be undertaken in early 2011. These developments will also be monitored by the National Youth Justice Strategy Oversight Group.
278 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No 372 of 26 January 2010, the position regarding an application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13797/10]
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.
279 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will support the case of a person (details supplied). [13832/10]
I have no responsibility in respect of the matter raised by the Deputy. The National Roads Authority, which comes under the aegis of the Department of Transport, is responsible for the implementation of individual national road projects, including tolling.
280 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will give an update in relation to an application for a visa to visit Ireland by a person (details supplied); and if came will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13838/10]
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.
281 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the list of all proposals in the report of the special group on public service numbers and expenditure relating to his Department or to bodies or agencies under his remit which have been implemented to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13887/10]
I wish to refer the Deputy to parliamentary question (Ref 12984/10) from Deputy Rabbitte which I responded to on 25/3/2010 in relation to this matter. A number of the measures in the Special Group Report (McCarthy) have been implemented at this stage in order to achieve reductions in the Departments Estimates for 2010. These relate to the programmes in a range of subheads which include Gender Mainstreaming, Graffiti Removal Operations, Equality Monitoring Consultative Committees, European Refugee Fund and Refugee Integration. The McCarthy Report recommended a total reduction of some €5 million in respect of these particular items. The actual budgetary reduction was €6.92 million.
A significant proportion of the recommendations (€84 million) related to reductions in payroll costs on items such as allowances payable to members of the Garda Síochána and the Prisons Service. In common with all Departments, there are significant reductions in payroll related provisions in 2010 to take account of the reductions in payroll rates and other factors. The overall reduction in gross payroll budgets for the Justice Sector compared with the 2009 estimate is in the region of €126 million.
A number of recommendations were made by the McCarthy Group on structural reform and rationalisation across the Justice and Equality Sector. The Deputy will be aware of last week's announcement by An Taoiseach, where the Equality and Disability sectors of the Department together with the Human Rights Commission and Office of the Data Protection Commissioner are transferring to the renamed Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs. The arrangements to transfer these functions together with the relevant budgets and staffing resources are already in train.
282 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 345 and 356 of 9 February 2010 and No. 216 of 10 February 2010, when replies will issue to this Deputy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13909/10]
It is not possible to state, at this stage, when replies will issue to the Parliamentary Questions referred to by the Deputy.
283 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the salary of each chief executive of agencies under the aegis of his Department on 1 August 2008 and 1 September 2008 in tabular form; if a voluntary pay cut was taken by each CEO; if so, the date of same; the salary of the CEO at that date; the full benefits package now applying to each such person including pension contributions and amount of bonus, if any; if same was awarded, the way in which it was benchmarked; the cost of a company car and any other benefit in kind; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13638/10]
There are no state agencies operating under the aegis of my Department.
284 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of Irish passports that were issued in each year over the past five years. [13671/10]
The number of Irish Passports issued over the last five years are as follows:
|
Year |
Total Passports issued |
|
2005 |
630,000 |
|
2006 |
630,000 |
|
2007 |
601,000 |
|
2008 |
576,617 |
|
2009 |
579,508 |
285 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will support the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [13694/10]
A passport application for the named person was registered with the Passport Office in Balbriggan on 8 March, 2010. It was received through the Passport Express service which is a ten day guarantee service that is provided by the Passport Office in partnership with An Post. However, due to industrial action the Passport Express guarantee was suspended on 4 March. As a result it is presently taking about twenty working days to process Passport Express applications. Applications are being processed on a first come first served basis, the application in question was being processed on 29 March and if everything is in order the applicant should have the passport within the next few days.
286 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which the EU or UN has monitored events and implications at the recently convened meeting in Slovenia to advance EU accession which was not attended by Serbian representatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13519/10]
292 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the current state of the peace process in the western Balkans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13525/10]
298 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the full extent of ongoing peace and reconciliation measures in Bosnia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13531/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 286, 292 and 298 together.
Together with its EU partners, Ireland attaches considerable importance to achieving stability in the countries of the Western Balkans which were recognised as having the perspective of EU membership at the 2003 European Council in Thessaloniki. The European Union's Stabilisation and Association process provides the framework for cooperation on economic, political and legal matters aimed at bringing the Western Balkan countries towards EU standards and principles in order to meet EU accession requirements.
There were a series of positive developments in December. Justice Ministers of the countries in the Schengen Agreement area granted visa free travel to citizens of Serbia, Montenegro and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. The European Commission will continue to work with Bosnia Herzegovina and Albania to assist those countries in meeting the Schengen criteria for visa free travel. In December, EU Foreign Ministers discussed the European Commission's latest reports on each of the Western Balkan countries and reaffirmed their support for the region's European perspective.
There were a series of positive developments in December. Justice Ministers of the countries in the Schengen Agreement area granted visa free travel to citizens of Serbia, Montenegro and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. The European Commission will continue to work with Bosnia Herzegovina and Albania to assist those countries in meeting the Schengen criteria for visa free travel. In December, EU Foreign Ministers discussed the European Commission's latest reports on each of the Western Balkan countries and reaffirmed their support for the region's European perspective. Foreign Ministers also agreed to implement the Interim Agreement on Trade aspects of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement with Serbia. At the end of December Serbia applied to join the EU.
With regard to the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, an EU/US initiative last October brought local party leaders together to discuss necessary political reforms. While these talks were not immediately successful, the EU remains engaged in efforts to secure political progress, including the transition from the Office of the High Representative to a reinforced EU Special Representative. EU Ministers noted in December that this requirement must be met before a membership application from Bosnia Herzegovina could be accepted by the EU.
EU Ministers pledged in January to remain fully engaged with the leaders of Bosnia Herzegovina to secure political progress in the run up to the general elections there in October. On 15 November last, local elections were held in Kosovo. These were the first democratic polls organised by the Government there. The assessment is that these were organised in a professional manner and took place peacefully, although the turnout in some Serb majority areas was low. The EU and the international community will continue to work in Kosovo to encourage stability and progress, including cooperation between the two main communities.
The Prime Ministers of Slovenia and Croatia invited leaders from the region to a conference on the European Future of the Western Balkans in Brdo, Slovenia, on 20 March. All countries were represented at senior political level with the regrettable exception of Serbia. It is understood that this absence may have been related to the manner in which the meeting was structured, including the presence of Kosovo.
Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Fuele was at the Brdo conference and described it as an important step in the right direction. The Spanish Presidency is planning to organise a further high level meeting on the Western Balkans in the late spring, involving all EU member States and the governments of the region.
289 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which EU and UN military presence is to be maintained in the western Balkans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13522/10]
There are two main international military missions in the Western Balkans, both of which are under a UN mandate: the EU mission EUFOR Althea in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR). Both missions are currently undergoing transformation.
EUFOR Althea, a more than 1,900-strong mission, continues to provide a military presence that contributes to the calm and stable security environment in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). Building on these achievements, on 25 January 2010 the Council of the EU decided to start providing non-executive capacity-building and training support to the armed forces of BiH within the framework of the existing Operation.
Operation Althea's executive mandate will continue in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1895 (2009). The Council has expressed the readiness of the EU, should the situation require it, and under a UN mandate, to maintain an executive military presence in BiH beyond 2010 to ensure a safe and secure environment in the country.
It is expected that as of this summer, there will be a significant reduction in the strength of the mission. Ireland welcomes and supports this new direction for the mission. Noting this transition, the Government decided that as of July next, the participation of the Defence Forces should be reduced to approximately 5 personnel with remaining personnel retaining appointments at headquarters as the mission transitions into a primarily civilian format.
The UN-mandated NATO-led KFOR mission encompasses over 9,900 troops across Kosovo charged with the maintenance of a safe and secure environment. In June 2009, NATO Defence Ministers reaffirmed that KFOR would remain responsible for a safe and secure environment in Kosovo and will stay in Kosovo, under UN mandate, for as long as is necessary. Noting the steady improvement of the security situation, a gradual adjustment of KFOR's force presence was agreed such that, when appropriate and according to the evolution of events, there would be a reduction in the number of forces on the ground. Currently, 232 members of the Defence Forces are engaged with KFOR. In April, at the next rotation, it is planned to draw down Irish personnel from KFOR to approximately 50 troops and further to downsize to a small residual component post-October 2010.
291 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position in the matter of EU enlargement; the progress made in regard to each of the candidate countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13524/10]
The issue of enlargement was discussed by EU Foreign Ministers at the December 2009 General Affairs Council. The Council's conclusions, subsequently endorsed by the European Council, underlined that enlargement is based on consolidating commitments, fair and rigorous conditionality and the EU's capacity to integrate new members, and that each country is assessed on its own merits.
The General Affairs Council commended Croatia for the considerable efforts it made in 2009 and the good overall progress achieved in meeting benchmarks in the accession process. The Council underlined that building on the progress made; further efforts will be required over the coming year in a number of areas of reform and in relation to cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. Overall, the process is well advanced and a group has commenced work on the drafting of the Croatian Accession Treaty.
On Turkey, the Council welcomed progress in some areas of reform and stated that it was encouraged by the Turkish Government's democratic initiative. It noted that further efforts are required in a number of areas including freedom of expression, freedom of the press and trade union rights and invited Turkey to step up the pace of reform. Recalling previous conclusions, the Council noted with deep regret Turkey's continued non-compliance with its obligations under the Ankara Protocol and that it had not made progress towards normalisation of its relations with the Republic of Cyprus. It called for progress without further delay and invited the Commission to monitor and report on these various issues in its next annual report. Subsequent to the December Council, the European Union and Turkey opened the environment chapter of negotiations on 21 December.
The Council welcomed the progress made by the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) in a number of important areas and that the country had substantially addressed the key priorities of the accession framework. It stressed that the reform agenda must be continued. The Council noted the Commission's recommendation to open accession negotiations with FYROM and will return to the matter during the current Spanish Presidency.
Iceland applied for membership of the EU in July 2009. On 24 February, the Commission delivered a largely positive opinion (avis) on Iceland’s readiness to begin accession negotiations. The avis recommends that a date should be set for commencement of talks. The Council of Ministers should now consider the Commission’s recommendation and I look forward to its inclusion on a forthcoming agenda.
In December, the Council welcomed the progress over the past year made by Montenegro and Albania and highlighted areas where further efforts are required. It agreed to consider the opening of formal negotiations with both, when the Commission provides its formal opinions in respect of each application.
Serbia applied for EU membership on 22 December 2009. The next step will be for the Council to consider whether to refer Serbia's application to the Commission for a formal opinion.
294 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the situation in the various African countries which have been the subject of human rights concerns, war, famine, genocide; the nature or extent of ongoing or intended preventative measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13527/10]
No part of the world is totally free from human rights abuses, and some countries in Africa also experience war and hunger. As I have stated on previous occasions in answer to very similar questions, it is not the policy of the Government to list countries most seriously affected by such issues, and I shall therefore not focus on individual countries.
Human rights concerns remain central to our foreign policy. Together with our EU partners, Ireland monitors closely the human rights situations in many countries throughout the world, on the basis of information obtained from a variety of sources including both official and non-governmental organisations.
Where and when the situation warrants, we make known our concerns about human rights violations to the Governments in question. We do this either bilaterally, through the EU, or through action at the UN General Assembly and the UN Human Rights Council, including, in the case of the latter, through the new Universal Periodic Review process whereby the human rights performance of each UN State is reviewed.
Active participation in multilateral organisations such as the EU, the UN and the Council of Europe provides opportunities for Ireland to voice its concerns regarding human rights abuses. Through these organisations, international pressure can be brought to bear on those responsible for the violation of human rights.
For example, together with our EU partners, Ireland has been a consistent and strong supporter of the International Criminal Court, recognising it as an essential means of combating impunity for the most serious violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law. The Court's Prosecutor has opened investigations into a number of country situations and we will continue to monitor this work closely.
With regard to the issue of starvation, it is estimated that more than a billion people today do not have enough food. Ireland is responding to this challenge and in doing, so we are working bilaterally in our programme countries, with our EU and partners and at a global level through the UN agencies. Since the publication of the report of the Hunger Task Force in September 2008, Ireland's focus on hunger reduction has become a cornerstone of Irish Aid's development programme. In particular, efforts are concentrated on the three priority areas identified in the report, namely: increasing smallholder agricultural productivity in Africa; targeting under-nutrition (especially maternal and infant); and promoting governance and leadership action on tackling global hunger. Nowhere is this work more challenging than in countries affected by conflict where it is critically important to move quickly with large-scale emergency food assistance in order to save lives.
Irish Aid is committed to responding to emerging global hunger issues. Funds are targeted at a number of different agriculture, food security and nutrition interventions. Food assistance and therapeutic care save lives when starvation has already caused malnutrition but it is also vitally important to focus on prevention — to reach vulnerable groups through nutritional interventions which have long-term positive effects. This means a particular focus on women and young children. Best practice and scientific research demonstrates that by intervening as early and aggressively as possible during the short interval from pregnancy to 24 months of age leads to greater reductions in child under-nutrition than later interventions aimed at reversing under-nutrition.
With regard to security, UN peacekeeping missions in Africa have a major role in stabilising former and current conflict zones. Members of the Irish Defence Forces have participated in numerous UN peacekeeping missions in Africa, including in the Congo, Eritrea, Liberia and currently in Chad.
Situations which fully conform to an internationally accepted definition of genocide are thankfully extremely rare. Nevertheless, there are a number of current situations in Africa which give rise to extreme concern. The UN Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide is mandated to alert the international community to the potential of genocide in a particular country or region, and to make recommendations on actions to prevent or halt genocide.
In developing a sustainable approach which properly addresses the root causes of human rights abuses, war, famine and genocide, African leadership and responsibility are crucial. This is recognised by the EU and UN, which are both working to build the capacities of African States and the African Union to respond to these challenges. Ireland is committed to playing its part in this work, and I believe that our comprehensive and inclusive approach to the challenges of human rights abuses, poverty, conflict and security stands the best chance of facilitating real and positive change in the lives of millions of people in Africa.
297 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress made in the matter of resolution of the Cyprus issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13530/10]
Ireland takes an active interest in the successful resolution of the Cyprus problem. The United Nations has the lead role in the search for a comprehensive settlement. The Government fully supports the leadership of the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon in this important work. He visited Cyprus last month to meet leaders of the two communities and encourage them to intensify their efforts to reach agreement.
The Secretary General's visit aimed at giving impetus to the talks process which began in September 2008, under the auspices of his Special Advisor on Cyprus, Mr. Alexander Downer. The objective of these talks is to reach a comprehensive settlement. Since September 2008, over sixty meetings have been held between President Christofias and Mr. Mehmet Ali Talat, representing the Turkish Cypriot community in Northern Cyprus.
I have regular contact with my Cypriot colleague, Mr Markos Kyprianou, at Council meetings in Brussels. We also engage with the Cypriot and Turkish governments through our Embassies in Nicosia and Ankara and their Embassies in Dublin and at meetings of international organisations.
I hosted Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu during his official visit to Dublin on 10 and 11 March. We discussed a range of bilateral and regional issues, including the Cyprus talks process. We agreed on the need to support the work of the UN Secretary General and his Special Advisor in seeking a comprehensive and lasting settlement to the Cyprus issue. I emphasised that political will is key to finding a resolution. The importance of making early progress was stressed given the elections to be held by the Turkish Cypriot community in Northern Cyprus next month.
As the Deputy will be aware, Ireland, in addition to political support for the UN in Cyprus, also provides a contingent of 18 members of the Garda Síochána to serve with the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus, (UNFICPY).
Ireland will continue to encourage progress towards the achievement of the objective of a bi-zonal, bi-communal federal State through an honourable, balanced and durable settlement protecting and guaranteeing the basic rights of all Cypriots.
299 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the full extent of complementary measures put in place in each EU member state including Ireland in the wake of the Lisbon treaty agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13532/10]
The Lisbon Treaty entered into force on 1 December 2009, following its ratification by all EU Member States. A number of measures are now required to give full effect to the Treaty and the Spanish Presidency has attached the highest priority to this work.
This task has been greatly facilitated by the preparations for the Treaty's entry into force which included the election of Herman Van Rompuy as President of the European Council and the appointment of Catherine Ashton as High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
It is a matter for each Member State to make appropriate arrangements to give effect to the Treaty at national level. In Ireland's case, this was done by means of the European Union Act 2009 which provides, among other things, for the new powers of the Houses of the Oireachtas under the terms of the Treaty. In December, this House approved a motion making interim arrangements for the exercise of these new powers. I understand that a sub-Committee of the two EU Oireachtas Committees will shortly begin a review of the role of the Oireachtas in EU affairs, including these new arrangements for the Lisbon Treaty. In regard to other Member States, the arrangements for their National Parliaments will depend, naturally, on their domestic constitutional requirements.
At an EU level, important steps are being taken to implement the Lisbon Treaty. Work in advancing on the European External Action Service, which is an important innovation under the Lisbon Treaty to support the work of the High Representative. The High Representative presented proposals at the end of last week for a Council Decision on the EEAS and for related budgetary provisions and staff regulations.
The Lisbon Treaty increased the number of seats in the European Parliament and a draft Protocol has been prepared which would regularise the situation of the additional 18 Members of the European Parliament. The European Parliament is expected to give its opinion on this in May, after which it could be approved by an ad hoc inter-governmental conference. This protocol would not affect Irish representation in the Parliament.
The Commission is expected to bring forward shortly a proposal for a Regulation which would make provision for the procedures and conditions required for a Citizens' Initiative under the Treaty. The Government strongly supports the Citizens' Initiative which has the potential to increase citizens' engagement in EU matters by giving them the right to call directly on the Commission to bring forward new policy initiatives. This initiative will reinforce citizens' and organised civil society's involvement in the shaping of EU policies.
Specific arrangements will be required in Ireland as we do not presently have a system of popular initiative or petition. In particular, arrangements will be required to manage the collection, authentication and verification of signatures. Discussions are underway at an official level between interested Departments.
The Lisbon Treaty introduced a Solidarity Clause (Article 222 of the consolidated Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union — TFEU) which calls for fellow Member States to act in a spirit of solidarity, and for the Union to mobilise all instruments at its disposal, in response to a terrorist attack or a natural or man-made disaster affecting a Member State. Arrangements for the implementation of the solidarity clause will be decided by the Council based on a joint proposal by the Commission and the High Representative. It will be for Member States — including Ireland, acting in a spirit of solidarity and without prejudice to its traditional policy of military neutrality — to determine the nature of aid or assistance to be provided in such cases. The legal guarantees obtained by Ireland make clear that nothing in the Lisbon Treaty affects or prejudices Ireland's traditional policy of military neutrality.
Under the Lisbon Treaty, the European Union will accede to the European Convention on Human Rights which is under the aegis of the Council of Europe. The Commission has recently brought forward its recommendations for a Council Decision authorising negotiations between the European Union and the Council of Europe. A unanimous decision of the EU Council will be required to initiate and to conclude this accession agreement. This will then require ratification by all EU Member States in accordance with their respective constitutional requirements. The Spanish Presidency has indicated that it hopes to agree a Council mandate before the end of its term authorising the opening of these negotiations
Other matters relating to the implementation of the Lisbon Treaty include arrangements for delegated and implementing acts (Articles 290 and 291 — TFEU) and the establishment of a consultative Panel (Article 255 — TFEU) for appointment of members to the European Court of Justice and the General Court.
The guarantees obtained by Ireland in relation to the Lisbon Treaty became legally binding when the Lisbon Treaty entered into effect. These guarantees will become a protocol to the EU Treaties at the time of the next EU accession treaty.
301 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will support the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin. [13834/10]
The application for this person was registered in the Passport Office in Balbriggan (PPOB) on 4 March, 2010. As result of disruptions to passport services due to industrial action, there was a delay in the processing of this application. On 23 March, the application was checked for passport entitlement. Unfortunately, the application could not be finalised for passport issue because the person's signature, which would appear on his passport, was too faint.
The PPOB wrote to the applicant on 24 March to inform him of the position and to advise him on the steps that have to be taken to progress his application to passport issue. A reply was received from the applicant on 29 March. This resulted in the approval of his application and the issue of his passport later that day.
302 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the list of all proposals in the report of the special group on public service numbers and expenditure relating to his Department or to bodies or agencies under his remit which have been implemented to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13885/10]
The Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes made a number of recommendations to Government in respect of my Department. These were considered in the context of this year's budget and public service estimates and it was decided to implement a number of them in full or in part.
|
Recommendation in the report of the Special Group |
Comment |
|
Overseas Missions savings |
A 6% cut in the Administrative Budget allocation and the recruitment moratorium has impacted on the Department’s network abroad. |
|
Some refocusing of resources is envisaged in 2010 including a trial of new models of overseas representation. |
|
|
The grading of Heads of Mission has been addressed with a reduction in the number of Assistant Secretaries foreseen during 2010. |
|
|
Given the important contribution that is being made by our diplomatic network in promoting our key objectives abroad, in particular, support for our economic recovery, I have not taken the step of reducing our number of Missions. |
|
|
Reduce Staff Numbers by 65 |
The staffing complement at the end of 2009 is 49 below the complement at the end of 2008. The target of 65 is expected to be reached during 2010. |
|
Cease funding the European Movement in Ireland and the Ireland United Nations Association |
Implemented for the Ireland UN Association. |
|
Reduce allocation for Contributions to International Organisations by €5million |
Allocation reduced in line with the recommendation of the Special Group. |
|
Cease expenditure to EU and other European States under Subhead K |
Fully implemented in line with the recommendation of the Special Group |
|
Maintain allocation for Vote 29 at 0.39% GNP in 2010 and extend timeframe for reaching UN target until 2015 |
Vote 29 ODA set at 0.42% of GNP in 2010 in order to ensure that Ireland exceeds its EU commitment as a Member State to spend 0.51% on ODA in 2010. |
|
The alignment with the EU timeframe of 2015 to meet the UN target has also been agreed. |
|
|
Reduce expenditure on Support for Irish Emigrant Services |
Implemented in 2010 with a reduction of €2.2m |
The report of the Special Group, which foresaw a multi-annual implementation period, continues to inform decisions being taken by me in terms of the allocation of resources within my Department.
303 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the salary of each chief executive of agencies under the aegis of his Department on 1 August 2008 and 1 September 2008 in tabular form; if a voluntary pay cut was taken by each CEO; if so, the date of same; the salary of the CEO at that date; the full benefits package now applying to each such person including pension contributions and amount of bonus, if any; if same was awarded, the way in which it was benchmarked; the cost of a company car and any other benefit in kind; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13630/10]
The salaries of the Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), or equivalents, of the agencies under the aegis of my Department are as set out in Table 1 below. The details of the current approved benefits packages of these CEOs, or equivalents, are as set out in Table 2 below.
In addition, the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism and the Northern Ireland Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment are sponsor Departments for Tourism Ireland. The remuneration and other conditions and terms of service of the CEO of Tourism Ireland are determined by the Board of the Company, with the approval of the North-South Ministerial Council and the respective Finance Ministers.
The decision as to whether to take a voluntary pay cut is a matter solely for each CEO, or equivalent. In respect of the agencies under the aegis of my Department whose remuneration includes bonuses, decisions to award payments in any instance are not made by me as Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport but, rather, by the boards of the agencies concerned, subject to the terms and criteria contained in the associated remuneration schemes agreed with the CEOs, or equivalents. Accordingly, the bases of any such awards are matters for the boards of the agencies concerned. Furthermore, the payment of bonuses other than in the case of commercial State bodies, which in the case of this Department were Bord na gCon and Horse Racing Ireland, until recently transferred to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, is suspended pursuant to the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009, and the relevant agencies under the aegis of my Department have been requested to implement these provisions.
|
Agency |
CEO/Equivalent |
Salary 1 Aug 2008 |
Salary 1 Sep 2008 |
Other Information |
|
Arts Council |
Director |
Civil Service Principal Officer Grade 1 Scale |
Civil Service Principal Officer Grade 1 Scale |
Civil Service Principal Officer Grade 1 Scale reduced pursuant to Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009. |
|
Chester Beatty Library |
Director |
Civil Service Principal Officer Grade 1 Scale |
Civil Service Principal Officer Grade 1 Scale |
As above |
|
Crawford Art Gallery1 |
Director |
Civil Service Assistant Principal Officer Grade 1 Scale |
Civil Service Assistant Principal Officer Grade 1 Scale |
As above |
|
Irish Film Board |
CEO |
Civil Service Principal Officer Grade 1 Scale |
Civil Service Principal Officer Grade 1 Scale |
As above |
|
Irish Museum of Modern Art |
Director |
Civil Service Principal Officer Grade 1 Scale |
Civil Service Principal Officer Grade 1 Scale |
As above |
|
Irish Sports Council |
CEO |
Civil Service Principal Officer Grade 1 Scale |
Civil Service Principal Officer Grade 1 Scale |
As above |
|
National Concert Hall |
Director |
Civil Service Principal Officer Grade 1 Scale |
Civil Service Principal Officer Grade 1 Scale |
As above |
|
National Gallery of Ireland |
Director |
Civil Service Principal Officer Grade 1 Scale |
Civil Service Principal Officer Grade 1 Scale |
As above |
|
National Library of Ireland |
Director |
Civil Service Principal Officer Grade 1 Scale |
Civil Service Principal Officer Grade 1 Scale |
As above |
|
National Museum of Ireland |
Director |
Civil Service Principal Officer Grade 1 Scale |
Civil Service Principal Officer Grade 1 Scale |
As above |
|
National Sports Campus Development Authority |
CEO |
€137,202 |
€140,632 |
€129,381 Reduction in salary pursuant to Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009 |
|
Fáilte Ireland Ltd |
CEO |
€173,649 |
€177,990 |
€156,631 Reduction in salary pursuant to Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009. |
|
Bord na gCon |
CEO |
Range €156,616 – €195,718 |
Range €160,531 – €200,611 |
Range €160,531 – €200,611 |
|
Horse Racing Ireland |
CEO |
Range €161,843 – €202,304 |
Range €165,889 – €207,362 |
Range €165,889 – €207,362 |
1 The salary of the Director of the Crawford Art Gallery Cork is paid by the Vocational Education Committee but is recouped from my Department.
|
Agency |
CEO/Equivalent |
Pension |
Car |
Bonus/Performance Pay |
Other |
|
Arts Council |
Director |
Yes |
No |
No |
No |
|
Chester Beatty Library |
Director |
Yes |
No |
No |
No |
|
Irish Film Board |
CEO |
Yes |
No |
Yes (up to 20% of basic Salary) |
Accommodation Allowance |
|
Crawford Art Gallery |
Director |
Yes |
No |
No |
No |
|
Irish Museum of Modern Art1 |
Director |
Yes |
Use of Pool Car |
No |
No |
|
Irish Sports Council |
CEO |
Yes |
No |
Yes (Up to 20% of Basic Salary) |
No |
|
National Concert Hall |
Director |
Yes |
No |
Yes (Up to 20% of basic Salary) |
No |
|
National Gallery of Ireland |
Director |
Yes |
Use of Pool Car |
No |
No |
|
National Library of Ireland |
Director |
Yes |
No |
No |
No |
|
National Museum of Ireland |
Director |
Yes |
No |
No |
No |
|
National Sports Campus Development Authority |
CEO |
Yes |
No |
No |
No |
|
Fáilte Ireland2 |
CEO |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes (Up to 25% of Basic Salary) |
No |
|
Bord na gCon |
CEO |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes (Up to 25% of Basic Salary) |
No |
|
Horse Racing Ireland |
CEO |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes (Up to 35% of Basic Salary) |
No |
1It is a condition of the Director’s contract that he resides at Kilmainham in accommodation provided by the Office of Public Works, but rent is paid in respect of this accommodation.
2Although the CEO of Fáilte Ireland is entitled to avail of a company car, the current CEO does not exercise this option.
304 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the list of all proposals in the report of the special group on public service numbers and expenditure relating to her Department or to bodies or agencies under her remit which have been implemented to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13891/10]
The Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes, as published in July 2009, made a number of recommendations in respect of my Department and the agencies under its aegis. Specifically, the Special Group made proposals to reduce programme expenditure by almost €105 million in 2010 and to structurally reduce 170 staff across the Department and its agencies. It also proposed that consideration should be given to the discontinuation of my Department as a Department in its own right.
Savings of more than €35 million, or almost 7 per cent, were achieved in the Revised Estimates for 2010 for my Vote Group, compared to 2009. Moreover, the Government's moratorium on staff recruitment and promotion and its incentivised early retirement scheme continue to achieve reductions in staff numbers across my Department and its agencies. Finally, as recently as last week, the Government made structural re-alignments to a range of Departments of State. As part of these re-alignments, the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism is to become the Department of Tourism, Culture and Sport, having an enhanced emphasis on maximising the benefits to Ireland, in financial and other terms, of both our tourism product and our cultural and sporting heritage. In addition responsibility for the horseracing and greyhound industries has been transferred to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.
305 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the salary of each chief executive of agencies under the aegis of his Department on 1 August 2008 and 1 September 2008 in tabular form; if a voluntary pay cut was taken by each CEO; if so, the date of same; the salary of the CEO at that date; the full benefits package now applying to each such person including pension contributions and amount of bonus, if any; if same was awarded, the way in which it was benchmarked; the cost of a company car and any other benefit in kind; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13632/10]
The table below sets out the salaries paid to CEOs of relevant agencies/bodies funded from my Department's Vote Group on the dates referred to by the Deputy.
With regard to voluntary pay cuts, the Deputy will appreciate that these are a private matter for the individuals in question. Bonuses were not payable in respect of the year 2009, except in the case of the CEO of Údarás na Gaeltachta. In that case, I am advised that a bonus of €3,900 covering the period Jan-Mar 2009 was awarded by the board of the agency, in line with an approved bonus scheme.
Pension contributions for CEOs are paid in accordance with guidelines set down for the relevant public service pension schemes by the Department of Finance. In the case of North/South Bodies, the North/South Pension Scheme is approved by both the Department of Finance and the Department of Finance and Personnel in Northern Ireland.
I understand that the only agency to provide its CEO with a company car is Údarás na Gaeltachta. The list price of this car is €39,800 and the benefit in kind pertaining to it is €7,164. I am advised that no other benefits in kind are payable to any of the CEOs.
|
BODY/AGENCY |
Salary at 01/08/08 |
Salary at 01/09/08> |
|
Western Development Commission |
€107,029 |
€113,141 |
|
Údarás na Gaeltachta |
€155,042 |
€158,918 |
|
Waterways Ireland |
£92,636 |
£92,636 |
|
An Foras Teanga, comprising: |
||
|
Ulster-Scots Agency |
£74,328 |
£75,815 |
|
Foras na Gaeilge |
€119,271 |
€119,271 |
Note: Office of Commissioners of Charitable Donations and Bequests and Office of An Coimisinéir Teanga not included.
306 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Eamon Gilmore den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil dul chun cinn ar bith déanta maidir le hiarratas ó Chomhairle Contae Dhún na nGall chun airgead a fháil le soilsiú poiblí breise a chur ar fáil ar bhealach réigiúnach Anagaire Thiar in aice le hÓstán an Chaisleáin Óir in Anagaire; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. Ní mór a nótáil go mbaineann freagracht i leith an ábhair atá luaite ag an Teachta le Comhairle Chontae Dhún na nGall ar an gcéad dul síos. [13682/10]
Ón mbliain 2002, tá os cionn €2 milliún i ndeontais ceadaithe ag mo Roinn faoi Scéim na mBóithre Straitéiseacha Gaeltachta chun feabhas a chur ar an bhóthar a fhreastalann ar Aerfort Idirnáisiúnta Dhún na nGall ar an Charraig Fhinn. Déanfar an cheist maidir le deontais bhreise a cheadú faoin scéim in 2010 a mheas i gcomhthéacs an tsoláthair airgid atá ar fáil chun na críche seo, ag tógáil san áireamh geallúintí agus tosaíochtaí atá ar láimh cheana.
307 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Eamon Gilmore den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta the progress that has been made on a submission from Donegal County Council to have moneys provided for a number of additional public lights adjacent to Caislean Óir Annagry on the road serving Donegal Airport at Carrickfin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13683/10]
It should be noted that responsibility for the matter referred to by the Deputy is a matter for Donegal County Council in the first instance.
In the period since 2002, under the Gaeltacht Strategic Roads Scheme, my Department has provided grant aid in excess of €2 million for this particular road that serves Donegal International Airport at An Charraig Fhinn. The question of approving additional grant aid under the scheme in 2010 will be considered in the context of funding available to my Department for this purpose, having regard to existing commitments and priorities.
308 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the cost of the proposed changes to his Department; if there are logistical changes necessary such as staff changes, relocation of his Department or sections of his Department; when it is anticipated that all of the necessary changes will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13767/10]
309 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if legislation is necessary to ensure the transfer of any section or agency of his Department as result of recent changes; if funding of the various agencies will be affected; if so, if a mechanism is being prepared or in place to ensure that no delays take place in relation to such funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13768/10]
310 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number and name of agencies now under his remit; the number and name of agencies previously under the remit of his Department that have being reallocated to other Departments due to recent changes; the change in policy of sections of his Department and the Minister of State responsible for each of the new policy sections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13779/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 308 to 310, inclusive, together.
As the Deputy is aware, as part of the restructuring of Departments and agencies announced by the Taoiseach in Dáil Éireann on 23 March last to ensure greater coherence and produce more efficient delivery, the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs will become the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs and will incorporate responsibility for social inclusion policy and family policy from the Department of Social and Family Affairs and for equality, disability, integration and human rights from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform.
The changes in Departmental functions announced by the Taoiseach will have an effect on the Estimates of the Departments involved, including my Department. These changes will involve transferring the relevant programme expenditure from one Department to another. All such transfers of funds will be carried out strictly on an Exchequer-neutral basis. Some staff, and related administrative costs, may also be transferred between Departments, again on an Exchequer-neutral basis.
On the question of legislation, in most cases transfers of Departmental functions are carried out by Government Order under powers contained in section 6(1) of the Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Act 1939, while in some cases amending legislation may be needed. This aspect of the changes announced by the Taoiseach is still being examined in my Department and in the Departments of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, and Social and Family Affairs. The issue of orders delegating functions to Ministers of State would arise subsequent to that process.
The Deputy will appreciate, therefore, that at present it is not possible to provide him with the detailed information that he has requested in relation to staff changes, the relocation of sections of my Department, the assignment/functions of agencies, the anticipated costs involved and other associated matters. However, I can confirm that I have directed officials within my Department to ensure that any costs arising in this context be kept at a minimum and will be met from within existing resources.
311 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the list of all proposals in the report of the special group on public service numbers and expenditure relating to his Department or to bodies or agencies under his remit which have been implemented to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13879/10]
As the Deputy is aware, the Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes represented a set of options to reduce expenditure and staff numbers across the public sector. These options were considered by the Government within the context of framing the 2010 Budget.
Gross savings of some €57 million, or almost 12%, were achieved in the 2010 Revised Estimates Volume (REV) for my Department's Vote relative to the 2009 REV. While the allocations in most expenditure programmes were reduced, the primary concern was to make every effort to ensure that the daily front-line services provided with funding from my Department were protected, especially those focused on the needs of the most socially deprived communities.
With regard to the reduction in staff numbers, the Government's moratorium on staff recruitment and promotion and other associated measures, including the incentivised early retirement scheme, have achieved, and continue to achieve, reductions in staff numbers across my Department and relevant agencies.
Finally, as part of the restructuring of Departments and agencies announced recently by the Taoiseach to ensure greater coherence and produce more efficient delivery, the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs will become the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs and will incorporate responsibility for social inclusion policy and family policy from the Department of Social and Family Affairs and for equality, disability, integration and human rights from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. As stated by the Taoiseach in this context, it is important, while addressing the priority issues in responding to unemployment and driving economic recovery, that we do not lose sight of the importance of social development, the targeting of the most vulnerable and support for those working to make a difference right across our communities.
312 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position of an application for capital funding by a group (details supplied); the commitments made to the group in the past two years; if an application for refurbishment of the present structure has now been received; if so, when a decision will be made in regard to the application in view of the urgent need to carry out the renovation or repair work to allow the activities of the group to continue until a new premises can be built; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13916/10]
As no details were supplied in this case, I regret that I am unable to answer the Deputy's Question. If the Question is re-submitted with details of the group in question, I will be glad to respond appropriately.
313 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a person who is on a stamp one permit is entitled to apply for a social welfare payments and or rent allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13623/10]
In general, immigration stamp 1 is granted to persons to facilitate their residence while working in the State on foot of a specific permission. Most Stamp 1 holders are persons whose permission to work is obtained through an employment permit. In addition, a number of persons who are not covered by employment permit arrangements but nevertheless permitted to work by the Minister for Justice and Law Reform may be given Stamp 1 (e.g. persons granted business permission by my Department or those on Working Holiday Authorisations).
It is not possible to state the entitlements, outside of the residence and work rights, which a person may have where they hold immigration Stamp 1. Such other entitlements would be a matter for the department or agency concerned and would depend on the individual circumstances of each case.
314 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if persons who took places in programmes of study under the labour market activation scheme, but whose entitlement to jobseeker’s benefit expires during the course of their programme of study and who furthermore may not qualify for jobseeker’s allowance, will be allowed to receive jobseeker’s benefit for the duration of their course in order to allow them to complete their studies; or if another arrangement will be made for these cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13648/10]
Social welfare recipients who wish to participate in a course of study under the labour market activation programme can do so under the Department's part-time education option. Unlike the Department's other educational opportunity schemes there are no specific eligibility criteria for availing of this option. This represents a greater degree of flexibility when compared to the Back-to-Education schemes as a person may be of any age and need not be unemployed for a prescribed length of time before commencing a part-time course of education.
The part-time education option was introduced to provide an increased element of flexibility to enable unemployed people to attend part-time courses of education or training and retain their jobseeker's allowance or jobseeker's benefit provided that they continue to satisfy the conditions of being available for and genuinely seeking employment on an on-going basis. A person whose jobseeker's benefit expires during a course is entitled to apply for jobseeker's allowance. Failure to qualify for job-seeker's allowance would indicate that a person has an income in excess of the means threshold. In these circumstances, it is considered that extending the duration of jobseeker's benefit or other such arrangements in these cases would be inconsistent with the objective of targeting scarce resources at those in greatest need.
The back to education programme will continue to be monitored to ensure that its objectives are being met in the light of the changing economic climate.
315 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the purpose of pay related social insurance at the present time; if the money accruing to the Government from the employer and employee PRSI contributions are ring fenced for social insurance purposes; the other purposes for which the moneys are used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13847/10]
The Irish social insurance system is based on two fundamental principles. The contributory principle whereby there is a direct link between contributions paid and entitlement to a varying range of, short-term and long-term, benefits and pensions that are payable as a right — if and when particular contingencies arise. These benefits and pensions, unlike social assistance payments, are not subject to means testing. The solidarity principle sets out that contributions paid by insured persons are not actuarially linked to benefits but are instead redistributed to support contributors who are more vulnerable. In this way, contributions are an expression of solidarity between both earning groups and generations.
The PRSI system draws together a relationship between the employment or self-employment status and the rate of contribution payable and benefits or pensions receivable as a result of these contributions. In common with many social insurance systems throughout the world, the system is not actuarially based but funded through a pay-as-you-go approach, with the Exchequer acting as a residual financier to contributions from employees and employers.
The monies collected from employment contributions paid by employed contributors and their employers, by self-employment contributions, by optional contributions and by voluntary contributions, are paid into the Social Insurance Fund (SIF) and used to fund benefits and pensions. The SIF consists of a current account managed by the Minister for Social and Family Affairs and an investment account managed by the Minister for Finance. The Comptroller and Auditor-General examines and certifies the accounts of the SIF and provides a report to the Oireachtas.
Payments made under the Redundancy Payments Acts and the Insolvency Payments Scheme, administered by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, are also made from the SIF.
316 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he has received an appeal on a disability allowance claim in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; if, in view of the medical circumstances involved, he will look favourably on the appeal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13570/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
317 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved and awarded illness benefit. [13571/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
318 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved and awarded occupational injury benefit. [13592/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
319 Deputy Michael Noonan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a person (details supplied) in County Limerick has been awarded carer’s allowance; if not, the reason their application proved unsuccessful; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13612/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
320 Deputy Michael Noonan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when disability benefit will be awarded in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13613/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
321 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved and awarded jobseeker’s allowance. [13620/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
322 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the salary of each chief executive of agencies under the aegis of his Department on 1 August 2008 and 1 September 2008 in tabular form; if a voluntary pay cut was taken by each CEO; if so, the date of same; the salary of the CEO at that date; the full benefits package now applying to each such person including pension contributions and amount of bonus, if any; if same was awarded, the way in which it was benchmarked; the cost of a company car and any other benefit in kind; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13641/10]
All of the required information is not immediately available. It will be obtained and a reply will be sent to the Deputy as soon as possible.
323 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when an application will be processed in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13647/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
324 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when an application for family income supplement in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly will be concluded; the position regarding same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13649/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
325 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when an appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly will be concluded; the position regarding same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13650/10]
326 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when an appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly will be concluded; the position regarding same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13651/10]
327 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding an appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly; when this appeal will be concluded; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13652/10]
329 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when an appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly will be concluded; the position regarding same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13654/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 325 to 327, inclusive, and 329 together.
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
328 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kildare was refused the free fuel allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13653/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
330 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if persons (details supplied) will have their social welfare entitlements reinstated and that the decision to refuse the applications on the basis of the habitual residence condition will be reversed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13655/10]
A claim for Jobseekers Allowance by the person concerned was refused on the grounds that they did not satisfy the Habitual Residence condition. This decision was appealed to the Social Welfare Appeals Office and the person concerned will be notified of the outcome in due course.
331 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork is not entitled to make voluntary PRSI contributions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13656/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
332 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved family income supplement. [13660/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
333 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason mortgage supplement in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork has been reduced from €47.50 per week to €30 per week. [13667/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
334 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reasons a person (details supplied) in County Cork was not awarded an illness benefit for a week in March 2010. [13668/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
335 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason child dependent allowances was not awarded in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare. [13691/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
336 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason for the delay in issuing a free travel pass in respect of a person (details supplied). [13692/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
337 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason half child dependent allowance is not being awarded in respect of a person (details supplied) who is on illness benefit; and the further reason his or her rate of payment is at a reduced rate. [13693/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
338 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for and Family Affairs when an application for lone parent allowance will be decided on in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13698/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
339 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Longford has had a disability allowance discontinued and been requested to return a free travel pass; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13701/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
340 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason for the delay in awarding State pension in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare. [13710/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
341 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason for the delay in awarding family income supplement in respect of a person (detail supplied) in County Kildare. [13711/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
342 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a State pension will be awarded in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare. [13712/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
343 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will take steps to expedite an application for permission to work under the condition for receipt of illness benefit in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13765/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
344 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding an application for fuel allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13766/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
345 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when an appeal against the disallowance of an illness benefit claim in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Sligo will be decided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13794/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
346 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding an application under the family income supplement scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Sligo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13795/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
347 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) cannot claim jobseeker’s benefits despite having paid social insurance contributions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13800/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
348 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the amount spent by community welfare on payments for communion or confirmation expenses for 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009; the eligibility criteria for this payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13802/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the statistics sought by the Deputy.
Under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which is administered on behalf of the Department by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive, an exceptional needs payment (ENP) may be made to help meet an essential, once-off cost which the applicant is unable to meet out of his/her own resources. There is no automatic entitlement to a payment, or no predetermined amounts under the different categories for exceptional needs payments. Each application is determined by the Executive based on the particular circumstances of the case.
349 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway who applied for jobseeker’s assistance and has been granted €48.50 per week is not entitled to a higher rate of payment in view of the fact that he has had no employment since 1 January 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13815/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
350 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of persons in receipt of rent supplement who have had the 30 hour rule waived due to the fact they were on a waiting list for the rental accommodation scheme. [13824/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
351 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the pension entitlements of persons (details supplied). [13828/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
352 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will support the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [13830/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
353 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of civil servants and the number of public servants currently responsible for the community services programme of FÁS who will now be transferred to his Department; if he will state the office in which they will be located and the size of the budget as set out in the Estimates for 2010 for which they will have responsibility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13866/10]
FÁS, operating under the aegis of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, delivers various community based services. The Government has decided to transfer responsibility for some of these to my Department. The two Departments and FÁS are working together to identify the staff, financial, IT, accommodation and other resources that will need to transfer to my Department from FÁS and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment to give effect to the new arrangements. As this process is not yet complete, the details sought by the Deputy are not available at this time.
354 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the list of all proposals in the report of the special group on public service numbers and expenditure relating to his Department or to bodies or agencies under its remit which have been implemented to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13888/10]
The following recommendations of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes were implemented in Budget 2010:
1. Welfare rates should be reduced by 5% generally or alternatively, by 3% reversing the October 2008 Budget increases.
— Weekly rates of payment to people under 66 years of age were reduced by about 4.1% or an average of €8.30 per week.
2. Reduce and standardise Child Benefit payments.
— The higher and lower rates of Child Benefit were reduced by €16 per week.
3. Grading of Jobseeker's Allowance by age: the personal rate for new claimants between the ages of 20 and 24 should be reduced to €150.
— The rate of Jobseeker's Allowance for new recipients was reduced to €100 per week for those aged 20 and 21 years (in line with the rate for 18 and 19 year olds) and to €150 per week for those aged 22 to 24 years.
4. Discontinue the Treatment Benefits Scheme
— Entitlement to the Scheme has been limited to medical and surgical appliances and to the free examination elements of dental and optical benefits.
5. Re-examine the level of the Rent Supplement payment on a regional basis.
— This review is nearing completion.
355 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of social contributions that have been accumulated in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 16; if they will be entitled to the contributory State pension when they turn 66 in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13898/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
356 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Defence the salary of the chief executive of each agency under the aegis of his Department on 1 August 2008 and 1 September 2008 in tabular form; if a voluntary pay cut was taken by each CEO; if so, the date of same; the salary of the CEO at that date; the full benefits package now applying to each such person, including pension contributions and amount of bonus, if any; if same was awarded, the way in which it was benchmarked; the cost of a company car and any other benefit in kind; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13633/10]
I regret to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action it is not possible to provide a response to his question at this time.
357 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Defence the list of all proposals in the report of the special group on public service numbers and expenditure relating to his Department or to bodies or agencies under his remit which have been implemented to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13880/10]
All of the main savings measures identified in the Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes have been implemented, or alternative savings have been implemented, as follows:
|
Special group’s recommendation |
Implementation |
|
Reduction in personnel in Permanent Defence Force and Department over 2 to 3 years. |
Recommended reductions already achieved. |
|
Rationalisation of Ireland’s overseas commitments — end participation in UN mission in Chad. |
Commitment in Kosovo and Bosnia- Herzegovina will be scaled back in 2010. |
|
Reduction of the Reserve Defence Force by two-thirds. |
The number of paid training days available for RDF members reduced. |
|
Close the sail-training scheme (Asgard II). |
The sail-training scheme has been discontinued. |
|
Further consolidation of property portfolio. |
Additional property sales are planned in 2010. |
|
Charge the full economic cost of aid to the civil power, aid to the civil authority services etc. |
An Post, the Central Bank and other organisations will be charged for security services on the same basis as the commercial banks. The Central Bank has agreed to pay such costs while discussions with the other organisations have been initiated. |
|
Extend the timeframe of the naval vessel replacement programme. |
The final award of contract to purchase new naval vessels will be subject to Government approval and agreement on funding. |
The Special Group's recommendation to close the Army Equitation School has not been accepted.
358 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department will go ahead with the proposed sale of the All Saints Bog and Esker special area of conservation, County Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13603/10]
I understand the particular site to which the Question refers is part of Kilnaglinny bog, an undesignated bog adjacent to All Saints Bog Special Area of Conservation (SAC). The land in question is owned by my Department and is currently being used for turf-extraction by a number of turf-cutters who moved from the SAC. These cutters have expressed an interest in purchasing the land.
I am considering proposals concerning the arrangements that will be necessary to implement the cessation of remaining turf-cutting on raised bog SACs, including All Saints Bog, as required by the Habitats Directive and our own Habitats Regulations.
The future use and ownership of this bog is being considered as a part of the general arrangements for those affected by the cessation. My Department will be in touch with the turf-cutters in question in due course.
359 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the salary of the chief executive of each agency under the aegis of his Department on 1 August 2008 and 1 September 2008 in tabular form; if a voluntary pay cut was taken by each CEO; if so, the date of same; the salary of the CEO at that date; the full benefits package now applying to each such person, including pension contributions and amount of bonus, if any; if same was awarded, the way in which it was benchmarked; the cost of a company car and any other benefit in kind; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13636/10]
The information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
360 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if there are any concessions with regard to water rates for schools that have acquired a green flag status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13678/10]
The Government's Water Pricing Policy requires local authorities to recover the cost of providing water services from non domestic users of these services. Water charges are levied by local authorities based on volumetric use measured by water meters. There is no specific concession in relation to water charges for schools that have acquired green flag status. However, where a school has undertaken measures to reduce water consumption as part of the Green Schools Programme, they will incur lower water charges. My colleague, the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science, is providing funding for water conservation measures in schools as part of the Summer Works Scheme for 2010 which is managed by her Department.
361 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding turf-cutting; and the proposals that exist with regard to turf-cutting. [13697/10]
The derogation allowing a continuation of turf cutting on 32 Raised Bog Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) that were notified for designation in 1999 has now expired. A further 23 raised bog SACs were notified for designation in 2002 and 75 Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs) were designated in 2004. The derogation on these sites will expire at the end of 2011 and 2013 respectively.
The Working Group on the Cessation of Turf Cutting in Designated Areas is nearing completion of its deliberations and I expect to receive its report very shortly. I will conclude my consideration of the report and any recommendations it contains as rapidly as possible, and will then be in touch with affected individuals and representative groups in regard to the position.
362 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that, due to apparent over-capacity in Fingal’s waste disposal system and in advance of the Portrane WTTP coming on stream, Fingal County Council is transporting leachate from the Balleally landfill in North Dublin on a regular basis to discharge into the foul sewer adjacent to the Phoenix Park train station in Dublin 15; the safety precautions that are being taken to protect local residents, flora and fauna; if batch testing is being carried out on discharged leachate; if radioactive isotopes, asbestos fibres, dioxins, bovine spongiform encephalopathy prions, mercury, chromium, lead, cadmium, chlorides, cyanides, ammonia, phenols or xylene have been screened for or found, and their concentrations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13699/10]
370 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that tankers are discharging leachate from Fingal County Council landfill into the main foul sewer in proximity to the new Phoenix Park railway station off the Navan Road, Dublin 15; if batches of the leachate are tested on a regular basis; if there is an Environmental Protection Agency licence associated with this activity; if noxious substances or gases have been identified, in view of the fact that prevailing winds bring very unpleasant smells to local residential neighbourhoods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13848/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 362 and 370 together.
From enquiries my Department has made I understand that contracted tankers are carrying out the temporary and supervised discharge of leachate from Fingal County Council's licensed landfill at Balleally into the main foul sewer at the location in question. This effluent is entering an enclosed foul sewer system from where it is carried to the waste water treatment plant for full treatment. The Council has indicated that as this discharge is being supervised by council staff it considers that there is no exposure and therefore no risk to any member of the public because of this activity. No other leachate or effluent is permitted to be discharged at this location.
The arrangement in question has been put in place with the consent of Dublin City Council, which is the local authority with responsibility for the sewer involved. Section 40 of the Waste Management Act 1996 provides for the granting by the EPA of a waste licence for a landfill or other waste facility. The conditions applying to a waste licence and the enforcement of such conditions are matters for the EPA. However, I understand that the discharge of the leachate from Balleally landfill into the public sewer in question by Fingal County Council has been agreed with the EPA.
363 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when a decision will be made on an application by a church (details supplied) in County Longford for a civil structures conservation grant for 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13700/10]
The information requested cannot currently be provided as a result of industrial action.
364 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the date he or his Department received the reports from the Dublin Docklands Development Authority; the date he forwarded each report to the Attorney General; when he expects to receive advice from the Attorney General; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13713/10]
My Department received the Dublin Docklands Development Authority's report on corporate governance, together with two supporting independent consultants' reports, on 1 February 2010. A further report from the Authority regarding its participation in the Becbay Joint Venture was received on 5 February.
Copies of the corporate governance reports and the Becbay paper were submitted to the Office of the Attorney General on 3 and 5 February, respectively, and following initial consideration I wrote to the Attorney General on 12 February in relation to them. A number of advices have since been received and discussions have taken place between my Department and the Office of the Attorney General.
I expect the engagement with the Attorney General's Office to continue in the context of the completion of my consideration of the reports and my reporting back to Government.
365 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he expects to appoint a new chief executive of the Dublin Docklands Development Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13714/10]
The appointment of a new Chief Executive of the Dublin Docklands Development Authority is a matter for the Authority in the first instance. My Department has recently received proposals from the Authority on a number of staffing matters, including the issue of a CEO appointment. These proposals will be considered, in conjunction with the Department of Finance, in the context of the consideration of wider governance and other issues in relation to the Authority, and taking account also of the moratorium on public sector recruitment.
366 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the programmes the Dublin Docklands Development Authority has cut back on in 2009 and 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13715/10]
In the context of addressing its current financial circumstances and progressing towards a break-even operating position, it is a matter for the Dublin Docklands Development Authority, in the first instance, to decide on the measures to be pursued. In that regard, given the Authority's difficult financial position, its Board has examined all budget lines and has cut all discretionary expenditure on projects and programmes, and curtailed expenditure on all non-essential items. All of the Authority's programmes, in terms of area regeneration and social regeneration, are affected. In addition, the Authority has put in place a radically reduced organisation structure. Staffing in the Authority has been reduced from 56 Full Time Equivalents (FTEs) in January 2009 to 32 at present.
367 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the proposed new sewerage scheme for Courtmacsherry and Timoleague, County Cork; when he expects work to commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13717/10]
368 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, further to Parliamentary Question No. 62 of 21 January 2010, if he will announce when the Bandon sewerage scheme, County Cork, will go to tender in view of the need to complete the scheme due to flooding issues in the town; when he expects that the water services investment programme 2010 to 2012 will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13808/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 367 and 368 together.
In relation to the position on the proposed sewerage scheme for Courtmacsherry and Timoleague I refer to the reply to Question No. 560 of 2 February 2010. In relation to the position on the Bandon Sewerage Scheme, I refer to the reply to Question No. 62 of 21 January 2010. I expect to publish the Water Services Investment Programme 2010 to 2012 in the coming weeks.
369 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the construction of a mast (details supplied) within 25 ft. of a private residence in Brownstown, County Kildare; if this mast is an exempted development under Class 31(j) of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13823/10]
In general, planning permission must be obtained for the erection of an antenna support structure or mast. Under Article 6 and Schedule 2 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, certain classes of development carried out by a statutory undertaker authorised to provide a telecommunications service are, subject to specified conditions, exempted development for the purposes of the Planning Acts. These include—
the attachment of additional antennae to an existing antenna support structure;
the erection of an antenna support structure in place of an existing antenna support structure, and
the attachment of antennae to certain existing structures, such as lamp posts, flag poles, CCTV poles, electricity pylons and certain public or commercial buildings (other than educational facilities, childcare facilities or hospitals).
The application and interpretation of the Regulations is a matter for the relevant planning authority in the first instance, although a question in relation to whether works/structures are or are not exempted development may be referred to An Bord Pleanála under section 5 of the Planning and Development Act 2000. Enforcement of planning control is also a matter for the planning authority, which can take action where a development requiring planning permission has not obtained this permission or where permission has not been complied with.
371 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the list of all proposals in the report of the special group on public service numbers and expenditure relating to his Department or to bodies or agencies under his remit which have been implemented to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13883/10]
Expenditure provisions for 2010 for my Department are set out in the Revised Estimates for Public Services 2010 published by the Minister for Finance. These provisions have been determined in the context of the overall provision for public services, reflect the need to reduce public spending and, as indicated by the Minister for Finance in his Financial Statement on 9 December 2009, have been guided by the Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes. My Department, local authorities and related agencies are working to maximise outputs from the 2010 provisions through prioritisation, increased efficiency and lower procurement costs generally.
Recommendations in the Report relating to my Department are reflected in savings in administrative costs arising from reductions in public service numbers and pay; the reduced Exchequer contribution to the Local Government Fund (€226 million in 2010, in the context of wider developments relating to local government finance); the review of the EPA which has recently commenced; the ongoing rationalisation of agencies in the housing area; and policy developments concerning charging for treated water use and more extensive use of leasing to ensure overall housing output is maintained at the highest level possible. I have also announced details of the work of the Local Government Efficiency Review Group which, consistent with the approach in the Report, will look at the cost base and expenditure of, and numbers employed in, local authorities.
372 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the salary of each chief executive of agencies under the aegis of his Department on 1 August 2008 and 1 September 2008 in tabular form; if a voluntary pay cut was taken by each CEO; if so, the date of same; the salary of the CEO at that date; the full benefits package now applying to each such person including pension contributions and amount of bonus, if any; if same was awarded, the way in which it was benchmarked; the cost of a company car and any other benefit in kind; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13631/10]
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.
373 Deputy John Cregan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to increase the current grant of €4,000 payable by Sustainable Energy Ireland for external wall insulation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13854/10]
There are no plans to increase the grant of €4,000 for external wall insulation under the Home Energy Savings Scheme.
374 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the list of all proposals in the report of the special group on public service numbers and expenditure relating to his Department or to bodies or agencies under his remit which have been implemented to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13878/10]
The following table shows the current status of proposals in the Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure relating to my Department and to bodies and agencies under its remit. Implementation of the proposals in the Report is a matter for the Government. As the Deputy is aware the report of the Special Group outlined a wide range of proposals across all Departments, a number of which, if agreed to proceed, can only be achieved through restructuring over a number of years. The consideration of the proposals for my Department and the Agencies under its aegis is ongoing and as the table shows, progress has been made in relation to certain proposals.
|
Savings outlined in the Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure |
|
|
Merge DHDA with EI/IDA |
Structural — not implemented |
|
Merge ComReg with BAI |
Structural — not implemented |
|
Transfer IFCO into BAI |
Structural — not implemented |
|
Partially fund TG4 from TV Licence |
Not included in Budget 2010 but direct Exchequer subvention to TG4 reduced by €2.083 million |
|
Terminate DCENR/SEI energy awareness programmes |
Separate budget for Energy Efficiency Awareness eliminated in Budget 2010 (€0.894 million saving) |
|
Rationalise multiplicity of energy efficiency schemes run by SEI |
Being rationalised in the context of the multi-annual National Retrofit Programme announced in Budget 2010 |
|
Transfer energy research funding to new single funding stream for all research |
Structural — energy research function retained. |
|
Review operations of Bord na Móna to achieve optimal value |
Will be done on an ongoing basis — any potential savings arising would not accrue to the Exchequer |
|
Merge OSi and the Valuation Office with the PRA |
Structural — not implemented |
|
Secure efficiencies/increased revenue worth 20% of GSI’s operating costs |
DCENR proposes to undertake Value for Money Review of GSI in 2010 to secure efficiencies/increased revenue |
|
Secure additional savings from the merger of the regional fisheries boards |
Merger will take place in 2010 and direct Exchequer funding for Inland Fisheries reduced by €3.145 million |
|
Transfer responsibility for Inland Fisheries from DCENR to DEHLG |
Structural — not implemented |
|
Reduce DCENR authorised number of civil servants by 30 posts |
DCENR has achieved target |
|
Reduce DCENR agency staff by 76 |
Structural, under ongoing consideration; new functions in some Agencies will impact on target |
375 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he plans to reopen bass fishing for commercial purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13614/10]
The Federation of Irish Fishermen (FIF) has made a proposal to my Department regarding the possibility of a limited offshore Sea Bass fishery. This proposal is being given careful consideration in the context of advice received from both the Marine Institute and the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority. In coming to a decision on the matter, I am particularly conscious of the need to maintain the current protection afforded to the inshore Sea Bass fishery. This factor is also recognised in the FIF proposal which gives assurances that the inshore Sea Bass fishery around our coast would not be targeted for commercial fishing. Under the FIF proposal, vessels would be permitted to land Sea Bass caught south of (51.30'N) in area VII. This area is approx 50 km off the SE coast of Ireland.
In order to take account of the views of all stakeholders, including anglers, Minister Killeen wrote to Minister Lenihan in the Department of Energy, Communications and Natural Resources, who has responsibility for inland fisheries, seeking his views on this proposal before making any final decision in the matter. Minister Lenihan's response will be taken into account in the matter.
376 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork is having difficulty with regard to a suckler cow welfare scheme payment arising from alleged errors in calf registration for which responsibility does not rest with the applicant; if he will make immediate arrangements for payment in this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13577/10]
Due to industrial action by staff in my Department, I am not in a position to provide a reply to this question.
377 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to re-locate or proscribe the horse market in Smithfield, Dublin 7; his further plans to introduce new animal protection laws that would alleviate the suffering of animals brought to the market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13588/10]
My responsibilities do not extend to issues regarding trading in public places. Such matters are for the relevant local authority and in the case of the horse market at Smithfield the relevant local authority is Dublin City Council.
With regard to the introduction of new animal welfare legislation the position is that an Animal Health and Welfare Bill which will give effect to commitments in the Programme for Government and the Renewed Programme for Government on issues relating to animal health and welfare is being prepared in my Department. The new 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 also provides for the consolidation of responsibility for the welfare of all animals (including non-farm animals) within my Department.
I intend to submit the proposed heads of this Bill to the Government at an early date this year.
378 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans for the harbour at Cape Clear, County Cork which is deteriorating and in view of the fact that if it falls further into disrepair the island may not be accessed by boats and ferries. [13610/10]
My Department's Engineering Division is aware of and continues to monitor the condition of the harbour at Cape Clear.
A number of options are currently being examined to determine the optimum intervention strategy for the harbour. In addition I have this year allocated €30,000 under the 2010 Fishery Harbours and Coastal Infrastructural Development Programme for design works associated with the bull-nose at Cape Clear Harbour.
379 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied that the passport system for the equine industry is working as required under the legislation; the number of animals that have been found to date to have been moved without a passport and have been detected by his Department; the number of animals that have been stopped in transit due for export due to the fact they did not have correct passports or identity documents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13617/10]
European Commission Regulation No. 504/2008 set out an improved system for the identification for equidae and is binding on all Member States of the European Union. All keepers of horses, passport issuing bodies and veterinary practitioners are obliged to comply with the provisions of this Regulation. The enhanced system for identifying equidae has three elements (1) an equine passport; (2) a microchip implanted in an equine to create an unequivocal link between the passport and the equine and (3) the assignment of a unique equine life number to the equine in the database of the approved passport issuing organisation. I am satisfied the approved passport issuing organisations are operating in compliance with this Regulation this country.
Regulation 504/2008 requires that all equines must have a passport, foals must be identified in accordance with the Regulation within six months of birth.
Keepers of equines must have passports for their animals in order to be eligible to participate in a wide range of events and activities across the equine sector e.g. thoroughbred breeding and racing, showjumping, competitions, shows, sales and also if certain veterinary medications are to be availed of. Equines cannot be considered for slaughter for human consumption unless they have a passport.
My Department does not maintain a record of instances where equines are found without passports, there is no requirement to do so. Officials from my Department who carry out checks of equine passports at Rosslare and Dublin ports have found in recent years near 100% compliance with the requirement for horses to be accompanied by passports; they observe that on foot of publicity campaigns undertaken by my Department in recent years there is a high level of awareness amongst those involved in the equine industry of the passport requirements.
380 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the salary of each chief executive of agencies under the aegis of his Department on 1 August 2008 and 1 September 2008 in tabular form; if a voluntary pay cut was taken by each CEO; if so, the date of same; the salary of the CEO at that date; the full benefits package now applying to each such person including pension contributions and amount of bonus, if any; if same was awarded, the way in which it was benchmarked; the cost of a company car and any other benefit in kind; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13629/10]
The information requested by the Deputy regarding the Chief Executives in the agencies under the aegis of my Department is set out in tabular form below.
CEOs in the non-commercial agencies for which my Department is responsible are subject to pay adjustments in accordance with the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (No. 2) Act, 2009. These pay adjustments are set out in the table below.
The Deputy should refer to the agencies concerned regarding information on pension contributions.
|
Organisation |
Salary 1/08/2008 |
Salary 1/09/2008 |
Current Pay scale |
Bonus |
Car |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
|||
|
National Milk Agency |
90,346 |
92,605 |
85,845 |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Teagasc |
150,795 |
154,865 |
139,800 |
Suspended for 2008 & 2009 |
Car allowance paid |
|
Bord Bia |
162,795 |
166,865 |
151,800 |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Irish Marine Institute |
147,036 |
150,712 |
138,655 |
Suspended for 2008 & 2009 |
N/A |
|
Bord Iascaigh Mhara |
130,236 |
133,491 |
122,812 |
Suspended for 2008 & 2009 |
N/A |
|
SFPA — Chairman |
117,446 |
120,382 |
110,844 |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Coillte |
297,024 |
297,024 |
297,024 |
Suspended for 2008 & 2009 |
Car allowance paid |
|
Increases sanctioned on 1/03/2008 and 1/09/2008 were not implemented |
|||||
|
Irish National Stud* |
126,391 |
126,391 |
133,419 |
Provision in contract |
Provision in contract |
*A new CEO was appointed in Feb 2010.
381 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the criteria and eligibility for applications under the biomass grant scheme; if growers whose crops have failed over the winter 2009-10 are eligible to apply for this grant to help rejuvenate their crops; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13644/10]
The Miscanthus and Willow BioEnergy scheme came into operation on 5th February 2010 and the closing date for applications for pre-planting approval is 31st March 2010.
The full terms and conditions are available on my Department's website, www.agriculture.gov.ie
The Scheme is open to applicants who meet the following criteria:
Applicants who are landowners or have leasehold title to the land and have responsibility for farming the land on which it is proposed to carry out the plantation.
Where an applicant has leasehold title to the land, aid will not be granted unless the leasehold title allows for planting or where the landowner has consented to planting in a supplementary lease.
An applicant who is not the owner of land involved shall only be admitted to the Scheme if they are a family member and are managing the land. Such an application can only be made with the written permission of the landowner.
Commonage shares, rented lands and grazing rights are not eligible for payment under the Scheme.
Applications will only be accepted in relation to the establishment of new sites, which were not previously planted with miscanthus and willow.
382 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive a payment under the suckler cow grant scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13645/10]
Due to industrial action by staff in my Department, I am not in a position to provide a reply to this question.
383 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when payment will be awarded in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13646/10]
Due to industrial action by staff in my Department, I am not in a position to provide a reply to this question.
384 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) will receive their REP scheme and suckling payment. [13725/10]
Due to industrial action by staff in my Department, I am not in a position to provide a reply to this question.
385 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will introduce a 50% top up payment to farmers based on islands in the new agri-environment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13734/10]
The amendment to the Rural Development Programme approved by the European Commission, under which I have introduced the new Agri-Environment Options Scheme today, does not include provision for a higher payment to farmers on islands.
386 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if a special island top up is awarded to all island farmers who were accepted into the REP scheme four; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13735/10]
In REPS 4, land farmed on off-shore islands receives an additional 15% over and above the general rates of payment.
387 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if all outstanding payments will be made on shed grants for island farmers in view of the increased transport and cargo costs incurred by these farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13736/10]
The arrangements for payment of grants under the Farm Waste Management Scheme on a phased basis were confirmed in early 2009 with the first instalment of 40 per cent being paid in that year as claims were approved, a further instalment of 40 per cent in early 2010, and the remaining instalment of 20 per cent in January 2011. In addition, I also announced at that time that a special ex-gratia payment not exceeding 3.5 per cent of the value of the deferred amount would be made to farmers whose Farm Waste Management grants are partially deferred in the manner set out above. This payment will be made in January 2011 along with the final instalment.
I have no plans to alter these arrangements at this time. However, the Deputy should note that the Scheme provided for an increase of 25 per cent in my Department's Standard Costs in the case of investments carried out on off-shore islands.
388 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if there will be cuts to any island farm payments due to their disadvantage as opposed to mainland farmers; the steps that he will take to encourage the continuation of farming on our islands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13737/10]
A special category was included in the Single Payment Scheme 2007 national reserve for off-shore island farmers where the value of existing entitlements were less than the District Electoral Division (DED) average value. Under this measure, some €64,000 was allocated to Island farmers. This top-up will, of course, apply each year and will be worth some €384,000 over the period 2007- 2012 inclusive.
389 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to dredge a lough (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13803/10]
A number of dredging operations have been undertaken by Donegal County Council at Lough Swilly in recent years. All dredging operations require a Dumping at Sea Permit, and my Department has issued a number of permits to the Council in order to facilitate dredging at the location referred to.
However, following the enactment of the Foreshore and Dumping at Sea (Amendment) Act 2009, responsibility for the grant of Dumping at Sea permits was transferred from my Department to the Environmental Protection Agency. The transfer of this responsibility took effect from 15 February 2010. Any enquiries regarding the grant of Dumping at Sea permits should be directed to that agency.
390 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive a suckler cow welfare scheme payment. [13827/10]
Due to industrial action by staff in my Department, I am not in a position to provide a reply to this question.
391 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on whether the current categories for the administration of animal medicines are helpful to farmers in view of the difficulties arising from the prescription-only medical exempt category; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13829/10]
Under the European Communities (Animal Remedies) (No 2) Regulations 2007 (SI 786/2007), responsibility for categorising veterinary medicines in one of six mandatory routes of supply rests with the Irish Medicines Board, acting in its role as national licensing authority. Decisions in individual cases are made by the Board on the basis of its assessment of the degree of restriction which is appropriate, following its scientific evaluation of the product in question and taking account of relevant criteria laid down in EU and national legislation.
I believe that the current range of categories is appropriate having regard to the interests of farmers and the need to protect public and animal health. In the most recent review of EU medicines legislation, my Department was to the forefront in seeking to ensure that farmers would continue to have reasonable access to medicines and we were succeeded, despite European Commission proposals to the contrary, in maintaining an ‘off-prescription' category for a range of products such as wormers and certain vaccines.
Products assigned to the "Prescription Only (Exempt)" category can be supplied, without prescription, by a pharmacist or by a veterinary practitioner for animals under his or her care. The POM(E) category exists in the route of supply hierarchy to enable IMB, where it considers it appropriate, to assign particular products, which would otherwise be restricted to being supplied only on the basis of a veterinary prescription (POM), to this category. My Department is not aware of particular difficulties with this supply category, which, in any event, must be viewed in the context of the totality of the route of supply hierarchy.
392 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the promised €50 million for the new farm environment scheme will be made available. [13835/10]
I have launched the new Agri-Environment Options Scheme today. The Minister for Finance agreed in December last to provide for the launch of the new scheme at a rate of up to €5,000 for approximately 10,000 participants.
393 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the percentage of REP scheme four applicants that have been paid on a county basis. [13836/10]
Due to industrial action by staff in my Department, I am not in a position to provide a reply to this question.
394 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be awarded the suckler cow welfare scheme. [13839/10]
Due to industrial action by staff in my Department, I am not in a position to provide a reply to this question.
395 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to lessen the negative impact of the proposed new agri-environment options scheme on small and medium-sized farms involved in REP schemes for a number of years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13855/10]
Under the new Agri-Environment Options Scheme which I have launched today, farmers will be paid to undertake identifiable and verifiable environmental actions and have a menu of options from which to choose. The Government has provides for the launch of the new scheme at a rate of up to €5,000 for approximately 10,000 participants.
Generally speaking, the amount any farmer participating in the AEOS will be paid will depend on the number of individual actions he or she undertakes. I am satisfied that many participants will have the opportunity to reach the maximum payment of €5,000. I am confident that very many others will get very close to that figure. In the current economic climate, I believe the Scheme will be attractive to farmers and will also deliver real, worthwhile environmental benefits.
The new Scheme was approved by the European Commission, as part of an amendment to the Rural Development Programme 2007–13, after several months of detailed and difficult negotiations involving officials of my Department. Any substantive changes to the amended RDP would require further negotiations with the Commission. Following discussions with the farming organisations, however, I have asked my officials to take up some points of detail with the Commission with a view to getting their agreement to changes.
396 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make provision under the new agri-environmental options scheme for farms to continue to be managed in a REP scheme mode; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13856/10]
Under the new Agri-Environment Options Scheme which I have launched today, farmers will be paid to undertake identifiable and verifiable environmental actions and have a menu of options from which to choose. Many of the options were previously features of REPS. A whole-farm approach on the REPS model is however no longer a possibility.
397 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to offset the impact of the new agri-environment options scheme, which as proposed, will be another blow to the rural economy, and will in no way deliver the €50 million promised in budget 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13857/10]
Under the new Agri-Environment Options Scheme which I have launched today, farmers will be paid to undertake identifiable and verifiable environmental actions and have a menu of options from which to choose. Generally speaking, the amount any farmer participating in the AEOS will be paid will depend on the number of individual actions he or she undertakes. I am satisfied that many participants will have the opportunity to reach the maximum payment of €5,000. I am confident that very many others will get very close to that figure. In the current economic climate, I believe the Scheme will be attractive to farmers and will also deliver real, worthwhile environmental benefits.
398 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, in respect of the proposed agri-environment scheme which replaces the REP scheme, he will meet the farming organisations to discuss significant changes and improvements which could be made to the scheme to make it more effective and acceptable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13868/10]
Under the new Agri-Environment Options Scheme which I have launched today, farmers will be paid to undertake identifiable and verifiable environmental actions and have a menu of options from which to choose. The Government has provides for the launch of the new scheme at a rate of up to €5,000 for approximately 10,000 participants.
Generally speaking, the amount any farmer participating in the AEOS will be paid will depend on the number of individual actions he or she undertakes. I am satisfied that many participants will have the opportunity to reach the maximum payment of €5,000. I am confident that very many others will get very close to that figure. In the current economic climate, I believe the Scheme will be attractive to farmers and will also deliver real, worthwhile environmental benefits.
The new Scheme was approved by the European Commission, as part of an amendment to the Rural Development Programme 2007–13, after several months of detailed negotiations involving officials of my Department. Any substantive changes to the amended RDP would require further negotiations with the Commission. Following discussions with the farming organisations, however, I have asked my officials to take up some points of detail with the Commission with a view to getting their agreement to changes.
399 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the list of all proposals in the report of the special group on public service numbers and expenditure relating to his Department or to bodies or agencies under his remit which have been implemented to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13877/10]
The position in relation to the main recommendations of the Special Group on Public Numbers and Expenditure Programmes is set out in the following table:
|
Main recommendations |
Current position |
|
Terminate Suckler Cow Scheme |
The rate of payment under the Scheme was reduced from €80 to €40 per eligible animal in the 2009 Budget in October 2008. |
|
Close REPS 4 and no roll-over of participants from REPS 2 & 3 into REPS 4 |
REPS 4 was closed to new applicants on July 2009. |
|
Reduce the annual expenditure on the Disadvantaged Area Compensatory Allowance Scheme by 30% |
Expenditure was reduced by 14% or €35m in the 2009 Budget in October 2008 |
|
Reduce staff numbers and implement efficiency savings in the Department and State bodies under the Department’s aegis |
The Administrative Budget for the Department of €257 million in 2010 represents a reduction of €46 million in administration costs compared to 2008 and includes reductions in salary, overtime and travel costs due to (a) lower staff numbers, reduced overtime and travel allocations, (b) improved efficiencies and (c) the rationalisation of the Department’s local office network. |
|
Reductions of the Grants-in-Aid to the State bodies under the aegis of the Department include €25 million cuts compared to 2008 in funding for administration and operating costs due to reductions in staff numbers and improved efficiencies. |
The Vote for my Department has been reduced from a gross outturn of €2.104 billion in 2008 to €1.758 billion in 2010, a reduction of €346 million. The lower 2010 budget provision reflects a combination of factors including lower administration costs, the closure of certain schemes to new applicants, the introduction of lower payment rates, lower levels of funding to discharge outstanding liabilities under existing schemes and lower budget provision for once-off items such as the cost of measures to deal with the dioxin crisis in the pig meat sector.
400 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of 2009 single farm payment applications submitted by persons in counties Roscommon and Leitrim respectively; the numbers paid and those where payment is outstanding in each county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13908/10]
The following are the details sought in relation to applications submitted by Leitrim and Roscommon herd-owners under the 2009 Single Payment Scheme:
|
County |
Total number of applications |
Number paid to date |
Value of payments |
|
Leitrim |
3,647 |
3,330 |
€17,791,251 |
|
Roscommon |
6,065 |
5,654 |
€41,539,891 |
Applicants under a variety of other schemes, including Disadvantaged Areas Scheme and REPS, are obliged to submit SPS applications, even where they are not applying under the Single Payment Scheme. Of those applicants Leitrim and Roscommon applicants who have not been paid the 2009 Single Payment, 194 Leitrim applicants do not hold SPS entitlements, while 244 Roscommon applicants similarly do not hold entitlements.
401 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science the alternative arrangements that will be put in place for substitute cover in County Monaghan in view of the decision by her Department to discontinue the teacher supply panel scheme which up to now provided substitute cover for 12 local schools in that county. [13812/10]
427 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science if she will review her decision to discontinue the teacher supply panel scheme which provides substitute cover for 12 local schools in County Monaghan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13811/10]
428 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science her views on whether the decision to discontinue the teacher supply panel in County Monaghan will cause undue hardship for schools, in view of the fact that principals will now be forced to search for their own substitute teacher at short notice, verify qualifications and introduce them to their school instead of just simply contacting the supply panel scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13813/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 401, 427 and 428 together.
The supply teacher scheme was initially set up at primary level over 15 years ago at a time when schools had difficulty getting substitute teachers. The supply scheme operates on the basis of an additional full-time teacher being allocated to a school to cover certified sick leave absences in that school and a cluster of neighbouring schools. If the teacher is not required on a given day to cover sick leave absences they generally assist with other work in their school such as administrative duties. There are 60 posts allocated to the scheme.
A value for money review of the Supply Teacher Scheme was published in July 2006. The review found that approximately 60% of these teachers' time was used to cover sick leave absences with the balance on various other school duties. This reflects the unpredictable nature of sick leave absences.
While there are benefits for schools in having these full-time teachers it is considered more cost effective to use the normal substitution arrangements that apply to all other schools to cover sick leave absences instead of having a cohort of full-time teachers ‘‘on call'' all the time in these schools to cover sick leave absences that may or may not arise.
The supply teacher scheme will cease from the start of the 2010/11 school year. The teachers concerned will be redeployed in accordance with the existing redeployment arrangements to other schools that have vacancies.
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.
402 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the trust fund established for victims of abuse in church-run institutions; and the way she plans to administer and distribute these funds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13894/10]
The proposal to establish a trust for the support of victims and to other education and welfare purposes arises in the context of the call on the religious Congregations to commit to making further substantial contributions by way of reparation, following the publication of the Ryan Report.
The present position is that the Government has been considering the offers of contributions from the religious Congregations that were party to the 2002 Indemnity Agreement together with the report of the panel appointed to assess the statements of resources submitted by the Congregations. It is expected to publish the panel's report and details of the offers from the Congregations shortly, following meetings with representatives of the former residents and with the religious Congregations.
403 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the content of a press article (details supplied); and if she is satisfied that the organisation referred to therein should have access to schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13590/10]
Officials within my Department are aware of the press article referred to by the Deputy.
Schools may invite visitors to support the work of the curriculum where appropriate.
My Department has recently issued best practice guidelines to schools which include specific guidance relating to the role of any visitors in supporting the implementation of the Social Personal and Health Education (SPHE) programme. These guidelines require that visits are carefully planned with the relevant school personnel, and that the content of talks/programmes by outside facilitators are consistent with school policies, and with the SPHE programme.
It is a matter for each school authority to decide on the suitability of any proposed visitors and to determine the suitability of the support materials and resources to be used.
404 Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science the proposed reductions to projects run through local drugs task force in Dublin in 2010, with a cessation of this funding in 2011; if there has been any review of these proposals; or if there are plans to review these proposals. [13600/10]
My Department provides funds for over thirty projects in Local Drugs Task Force areas.
In the context of the budget for 2010 and the difficult fiscal climate, it was decided that funding for these projects was to be reduced from €3,643,000 in 2009 to €2,461,000 in 2010 and to cease from 2011.
My Department is currently reviewing the implications of the budget decisions relating to funding allocations for all of these projects. A key aspect of the review is to determine whether my Department is the appropriate location for these projects or whether funding should more appropriately be channelled through another Department or agency. The Department will submit recommendations for my consideration based on the review which, it is anticipated, will be completed shortly.
405 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science if a person who is in receipt of a vocational education committee third level maintenance grant and who becomes seriously ill, and then has to repeat the year, is entitled to receive the maintenance grant again; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13602/10]
Clause 7.2 of the VEC Scholarship Scheme provides that a VEC shall have discretion to allow funding for a repeat year of study in exceptional circumstances, such as certified serious illness. The exercise of this discretion and the decision on eligibility is a matter, in the first instance, for the relevant VEC.
406 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science if she is satisfied that in the event of an allegation of abuse being made to a teacher, informing the designated liaison person in the school is sufficient; and her views on whether it should be mandatory that the allegation goes directly to either the Health Service Executive or the Gardaí. [13608/10]
The primary statutory responsibility for child protection lies with the Health Services Executive (HSE). The role of my Department is to provide guidance and support to schools in implementing child protection policy and to refer any allegations received to the appropriate authorities for investigation.
I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has issued child protection guidelines to all schools. The guidelines are based on Children First — the Department of Health & Children's national guidelines for the protection and welfare of children. The Children First guidelines make very clear the reporting and investigation mechanisms to be followed in cases of suspected child abuse wherever they occur.
Consistent with the principles of Children First, all organisations providing services to children should identify a designated person to act as a liaison with outside agencies and as a resource person to any staff member or volunteer who has child protection concerns. The designated person is responsible for reporting allegations or suspicions of child abuse to the HSE or An Garda Síochána. My Department's guidelines for schools require each board of management to designate a senior member of staff, normally the principal, as the Designated Liaison Person (DLP) for the school.
In accordance with Children First and my Department's guidelines, if a member of school staff receives an allegation or has a suspicion that a child may have been abused, or is being abused, or is at risk of abuse he/she should, without delay, report the matter to the DLP in that school. The DLP is responsible for ensuring that the standard reporting procedure is followed so that suspected cases of child abuse are referred promptly to the HSE or An Garda Síochána.
The guidelines provide that if the DLP is satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for the suspicion or allegation, he/she should report the matter to the HSE immediately.
Both Children First and my Department's child protection guidelines for schools require that where the DLP decides that the concerns of the member of staff should not be referred to the HSE, the member of staff should be given a clear statement, in writing, as to the reasons why action is not being taken and that the member of staff should be advised that, if he/she remains concerned about the situation, he/she is free to consult with or report to the HSE.
The Deputy will also be aware that, in anticipation of the review and proposed updating of Children First, my Department wrote to all the education partners last Autumn inviting submissions from them on potential changes that might be desirable to the Department's existing child protection guidelines to schools. The education partners were also invited to participate in a working party to review the guidelines. The working party commenced last December and its work is ongoing.
407 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science the reason her predecessor had announced that no further gaelscoileanna will open in 2010; if this action is a U-turn by her Department on policy in this area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13616/10]
413 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science if she will support a matter (details supplied). [13674/10]
414 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science her reason for refusing to open any new Irish medium schools in 2010; the position regarding the seven applications made by founding committees to establish new Irish medium schools in 2010; the criteria on which the decision to proceed with new schools in 2010 was made; her views on the fact that Irish medium schools are oversubscribed and they are turning away children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13676/10]
430 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science if she will review the decision not to open any new gaelscoileanna in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13819/10]
431 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science if she will clarify the criteria used to make the decision on new schools for 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13820/10]
432 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the seven applications made by founding committees to establish new gaelscoileanna in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13821/10]
433 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science her views on whether the decision not to open any new gaelscoileanna in 2010 is a breach of parents’ constitutional right to Irish medium education for their children, and the State’s obligation to protect and nurture the Irish language; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13822/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 407, 413, 414 and 430 to 433, inclusive, together.
Primary education has a pivotal role in the preservation and expansion of the first official language. The promotion of the Irish language has been an important aim of successive Irish Governments and its place in our education system has been consistently protected. This is reflected in the fact that in recent years a significant number of new gaelscoileanna have been recognised — 17 in total since 2005.
As the Deputy may be aware the Commission on School Accommodation is currently reviewing the procedures for the establishment of new primary schools. When my predecessor announced the commencement of the review he stated that no new primary schools would be established ahead of the completion of the review and the putting in place of revised procedures except in places where new schools are warranted because of increased demographics. The interim arrangements for the recognition of new primary schools, while the review of procedures is underway, provide that the Chairman of the Commission on School Accommodation would advise the Minister in cases where more than one patron expresses an interest in opening new schools in locations where new schools are required to meet demographic trends.
Forward Planning Section has carried out a study of the country to identify the areas where, due to demographic changes, there may be a requirement for significant additional accommodation in future years. This study indicated that for the school year 2009/10 there was no requirement for any new school entities based on demographic changes. This is not to say that certain locations were not experiencing an increase in the school going cohort. Following this detailed analysis it appeared prudent to plan for the establishment of new schools to commence operation in September 2010 to meet increasing demand in certain identified areas. There was detailed consultation during 2009 with all patrons in relation to the areas under consideration. In relation to most of these areas the view of the Gaelscoileanna movement was that there was not sufficient additional demand for all Irish provision to warrant the establishment of a new gaelscoil.
There was a specific application for the establishment of a new gaelscoil in Ratoath, Co Meath. However, after detailed analysis of the increase in pupil numbers for September this year and of the capacity in existing schools it was not necessary to establish a new school to cater for the demographic increase. My Department was satisfied that the existing schools can cater for the projected increase in demographics in September 2010. This situation will be reviewed for September 2011 in light of needs and consultation with the patron bodies.
408 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science if there are scholarships or funds available which would help a person (details supplied) to pursue a university education in the United States of America; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13621/10]
The schemes of third level student support extend to full-time undergraduate courses of not less than two years duration which are pursued in Ireland or other EU member states. Courses pursued in countries outside of the EU are not approved for grants purposes.
My Department has no scheme under which funding is made available to students taking up a sports scholarship for study in the United States of America.
409 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science the programmes and-or schemes that a school (details supplied) in County Limerick has benefited from through her Department; if it has provided funding for capital works to the school since the year 2000; the exact nature of the projects and her Department’s financial contribution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13625/10]
Due to industrial action on the part of some staff in the Department of Education and Science, I am not in a position to give the full details sought by the Deputy.
However, I set out below a list of capital grants provided to the school since 2000, for the Deputy's information.
|
Project Description |
Amount Paid |
Date Paid |
Year |
|
€ |
|||
|
Cont. 2009 — Electrical Upgrade |
126,362.88 |
22-Sep-09 |
2009 |
|
Cont. 2009 — Electrical Upgrade |
56,139.04 |
19-Nov-09 |
2009 |
|
Cont. 2009 — Electrical Upgrade |
78,215.11 |
27-Nov-09 |
2009 |
|
Loose Furniture & Equipment |
5,057.93 |
12-May-08 |
2008 |
|
Loose Furniture & Equipment |
7,602.39 |
29-Jun-07 |
2007 |
|
Conversion Works |
17,155.00 |
17-Sep-07 |
2007 |
|
Replacement Boiler |
31,135.32 |
24-Jan-07 |
2007 |
|
Loose Furniture & Equipment |
35,797.15 |
12-Oct-06 |
2006 |
|
Loose Furniture & Equipment |
29,821.18 |
28-Nov-06 |
2006 |
|
Dust Extraction |
2,722.50 |
09-May-05 |
2005 |
|
Dust Extraction |
19,534.15 |
10-Feb-05 |
2005 |
|
Dust Extraction |
6,104.20 |
22-Mar-05 |
2005 |
|
Dust Extraction |
5,521.23 |
20-Apr-04 |
2004 |
|
Prefabs |
1,803.60 |
16-May-03 |
2003 |
|
Prefabs |
1,803.60 |
12-Sep-02 |
2002 |
|
Loose Furniture And Equipment |
40,027.85 |
16-Feb-01 |
2001 |
|
Prefabs |
30,382.38 |
07-Nov-01 |
2001 |
|
New Science Room |
39,838.36 |
30-Jul-01 |
2001 |
|
New Science Room |
12,695.46 |
22-Aug-01 |
2001 |
|
New Science Room |
3,565.42 |
06-Nov-01 |
2001 |
|
551,284.76 |
410 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science the salary of each chief executive of agencies under the aegis of his Department on 1 August 2008 and 1 September 2008 in tabular form; if a voluntary pay cut was taken by each CEO; if so, the date of same; the salary of the CEO at that date; the full benefits package now applying to each such person including pension contributions and amount of bonus, if any; if same was awarded, the way in which it was benchmarked; the cost of a company car and any other benefit in kind; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13634/10]
Due to industrial action on the part of some staff in the Department of Education and Science, I am not in a position to provide the precise details requested by the Deputy.
However I set out below for the Deputy's information details which were provided in response to a similar parliamentary question tabled in September 2008, which outlines the basic salary and pension entitlement details for the CEOs of those bodies under the aegis of my Department at that time. If the Deputy requires more information relating to a specific agency I will endeavour to provide him with the relevant information.
The scheme of bonus payments on performance related awards in the Civil Service applies to the grades of Deputy and Assistant Secretaries and equivalent grades. These payments are made on the basis of recommendations made by the Committee for Performance Awards. As staff in both the National Council for Special Education and the State Examinations Commission are civil servants the CEO of each of these bodies is part of the civil service scheme for my Department and is eligible for awards under that scheme. Awards made to individual officers under the scheme are not disclosed as they are confidential and personal to the officers concerned. Payments under this Scheme were suspended in April 2009.
|
Agency Name |
CEO Basic Salary |
CEO Pension Entitlements |
|
Advisory Council for English Language Schools |
Equivalent to Assistant Principal Higher |
Private Pension Plan |
|
An Chomhairle um Oideachais Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta |
Equivalent to Assistant Principal Higher Scale |
Civil Service Pension Scheme |
|
Commission into Child Abuse |
Equivalent to Assistant Principal Higher Scale |
Civil Service Pension Scheme |
|
Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies |
Equivalent to Principal Officer Scale |
Defined benefit Government scheme |
|
Education Finance Board |
Nil — The CEO is not in receipt of any payments. The Secretary/Manager is seconded from the VEC and is in receipt of salary at Assistant Principal Office (VEC) Scale |
Nil — The CEO is not in receipt of any payments. The Secretary/Manager — as per VEC Superannuation Scheme |
|
Further Education & Training Awards Council |
Equivalent to Assistant Secretary General Scale |
FETAC Superannuation and Spouse’s Children’s Scheme |
|
Grangegorman Development Agency |
€147,290.00 |
A pension contribution of 5% is paid by the Department of Education and Science |
|
Higher Education and Training Awards Council |
Equivalent to Assistant Secretary General Scale |
HETAC Pension Scheme |
|
Higher Education Authority |
Equivalent to Assistant Secretary Scale |
Public Service Defined Benefit Scheme |
|
International Education Board — Ireland |
TCD Senior Admin level 6 |
Defined benefit at age 65 |
|
Irish Research Council for Science, Engineering and Technology |
Single Point Scale |
Public Service Defined Benefit Scheme |
|
Irish Research Council for the Humanities and Social Sciences |
Salary Scale €74,640 — €93,334 |
Public Service Defined Benefit Scheme |
|
Leargas — The Exchange Bureau |
Salary Equivalent to PO Higher Scale |
Member of Private defined contribution pension scheme |
|
National Centre for Technology in Education |
Seconded Principal from CDVEC |
Seconded Principal from CDVEC |
|
National Centre Guidance in Education |
Lecturer Scale |
Education Sector Superannuation Scheme |
|
National Council for Curriculum and Assessment |
Equivalent to Assistant Chief Inspector |
Civil Service Pension Scheme |
|
National Council for Special Education |
Equivalent to Assistant Secretary |
Civil Service Pension scheme |
|
National Education Welfare Board |
Equivalent to Assistant Secretary General Salary Scale |
Civil Service Pension Scheme |
|
National Qualifications Authority of Ireland |
Equivalent to Assistant Secretary General Scale |
Civil Service Pension Scheme |
|
Residential Institution Redress Board |
Civil Service Principal Officer Scale |
Civil Service Pension Entitlements Scheme |
|
Residential Institution Review Committee |
Salary as per the abatement rule |
Nil |
|
State Examinations Commission |
Equivalent to Assistant Secretary General Scale |
Civil Service Pension Scheme |
|
The President’s Award — Gaisce |
Salary Equivalent to PO Standard Scale |
Member of Private defined contribution pension scheme |
|
The Teaching Council |
Principal Officer (Higher) LS1 |
Teachers Pension (on secondment) |
411 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science if there are any scholarships or funds available which would help a person (details supplied) to pursue a university education in the United States of America; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13659/10]
The schemes of third level student support extend to full-time undergraduate courses of not less than two years duration which are pursued in Ireland or other EU member states. Courses pursued in countries outside of the EU are not approved for grants purposes.
My Department has no scheme under which funding is made available to students taking up a sports scholarship for study in the United States of America.
412 Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science if a decision will be made regarding school transport in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork who is appealing refusal of same. [13666/10]
My Department understands that the case referred to by the Deputy in the details supplied is being appealed to the School Transport Appeals Board.
The decision of the School Transport Appeals Board will be relayed directly to the family concerned.
Questions Nos. 413 and 414 answered with Question No. 407.
415 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science if there are any concessions in relation to water rates for schools that have acquired a green flag status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13677/10]
The Deputy will be aware that each local authority sets its own water rates.
Under the Water Framework Directive, the payment of water charges is required with effect from 1 January 2010. The legal advice available to the Government is that schools, like other non-domestic water services users, must pay the full cost of water services used on a metered basis.
While no specific concessions are available to schools that have acquired green flag status, schools' water bills will decrease if they use less water.
As advised in Circular 64/2009, issued by my Department, the recommended per capita usage is 2.1 cubic metres per annum. However, data from local authorities indicates that water consumption levels in many schools remains too high. It is therefore incumbent on all schools to seek to put in place conservation measures to reduce water consumption.
Schools were advised of actions they could take to reduce water consumption in Circular 46/2008, which was issued by my Department in April 2008. They were advised to develop a water management plan, in order that they would be familiar with the water distribution systems serving the school and the areas where water is used along with potential areas for wastage and leakage. Practical suggestions for reducing water consumption, along with examples of best practice, were also included.
I wish to draw the Deputy's attention also to Circular 57/2009, which is available on my Department's website. Circular 57/2009 outlines the funding available through the Summer Works Scheme 2010 for water conservation measures, which will have the effect of reducing schools' water charges and of contributing to environmental sustainability.
416 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science if she plans to extend the contracts of librarians in DEIS schools whose contracts are due to expire in August 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13695/10]
Under the terms of the DEIS Action Plan, a commitment was made to extend the Junior Certificate School Programme (JCSP) Demonstration Library Project to the 50 School Support Programme (SSP) schools with the highest concentrations of disadvantage over the five years to 2010, with extension to further SSP schools to be considered subsequently.
To date, the Project has been extended to 20 of the targeted 50 additional SSP schools, bringing the current number of schools with a Demonstration Library to 30.
The project establishes high quality, fully stocked and equipped modern school libraries and provides each with a professional librarian. A number of studies have noted that the project is effective in addressing the literacy needs of students in schools with the highest concentration of disadvantage in particular it has been noted that reading standards, student concentration and behaviour had improved.
Library staff, like other public servants in the Education sector, other than teachers and SNAs, are subject to the public sector moratorium and consequently the matter raised by the deputy falls to be considered in the context of the current public financial and numbers policy environment.
417 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science the DEIS schools in Dublin 15 that have a librarian whose contract is due to expire during 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13696/10]
Due to industrial action on the part of some staff in the Department of Education and Science, I am not in a position to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
418 Deputy Shane McEntee asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science the reason repeat leaving certificate students are charged €284 to sit the leaving certificate examination, while first-time examinees are only charged €109; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13706/10]
Special fees for repeat candidates were introduced in 1987 on the basis that it is not unreasonable to expect those who have already benefited from the normal course of second level education, and who wish to take an extra year, to make a contribution towards the cost of providing the necessary resources. A course fee is also payable in respect of such candidates.
Examination fees generally cover only a fraction of the cost of running the examinations. Additional demands on the system have been arising in recent years due to the introduction of new methods of assessment in various subjects and to continuing increases in special arrangements for students with special needs.
There is an alleviation scheme in place whereby current medical card holders and their dependents are exempt from the payment of fees. This exemption applies to approximately 30% of all examination candidates each year. This alleviation scheme also applies in the case of repeat candidates in respect of both the course fee and the repeat examination fee.
419 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the proposed new second level school for Kildare town, with specific regard to the commencement date for construction and the proposed date of opening; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13719/10]
Final tenders for the second bundle of Primary/Post Primary schools consisting of six schools including the school referred to by the Deputy were received by the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) on the 1st July 2009 and following evaluation, Macquarie Partnerships for Ireland (MPFI) were appointed preferred tenderer in early October 2009.
Planning applications were submitted by MPFI to the relevant local authorities and final decisions on a number of sites, including the school referred to by the Deputy are awaited. Subject to the successful completion of the planning process and the subsequent finalisation of the tendering competition it is envisaged that construction work on all six schools will commence in mid 2010 with the schools becoming operational in late 2011.
420 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science the progress made to date regarding the provision of a new school (details supplied) in County Clare; when she expects construction to commence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13721/10]
Due to industrial action on the part of some staff in the Department of Education and Science, I am not in a position to give full details of the project for the school referred to by the Deputy.
The project is currently progressing through the stages of architectural planning. However, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the commencement of construction at this time.
421 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science when finance will be sanctioned for an extension to a school (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13724/10]
Due to industrial action on the part of some staff in the Department of Education and Science, I am not in a position to give the full details sought by the Deputy.
The progression of all large scale building projects from initial design stage through to construction will be considered in the context of the school building and modernisation programme. However, in view of the level of demand on the Department's capital budget, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of particular projects at this time.
422 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science the reason there is only a two week period when secondary school teachers can apply to her Department for the cycle to work tax relief scheme; if she will instruct her officials to extend the period for applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13726/10]
The Cycle to Work Scheme was introduced for teachers in September 2009 when the terms of the scheme were outlined in Circular 54/2009. The Circular provides that applications for the scheme are to be forwarded to my Department not later than the 15th December. The deductions from salary are made during the following calendar year as outlined in the Circular.
Therefore in 2009 all teachers had in excess of a period of two months within which to apply for the scheme in order to avail of it in 2010. Teachers currently have until 15th December 2010 to apply for the scheme for the calendar year 2011. The period for applications is not limited to two weeks, applications can be made at any time during the year under the terms of the Circular once they are received by the deadline of 15th December.
423 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Brian O’Shea den Tánaiste agus Aire Oideachais agus Eolaíochta céard a dhéanfaidh sí faoin gcáineadh a rinne Gaelscoileanna Teo (sonraí iniata) ar an Aire; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [13770/10]
438 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin den Tánaiste agus Aire Oideachais agus Eolaíochta an ndéanfaidh sí achomharc in aghaidh an chinnidh a rinne a réamhtheachtaí mar Aire nach n-osclófar aon ghaelscoil nua i 2010; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [13851/10]
Tógfaigh mé Ceisteanna 423 agus 438 le chéile.
Tá ról maighdeogach le himirt ag an mbunscolaíocht i gcaomhnú agus i leathnú na céad teanga oifigiúla. Bhí cur chun cinn na Gaeilge ina haidhm mhór ariamh ag Rialtais na hÉireann i ndiaidh a chéile agus cosnaíodh i gcónaí a hionad sa chóras oideachais. Comhartha air seo an chaoi inar aithníodh líon suntasach Gaelscoileanna nua le blianta beaga anuas — 17 ar fad ó 2005 i leith.
B'fhéidir go bhfuil sé le fios ag an Teachta go bhfuil an Coimisiún um Chóiríocht Scoileanna ag athbhreithniú faoi láthair na nósanna imeachta do bhunscoileanna a bhunú. Nuair a d'fhógair mo réamhtheachtaí go raibh an t-athbhreithniú á thosnú dúirt sé nach mbunófaí bunscoileanna nua ar bith sula mbeadh an t-athbhreithniú curtha i gcrích agus nósanna imeachta nua curtha ar bun, ach amháin in áiteanna inar cheart scoileanna nua de bharr fás a bheith tagtha ar an daonra. De réir na socruithe eatramhacha atá i bhfeidhm maidir le haitheantas a thabhairt do bhunscoileanna nua fad is atá an t-athbhreithniú ar na nósanna imeachta ar siúl, is cóir do Chathaoirleach an Choimisiúin um Chóiríocht Scoileanna comhairle a chur ar an Aire i gcásanna ina gcuireann níos mó ná pátrún amháin in iúl gur mian leis scoileanna a oscailt in áiteanna inar gá scoileanna nua de bharr fái a bheith tagtha ar an daonra.
Tá staidéar mar gheall ar an tír déanta ag an Rannóg Pleanála Chun Cinn chun a fháil amach céard iad na ceantair inar fhéadfadh gá a bheith le cuid mhaith cóiríocht breise insna blianta amach romhainn. Thug an staidéar seo le fios nach raibh gá ar bith le scoileanna nua sa scoilbhliain 2009/10 de bharr athruithe a bheith tagtha ar an daonra. Ní hionann sin is a rá nár tháinig méadú ar an gcohórt freastal scoile i gceantair áirithe. Tar éis na hanailíse mionsonraithe seo ba léir go mba chríonna an rud é pleanáil a dhéanamh do bhunú scoileanna nua, a thosnódh ag obair i Meán Fómhair 2010, chun riar ar éileamh méadaitheach i gceantair sainaitheanta áirithe. Bhí comhairliúchán mionsonraithe ann i rith 2009 leis na pátrúin go léir maidir leis na ceantair a bhí á machnamh. I gcás formhór na gceantar seo ba í tuairim lucht na gluaiseachta Gaelscoileanna nár leor an t-éileamh breise ar sholáthar lán-Ghaelach chun údar maith a bheith le bunú Gaelscoile nua.
Rinneadh iarratas sainiúil ar bhunú Gaelscoile i Ráth Tó, Co na Mí. Tar éis anailíse mionsonraithe ar an mhéadú i líon na ndaltaí i Meán Fómhair na bliana seo, agus ar chumas na scoileanna atá ann, áfach, ba léir nár ghá scoil nua a bhunú chun riar ar an bhfás deimeagrafach. Bhí mo Roinnse deimhin de gur féidir leis na scoileanna atá ann riar ar an mhéadú réamh-mheasta deimeagrafach i Meán Fómhair 2010. Déanfar athbhreithniú ar an scéal roimh Mean Fómhair 2011 ag tógaint cúrsáí riachtanais san áireamh agus taréis dul i gcomhairle leis na comhluchtaí patrúnachta.
424 Deputy John Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the difficulties experienced by students with disabilities in colleges of further education who apply for supports to the Higher Education Authority, due to the fact that their courses are normally of 12 months duration and the applications for supports may not be processed for up to three months after commencement of the course; if she will request to the HEA to be more flexible in dealing with such applications so that they are dealt with in a more timely manner; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13773/10]
The Fund for Students with Disabilities (FSD) provides funding to both further and higher education institutions for the provision of services and supports for full-time students with disabilities. In recent years, the demand for the fund has grown considerably. Provisional data for 2009-10 suggests that between 2008/09 and 2009/10 there has been an increase of 34% in applications approved for support. It is anticipated that approximately 5,450 students will be supported through the fund in 2009/10.
Applications from the further education sector have contributed to the overall increase in applications in recent years. For example, in 2003/04, funding was allocated to further education institutions to support 136 students. By 2009/10, this had increased by 338% to 596 students. A total of €3.4m has been provided to the further education sector to support students with disabilities from the fund in 2009/10.
Institutions apply to the HEA under FSD for supports on behalf of students. Applications are then assessed by the HEA years the HEA has prioritised the assessment of applications from the further education sector on the basis that most students are completing one year courses. The HEA operates an early application round for further education colleges. Between August and mid-October assessment of applications received from further education colleges takes priority. From mid-October current resources within the HEA are also allocated for assessment of applications received from the higher education sector. The HEA currently receives over 1,500 applications for assessment. However, throughout this period, the HEA continues to prioritise the assessment of applications from the further education sector to ensure that colleges receive funding as quickly as possible to support their students.
The HEA has also introduced a system of approval whereby institutions now receive a per-capita rate for certain categories of disability. This has been welcomed by the disability sector and has assisted in largely maintaining the assessment timeline process for further education students despite the continuing annual increase in the number applications each year. The HEA is currently working with my Department and other stakeholders in developing a new model of allocation for the fund. One of the aims of the new model, in the context of projected increases in applications for support in the coming years, will be to provide a quicker response to all institutions in relation to applications for support.
425 Deputy John Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science if she will allow staff of colleges of further education to access development events provided by the Special Education Support Service and Second Level Support Service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13774/10]
Generally the continuing professional development supports under the remit of Teacher Education Section, including the Special Education Support Service and the Second Level Support Service, are targeted at qualified teachers working in primary or second level schools, as relevant. Where Further Education Colleges are providers of second level curricula, qualified teachers are also eligible to attend support service events, where capacity exists. In addition, the support service websites contain a wide range of resources that are available to all teachers for reference and use.
The Deputy might wish to note that a dedicated Further Education Support Service is available to Further Education Colleges which provide support specific to that area. This support service also has a dedicated website for FE teachers and tutors which contains a range of resources including publications, online tutorials etc.
426 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science the number of primary schools in the country that have seen an increase in their enrolment since 2003; when the general allocation for learning support was determined in respect of the number of hours per school; the reason that those schools which have seen an increase in their enrolment since 2003 cannot obtain additional resource hours under the general allocation model; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13776/10]
There is an extensive amount of statistical information for recent years on my Department's website in relation to primary schools, including the enrolment for all primary schools for the school years 2006/07 to 2008/09.
The level of detail sought by the Deputy would take some time to collate within my Department. My Department's Teacher Allocation Section is currently focused on the initial work for the allocation of staffing for the coming school year and I do not propose to divert them from this work at this key time in the allocation process.
The General Allocation model was introduced in primary schools in September 2005 to ensure that each school has learning support/resource teaching support available to meet the needs of children with high incidence special educational needs. The allocation to schools is however enhanced in the case of schools experiencing large increases in enrolment and which satisfy the conditions under my Department's Developing School Criteria.
The review of the General Allocation is at an advanced stage and is being considered within my Department.
429 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science the position regarding an application for a new classroom by a school (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13817/10]
Due to industrial action on the part of some staff in the Department of Education and Science, I am not in a position to give full details of the project for the school referred to by the Deputy.
The school was approved a grant for a temporary classroom last year and it is open to the school authority to make a further application to the Department should they have additional accommodation requirements. The relevant application forms are available on the Department's website and all such applications will be processed by my Department.
434 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science the position regarding an application (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13825/10]
Due to industrial action on the part of some staff in the Department of Education and Science, I am not in a position to give full details of the project for the school referred to by the Deputy.
The timetable for the Summer Works Scheme 2010 has been published as part of the governing Circular Letter for the Scheme. This Circular Letter (0057/2009) is available on my Department's website www.education.ie.
Following an assessment process, projects will be selected for funding from all valid and approved applications on a top down basis in accordance with the prioritisation criteria published with the Scheme.
In accordance with the timetable, it is my intention to publish a list of successful SWS applicants shortly.
435 Deputy Michael Noonan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science when she will change the policy requiring children to leave special schools by the age of 18 years in view of the decision S2009-050 of the Equality Tribunal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13837/10]
My Department is currently reviewing its policy relating to school leaving age with a view to developing a consistent approach for all students whether they are attending a mainstream post primary school or special school. Pending the conclusion of this policy review, I am pleased to confirm for the Deputy that my Department will advise special schools that they may retain students over 18 years of age who are following courses leading to accreditation on a case by case basis.
436 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science the action that she proposes to take in regard to the concerns of a union (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13840/10]
The issues raised by the Deputy relate to the passage of the Student Support Bill and changes in rates and eligibility under the student grant schemes announced in Budget 2010.
The Deputy will be aware that a number of amendments to the Student Support Bill in relation to legal and policy issues which have arisen since Second Stage are being advanced by my Department in close consultation with the Office of the Attorney General.
In light of the commitment to put the grants on a statutory footing, I am anxious to provide a statutory basis for all student grants, pending transition to new administrative arrangements. This transitional period will necessitate retention of the existing administrative structures in the immediate term. In bringing amendments to Committee Stage, I will therefore be endeavouring to provide for existing administrative arrangements for this transitional phase, while progressing to a single scheme of grants as provided for in the Bill at the earliest possible date.
In the context of the Government's wider programme of public service reform, I am also re-assessing organisational options for the grants administration function in the longer run, with a view to revisiting the current proposals provided for in the Bill. Possible options for a more significant centralisation of functions are now being explored with a view to streamlining operations and maximising administrative efficiency. This examination is being undertaken as part of a business process re-engineering exercise being conducted under the Transforming Public Services agenda.
These developments have required consideration of a complex set of legal options in relation to further amendment of the Bill and my Department has been working closely with the Office of the Attorney General to address the issues in that regard. I would like to assure the Deputy that these proposed amendments are now at an advanced stage of preparation and it will be my intention to proceed with the Bill on this basis in the shortest possible timeframe.
Subject to the technical, drafting and legal considerations arising, my Department hopes to be in a position to have these amendments advanced sufficiently in order to move to Committee Stage as early as possible in the current session.
The current difficult economic circumstances have necessitated tough choices to control public expenditure and to ensure sustainability in the long run. In these circumstances, from September 2010, as announced in the Budget, all new applicants who are in receipt of the Back to Education Allowance for all schemes, and the VTOS allowances for those pursuing PLC courses, will be ineligible for student maintenance grants. The cost of the student services charge and any fees payable to colleges will continue to be met, for eligible students, by the Exchequer on their behalf. Students should apply to their assessing authority to have their eligibility assessed.
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 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.
It was decided to discontinue the practice of allowing students to hold both the BTEA or VTOS allowance and a student maintenance grant simultaneously as this represents a duplication of income support payments.
As announced in Budget 2010, a reduction of 5% was applied to the rates of student grants and scholarships. This reduction was implemented in respect of all grant-holders from January 2010. This reduction is broadly in line with reductions in other income maintenance payments including those for the unemployed. The reductions in the rates of student grant were necessary to ensure that the system is not extended beyond what current resources will allow in a climate of overall pressures on public finances.
Students who qualify for maintenance grants will continue to receive substantial grant funding, together with full support for payment of the student service charge. Those on particularly low incomes will also continue to receive a "top-up" in the special rate of maintenance grant.
437 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science when she proposes to appoint a new director to the Royal Irish Academy of Music, Westland Row, Dublin 2; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13850/10]
The Royal Irish Academy of Music is in discussions with my Department concerning the arrangements to be applied to the appointment of a new Director on the expiration of the current Director's contract on 31 August next. Any such appointment must be made in accordance with the terms of the revised employment control framework (ECF). It is envisaged that early agreement will be reached in relation to such arrangements.
439 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science if students in receipt of the back to education allowance will continue to be eligible for fees and maintenance grant; if they are no longer to be eligible the way this affects current students; the way same affects students who have started a certificate and or diploma with the hope of progressing to a degree; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13859/10]
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.
440 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science if she will make a statement on a recent meeting with a group (details supplied) in relation to their proposals. [13860/10]
The Forward Planning Section of my Department has carried out a study of the country to identify the areas where, due to demographic changes, there may be a requirement for significant additional school provision at both primary and post-primary levels over the coming years. This study has been conducted using data from the Central Statistics Office, the General Register Office and the Department of Social and Family Affairs with reference to recent schools' enrolment data. The study indicates that the requirement for additional primary provision in years 2010, 2011 and 2012 is likely to be greatest in more than 40 identified locations across the country based on significant changes to the demographics of those areas.
Forward Planning Section is in the process of carrying out detailed analysis and reports for each of these locations in order to identify the school accommodation requirements for each area up to and including the school year 2014/2015.
When the required reports have been completed for the initial areas Forward Planning Section will continue to work on preparing reports on a priority basis for the remainder of the country. Overall primary and post primary accommodation requirements in the area specified will be analysed as part of this process.
441 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science the steps which will be taken to transfer the funding for the Programme for Research in Third Level Institutions to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation; the amount of funding provided for the PRLTI in this year’s Book of Estimates; the number of staff, that will be transferred with the allocation of responsibility for this programme from her Department to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13861/10]
The Taoiseach announced the transfer of the Programme for Research in Third Level Institutions from my Department to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment last week. Discussions are ongoing between my Department and the Departments of Finance and Enterprise, Trade and Employment in relation to the arrangements for this transfer. It is intended that the transfer will be concluded as soon as possible.
An allocation of €50 million has been included in the Revised Book of Estimates for the Programme in 2010.
442 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science if the Secretary General of her Department will become the Accountancy Officer for FÁS and become accountable to the Committee of Public Accounts and the Comptroller and Auditor General; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13862/10]
In line with the changes announced by the Taoiseach in relation to the transfer of certain responsibilities from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment responsibility for FÁS as a State body and the funding related to training and skills will be transferred to my Department which will be renamed the Department of Education and Skills. Responsibility and funding for FÁS Employment Services and Employment Programmes will be transferred to the Department of Social Protection.
The necessary changes will be finalised shortly by Government Order and appropriate funding adjustments will be made in the Estimates. In the meantime current reporting arrangements and responsibilities continue to apply.
The position of the Director General of FÁS in relation to the Committee of Public Accounts and the Comptroller and Auditor General as set out in the Labour Services (Amendment) Act 2009 will remain unchanged on transfer.
The Secretary General of my Department will be accountable to the Committee of Public Accounts and the Comptroller and Auditor General for the disbursement of moneys from the Vote of the Department of Education and Science to FÁS. As my Department will have responsibility for FÁS as a State body she will also be accountable to them for issues in this area.
443 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science the list of all proposals in the report of the special group on public service numbers and expenditure relating to her Department or to bodies or agencies under her remit which have been implemented to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13881/10]
The recommendations made in the report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes were considered in determining the expenditure allocation for my Department for 2010, which was announced in Budget 2010. These recommendations, together with estimated savings yields for 2010 where relevant, are set out in the table.
|
Implementation of recommendations of report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes |
Comment regarding allocation for 2010 |
|
Staffing efficiencies in the primary/post-primary sectors |
Savings from cessation of supply teacher scheme at primary level and changes to uncertified sick leave for teachers. In addition, €20m arising as a result of estimating reductions in light of projected 2009 outturn. |
|
Reduction in the number of Special Needs Assistants |
While savings will arise due to a reduction in the number of Special Needs Assistants it is not possible at this stage to quantify the amount of these savings until conclusion of the nationwide review of SNA posts being undertaken by the National Council for Special Education. No change has been made to the current criteria for assignment of SNAs. |
|
Integration of Senior Traveller Training |
Reduction of 300 in number of Senior Traveller Training places |
|
Staffing efficiencies across third level sector |
Savings estimated in respect of pay and non-pay efficiencies |
|
Merge Higher Education Authority (HEA) into the Department of Education and Science |
No merger but HEA allocation reduced |
|
Reduction in the allocation for teacher training colleges |
Savings estimated in relation to pre-service teacher education |
|
Reduction in the allocation for Research and Development |
Partial reduction |
|
Reduction in the allocation to the Strategic Innovation Fund |
Partial reduction |
|
Reduction in the allocation to Student Support Grant |
5% reduction in rates of student grants and scholarships applied, providing €10m in savings. Further €4m in savings effected by removal of eligibility for student support grants from recipients of Back to Education Allowance and certain persons pursuing PLC courses. (Note — overall allocation for student supports for 2010 was increased to take account of an anticipated increase in the number of eligible students at third level). |
|
Reduce allocation to school transport |
Partial reduction |
|
Reduce allocation for teacher training & funding for education centres |
Savings and efficiencies effected in relation to teacher in-service education support |
|
Absorb National Council for Special Education (NCSE) into the Department of Education and Science |
NCSE not absorbed but allocation reduced |
|
Reduce allocation to certain Local Drugs Task Force (LDTF) Projects |
Funding for 2010 reduced |
|
Reduction in allocation for National Council for Curriculum and Assessment |
Funding for 2010 reduced |
|
Discontinue National University of Ireland and transfer functions |
Bill to establish a new qualifications and quality assurance agency for the further and higher education sectors is being prepared |
444 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs assistants employed in the schools of County Kildare for each of the past three years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13893/10]
The information requested by the Deputy on the number of special needs assistants employed in County Kildare schools is not readily available in the requested format.
As the Deputy will be aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENO) for allocating resource teachers and special needs assistants to schools to support children with special educational needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support.
The allocation for any school and any adjustments to that allocation depends on a number of factors such as the number of pupils with care/medical needs leaving, the number of new pupils, the changing needs of the pupils and any surplus identified. Furthermore, schools can make applications at any time with the result that the individual situation of any school can change and allocations are not static. The Deputy may wish to liaise directly with the NCSE in the context of his inquiry.
I want to take this opportunity to emphasise that children with special educational needs will continue to receive an education appropriate to their needs. The NCSE will continue to support schools, parents, children and teachers and resources will continue to be allocated to schools to meet children's needs in line with my Department's policy.
445 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science if she will review a decision taken by the Dublin City Vocational Education Committee in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9 in view of the fact that this person’s financial circumstances have continued to deteriorate since they began their third level education in 2006; the reason this person’s own earnings for 2008 were means tested; and if additional support will be available to assist this person. [13895/10]
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.
446 Deputy Mary Wallace asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science the percentage of each of the Irish and French exams in the 2010 junior certificate examination that are written, oral, and aural; if it is planned to change this percentage in 2011 or in future years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13896/10]
447 Deputy Mary Wallace asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science the percentage of each of the Irish and French exams in the 2010 leaving certificate examination that are written, oral, and aural; if it is planned to change this percentage in 2011 or in future years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13897/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 446 and 447 together.
In March 2007 the then Minister for Education and Science announced changes in relation to the proportion of marks awarded for oral Irish in the Junior and Leaving Certificate examinations with effect from 2010 and 2012 respectively. These changes are set out in circular letter 0042/2007 which issued to schools in 2007.
The marks for the oral examination at Higher and Ordinary levels in the Leaving Certificate examination will be increased from 25% to 40%. Marks for the aural will be reduced to 10% at both Higher and Ordinary levels, and 50% of the overall marks will be awarded for the written papers.
At Foundation level in the Leaving Certificate examination, the marks for oral Irish will be increased from 25% to 40%. Marks for the aural will be reduced from 30% to 20%, and the written paper will attract 40% of the marks. In the case of the Leaving Certificate Applied, the marks for oral Irish will be increased from 33% to 40%, marks for the aural will be reduced from 30% to 25%, and 35% of the overall marks will be awarded for the written paper. Where students take the oral examination in the first year of their senior cycle programme, the changed marking arrangements will come into effect in 2011.
The changes will also apply to the Junior Certificate where the oral Irish examination will continue to be a school-based optional examination. In the case of the Junior Certificate oral, the marks will be doubled from 20% to 40%. Marks for the aural will be reduced to 10%, and 50% of the marks will be awarded for the written paper(s). Where no oral examination is held, marks are awarded on the basis of the written paper(s) and aural only.
The State Examinations Commission has issued details to schools setting out the format of the Junior Certificate Examination from 2010 in Circular S73/09, a copy of which is on the Commission's website at www.examinations.ie
The intention of the increase in marks for oral assessment is to promote a significant shift in emphasis towards Irish as a spoken language, where students can communicate and interact in a spontaneous way, and where Irish is spoken every day in schools
There are no changes in the marks for examinations in French. In the Junior Certificate, the optional school based oral attracts up to 20% of the marks, up to 35% is available for the aural component, and 45% for the written examination. Where a student does not sit an oral examination, the marks are 44% for the aural component and 56% for the written component.
In the Leaving Certificate at Higher Level, the marks for French are 25% for the oral component, 20% for the aural element and 55% for the written paper. At Ordinary level in the Leaving Certificate, the marks are 20% for the oral, 25% for the aural and 55% for the written paper.
448 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science the information technology investment that has been made to both primary and secondary schools in County Meath in each of the past four years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13906/10]
While the specific information sought by the Deputy is not readily available, I can confirm that primary schools in Co. Meath received more than €0.8m in ICT Infrastructure Grants in November 2009. As the Deputy may be aware, this capital investment is a key component in a broader capital and current funding programme for ICT in Schools, which is being pursued in light of recommendations made in the ICT Strategy Group and Smart Schools=Smart Economy reports. In this context, I am pleased to advise the Deputy that a second tranche of ICT infrastructure funding will be provided in the coming months, in respect of post-primary schools, including those in Co. Meath.
Apart from the above-mentioned ICT Infrastructure Grants, my Department has provided substantial supports for ICT in Schools over the past four years, from which schools in Co. Meath have benefited. These supports have included the provision of a national Schools Broadband Service and associated Helpdesk; the funding of a programme of continuing professional development in ICT for primary and post-primary teachers through the National Centre for Technology in Education; the provision of technology grants in relation to the new Technology subjects at leaving certificate (T4); and the procurement and dissemination of a range of curriculum-relevant digital content resources, primarily through the national portal for ICT in Schools, www.Scoilnet.ie.
Specific additional funding has been provided to schools for purchase of assistive technologies in respect of individual pupils with special educational needs. Targeted investment in ICT Infrastructure has been provided through Dormant Accounts (Educational Disadvantage) funding to schools serving disadvantaged communities. Additionally, primary and post-primary school building projects have received ICT capital funding, and it has been open to primary schools to use their Minor Works Grants to procure ICT equipment.
