Vol. 706 No. 2
9 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount of funding provided by his Department to drug rehabilitation centres over the past three years; the location of centres that may have received funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14268/10]
30 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his proposals to support those involved in community based and support drug rehabilitation programmes; his intention to develop or expand such schemes in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14201/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 9 and 30 together.
Of the total drugs funding available in my Department's Vote in 2010, in the region of 93% is targeted at Task Force related activities. This funding supports a broad range of community groups involved in various drugs initiatives across the different pillars of the National Drugs Strategy and is channelled through the 24 Local and Regional Drugs Task Forces.
In excess of €31m is being made available to fund the activities of the Task Forces in 2010 and this will support approximately 500 initiatives. Of this funding, in the region of 50% will support projects with a treatment and rehabilitation focus or where treatment and rehabilitation forms part of a project's objectives. This also includes additional dedicated funds, originally approved in 2008, to support rehabilitation initiatives in Task Force areas.
The Task Forces had the discretion to fund projects and initiatives identified as priorities in their areas from the 2010 allocation from my Department. I would envisage the same principle applying for 2011 funding where Task Forces would, again, be in a position to develop or expand initiatives — including those with a treatment and rehabilitation focus — should they opt to do so based on identified local or regional needs.
With particular regard to funding for drug rehabilitation centres, I am assuming that the Deputy is referring to residential rehabilitation services. In this regard, I would draw his attention to the Residential Rehabilitation Framework Group established by my colleague, Mr John Curran, T.D., while he was Minister of State with responsibility for the Drugs Strategy. This Group, established in mid-2009, has been examining a range of issues around better service integration, quality standards and clarity and consistency in regard to funding arrangements for residential rehabilitation. The Group is chaired by the Office of the Minister for Drugs and also includes representatives from the HSE, the Probation Service and a number of voluntary sector residential service providers.
The Group's deliberations are nearing completion and will feed into the overall work of the National Drug Rehabilitation Implementation Committee (NDRIC). The NDRIC has overall responsibility for developing the comprehensive response in this area, in line with the recommendations of the Report of the Working Group on Drugs Rehabilitation.
The residential rehabilitation organisations in receipt of funding from my Department in the period 2008-2010 are detailed in Table 1 below.
Capital funding was also provided by my Department in 2008 to the following residential rehabilitation projects:
Peter McVerry Trust/Whitworth Road Project — €0.579m;
Arbour House Treatment Centre in Cork — €0.5m; and
St. James Resource Centre, Enfield — €1.13m.
|
Organisation |
Drugs Task Force Area |
Funding allocated 2008-2010 |
Capital Funding allocated (2002-2009) |
|
€ |
€ |
||
|
Aiséirí — Cahir, Wexford and Waterford |
South East RDTF |
806,273 |
50,000 |
|
Aislinn Adolescent Addiction Centre, Kilkenny |
South East RDTF |
179,174 |
0 |
|
Merchants Quay Ireland, St. Frances Farm, Tullow |
South East RDTF |
455,504 |
63,487 |
|
Cara Lodge — Matt Talbot Adolescent Services, Cork |
Southern RDTF |
118,074 |
8,910 |
|
Cuan Mhuire, Cork |
Southern RDTF |
118,181 |
12,761 |
|
Talbot Grove, CastleIsland, Co. Kerry |
Southern RDTF |
117,012 |
0 |
|
Tabor Lodge, Belgooly, Cork |
Southern RDTF |
118,445 |
239,036 |
|
Cuan Mhuire, Athy |
South Western RDTF |
0 |
7,000 |
|
Cuan Mhuire, Bruree |
Mid West RDTF |
0 |
54,000 |
|
Bushypark Treatment Centre, Ennis |
Mid West RDTF |
115,000 |
17,978 |
|
Coolmine Therapeutic Centre |
South Inner City & Blanchardstown LDTFs |
2,166,423 |
660,577 |
|
Merchants Quay, Dublin |
South Inner City LDTF |
233,344 |
93,882 |
|
Hope House, Foxford, Co. Mayo |
Western RDTF |
216,654 |
95,000 |
|
Cuan Mhuire, Athenry |
Western RDTF |
35,610 |
0 |
|
White Oaks Rehabilitation, Lifford, Co. Donegal |
North Western RDTF |
185,287 |
0 |
|
Totals |
4,854,981 |
1,302,631 |
10 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of meetings he or his Department have had with the gardaí and the Department of Justice and Law Reform in relation to the prevention of and spread of the sale of illegal drugs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14271/10]
The Department of Justice, Equality & Law Reform and An Garda Síochána both play a vital role in the implementation of the National Drugs Strategy. In that context, my colleague, Minister John Curran, T.D., held numerous meetings and had on-going engagement with both organisations during his period as Minister for State with responsibility for the Drugs Strategy. Indeed, engagement with officials of my Department takes place virtually on a daily basis.
In line with the provisions of the Drugs Strategy, I intend to hold a further series of bilateral meetings with various Ministers and officials over the coming months and I anticipate that high-level meetings with the Department of Justice, Equality & Law Reform and An Garda Síochána will be included in that schedule.
However, while such high-level meetings are important to facilitate to smooth implementation of the Strategy, they are only part of much wider process. The Department of Justice, Equality & Law Reform and An Garda Síochána are fully engaged in the ongoing implementation of the Strategy, including through membership of the various structures involved. Both organisations are represented on the Drugs Advisory Group, through the assignment of officials on a half-time basis to the Office of the Minister for Drugs (OMD). In both cases, the representatives are directly involved in the implementation of the Strategy and provide a strong link between their organisations and the OMD. Furthermore, An Garda Síochána is represented on all Drugs Task Forces, while the Department of Justice, Equality & Law Reform, and associated agencies, are represented on a number of them.
Both organisations are also centrally involved on the Oversight Forum on Drugs. As Chair of the Forum, I intend to build on the work of monitoring progress at a high level and to address any difficulties and blockages that may arise, in partnership with the relevant bodies.
The importance of international co-operation is well recognised among our law enforcement agencies and the Gardaí, as well as Revenue's Customs Service, have been very active in this regard. I would also mention the significant contribution to the implementation of the Strategy being made by the Irish Prison and Probation Services.
I look forward to the continued co-operation of the Department of Justice, Equality & Law Reform and An Garda Síochána in the implementation of the Drugs Strategy and I have no doubt that this will be forthcoming.
11 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the plans he has to review the operation of the Official Languages Act 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14279/10]
At the outset, I wish to confirm that my Department keeps the work of implementing the Official Languages Act 2003 under continuing review. Furthermore, there is an obligation on me, as Minister, to review the operation of the Act each year, as provided for in section 5 of the Act, and to report formally to the Houses of the Oireachtas in that regard. The reports for the years to 2008 are available in the Oireachtas Library and the report for 2009 will be submitted shortly.
While I am satisfied that considerable progress has been made to date in the implementation, on a phased basis, of the provisions of the Act, I agree with the view expressed by my predecessor that it will not be possible to achieve everything overnight. I can confirm that I am committed to the implementation of the Official Languages Act and to the achievement of its objectives. Indeed, the implementation of the Act is one of the principles set out in the Government's Policy Statement on the Irish Language, issued in December 2006, which forms the basis of the draft 20-year Strategy for Irish, which was published in November 2009 and is under consideration at present by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Arts, Sports, Tourism, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.
I am also committed to ensuring that the Act be implemented in as cost-effective a way as possible, particularly having regard to the current economic climate. My Department will continue to approach the implementation of the Act in a realistic, flexible and pragmatic way, especially in relation to agreeing statutory language schemes. In this context, a significant number of resources are already in place to assist public bodies in meeting their obligations as cost-effectively as possible.
12 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he is committed to acquiring a permanent decentralisation site for his Department in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14191/10]
43 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the effect on the decentralisation programme of his Department of the changes in portfolios announced on 23 March 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14257/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 12 and 43 together.
As the Deputies will be aware, my Department's headquarters are scheduled to decentralise to Charlestown, Co Mayo, under the Decentralisation Programme. To date, 100 staff have moved to interim accommodation in Tubbercurry, Co Sligo.
In December 2009, in light of budgetary constraints and affordability issues, the Minister for Finance decided to defer proceeding with permanent accommodation in Charlestown at this time. This location, along with 4 other deferred projects, will be considered as part of an overall review of the Decentralisation Programme in 2011.
I can assure the Deputies that I am committed to the policy of decentralisation, which I believe to be an important and positive policy put forward by Government, and my officials will continue to liaise appropriately with the Department of Finance in seeking to advance the relocation of my Department to Charlestown, Co Mayo.
13 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will provide an update on the progress on his Department’s work in relation to placenames; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14147/10]
The Placenames Branch of my Department undertakes research, with the support and guidance of An Coimisiún Logainmneacha, in order to establish the correct Irish language forms of the placenames of Ireland and to publish them for official and public use.
The Department is engaged in a comprehensive research programme to provide Irish versions for all placenames in the State on a county basis. Seven counties have been completed and published under this programme to date, namely, counties Kilkenny, Limerick, Louth, Monaghan, Offaly, Tipperary and Waterford. Work is complete in counties Dublin, Galway, Cork, Wexford and Leitrim, while research is at an advanced stage in a number of other counties, namely, Sligo, Clare, Longford and Kerry.
The recent work of the Branch also includes providing Irish language versions of the administrative placenames in the Gaeltacht Areas of Cork, Donegal, Galway, Kerry, Mayo, Meath and Waterford and it has just completed work on some 6,200 non-administrative names in these areas shown on the Ordnance Survey's historical large-scale maps.
A signal achievement of the Placenames Brach in recent years has been the launch in late 2008, in collaboration with Fiontar DCU, of the Placenames Database of Ireland at www.logainm.ie. This free online searchable database has information on over 100,000 official placenames and has proved very popular with the public, with an average of 130,000 hits recorded each month.
14 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Jan O’Sullivan den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Comhionannais agus Gaeltachta cén dul chun cinn atá déanta maidir leis an bhFoclóir Leictreonach Béarla/Gaeilge; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [14284/10]
Tuigtear dom ó Fhoras na Gaeilge go bhfuil Céim a hAon den Fhoclóir Nua Béarla-Gaeilge — Céim na Pleanála agus an Deartha — curtha i gcrích agus go bhfuil Céim a Dó faoi lánseol i láthair na huaire. Baineann Céim a Dó le tiomsú an Fhoclóra féin agus tá trí fho-chéim ar leith i gceist:
Céim 2(a) a bhaineann le cur le chéile bhunachar Béarla an Fhoclóra i bhfoirm creataí iontrála — tá 75% den obair seo déanta agus cuirfear bailchríoch léi i mí Iúil;
Céim 2(b) a bhaineann le taobh na Gaeilge den Fhoclóir a sholáthar — tá tús curtha leis an obair aistriúcháin seo agus meastar go leanfaidh an obair ar aghaidh go ceann dhá bhliain eile; agus
Céim 2(c) a bhaineann leis an obair eagarthóireachta — táthar ag súil le tús a chur leis an gcuid sin den obair roimh dheireadh na bliana agus meastar go leanfaidh an fho-chéim seo ar aghaidh go dtí an bhliain 2012.
Ach Céim a Dó bheith curtha i gcrích, leanfar ar aghaidh go dtí Céim a Trí, a bhaineann le táirgeadh an Fhoclóra féin. Mar sin, comhairlítear dom go bhfuiltear ag súil leis an leagan críochnúil den Fhoclóir a fhoilsiú i bhfoirm chlóite agus leictreonach ag deireadh na bliana 2012.
Mar eolas breise don Teachta, tá suíomh gréasáin ar leith ag an tionscadal — www.focloir.ie — áit a bhfuil cur síos cuimsitheach ar an tionscadal, móide samplaí den obair reatha agus den obair atá curtha i gcrích cheana.
Is fiú a lua go mbeidh mórchuid d'ábhar an tionscadail seo ina dhúshraith luachmhar do thionscadail eile foclóireachta amach anseo — Foclóir Nua Gaeilge-Béarla ach go háirithe.
15 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the responsibilities his Department now holds in the areas of equality, human rights and integration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14179/10]
20 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will list the functions for which Ministers of State attached to his Department will be responsible; if these will be formally delegated powers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14275/10]
24 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the cost implications of restructuring his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14184/10]
33 Deputy Joe Costello 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 a result of recent changes; if funding of the various agencies will be affected, and 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. [14258/10]
34 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the cost of the rebranding that will be required as a result of the decision to change the number of his Department, including the cost of redesigning and reprinting stationary and other printed material, website redesign and changes in signage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14276/10]
42 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the additional responsibilities his Department will take on as a result of the reconfiguration of Government Departments announced by An Taoiseach on 23 March 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14251/10]
45 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number and name of agencies now under the remit of his Department; the way in which responsibility for each agency is broken down; the number and name of agencies previously under the remit of the Department that have been reallocated to other Departments due to recent changes; the change in policy of sections of his Department and the Minister or Ministers of State responsible for each of the new policy sections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14259/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 15, 20, 24, 33, 34, 42 and 45 together.
As the Deputies will be 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, 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 primary 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 Finance, Justice, Equality and Law Reform, and Social and Family Affairs.
In relation to the Deputies' queries regarding the Minister of State appointed to my Department, Ms Mary White, TD, has been appointed Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, and the Department of Education and Science, with special responsibility for Equality and Human Rights, and Integration. Once the transfer of functions process is concluded, it is my intention to delegate the functions in respect of Equality, Human Rights and Integration to Minister of State White and to delegate functions transferred to my Department in relation to Disability to Mr John Moloney, TD, who will, of course, continue as Minister of State with special responsibility for Disability Issues and Mental Health at the Department of Health and Children, as well as the renamed Departments of Education and Skills, and Enterprise, Trade and Innovation.
The Deputies will appreciate that for the moment it is not possible to provide details in relation to changes in policy areas of my Department, the assignment/functions of agencies, any costs involved, funding implications for the various agencies transferring and other associated matters. I can assure the Deputies that I have directed the officials in my Department to ensure that any costs arising in this context are kept at a minimum. They will, of course, be met from within existing resources.
16 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount of funding provided to the various RAPID areas over the past three years; the breakdown of such funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14270/10]
The RAPID Programme aims to ensure that priority attention is given to tackling the spatial concentration of poverty and social exclusion within designated RAPID areas nationally.
It is a matter for individual Departments to report on the provision of funding and progress on delivery with regard to projects under their responsibility in the different RAPID areas. Nevertheless, it is worth noting that Pobal collects data from each RAPID area in respect of funding allocations received by projects from Government Departments and State agencies.
The latest data in respect of the Programme is available on Pobal's website under the RAPID section at http://www.pobal.ie/Funding%20Programmes/Rapid/Pages/Funding.aspx and the Deputy may find it useful to access this information.
My Department administers the RAPID Leverage Schemes, which are designed to support small scale projects identified locally by Area Implementation Teams in each of the RAPID areas. These schemes are co-funded by the relevant agencies and support projects that focus on estate enhancement, graffiti removal, traffic calming, community closed-circuit television, health and sports facilities and the provision of playgroups.
A table below provides a breakdown by county in relation to expenditure under the RAPID Leverage Schemes for the period 2007 to 2010 (to date). The payments listed are in relation to those schemes where my Department directly pays the final recipients.
|
County |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 (to date) |
Total paid 2007-2010 |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
||
|
Carlow |
227,768.23 |
93,781.94 |
110,865.77 |
5,334.00 |
437,749.94 |
|
Cavan |
27,000.00 |
157,000.00 |
83,085.50 |
35,000.00 |
302,085.50 |
|
Clare |
57,794.91 |
0.00 |
110,863.00 |
0.00 |
168,657.91 |
|
Cork |
470,985.78 |
716,044.05 |
824,354.07 |
358,858.96 |
2,370,242.86 |
|
Donegal |
33,989.54 |
9,750.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
43,739.54 |
|
Dublin |
1,263,917.97 |
1,143,771.20 |
2,441,638.50 |
539,560.32 |
5,388,887.99 |
|
Galway |
359,931.75 |
279,860.61 |
622,966.94 |
66,000.00 |
1,328,759.30 |
|
Kerry |
85,400.00 |
168,451.32 |
192,561.98 |
21,593.00 |
468,006.30 |
|
Kildare |
146,995.58 |
6,942.50 |
165,758.15 |
0.00 |
319,696.23 |
|
Kilkenny |
117,428.00 |
131,400.00 |
149,602.56 |
66,000.00 |
464,430.56 |
|
Laois |
2,000.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
2,000.00 |
|
Leitrim |
2,500.00 |
0.00 |
21,858.00 |
0.00 |
24,358.00 |
|
Limerick |
248,274.08 |
188,085.50 |
678,709.64 |
0.00 |
1,115,069.22 |
|
Longford |
81,612.93 |
0.00 |
150,445.15 |
0.00 |
232,058.08 |
|
Louth |
220,019.27 |
132,031.16 |
442,797.54 |
0.00 |
794,847.97 |
|
Mayo |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
|
Meath |
104,042.70 |
0.00 |
69,820.23 |
66,000.00 |
239,862.93 |
|
Monaghan |
5,000.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
5,000.00 |
|
Offaly |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
|
Roscommon |
45,000.00 |
0.00 |
12,900.00 |
8,000.00 |
65,900.00 |
|
Sligo |
291,582.80 |
263,072.00 |
88,500.00 |
0.00 |
643,154.80 |
|
Tipperary |
190,280.27 |
88,631.56 |
619,779.38 |
131,067.48 |
1,029,758.69 |
|
Waterford |
370,500.03 |
221,500.00 |
173,967.05 |
66,000.00 |
831,967.08 |
|
Westmeath |
169,162.73 |
19,500.00 |
73,500.00 |
57,815.20 |
319,977.93 |
|
Wexford |
64187.5 |
129,825.91 |
335,163.93 |
100,223.66 |
629,401.00 |
|
Wicklow |
150,804.28 |
98,331.00 |
131,665.37 |
98,106.25 |
478,906.90 |
|
4,736,178.35 |
3,847,978.75 |
7,500,802.76 |
1,619,558.87 |
17,704,518.73 |
17 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the timeframe for the commencement of the Charities Act 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14162/10]
The Charities Act, which was signed into law on 28 February 2009, is structured in such a way to allow it to be commenced in whole or in part from different date(s) by way of Ministerial Order(s).
As the Deputy will be aware, the Act will, when fully commenced, introduce a comprehensive modern regulatory framework for charities in Ireland for the first time. The Act provides, inter alia, for the establishment of a new Charities Regulatory Authority, which will be responsible for establishing and maintaining a Register of Charities. Any organisation that wishes to operate as a charity within this jurisdiction will have to be on the Register. Only organisations that have been established exclusively for charitable purposes, and which have a public benefit, will be permitted entry onto the Register. The new Authority will also take on the functions of the Office of Commissioners of Charitable Donations and Bequests for Ireland, which is to be dissolved.
The Act further provides that any organisation that holds charitable tax exemptions from the Revenue Commissioners on the day the Register of Charities is introduced will be automatically deemed to be entered onto the Register, and thus such organisations will not have to apply to the new Authority for registration. In co-operation with the Revenue Commissioners, my officials are working to ensure that the information legally required to be published on the Register of Charities will be in place on establishment day. As there are well over 7,000 such organisations, the Deputy will appreciate that there is a considerable body of work to be done in this regard alone.
Another aspect of the implementation process is delivering on the commitment to consult with the charities sector in relation to the type of financial and activity reporting that charities will be required to make to the new Authority. This consultation is to be carried out parallel to, and will most likely be informed by, a broader review of the UK & Ireland Generally Agreed Accounting Principles (GAAP) that is being undertaken by the Accountancy Standards Board at the moment. The Charities Regulation Unit of my Department hosted a highly successful conference on this issue in January 2010 in Dublin Castle.
The majority of the provisions of the Charities Act are contingent upon both the new Authority and the Register of Charities being in place, though, subject to legal advice, some further individual provisions of the Act may be commenced before the bulk of the Act is commenced.
Thus far, section 99, which regulates the sale of pre-signed Mass cards, has been commenced. This came into effect from 1 September 2009. It has been the subject of a constitutional challenge, which failed in the High Court, but which, I am given to understand, is to be brought before the Supreme Court.
It should also be recognised that I have outlined only some of the elements of the implementation plan for the Act that is being rolled out by my Department to ensure that the essential elements are in place to enable the introduction of the statutory regulatory framework provided for in the Act. In other countries, for example, Scotland, it has taken a number of years after enactment of the legislation for the new regulatory system for charities to be formally introduced and this will be the case in Ireland also.
18 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amounts of grants provided under the two programmes of grants for community and voluntary organisations during the past three years; his plans to expand this funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14265/10]
I assume that the question relates to the Programme of Grants for Locally-Based Community and Voluntary Organisations. This Programme, which was suspended at the end of February 2009, provided funding in respect of the refurbishment of community premises, the purchase of equipment for community and voluntary organisations and training to enhance the capacity of and activities or persons and organisations working in the community and voluntary sector. The Programme continues to meet commitments made to projects before it was suspended last year.
Funding of some €13m has been paid to Groups under the Programme since 2007 as follows:
2007 — €6.5m;
2008 — €3.5m; and
2009 — €3.1m.
Funding of €1.5m has been earmarked in 2010 to meet existing commitments. Given the ongoing pressure on public funds, I do not envisage re-opening the Programme in the foreseeable future.
19 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the plans he has to promote a national debate, to include the population at large, on the draft 20 year strategy on the Irish language; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14277/10]
32 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when he will present the final draft of the 20 year strategy on the Irish language; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14278/10]
46 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his views on whether a full review of the State resources provided to preserve and develop the Irish language is a prerequisite to finalising the 20 year strategy on the Irish language; and his further views that such a review should be carried out by the Coimisinéir Teanga and or the Economic and Social Research Institute, and that the Comisinéir Teanga and or the ESRI should have a continuing monitoring role in regard to the implementation of the 20 year strategy on the Irish language. [14280/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 19, 32 and 46 together.
The draft 20-Year Strategy for Irish is a very important initiative for all citizens of the State. For that reason, a broad national public consultation process was carried out over a two-year period to seek input into in its drafting, which included a series of public meetings, an online questionnaire and the provision of a dedicated website. Subsequently, my Department published a discussion paper and undertook a further round of consultations, including public meetings, to seek focussed suggestions and ideas for the draft Strategy.
As the Deputy will be aware, the draft Strategy has since been published and referred to the Joint Committee on Arts, Sport, Tourism, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. I understand that the Committee discussed the draft with Irish language and Gaeltacht organisations on 20 January last, and held a further meeting in the Gaeltacht on 26 February, when key Gaeltacht organisations had the opportunity to express their views. I look forward to the opportunity to receive the outcome of the Committee's deliberations in due course. In that context, I hope, once I have received the Committee's views, to bring the draft Strategy to Government for approval.
The initial phase of the Strategy will focus on putting in place practical implementation and co-ordination arrangements, including the effective alignment of resources with strategic goals and arrangements for ongoing monitoring and evaluation.
21 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the effect that the recent re-configuration of portfolios will have on the budgetary forecasts of his Department; if these changes mean that legislation will be necessary to underpin them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14256/10]
The changes in Departmental functions announced by the Taoiseach in the Dáil on 23rd March 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 Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Department of Social and Family Affairs.
22 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will consider a house alarm as part of the community support for older people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14260/10]
The Scheme of Community Support for Older People (CSOP) focuses mainly on the provision of monitored personal alert equipment and it is not proposed to extend the scheme to cover house alarms at this time. The Deputy will be aware that my Department carried out a review of the CSOP in 2009. While it was evident from discussions with community and voluntary groups during the review that there is overwhelming support for the continued funding of monitored personal alert equipment, there appears to be no discernible demand to extend the scheme to cover house alarms. Personal alarms bring greater ease of mind to the user as they allow for direct two-way interaction with the monitoring station in the event of any concerns being raised by the user. They can also monitor many other features such as smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and other telecare devices.
Arrangements for the introduction of a revised scheme — which will address a range of issues raised in the review — are at an advanced stage and I hope to launch it before the end of April. It should be noted, however, that the existing scheme will remain open until such time as the new arrangements are in put in place.
23 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount and list of events for which his Department provided funding as part of Seachtain na Gaeilge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14262/10]
As the Deputy is aware, Seachtain na Gaeilge is a non-profit organisation, under the auspices of Conradh na Gaeilge, which promotes the use of Irish language and culture, both at home and abroad, within a two-week festival held in March every year. This year the festival took place between 2-17 March 2009. The festival has grown significantly in recent years and incorporates a very wide range of language and cultural events.
My Department, under its Scéimeanna Tacaíochta Gaeilge, did not provide direct funding to any events or organisations in respect of Seachtain na Gaeilge. However, I understand that Foras na Gaeilge did provide such funding and I have asked the Chief Executive to provide the relevant details to the Deputy directly.
25 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Jan O’Sullivan den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cad iad na teagmhálacha a bhí aige le hoifigigh sa Roinn Oideachais agus Eolaíochta maidir le gramadach na Gaeilge a shimpliú chun cabhrú le daltaí scoile an Ghaeilge a labhairt go luath ina saol scoile; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [14283/10]
Faoi mar is eol don Teachta, tá cinneadh déanta go ndéanfar Athbhreithniú ar an gCaighdeán Oifigiúil agus is féidir liom a chinntiú go dtionólfar an chéad chruinniú inniu den Choiste Stiúrtha atá bunaithe chun próiseas an athbhreithnithe sin a thabhairt chun cinn. Ghlac an Rialtas cinneadh maidir leis seo i mí na Samhna 2008 mar chuid de bhunú an Lár-Aonaid Aistriúcháin i mo Roinn féin. Beidh duine ón Roinn Oideachais agus Eolaíochta ainmnithe ar an gCoiste seo.
Tá comhaontú forleathan ann gur gá an Caighdeán a athbhreithniú lena chinntiú go mbeidh sé fós in ann freastal ar riachtanais na teanga amach anseo. Tá mo Roinnse ag súil go mór le bheith ag obair leis na páirtithe leasmhara ar fad, an Roinn Oideachais agus Eolaíochta san áireamh, leis an sprioc seo a bhaint amach.
27 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of meetings that the steering group, established to develop proposals on the national substance misuse strategy have had; the make up of this group; the number of submissions received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14267/10]
The Steering Group established to develop proposals and make recommendations on a National Substance Misuse Strategy has had four meetings to date, the most recent of which was on 19 March 2010.
The membership of the Group, comprising representatives of the statutory, community, voluntary and industry sectors, is set out in the Table below.
|
Steering Group to develop proposals for a National Substance Misuse Strategy |
|
|
Dr. Tony Holohan (Joint Chair) |
Department of Health and Children |
|
Kathleen Stack (Joint Chair) |
Office of the Minister for Drugs |
|
Michael Conroy |
Office of the Minister for Drugs |
|
Eddie Arthurs |
Office of the Minister for Drugs |
|
Robbie Breen |
Department of Health and Children |
|
Dr John Devlin |
Department of Health and Children |
|
Kathleen Connolly |
Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform |
|
Conor O’Malley |
Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism |
|
Joe Barry |
Health Service Executive |
|
Eddie Matthews |
Health Service Executive |
|
William Ebbitt |
Health Service Executive |
|
Noel Brett |
Road Safety Authority |
|
Rosemary Garth |
Alcohol Beverage Federation of Ireland |
|
James Doorley |
National Youth Council of Ireland |
|
Cliona Murphy |
Alcohol Action Ireland |
|
Tony Geoghegan |
National Voluntary Drugs Sector |
|
Willie Collins |
National Voluntary Drugs Sector |
|
Theresa Donohue |
Department of Environment, Heritage & Local Government |
|
Fergus McCabe |
Community Sector |
|
Dr. Eamon Keenan |
Irish College of Psychiatrists |
|
Dr William Flannery |
Irish College of Psychiatrists |
|
Denis Bradley |
National Advisory Committee on Drugs |
|
Jean Long |
Health Research Board |
|
Deirdre Mongan |
Health Research Board |
|
Michael O’Sullivan |
An Garda Síochána |
|
Rolande Anderson |
Irish College of General Practitioners |
|
Dr. Declan Bedford |
Royal College of Physicians in Ireland |
|
Kieran Sludds |
Health & Safety Authority |
|
Fionnuala Sheehan |
MEAS |
|
Sadie Grace |
Family Support Network |
|
John Devlin |
Department Health and Children |
|
John Moloney |
Department Education and Science |
|
Elizabeth Canavan |
Office of the Minister for Children & Youth Affairs |
28 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his views on whether the prevention pillar of the national drugs strategy cannot be properly implemented as a result of policy choices by the Department of Education and Science in view of his Department’s responsibility for the national drugs strategy. [14065/10]
At the outset, I want to confirm to the Deputy that the National Drugs Strategy 2009-2016 will continue to be implemented across all of its five pillars, in line with the Government's commitment to addressing the drugs problem in Ireland.
The objectives of the prevention pillar focus on the need to foster greater understanding of the dangers of problem drug and alcohol use across the general population. The promotion of healthier lifestyle choices to the wider society is a key part of this, along with targeting interventions to those at particular risk of problem substance use in our communities.
The progress being made by the various statutory, community and voluntary agencies responsible for implementing the 17 actions under the prevention pillar is being monitored on an on-going basis. While good progress is being made in many areas, it has to be acknowledged that some initiatives are more long-term in nature and will be progressed over the lifetime of the Strategy. The Department of Education & Science is fully involved in this process and, indeed, is represented on the Drugs Advisory Group through the assignment of an official of that Department on a half-time basis to the Office of the Minister for Drugs.
That Department is also centrally involved on the Oversight Forum on Drugs. As Chair of that Forum, I intend to build on the work of my colleague, Minister John Curran, T.D., in monitoring progress at a high level and in addressing any difficulties and blockages that may arise.
In line with the provisions of the National Drugs Strategy, I intend to hold a further series of bilateral meetings with various Ministers and officials over the coming months and I anticipate that a high-level meeting with the Department of Education and Science will be included in that schedule.
I look forward to the continued co-operation of the Department of Education & Science in the implementation of the Drugs Strategy and I have no doubt that this will be forthcoming.
29 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if, in view of the recent controversy surrounding headshops, proposals are in place to increase awareness of the negative effects of consuming psychoactive substances, which can be bought legally in headshops; if not, if measures will be put in place to highlight the downside of using such substances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14059/10]
44 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if, in view of his Department’s responsibility for the national drugs strategy, he will introduce legislation to address problems associated with headshops; his views on the establishment of a regulatory authority with the power to fast track the banning of dangerous substances, to provisionally ban substances in the interest of public health while further research on a substance is conducted and to otherwise restrict and control the production and sale of all non-medicinal psychoactive substances. [14067/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 29 and 44 together.
I can assure the Deputies that I share the concerns to which they refer regarding the activities of headshops and the new psychoactive substances, represented as "legal highs", which are being sold in these outlets.
Indeed, my colleague, Mr John Curran, T.D., while Minister of State with responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy, voiced similar concerns on many occasions and held a number of meetings with the Ministers for Health & Children, Justice, Equality & Law Reform and Education & Science. He also met with the Garda Commissioner and with senior officials of various Departments and Offices. Headshops and the sale of "legal highs" were discussed at many of these meetings and various approaches to addressing the activities of these outlets were considered.
Through the Misuse of Drugs Act — which is the primary legislation through which these substances can be regulated — the Department of Health and Children is currently finalising regulations to introduce controls on a range of substances. These regulations will make the possession and sale of these substances illegal and subject to criminal sanctions. In preparing the required regulations, that Department is consulting with the relevant authorities to ensure that any legitimate uses of the substances involved are not impinged upon.
Meanwhile, the Government has approved the commencement of a required notification process to the EU and it is envisaged that the regulations controlling the various substances will come into effect in late June, at the conclusion of the three month process involved. Such notification is required under the relevant EU Technical Standards Directives, as controls under the Misuse of Drugs Act involve a restriction on trade. For example, some of the products involved can be used in the manufacture of plastics and industrial solvents, and the European Medicines Agency reported in late January that one such product — mephedrone — has the potential to be used in the manufacture of some medicines. While the establishment of a mechanism to fast-track the banning of dangerous substances would have some appeal, this is not envisaged at present as it is seen as vital that all regulatory controls introduced meet all requirements and are fully robust to meet any legal challenges subsequently arising.
Meanwhile, the National Advisory Committee on Drugs has been asked to carry out some research in this area. In addition, the activities of headshops are being closely monitored on an ongoing basis by An Garda Síochána and Revenue's Customs Service with a view to ensuring that no substances that are currently illegal are being sold.
My Department has also been in contact with the Attorney General about a range of possible approaches to the matter and a number of issues arising in that context are being considered at senior level within an inter-departmental framework.
In relation to increasing awareness of the negative effects of consuming psychoactive substances, the HSE, in association with its partners under the Drugs Strategy, are currently finalising a National Drugs Awareness Campaign that will focus on psychoactive substances legally available through headshops. This campaign will be aimed primarily at 15-40 year olds, as well as at parents and service providers. The key message of the campaign will be that "legal does not mean safe" and it will aim to raise awareness of the risks to mental and physical health associated with these substances.
National and local initiatives will be integrated under the campaign, with Drugs Task Forces playing a key role in publicising the information in their respective communities. The upgraded www.drugs.ie website will also be promoted as a primary source of relevant and accurate information, along with utilising existing HSE help/information lines. The HSE is also updating the ‘Facts about Drugs' booklet and their Parent Information Guide to include information on psychoactive substances. An information booklet for service providers will be available in conjunction with the launch of the campaign in the coming weeks.
In conclusion, I can assure the Deputies that I will continue to work with my Ministerial colleagues in vigorously pursuing all viable approaches to counter the potential threats posed by headshops and "legal highs".
31 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position regarding the national drugs strategy; if he will clarify which Minister or Minister of State now has overall responsibility for the operation of the strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14273/10]
38 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will make a statement detailing the person who will be taking on responsibility for the overall delivery of the national drugs strategy in view of the Taoiseach’s decision not to expressly assign any Department. [14063/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 31 and 38 together.
I can confirm to the House that, while the formal processes transferring functions between, and changing the titles of, Departments on foot of the recent announcement by the Taoiseach has yet to be completed, responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy will rest with me, as Minister.
The Government remains fully committed to addressing the drugs problem and my appointment as a Minister — with direct responsibility in this area — will facilitate the implementation of the Strategy in a timely and co-ordinated fashion. Indeed, many at community level have been campaigning for some time that the Minister who is assigned responsibility for the Drugs Strategy should be a member of the Government with a seat at Cabinet.
During my previous period as Minister for State with responsibility for the Drugs Strategy, significant steps forward were made in the drugs area. From my experience on the ground, and from my time as Minister of State, I am very familiar with the ongoing issues in terms of the drugs problem in communities and the initiatives being taken to address them.
I want to acknowledge the excellent work done by my colleague, Minister John Curran, T.D., in driving the finalisation of the Drugs Strategy 2009-2016, the implementation of which is being pursued vigorously across a range of Departments and agencies.
I fully intend to build on this work and to implement a continuous assessment approach to progress the 63 Actions in the Strategy so as to ensure that we achieve the successful outcomes that we all desire.
35 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Brian O’Shea den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Comhionannais agus Gaeltachta cén dul chun cinn atá déanta maidir leis an reachtaíocht ar an sainmhíniú nua ar an rud is Gaeltacht ann agus ar theorainneacha na Gaeltachta; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [14282/10]
Mar is eoil don Teachta, tá an dréacht-Straitéis 20-bliain don Ghaeilge faoi bhráid an Chomhchoiste um Ghnóthaí Ealaíon, Spóirt, Turasóireachta, Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta faoi láthair. Cuimsíonn an dréacht-Straitéis seo forbairt córais pleanála teanga chuimsithigh ag leibhéal an phobail sa Ghaeltacht agus moltar inti go mbeidh stádas na Gaeltachta bunaithe ar chritéir teanga. Nuair a bheidh obair an Chomhchoiste thart agus tuairisc faighte ar ais uaidh, tá súil agam an dréacht-Straitéis, agus í leasaithe más cuí, a thabhairt faoi bhráid an Rialtais le ceadú. Is sa chomhthéacs sin a dhéanfar cinnithe maidir leis an gcineál reachtaíochta atá luaite ag an Teachta.
36 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the timeframe for the commencement of the Charities Act 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14315/10]
The Charities Act, which was signed into law on 28 February 2009, is structured in such a way to allow it to be commenced in whole or in part from different date(s) by way of Ministerial Order(s). As the Deputy will be aware, the Act will, when fully commenced, introduce a comprehensive modern regulatory framework for charities in Ireland for the first time. The Act provides, inter alia, for the establishment of a new Charities Regulatory Authority, which will be responsible for establishing and maintaining a Register of Charities. Any organisation that wishes to operate as a charity within this jurisdiction will have to be on the Register. Only organisations that have been established exclusively for charitable purposes, and which have a public benefit, will be permitted entry onto the Register. The new Authority will also take on the functions of the Office of Commissioners of Charitable Donations and Bequests for Ireland, which is to be dissolved.
The Act further provides that any organisation that holds charitable tax exemptions from the Revenue Commissioners on the day the Register of Charities is introduced will be automatically deemed to be entered onto the Register, and thus such organisations will not have to apply to the new Authority for registration. In co-operation with the Revenue Commissioners, my officials are working to ensure that the information legally required to be published on the Register of Charities will be in place on establishment day. As there are well over 7,000 such organisations, the Deputy will appreciate that there is a considerable body of work to be done in this regard alone.
Another aspect of the implementation process is delivering on the commitment to consult with the charities sector in relation to the type of financial and activity reporting that charities will be required to make to the new Authority. This consultation is to be carried out parallel to, and will most likely be informed by, a broader review of the UK & Ireland Generally Agreed Accounting Principles (GAAP) that is being undertaken by the Accountancy Standards Board at the moment. The Charities Regulation Unit of my Department hosted a highly successful conference on this issue in January 2010 in Dublin Castle.
The majority of the provisions of the Charities Act are contingent upon both the new Authority and the Register of Charities being in place, though, subject to legal advice, some further individual provisions of the Act may be commenced before the bulk of the Act is commenced. Thus far, section 99, which regulates the sale of pre-signed Mass cards, has been commenced. This came into effect from 1 September 2009. It has been the subject of a constitutional challenge, which failed in the High Court, but which, I am given to understand, is to be brought before the Supreme Court. It should also be recognised that I have outlined only some of the elements of the implementation plan for the Act that is being rolled out by my Department to ensure that the essential elements are in place to enable the introduction of the statutory regulatory framework provided for in the Act. In other countries, for example, Scotland, it has taken a number of years after enactment of the legislation for the new regulatory system for charities to be formally introduced and this will be the case in Ireland also.
37 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount of funding provided by his Department to rural tourism in the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14264/10]
The Deputy will be aware that primary responsibility for tourism matters rests with my colleague, Ms Mary Hanafin, T.D., Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism. However, my Department does support certain complementary actions in the area of rural recreation. For example, my Department has lead responsibility for implementing the National Countryside Recreation Strategy and, in this regard, the following funding has been provided over the last 3 years:
|
Year |
Amount |
|
€m |
|
|
2007 |
1.195 |
|
2008 |
3.440 |
|
2009 |
3.806 |
In 2010, funding of €4.3m is being provided to continue to support a range of rural recreation activities. In addition, under the previous LEADER Programmes, funding of over €2.76m was provided by the locally-based LEADER Groups under the Rural Tourism measure between January 2007 and March 2008. Under the new round of LEADER funding, which commenced in late 2009, it is anticipated that support of up to €45.4m over the lifetime of the Rural Development Programme will be available through the ‘Encouragement of Tourism Activities' measure.
39 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will report on the recent ministerial meeting of the British-Irish Council on the Misuse of Drugs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14234/10]
The most recent Ministerial Meeting of the British-Irish Council (BIC) on the Misuse of Drugs was hosted on 24 February in the Isle of Man by their Minister for Home Affairs, Mr Adrian Earnshaw, MHK. The meeting was chaired by my colleague, Mr John Curran, T.D., then Minister of State with responsibility for the Drugs Strategy. I understand that the primary focus of the meeting related to issues facing BIC Administrations in addressing substance misuse in prisons and they looked at four main areas:
Supply Reduction;
Prevention;
Treatment/Harm Reduction and Rehabilitation Responses; and
Continuity of Treatment Post-Release.
There was acceptance across all of the Administrations that there needs to be a real focus on preventing the supply of drugs to prisons, but that this needs to go hand in hand with the provision of drug treatment. Various initiatives in regard to supply reduction, and the outcomes arising, were outlined and discussed. There was agreement on the importance of providing a programme of treatment in the prison setting that is of equal standard to that offered in the community. The need to provide a seamless continuum of care from prison to the community was also stressed in view of the fact that those leaving prison can be at risk of overdose in the period immediately following their release.
The issue of new psychoactive substances (so-called "legal highs") was also discussed at the meeting. Minister Curran outlined the concerns around head shops and the products they sell in Ireland and the approaches being considered in that regard. Other administrations also outlined their concerns and responses they are pursuing. The UK initiative of December 2009, which involved the classification of a number of substances under their Control of Drugs legislation, was noted. The Administrations agreed on the importance of consulting with the relevant authorities to ensure that any legitimate uses of the substances involved are not impinged upon as a result of the introduction of any regulations. Other standard agenda items were also dealt with and the 2010 Work Programme of the BIC Senior Officials Sectoral Group on the Misuse of Drugs was agreed.
40 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount of money provided under the dormant accounts fund in the past three years; the amount of money not drawn down by grantees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14266/10]
The Dormant Accounts Fund Acts provide for an annual transfer by credit institutions and insurance undertakings of monies in accounts determined to be dormant into the Dormant Accounts Fund (DAF). Since its establishment in May 2003 up to the end of February 2010, the net transfers to the DAF have totalled nearly €327m. The total amount approved by the Dormant Accounts Fund Disbursements Board and by Government to date is €267.8m.
The value of the Fund at the end of February 2010, net of liabilities, was some €41.65m. This excludes the amount of approx. €47.3m currently maintained in a Reserve Account to meet reclaims and to cover expenses. The reserve is currently set at 15% of the total moneys received by the Fund and not yet reclaimed. The balance of Fund to be disbursed on foot of approvals is €44.07m.
Table 1 below sets out a summary of the total disbursements from the DAP for the period 2007-09. Table 2 provides a profile of the Fund showing yearly inflows, reclaims, disbursements etc. from 2003 to 2010. This table is available on my Department's website (www.pobail.ie) and is updated regularly.
|
Entity making disbursements |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
The former Dormant Accounts Fund Disbursements Board |
11,755,948 |
10,524,631 |
4,264,446 |
|
Dept of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs — Rural Social Scheme |
16,000,000 |
16,000,000 |
0 |
|
Dept of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs — Other measures |
5,446,907 |
9,563,454 |
7,739,459 |
|
Dept of Education and Science |
3,155,143 |
18,771,252 |
8,403,730 |
|
Health Service Executive |
3,659,859 |
13,397,028 |
8,804,948 |
|
Dept of Arts, Sport and Tourism |
1,823,473 |
874,483 |
1,304,000 |
|
Office of the Minister for Children |
2,338,500 |
2,999,978 |
5,240,455 |
|
Dept of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources |
900,778 |
517,259 |
774,457 |
|
Dept of Justice, Equality and Law Reform |
251,924 |
129,960 |
193,105 |
|
Irish Prison Service |
178,880 |
272,660 |
419,735 |
|
Dept of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government |
0 |
0 |
500,000 |
|
45,511,412 |
73,050,705 |
37,644,335 |
|
Year |
Inflows |
Gross Inflow of Funds |
Outflows |
Net Funds |
||||||
|
Banks/ building societies |
An Post products |
Insurance products |
Intestate Estates |
Interest earned |
Reclaimed by account holders |
Disbursed by NTMA |
Expenses & Compliance Costs |
|||
|
2003 |
105,802,747 |
90,406,394 |
0 |
0 |
2,778,039 |
198,987,180 |
24,002,874 |
0 |
148,048 |
174,836,258 |
|
2004 |
18,387,604 |
14,642,260 |
22,994,803 |
0 |
3,802,846 |
59,827,513 |
21,080,853 |
14,000,000 |
1,055,958 |
198,526,960 |
|
2005 |
13,049,089 |
19,870,684 |
7,895,688 |
0 |
4,061,302 |
44,876,763 |
22,916,079 |
14,400,000 |
1,673,497 |
204,414,147 |
|
2006 |
20,535,464 |
52,513,242 |
7,100,575 |
0 |
6,375,902 |
86,525,183 |
44,736,631 |
33,250,000 |
1,608,356 |
211,344,343 |
|
2007 |
12,531,434 |
42,658,151 |
6,704,210 |
4,400,000 |
8,787,603 |
75,081,398 |
34,082,871 |
45,511,412 |
1,881,135 |
204,950,323 |
|
2008 |
19,644,431 |
6,239,735 |
7,149,521 |
0 |
7,561,873 |
40,595,560 |
19,500,791 |
73,050,705 |
1,999,776 |
150,994,611 |
|
2009 |
25,014,071 |
11,359,722 |
5,010,644 |
0 |
894,150 |
42,278,587 |
18,812,756 |
37,644,335 |
1,717,634 |
135,098,473 |
|
2010 |
0,000,000 |
0,000,000 |
42,825 |
0 |
60,618 |
103,443 |
2,105,505 |
97,262 |
0,000,000 |
— |
|
Totals |
214,964,840 |
237,690,188 |
56,898,266 |
4,400,000 |
34,322,333 |
548,275,627 |
187,238,360 |
217,953,714 |
10,084,404 |
132,999,149 |
|
Approved |
Decommitted |
Net Approved |
||
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
Liabilities on the Fund: |
||||
|
Of which |
||||
|
1. Reserve for future reclaims by account holders |
-47,277,247 |
|||
|
2. Disbursements allocated to beneficiary projects by |
||||
|
(a) Dormant Accounts Fund Disbursement Board |
63,082,815 |
4,117,383 |
58,965,432 |
|
|
(b) Government (2006) |
76,642,596 |
1,444,557 |
75,198,039 |
|
|
(c) Government (2007) |
22,278,213 |
279,739 |
21,998,474 |
|
|
(d) Government (2008) |
30,213,774 |
30,213,774 |
||
|
(e) Government — Early Childhood Initiative (2006) |
10,000,000 |
10,000,000 |
||
|
(f) Government — Rural Social Scheme (2004-2008) |
64,400,000 |
64,400,000 |
||
|
(g) Government — Catch Up Measure 5 new RAPID towns |
01,250,000 |
1,250,000 |
||
|
Sub-totals |
267,867,398 |
-5,841,679 |
262,025,719 |
|
|
3. Remaining funds to be disbursed by NTMA on foot of approvals |
-44,072,005 |
|||
|
Net Value of Dormant Accounts Fund (uncommitted funds) |
41,649,897 |
Under the Dormant Accounts Act 2001, the NTMA is required to maintain a Reserve Account to meet reclaims from account holders and operational expenses of the agency and the Dormant Accounts Board.
41 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his plans for the operation and development of the various community-based schemes operated by his Department in respect of the urban and rural communities; his intentions, if any, to expand the scope and scale of such schemes to cater for the need arising from the current economic situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14202/10]
As the Deputy will be aware, my Department's mandate includes the promotion, support and development of communities, both urban and rural, across the country. I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department will seek to continue to support and cater for the needs of these communities in the current economic situation through the administration and operation of its various community-based schemes. As the Deputy will know, details in relation to these schemes, and other schemes and programmes operated by my Department, can be accessed on my Department's website at www.pobail.ie. Given the ongoing pressure on public funds, I do not envisage any significant expansion of the relevant programmes in the foreseeable future. I can, however, assure the Deputy that it will continue to be a primary concern to make every effort to ensure that the daily front-line services provided with funding from my Department are protected, especially those focused on the needs of the most socially deprived communities.
48 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Dinny McGinley den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Comhionannais agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil aon iarratas faighte ina Roinn maidir le soilse poiblí a chur ar fáil ar na céanna ar na hOileáin seo, Inis Oirthir, Gabhla, an tOileán Rua, Inis Meáin, Oileán Uaighe agus Inis Caorach, cad é costas measta na soilse agus an gcuirfidh sé an t-airgead ar fáil leis na soilse a thógáil, agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina dtaobh. [14061/10]
Tá iarratas faighte ag mo Roinn le gairid ó Ancaire, Comharchumann na nOileán Beag i gContae Dhún na nGall, chun deontas a cheadú i gcomhar soilse poiblí a chur ar fáil ar na céanna atá luaite ag an Teachta. Tá costas measta de €84,500 tugtha i leith na hoibre seo. Déanfar an t-iarratas seo a mheas i gcomhthéacs an tsoláthair airgid atá ar fáil ag mo Roinn i gcomhar feabhsúcháin den chineál seo in 2010, ag tógáil san áireamh geallúintí agus tosaíochtaí atá ar láimh cheana.
49 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his views on the role of peer groups and families in tackling addiction; if the pilot short-stay respite programme for families of drug users which is outlined in the new national drugs strategy has commenced; the way this will operate in communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14235/10]
I have long been of the view that families and peer groups can play a vital role in tackling drug addiction. Indeed, this is generally accepted and there is an increasing focus on family involvement, in particular, under the National Drugs Strategy. Meanwhile, much of the focus of the prevention pillar is underpinned by a realisation of the need to build the self-esteem of young people to enable them to cope with negative peer pressures and to be positive influences in their peer groups.
The 2007 Report of the National Advisory Committee on Drugs — "The Experiences of Families Seeking Support in Coping with Heroin Use” — outlined the typical path of such families, moving from a lack of knowledge and coping alone, through accessing support, re-building families and supporting the recovery of the problem drug user.
The support of stable families is recognised as being hugely influential in regard to making progress towards recovery. Indeed, organisations involved in drug rehabilitation increasingly have family programmes included as part of the recovery plan for individual clients. The importance placed on family involvement is also illustrated by the on-going support afforded to the Family Support Network by the Office of the Minister for Drugs. The Network carries out very important work in supporting families and encouraging their involvement in the recovery process.
Action 32 of the National Drugs Strategy 2009-2016 envisages the development of a comprehensive integrated national treatment and rehabilitation service. This will incorporate the implementation of the recommendations of the Report of the Working Group on Drugs Rehabilitation, which calls for the development of a pilot short-stay respite programme for families of drug users.
The HSE holds the lead role in relation to the implementation of these recommendations and it also chairs the National Drugs Rehabilitation Implementation Committee. It is envisaged that the development of a pilot short-stay respite programme for families of drug users will be addressed in that context over the period of the National Drugs Strategy.
50 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when and the way the Services Directive will be transposed into Irish law; if the directive will apply to casual trading which is licensed by the local authorities here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14305/10]
The Regulations to bring the Services Directive [Directive 2006/123/EC] into law under the European Communities Acts are well advanced. My Department is working with the Office of Parliamentary Counsel with a view to completing the legislation as soon as possible.
The regulation of casual trading by local authorities under the Casual Trading Act, 1995 is an "authorisation scheme" under the terms of the Directive. The Directive, therefore, covers casual trading.
51 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation if he will clarify the position in relation to the Shanghai International Exhibition 2010; the investment, size and purpose of the pavilion; if it is run by State agencies or if it is leased out to commercial interests; the strategy for following up thereafter in order to capitalise on our investment from a tourism, industrial and education point of view; the level of the Irish agencies that are operating there; if marketing is outsourced; if it is intended to recruit local staff with the knowledge of the Irish scene in the subsequent marketing and sales campaign; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14390/10]
The Department of An Taoiseach is responsible for coordinating the arrangements in relation to all aspects of our participation in Shanghai. My Department and the development agencies have engaged with the Department of An Taoiseach to ensure that any opportunities for any potential trade or investment benefits for Ireland, which could flow from our involvement in the Expo, will, of course, be pursued.
52 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 39 of 4 March 2010, when a reply will issue. [14429/10]
53 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 40 of 4 March 2010, when a reply will issue. [14430/10]
54 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 41 of 4 March 2010, when a reply will issue. [14431/10]
55 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 42 of 4 March 2010, when a reply will issue. [14432/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 52 to 55, inclusive, together.
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following tables. The provision of data on a monthly basis is not readily available so is therefore set out on a yearly basis for all tables. Furthermore, for certain tables information is readily available on a regional basis only.
Tables 1 to 5 set out the number of places in relevant placement schemes operated by FÁS in Cork from 2005 to 2009 as well as the number of places available in 2010. Table 6 sets out the number of available Community Employment places over the same timescale. Table 7 sets out the number of FÁS training places available in Cork from 2005 to 2010 and Table 8 provides the current estimated waiting times by course type. Table 9 sets out the number of training places provided under the Technical Employment Support Grant (TESG). TESG funding is offered to clients when courses not delivered by FÁS are deemed appropriate.
Certain cohorts of the unemployed, including people who are under 35 years of age, are accorded priority access to FÁS training supports, with at least 30% of training places reserved for those aged under 25 years. Table 10 sets out the types of training courses available in the years 2005 to 2010.
|
Year |
Cumulative Client Number |
|
2005 |
29 |
|
2006 |
26 |
|
2007 |
19 |
|
2008 |
17 |
|
2009 |
16 |
|
2010 |
15 (YTD) |
Note: The Employment Support Scheme is being phased out gradually to be wholly replaced by the Wage Subsidy Scheme (See Table 2).
|
Southwest Regional Total |
|
|---|---|
|
Year |
Cumulative Client Number |
|
2005 |
8 |
|
2006 |
25 |
|
2007 |
55 |
|
2008 |
88 |
|
2009 |
102 |
|
2010 |
99 (YTD) |
|
Year |
WPP1 — (Graduates) |
WPP2 (Non-Graduates) |
|
2009 |
20 |
5 |
|
2010 (YTD) |
23 |
13 |
|
Year |
Cumulative Client Number |
|
2005 |
14 |
|
2006 |
9 |
|
2007 |
3 |
|
2008 |
3 |
|
2009 |
7 |
|
2010 |
13 (YTD) |
|
Year |
City |
County |
Total |
|
2005 |
128 |
0 |
128 |
|
2006 |
114 |
0 |
114 |
|
2007 |
101 |
0 |
101 |
|
2008 |
89 |
0 |
89 |
|
2009 |
82 |
0 |
82 |
|
2010 |
81 |
0 |
81 |
Note: Following changes introduced to the Job Initiative Scheme by the Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment in late 2004, there is currently no recruitment onto the scheme while existing participants will have their contracts renewed.
|
Year |
City |
County |
Total |
|
2005 |
1,227 |
926 |
2,153 |
|
2006 |
1,177 |
888 |
2,065 |
|
2007 |
1,188 |
896 |
2,085 |
|
2008 |
1,186 |
895 |
2,081 |
|
2009 |
1,201 |
906 |
2,107 |
|
2010 |
1,195 |
904 |
2,099 |
|
Year |
Available Capacity |
|
2005 |
1,206 |
|
2006 |
861 |
|
2007 |
1,229 |
|
2008 |
2,297 |
|
2009 |
1,089 |
|
2010 |
3,914 |
|
Training Course Type |
Waiting Time |
|||||
|
0-4 months |
5-8 months |
9-12 months |
13-17 months |
18+ months |
Total |
|
|
Office/Administration |
244 |
39 |
25 |
8 |
2 |
318 |
|
Computer Hardware/Networks/Programming |
178 |
77 |
15 |
1 |
271 |
|
|
Computer Applications |
548 |
322 |
301 |
23 |
5 |
1,199 |
|
Construction Related |
499 |
79 |
16 |
3 |
597 |
|
|
Engineering Related |
383 |
226 |
112 |
50 |
6 |
777 |
|
Electronics/Industrial Servicing |
28 |
8 |
3 |
1 |
40 |
|
|
Sales/Marketing |
45 |
4 |
1 |
50 |
||
|
Transport/Warehousing/Distribution |
201 |
143 |
69 |
2 |
415 |
|
|
Health/Beauty/Child Care/Welfare |
322 |
208 |
111 |
28 |
8 |
677 |
|
Pre Employment/Job Clubs/Return to Work |
292 |
101 |
39 |
15 |
4 |
451 |
|
Self Employment/Enterprise |
107 |
11 |
24 |
142 |
||
|
Animal/Land/Marine |
87 |
75 |
69 |
2 |
233 |
|
|
Sports/Leisure |
111 |
6 |
3 |
32 |
24 |
176 |
|
Other |
129 |
22 |
24 |
2 |
2 |
179 |
|
Total |
3,174 |
1,321 |
811 |
167 |
52 |
5,525 |
|
Year |
Places Provided |
|
2005 |
670 |
|
2006 |
402 |
|
2007 |
522 |
|
2008 |
560 |
|
2009 |
1,660 |
|
2010 |
329 (YTD) |
|
Course Type |
Year |
|||||
|
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
|
|
Office/Administration |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
Computer Hardware/Networks/Programming |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
Computer Applications |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
Construction Related |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
Engineering Related |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
Electronics/Industrial Servicing |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
Sales/Marketing |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
Transport/Warehousing/Distribution |
X |
X |
X |
X |
||
|
Health/Beauty/Child Care/Welfare |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
Pre Employment/Job Clubs/Return to Work |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
Self Employment/Enterprise |
X |
X |
X |
X |
||
|
Animal/Land/Marine |
X |
X |
X |
|||
|
Sports/Leisure |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
Other |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
56 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of training courses provided directly by FÁS or sourced by FÁS for each year from 2003 to 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14437/10]
The information requested is being collated and will be passed to the Deputy as soon as possible.
57 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of community employment scheme places supported by FÁS for each year from 2003 to 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14438/10]
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table.
|
Year |
Total |
|
2009 |
23,512 |
|
2008 |
22,896 |
|
2007 |
22,992 |
|
2006 |
22,281 |
|
2005 |
22,650 |
|
2004 |
22,194 |
|
2003 |
19,848 |
58 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the Exchequer contribution to FÁS for each year from 2003 to 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14439/10]
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table:
|
Year |
Exchequer |
National Training Fund |
Total |
|
€ millions |
€ millions |
€ millions |
|
|
2003 |
594.61 |
222.05 |
816.66 |
|
2004 |
553.21 |
264.67 |
817.88 |
|
2005 |
603.13 |
300.07 |
903.20 |
|
2006 |
655.54 |
329.32 |
984.86 |
|
2007 |
695.02 |
363.39 |
1,058.41 |
|
2008 |
715.57 |
364.98 |
1,080.55 |
|
2009 |
670.87 |
342.52 |
1,013.39 |
59 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of unemployed persons interviewed by FÁS for each year from 2003 to 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14440/10]
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table. Prior to 2007, the employment status of all FÁS clients was not recorded. The data for the years 2003 to 2006 set out the total number of clients interviewed by FÁS, including the employed. The data provided in respect of the years 2007 to 2009 show the total number of unemployed persons interviewed in each year.
|
Year |
Persons interviewed By FÁS |
|
2003 |
97,200 |
|
2004 |
90,700 |
|
2005 |
84,500 |
|
2006 |
78,600 |
|
2007 |
127,300 |
|
2008 |
151,100 |
|
2009 |
204,000 |
60 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance if, in view of the current economic climate, he will prepare an updated National Strategic Reference Framework for Ireland, setting out the policy context within which the funding available to Ireland under the Regional Competitiveness and Employment Objective over the 2007 to 2013 period through the European Regional Development Fund and the European Social Fund may be applied; the amount that will accrue to Ireland through the ERDF and ESF funds during the years 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013; the amount of this funding that has already been allocated; if any of these funds remain to be allocated or will be re-allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14306/10]
Ireland's National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF) was approved by the European Commission in July 2007. The document, in accordance with EU Regulations governing EU Structural Funds, sets out the strategic direction for the deployment of the EU Structural Funds (€750m) allocated to Ireland over the 2007-13 period under the Regional Competitiveness and Employment (RCE) Objective through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the European Social Fund (ESF).
The strategy is being implemented through three operational programmes; a national Human Capital Investment ESF OP managed by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation and two regional ERDF OPs managed by the Border, Midland and Western and Southern and Eastern and Regional Assemblies.
The NSRF is strategic in nature with sufficient flexibility in the priorities identified. Therefore, it is not proposed to update the document. However, as provided for the EU Regulations, the BMW OP and the HCI OP were renegotiated with the EU Commission due to the changed socio-economic circumstances. The amendments, consistent with the NSRF, will ensure that the important objectives are met despite the changed socio-economic and budgetary circumstances and that Ireland will drawdown its full EU Structural Funds allocation over the 2007-13 period.
The annual allocations are set out in the table 1 below and reflect the full amount of structural funds available to Ireland over the 2007-2013 programming period. Table 2 below sets out the same information broken down by region.
A further €151m has been allocated under ERDF for smaller Territorial Co-operation Operational Programmes, including the PEACE III Programme and the INTERREG Programmes for Ireland/Northern Ireland/Scotland and Ireland/Wales.
|
Total |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
|
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
Total ERDF |
375,362,372 |
95,791,745 |
80,123,038 |
63,789,267 |
46,770,097 |
29,044,643 |
29,625,536 |
30,218,046 |
|
Total ESF |
375,362,370 |
95,791,744 |
80,123,038 |
63,789,267 |
46,770,097 |
29,044,642 |
29,625,536 |
30,218,046 |
|
Total all Funds — NSRF 2007-2013 |
750,724,742 |
191,583,489 |
160,246,076 |
127,578,534 |
93,540,194 |
58,089,285 |
59,251,072 |
60,436,092 |
|
Region |
Fund |
Total |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
||
|
Southern & Eastern |
ERDF |
146,603,534 |
19,719,928 |
20,114,327 |
20,516,613 |
20,926,946 |
21,345,484 |
21,772,394 |
22,207,842 |
|
Border, Midlands & Western |
ERDF |
228,758,838 |
76,071,817 |
60,008,711 |
43,272,654 |
25,843,151 |
7,699,159 |
7,853,142 |
8,010,204 |
|
Total ERDF |
375,362,372 |
95,791,745 |
80,123,038 |
63,789,267 |
46,770,097 |
29,044,643 |
29,625,536 |
30,218,046 |
|
|
Southern & Eastern |
ESF |
146,603,534 |
19,719,928 |
20,114,327 |
20,516,613 |
20,926,946 |
21,345,484 |
21,772,394 |
22,207,842 |
|
Border, Midlands & Western |
ESF |
228,758,838 |
76,071,817 |
60,008,711 |
43,272,654 |
25,843,151 |
7,699,159 |
7,853,142 |
8,010,204 |
|
Total ESF |
375,362,370 |
95,791,744 |
80,123,038 |
63,789,267 |
46,770,097 |
29,044,642 |
29,625,536 |
30,218,046 |
|
|
Total all Funds — NSRF 2007-2013 |
750,724,742 |
191,583,489 |
160,246,076 |
127,578,534 |
93,540,194 |
58,089,285 |
59,251,072 |
60,436,092 |
61 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Finance if he will respond to correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14317/10]
I understand that there is no correspondence with me on this specific matter but that the details supplied relate to the difficulties arising for the transaction of business with public service offices during the programme of industrial action undertaken by public service unions. The industrial action is in response to the pay reductions imposed by the Government on public servants with effect from 1 January last as part of the Government's budgetary strategy to bring the public finances under control.
Any industrial action, whatever form it takes, is regrettable, in particular if it has any impact on service delivery to the public. In that regard, under a process of engagement and discussion between public service employers and the Public Services Committee of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, facilitated by the Labour Relations Commission, a draft agreement has been reached between the parties which provides for the settlement of the dispute in the public service.
The Labour Relations Commission has called upon unions in the public service to suspend their programme of industrial action pending the balloting of their members on the draft agreement. I welcome this call and would urge the public service unions to suspend their industrial action to enable normal services to be resumed in public offices as quickly as possible.
62 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide updated figures for the cost of a Dáil inquiry and six tribunals (details supplied); the figures provided by the cost comparison report prepared by his Department, setting out the cost to date and time taken to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14323/10]
Based on bi-monthly reports made to the Department of Finance by the Departments with responsibility for the individual tribunals, up to end-February 2010 the cumulative cost of the six requested tribunals as listed below was €217.31 million, of which €44.41 million comprised administration and €172.9 million derived from legal costs. The legal costs figures include €79.19 million for third-party legal costs that are already paid. Further third party legal costs have yet to be presented and taxed.
|
Admin Costs |
State Legal Costs |
3rd Party Legal Costs |
Total Costs |
|
|
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
|
|
Beef Tribunal of Inquiry to enquire into allegations of improper practices within the beef industry and the abuse of the EU export credit refund scheme (established May 1991; Report presented to Relevant Minister, July 1994) |
5.320 |
4.630 |
17.283 |
27.233 |
|
Finlay Tribunal of Inquiry into the Blood Transfusion Service Board (established October 1996: Report presented to Relevant Minister, March 1997) |
0.500 |
0.700 |
3.500 |
4.700 |
|
Lindsay Tribunal of Inquiry into the Infection with HIV and Hepatitis C of Persons with Haemophilia and Related Matters (established September 1999: Report presented to Relevant Minister, September 2002) |
3.133 |
4.350 |
39.166 |
46.649 |
|
McCracken Tribunal of Inquiry into the Dunne’s payments to politicians (established February 1997: Report presented to Relevant Minister, August 1997) |
0.100 |
0.860 |
5.600 |
6.560 |
|
Moriarty Tribunal of Inquiry into Payments to Messrs. Haughey and Lowry (established September 1997 — ongoing) |
7.888 |
31.194 |
2.564 |
41.646 |
|
Mahon Tribunal of Inquiry into Certain Planning matters and Payments (established November 1997 — ongoing) |
27.467 |
51.975 |
11.077 |
90.519 |
|
Total |
44.408 |
93.709 |
79.19 |
217.307 |
In relation to the Dáil Inquiry (DIRT Inquiry), I am informed by the Houses of the Oireachtas Service that the cost of that Inquiry to the Service was €1.5 million (as per early 2001). In addition, I am informed by the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General that the costs incurred by the Comptroller and Auditor General's Office on the DIRT Inquiry were €1.096 million.
63 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the amount of revenue that would be collected from a universal social contribution using a set of criteria (details supplied) in tabular form; the revenue which would be generated from the social contribution from different categories of persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14332/10]
As the Deputy will be aware, I announced in the Budget that, with a view to restoring balance in the income tax system, to simplify it, to make it fairer and more broadly based, I intended to introduce a new system of just two charges on income viz. a new universal social contribution to replace employee PRSI, the Health Levy and the Income Levy. This will be paid by everyone at a low rate on a wide base as a collective contribution to public services. Income Tax will apply on a progressive basis to those with higher incomes reflecting their capacity to make a greater contribution.
The position is that the possible parameters of such a system are under active examination by my Department in consultation with the Department of Social Protection, the Revenue Commissioners and other Departments concerned. A steering group and a variety of working groups have been established to carry out the necessary research. As the Deputy may be aware the combined yield from the income levy, the health levy and employee and self-employed PRSI is projected to be of the order of €5.8 billion in 2010 on the basis of current arrangements. The extensive work currently underway to examine restructuring the system on the lines indicated is very significant, represents a fundamental review of the system and involves very detailed analysis and interrogation of the existing three data sets, drawing from the health levy, income levy and PRSI.
Accordingly, in my view it would be unhelpful to the overall process at this stage to divert the limited resources available into carrying out the detailed analysis requested by the Deputy. Notwithstanding this, I would point out to the Deputy my contribution to the Committee Stage of the Finance Bill 2010 on this matter and that I remain committed to publishing a discussion paper in due course which will include much of the analysis requested.
64 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Finance his views on allowing for a VAT refund or disregard for works carried out on homes to adapt them to make them more accessible for disabled persons in the same way as a VAT refund is available on adaption works carried out on vehicles for disabled users; and if not; if he will give the matter consideration. [14339/10]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the Value Added Tax (Refund of Tax) (No 15) Order 1981 provides for the refund of VAT on qualifying goods that are purchased for the exclusive use of disabled persons suffering a specified degree of disablement. "Qualifying goods" are goods which are aids or appliances, including parts and accessories, specially constructed or adapted for use by a disabled person and includes goods which, although not so specially constructed or adapted, are of such a kind as might reasonably be treated as so constructed or adapted having regard to a particular disablement of that person.
The provisions of the Order extend to works carried out on homes to adapt them to make them more accessible for disabled persons. The provisions do not apply to the actual construction of a home but would apply, for example, to certain alterations or adaptations which would be necessary to meet the particular needs of the disabled person.
Applications under the Refund Order should be made on Form VAT 61A and submitted to the Central Repayments Office in Monaghan.
65 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Finance the steps he will take to resolve the difficulties being experienced by a group (details supplied) that includes a significant number of citizens of this State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14356/10]
As the Deputy will be aware matters relating to a Society registered in another jurisdiction are the exclusive responsibility of the relevant authorities in that jurisdiction.
66 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Finance his views on the national solidarity bond announced in budget 2010; the details of same; the position regarding same; and the timescale for its implementation. [14392/10]
I announced in Budget 2010 that the Government intended to introduce a National Solidarity Bond.
This bond will effectively be a new form of our state savings products which are aimed at the retail investor. We already have savings bonds and savings certificates, which are three and five and a half year investment products managed by the National Treasury Management Agency. The new bond will be a longer-term product which will be attractive to people who wish to invest for up to 10 years. Where an investor wishes to encash their investment before the final maturity date of 10 years they will be able to do so.
The structure is quite innovative — there will be an annual interest payment and a final redemption bonus payable. The final investment bonus will be payable to investors who encash their bonds after five, seven or ten years.
Legislative provisions relating to the introduction of the National Solidarity Bond were included in the Finance Bill which has now completed all stages in the Oireachtas and is scheduled to be signed by the President in the coming days. I expect that the bonds will be available for purchase in all Post Offices before the end of the month and information will also be available by telephone and on the internet.
67 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding house insurance; if there is any legislation or procedure with insurance companies regarding offering insurance, any equivalent or declined cases scheme as operated in the motor trade; the position regarding a person who cannot obtain house insurance and is exposed to fire, floor or other problems; if legislation to cover such cases is being considered; or if he can offer insurance in view of the fact that the privately owned industry has refused to do so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14393/10]
The Financial Regulator has advised me that the offering of house insurance by insurance companies is a commercial matter based on the assessment an insurer will make of the risks involved. It has no role in relation to issues of pricing or the scope of cover provided by insurance companies. I have also been informed that there is no equivalent for house insurance to the declined cases scheme as operated in the motor trade. I understand that this is because motor insurance is compulsory whereas house insurance is not.
I have no plans at this stage to introduce legislation to require insurance companies to cover such people, as there is a possibility that such a proposal could undermine the existing insurance model by forcing companies to take on risks which they cannot afford. The probable outcome of this is that either such firms would leave the market, or they would quite likely price high risk business in such a prohibitively expensive fashion, that it would quickly undermine the purpose of the legislation and would result in a considerable increase in overall household and business insurance costs. The State is not in a position to provide household insurance to people unable to obtain cover in the private market, as there is no legislative basis for doing so. However, following the recent flooding and other weather events, the Government will keep the matter under review.
68 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Finance, further to Parliamentary Question No. 165 of 23 March 2010, if he will make a statement detailing the respective sets of assumptions and reference periods referred to by him in his reply on which the very different public pension spending projections contained in the national pensions framework and the OECD Economic Survey: Ireland 2009 were based. [14403/10]
As noted in the OECD Economic Survey: Ireland 2009, the projections on pensions are sourced from the joint Economic Policy Committee-European Commission Ageing Report on economic and budgetary projections for the EU-27 member states. The Ageing Report projections run to 2060 and national projections to 2050. The Ageing Report assumptions differ somewhat from national assumptions and are the reason for the difference in projections.
The Ageing Report's economic assumptions were finalised before the start of economic crisis in early 2008. In contrast, our national projections recognise the considerable fall-off in the starting economic position since then and its knock-on effects on the GDP level in the long run. The Ageing Report is based on harmonised EU population projections while national pension projections are based on CSO population projections. There are also slight differences in the long-run economic assumptions used by both as the Ageing Report is based on an EU-wide set of convergence criteria. Both sets of projections tell the same story of increasing pressure on pensions in the long run from an ageing population. The recent wide-ranging reforms announced in the National Pensions Framework were taken in this context.
69 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance, further to Parliamentary Question No. 200 of 16 February 2010, if the computer difficulties have now been resolved; if he will provide an explanation for the ongoing delay; the number of outstanding claims for mortgage interest relief for top-up mortgages; the average waiting time per customer and the longest waiting time of any customer. [14404/10]
This is a matter for the Revenue Commissioners. I am informed by Revenue that the necessary internal computer changes have recently been completed. Some 2,700 taxpayers have provided additional information required of them by Revenue in relation to top up mortgages. Each case requires an individual review to confirm entitlement to mortgage interest relief in the light of the information provided. Some 550 reviews have been completed to date. Where entitlement to mortgage interest relief is confirmed, arrangements are in place to have any arrears due paid directly to taxpayers. I am advised by Revenue that details of the average waiting time and the longest waiting time of any customer are not available but Revenue has confirmed it is focused on completing the remaining reviews as quickly as possible.
70 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Finance, further to Parliamentary Question No. 116 of 10 March 2010, if he will amend the terms of the scheme to allow the community welfare officer to provide funds towards the cost of permanent relocation of the family home in the specific circumstances in which there is a significant risk of future flooding of the property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14406/10]
As stated in my response to PQ 166 of 10 March 2010 and PQ previous responses, I have no plans to introduce a grant for home relocation. Consideration to amending the terms of the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Social and Family Affairs.
71 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance the revenue accruing to the State from VAT in each of the past five years with a breakdown by the various rates of VAT. [14412/10]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the estimated net yield of VAT for the years 2005 to 2009 and the estimated breakdown in respect of the yields from the reduced VAT rate and the standard VAT rates are as set out in the following table.
|
Reduced VAT Rate |
Standard VAT Rate |
Total |
|
|
€m |
€m |
€m |
|
|
2005 |
5,108 |
7,017 |
12,125 |
|
2006 |
5,914 |
7,537 |
13,451 |
|
2007 |
6,415 |
8,104 |
14,519 |
|
2008 |
5,319 |
8,113 |
13,432 |
|
2009 |
3,690 |
6,948 |
10,638 |
The figures for 2009 are provisional and subject to revision. Due to the nature of VAT returns, precise figures for the breakdown of VAT receipts by tax rate are not available and consequently the figures provided are estimates.
72 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. [14423/10]
As the Deputy is aware, on 25th February 2010, I informed the Government of my proposals regarding expanding the membership of the Interdepartmental Mortgage Arrears Group, under the Chairmanship of Mr. Hugh Cooney who is an insolvency accountant. The revamped Group has commenced its work, having met twice since being established, and has finalised its Terms of Reference which I have approved and incorporated into the supplementary documentation for my Statement on Banking which I delivered to this House on 30 March 2010. In general, the terms of reference reflect the commitments made by the Government both in the Renewed Programme for Government and in subsequent Government decisions relating to the issues of mortgage arrears and personal debt.
I understand that the Group will focus initially on exploring the feasibility of a range of possible options for improving the level of mortgage support to homeowners in difficulty. Proposals will be based on factual information gathered by the Group and will take into account the findings of existing reports and mortgage support schemes in operation in other jurisdictions. I expect that these recommendations will be made to me on a rolling basis as the Group progresses with its findings and that a final report on this phase of the review will be ready by end June 2010. The Group will then continue to address the issues of personal debt with regard to the outcome of the ongoing deliberations by the Law Reform Commission on personal debt.
73 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance the reason for the delay in the Office of Public Works deciding on an alternative use of premises (details supplied) in Dublin 11; if in view of the urgency of this matter, he will expedite this decision. [14447/10]
The Office of Public Works is considering a range of options with a view to the optimum usage of the premises in question, and a final decision is yet to be made in this regard. The Deputy will be advised further on this matter when a decision is made.
74 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the number and subject of and value of programmes considered for value for money reviews completed in each of the past three years; the number that were completed on time; the value of savings identified in these reports; and the extent to which the savings have been implemented. [14468/10]
75 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the value for money reviews planned for 2010; the subject matter and the value of the programmes involved and the planned completion date of each. [14469/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 74 and 75 together.
The Value for Money and Policy Review process was launched in 2006, replacing the old Expenditure Review Initiative (ERI). In total 65 Reviews were completed during the 2006-2008 Round of Reviews. 32 reviews were not completed under the round and were carried forward into the new round of VFM reviews for 2009-2011. 19 of these ‘carryover' reviews have been completed or are near completion (to February 2010). 2009-2011 Round of Reviews
In October 2008 the Government agreed to undertake a new round of Value for Money and Policy Reviews covering the three year period 2009-2011. Building on the experience from the 2006-2008 round of reviews and also taking account of the OECD's recommendations in their report on the Irish Public Service, a number of improvements were made to the process. The key changes are as follows:
there is a particular focus on four big spending sectors — Health, Education, Social Welfare and Justice;
the process is more independent, including the appointment of independent Chairpersons to oversee each review and greater Department of Finance involvement in individual reviews;
topics for review are linked to the high-level objectives in the Annual Output Statement for individual Departments;
review topics are selected annually to give Government more flexibility to target reviews each year at areas where it is believed they can add most value; and
completed reviews are to continue to be made available to the relevant Select Oireachtas Committee and laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas.
In December 2008 the Government agreed a list of 12 topics to be reviewed by 12 individual Departments in 2009 under the new arrangements for the Value for Money and Policy Review initiative. The latest position on these 2009 reviews is included at Appendix 1. With regard to reviews planned for 2010, the Department of Finance is currently finalising, with individual Departments/Offices, a list of specific topics for review in 2010 under the Value for Money and Policy Review Initiative. Once this list of topics is finalised, the Minister for Finance will bring forward the list to Government for their agreement.
The latest analysis by the Central Expenditure Evaluation Unit on the impact of the Value for Money Reviews and the savings involved was carried out in December 2009 on the 41 Value for Money Reviews that have been completed since 1 August 2007. All of these reviews were part of the 2006-2008 round of VFM reviews. A full list of these reviews and a summary of their impacts are set out at Appendix 2.
|
Department/Office |
Review topic |
Progress to date |
|
Education & Science |
School Transport |
The report is close to finalisation pending some minor re-drafting. |
|
Health & Children* |
Disability Services |
Review is at data collection and fieldwork stage. |
|
Justice, Equality & Law Reform |
Asylum Seekers Accommodation |
Review is completed and awaiting sign-off. |
|
Social & Family Affairs |
Child Support |
At drafting stage |
|
Agriculture, Fisheries & Food |
Afforestation programme |
Review postponed following announcement of three forestry policy reviews on foot of commitment in revised Programme for Government. |
|
Arts, Sport & Tourism |
Tourism Product Development |
Review is at data collection and analysis stage. |
|
Communication, Energy & Natural Resources |
Greener Homes |
Steering Committee has met on 8 occasions and review is close to sign-off. |
|
Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs |
Rural Social Scheme |
Terms of Reference agreed and proceeding to data collection stage. |
|
Defence# |
Reserve Defence Force |
At Terms of Reference Stage |
|
Enterprise, Trade & Employment |
Inspection activity by the National Employment Rights Authority and the Health and Safety Authority |
Not commenced |
|
Environment, Heritage & Local Government |
Water Services Investment Programme |
At drafting stage |
|
Transport |
Review of Regional Airport Expenditure |
At drafting stage |
*Department of Health and Children is also carrying out a VFM review in 2009 of the Economic Cost and Charges associated with Private and Semi-Private Treatment Services in Public Hospitals.
#Following on from discussions at a meeting of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes in early 2009, the Department of Defence proposed a change to their 2009 review topic. It was agreed to reschedule a review of the Reserve Defence Forces as the Defence 2009 review topic on the basis that such a review was more likely to generate savings than the original agreed review of Training of General Service Recruits following the suspension of recruitment to the Defence Forces since late 2008.
|
Department |
Title |
Date Completed |
Summary of Review Impacts |
|
Agriculture, Fisheries & Food |
Farm Waste Management |
1/11/2007 |
This scheme is currently suspended having been closed to new applicants in December 2006. The existing budget for 2010-11 period is based on outstanding commitments under the scheme. Budget for 2010 is €245m and for 2011 is €123m. No administrative savings have been possible to date due to ongoing processing of payments made under the Scheme. |
|
FIRM (Food Research & Development Grants) |
5/3/2008 |
Funding for FIRM in 2007 was €8.38m, in 2008 was €5.0m and for 2009 is projected to be €6.7m. 2009 funding covers existing approvals only and there will be no new calls for eligible projects to be considered for aid. The review found that FIRM is managed in an efficient manner, with total management costs at 4.3% of total expenditure. The review made some recommendations to improve the effectiveness of the programme — capturing impact of funded research, benchmarking against similar international programmes and more emphasis on disseminating research outputs. |
|
|
Dairy Hygiene Scheme |
8/4/2008 |
The scheme was part of the 2000-2006 NDP operational programme which terminated at end 2006. Funding in 2009 is for outstanding grant claims. The review acknowledged general effectiveness of the 2000-06 scheme, but identified a number of factors to be considered in the context of any revised scheme, which have been taken into account when adopting the Farm Improvement Scheme in the context of the 2007-2013 Rural Development Programme. |
|
|
Marketing and Processing Scheme |
28/10/2008 |
Apart from current budgetary considerations, State aid approval for this scheme has expired in terms of considering new projects to grant aid. Resources freed up in the absence of new calls for proposals have been redirected to assist with two other research measures. Funding provided in 2009 (and up to 2012) relates to maturing projects in the beef, sheep and dairy processing sectors totalling €150m |
|
Department |
Title |
Date Completed |
Summary of Review Impacts |
|
Bovine TB Scheme |
1/12/2008 |
The expenditure for this scheme has been reduced in line with reductions in the incidences of disease occurrence. By highlighting the high cost of administration arising from the large number of local offices, the review facilitated a review of these offices and a decision on the rationalisation process is currently underway. The recommendation to rationalise field visits/reactor collection service has led to savings of approx 20% (€350k) in T&S since March 2009 (not including 25% reduction in rates). Transferring responsibility for collection of disease levies from ERAD resulted in small saving on staff costs. |
|
|
Bovine Animal Identification and Traceability System |
3/6/2009 |
Recommendations in respect of Bovine Passports and Bovine Database Compliance Certificates are well progressed and financial benefits will accrue in 2010, with the latter expected to generate €300k in full year savings. The other recommendations are being progressed and in the meantime the Division has reduced its staff complement by 3 CO’s. |
|
|
Installation Aid Scheme |
19/6/2009 |
Scheme currently suspended as part of decisions in context of 2009 Budget. The preliminary findings of the review did form part of this decision making process. Due to reduced administrative requirements of the Scheme in 2009, admin staff have been reduced by 1 EO and 1 CO. |
|
|
Arts, Sport & Tourism |
Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme |
29/9/2008 |
Due to budgetary constraints no new round of this programme has been launched, but the report recommendations will be used to assist in formulating future policy in the area and will be incorporated in any new programme. A database was established in mid-2007 to collect data from Local Authorities on pool usage and numbers of primary school children receiving water safety and swim tuition. This allows DAST to aggregate and analyse data to provide details on the impact of grant aid in the area. |
|
Irish Film Board |
13/10/2008 |
The review recommendations relate to agreeing targets, including timeframes for their delivery and performance indicators, with DAST and do not have any impact on the operation of the Irish Film Board or its activities. The IFB have drawn up a strategy and consequent business plans. |
|
Department |
Title |
Date Completed |
Summary of Review Impacts |
|
Irish Sports Council 2000-2006 |
25/2/2009 |
The ISC now submit a detailed quarterly report in advance of liaison meetings with DAST arising from a recommendation in the review. ISC are now monitoring best practice internationally. Specific and measurable performance indicators are being developed and agreed with DAST. |
|
|
Communications, Energy & Natural Resources |
Group Broadband Scheme |
30/11/2007 |
The recommendations of this review were addressed in the planning and implementation of the National Broadband Scheme (NBS). The NBS project was designed and managed in accordance with Guidelines for Appraisal and Management of Capital Expenditure and with EU and National Public Procurement Policy. The NBS contract contains a number of controls to ensure compliance with contractual commitments, including — phased payments on reaching defined milestones, penalties for failing to meet contractually binding service or customer obligations, and clawback and exit clauses. |
|
Broadband Infrastructure (MANs) |
23/9/2008 |
Implementation of the review recommendations led to a reduction in the scope of Phase II of the MAN’s programme and a reduction in expenditure on that part of the programme. In December 2007 the Minister for CENR suspended the construction of 28 of Phase II MAN’s which had been expected to cost approximately €20m to complete. The review recommended that a more targeted approach to MAN’s investment would be appropriate. An evaluation of 81 towns with population suitable for a MAN was carried out and Govt approval given to proceed with an appraisal under the Capital Appraisal Guidelines of the 11 highest scoring towns with a view to deciding whether or not to proceed with a MAN in each of these towns. |
|
|
Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs |
Caiteachas Caipitil ar na hOileáin |
7/1/2008 |
Staffing resources of Islands Division have been enhanced through restructuring resulting in enhanced streamlining of work practices. An additional Engineer with appropriate marine and project management experience appointed to assist Chief Engineer, bringing additional experience in Sustainable Energy and Project Management sectors. Further training in Project Management and related matters arranged for staff. Joint study between DCRGA and SEI to develop a model for islands energy needs through renewable energy commenced. INTERREG project to examine more efficient ways of providing ferry service underway. Project management teams in place for all major capital projects. Joint committee monitor smaller projects. |
|
Department |
Title |
Date Completed |
Summary of Review Impacts |
|
Ciste na Gaelige |
25/9/2008 |
This review covered the period 2000-2005 and most of the findings and recommendations of the review have been overtaken by subsequent developments. These developments necessitated a significant change of emphasis by DCRGA to meet new and demanding challenges. It is difficult to isolate a specific impact of the review as the thrust of policy had already changed substantially. |
|
|
Local Development Social Inclusion Programme |
30/1/2009 |
Many of the review recommendations will be implemented through the redesigned programme — including redefined goals and objectives, adopting lifecycle approach, clearer performance indicators, improved monitoring and independent evaluation. The merger process should result in savings in the medium-long term but these can not be quantified at this time. |
|
|
Defence |
Clothing Procurement in the Defence Forces |
18/8/2007 |
The review identified the potential for increased efficiency and effectiveness in the clothing storage and distribution system. Following recommendations from the group established to address the findings, 3 clothing stores were closed and the personnel redeployed to other duties. The recommendations regarding stock holding levels and enhanced efficiency of the distribution system will be addressed in a new tender competition currently being prepared. |
|
Naval Service Vessel Maintenance |
15/4/2009 |
The review found there was a low incidence of unscheduled maintenance resulting in lost patrol days and the maintenance programme was appropriately focussed on supporting operational targets of the Naval Service, underpinned by an ongoing programme of planned preventative maintenance. The primary recommendations centred on improving coordination of resource management within the maintenance function including improved systems of performance measurement. The review recommended revised maintenance management structures and these were quickly implemented by the Naval Service. Work is progressing on improving systems of performance management. |
|
Department |
Title |
Date Completed |
Summary of Review Impacts |
|
Education & Science |
Youthreach and Senior Traveller Training Centres |
7/4/2008 |
While the achievement of savings was an element of this review, in general it focussed on the efficiency and effectiveness with which the programmes used their resources to achieve their stated objectives. VECs were notified in August 2008 that no under 18s could be enrolled in STTCs from 1/1/09 and no allowance should be paid to learners under 16 in Youthreach from 1/1/09. Budget 2008 announced a reduction of 100 STTC places to 984 w.e.f. 1/9/09, as part of the phasing out of STTCs over 10-15 years as recommended in the review. This resulted in a saving of €270k from Sept-Dec 2009. The McCarthy report recommended phasing out STTCs over a 2-3 year period and this is under consideration by DES. |
|
Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) Undergraduate Skills Programme |
7/4/2008 |
Implementation of review recommendations is ongoing, with specific elements having been implemented. Funding for ICT skills is continuing, with Postgraduate skills conversion courses receiving more emphasis by the HEA to address skills gaps. Ring-fenced funding the HEA for ICT Skills courses is continuing and is subject to increased reporting and monitoring of outcomes by HEA. |
|
|
Teacher Education and Development |
7/4/2008 |
The review recommendations focussed mainly on organisational efficiencies and effectiveness and less on savings per se. Since the review major restructuring and amalgamations of the support services has taken place and structures continue to be reviewed in the context of the current climate, resulting in the reduction of costs across the area of Teacher Education. At primary level the SDPS, CAPP SMPP and PCSP have been amalgamated into the Primary Professional Development Service, with a consequent rationalisation of staff and administrative support. At post primary level the SLSS, SDPI and SPHE have been similarly amalgamated. In relation to evaluation, the Inspectorate is now developing metrics which will be applied to teacher support interventions in the future. |
|
|
Youth Encounter Project (YEP) Schools |
8/9/2008 |
Of 51 recommendations in the review, 12 have been implemented while a further 11 are in the process of implementation. Most of these recommendations relate to improved governance and communications structures, while the remainder concern rebalancing the composition of staff within schools and improving information, particularly performance indicators. It is not expected that the continued implementation of recommendations will have an impact on the 2010 Estimates process. |
|
Department |
Title |
Date Completed |
Summary of Review Impacts |
|
ICT Support Services for Schools |
30/10/2008 |
ICT advisor posts were not renewed for the 08/09 academic year, in line with the review recommendation that the resources would be better employed focussing supports for ICT leadership and change within each school. ICT advisor expenditure fell from €1.44m in 2008 to just €26.5k in 2009. |
|
|
Enterprise, Trade & Employment |
Science Foundation Ireland |
30/7/2008 |
The review made 10 recommendations which maintain the focus of existing SFI operations and are designed to improve the ongoing implementation and management of SFI’s programmes and to maximise the future impact and VFM from investments. Given the nature of investment there will not be a clear and immediate “cause and effect” in terms of impact from implementation of recommendations. A key recommendation of the report is that SFI should continue its core mission of funding research excellence in areas where Ireland can compete on a global scale. The impact of the findings in this review did not result in the need for a lower level of resources, but recommended that the level of Capital spend is at the very least maintained and in certain areas increased. DETE see no scope for further reduction in the pay budget for SFI and argue that it is imperative that funding for SFI’s Programme Management line is not just sustained, but increased. |
|
Environment, Heritage & Local Government |
Rural Water Programme |
12/12/2007 |
The review has been taken into account in formulating the Rural Water Programme 2009 and as part of the revised scheme of operational subsidy payable to group schemes. The recommendations are being considered as part of a review of future policy and support arrangements for Rural Water Programme. |
|
Department |
Title |
Date Completed |
Summary of Review Impacts |
|
Finance |
Civil Service Childcare Initiative |
22/10/2008 |
The key recommendations were that no further crèches should be built under this Initiative and that the subhead for Capital expenditure (routine maintenance costs and minor capital costs) would transfer to OPW, which happened w.e.f. 1/1/09. Responsibility for building and maintenance work (with an associated full-time post at HEO level) transferred to OPW. This left responsibility for policy and audit related activities with Dept. Finance. |
|
Foreign Affairs |
Support for Irish Emigrant Groups Abroad |
3/8/2007 |
In July 2007 the Govt set a target of increasing emigrant services funding to €34m by 2012. While it had increased from €2.9m in 2003 to €15.2m in 2007, it has remained at just over €15.1m since. A more formalised monitoring and evaluation system has been developed in cooperation with DFA’s Evaluation and Audit Unit and ICT Unit. Funding for community and heritage projects has also been expanded from within the overall allocation. A service level agreement has been put in place with the Federation of Irish Societies, the key second line service in Britain. |
|
Support to Tsunami Affected Countries |
17/10/2007 |
The review found that Irish Aid made a prompt and appropriate response to the disaster and managed its programme in an efficient and effective way. The primary impact in respect of the maintenance of a corps of volunteers for responding to emergencies which has been established under the Rapid Response Initiative is that funding of around €1.3m be set aside each year to recruit, train and deploy these volunteers in response to emergencies. |
|
|
Evaluation of the Mozambique Country Programmes 2001-2006 |
14/2/2008 |
The review recommendations are designed to further enhance the effectiveness of the Irish Aid programme in Mozambique. It is not anticipated that the implementation of the recommendations will have implications for the Estimates process, as it is intended to further enhance the effectiveness of the programme. |
|
|
Automated Passport Project |
24/10/2008 |
The review made a number of recommendations designed to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the service. |
|
Department |
Title |
Date Completed |
Summary of Review Impacts |
|
Justice, Equality & Law Reform |
Probation & Welfare Service Assistance to Voluntary Bodies |
16/7/2008 |
Many of the review recommendations coincided with the new business model being implemented by the Service. A Regional Manager was assigned to oversee the implementation of many of the review recommendations. Performance indicators are established and included in Funding Agreements. Payment of grants is contingent on completion of Funding Agreement and timely submission of accounts. The shortcomings identified in the review led to remedial action being taken by the P&WS and in certain cases some projects were closed down. These improvements and closures allowed for a saving of approximately €1.25m in the funding allocation in the 2009 Estimates. |
|
Courts Service — Staff Training and Development |
13/2/2009 |
Following the review, the Court’s Service report that they constantly seek to contribute to offices’ efficiency and effectiveness through the training provided. They will move away from the idea of training and development being a matter of choice. They are working with relevant groups and offices in training related initiatives such as managing new staff and instruction manuals. |
|
|
Courts Service ICT Programme 2001-2007 |
9/7/2009 |
The review findings are positive and conclude that value for money has been obtained in ICT expenditure from 2001-2007. In line with the review recommendation, the Courts Service ICT strategy document 2006-2010 was reviewed in June 2009 and a revised ICT strategy document 2009-2011 produced to align it with the Courts Service strategic plan. The Courts Service ICT unit is at present examining implementation of the remaining recommendations. |
|
|
Office of Public Works |
Provision of Flood Relief Schemes |
12/11/2008 |
In line with the review recommendations, OPW initiated and completed a project planning and implementation manual which incorporates measures to improve the interface between the Design Team, the Administration Unit and the Engineers involved in managing/monitoring flood relief works. A Flood Risk Indicators, Methods and Datasets Scoping Study has been completed to provide indicators of flood risk to inform option selection and project appraisal and prioritisation. |
|
Department |
Title |
Date Completed |
Summary of Review Impacts |
|
Revenue Commissioners |
Information Technology External Resources Expenditure in 2006 |
7/3/2008 |
The review concluded that expenditure on external resources is well managed and delivers value for money. The review identified areas with scope for enhanced effectiveness and efficiency and proposed a range of measures to enhance the value obtained from expenditure. Savings realised from implementation of recommendations were reflected in funding requirements for Estimates process and allowed Revenue live within overall cuts imposed for 2008 and 2009. Procurement management strategy resulted in reductions ranging from 8% to 35% across a number of external resource contracts. |
|
Social & Family Affairs |
Medical Review and Assessment Services |
27/8/2007 |
The review of payments to carers was subsumed in to the work being carried out in the development of a National Carers Strategy in 2008. |
|
Review of Carers Allowance and Carers Benefit Schemes |
9/7/2008 |
The majority of the review recommendations are being implemented under the Medical Referral and Case Management project, with a total cost of €4.3m, of which €2.1m will be spent in 2009. MRAS admin staff will be freed up to carry out more value adding roles. Medical Assessor capacity will be maximised. Payments based only on certificates received by the Department |
|
|
Transport |
CIE Subvention |
30/11/2007 |
The findings of the review are assisting the drafting of enforceable contracts between D/Transport and CIE companies governing the provision of service for the subvention paid to the operating company, in terms of the requirements and expectation of services regarding frequency, quality of service etc. |
|
Capital Spend by Dublin Transport Office |
15/5/2008 |
The review focused heavily on the QBC element of Traffic Management Grants, which is the main cost element. The review made important recommendations on both project appraisal at stages of development and after their introduction, and implementation of these recommendations could add to the efficiency and effectiveness of the TMG scheme. Where new QBC’s are being devised they will be subject to full Cost Benefit Analysis. For extensions or enhancements to existing QBC’s a partial benefit cost ratio is applied. Individual construction projects to construct the QBC network will be specified and appraised. The need for ex-post reviews of QBC’s is agreed in principle but due to resource constraints progress will be slow in the short term. |
76 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider introducing modifications to the pension scheme of a company (details supplied) to enable persons who have contributed to this scheme for a period of 40 years to cease paying contributions. [14470/10]
The Minister for Transport has primary responsibility for matters relating to the company in question, including its pension schemes. With regard to pension arrangements, the administration of the schemes and proposals for amendment to the schemes are a matter for the company and its pension committee in the first instance. The relevant legislation requires that any amendments to the schemes be approved by the Minister for Transport, after consultation with the Minister for Finance. I am not aware of any such proposal to amend the schemes having been made. On a point of information, I can inform the Deputy that most defined benefit schemes require continued contributions from employees even where the maximum service has been accrued.
77 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding payments into pension funds by high net worth persons; if a limit has been imposed in relation to the amount invested per year or in total; his views on whether the current system is unfair to persons paying tax at the 20% rate; the measures that have been introduced or are proposed to limit the advantage received by persons on the 41% rate; the clawback that has been introduced; if reference to 8% tax and benefit of 33% savings will be clarified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14472/10]
Following the Review of Tax Relief for Pensions Provision carried out jointly by my Department and the Revenue Commissioners in 2005, as part of the Internal Reviews of certain tax schemes, a number of significant changes were made to pensions tax policy in the 2006 Budget and Finance Act. These changes impacted primarily on high net worth individuals.
The most significant of the changes was the imposition of a maximum allowable pension fund on retirement for tax purposes. It works by imposing a limit or ceiling on the total capital value of pension benefits that an individual can draw in their lifetime from tax-relieved pension products, where those benefits come into payment for the first time on or after 7 December 2005. This limit, called the Standard Fund Threshold, was originally set at €5 million and was increased in line with an indexation factor in 2007 and 2008 to its current value of just over €5.4 million. No index-linked increase was applied for 2009. In certain circumstances, a higher threshold called the "personal fund threshold" could apply. By imposing a punitive tax rate on benefits drawn in excess of the limit, it discourages the build-up of excessive tax relieved pension funds in the first place, which was one of the main concerns raised in the Review.
The second significant change was the imposition of a limit on lump sum payments that can be made tax-free under various pension arrangements. At present, where lower limits do not apply, the maximum lifetime tax-free lump sum that can be payable is an amount not exceeding 25% of the Standard Fund Threshold mentioned earlier. Any balance of a lump sum greater than 25% of the Standard Fund Threshold is liable to tax at the individual's marginal rate of income tax. In that regard, I stated in my 2010 Budget Speech, that I accept the Commission on Taxation recommendation that retirement lump sums below €200,000 should not be taxed. The treatment of lump sum payments above this level will be considered and developed during the implementation phase of the recently published National Pensions Framework.
In Finance (No. 2) Act 2008, the earnings limit that acts, in conjunction with the age related percentage limits, to restrict the amount of tax relieved pension contributions that can be made by individuals in any year, was reduced to €150,000 from the previous level of just over €275,000. As with the overall limit on tax-relieved pension funds and the maximum tax-free lump sum, this restriction also impacts on those on higher earnings.
The Government agreed, in the revised Programme for Government, that a new pension savings incentive will be set at a rate equivalent to 33% tax relief rather than the existing marginal rate relief. This commitment is now included in the National Pensions Framework. The Framework also makes clear that PRSI and Health Levy relief on pension contributions will be in addition to the 33% rate of tax relief and the mechanism for delivering this relief will also be developed during the implementation phase of the Framework. Overall, I consider this to be a very significant change that, when implemented, will provide a very strong incentive for individual contributions to pension schemes and greatly improve the attractiveness of pension saving for the lower paid.
78 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will respond to correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14316/10]
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.
79 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support a matter (details supplied). [14349/10]
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.
80 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will clarify her announcement in January 2010 regarding the HPV vaccination programme for girls currently in first year; if the programme will start before summer 2010 or afterwards; if it applies to girls currently in first year; if it will be administrated to girls now in first year who will be in second year in autumn 2010 and who may only be reached after the summer; and when this programme will move to the next stage. [14378/10]
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.
81 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the processing of medical cards applications; if existing cards are still valid until the renewal process including appeals is completed; the reason applications are refused to persons on basic social welfare payments only; if a common sense approach has been lost in the new system; and the further reason a renewal application in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9 has been refused. [14379/10]
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.
82 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will examine the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11 in view of the fact that their application for an over 70 years medical card took ten months to process; if she will arrange for a refund of medical expenses incurred during that time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14380/10]
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.
83 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Health and Children the psychiatric services operating on the north side of Dublin; the structural or organisational changes taking place; the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9 has been moved to a new team and location; if it is due to her medical condition or category or location of their home address or other reasons; and if it will be arranged that they will be allowed to continue with their existing team and location. [14381/10]
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.
84 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Health and Children the services to which persons suffering from multiple sclerosis are entitled and specifically if she will detail those available in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11. [14382/10]
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.
85 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans for the implementation of the 50 cent prescription charge. [14383/10]
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.
86 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of ear, nose and throat consultants that are attached to Temple Street Children’s Hospital, Dublin 1; if her attention has been drawn to the 12 month delay for an ENT outpatient appointment; if she will prioritise the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14387/10]
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.
87 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the Community Hospital and Nursing Home at Belmullet, County Mayo; the proposals for the future of this hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14396/10]
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.
88 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the need for a grant allocation to improve the child care facilities at the old national school at Ballygar, County Galway; if her further attention has been drawn to the fact that this is the only crèche in Ballygar and of the ever increasing population in this area and of the very large Traveller population in this area; if funding will be made available as a matter of urgency to improve this facility; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14397/10]
I have responsibility for implementing the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010 (NCIP) which is a multi-annual programme to improve the availability and quality of childcare options, primarily through capital grant-aiding the construction and refurbishment of childcare facilities and the Community Childcare Subvention Scheme (CCSS) which provides current support grants for community services.
The initial capital allocation to the programme was €358 million over 5 years. However, due to the economic downturn, the capital grant programme was closed to new applicants in 2009. I understand that Ballygar Community Playgroup Ltd., which had applied for capital grant funding of €1.2 million, was advised that this was the case in April 2009. I understand that the company appealed this decision and was advised in December 2009 that it was not possible to uphold their appeal.
During 2010, existing NCIP capital grant commitments amounting to €30 million will continue to be met. A smaller scale capital grant programme, designed to maintain the existing childcare infrastructure, is expected to be introduced in 2011 and I would hope to announce details of this programme later this year.
89 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the private agencies contracted by the Health Service Executive to provide residential child care services to the HSE; the money awarded to each of these services and providers each year for the past five years; the number of children cared for per year, per provider, during this time; the registered name of each company; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14408/10]
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.
90 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason all outstanding payments have not been issued under the nursing home refund scheme to a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon; when this will be resolved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14409/10]
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.
91 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the issue of interest owing to long stay patients; when repayment will commence in the west; the cost of the administration of this repayment programme; the money to be repaid; the number of persons who have received a repayment to date; the value of such payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14410/10]
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.
92 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the funding held by the Health Service Executive on behalf of long stay patients; the charges placed on the management of this fund; the income generated from the fund in 2008 and 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14411/10]
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.
93 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of individual posts, advertised or placed in public competition under the terms of the Recruitment and Appointment Act 2004, designed to select the most qualified person, in open transparent competition, that were removed as a result of mediation under the terms of the final framework agreement, an agreement between unions (details supplied) and awarded to the Health Service Executive administrators; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14413/10]
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.
94 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. [14425/10]
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.
95 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 196 of 23 February 2010 when a reply will issue. [14428/10]
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.
96 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the implications of the cessation of the National Childcare Investigation Programme 2006 to 2010; and the new arrangements for funding this sector. [14450/10]
I have responsibility for implementing the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010 (NCIP) which is a multi-annual programme to improve the availability and quality of childcare options, primarily through capital grant-aiding the construction and refurbishment of childcare facilities and the Community Childcare Subvention Scheme (CCSS) which provides current support grants for community services.
The initial allocation to the programme was €575 million over five years, of which €358 million was in respect of capital and €217 million was in respect of current expenditure. Due to the economic downturn, the capital grant programme was closed to new applicants in 2009, at which point approximately €190 million of its allocation had been committed and approximately €152 million had been drawn down. NCIP capital expenditure in 2010 is expected to amount to €30 million and the total number of new childcare places created is expected to amount to 25,000. From 2011 onwards, a smaller capital programme designed to maintain the existing infrastructure is expected to be allocated.
The NCIP current allocation has increased to €239 million, largely due to an increased allocation of approximately €17 million to the CCSS, bringing its total allocation to approximately €165 million over 2008-2010. The CCSS supports some 900 community childcare services, enabling them to charge reduced childcare fees to approximately 30,000 disadvantaged and low income working parents. The CCSS will be replaced in September 2010 by a new Community Childcare Subvention (CCS) scheme which will maintain the existing rates of childcare supports for parents in receipt of social welfare benefits and improve the rates of childcare supports for parents in low income employment and parents in training and education.
In addition, in January of this year, I introduced the new free Pre-School Year in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) scheme with an annual allocation of €170 million. The ECCE scheme provides a free pre-school year to all children in the year before commencing primary school. Children qualify for the year when they are aged between 3 years 3 months and 4 years 6 months in September of the relevant year. I am pleased to say that over 51,000 children, or 80% of children in the year before starting school, are availing of the free pre-school year at this point with a further 5% of children availing of a pre-school year under the CCSS scheme.
97 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a medical card will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14463/10]
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.
98 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport his views on changing the law to designate specific spaces on public buses and trains for wheelchair users only, to ensure they are not left behind at rush hour and at other busy times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14340/10]
I have asked CIE to report to me in regard to whether legislation is required or whether there are alternative means to address the issue raised by the Deputy. I will give consideration to any proposals from the Company.
99 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider introducing modifications to the pension scheme of a company (details supplied) to enable persons who have contributed to this scheme for a period of 40 years to cease paying contributions. [14471/10]
This is a matter for CIÉ and not one in which I have any role.
100 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will support the case of a person (details supplied). [14355/10]
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.
101 Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if it is correct that a person can no longer describe themselves as Tibetan on Garda National Immigration Bureau cards; if so, when the Tibetan option was erased from the drop down menu in the software that creates these cards; the reason that option disappeared; if he was requested by China to disallow Tibetan as an option on GNIB cards; the person who instructed the GNIB to erase the option of Tibetan nationality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14433/10]
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.
102 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on whether the importance of having a strong and independent Human Rights Commission; and if he will ensure the necessary resources are made available to achieve that objective. [14060/10]
The functions of the Irish Human Rights Commission are as prescribed in the Human Rights Commission Act 2000. The Act also provides that the IHRC is independent in the performance of its functions. Under the Act the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform is required in each financial year to pay the Commission, out of moneys provided by the Oireachtas, a grant, with the consent of the Minister of Finance, of such an amount as he or she determines towards the expenses of the Commission in the performance of its function.
Having regard to the Exchequer position, I am satisfied that the funding made available to the Commission in 2010 is reasonable in the circumstances.
103 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will restore funding for an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14334/10]
As the Deputy is aware, from 2003-2008 the Remembrance Commission operated a Scheme of Acknowledgement, Remembrance, and Assistance for Victims in this Jurisdiction of the Conflict in Northern Ireland.
Under the Scheme, payments could be made to individuals under various categories such as acknowledgement payments, economic hardship payments and medical expenses payments. The Scheme also contained a provision to enable payments to be paid to groups offering support services to victims of the conflict. Under this element of the scheme payments were made to the organisation to which the Deputy refers for the purpose of meeting the counselling and other needs of victims or their family members. During the period of operation of the Scheme this organisation received a total of €1.2m of the €1.5m allocated for victim support services and was the only recipient of money under this heading.
The term of appointment of the Remembrance Commission came to an end on 31 October 2008. As the Remembrance Commission's term of appointment has come to an end, funding under the Scheme is no longer available but I took a decision to grant additional funding to the group totalling €190,300 to enable it to continue to operate while seeking to put alternative funding options in place.
As I have made clear, my first priority is to ensure that those victims who require ongoing medical treatment for injuries sustained in bombings and other incidents arising from the conflict in Northern Ireland will continue to be provided for. I have made special arrangements to have these costs provided by my Department through the Victims of Crime Office.
104 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he will publish the report of the committee to review the house rules, including the complaints procedure, in respect of the direct provision system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14335/10]
The Report of the Committee to review the house rules for asylum seekers in accommodation centres will be published on the website of the Reception and Integration Agency of my Department by the end of the month. The RIA website address is www.ria.gov.ie.
Arising from the report and in accordance with its findings, the revised house rules were submitted to the National Adult Literacy Association for proofing in relation to simplicity of language. The house rules were then recirculated to the members of the review group and final approval on the text was received in November 2009. RIA is currently working on adding visual aids to the document in order to facilitate ease of understanding. Furthermore, a programme of information and dissemination to residents and staff of all accommodation centre about the house rules will begin shortly.
The text of the revised house rules will also be published on the RIA website by the end of the month.
105 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has obtained a lease on some or all of premises (details supplied) in Dublin 1; the purpose for which the premises will be used; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that no planning permission has been sought for a change of use; if his further attention has been drawn to the fact that premises are located directly across from a local authority housing complex; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14338/10]
This matter was the subject of an Adjournment Debate in the House on the 30th March, 2010. I have nothing further to add to the response given on that occasion.
106 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 427 of 23 March 2010, the outcome of persons who were referred to the Drugs Court since 2001 but who did not successfully complete the programme; the follow-ups that were in place for the 29 people who have successfully completed the programme to ensure they did not re-offend; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14347/10]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question 427 on 23 March. As she is aware, my Department has been examining the operation of the Court to see how its throughput levels might be increased. I hope to be in a position to make an announcement on the matter in the near future.
107 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the data available on the consistency of sentencing for crimes of a similar profile; and his plans to ensure that the courts are more consistent in the approach they take particularly in relation to crimes for which there is a mandatory sentence. [14357/10]
The judiciary has been developing a system to gather relevant criteria and access information about the range of sentences and other penalties which have been imposed for particular types of offence. This will be a valuable support to judges when considering the sentence to be imposed in an individual case. The project is overseen by a steering committee, established by the Courts Service Board and chaired by Mrs. Justice Susan Denham of the Supreme Court. I understand a number of pilot projects have been run in several court jurisdictions, including Dublin, Cork and Limerick Circuit Criminal Courts; the Dublin District Court and the Court of Criminal Appeal. The outcomes will be reviewed and assessed by judges prior to final evaluation and establishment of a website. I understand it is envisaged that, in addition to the case content, which is being compiled following consultation with the Data Protection Commissioner, the website will contain references to leading cases on sentencing, summaries and links to significant judgments on sentencing law, some statistical data and academic material on sentencing.
The issue of mandatory sentences, or more accurately, presumptive minimum sentences continues to generate a certain amount of debate. I have contacted the Attorney General in regard to this matter who has formally requested the Law Reform Commission to examine the issue of mandatory sentencing generally. I understand that this issue is to be included in the Commission's programme of work for 2010.
I should add that the Criminal Justice Act 1993 (as amended by section 23 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006) provides that the Director of Public Prosecutions may, where it appears to him that a sentence imposed by a court for a crime on indictment is unduly lenient, apply to the Court of Criminal Appeal to review the sentence. The Director of Public Prosecutions is, of course, independent in the carrying out of his functions.
108 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the statistics of the extent of re-offending among people who have been convicted to jail sentences; the measures of recidivism he uses as a policy target when assessing the performance of the prison and probation service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14358/10]
I wish to advise the Deputy that the Irish Prison Service facilitated a major study of prisoner re-offending by the UCD Institute of Criminology. The study found that 27.4% of released prisoners were serving a new prison sentence with one year. This rose to 39.2% after two years, 45.1% after three years, and 49.2% after four years. The fact that over 50% of prisoners do not re-offend within four years of release compares well internationally.
The Prison Service provides a range of rehabilitative programmes which have the dual purpose of providing prisoners with purposeful activity while serving their sentences and encouraging and equipping them to lead productive lives on release. Prisoner rehabilitation involves significant multi-dimensional input by a diverse range of general and specialist services provided both by the Irish Prison Service and in-reach statutory and non-statutory services. Amongst these are healthcare, psychiatric, psychological, educational, work and training, vocational, counselling, welfare and spiritual services. These services are important in addressing offending behaviour, drug and alcohol addiction, missed educational and vocational opportunities, anger management, and self management in the interest of encouraging positive personal development in prisoners, and preparing them for re-integration and resettlement on release from custody. In addition, the Probation Service has an active role during the course of the prisoner's sentence in helping maintain links with family and community agencies, encouraging prisoners to address their offending behaviour and engaging prisoners in individual counselling and group counselling programmes such as offending behaviour, addiction, violence and sex offending.
The Irish Prison Service is developing and rolling out a fully co-ordinated Integrated Sentence Management system (ISM) across all prisons and places of detention. ISM involves a new emphasis on prisoners taking greater personal responsibility for their own development through active engagement with both specialist and non-specialist services in the prisons. The end result will be a prisoner-centred approach to working with prisoners with provision for initial assessment, goal setting and periodic review to measure progress.
ISM was first introduced on a pilot basis in Arbour Hill and Wheatfield prisons. During 2009, it was extended to additional numbers of prisoners in these prisons and was also initiated in the Training Unit and the Midlands Prison. Preparatory work also commenced in St Patrick's Institution. Altogether over 200 prisoners have participated in ISM to date. Parallel work on a range of necessary system supports such as the development of an IT database and staff training is ongoing. It is envisaged that ISM will be consolidated in these five prisons in 2010, with approximately 500 prisoners participating by the end of the year. ISM will continue to be rolled out to all other institutions on a phased basis, subject to the availability of resources.
In addition, as the Deputy will be aware the Probation Service of my Department works in partnership with a range of community based projects to assist it with its core work. These projects — numbering about 50 — will receive in the region of €11m in funding this year from my Department. The projects support the work of the Service in re-integrating ex-offenders back to society by providing a range of supports such as work training, support with tackling addiction issues, accommodation needs etc. This range of supportive work also contributes to reducing re-offending and enhancing community safety.
109 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the protections available to prevent the entry into Ireland of persons from abroad who have criminal records and would represent a threat; if he is satisfied with the success of these measures; and the number of persons who have been convicted in the past 12 months in Ireland who had prior criminal records abroad. [14359/10]
Section 4 (3)(d) of the Immigration Act, 2004 permits refusal of entry to "a non-national where the non-national has been convicted (whether in the State or elsewhere) of an offence that may be punished under the law of the place of conviction by imprisonment for a period of one year or by a more severe penalty". A person can also be refused a visa where there is a history of criminality.
The powers of the State are more constrained, however, when it comes to a national of another Member State of the European Union.
Article 5 of Directive 2004/38/EC on the right of Union citizens and their family members to move and reside freely within the territories of the Member States provides for the right of entry to the territory of a Member State to a Union citizen and their family members, including family members who are not nationals of Member State. While this right is not unqualified, Article 35 of the Directive allows Member States to adopt measures to refuse terminate or withdraw any rights conferred under the Directive in cases of abuse of rights or fraud. Strict conditions apply to Member States which take such actions.
Article 27 of the Directive sets out the circumstances in which Member States may restrict the rights of entry and residence of Union citizens and their family members. Member States may restrict the freedom of movement of Union citizens on public policy, public security and public health grounds and are free, as such, to determine the requirements of public policy and public security for their own territory. It is important to stress however that Member States are prohibited from taking such actions only on the basis of a previous criminal conviction.
Restrictive measures may be taken only on a case-by-case basis where the personal conduct of the individual concerned represents a genuine, present and serious threat affecting one of the fundamental interests of society of the host Member State. A previous criminal conviction can be taken into account, but only in so far as the circumstances which gave rise to that conviction are evidence of personal conduct which constitutes a present and serious threat to public policy.
A key element in combatting the movement of criminals is co-operation. In particular, Ireland and the UK work closely to try to curb illegal migration and organised crime in the common travel area. Operation Gull was established to curb illegal migration between Ireland and Great Britain through Northern Ireland. Over one hundred (100) operations have been carried out to date, at ports of entry both here and in the North. Other initiatives have been developed in relation to joint training, sharing immigration liaison officer resources and immigration information and biometric exchanges. Furthermore both states are developing electronic data processing systems to enhance border management particularly at the external borders of the common travel area.
As regards the last part of the Deputy's Question, as regards the number of persons who have been convicted in the past 12 months in Ireland who had prior criminal records abroad, I have no official responsibility to the Dáil in relation to this matter. Statistics in relation to such convictions is a matter for the Courts Service, which, under the Courts Service Act, 1998 is independent in the performance of its functions (s. 4(3)), which include the management of the courts, (s.5(a)) and provision of statistics (s. 5(c)).
110 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for a certificate of naturalisation in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and when it will be processed and approved. [14388/10]
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.
111 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for a certificate of naturalisation in respect of a person (details supplied). [14389/10]
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.
112 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will respond to a report in a newspaper (details supplied) that he has abandoned plans to replace St. Patrick’s Institution; and the position regarding same. [14451/10]
Contrary to media reports, the development of the new national children detention facilities is well underway. The Office of Public Works has completed both concept designs and sketch designs to deliver 167 places and these have been approved by the Steering Committee established to oversee progress on the project. The Steering Committee is due to meet again today to consider the planning process to be used in respect of the new facilities and work will commence shortly on developing detailed designs in consultation with the various stakeholders so that Request for Tenders documentation for construction can be prepared. Sufficient capital funding has been provided this year to progress the planning and design of the facilities.
The project will be undertaken in phases. It is anticipated that the first phase will consist of 80 new places and will facilitate the transfer of responsibility for detaining 16 and 17 year old boys from St. Patrick's Institution. The second phase is intended to provide a further 57 new places with the remaining 30 places being provided in existing facilities.
The completion date for the new facilities will be subject to the planning process to be followed but it is hoped, subject to any requirements that the planning authorities may have, that Phase 1 of the project could be complete by mid- 2013.
Funding for the project has been earmarked in the National Development Plan. As with all major capital projects of this nature, expenditure will be reviewed on an ongoing basis to ensure value for money and tendering for the construction of the new facilities will be subject to Government approval and to the necessary funding being made available.
113 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will review travel documentation for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 20; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14462/10]
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.
114 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the concerns that have been expressed about the operation of the Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Act 2009 in so far as it relates to rights of way and way leaves for water, cables, septic tanks and otherwise, very many of which are unregistered having been acquired by use over a long period and which may be extinguished if not registered or confirmed by Court Order prior to 31 December 2012 resulting in uncertainties and even conflict all over the country; and if he will establish a group to examine the issue and to advise on any appropriate amendment to the Act. [14466/10]
I am not aware of any concerns in relation to the provisions of section 39 of the Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Act 2009 which deal with the extinguishment of easements. Section 39 provides that, except where it is protected by registration in either the Land Registry or Registry of Deeds, as appropriate, an easement is extinguished on the expiry of a 12-year continuous period during which the beneficiary ('dominant owner') ceases to use or enjoy the easement.
115 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress made to date by the EU in developing the European external action service under the provisions of the Lisbon treaty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14304/10]
There has been substantial work in recent weeks on the European External Action Service (EEAS) which is an important innovation under the Lisbon Treaty supporting the work of the new High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Catherine Ashton.
On 25 March the High Representative presented her proposal for a Council Decision on the organisation and functioning of the EEAS, together with related proposals on budgetary and staff matters. These proposals follow intensive consultations with a range of stakeholders, including the Member States. The Council will make its Decision after consulting the European Parliament and obtaining the consent of the European Commission. The Parliament will have the power of co-decision in regard to the associated budgetary and staffing legislation.
The High Representative's proposals are complex and will require careful scrutiny and debate in the coming weeks. I look forward to discussing them with my colleagues at the Council meeting on 26 April. This will be an important decision for the Council with long-term consequences. The Council must take care to get the organisational structure of the EEAS right, particularly in terms of its central administration and its Delegations in Third Countries and international organisations. The Decision will also deal with the links between the EEAS and other EU institutions, particularly the Commission where the High Representative is also Vice-President and the Parliament which will be consulted regularly by the High Representative on the main aspects and the basic choices of the common foreign and security policy. The guidelines for the EEAS endorsed by the European Council remain a valid basis for considering the High Representative's proposals.
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 proposals include provisions for the staff recruitment process and consequential amendments to the EU's Staff Regulations.
I believe 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 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 Irish diplomats in working for the EEAS.
The overall size of the EEAS is still under consideration and it will be a few 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.
The work of the EEAS will be complementary to the work of national diplomatic services and EU Delegations will work in close cooperation with the Embassies of EU Member States. A Declaration attached to the Lisbon Treaty makes clear that the establishment of the EEAS does 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. 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 will remain our own responsibility.
116 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will support the case of a person (details supplied) in County Galway. [14350/10]
A passport application for the named person was registered with the Passport Office in Balbriggan on 23 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 at present taking up to twenty working days to process Passport Express applications. As applications are being processed on a first come first served basis, the application in question will not be processed until the third week of April.
117 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number, location and funding allocated to projects under the sports capital programme in 2006, 2007 and 2008 in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14325/10]
The information sought by the Deputy is available on the Department's website www.dast.gov.ie
118 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the level of funding under the sports capital programme administered by her Department which is being committed by way of grant aid to sporting organisations which has not yet been drawn down; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14337/10]
Under the Sports Capital Programme, which is administered by my Department, and part funded from the proceeds of the National Lottery, funding is allocated to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country.
While no decision has been made on the timing of the next round of the Programme, €48 million has been provided in my Department's Vote in the 2010 Estimates to cover payments to be made from the C1 subhead, out of which grants are paid for the provision of sports and recreation facilities in respect of previously awarded grants.
At the beginning of this year there was just over €117m in outstanding grants from previous allocations.
119 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when funding will be awarded to a GAA club (details supplied) in County Kerry in relation to the piling mat; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14343/10]
The club in question was provisionally allocated €180,000, including a CLÁR top up of €30,000, under the Sports Capital Programme 2007. All provisional allocations are subject to the terms and conditions of the Programme. Grantees, including the one in question, are informed that the Department's technical advisers, the Office of Public Works (OPW), have a monitoring role in relation to grants amounting to more than €150,000. While the allocation has been formally approved and tenders for certain elements of the project have been approved, the OPW is not satisfied with the tender process for the works referred to by the Deputy and the club has been notified of the OPW's reservations.
120 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position regarding a project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14318/10]
I am advised that the proposal referred to by the Deputy is not feasible as the facility in question will be required for operational purposes from early April 2010.
The Deputy will appreciate that I am unable to be more specific within the constraints of a "details supplied" Question but I will be glad to provide further information if he wishes to contact my office.
121 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his Department has received an application from a sporting organisation (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he has considered its application. [14346/10]
My Department received an application in January 2010 for assistance under Na Scéimeanna Feabhsúcháin Gaeltachta from the organisation referred to by the Deputy.
This application is currently being assessed by my Department and a decision will be made in due course, subject to existing commitments and available resources.
122 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will respond to correspondence (details supplied) regarding an issue under the remit of his Department. [14400/10]
There are a number of issues of public concern raised in the Deputy's Question. However, given the difficulty in responding adequately to the matters raised by him within the constraints of a ‘details supplied' Question, I am arranging to have the relevant information forwarded directly to him.
If the Deputy would prefer to re-submit the Question in a less restricted format, I will, of course, be glad to put my response on the record of the House.
123 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs the total expenditure by his Department from the proceeds of the Dormant Accounts Fund in 2009 and the likely expenditure from this fund in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14452/10]
The Dormant Accounts Fund Acts provides for an annual transfer by credit institutions and insurance undertakings of monies in accounts determined to be dormant into the Dormant Accounts Fund (DAF).
Expenditure in 2009 under a number of DAF measures that come within the remit of my Department amounted to some €8.9m. In 2010, €6.65m is being provided to meet commitments due to beneficiaries under such measures.
Information relating to the Dormant Accounts Fund and on beneficiaries is available on the website of my Department at www.pobail.ie.
124 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of applications for funding from various groups throughout County Kildare received in his Department in 2010; the extent to which he has responded or intends to respond; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14453/10]
125 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of bodies or groups throughout County Kildare that applied to his Department for funding in 2009; the number of successful applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14454/10]
I propose to take Questions 124 and 125 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, my Department operates a wide range of grant programmes and schemes and details of these are available on my Department's website at www.pobail.ie. Some of the schemes are administered directly by my Department and others are administered on behalf of the Department by various bodies and groups, where applications for funding are submitted directly to the bodies/groups in question.
In relation to the applications administered directly by my Department, I can confirm that under the Scheme of Community Support for Older People (CSOP), 9 groups from County Kildare applied for funding in 2009 and all were approved for funding. 9 applications from groups in County Kildare for funding have also been received under the CSOP to date in 2010. 6 of these applications were successful and 3 are currently being assessed.
In 2009, 9 groups from County Kildare applied for funding under the programme of grants for locally-based community and voluntary organisations ("Once-off Grants") and 7 groups were approved for funding. No applications were received in 2010 and the scheme is currently closed to applications.
3 Community Development Projects in County Kildare were allocated funding under the Community Development Programme in 2009 and also under the new Local and Community Development Programme in 2010.
The Kildare Local Development Company, Cill Dara Ar Aghaigh Teoranta, was allocated €1.1 million for the delivery of the Local Development Social Inclusion Programme (LDSIP) in 2009. It has been allocated funding of €0.98 million for delivery of the new Local and Community Development Programme in 2010.
It should be noted that applications for funding for drugs initiatives in County Kildare are made to the South West Regional Drugs Task Force (RDTF).
Finally, for completeness, I wish to confirm to the Deputy that funding under the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 is provided through integrated local development companies and that a total of €12.28 million has been indicatively approved for rural development purposes under this programme in County Kildare.
126 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the extent to which he proposes to offer assistance towards the drugs task force programme in 2010; the way this compares with previous years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14455/10]
130 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his proposals for interaction with local community based groups involved in the fight against drugs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14459/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 126 and 130 together.
As the Deputy is aware, the majority of expenditure incurred through my Department's Vote for drugs initiatives is channelled through the Local and Regional Drugs Task Forces. In this regard, in excess of €31 million will be made available this year to the Task Forces for the ongoing implementation of their strategic plans. Overall, this represents a reduction of 11% in the funding provided in 2009. The reduction in 2009 over 2008 was of the order of 8% but, in that regard, it should be noted that responsibility and funding for the Young Peoples Facilities and Services Fund transferred to the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs with effect from 1 January 2009.
My Department will continue to support and engage with local and community-based groups involved in tackling drug misuse through the Task Force network and in line with the structures outlined in the National Drugs Strategy 2009-2016.
127 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of groups, bodies or agencies that received funding from his Department in the past 12 months; the extent to which such funding is likely to be available in the course of 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14456/10]
As the Deputy will be aware, my Department operates a wide range of grant programmes and schemes, details of which are available on my Department's website at www.pobail.ie.
Against this background, the Deputy will appreciate that funding is provided each year to a very large number of individuals, groups, bodies and agencies. I do not consider that the allocation of staff resources that would be required to fully list all of these allocations could be justified, particularly in the context where a significant amount of the relevant information is already available on my Department's website or in the annual Appropriation Accounts that are laid before the Oireachtas.
If the Deputy has a particular query regarding specific groups, bodies or agencies, I will, of course, be happy to provide the relevant information to the extent feasible.
128 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his priorities for his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14457/10]
My priority over the coming period will be to progress the actions and commitments reflected in the Programme for Government and the Revised Programme for Government that relate to my functions and areas of responsibility in the restructured Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. In this regard, work will commence shortly on the preparation of a new Statement of Strategy for my Department. In developing this new Statement of Strategy, my Department will take stock of the progress made to date on meeting Government Programme commitments and decide how best to focus its efforts over the coming period so as to achieve real results on the ground and deliver on our mandate.
Over its lifetime, the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs made significant progress in enhancing the cohesiveness and efficiency of delivery of various programmes that were transferred to it from other Departments. A similar challenge will face the new Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, but I am confident that the experience garnered in that context over recent years will prove invaluable in further enhancing the delivery of the Department's new social development and social inclusion programmes to the benefit of all our customers and stakeholders.
129 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his proposals to liaise with urban and rural support groups involved in social regeneration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14458/10]
As the Deputy will be aware, my Department's mandate includes the promotion and support of both urban and rural communities.
Against this background, my officials and I liaise on a daily basis with a wide range of communities across the country, including urban and rural support groups involved in social regeneration such as integrated local development companies, rural development groups, urban based partnerships, Rapid Area Implementation Teams, and Local and Regional Drugs Task Forces. I can assure the Deputy that this work will continue to receive priority.
Details of the scope of the work undertaken by my Department, including funding available to urban and rural support groups involved in social regeneration, can be found on my Department's website at www.pobail.ie.
131 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his plans for the future of the RAPID programme with particular reference to the possibility of extending the scope of the programme to address the economic situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14460/10]
In order to ensure the continued relevance of the RAPID Programme, a review of RAPID area boundaries, including an analysis of data from Census 2006 across a range of socio-economic and deprivation indicators, has been undertaken with the intention of allowing adjustments necessary to ensure that areas are appropriately targeting the most disadvantaged communities.
Following the review, the Government approved the inclusion of five new towns in the RAPID Programme in May last — Ballina, Dungarvan, Enniscorthy, Mullingar and Rathkeale.
The review also proposed changes to the boundaries of some of the other 46 RAPID areas and I expect to bring proposals to Government in this regard in due course.
I anticipate that, through its focus on deprivation and social exclusion, the RAPID Programme will continue to address the impact of the economic downturn on vulnerable communities and to provide opportunities for social and economic recovery.
132 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his proposals to expand the CLÁR scheme operated by his Department; the extent to which he has examined the scope for expansion in this area having particular regard to the economic situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14461/10]
Funding of €8m is being provided for the CLÁR Programme in 2010 by my Department. However, as CLÁR leverages funding through other Departments and Agencies, the value of the investment that is being supported in rural areas through the Programme will be considerably higher. I have no immediate plans to further expand the Programme.
133 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position of the amalgamation of the Combat Poverty Agency and the Office of Social Inclusion; if the officials have moved to their new offices; the cost of such a move if any; the cost of the change of websites, published documents and so on due to the change; if all the changes of such have now been completed; the staffing structure of the new agency; if the agency is sharing its facilities with any other such agency or Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14255/10]
134 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position of the strategic plan for the integration of the Combat Poverty Agency and the Social Inclusion Agency; the number of staff assigned to this sector; the status of the staff assigned; the comparison of these numbers to the previous numbers of both agencies and their original status; the number of complaints made to this sector since the amalgamation; the status of the complaints; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14253/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 133 and 134 together.
The primary reason for the integration of the Combat Poverty Agency with the Office for Social Inclusion was to ensure that the strongest possible mechanisms are in place to tackle poverty and social exclusion as recommended in the review of the Combat Poverty Agency. The role of the Division is to support the Government in developing and implementing the strategies for preventing, reducing and ultimately eliminating poverty and social exclusion. This includes promoting greater social inclusion and social cohesion in collaboration with other stakeholders including, in particular, people experiencing poverty.
With effect from 1st July 2009 (in line with the Government Decision announced in Budget 2009), the Combat Poverty Agency and the Office for Social Inclusion were integrated to form the Social Inclusion Division within the Department of Social and Family Affairs. The Social Inclusion Division combines the experience and expertise of the staff of both bodies and is currently located in the Department's offices in Townsend St, Dublin 2.
The necessary legislative provisions were contained in Part 5 of the Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2008. The legislation provided that the permanent staff of the Agency would become civil servants with effect from the date of the Commencement Order on 1st July 2009. There were 26 staff in the Division on the date of the Commencement Order. There are 20 staff at all grades from Principal Officer to Clerical Officer in the Division at present.
Savings as a result of the integration include savings that arise in respect of board members' fees, accommodation and savings that arise as a result of the integration of support services such as combined personnel, payroll and ancillary services. Savings also arise on account of the non-filling of a number of short-term temporary staff positions that ended in June 2009 and as a result of the redeployment of a small number of administrative and HR support staff. It was envisaged that the extent and timing of the savings would be identified and dealt with as part of the implementation process with measures that could be advanced quickly to achieve administrative efficiencies and cost savings prioritised.
In accordance with the terms of the lease in place for the offices of the former Combat Poverty Agency, the annual rent is €228,000 plus a service charge of €27,000. The Department will exercise its rights to break out of the lease in March 2011. There will be no penalty for exercising this option. The Department will use the space for its own Departmental purposes in the meantime. The integration of the websites of the Office for Social Inclusion and the Combat Poverty Agency will be undertaken on an in house basis during this year. The Social Inclusion Division's Strategic Plan is currently available on www.socialinclusion.ie.
135 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of research projects being undertaken by the new integrated division in determining poverty and its effects; the areas of research; the timescale of this research; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14252/10]
The integration of the Combat Poverty Agency and the Office for Social Inclusion to form the Social Inclusion Division has facilitated an enhanced capacity in relation to research and data. Evidence-based research on the changing nature, extent and causes of poverty is a vital element in the fight against poverty and social exclusion.
One of the functions of the division under its strategic plan 2009-2011 is to coordinate and initiate as required quantitative and qualitative research to assist with meeting the challenges that emerge from the monitoring and evaluation processes and, in particular, on new and emerging poverty risks. The work programme of the division has an enhanced role for high quality research in support of government strategies to tackle poverty and to promote social inclusion, which seeks to make best use of internal and external research capacity.
It is the intention that reports of research undertaken by the division will be published in a timely manner and that collaboration and consultation with social partners, including the community and voluntary pillar, and other bodies such as the National Economic and Social Council will be a key feature of the way in which the division works.
The main components of the research programme of the division are:
The analysis of data from the annual Survey on Income and Living Conditions in conjunction with the Central Statistics Office and the Economic and Social Research Institute. The division is currently finalising with the ESRI a report on poverty trends between 2004 and 2007 for children, people of working age and older people.
The development and reporting of indicators and associated data strategies to monitor progress on the National Action Plan for Social Inclusion 2007-2016. This work is undertaken through a technical advisory group made up of research and statistical experts, government departments and the social partners.
The analysis of the impact and effectiveness of public policy on poverty and social exclusion. In this regard, the division recently published a review of the effectiveness of domestic energy efficiency programmes in conjunction with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland.
Support for independent research studies on new and emerging aspects of poverty under an academic research funding programme developed by the former Combat Poverty Agency. These reports are published on-line as research working papers. Recent reports have analysed topics such as active citizenship in Dublin's Docklands, public-private partnerships in social housing regeneration, early school leaving, lone parents and the private rented sector, medical card eligibility and the financial difficulties of those living below the poverty line.
Two research seminars to promote and disseminate the research work of the division are planned as part of the Irish programme for the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion 2010. The first of these will examine Irish poverty rates in a comparative European context and is being organised in conjunction with the Economic and Social Research Institute. The second will review indicators for monitoring progress on poverty and is being organised in conjunction the technical advisory group.
136 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the way a person (details supplied) in County Mayo was assessed for jobseeker’s allowance; the way his Department assessed their spouse as earning over €19,000 when their salary is set at €15,700; and if this case will be reassessed. [14331/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
137 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding an application for jobseeker’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14336/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret I am unable to provide the information sought by the deputy.
138 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when an appeal of a decision to refuse mortgage interest supplement in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly will be concluded; the position regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14348/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
139 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding an application for jobseeker’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11; the reason for the delay in making a decision; the average delay nationally for jobseekers allowance; and the average delay on the north side of Dublin. [14360/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
140 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding benefits for a family (details supplied). [14362/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
141 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding an application for contributory pension in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11. [14363/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
142 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding the benefits available to a person (details supplied). [14364/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
143 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding an application for unemployment benefit in respect of a person (details supplied). [14365/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
144 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11 is entitled to a non-contributory State pension. [14366/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
145 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding an application for social welfare payment in respect of persons (details supplied) in Dublin 11. [14367/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
146 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding entitlements to benefits in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9. [14368/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
147 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding an application for jobseekers allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11. [14369/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
148 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding an application for the household benefits package in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11. [14370/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
149 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the payments being made to persons (details supplied) in Dublin 11. [14371/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
150 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason an exemption on rehabilitative grounds was not extended to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11 to allow them to continue in a community employment scheme until 11 September 2010; if he will confirm the regulations and state whether it is in order for a person to carry on after their 65th birthday when an exemption exists; if he will grant this person an exemption to enable them to continue on the scheme. [14372/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
151 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of persons on jobseekers benefit for a period of 12 to 15 months for each of the past 12 months; the number of these who were later declined this allowance or granted a weekly personal allowance of less than €100 per week; the number of such persons in education; the number on disability benefit; the number of persons receiving no payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14373/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
152 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will clarify the position regarding a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9 in relation to whether their application to transfer to invalidity pension from disability benefit is under consideration; and if not, if the process can commence. [14374/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
153 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will give an update on applications for non-contributory pension by persons (details supplied) in Dublin 11; and if decisions have been finalised. [14375/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret I am unable to provide the information sought by the deputy.
154 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11; the rate of social payment that they are in receipt of; if, in view of the fact its a non-contributory pension, they would do better as their spouse is on qualified adult allowances or on their own contributions; if he will confirm that they are entitled to double respite care allowance for acting as carer’s for persons; the reason they have not been awarded a 50% carer’s allowance; if he will confirm that these persons have all other entitlements such as household benefit scheme. [14376/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
155 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his plans in view of recent media reports about the possible extension of the free travel scheme to visiting EU nationals over the age of 65 years; if this proposal has been considered by his Department; and when this proposal might be introduced. [14377/10]
I understand the Deputy is referring to the Golden Trekker scheme which is the responsibility of the Minister for Arts, Sports and Tourism.
This new scheme was introduced following the Tourism Renewal Group recommendations. It involves a new reduced price rail travel scheme aimed at senior citizens visiting Ireland from abroad was announced by the Minister for Finance in Budget 2010. Accordingly, Fáilte Ireland, in conjunction with Iarnród Éireann, has now developed this free rail travel scheme — the "Golden Trekker" — to boost overseas visitor numbers amongst a strong market segment for Irish tourism. The scheme, which was launched on 16 March, provides for free mainline, commuter and DART rail tickets to all tourists to Ireland aged 66 and over and there is no restriction on nationality or country of residence.
The free travel scheme operated by the Department of Social and Family Affairs is available to all people permanently resident in the State aged 66 years or over, irrespective of nationality or country or origin. The scheme permits free travel on most CIE public transport services, Luas and a range of services offered by a large number of private operators in various parts of the country. The scheme is also available to people under 66 in receipt of certain qualifying payments such as carer's allowance or disability allowance.
While the scheme is free for those who are eligible, all of the transport companies involved, including CIE, are paid for the service by the Department of Social and Family Affairs. In 2009 approximately 680,000 persons were in receipt of free travel passes at a cost of €73.5 million.
156 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the provisions available for recipients of contributory State pensions who for reasons of ill health are unable to collect their pensions on a weekly basis; in particular, if old age pensioners must collect their pensions on a weekly basis or if there is a certain amount of flexibility in the current arrangements whereby they can collect their pensions every three to four weeks; if there is a limit on the amount of time that can pass before a person must collect their pension; the consequences for a person’s pension entitlements if they have not been able to collect their pension for a number of weeks and if it is normal in such cases to send a person’s entitlements back to the Department; the way in which a person can reclaim a number of weeks’ payments if they have been sent back to the Department; and the position regarding the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11. [14386/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
157 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Affairs how a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 was told by his Department on 16 March 2010 that they owed his Department a sum of money; his views on whether it is reasonable that they will be deducted the sum of €19 weekly from 8 April 2010 even though they are on invalidity pension and have no other source of income. [14399/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
158 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the value to date of urgent needs payments awarded to flood victims in each county; the number of applicants involved; the corresponding figure for payments under the humanitarian assistance towards flood damage scheme; if the humanitarian scheme will consider permanent housing relocation payments in circumstances in which there is a high probability of the property flooding in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14407/10]
The HSE's Community Welfare Service has been providing support to households under the Humanitarian Aid Scheme since last November's flooding. Up to the 26th March 2010 they had made 2,735 payments to 1,253 individuals to the value of €1,070,595 throughout the country. The following tabular statement gives a county by county breakdown of expenditure and payments.
The question of permanent housing relocation payments is not within the scope of the Humanitarian Aid Scheme; this is a housing issue to be dealt with by the relevant housing authorities in the first instance. However, the Community Welfare Service will continue to work with any families in this position to ensure that the objectives of the humanitarian aid scheme are fully achieved in their case.
People seeking assistance should contact their local Community Welfare Office. Further information and applications forms in relation to the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme are available from the Community Welfare Service in the affected areas and from the Department's website (www.welfare.ie) and the HSE’s website (www.hse.ie).
|
County |
Expenditure by County |
Number of Payments Made |
Individuals Assisted |
|
€ |
|||
|
Galway |
306,513 |
765 |
334 |
|
Cork |
290,588 |
790 |
477 |
|
Clare |
212,202 |
435 |
97 |
|
Westmeath |
78,279 |
344 |
86 |
|
Tipperary |
63,489 |
122 |
75 |
|
Roscommon |
22,946 |
59 |
28 |
|
Carlow |
5,171 |
32 |
28 |
|
Limerick |
16,114 |
33 |
32 |
|
Wicklow |
12,781 |
20 |
15 |
|
Kildare |
11,183 |
32 |
14 |
|
Waterford |
6,666 |
11 |
10 |
|
Other* |
44,663 |
92 |
57 |
|
Total |
1,070,595 |
2,735 |
1,253 |
*There were fewer than 10 individuals assisted in each of the other counties.
159 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will ensure that a payment in respect of a person (details supplied) is up to date and awarded in full; and if he will further ensure that any arrears will be awarded without delay. [14414/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
160 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding a review for a work exemption in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [14426/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
161 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved and awarded farm assist. [14434/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
162 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the role and activities of the Affordable Homes Partnership; if he will detail its structure, including governing arrangements, and the suggested role and functions of the new proposed housing agency of which the affordable homes agency is to become part; how this new agency will be accountable to him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14330/10]
The Affordable Homes Partnership (AHP) was established in August 2005 under the aegis of my Department. The AHP is subject to public service corporate governance disciplines as outlined in the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, which includes audit and appropriate ethics requirements. The functions of the AHP are specified in the Affordable Homes Partnership (Establishment) Order, 2005, as amended by the Affordable Homes Partnership (Establishment) (Amendment) Order, 2007. By virtue of a provision in the Local Government Services (Corporate Bodies) (Confirmation of Orders) Act, 2008, this order has statutory effect as if it were an Act of the Oireachtas. Further details on the governance of the AHP and its structure, including details of the membership of the Board of the AHP, are available on the AHP's website, www.ahp.ie.
While the original core function of the AHP, co-ordinating and promoting the delivery of affordable housing, is of less urgency now in some local authority areas, considerable work is being carried out by the AHP in terms of assisting local authorities and the Department in addressing a number of issues directly relating to that core function. These include, for example: — ongoing support to local authorities to help them bring the remaining unsold affordable units into effective use; — assisting local authorities and the Department in mainstreaming the leasing initiative within the overall social housing investment programme; — review of local authority housing strategies; and — the provision of a central credit checking and loan assessment procedure for all local authority mortgage lending. The principal objective of the prospective Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency is to work with and assist the Department and local authorities in their objective of delivering sustainable communities in a high quality living environment by advising on, and assisting in, policy development and implementation, providing specialist support services, facilitating the provision of good quality housing and neighbourhoods and ensuring that development takes place in a manner that respects people, surroundings and the long-term common interest.
The Agency will be required to comply with the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies.
An Implementation Group comprising personnel from my Department, the Department of Finance, the CCMA and the CEO Designate of the new Agency is currently working to bring the Agency through to establishment, including finalising Governance and accountability arrangements.
163 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding a sewerage scheme (details supplied) in County Donegal; when works will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14345/10]
The Bundoran Sewerage Scheme, which is part of the Donegal Group B Scheme, was included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009. My Department is currently examining Donegal County Council's Tender Documents for the scheme. A decision will be conveyed to the Council as soon as possible in light of the finalisation of the Water Services Investment Programme for the period 2010 to 2012. I expect to publish the new Programme shortly.
164 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps that are being taken to ensure the 2008 directive on the protection of the environment through criminal law (2008/99/EC) is transposed into Irish Law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14352/10]
Directive 2008/99/EC on the protection of the environment through criminal law is due for transposition into Irish law by 26 December 2010. The Directive requires Member States to apply criminal sanctions for breaches of some 72 EU Directives and Regulations. My Department is currently consulting relevant Government Departments and agencies to assess the implications of the Directive for existing legislation. Consultation with the Office of the Attorney General and preparation of a Regulatory Impact Analysis will also be required. All necessary steps will be taken to ensure transposition of the Directive by the due date.
165 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when, further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 395 and 396 of 17 November 2009, a reply will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14353/10]
Some of the information sought is not readily available in my Department, and the retrieval of relevant files and compilation of this information involves a significant amount of time and work. While this process is underway, it has been delayed by industrial action in the Civil Service and the local government sector. The information will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
166 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will reply to a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14417/10]
It is my intention that all of the commitments set out in the Programme for Government would be implemented over the timeframe set out for the agreed Programme. More specifically, both I and the Minister for Housing will set out our priorities for the coming year, in the Department's Annual Output Statement 2010, at the presentation of the Department's Estimates to the Oireachtas Select Committee on the Environment, Heritage and Local Government towards the end of April. I will arrange to forward a copy of the finalised Annual Output Statement to the Deputy at that time.
167 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will reply to a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14418/10]
The Social Housing Leasing Initiative (SHLI), which was introduced last year, will be a key element of the future housing programme. It is anticipated that in 2010 the leasing initiative and the Rental Accommodation Scheme will together deliver some 4,000 to 4,500 units, or 50% of the total expected social housing output. To the end of March 2010, approximately 2,268 units had been sourced and approved under the SHLI. 1,610 of these had received full approval, with a further 658 units having been given provisional approval. Some 523 of the fully approved units are considered to be operational on the basis of signed lease agreements being in place, and are either occupied or in the course of occupation.
168 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will reply to a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14419/10]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 14 of 25 February 2010 which sets out the position generally regarding the implementation of the Government's Homeless Strategy and the Implementation Plan for the Strategy. I indicated in that reply that work was proceeding to procure additional accommodation specifically for homeless households. Arising from this work, I announced, on 29 March 2010, an enhanced package of measures, building on existing schemes, to help local authorities to accelerate progress towards their targets for providing long-term housing for homeless people. A key element is the allocation of €20 million in capital funding specifically for the procurement of accommodation by approved housing bodies for homeless people under this programme.
This funding will be available, in conjunction with funding under the social housing leasing initiative, to leverage the procurement of the maximum number of properties either through leasing or purchase using private funding or, potentially, borrowing from the Housing Finance Agency. The programme also involves certain other financial enhancements and other measures to maximise effectiveness and speed of delivery of accommodation.
169 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will reply to a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14420/10]
My Department is aware of the concerns of consumers of housing services in current market conditions, including in regard to unfinished or partially completed residential developments. The Department is progressing work with stakeholders, including the National Building Agency and local authority representatives, to develop a fuller picture of the scale of these difficulties in terms of mapping such developments on a county by county basis, setting out the range of statutory powers at the disposal of the relevant agencies and determining what further measures might need to be considered.
170 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will reply to matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14421/10]
The legislative provisions in relation to taking in charge of estates are contained in Section 180 of the Planning and Development Act 2000. Section 180 provides, in relation to estates which have been completed to the satisfaction of the planning authority in accordance with the permission, that the planning authority must, if requested to do so by the developer or by the majority of the qualified electors who are owners or occupiers of the houses involved, initiate the procedures in section 11 of the Roads Act 1993 for declaring the road(s) to be public roads, for whose maintenance the local authority will then be responsible. It is a matter for the elected members to decide whether or not to take in charge the roads in question.
In relation to estates which have not have been completed to the satisfaction of the planning authority and where enforcement proceedings have not been commenced within the relevant period, section 180 also provides that the planning authority must, if requested to do so by the majority of the residents as defined above (but not the developer), initiate the procedures in section 11 of the Roads Act. Section 180 also provides that, where a planning authority makes an order under section 11 of the Roads Act, it must also take in charge any open spaces, car parks, sewers, water mains or drains within the attendant grounds of the development.
In February 2008, my Department issued Circular Letter PD 1/08, promoting a comprehensive and pro-active approach to the taking in charge of residential estates. It required each planning authority to develop or update, as appropriate, and implement a policy on taking in charge in accordance with the policy guidance, the main principles of which are as follows:
Certain core facilities and infrastructure should always be taken in charge on request, including public roads and footpaths, unallocated surface parking areas, public lighting, public water supply, foul and storm water drainage and public open spaces;
The issue of taking in charge should be addressed at preplanning application stage, and in the planning application when the developer should be required clearly to identify the area to be taken in charge in due course;
Planning authorities should take all necessary measures to ensure proper completion of the development, in particular through securing adequate bonds, ongoing inspection of construction and taking enforcement action where necessary;
The procedures for taking in charge should begin promptly on foot of a request by the majority of the residents in the development or by the developer, as appropriate. Protocols, including time frames, must be set out by planning authorities to respond to requests for taking in charge; and.
In relation to older estates, priority must continue to be given to resolving those estates that have been left unfinished or not taken in charge for the longest period.
A new local government service indicator in relation to taking in charge was introduced in 2008 onwards. Planning authorities are required to provide the following information in respect of the previous year:
The number of residential estates for which the planning permission has expired in respect of which formal written requests for taking in charge (from residents or developers) were on hands at the beginning of the year;
The number of estates that were taken in charge in the year in question;
The total number of dwellings in these estates; and
The number of estates in respect of which requests were received that were not completed to the satisfaction of the planning authority in line with the planning permission.
In 2008, 316 estates were taken in charge. Further statistics on this issue are outlined in the 2008 Service Indicators Report which are available to view and download at www.lgmsb.ie.
171 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will reply to a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14422/10]
Statistics forwarded by fire authorities to my Department in relation to fire prevention inspections carried out under the Fire Services Acts 1981 and 2003 for the 5 years 2004 to 2008 are set out in the following tables. Statistics for 2009 are awaited from fire authorities.
|
Year 2004 |
Inspections under Fire Services Acts 1981 and 2003 |
|||||
|
Section 13 — Planning |
Section 24 — Licensing |
Other Sections |
||||
|
Premises Inspected |
Inspections Undertaken |
Premises Inspected |
Inspections Undertaken |
Premises Inspected |
Inspections Undertaken |
|
|
Cork City Council |
0 |
0 |
160 |
432 |
32 |
39 |
|
Dublin City Council |
4 |
4 |
460 |
788 |
805 |
1522 |
|
Limerick City Council |
248 |
80 |
15 |
15 |
0 |
0 |
|
Waterford City Council |
1 |
1 |
48 |
57 |
96 |
102 |
|
Carlow County Council |
25 |
25 |
117 |
151 |
28 |
36 |
|
Cavan County Council |
24 |
28 |
96 |
151 |
26 |
36 |
|
Clare County Council |
1 |
9 |
139 |
164 |
19 |
28 |
|
Cork County Council |
1,210 |
1,425 |
298 |
464 |
262 |
389 |
|
Donegal County Council |
160 |
160 |
203 |
246 |
295 |
320 |
|
Galway County Council |
35 |
35 |
203 |
165 |
40 |
35 |
|
Kerry County Council |
125 |
150 |
255 |
335 |
61 |
70 |
|
Kildare County Council |
1,080 |
1,080 |
39 |
58 |
92 |
125 |
|
Kilkenny County Council |
19 |
19 |
88 |
92 |
39 |
47 |
|
Laois County Council |
25 |
195 |
130 |
260 |
50 |
100 |
|
Leitrim County Council |
43 |
43 |
35 |
62 |
29 |
30 |
|
Limerick County Council |
145 |
145 |
145 |
170 |
112 |
141 |
|
Longford County Council |
48 |
48 |
18 |
28 |
30 |
40 |
|
Louth County Council |
9 |
13 |
38 |
41 |
31 |
34 |
|
Drogheda City Council |
11 |
12 |
20 |
22 |
47 |
49 |
|
Dundalk Town Council |
24 |
27 |
15 |
17 |
24 |
28 |
|
Mayo County Council |
Not available |
368 |
Not available |
353 |
Not available |
25 |
|
Meath County Council |
48 |
48 |
85 |
85 |
120 |
120 |
|
Monaghan County Council |
14 |
16 |
72 |
144 |
61 |
145 |
|
Offaly County Council |
160 |
194 |
48 |
78 |
25 |
30 |
|
Roscommon County Council |
142 |
60 |
50 |
119 |
0 |
0 |
|
Sligo County Council |
154 |
133 |
119 |
143 |
90 |
90 |
|
North Tipperary County Council |
8 |
8 |
115 |
127 |
6 |
8 |
|
South Tipperary County Council |
0 |
0 |
19 |
34 |
26 |
34 |
|
Waterford County Council |
10 |
10 |
50 |
50 |
71 |
80 |
|
Westmeath County Council |
26 |
26 |
70 |
83 |
4 |
4 |
|
Athlone Town Council |
5 |
8 |
18 |
21 |
0 |
0 |
|
Wexford County Council |
4 |
4 |
41 |
52 |
29 |
31 |
|
Wicklow County Council |
0 |
0 |
79 |
104 |
47 |
51 |
|
Year 2005 |
Inspections under Fire Services Acts 1981 and 2003 |
|||||
|
Section 13 — Planning |
Section 24 — Licensing |
Other Sections |
||||
|
Premises Inspected |
Inspections Undertaken |
Premises Inspected |
Inspections Undertaken |
Premises Inspected |
Inspections Undertaken |
|
|
Cork City Council |
0 |
0 |
169 |
410 |
128 |
210 |
|
Dublin City Council |
5 |
6 |
552 |
875 |
836 |
1467 |
|
Limerick City Council |
132 |
132 |
96 |
303 |
0 |
0 |
|
Waterford City Council |
0 |
0 |
29 |
44 |
90 |
106 |
|
Carlow County Council |
28 |
31 |
140 |
170 |
54 |
71 |
|
Cavan County Council |
15 |
20 |
105 |
135 |
8 |
11 |
|
Clare County Council |
12 |
13 |
151 |
179 |
28 |
28 |
|
Cork County Council |
1 |
1 |
306 |
473 |
178 |
249 |
|
Donegal County Council |
146 |
146 |
189 |
223 |
241 |
272 |
|
Galway County Council |
123 |
123 |
181 |
209 |
30 |
42 |
|
Kerry County Council |
26 |
31 |
244 |
286 |
148 |
176 |
|
Kildare County Council |
248 |
248 |
81 |
136 |
90 |
106 |
|
Kilkenny County Council |
14 |
14 |
25 |
35 |
23 |
31 |
|
Laois County Council |
13 |
10 |
94 |
94 |
31 |
31 |
|
Leitrim County Council |
164 |
165 |
44 |
79 |
21 |
28 |
|
Limerick County Council |
405 |
405 |
108 |
108 |
0 |
0 |
|
Longford County Council |
26 |
26 |
15 |
17 |
20 |
25 |
|
Louth County Council |
2 |
3 |
41 |
45 |
44 |
49 |
|
Drogheda Borough Council |
2 |
3 |
22 |
47 |
45 |
56 |
|
Dundalk Town Council |
15 |
18 |
26 |
30 |
37 |
43 |
|
Mayo County Council |
104 |
104 |
270 |
301 |
38 |
43 |
|
Meath County Council |
40 |
40 |
75 |
75 |
110 |
110 |
|
Monaghan County Council |
42 |
40 |
138 |
66 |
14 |
12 |
|
Offaly County Council |
137 |
166 |
41 |
67 |
21 |
26 |
|
Roscommon County Council |
5 |
5 |
52 |
140 |
5 |
12 |
|
Sligo County Council |
200 |
200 |
97 |
117 |
99 |
99 |
|
North Tipperary County Council |
1 |
1 |
119 |
130 |
1 |
1 |
|
South Tipperary County Council |
0 |
0 |
35 |
47 |
29 |
37 |
|
Waterford County Council |
20 |
20 |
56 |
60 |
35 |
48 |
|
Westmeath County Council |
30 |
32 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
3 |
|
Athlone Town Council |
2 |
2 |
3 |
9 |
9 |
15 |
|
Wexford County Council |
0 |
0 |
50 |
55 |
10 |
15 |
|
Wicklow County Council |
0 |
0 |
49 |
61 |
36 |
38 |
|
Year 2006 |
Inspections under Fire Services Acts 1981 and 2003 |
|||||
|
Section 13 — Planning |
Section 24 — Licensing |
Other Sections |
||||
|
Premises Inspected |
Inspections Undertaken |
Premises Inspected |
Inspections Undertaken |
Premises Inspected |
Inspections Undertaken |
|
|
Cork City Council |
0 |
0 |
160 |
412 |
120 |
212 |
|
Dublin City Council |
4 |
6 |
492 |
897 |
518 |
983 |
|
Limerick City Council |
102 |
102 |
55 |
185 |
53 |
75 |
|
Waterford City Council |
1 |
2 |
51 |
28 |
26 |
35 |
|
Carlow County Council |
38 |
40 |
120 |
128 |
55 |
67 |
|
Cavan County Council |
20 |
20 |
120 |
140 |
8 |
8 |
|
Clare County Council |
16 |
20 |
144 |
184 |
36 |
64 |
|
Cork County Council |
0 |
0 |
276 |
475 |
181 |
260 |
|
Donegal County Council |
94 |
98 |
250 |
265 |
14 |
14 |
|
Galway County Council |
139 |
139 |
191 |
211 |
0 |
0 |
|
Kerry County Council |
0 |
0 |
198 |
206 |
102 |
122 |
|
Kildare County Council |
223 |
231 |
53 |
142 |
62 |
84 |
|
Kilkenny County Council |
16 |
16 |
23 |
31 |
29 |
40 |
|
Laois County Council |
117 |
12 |
24 |
24 |
2 |
2 |
|
Leitrim County Council |
80 |
80 |
43 |
73 |
32 |
38 |
|
Limerick County Council |
0 |
0 |
93 |
124 |
91 |
107 |
|
Longford County Council |
5 |
5 |
8 |
10 |
0 |
0 |
|
Louth County Council |
2 |
3 |
41 |
55 |
44 |
51 |
|
Drogheda Borough Council |
0 |
0 |
23 |
31 |
41 |
49 |
|
Dundalk Town Council |
0 |
0 |
24 |
39 |
37 |
51 |
|
Mayo County Council |
86 |
87 |
273 |
341 |
43 |
43 |
|
Meath County Council |
42 |
42 |
80 |
80 |
115 |
115 |
|
Monaghan County Council |
109 |
248 |
10 |
10 |
7 |
7 |
|
Offaly County Council |
256 |
282 |
65 |
67 |
36 |
40 |
|
Roscommon County Council |
6 |
6 |
55 |
120 |
22 |
34 |
|
Sligo County Council |
200 |
200 |
112 |
240 |
55 |
55 |
|
North Tipperary Co Council |
0 |
0 |
115 |
135 |
2 |
2 |
|
South Tipperary Co Council |
0 |
0 |
8 |
9 |
7 |
9 |
|
Waterford County Council |
24 |
24 |
57 |
60 |
42 |
46 |
|
Westmeath County Council |
24 |
28 |
10 |
10 |
5 |
5 |
|
Athlone Town Council |
0 |
0 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
6 |
|
Wexford County Council |
0 |
0 |
43 |
61 |
28 |
44 |
|
Wicklow County Council |
0 |
0 |
52 |
69 |
54 |
79 |
|
Year 2007 |
Inspections under Fire Services Acts 1981 and 2003 |
|||||
|
Section 13 — Planning |
Section 24 — Licensing |
Other Sections |
||||
|
Premises Inspected |
Inspections Undertaken |
Premises Inspected |
Inspections Undertaken |
Premises Inspected |
Inspections Undertaken |
|
|
Athlone Town Council |
0 |
0 |
4 |
6 |
7 |
9 |
|
Carlow County Council |
43 |
47 |
114 |
138 |
60 |
78 |
|
Cavan County Council |
18 |
13 |
102 |
128 |
7 |
7 |
|
Clare County Council |
8 |
12 |
130 |
205 |
62 |
106 |
|
Cork County Council |
2 |
2 |
268 |
448 |
137 |
209 |
|
Cork City Council |
0 |
0 |
152 |
275 |
84 |
151 |
|
Donegal County Council |
8 |
12 |
130 |
205 |
62 |
106 |
|
Drogheda Borough Council |
0 |
0 |
6 |
9 |
4 |
5 |
|
Dublin City Council |
0 |
0 |
366 |
588 |
1,232 |
1,852 |
|
Dundalk Town Council |
0 |
0 |
5 |
6 |
5 |
7 |
|
Galway County Council |
125 |
125 |
202 |
236 |
3 |
9 |
|
Kerry County Council |
14 |
14 |
225 |
264 |
105 |
139 |
|
Kildare County Council |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Kilkenny County Council |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Laois County Council |
145 |
15 |
30 |
30 |
4 |
4 |
|
Leitrim County Council |
31 |
31 |
48 |
80 |
23 |
39 |
|
Limerick City Council |
85 |
85 |
74 |
236 |
41 |
64 |
|
Limerick County Council |
21 |
21 |
95 |
124 |
110 |
130 |
|
Longford County Council |
107 |
107 |
50 |
76 |
3 |
11 |
|
Louth County Council |
0 |
0 |
5 |
8 |
3 |
5 |
|
Mayo County Council |
53 |
54 |
185 |
226 |
32 |
38 |
|
Meath County Council |
45 |
45 |
85 |
85 |
105 |
105 |
|
Monaghan County Council |
0 |
0 |
77 |
218 |
0 |
0 |
|
Offaly County Council |
246 |
260 |
73 |
78 |
0 |
0 |
|
Roscommon County Council |
6 |
6 |
55 |
120 |
22 |
34 |
|
Sligo County Council |
106 |
106 |
104 |
142 |
0 |
0 |
|
North Tipperary County Council |
0 |
0 |
119 |
138 |
2 |
4 |
|
South Tipperary County Council |
0 |
0 |
8 |
13 |
21 |
24 |
|
Waterford City Council |
0 |
0 |
19 |
26 |
15 |
19 |
|
Waterford County Council |
19 |
19 |
65 |
80 |
33 |
35 |
|
Westmeath County Council |
32 |
37 |
13 |
14 |
4 |
4 |
|
Wexford County Council |
0 |
0 |
74 |
84 |
102 |
116 |
|
Wicklow County Council |
0 |
0 |
9 |
9 |
21 |
23 |
|
Year 2008 |
Inspections under Fire Services Acts 1981 and 2003 |
|||||
|
Section 13 — Planning |
Section 24 — Licensing |
Other Sections |
||||
|
Premises Inspected |
Inspections Undertaken |
Premises Inspected |
Inspections Undertaken |
Premises Inspected |
Inspections Undertaken |
|
|
Athlone Town Council |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Carlow County Council |
300 |
300 |
81 |
104 |
57 |
85 |
|
Cavan County Council |
11 |
11 |
97 |
123 |
5 |
5 |
|
Clare County Council |
24 |
24 |
132 |
168 |
60 |
74 |
|
Cork County Council |
||||||
|
Cork City Council |
0 |
0 |
135 |
202 |
129 |
173 |
|
Donegal County Council |
9 |
9 |
249 |
267 |
18 |
26 |
|
Drogheda Borough Council |
0 |
0 |
12 |
18 |
10 |
19 |
|
Dublin City Council |
10 |
13 |
363 |
667 |
1,632 |
2,386 |
|
Dundalk Town Council |
0 |
0 |
8 |
14 |
7 |
16 |
|
Galway County Council |
103 |
103 |
181 |
210 |
4 |
10 |
|
Kerry County Council |
29 |
29 |
226 |
293 |
181 |
222 |
|
Kildare County Council |
205 |
228 |
61 |
83 |
65 |
71 |
|
Kilkenny County Council |
||||||
|
Laois County Council |
248 |
0 |
39 |
47 |
7 |
11 |
|
Leitrim County Council |
52 |
52 |
42 |
67 |
33 |
39 |
|
Limerick City Council |
67 |
67 |
74 |
233 |
94 |
90 |
|
Limerick County Council |
||||||
|
Longford County Council |
||||||
|
Louth County Council |
0 |
0 |
9 |
20 |
4 |
9 |
|
Mayo County Council |
||||||
|
Meath County Council |
||||||
|
Monaghan County Council |
7 |
7 |
86 |
259 |
25 |
31 |
|
Offaly County Council |
52 |
52 |
46 |
61 |
75 |
126 |
|
Roscommon County Council |
||||||
|
Sligo County Council |
87 |
87 |
103 |
155 |
128 |
128 |
|
North Tipperary County Council |
0 |
0 |
116 |
141 |
7 |
11 |
|
South Tipperary County Council |
0 |
0 |
3 |
4 |
11 |
13 |
|
Waterford City Council |
1 |
1 |
26 |
31 |
34 |
39 |
|
Waterford County Council |
||||||
|
Westmeath County Council |
22 |
22 |
52 |
58 |
49 |
57 |
|
Wexford County Council |
0 |
0 |
78 |
86 |
64 |
84 |
|
Wicklow County Council |
172 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to introduce grants for the replacement of old windows in houses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14436/10]
Under the terms of my Department's Housing Aid for Older People (HAOP) grant scheme, which is administered by individual local authorities, grants of up to €10,500 are available for the carrying out of necessary repairs or improvements to a house. The types of works allowable under the scheme can be varied and may include repairs to/replacement of windows and doors which, in the opinion of the local authority, are considered necessary to make the house habitable for the lifetime of the occupant.
Outside of the HAOP scheme, there is no specific grant scheme currently available from my Department for the replacement of windows in private dwellings and I have no plans to introduce such a scheme.
173 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of social houses provided in each year from 2003 to 2009; if he will divide these figures into which schemes, such as Part V, are responsible for delivering these houses; the Exchequer contribution in respect of social housing for each year from 2003 to 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14441/10]
174 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of affordable houses provided in each year from 2003 to 2009; if he will divide these figures into which schemes, such as Part V, that are responsible for delivering these houses; the Exchequer contribution in respect of affordable housing for each year from 2003 to 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14442/10]
175 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of persons assisted to meet their housing needs in each year from 2003 to 2009, excluding social and affordable housing; if he will divide these figures into which schemes, such as shared ownership, that are responsible for delivering these houses; the Exchequer contribution for housing schemes, excluding social and affordable housing, for each year from 2003 to 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14443/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 173 to 175, inclusive, together.
Information in relation to the numbers of households whose needs have been met in the period 2003-2008 through the broad range of housing supports available can be found in the Annual Housing Statistics Bulletins which are available on my Department's website at www.environ.ie. Data for 2009 are currently being compiled, and will be made available on the Department's website once finalised.
The detail sought in relation to the Exchequer contribution towards the range of housing programmes is set out in the following tables. Figures for 2010 are drawn from the Revised Estimates Volume for 2010 while figures for the years 2003-2009 are final outturn figures.
|
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
Estimate 2010 |
Total |
|
|
B.1 Capital — Social Provision & Support |
|||||||||
|
B.1.1 LA Housing |
602,150,000 |
620,240,000 |
751,650,000 |
858,694,000 |
941,273,000 |
979,728,785 |
690,536,343 |
366,500,000 |
5,810,772,128 |
|
B.1.2 CAS |
95,864,000 |
86,555,000 |
80,661,000 |
99,361,000 |
113,766,000 |
156,290,000 |
158,512,741 |
145,000,000 |
936,009,741 |
|
B.1.3 Traveller Accom. |
28,950,000 |
35,692,000 |
37,000,000 |
35,555,000 |
35,000,000 |
35,000,000 |
19,601,979 |
35,000,000 |
261,798,979 |
|
B.1.4 Childcare Facilities |
470,000 |
455,000 |
428,000 |
300,000 |
670,000 |
750,000 |
539,712 |
500,000 |
4,112,712 |
|
B.1.14 Communal Facilities |
2,063,000 |
2,524,000 |
2,524,000 |
2,624,000 |
1,922,000 |
2,998,391 |
4,452,816 |
3,500,000 |
22,608,207 |
|
B.2 Capital — Local Authority Estate Regeneration & Remedial Works |
|||||||||
|
B.2.1 Regeneration |
162,945,000 |
173,095,000 |
209,549,000 |
164,445,000 |
315,398,000 |
217,384,195 |
200,877,032 |
195,000,000 |
1,638,693,227 |
|
B.2.2 Retrofitting |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
45,000,000 |
45,000,000 |
|
B.3 Capital — Private Housing Adaptation — Grants and other Supports |
|||||||||
|
B.3.1 Housing Grants |
93,176,000 |
60,333,000 |
39,509,000 |
40,999,000 |
48,210,000 |
81,261,787 |
75,864,366 |
80,000,000 |
519,353,153 |
|
B.3.2 Site Subsidies |
27,890,000 |
17,797,000 |
12,688,000 |
36,076,000 |
35,217,000 |
38,492,685 |
6,938,473 |
6,000,000 |
181,099,158 |
|
B.3.3 Mortgage Allowances |
1,721,000 |
2,265,000 |
2,600,000 |
3,127,000 |
3,333,000 |
3,159,464 |
3,175,805 |
3,500,000 |
22,881,269 |
|
Totals |
1,015,229,000 |
998,956,000 |
1,136,609,000 |
1,241,181,000 |
1,494,789,000 |
1,515,065,307 |
1,160,499,267 |
880,000,000 |
9,442,328,574 |
176 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of persons that were on waiting lists for social housing for each year from 2003 to 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14444/10]
The number of households on a local authority's waiting list continually fluctuates as households on the list are allocated housing and new households apply for housing support. My Department does not hold information in relation to the numbers currently on waiting lists in local authorities.
A statutory assessment of housing need is carried out every three years by all housing authorities in accordance with the terms of the Housing Act 1988. The last assessment took place in 2008 and indicated that there were 56,249 households in need of social housing support, an increase of some 30% on the corresponding figure in 2005. Further information regarding the assessment, including a breakdown of housing need figures by housing authority, is available on my Department's website at www.environ.ie.
177 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the way the financial affairs of the Dublin Docklands Development Authority were monitored and supervised by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14464/10]
The Dublin Docklands Development Authority is a commercial semi-State body and has been financed from resources generated through the acquisition, development and sale of property. The Authority is established under the Dublin Docklands Development Authority Act 1997, which sets out the statutory functions and responsibilities of the Authority, including its financial reporting requirements.
My Department has a general oversight role in relation to the Authority, ensuring that it discharges its statutory mandate to revitalise and regenerate the Docklands area. The 1997 Act provides for a number of specific Ministerial oversight functions, for example,
the appointment of the Chairperson of the Authority, the other seven directors of the Executive Board, and members, of the Authority's Council;
sanction for borrowing up to an overall statutory limit of €127 million, with the agreement of the Minister for Finance,
the approval of Planning Schemes, and
determining the manner in which the Authority must keep its accounts and present audited accounts annually.
Under the provisions of the 1997 Act, the Authority must prepare an Annual Report and Audited Accounts for submission to the Minister prior to laying before both Houses of the Oireachtas. The Authority's accounts are audited by independent external auditors.
178 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason he refused to adopt the proposal from the Committee of Public Accounts to have the affairs of Dublin Dockland Development Authority brought within the remit of the Comptroller and Auditor General and subject to scrutiny by the PAC; and if he will introduce the necessary amending legislation accordingly. [14465/10]
The Authority's accounts are audited by independent external auditors. Under existing legislation, the Authority, along with many other State and semi-State commercial bodies, is outside the remit of the Comptroller and Auditor General.
Last Autumn, I wrote to the Authority's Chair, who is an acknowledged expert in corporate governance matters, requesting that a comprehensive review of corporate governance arrangements within the Authority be undertaken. Consequently, the Authority commissioned two independent consultants' reports to assess its planning and financial procedures. These two reports, together with a covering report from the Authority's Board, were submitted to me at the beginning of February and are now being considered by my Department, in consultation with the Attorney General's Office.
I expect that the consideration of the reports will be completed within a matter of weeks, at which stage I will bring to Government proposals to respond appropriately to the issues raised. In that context, I will keep the issue of any future involvement on the part of the Comptroller and Auditor General under review. Any decision to bring the DDDA within the remit of the C&AG has potentially wider implications for other commercial State bodies and would need to be considered in that context also.
It is important to note that under existing arrangements, it is open to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to request the Authority to appear before it, thus affording Oireachtas members an opportunity to question the Authority on its activities and outlook. The last such appearance by the Authority's Chair and Acting CEO took place as recently as 1 December 2009.
179 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when a foreshore licence will be issued to a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14467/10]
Following the enactment of the Foreshore and Dumping at Sea (Amendment) Act, 2009, my Department assumed responsibility on 15 January 2010 for a range of foreshore functions including all foreshore energy-related developments (including oil, gas, wind, wave and tidal energy).
The four foreshore applications made by Shannon LNG in respect of the project referred to are at an advanced stage of consideration and I expect to make a decision on them shortly.
180 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his attention has been drawn to the problem caused by mink in the wild in areas such as Connemara, County Galway, where mink are killing lambs and causing destruction to sheep flocks; and his views on introducing a bounty on mink to encourage the trapping or elimination of this vermin due to the damage they are causing. [14313/10]
I am not aware of any verifiable case of where lambs or sheep have been killed by mink. Fur farming is a licensed activity controlled by my Department. I have no plans to introduce a scheme whereby a bounty would be paid for the control of mink.
181 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the way he plans to keep the substantially greater matching funds that are now accruing to REP scheme three and REP scheme four in view of the fact that he has recently announced a new agri-environmental scheme which will cost €50 million and assuming that half of the money will come from the EU; his plans to let the matching funds be returned to the EU and not drawn down; his further plans to assign this funding to another scheme which will require matching funds to be provided by the Exchequer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14319/10]
The Rural Environment Protection Scheme remains in operation. Almost 30,000 farmers have applied to join REPS 4 since it was launched. All existing REPS 3 and 4 participants will be allowed to remain in the scheme until the end of their existing contracts, the last of which will finish at the end of 2015. This year, my Department will spend €330 million on REPS. All EU funding provided for REPS in the current Rural Development Programme will be drawn down in full.
I launched the new Agri-Environment Options Scheme on 30 March. EU funding for that scheme comes from modulation funds arising from the CAP Health Check and from the European Economic Recovery Package. The Minister for Finance agreed in December last to provide additional funding from the national exchequer, allowing for the launch of the new scheme at a rate of up to €5,000 for approximately 10,000 participants.
182 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the procedures involved for a group of farmers who wish to produce sugar beet on a commercial basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14324/10]
Sugar beet can no longer be grown in Ireland for sugar processing following the decision to close down the sugar processing industry in 2006. Under the EU restructuring scheme for the sugar industry, the entire Irish sugar quota was renounced, the associated processing facilities were dismantled and the stakeholders concerned, including the beet growers, were compensated for the loss of the industry.
Some sugar beet continues to be grown here for fodder purposes.
183 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding payments for REP scheme four on a county basis; his views on whether in the present difficult banking and farming income situation that these payments are vital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14341/10]
Out of 28,842 farmers due payments in REPS 4, payments have issued to over 21,000 as of today. Because of industrial action by officials in my Department, I am not in a position to provide a breakdown of these figures by county.
To meet the requirements of EU regulations, applications for REPS payments have to go through an exhaustive series of administrative checks before payment can be released. In a significant number of cases, those checks raised issues and queries which required further detailed examination. The Department's staff are working to resolve these as quickly as possible. Many of these cases require the applicants' planners to amend the farm plans that were submitted originally. The applicants concerned have been made aware of the position and the applications will be further processed without delay on receipt of amended plans.
In a small number of local offices, the processing of payments has been delayed by staffing issues arising from the moratorium on recruitment and promotions in the public service and the Department is attempting to resolve these difficulties.
I am conscious of financial difficulties being experienced by many farm families and my objective remains to ensure that all outstanding claims are processed to payment stage as quickly as possible.
184 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when farm retirement will be approved in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14344/10]
Due to industrial action by staff in my Department, I am not in a position to provide a reply to this question.
185 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a REP scheme four payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14354/10]
Due to industrial action by staff in my Department, I am not in a position to provide a reply to this question.
186 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the work of a group (details supplied) in Dublin 11, and its role in improving retention and participation rates in education; and if in view of the negative implications of the budget 2010 cuts on this project, she will identify alternative sources of funding in order that this project can continue. [14445/10]
My Department provides funds for over thirty projects in Local Drugs Task Force areas, including the project referred to by the Deputy.
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 could more appropriately be channelled through another Department or agency. In this regard, officials of my Department have held discussions with officials in the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs to determine whether projects which involve a significant element of youth work might be more appropriate to that Office. These discussions are ongoing.
A number of the projects are being reviewed within my Department in the context of their work being similar to that of other Departmental initiatives aimed at preventing early school leaving.
I anticipate that the examination of the projects and related discussions with the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs will be completed shortly and that a report on the findings of the review will be provided to me for consideration.
187 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science the position regarding an application by a school (details supplied); and if she will expedite this application. [14312/10]
The new post primary school referred to by the Deputy, is one of eight schools which were approved for inclusion in the 3rd Bundle of schools to be procured via Public Private Partnership.
This bundle is in the pre-procurement stage. Detailed output specifications and Public Sector Benchmark (PSB) are being finalised and outline planning permission has now been received in the case of seven of the schools. My Department is working closely with the relevant local authority to complete the planning process and a final decision in relation to the 8th school is expected shortly. Following completion of the pre procurement process, the Bundle will be ready for hand-over to the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) for procurement.
The indicative timeframe for the delivery of a PPP school currently stands at approximately 4 years from the date the Bundle is announced.
188 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science the cost of enabling all schools to offer transition year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14320/10]
Due to industrial action by some staff in the Department of Education and Science, I am not in a position to provide the costings sought by the Deputy.
Every year, my Department invites all second-level schools to participate in the Transition Year Programme.
The management authority of each school is responsible for making decisions regarding the Transition Year Programme in their school. Guidelines have been issued by my Department to support schools in this process. In some schools, the programme is compulsory for all students. In those that offer it as an option, circumstances may arise where it is necessary to limit the number of students who can avail of it. In cases where restrictions apply, schools should have clear procedures regarding how places are allocated to students.
As announced in the Budget in December, additional funding is to be allocated to schools which participate in the Transition Year Programme. Officials in my Department are currently considering the manner in which this money will be disbursed to schools. The relevant management bodies will be consulted as part of this process.
189 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science the amount allocated by her Department for literacy initiatives and teaching at primary level; the amount allocated for literacy in DEIS schools at second level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14321/10]
190 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science the means by which literacy rates among second level pupils are measured by her Department; the supports that exist for students at second level experiencing literacy difficulties; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14322/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 189 and 190 together.
Promoting literacy and numeracy skills is a core element of the ongoing work of schools and it is not possible to identify this expenditure separately. The 2004 National Assessment of English reading was published by the Educational Research Centre in 2005, and examined the achievement of some 4000 pupils in first and fifth classes in primary schools. The results show little variation in achievement compared with the previous survey in 1998, or over the period since 1980. Lower pupil achievement was strongly associated with socio economic status, medical card coverage and low parental educational attainment. Other factors associated with poorer average scores include being a member of the Traveller community, speaking a first language other than English or Irish, living in a lone parent household or being part of a large family. Factors associated with higher levels of achievement were parents reading to their child, parents reading for enjoyment, the availability of books and educational resources in the home, and parental rules about watching TV and playing computer games.
The Educational Research Centre in their report on Reading Literacy in Disadvantaged Primary Schools (2004) found that the proportion of pupils with serious literacy difficulties in schools serving disadvantaged communities averages in the region of 27-30% or about three times the national average.
The DEIS Action Plan, Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools, sets out a range of measures to address educational disadvantage, and promoting proficiency in literacy and numeracy is a central tenet of the approach set out. The measures include:
additional literacy and numeracy advisers to support and advise schools in adopting an effective whole-school approach;
extra resources for intensive professional development programmes for teachers;
access to numeracy/literacy supports and measures at primary level;
further development of paired reading initiatives implemented through the Home School Community Liaison Scheme;
after school and holiday time supports assisting children's literacy;
access to family literacy programmes.
Expansion of the Junior Certificate Schools Programme in DEIS schools;
provision for school library and librarian support in post primary schools with most disadvantage.
In addition, from the beginning of 2007, standardised testing in English Reading and Mathematics has been implemented on an annual basis for all pupils at two stages of the primary cycle, supported by an annual grant to schools (€1.792m in 2009) for the cost of test materials, manuals, test scoring services or test related software. This work is complemented by a separate programme of national monitoring so that national trends in different categories of school can be tracked over time. Schools in the DEIS programme have already been sampled by the Educational Research Centre in 2007 and will be again in May of this year. The sample of English medium schools has been undertaken in 2009, and Irish medium schools will be sampled in 2010. The results will be published when the study is finalised.
At post primary level, literacy levels are monitored through Ireland's participation in the OECD Programme for International Student Assessment, in 2000, 2003, 2006 and 2009. The PISA 2006 study assessed performance of 15 year olds across 57 countries in maths, reading and science. Ireland performed very well in English reading, ranking 5th of 29 OECD countries and 6th of 56 countries (USA results were omitted for technical reasons). Only one EU country, Finland, achieved a higher mean score than Ireland in reading. The mean score in Ireland was 517, compared with 547 in Finland, the highest scoring of all countries in the survey. In Ireland, 3.2% of pupils performed below Level 1, 9% at Level 1, 20.9% at Level 2, 30.2% at Level 3, 25.1% at Level 4 and 11.2% at Level 5. This compares with OECD average figures of 7.4%, 12.7%, 22.7%, 27.8%, 20.7% and 8.6%. The results for PISA 2009 will be published when available.
191 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science when emergency funding will be awarded in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Kerry. [14342/10]
Funding for Emergency Works Grants are made available to those schools most in need of resources as a result of unforeseen emergencies of a capital nature that may arise during the school year.
The school mentioned by the Deputy has submitted an application for funding under this scheme to my Department and this application is being assessed. A decision will issue to the school as soon as possible.
192 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 248 of 25 March 2010 regarding the teacher supply panels and in particular the suggestion as circulated by a school in Dublin 11 that the withdrawal of the supply panel will result in sub teachers without Garda vetting approval being used in the future, if her attention has been drawn to the circulation of this letter which has alarmed parents; if she will clarify the situation and allay parents concerns regarding non-Garda vetted teachers; the action that she will take regarding this issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter.. [14384/10]
The arrangements for vetting of teaching and non-teaching staff are set out in Department Circular 0094/2006 which issued to all schools in June 2006. The Circular is available on my Department's website. The requirements under the Circular in regard to vetting are not diminished in any way by the policy decision in relation to the value for money consideration that applied to the pilot supply panels.
The employment and appointment of all teachers is a matter for each individual school board of management. Good recruitment practice in all cases should also involve the checking of recent employment records, qualifications, experience and names of referees. Irrespective of the position on vetting by the Garda Vetting Unit where facts or information comes to a Board of Management's attention calling into question a person's suitability to work with children it is a matter for the Board to satisfy itself that the person is suitable to work in that capacity. This will naturally have to be assessed on a case by case basis. The Board will have to consider all the circumstances of the case, give due weight to all relevant factors, and afford fair procedures to the individual concerned before making a decision.
193 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science her views on the staffing levels at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 11. [14385/10]
The key factor for determining the level of staffing resources provided at individual school level for the coming school year is the pupil enrolment at 30 September 2009.
The staffing schedule for the coming school year was recently published by my Department. The additional posts in the renewed Programme for Government enabled some improvement to be made to the staffing schedule. These improvements have been targeted at medium-to-larger schools which are typically under the greatest pressure in relation to class sizes.
The staffing schedule includes an appeals mechanism for schools who are dissatisfied with their staffing allocation. The appeals criteria are outlined in the published staffing schedule which is available on my Department's website.
Due to industrial action on the part of some staff in the Department of Education and Science, I am not in a position to give the full details sought by the Deputy.
194 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the application of new regulations requiring the provision of in-class disabled toilet facilities to a new planned school project (details supplied) in County Cork. [14401/10]
195 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the application of new regulations requiring the provision of in-class disabled toilet facilities to a new planned school extension project (details supplied) in County Cork. [14402/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 194 and 195 together.
From January 1st 2010 all new building projects, including those for schools, must obtain a Disability Access Certificate from the relevant Local Authority. The Building Control (Amendment) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 351 of 2009) prescribes the procedures to be followed in respect of these new certification measures. The basis for developing the Disability Access Certificate documentation is Part M of the current Building Regulations 2000.
In general, however, it has been the policy of my Department to provide all new schools with access-for-all facilities and special toilets for disabled teachers and students. In addition, new schools with two or more storeys are provided with lifts to enable access-for-all.
My Department advises school authorities and their design teams of accessibility requirements during the architectural planning of projects.
Both of the projects referred to by the Deputy are at an advanced stage of architectural planning. However, 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 further details in respect of the two projects referred to by the Deputy.
196 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science her views on reversing the cutbacks to traveller education centres around the country; if she will examine the work done at one of these centres (details supplied) run by the County of Dublin Vocational Education Committee; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14405/10]
The 2006 Report and Recommendations for a Traveller Education Strategy recommended that Senior Traveller Training Centre (STTC) provision be reviewed. Subsequently, the 2008 Value for Money Review of the Youthreach and STTC programmes recommended the phasing out of the STTC programme over the medium to long term. It is on this basis that my Department has decided to phase out segregated provision for Travellers.
All full-time and part-time Further Education programmes funded by my Department are already open to Travellers and they are accessing these programmes in increasing numbers. My Department is currently in discussions with the Irish Vocational Education Association (IVEA), representing Vocational Education Committees (VECs), in relation to the phasing out of STTCs and integrating adult Travellers within mainstream further education provision.
197 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 197 and 198 of 24 March 2010, the way the supports provided to primary schools to date by the Walk Tall Support Service, which she is in the process of abolishing, can be integrated into the Social Personal and Health Education support in view of the fact the 50% cut to SPHE support staff made in June 2009 and that all SPHE support staff at primary level have been given official notice that their posts are going. [14415/10]
198 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science if she will reverse the decision to abolish the Walk Tall Support Programme at primary level in view of the fact that under the newly reconfigured education support service there is no drugs focus as all support will be generic. [14416/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 197 and 198 together.
As the Deputy is aware, my Department is reconfiguring the delivery of support for teachers in light of the reduced resources available. Although the Walk Tall Support Service will no longer exist in its current guise, it is my intention that the support for substance misuse prevention be further integrated into SPHE support. It is widely acknowledged that while a strand of SPHE can be taught in isolation, it should be linked to each of the other strands of the SPHE curriculum in order to be at its most effective.
The Teacher Education Section of my Department is currently conducting an interview process to identify those personnel who will work in the newly formed Professional Development Service for Teachers (PDST) that will provide support on a regional basis from September next.
These personnel will form multi-disciplinary teams who will work in close co-operation with the Education Centre Network to respond to needs identified by schools in the region including support for the Walk Tall Programme where possible.
199 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science if the name of a school (details supplied) in County Donegal by her Department in 1979, conferred any legal rights to the community; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14427/10]
I am advised by my officials that the disposal of the site in question was executed by the VEC, in the first instance, as the property was then in their ownership. From enquires made of the VEC, my Department understands that the property was disposed of to Coláiste Mhuire, Loch an Iúir by means of full freehold ownership. As my Department was not a party to the contract, I am not in a position to comment further.
200 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science the qualification criteria for the back to education allowance in view of the recent announcements in relation to the curtailment of entitlement to maintenance grants when persons are in receipt of back to education allowance; the qualifying criteria in respect of the allowance at this stage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14435/10]
Students currently in receipt of the Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) 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 in receipt of BTEA who are entering or 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.
The qualification criteria for the BTEA are a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Social and Family Affairs.
201 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science if a decision has been taken on alternative accommodation for a special school (details supplied) in Dublin 11; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14446/10]
I wish to advise the Deputy that the Sites Acquisition/Property Management Section of my Department is actively pursuing this matter with the OPW. In this regard, my officials have written to them seeking their views on the proposal. A response to this request is awaited.
202 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the importance of an initiative (details supplied) for third level education in terms of improving retention and participation in school; and if in view of the cost effectiveness of this project, she will undertake to maintain her Department’s funding. [14448/10]
My Department has provided funds for over thirty projects in Local Drugs Task Force areas, including the project specifically referred to by the Deputy.
The projects are administered by the three VECs in Dublin City, Dublin County and in Dún Laoghaire, while the remaining three projects are funded directly by my Department.
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.
In the Dublin City area, a decision was taken to prioritise those projects where frontline staff were employed. In that context, no allocations were made to a small number of projects, including the project referred to by the Deputy.
It is important to note that since 1990 my Department has funded an Initiative for Third Level Education in the same locality as the project in question. The interventions under this initiative, both financial and cultural, aim to increase educational aspirations not only in the schools but also in the wider community and to increase the participation rate of pupils from the area in third level education.
203 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science the scope of the review by her Department on the implications of Budget 2010 cuts to local drugs task force mainstreamed projects; the timescale of this review; the precise format of same; when this information will be made available to each of the projects; and if in view of the impact of these cuts in the most disadvantaged areas, she will consider reversing this decision. [14449/10]
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 could more appropriately be channelled through another Department or agency. In this regard, officials of my Department have held discussions with officials in the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs to determine whether projects which involve a significant element of youth work might be more appropriate to that Office. These discussions are ongoing.
A number of the projects are being reviewed within my Department in the context of their work being similar to that of other Departmental initiatives aimed at preventing early school leaving.
I anticipate that the examination of the projects and related discussions with the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs will be completed shortly and that a report on the findings of the review will be provided to me for consideration.
