Deirdre Clune
Question:52 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has changed his approach to the roll out of the postcode system here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16581/10]
Written Answers.
The following are questions tabled by Members for written response and the ministerial replies as received on the day from the Departments [unrevised].
Questions Nos. 1 to 8, inclusive, answered orally.
Questions Nos. 9 to 45, inclusive, resubmitted.
Questions Nos. 46 to 51, inclusive, answered orally.
Postal Services.
I have not changed my philosophy or my approach to the roll out of a national postcode system in Ireland. I continue to believe a smart economy requires that the underlying infrastructure supports enterprises based on knowledge and innovation. For this, an ability to collate and assess data spatially is a prerequisite. This is where postcodes play a key role and where they can deliver economic and social benefits across the whole economy.
As the Deputy is aware, the Government has approved the implementation of a postcode system as recommended by the National Postcode Project Board. This Board, which comprised representatives from Government Departments, together with public and private sector organisations, was established to recommend the most technically appropriate postcode system for Ireland, design an implementation plan and assess the costs and benefits of postcodes. In the course of its deliberations, the Board looked at a number of postcode models and technologies including postal sector models and a number of spatial and hybrid postcode models taking into account a number of factors including memorability, likely uptake by the public and ability to adapt to emerging technologies. The model recommended, and since approved by Government, is an alpha-numeric, publicly available and accessible postal sector model.
Each postcode will have a geo-coordinate at its centre and consequently, would be compatible with global positioning or navigation systems, allowing integration with GPS and other Global Navigation Satellite technologies. Indeed, applications based on such systems, become much more readily accessible to the public through the use of a postcode. My officials and I are currently working to implement this project. That delivery will be effected by way of a competitive tender process. A competition will be re-tendered shortly to select a body that will assist the Department in managing the delivery of a working postcodes system. Because of the need to re-tender I envisage some slippage in the originally targeted date for introduction of a postcode system. However, I still expect to have rolled out a national postcodes system in 2011.
Offshore Exploration.
Michael Creed
Question:53 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the detail of all new finds of oil, gas or coal off the Irish coast or offshore. [16587/10]
There were three new discoveries of oil and gas in the Irish Offshore in recent years; however none of these have been declared commercial to date. During 2007 two finds were made in the North Celtic Sea Basin off the South Coast. Providence Resources Limited identified an oil accumulation at the Hook Head prospect while Island Oil and Gas Limited encountered gas at the Scull prospect. During 2009 Serica Energy PLC identified oil at the Bandon Prospect in the Slyne Basin, off the west coast. In all three cases further work is required in order to determine whether these accumulations can be progressed to commercial developments.
No additional finds of oil and gas have been made so far in 2010. However Shell E & P Ireland Ltd is expected to commence drilling in the Slyne Basin shortly. There are twenty six active Petroleum Exploration Licences relating to areas of the Irish offshore. Exploration activities are continuing under all of these authorisations. The last discovery to be declared commercial was the Seven Heads discovery in July 2002.
In respect of minerals, there is only one offshore prospecting licence. That licence covers an area of some 1,000 square kilometres roughly centred on the Kish Bank, is held by VP Power, and is restricted to exploration for coal. VP Power has carried out a preliminary exploration programme over the area. There has been no discovery of any mineral deposit.
Energy Resources.
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:54 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the details of plans to develop a natural marine energy research centre in Cork Harbour adjacent to the National Maritime College. [16594/10]
The Government is giving high priority to supporting the development of Ireland's ocean energy potential. Not only will ocean energy contribute to Ireland's renewable energy targets, it has considerable potential for inward investment and enterprise activity in support of economic renewal. The research activities of the Hydraulics and Maritime Centre at University College Cork are a key part of the Ocean Energy Programme.
The Ocean Energy Unit in the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) is supporting University College Cork to upgrade the existing wave-basin located at the Hydraulics and Maritime Research Centre (HMRC). The facility provides research and testing facilities for a variety of offshore purposes. The upgrade of the existing facility includes new wave generating equipment, new experimental test rigs, improved workshop facilities and advanced computer solutions for numerical analysis and modelling. Expenditure on the upgrade of the facility is estimated at approximately €1 million in 2010. SEAI is also working with the UCC Marine Institute, UCC and other industry stakeholders in putting in place an enhanced management and operational structure for the HMRC reflective of its role in the national ocean energy research programme.
There are proposals for a new National Ocean Test Facility to be developed as part of a Maritime and Energy Research Centre beside the National Maritime College at Ringaskiddy. These proposals would see the HMRC relocate its facilities to a site adjacent to the National Maritime College. These plans are at an early stage of development and significant work including costings remains to be carried out before firm proposals are brought forward.
Energy Prices.
Brian O'Shea
Question:55 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his policy in relation to ensuring competition in the gas market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16658/10]
The Irish gas market has been fully opened up to competition since July 2007. Experience in other markets has shown that there is a time lag between full market opening and the emergence of fully viable competition. The very small size of the Irish gas market by international standards, with some 640,000 customers, adds to the challenge of creating competition.
Competition in the upper segments of the market is continuing to develop and there are now eight licensed suppliers. The largest users of gas are the power generating stations and a small number of large energy users (LEUs) who account for 66% of total gas demand. This segment is not regulated by the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER). Large commercial and industrial customers account for a further 10% of the market in volume terms. There are about 245 customers in this category. The current regime of regulation in this sector is known as the Regulated Tariff Formula (RTF) regime.
The RFT is based on the gas commodity cost, transmission and distribution costs, plus margin. This regime was introduced as an interim measure in 2003 to encourage competition in this sector. At that time Bord Gáis Energy (BGEnergy) had 100% of the market of the sector. In volume terms BGEnergy now has 39.8% of the sector with the independent suppliers holding the balance. I am advised by the CER that their current review of the RTF is in line with its commitment to keep under regular review the case for retaining or removing the RTF regime. Public consultation on this review has recently closed and I expect the CER to make a balanced and evidence based decision on the issue taking appropriate account of various perspectives. A decision is due to be taken by end May.
The smaller Industrial and Commercial customers are regulated by the Fuel Variation Tariff segment (FVT). They account for only 4% in volume terms of the market. This segment is also regulated by means of a price regulated mechanism. The domestic gas tariff continues to be regulated with the CER setting the BGE supply tariffs twice a year. Pending the emergence of meaningful competition, the CER has no immediate proposals to deregulate either the FVT or domestic segments. BGE supply tariffs for domestic customers will continue to be set on a twice yearly basis by the CER.
The nature of regulation is to drive improved efficiencies and to lower costs in areas that are under regulatory control. This is designed to benefit customers first and foremost. The CER has stated that it will consult on a road map for deregulation in the gas retail sector, analogous to the new road map for deregulation of the electricity retail sector, when the time is appropriate. I welcome that commitment. The continued entry of new suppliers into the gas market, with both Phoenix and ESBIE entering in 2009, demonstrates that regulatory policy to underpin the growth of competition in gas supply has paid dividends for consumers.
Energy Conservation.
Emmet Stagg
Question:56 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the smart metering project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16651/10]
The Smart Metering Programme is a central component of the Government's strategy to radically enhance management of energy demand, deliver smart networks and enable greater energy efficiency through the use of cutting-edge technology. The harnessing of renewable energy and the development of micro generation and electric vehicles, is creating an utterly different supply and demand energy landscape. Smart metering systems are intrinsic to the transformation of the energy system. The integration of energy and ICT systems will deliver an energy network which looks a lot more like the Internet than a traditional grid. I have asked my Department to work with the Commission for Energy Regulation and ESB Networks to explore the synergies between the national electric vehicle programme and the smart meter programme.
The current pilot phase of the smart meter programme, is underway as planned. The technology trials are continuing to test a number of advanced metering systems and their associated IT and communications infrastructure. The Customer Behaviour trials are determining the potential of smart meters to achieve measurable change in consumer behaviour. In a new development, the potential for a Smart Metering Prepayment Model, similar to the "Pay As You Go" mobile telecommunications arrangements, is now being assessed by the Smart Metering Steering Group for use in both electricity and gas. A prepayment pilot is now under way with ESB Customer Supply staff in advance of a trial with ESB Customer Supply customers, which is expected to get underway next month.
The electricity element of the pilot phase went "Live" in January of this year and will be completed at the end of December 2010. The electricity technology trial is examining metering functionality and supporting information and communications systems. Up to 5,000 meters have been deployed to accommodate technology testing in Limerick/Ennis, Cork City/Bandon and South Dublin/Wicklow. Significant progress has also been made in the gas element of the pilot phase. Over 1,900 meters have been deployed for Gas Customer Behaviour Trials. A further 750 meters will accommodate Gas Technology Trials. The benchmarking period for the gas element of the Customer Behaviour Trial commenced in December 2009 and will continue until end May 2010. The gas customer behaviour and technology gas trials will "Go Live" in June and will continue until end May 2011.
A key component of the smart meter pilot is the associated cost benefit analysis, which will critically inform future decisions. An interim analysis will be completed this year with the final analysis, to include the results of the gas trials, to be completed by mid 2011. Smart Metering is now seen at European Union level as a critical dimension of energy demand management in the interests of consumers and businesses. I am pleased to say that Ireland is to the forefront among Member States in making real progress on the smart meter agenda.
Alternative Energy Projects.
Frank Feighan
Question:57 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the financial assistance provided by his Department to support ocean energy for the past three years; and the financial commitment for 2010. [16599/10]
In line with the Government's ambitious Ocean Energy Strategy, the Ocean Energy Development Unit (OEDU) was established in Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) in 2008 and full roll out of the Ocean Energy programme commenced last year. Expenditure on the Ocean Energy Programme was €1m in 2008 and €3.764m in 2009. €7.82m has been allocated to the Ocean Energy Programme for 2010 and it is expected that this funding will be fully spent.
This is made up of:
grant aid under the Prototype Development Fund, which this year will assist 10 Irish companies developing ocean and tidal energy devices;
funding for the development of the grid connected Annagh Head test site;
maintenance and improvements to the existing (non grid connected) Galway Bay test site;
upgrading and up-skilling of the Hydraulics and Maritime Research Centre (HMRC);
the strategic environmental assessment of Irish waters for ocean energy offshore wind development, which is underway.
The pattern of expenditure to date reflects the fact that work to progress the grid connected test site was at a very preliminary stage during 2009 and the approved prototype funding support is being disbursed over the two years 2009 and 2010.
SEAI, working with ESB International, the Marine Institute and industry stakeholders, is developing the grid connected site off Annagh Point, County Mayo. This facility will provide for the testing of operational pre-commercial wave energy devices directly connected to the electricity network. The test site will be a key enabler for the development of an ocean energy industry in Ireland. An exploratory foreshore licence was granted to SEAI in September 2009, which has enabled site investigation works to commence at the planned test site location.
SEAI, under the Ocean Energy Prototype Development Fund, has approved funding support totalling €4.35m for 12 projects from over 30 expressions of interest received. The funding support is designed to stimulate the commercial development and deployment of ocean energy devices that can generate renewable electricity. Additional projects are being assessed at present.
Energy Resources.
Dinny McGinley
Question:58 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he is actively pursuing the need to put in place an energy supply and security treaty with the UK; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16619/10]
Currently around 96% of Ireland's gas needs are met by imports from the UK via the two subsea interconnectors with Scotland. This infrastructure also supplies the gas needs of Northern Ireland, through the Scotland Northern Ireland Pipeline, and the Isle of Man. The three interconnectors are operated by Gaslink, a subsidiary of Bord Gáis, on behalf of Ireland, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man. International treaties between the Governments of Ireland and the UK were signed on the construction of each of the two subsea interconnectors. The Treaties set out the terms for the operation of the pipelines and include provisions on security.
There also are gas emergency arrangements in place between Ireland and the UK. In the event of a need to reduce gas load in the UK, the arrangements provide that Ireland, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man will be given equal treatment on a pro rata basis. Emergency plans for both gas and electricity are tested with the UK through joint annual emergency exercises. Given the high level of integration of the UK and Ireland's gas systems, there is a close bilateral working relationship with the UK on energy security issues, including liaison on EU developments. The interests of Northern Ireland are also fully reflected under the bilateral framework.
These bilateral arrangements will be enhanced through the framework for regional and EU cooperation on security of gas supply under the European gas security of supply regulations. The Regulation is expected to be adopted later in the year. The Regulation will require Member States to formally consult with each other as part of their emergency planning processes. This provision will underpin the existing arrangements between Ireland and the UK. We will continue to work very closely with the UK and Northern Ireland to ensure optimum coordination of existing emergency arrangements. We will also be fully collaborating with the UK to ensure maximum coordination on the implementation of the forthcoming Regulation to mutual benefit. This includes the further formal enshrining, as necessary, of bilateral arrangements for security and emergency planning.
Apart from cooperation with the North and the UK, there are other fora for regional cooperation where issues related to energy supply and security arise. We work closely with our colleagues in the energy sectoral group of the British-Irish Council (BIC), specifically on grid infrastructure and marine energy issues. The BIC Members are Ireland, Northern Ireland, the UK, Scotland, Wales, Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man. The enhancement of the Grid linking these islands, and with mainland Europe, is a key opportunity to realise greater levels of security of supply and sustainability. I discussed these issues with my colleagues at the inaugural Ministerial meeting of the BIC Energy Group in London recently and we will explore opportunities for enhanced cooperation again at the BIC Summit in Guernsey in June.
One area for discussion between BIC members relates to the announcement of the EU North Seas Grid Initiative on 7 December 2009. Under this initiative, the Irish and UK Governments have agreed to work with the Governments of Germany, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Denmark, Sweden and Norway to develop an integrated offshore grid in the North and Irish Seas. In addition, Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland are conducting the Irish Scottish Links in Electricity Study (ISLES) study to establish the viability of an offshore electricity grid network to exploit wind, wave and tidal resources in the Irish Sea and Atlantic coastal areas.
Fuel Poverty.
Lucinda Creighton
Question:59 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the recent finding of the fuel poverty action research report on the effectiveness of domestic energy efficient programmes that the warmer homes scheme has had no noticeable effect on fuel use, emissions, poverty, comfort or health; if he has commissioned any other reports into whether it is value for money; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16662/10]
The Fuel Poverty Action Research Report involved an ex-post assessment of the energy, environmental, thermal comfort and health benefits of the Warmer Homes Scheme, which retrofits low income private homes with insulation and other energy saving measures. The research was carried out between 2007 and 2009 and predates the increased funding and activity under the Scheme. The study was based on a sample of 600 households. Interviews were carried out in 348 homes in Cork and 252 homes in Donegal. Households were surveyed prior to energy efficiency measures being installed and surveyed again following the installation of these measures.
The Report concludes that the Warmer Homes Scheme has been effective stating that "The research has found that the Warmer Homes Scheme has had a significant impact on reducing fuel poverty". The Report also concludes that the programme has had demonstrable impact in the sample group as evidenced by a significant decline in the number of households reporting difficulty in being able to afford to heat their home in winter. It also reports a significant decline in the proportion of households not using rooms in their home because of lack of heat or having difficulty in paying their utility bills on time.
The Report is not a complete evaluation of the Warmer Homes Scheme (WHS). However, it makes a useful contribution to understanding of the various dimensions of fuel poverty and endorses the value and efficacy of the scheme. The primary goal of the WHS is to alleviate fuel poverty, with additional positive impacts in terms of overall energy demand reduction. The study measured the fuel poverty impact in several ways and finds clear evidence of positive impacts.
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has carried out its own internal cost benefit analysis of the current Warmer Homes programme. SEAI's analysis confirms that energy savings are achieved as well as the primary goal of fuel poverty alleviation. SEAI concludes that the economic value of the energy savings is greater than the programme costs. I am satisfied that the programme is having a positive economic impact even before placing an economic value on its fuel poverty alleviation and health impacts.
Energy Conservation.
Joe Costello
Question:60 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when the national energy efficient retrofit programme will be launched in view of the difficulties there have been with expenditure in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16630/10]
The Home Energy Saving (HES) Scheme, which is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), was launched in March 2009. The scheme provides grant assistance to homeowners for energy efficiency retro-fitting measures including attic and wall insulation, very high-efficiency boilers, heating controls and Building Energy Rating (BER) assessments. The scheme is open to anybody owning a house that was built prior to 2006. Homeowners can expect to save up to €700 per year on their energy bills if they install the full suite of measures available under the scheme. The scheme offers grants of up to 40% of the typical cost of energy efficiency upgrade measures, depending on the measure concerned.
The scheme had attracted 40,724 applications by the end of December 2009. Some €16.26 million was paid out by SEAI by the end of the year, representing 33,434 energy efficient measures installed in 18,183 homes. The scheme allows homeowners six months, from the date of grant approval, to have the work undertaken. As a result, some monies committed in 2009 are being drawn down in 2010. This year to date, there has been a very significant increase in activity and expenditure. Some €27m million has already been paid out by SEAI since March 2009, representing almost 60,000 energy efficient measures being installed in 30,000 homes.
Funding in 2010 of €90m has been allocated to SEAI for the further expansion of its domestic, business and public sector energy efficiency schemes. A further €40m has been allocated by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to improving the energy efficiency of social housing across the country. This unprecedented level of funding will support energy efficiency improvements in over 60,000 homes and buildings, support 5,000 jobs and create energy efficiency savings worth a total of €400 million over their lifetime.
In tandem with the increased level of activity in existing programmes in 2010, detailed proposals for the new Retrofit Programme announced in the Budget are being finalised. I will be bringing these proposals to Government shortly with a view to launching the programme towards the end of the year. In broad terms the Retrofit Programme will bring together the HES and the WHS as well as support programmes for businesses and the public sector. The programme will see new initiatives involving energy supply companies, energy service providers, and the construction sector.
This new programme has the potential to be the most innovative, ambitious, energy-related initiative ever introduced in Ireland. It will significantly contribute to meeting the national efficiency targets including the target of 33% set for the public sector. It will also create significant employment in the energy and construction sectors in support of economic renewal. It is the case that pending the finalisation and introduction of the retrofit programme, the HES and the WHS remain fully open for business in 2010.
Broadcasting Services.
Liz McManus
Question:61 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the implications of the broadcasting levy; his views on whether it will impact adversely on staffing levels of the independent radio sector, with jobs already having been lost due to the current economic climate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16627/10]
Section 33 of the Broadcasting Act 2009 provides for the making of a levy order by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) for the purposes of meeting the expenses of the Authority and its Committees in undertaking the performance of its statutory functions. The BAI has reviewed its initial budget of €7.632 million for 2010 and has set a revised budget at €6.020 million. Following a decision by the Authority not to include the BAI's depreciation charge of €365,000 the amount to be funded by industry levy amounts to €5.635 million, a total reduction of almost €2 million on the original budget. This will mean that the levy on independent radio stations will be considerably reduced as compared with the original budget. This should significantly assist the sector in what, I accept, is a difficult commercial climate for it.
I understand the Authority has advised that it is committed to minimising the burden on industry and it has requested the Chief Executive to continuously review its proposed expenditure throughout 2010 with the aim of reducing it where possible. In accordance with section 33 of the Act, any surplus of levy income over expenditure in 2010 shall be offset against future levies or refunded, as appropriate. The BAI has published details of its estimated income and expenditure for 2010 on its website www.bai.ie. In addition, at the meeting of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on 31 March 2010 the BAI undertook to review the levy and the levy order during the year with a view to measuring its impact and it is anticipated that they will report on this in Q1 2011.
Electricity Generation.
Phil Hogan
Question:62 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he plans to introduce a carbon windfall profits tax on energy generation here; if so, when he will take action on same. [16609/10]
My Department in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General has been working to progress a scheme to provide for the recovery of carbon windfall gains from electricity generators to the end of the current EU Emissions Trading Scheme in 2012. The Single Electricity Market Committee has statutory responsibility for the operation of the all island electricity market. The Committee decided in 2008 that the full costs of the free carbon allocations should be passed through to the market. This has been a cause of considerable concern to business because of the impact on the wholesale cost of electricity. Business Groups have also expressed concerns about the related carbon windfall profits earned by electricity generators. These concerns have been raised consistently in the context of energy costs for business and their impact on competitiveness.
In July last year the Government agreed a series of measures to mitigate where possible energy costs for business. As part of those measures the Government decided to progress the introduction of legislation to recover carbon windfall gains from generators up to 2012. There are legal, technical and other complex considerations inherent in any potential treatment of carbon windfall gains. My Department has been working to comprehensively address all these considerations. I can advise the Deputy that, subject to final legal drafting, I intend to introduce amendments at Committee stage of the Biofuels Obligation Bill which is currently before the House and which will place a levy upon electricity generators to recover a substantial proportion of these gains. These amendments will be circulated shortly and I look forward to the Committee Stage debate on them.
Question No. 63 answered with Question No. 51.
Fuel Poverty.
Pat Rabbitte
Question:64 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the timeframe for the energy affordability strategy; the form that this strategy will take; the way he plans to address the problem of fuel poverty here; the number of homes that were part of the warmer homes scheme in 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16637/10]
Olwyn Enright
Question:100 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to develop a national fuel poverty strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15455/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 64 and 100 together.
I am working closely with the Minister for Social Protection and the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, to ensure a fully cohesive approach to energy affordability. The Inter-Departmental/Agency Group on Affordable Energy was established in the summer of 2008 to coordinate the cross-Government and cross-industry work in this area. This Group is jointly chaired by the Departments of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and Social Protection, and includes the Departments of An Taoiseach, Finance, Environment, Heritage and Local Government, and Health and Children, along with the Commission for Energy Regulation, Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, Institute of Public Health, ESB, Bord Gáis Éireann and, more recently, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.
Work is under way, led by my Department and the Department of Social Protection, on the Energy Affordability Strategy. The Strategy will set out actions under way and proposed further actions to protect vulnerable households with a view to ensuring that existing and future measures are targeted at households where the risk of energy poverty is greatest. A public consultation process was launched in March this year seeking the views of interested parties on all dimensions of energy affordability by 23 April. Informed by the consultation process, the Strategy will be finalised and submitted to Government in June.
Enhancing the energy efficiency of homes through structural improvements is pivotal to the Government's strategy to address energy affordability. To date, energy efficiency improvements in nearly 40,000 homes have been made under the Warmer Homes Scheme (WHS), of which 5,343 homes were completed in 2008 and 19,000 in 2009 (including nearly 3,000 homes delivered by the ESB according to WHS specification). Some €15 million was provided for the scheme in 2009, with a further €5 million provided by ESB and BGE. Of the €15 million Exchequer allocation €12.4m was spent under the scheme last year. Funding of €13m has been provided to the scheme in 2010 and, to date this year, the WHS has been delivered to 4,096 homes. The target for the Warmer Homes Scheme is 22,500 homes in 2010. We are confident of achieving this level.
The WHS provides energy efficiency improvements to homes in, or at risk of, fuel poverty and is primarily delivered by community based organisations (CBOs) of which 22 have, to date, been approved to provide this service. The CBOs work in partnership with their local network of poverty and community support organisations including public health nurses, MABS and the Society of St. Vincent De Paul to identify and address vulnerable homes. Private contractors were also engaged in 2009 to address the increasing demand for the scheme.
Broadcasting Services.
Mary Upton
Question:65 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide an update on digital terrestrial television here; when he expects the signing of the contract with a consortium (details supplied); the concerns he may have if the delays in implementing DTT continues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16629/10]
Olivia Mitchell
Question:67 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to facilitate the roll-out of commercial digital terrestrial television services should a consortium (details supplied) fail to reach agreement with RTE and the regulator. [16623/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 65 and 67 together.
Part 8 of the Broadcasting Act, 2009 provides for RTÉ to develop a "free-to-view" digital broadcasting service as a replacement for the national analogue TV service currently offering access to RTÉ 1, RTÉ2, TV3 and TG4 and for the subsequent closure of the national analogue TV service. The Act also provides opportunities for the development of a commercial digital terrestrial television (DTT) service in Ireland. In this regard, the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI), an independent regulatory authority, is required to provide for the development of commercial DTT services.
The BAI's predecessor, the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland (BCI), initiated a competition for a commercial DTT service provider. The highest placed consortium withdrew from the process in April of last year. As a result negotiations commenced with the next placed bidder, OneVision. These negotiations are still ongoing. As I have stated in this House in reply to previous questions on this matter, I am not prepared to speculate or hypothesise on the outcome of what is a commercial licensing process. This is a matter for the BAI. I have repeatedly made it very clear to the Authority that I would like to see this process concluded as soon as possible so that clarity and certainty with regard to commercial DTT can be provided to broadcasters and viewers alike.
My priority, in accordance with national policy, is to provide for the closure, in 2012, of the analogue "free-to-view" broadcasting service. The European Commission has set 2012 as the timeline for analogue switch off throughout Europe and the EU Council of Ministers has asked Member States to complete switch over by 2012 in so far as possible. It is my intention that this switch off will be no later than quarter four 2012. RTÉ is aware of this and is supportive of the quarter four 2012 deadline. In this regard, and in the continuing absence of commercial DTT, I have recently signed an Order, Statutory Instrument 85 of 2010, under section 129 of the Broadcasting Act 2009 requiring RTÉ to launch a "free-to-view" DTT service to approximately 90% of the population by 31st October 2010. The 2009 Act also requires RTÉ to provide the full national "free-to-view" digital service, capable of carrying RTÉ 1, RTÉ 2, TG4 and TV3, by the end of 2011 or such date as I may specify. In this regard I have informed RTÉ that the date for the provision of a national service is 31st December 2011.
From a broadcaster perspective, the development of DTT services provides more for TV viewers in terms of choice and services. The RTÉ multiplex has sufficient space for 8-10 TV channels, radio channels and electronic programme guides and the legislation provides for RTÉ to exploit space on the multiplex for commercial purposes. A second RTÉ multiplex, provided for under the 2009 Act, provides for RTÉ to roll out high definition (HD) services which will also be made available to TV viewers in Ireland on a "free-to-view" basis. More significantly, there are considerable economic benefits for Ireland resulting from the switch off of the analogue broadcast services and the consequent release and reuse of this valuable spectrum, which is known as the digital dividend. The digital dividend is a clear enabler of economic and social growth. By extrapolating from a recent European study, the value of the digital dividend to Ireland is expected to be between €2 billion and €10 billion, over 15 years. In this regard, it is vital for Ireland's economic health that this spectrum is released as early as possible.
Alternative Energy Projects.
Enda Kenny
Question:66 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his Department will be financially supporting a new biogas anaerobic digester in conjunction with Bord Gáis, University College Cork and Cork City Council at the Kinsale Road landfill site in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16613/10]
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) administers the Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Deployment Programme. The programme was expanded in 2008 to include dedicated support for Biomass and Anaerobic Digestion powered CHP. The Renewable Heat Deployment Programme (ReHeat), which is also administered by SEAI, incentivises the installation of biomass boilers. Both programmes have already supported the construction of a significant number of projects. SEAI will consider all applications for support which are in line with the required criteria for the schemes, subject to funding being available. I cannot comment on the merits of any one application, however I can confirm that anaerobic digestion CHP is eligible for support under the CHP Deployment programme.
Question No. 67 answered with Question No. 65.
Broadcasting Services.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:68 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount that has been spent on digital audio broadcasting radio here; if he will give details of the position regarding this project; his views on criticisms that DAB radio is outdated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16640/10]
The Broadcasting Act 2009 provides for the development of digital radio in Ireland. Under this Act, RTÉ is given the right to operate a multiplex for the purposes of providing a digital sound broadcasting service. The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) is responsible for the development of commercial digital sound broadcasting services. The Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) is responsible for managing the spectrum and for licensing spectrum to both the BAI and RTÉ in respect of sound broadcasting services. In addition the Broadcasting Act provides an incentive, in the form of an extended licence term, for existing commercial radio stations to simulcast on a digital multiplex.
From 2006 to 2008, RTÉ operated a trial of DAB services on a number of sites in Ireland. This trial also included commercial sound broadcasters. Since the trial ended RTÉ has received a licence from ComReg and has developed a number of new RTÉ sound broadcast stations specifically for their DAB service i.e. RTÉ Junior, RTÉ Choice, RTÉ Pulse, RTÉ Gold, RTÉ Chill and RTÉ 2xm. The present service is available in the greater Dublin area, the North East of the country, Cork City and Limerick City. Commercial radio stations are not available on this DAB service.
In 2009 the BAI conducted research into digital radio and they plan to develop a policy for the licensing of commercial digital radio services in Ireland this year. The amount spent on DAB in Ireland to date is an operational issue for RTÉ and the BAI. I have asked both organisations to revert to the Deputy with this information. Unlike the case of digital television, there is no imperative on broadcasters to "go digital" — this is purely a commercial decision for broadcasters.
I am supportive of the development of digital radio. Digital radio provides opportunities for the development of more radio channels which can offer a greater variety of content and more choice for listeners. In addition, digital radio offers the potential to provide value added services such as data information services. In this regard, digital radio is seen as an opportunity for sound broadcasters to expand their businesses and to provide innovative and novel content to their audience. The choice of technology for digital radio services is one for broadcasters and the BAI. As with all new technologies, these are constantly evolving and improving and there are a number of factors — practical, economic, spectrum efficiency, timing, technological, consumer cost and service related issues that will need to be considered by broadcasters and the BAI in making the technology choices.
Energy Prices.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:69 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the discussions he has had with the regulator with a view to ensuring that electricity consumers can directly avail of the full benefit of competition; the action required to bring this about having particular regard to the need to bring energy prices in this country at least on par with the most competitive throughout Europe in view of the particular economic needs at the present time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16553/10]
The Government is firmly committed to increasing competition as the best means of exerting downward pressure on electricity prices and also to ensuring diversity of energy supplies, with a particular focus on renewable energy, in order to reduce our exposure to volatile external fuel prices. The Government supports continued significant investment in Ireland's electricity and gas networks to further underpin security and reliability of supply. Government policy has resulted in significant progress in the development of competitive electricity markets, most notably with the all-island Single Electricity Market (SEM) now in place, the sale of ESB generation capacity and the entry of new international players such as Endesa and Scottish and Southern Electricity to the Irish and all-island market.
Ireland has a fleet of new, efficient and reliable gas-fired generating stations, with two more coming online in the next few months, as well as significant new wind generation capacity which is increasing competition further and exerting downward pressure on prices. Falling gas prices in the UK market are also having a direct impact on SEM wholesale electricity prices.
Recognising the concerns of indigenous business and the inward investment community, particularly in view of the difficult economic circumstances, the Government has put in place a number of measures to mitigate the cost of energy for business. In 2009, all electricity consumers benefited from direct rebates totalling €567m. In July 2009 the Government agreed that these rebates would continue for large energy users at the same level until October 2010 and would then be phased out over the following few years. These measures are having a significant impact on Ireland's international competitiveness. The latest comparative statistics available from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland's publication show that Ireland experienced the third largest price drop in electricity prices to industry across the entire EU over the 12 month period ending on 30th June 2009. At the same time, 22 of 27 EU countries experienced price increases.
The Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) has a statutory function to advise the Minister on developments in the electricity and gas markets. In this context the CER engages on a regular basis, both with me and my Department, on issues relating to energy prices and competition. Working with the CER, my Department is also pursuing further permanent structural changes to our electricity markets that will benefit business. These changes include some re-balancing of network tariffs, as well as recovering carbon windfall gains from electricity generators.
The entry into the domestic electricity market last year of two new suppliers, Airtricity and Bord Gáis Energy, demonstrates that policy to encourage competition in electricity generation and supply is benefiting domestic as well as business consumers through, for example, discounts of between 10% and 14% on ESB unit rates. The independent suppliers are also offering domestic consumers alternative billing arrangements and options for the level of renewable electricity they purchase. On foot of the high rates of switching in all segments of the electricity market, the CER recently published a decision on the road map for ESB price deregulation. This is an important step on the path to developing a fully competitive electricity market in Ireland.
The CER has also committed to further consultations on important consumer measures including improving general customer awareness and encouraging active market participation across all parts of the domestic market. In this regard, my Department is also working on enhanced consumer protection and information provisions in the context of the transposition of the third EU internal energy market package of legislation, with the objective of ensuring that all consumers can benefit fully from the competitive electricity market.
Energy Resources.
Joanna Tuffy
Question:70 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on Ireland’s use of liquefied natural gas; if he will address concerns that risks associated with LNG include political instability of exporting nations, price volatility and security of transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16652/10]
The International Energy Agency (IEA) World Energy Outlook 2009 notes that the unexpected boom in North American unconventional gas production, together with the current recession's depressive impact on demand, is expected to contribute to a glut of gas supply in the next few years. This new gas supply has driven down US prices and reduced LNG imports to the U.S., which in turn have become available and increased supply in other markets.
A key security of supply imperative for the EU, where over half of the gas consumed is from sources outside Europe, is to ensure diversification of supply routes and sources of gas. Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) is increasingly a component of this strategy as Member States work to diversify supply sources and routes. To the extent that LNG is sourced from different countries to those exporting pipeline gas, it can lessen exposure to price volatility and supply disruptions. The EU is already heavily interconnected with gas supply routes to Norway, Russia, Algeria and Libya. LNG supplies to Europe are currently sourced from Norway, Algeria, Libya, Egypt, Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, Trinidad and Tobago, Qatar, Oman and Malaysia. Most of these countries are seen as largely stable political regions.
LNG imports account for approximately 15% of the total EU gas market. LNG supplies to North West Europe have increased in line with the coming on-stream in 2009 of new LNG facilities in UK, Italy and elsewhere, the current competitive price of LNG on world markets and with increased availability of supplies. The gas market generally, and the LNG market in particular, is much less price-volatile than in 2007 or 2008. Currently, a well supplied US gas market together with declining global demand is contributing to lower spot market prices which could help break the oil price link in the longer term gas contracts.
Ireland's demand for gas is met almost entirely by imports across the gas interconnectors from the UK. Declining production and storage at Kinsale, now supplying around 4%, accounts for the remainder. Irish imports account for around 5% of the UK gas market. The majority of UK gas demand is currently being met by indigenous North Sea production and imports from Norway. Through the gas interconnectors with Great Britain, Ireland has access to diverse sources of supply, including UK indigenous production, Norwegian imports and UK LNG imports and indirectly, to physical interconnection with mainland Europe. The UK has access to worldwide LNG markets through its significant recent investment in LNG terminals and LNG now plays an increasingly important part in the UK's gas supplies.
It is prudent, in light of Ireland's dependence on gas imported from the UK, to work to reduce our reliance on this source. In addition to bringing Corrib gas production on stream, opportunities for LNG and for gas storage are being facilitated. The island of Ireland currently has no LNG import capability. However, Shannon LNG is at an advanced stage in the project to build an LNG facility on the Shannon estuary. The proposed ‘merchant' LNG terminal would provide additional security of supply here, in that it would bring diversity to Ireland's supply sources and would bring direct connectivity for the first time to the global LNG market. The prospect of such a facility is therefore a potentially positive step for the island of Ireland. Shannon LNG has been awarded planning permission for an LNG import facility and terminal under the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006.
The safety standards applying to an LNG facility are primarily the responsibilities of the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) and the Commission for Energy Regulation both of whom have stringent regulations and standards in place under the EC Seveso Directive and other EU Regulations.
Electricity Generation.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:71 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the co-firing targets including the three peat burning stations in the midlands and the likelihood of reaching the 30% target set out by him by 2015; if he will give assurances that house material, such as woodchip, would be sourced for these stations indigenously rather than being imported; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16632/10]
The Government's Energy Policy Framework 2007 sets out a target for co-firing in peat stations of 30% by 2015. Both ESB and Bord na Móna have been conducting a programme of research and development, including large scale co-firing trials with a variety of materials. The trials have also encompassed laboratory tests on the chemical and physical properties of various materials. Decisions by ESB and Bord na Móna on what material to co-fire and the timing of the move to introduce large scale co-firing will be taken in light of the ongoing trials.
Both companies have been in discussions with a number of market players around sourcing potential supplies for the co-firing material. The companies themselves will be responsible for making the commercial decisions to award any such contracts. The objective is to utilise domestically produced biomass as much as possible, and my Department is working closely with the Department of Agriculture to ensure that their support schemes for energy crops and forestry are in alignment with the scale of demand that may ultimately arise as a result of the co-firing process.
Offshore Exploration.
Jack Wall
Question:72 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if, in view of the invitations for oil and gas prospectors to apply for licences to drill in the north west and the Clare Basin, these licences will fall under the 2007 legislation; if the State will have first option on the oil or gas extracted; if there is a provision for royalties on any oil and gas extracted as part of that legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16635/10]
Over recent months there has been renewed interest in targeting the natural gas resource potential of the Northwest Carboniferous and Clare basins which had been identified in earlier exploration, but not deemed commercial at that time. In March of this year, I announced a competition for Onshore Licensing Options over the two areas. The acreage on offer covers an area of approximately 8,000 square kilometres over parts of counties Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Mayo, Monaghan, Roscommon and Sligo in the North West Carboniferous Basin and parts of counties Clare, Cork, Limerick and Kerry in the Clare Basin. The closing date for receipt of applications is Friday 11th June 2010.
Licensing Options awarded from this competition will be for a maximum period of two years and will be subject to an agreed work programme. Work programmes will include procurement of all available relevant technical data/studies and new geological/geophysical studies/data acquisition as considered necessary. Work programmes will not include drilling, but may include shallow geological sampling where subsurface penetrations would typically not exceed 100-200m. The holder of any Licensing Option awarded will have the first right to a Petroleum Exploration Licence over all or part of the area covered by the Option. At the end of the Option period, the holder must either apply for a Petroleum Exploration Licence or surrender the acreage. Any Petroleum Exploration Licence awarded over the area would be subject to a commitment by the licensee to drill an exploration well in the first three years of the licence.
The 2007 Licensing Terms for Oil and Gas, Exploration, Development and Production apply to all petroleum exploration licences issued after 1st January 2007. The 2007 terms provide for a new profit resource rent tax, payable at rates of up to 15%, in addition to the 25% corporate tax rate previously applying. The 2007 terms ensure that the return to the State will increase to a maximum of 40% in the case of the most profitable fields. The general rate of corporation tax is 12.5%. Ireland in common with other countries such as the UK and Norway moved away from a royalty based payments system to a tax based system in 1987. Under the tax based system the return to the State is linked directly to the profitability of the oil or gas field.
Electricity Generation.
David Stanton
Question:73 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, further to Parliamentary Question No. 108 of 2 March 2010, the total number of customers who have signed up to the microgeneration programme being operated by the Electricity Supply Board; the number signed up under each category; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16659/10]
David Stanton
Question:87 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, further to Parliamentary Question No. 108 of 2 March 2010, the details of the further progress between his Department and the Electricity Supply Board in relation to the review of the microgeneration programme and its participation levels; the action he will take to improve take-up of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16660/10]
Mary Upton
Question:96 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on a feed-in tariff for microgeneration here; if he envisages a role for microgeneration in reducing our emissions and improving our energy mix; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16631/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 73, 87 and 96 together.
The Micro Generation Programme is being operated by ESB Customer Supply and supported by ESB Networks. The programme has the potential to provide up to 4,000 domestic customers investing in micro-scale projects with a financial payment for electricity exported back to the grid. The ESB advises that, to date, 240 customers have signed up for the scheme — 215 in the wind category and 25 in the solar photovoltaic category. ESB Networks have received a further 400 enquiries from householders that are at various stages of developing micro generator installations.
I am committed to supporting the development of microgeneration as part of the transformation of the network from a centralised system to a smart energy system. Microgeneration can play an increasing role in reducing energy emissions and also in reducing exposure to imported fossil fuels. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) is carrying out ongoing monitoring and assessment of their existing programme of micro-generation plants. The purpose of the programme, among other things, is to bring forward appropriate technical standards, including safety standards, for micro-scale equipment and to inform the development of dedicated training standards for installers of micro generation technologies.
My Department will continue to work with the SEAI, the Commission for Energy Regulation, ESB and other electricity supply companies to increase the uptake of microgeneration among electricity consumers, including the provision of requisite supports where justified.
Andrew Doyle
Question:74 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when he expects the ESB market share of domestic household electricity supply to be below 60%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16596/10]
The recently published decision by the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) on the road map for electricity price deregulation is an important step on the path to developing a fully competitive electricity market in Ireland. This decision demonstrates that Government and regulatory policy to encourage competition is paying dividends through lower prices and greater choice for Irish homes and businesses. The outcome of the road map decision is that ESB retail tariffs for business customers will no longer be regulated by the CER. The decision paper also sets out the criteria for deregulation of tariffs in the domestic market. Among these criteria is the reduction of ESB domestic market share to below 60%.
I endorse the CER view that this is likely to happen in the not-too-distant future. This assessment is based on the continued high rate of customer switching in the domestic market. Since early 2009, when BGE and Airtricity first entered the domestic market, some 23% of domestic customers have already switched supplier. This is a testament to the sophistication of Irish energy consumers, who are also clearly interested in the new options on offer such as alternative billing arrangements and more environmentally friendly electricity supplies, as well as value for money.
In addition to monitoring market shares and switching rates, it is important to ensure that all Irish consumers can benefit from a fully competitive and deregulated electricity market. I therefore welcome the CER commitment to take full action to enhance consumer awareness and full market transparency across all parts of the domestic market. My Department is also working on delivering enhanced consumer protection and information provisions as part of the transposition of the third EU internal energy market package of legislation.
Question No. 75 answered with Question No. 51.
Postal Services.
Liz McManus
Question:76 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason the tender process for a postcode system has been suspended; his views on the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources report on postcodes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16628/10]
An invitation to tender was issued on 29th January, 2010 for consultants to assist in selecting a body to implement and maintain a postcode system. The tender competition closed on the 12th March, 2010. Subsequently, a technical issue arose relating to the consistency of the Request for Tenders with the requirements of the Public Procurement Regulations. Bidders were notified by letter of the cancellation of the tender and a notice to that effect was posted on the e-tenders website on the 15th April, 2010. It is intended to re-issue the tender in the near future. I have received the Joint Oireachtas Committee Report on postcodes which is being reviewed by my Department. As requested by the Joint Committee, I will revert to the Committee with my views on the Report in due course.
Proposed Legislation.
Róisín Shortall
Question:77 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to introduce legislation to facilitate the development of offshore wind energy; the timeframe for the legislation; the position regarding offshore wind here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16633/10]
The Foreshore and Dumping at Sea (Amendment) Act 2009, provided for the transfer of certain functions relating to the foreshore from the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, to the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Following on from the transfer of functions, which took place in January 2010, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has confirmed that later this year he will introduce legislative changes aimed at better integrating the foreshore consent processes with the planning processes under the Planning Acts and the Strategic Infrastructure Development Act and ensure a fit-for-purpose planning regime for offshore renewable energy developments.
My Department is working with the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government in relation to progressing a new regime for offshore renewable energy and both Departments are liaising with Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland (SEAI) and with the renewable energy associations. SEAI has also commenced a strategic Environmental Assessment for offshore renewable energy, which will underpin future developments.
We work closely with our colleagues in the energy sectoral group of the British-Irish Council (BIC), specifically on grid infrastructure and marine energy issues. One area for discussion between BIC members is the EU North Seas Grid Initiative. Under this initiative, the Irish and UK Governments have agreed to work with the Governments of Germany, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxemburg, Denmark, Sweden and Norway to develop an integrated offshore grid in the North and Irish Seas. In addition, Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland are conducting the Irish Scottish Links in Electricity study (ISLES) to establish the viability of an offshore electricity grid network to exploit the wind, wave and tidal resources in the Irish Sea and Atlantic coastal areas.
Telecommunications Services.
Brian Hayes
Question:78 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of the metropolitan area networks around the country that remain unconnected to the backbone broadband infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16605/10]
Under Phase I of the Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) Programme there were 27 MANs constructed in conjunction with the Local and Regional Authorities. These have been managed by e|net under a concession agreement since July 2004. 24 of these towns currently have a backhaul connection but 3 towns do not. They are Gweedore, Carrickmacross and Kingscourt.
A further 59 networks across 65 towns were constructed under Phase II of the MANs Programme. One other MAN in Kinsale, Co. Cork is under construction. In December 2007 I suspended construction of additional Phase II networks that had not yet commenced pending the outcome of the Value for Money and Policy Review (VFMPR) of Phase I of the MANs Programme and my Next Generation Broadband policy paper. This resulted in the suspension of 27 Phase II networks. MANs that were under construction at that time proceeded as planned, i.e. the 60 MANs that comprise Phase II of the Programme. Following a procurement process a concession agreement was signed in July 2009 with e|net for the management of these networks. To date 51 Phase II networks have been handed over to e|net with the remaining networks due to be handed over by end May 2010. There are currently eight Phase II towns with a backhaul connection.
It should be noted that the MANs were designed to allow interconnection with backhaul providers through co-location cabins located close to backhaul network infrastructure and all MANs are capable of getting backhaul connectivity through at least one backhaul network. e|net are exploring other ways to provide backhaul connectivity to these MANs. While some of the MANs remain unconnected to a backhaul network, it is the case that such MANs, which enhance the attractiveness of the locations for indigenous and foreign investment, are ready to meet the demand for fibre connectivity should that demand arise.
My Department are finalising an appraisal exercise which will result in a recommendation regarding the future of the MANs Programme. The position remains that any future phase of the MANs programme will be guided by: (i) the policy paper on Next Generation Broadband, which was published in June 2009; (ii) the Value for Money and Policy Review of Phase I of the MANs Programme, which was published in July 2008; and (iii) the availability of resources.
Energy Prices.
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:79 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the new measures he will take to ensure Ireland’s cost of energy is tackled in view of concerns expressed by the commercial sector about the high cost of energy here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16656/10]
The Government recognises that the cost of energy in Ireland is a serious competitiveness issue facing the enterprise sector during this difficult period for the economy. The provision of secure, sustainable and competitive energy supplies is critical for the economy. Ireland's high energy costs, by comparison with much of Europe, are primarily due to significant dependence on volatile imported fossil fuels, particularly gas, as well as a requirement for very significant investment in energy infrastructure, following two decades of under-investment in the networks. The under-investment in networks and power generation posed real risks to security of supply which had become a major concern for enterprise.
Recognising the concerns of indigenous business and the inward investment community, particularly in view of the difficult economic conditions, the Government has put in place a number of measures to mitigate the cost of energy for business. All electricity users benefited in 2009 from direct rebates totalling €567m. These were made up of an ESB rebate to consumers of €315m, a repayment of certain Public Service Obligation (PSO) levies of €87m and the deferral of some network revenues until after October 2009. In July the Government agreed that these rebates would continue for large energy users at their current level until October 2010 and would then be phased out over the following two year period.
In addition, arising from their review of prices last year, the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) lowered electricity prices for all customers by 10% and gas tariffs by an average of 12% for domestic and SME gas customers from May 1st 2009. Small to Medium businesses have seen further reductions in their electricity bills of 5.5% since October 2009 as the new CER tariff decisions came. The CER approved an average decrease in gas tariffs of 9.8% with effect from 1 October 2009, followed by a further 8% reduction in BGE's unit charges from 1 February 2010. These reductions were made possible by steady declines over recent months in wholesale gas prices in the UK market and also by appreciation of the Euro against Sterling. Business customers can also avail of the competitive benefits of value and choice by shopping around for alternative electricity and gas suppliers. Competition in the business electricity market has developed to such an extent that the CER has recently decided to end price regulation for ESB in this market segment.
Working with the CER, my Department is also pursuing further permanent structural changes to our electricity markets that will benefit business. These changes include some re-balancing of network tariffs, as well as recovering carbon windfall gains from electricity generators. The CER is also close to completion of a 5-year review of electricity network expenditure. The review is designed to ensure that ESB and EirGrid make even greater efficiencies in operational and capital expenditure, thus minimising costs for consumers. CER will ensure that this review is rigorous notably in the interests of mitigating energy costs for business.
These measures are already having a significant impact on Ireland's international competitiveness. The latest comparative statistics available from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland's publication show that Ireland experienced the third largest price drop in electricity prices to industry across the entire EU over the 12 month period ending on 30th June 2009. At the same time, 22 of 27 EU countries experienced price increases. Gas prices also continued to fall with a result that gas prices are now 7% to 10% below the EU average in the two main consumption bands for business.
The Government remains firmly committed to increasing competition as the best means of exerting downward pressure on electricity prices, and also towards ensuring diversity of energy supply to reduce our exposure to high and volatile external energy prices. Significant progress has been made to date, most notably with the all-island Single Electricity Market now in place, the sale of ESB generation capacity, entry of new players and new generation capacity coming on-stream in the Irish market.
Alternative Energy Projects.
Bernard Allen
Question:80 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to roll out combined heat and power plants fuelled by biomass in public buildings across the country. [16568/10]
Combined Heat and Power (CHP) is a highly efficient way of generating on-site heat and electricity simultaneously. It can offer significantly reduced energy bills for the end user and is a particularly efficient form of energy generation as it minimises any transmission losses involved in getting power to the site. Traditionally, CHP plants were only used in large industrial units with a high on-site heat load. Increasingly the technology is developing higher efficiency, smaller scale units that are capable of servicing smaller buildings and residential houses. As this technology becomes more common in the market, smaller commercial premises, public buildings, can now reduce their energy costs by installing CHP systems.
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) administers the Deployment Programme for CHP technologies. The programme was expanded in 2008 to include dedicated support for Biomass and Anaerobic Digestion powered CHP. Under the SEAI Support Programme a significant number of Public Buildings have taken advantage of the benefits of CHP, or are currently in the process of doing so. These include academic institutions which have installed CHP systems, with a total electrical capacity of 850 kilowatts. Two more institutions are in the process of installing systems with an electrical capacity of 750 kilowatts. In the Health sector, five hospitals have already installed CHP systems with a total electrical capacity of 770 kilowatts. Three local authorities have also installed systems with an electrical capacity of 350 kilowatts, with one more in construction.
The Renewable Heat Deployment Programme (ReHeat), which incentivises the installation of biomass boilers, is also open to institutional users of heat, and has already supported the construction of a number of projects. Taken together, CHP technologies and the projects supported by Reheat offer real solutions to energy costs in these public buildings by reducing the cost of power and increasing the overall energy efficiency of the buildings. SEAI and my Department are in ongoing discussions with the OPW and other Government Departments and agencies to increase the deployment of CHP further into the public building programme.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:81 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the development of wind energy here; the progress the ocean energy development unit in Sustainable Energy Ireland has made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16564/10]
EirGrid publishes comprehensive and regularly updated lists of connected wind farms and contracted wind farms throughout the country on its website. EirGrid's most recent report of 8 February advises that there are just over 100 wind farms connected to the grid with an installed wind capacity of 1,264MW. There are an additional 100 wind farms with a total contracted capacity of 1,415MW which have contracted for grid connections which will be built over the next number of years.
It is estimated a total of 1,650 MW of installed renewable capacity will be required to achieve the 15% renewable electricity target this year. There are sufficient projects with both planning permission and a connection offer to deliver this target with onshore wind remaining dominant. The latest figures from EirGrid show that there is a further 1,500 MW with signed connection agreements or in the final stages of agreeing one. The recent Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) decision on the "Gate 3" process provides for connection offers for 3,900 MWs of additional renewable electricity capacity in the short term. Connection offers for Gate 3 are due to issue between December 2009 and mid 2011. Major grid infrastructure developments are required to underpin this level of renewable capacity. EirGrid's Grid25 strategy sets out the overall framework for the investment in the transmission system over the next 15 years.
The Ocean Energy Development Unit (OEDU) was established in Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland (SEAI) in 2008 and full implementation of the Ocean Energy programme commenced in 2009. The Government has set an ambitious target of 500MW of ocean energy by 2020. Ocean energy is currently at the research and development stage globally. There is no ocean energy device as yet connected to the Irish grid, however there is a demonstration tidal device connected to the grid in Northern Ireland at Strangford Lough. SEAI is working in conjunction with ESBI, the Marine Institute and other stakeholders to establish a grid connected ocean energy test facility off Annagh Head County Mayo. The test site will be a key enabler for the development of an ocean energy industry in Ireland. An exploratory foreshore licence was granted to SEAI in September 2009, which has enabled site investigation works to commence at the planned test site location. Progressing the test site is a key priority for 2010 in order to ensure that Ireland remains one of the leading countries in the European ocean energy arena.
SEAI, under the Ocean Energy Prototype Development Fund, has approved funding support totalling €4.35m for 12 projects from over 30 expressions of interest received. The funding support is designed to stimulate the commercial development and deployment of ocean energy devices that can generate renewable electricity. Additional projects are being assessed at present. The Ocean Energy Package announced in 2008 provided funding of €26m over three years. €7m was allocated to the Ocean Energy Programme for 2009 of which €3.764m was spent, reflecting the fact that work to progress the test site was at a very preliminary stage during 2009 and the approved prototype funding support is being disbursed over the two years 2009 and 2010. €7.8m has been allocated to the Ocean Energy Programme for 2010 and it is expected that this funding will be fully expended.
Telecommunications Services.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:82 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the way he plans to combat the digital divide; if he is satisfied that persons who wish to learn to use the Internet across the broad sections of society have an opportunity to learn; the numbers of e-Inclusion grants that have been approved; the numbers of training places that have been taken up; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16641/10]
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:83 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the way he proposes to deal with the digital divide; the measures that he has put in place so far; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16657/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 82 and 83 together.
The Department, and others, have been working, and continue to work on addressing the digital divide with a range of measures to promote digital engagement. One issue has been access to the technology and infrastructure, which is being addressed both by the market and, in the case of areas where broadband provision remains an issue, through the National Broadband Scheme. The issue of skills is being addressed in several ways. Training opportunities are being provided by community, voluntary and not for profit organisations across the country. The Department's Bene fIT e-Inclusion grant schemes are assisting many of these initiatives.
Under the Bene fIT schemes, 89 grants were awarded in 2008 and 2009 — amounting to approximately €2.58 million. A review of the outputs from the BenefIT 1 scheme is underway. It will, inter alia, determine the number of people trained under the scheme, and will be published on the Department’s website when completed later this year. Approximately 7,400 training places are available under the BenefIT 2 scheme this year. Training throughout 2010 is taking place in venues across the country. Details of the training, the locations andcontact information for the training providers are available on the Department’s website at www.eInclusion.ie
There are, of course, other training opportunities available from a variety of sources — including opportunities in libraries and in night classes throughout the country, and from a range of private sector training providers. In addition, there is the "Log on, Learn" initiative — a collaborative program between Intel, Microsoft, An Post and the Department of Education and Science. The programme is designed to match participating transition-year students with older people on a one-to-one basis, to share skills and knowledge with each other. I understand that over 3,000 people have been trained on this programme.
Government will continue to examine approaches to promote increased digital participation and digital skills in the context of strategies to advance the Knowledge Society. Future strategies will, inter alia, have regard to the expertise that has been built up by community and voluntary organisations throughout the country which have been delivering training with the assistance of grant aid from the Department and how such organisations and others might play a role in future efforts to promote increased digital engagement.
Electricity Transmission Network.
Ciaran Lynch
Question:84 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the North-South interconnector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16648/10]
The Meath-Tyrone 400 kV Interconnection Development Project comprises an 80km, 400kV Interconnector between Cavan and Tyrone, and a 58km, 400kV Power Line between Meath and Cavan. This project will deliver enhanced cross-border transmission of electricity and further strengthen links between Ireland and Northern Ireland as part of the all-island electricity market. It will facilitate the increased integration of renewable electricity and will ensure security of electricity supplies for consumers and businesses on the island and in particular in the North East region, thereby underpinning economic renewal.
This cross-border project is being developed by Ireland's national transmission system operator, EirGrid, and Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE). A planning consent application was submitted by EirGrid to An Bord Pleanála in December 2009. NIE also submitted a planning application in respect of the Northern Ireland aspects of the project, to the Northern Ireland Department of Environment Planning Service in December. Public consultation in both jurisdictions commenced earlier this year. An Bord Pleanála has scheduled an oral hearing commencing on May 10 in the Nuremore Hotel, Castleblayney, County Monaghan.
Telecommunications Services.
Catherine Byrne
Question:85 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when it is expected to see the proposed one-stop-shop for State owned broadband; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16577/10]
Brian O'Shea
Question:89 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding his commitment to establish a one-stop-shop to provide service providers with open access to existing ducting infrastructure; the further position regarding the implementation of proposals from the next generation broadband report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16655/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 85 and 89 together.
The objective of the one-stop-shop commitment in the Next Generation Broadband policy paper "Gateway to a Knowledge Ireland", is to facilitate telecoms network operators in gaining access to ducting that exists along publicly owned energy, transport and other infrastructure so as to help reduce the cost of fibre roll-out for backhaul networks. An important step in delivering on this commitment is the Communications Regulation (Premium Rate Services and Electronic Communications Infrastructure) Act 2010, which provides that the National Roads Authority (NRA) is the single point of contact for access to ducts on motorways and other national roads. This means that telecommunications service providers no longer have to approach individual local authorities when seeking such access.
The legislation also allows the NRA to make a scheme, which will permit it to impose charges for the use of ducts subject to the approval of the Minister for Transport following consultation with the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, and the Minister for Finance. I am satisfied that this will provide an open and transparent way of setting access pricing for NRA infrastructure. I understand the NRA has engaged expertise to assist in developing this new business and that it has been meeting with service providers as part of this process. I very much welcome this development as it is an example of what I set out to achieve in facilitating open access to State-owned ducting. Such open access is a clear policy objective of mine. The NRA model is a significant advance and I will be seeking to extend this approach to other suitable State-owned infrastructure.
In relation to the implementation of other policy initiatives, set out in my policy paper "Next Generation Broadband — Gateway to a Knowledge Ireland ”, much progress has also been made:
On international connectivity: — The telecoms Points of Presence for the Kelvin project have all been connected to the Kelvin direct international telecoms connectivity which is undergoing three months of final testing for completion of the Kelvin project.
The position remains that any future broadband investment decisions, including investment in any further phases of the Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) Programme, will be guided by (i) the policy paper on Next Generation Broadband, which was published in June 2009 (ii) the Value for Money and Policy Review of Phase I of the MANs Programme, which was published in July 2008 and (iii) the availability of resources.
On the National Broadband scheme — My Department entered into a contract with "3", a Hutchison Whampoa company, for the delivery of the National Broadband Scheme ("NBS") in late December 2008. Since then, 3 has progressed its network roll out and NBS broadband services are now available in more than sixty percent of the 1,028 designated Electoral Divisions ("ED") to be covered under the Scheme. Under the NBS contract, all EDs in the NBS Coverage Area are required to have broadband connectivity by end September 2010.
Schools participating in the 100Mbps to post primary schools pilot project have begun to connect to the new high speed network with all scheduled to be connected in the coming weeks.
The majority of broadband subscriptions, 68% residential and 75% non-residential, are now in the 2-10 Mbps range, higher speeds, in some cases up to 50Mbps are alsoavailable to residential and SME customers and up to 24Mbps are becoming more generally available from DSL providers which is contributing to the higher speeds target for 2012.
ComReg's current Strategy Statement and its draft Strategy Statement to 2012, recently published for comment, are consistent with the targets to provide a proportionate regulatory framework to permit competition and effective spectrum management and use.
As regards the Broadband Task Force, an industry position, agreed by service providers is a prerequisite to progressing such a Task Force effectively. Such a position would provide the setting for a meaningful discussion involving industry, ComReg and my officials on how best to facilitate the roll out of Next Generation Access.
Joan Burton
Question:86 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the claims that although there are up to 12,000 homes and businesses that cannot access broadband of any kind they are not covered by the national broadband scheme; the provision he will make for these cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16654/10]
Kathleen Lynch
Question:91 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on his commitment that there will be universal access to broadband by the end of 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16645/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 86 and 91 together.
It is this Government's policy that telecommunications and broadband services should be provided in the first instance by electronic communications service providers. In cases of market failure the Government will intervene, where it is appropriate and possible to do so. As part of its pledge to attain universal access to broadband by the end of 2010, set out in the policy document "Next Generation Broadband: Gateway to a Knowledge Ireland", the Government has taken a number of initiatives to bring broadband services to those parts of the country where operators have not been able to offer a service on a commercial basis. In addition to initiatives such as the Group Broadband Scheme and the Metropolitan Area Networks, under the Government's National Broadband Scheme, 3, a Hutchinson Whampoa Company, is required to provide broadband services to all residences and businesses that are within the NBS area and who seek a service. The roll-out of the Scheme is scheduled to be completed by the end of September next.
It is accepted that even after the full roll-out of the NBS, there will be a relatively small percentage of premises, outside of the areas covered by the scheme, which may continue to have difficulty in accessing a broadband service. This is mainly due to difficulties in signal coverage from fixed and mobile wireless service providers or technical difficulties with telephone lines. It was not possible to include such premises in the NBS scheme at the time of its planning due to the need to avoid competition difficulties with existing operators in those areas.
In order to address this issue, my Department has undertaken the design and implementation of a rural broadband scheme that will provide basic broadband to un-served rural premises outside the NBS areas. The European Commission has provided funding for this scheme through the European Economic Recovery Plan (EERP). This funding is being administered by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, through the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD). A total of €17.884m is available for the initiative and State Aid approval has been granted by the European Commission as part of the overall process of securing the necessary approvals and funding for the scheme.
Taking account of the time necessary to design the scheme and to put the appropriate arrangements in place, I hope to be in a position to launch the first part of the scheme (identifying and verifying the applicants) in September this year. At that time I would also expect that a procurement process will be under way to identify a service provider for the Scheme. My current target is for the service provider to be appointed and roll-out to start in mid-2011. Information relating to acceptance of applications and the process of qualification under the scheme will be made available when the scheme is launched.
Question No. 87 answered with Question No. 73.
Electricity Generation.
Sean Sherlock
Question:88 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on proposals on a European supergrid; the implications that this would have for Ireland; the work that his Department has done on this at European level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16649/10]
The European Union has set ambitious renewable energy targets as part of its overall Climate Change and Energy policies with the objective of achieving 20% of all energy in the EU to be from renewable sources by 2020. As part of this process, each Member State was set an individual target and Ireland's target was set at 16%. Ireland's target of 40% of electricity being generated from renewable energy is consistent with our overall energy target. The EU has singled out the offshore renewable energy sector for particular attention, with offshore wind identified for large scale deployment and wave and tidal sources identified as playing some part in delivering on the 2020 targets but playing an increasing role after 2020 in terms of large scale fully commercial deployment.
Ireland has a sea area that is around 10 times the size of its land area. Ireland's location at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean ensures one of the best wind and wave resources in Europe. There is very significant potential in utilising these resources to generate carbon free renewable electricity initially to provide electricity to the island of Ireland, but also in time to export electricity to the UK and to Continental Europe. It is clear that the level of renewable resources available to us far exceeds the immediate requirements of our own electricity market. As well as delivering on our own national targets there is a real potential to develop an electricity export market, subject to economically viable grid interconnections being developed.
EirGrid is progressing studies looking at the costs and benefits of additional interconnection to the UK and also potentially directly to continental Europe as well as general offshore grid development issues. My Department, together with the Energy Departments in Scotland and Northern Ireland, is currently undertaking an EU INTERREG funded study into an offshore grid connection between the three jurisdictions, which would be designed to facilitate potential offshore renewable projects as opposed to being a traditional interconnector, which would be designed to run in the shortest route from one location to another.
Within the last 12 months, the British Irish Council commenced an energy work programme which is looking at the potential to develop grid interconnections between the Member administrations and potentially between the member administrations and continental Europe. This work is also looking at the additional market facilitation issues necessary to encourage renewable trade between the administrations. This will also help develop a common regional position for grid development in a European context to ensure that grid developments in Irish waters are fully reflected in EU grid planning and funding support.
Ireland is a supportive member of the North Seas offshore wind initiative comprising 9 Member States and Norway. The countries have established a common forum to analyse and address the necessary market and infrastructure developments to facilitate greater offshore connection in the North Sea and Irish Sea areas. The work of the forum, which is working closely with the Commission, will underpin an action plan for agreement by the 10 Energy Ministers concerned before the end of the year. I believe the development of this new integrated grid gives us the potential to realise the value of our natural renewable resources and I am committed to working with my European colleagues to try and make it a reality.
Question No. 89 answered with Question No. 85.
Departmental Agencies.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:90 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the annual accounts for 2008 of the Central Fisheries Board have been published and laid before Dáil Éireann; if not, the reason for the delay; the timeframe for publication; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16642/10]
Under Section 14(1) of the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 1999, the Central Fisheries Board is obliged to submit draft annual accounts to the Comptroller & Auditor General (C&AG). As soon as may be but not later than one month after an audit by the C&AG, the Board is then obliged to submit to the Department a copy of its annual accounts, together with the C&AG's report. In response to recent enquiries, the C&AG anticipated that the Central Fisheries Board 2008 accounts will be cleared before the end of the April. Upon receipt of the accounts and report of the C&AG and following approval by Government, I will lay copies of both the accounts and the report before each House of the Oireachtas in accordance with Section 14 of the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 1999.
Question No. 91 answered with Question No. 86.
Telecommunications Services.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:92 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the extent to which high speed broadband coverage is currently available throughout the country; the areas deficient in such services; the reason for such deficiency or lack of cover; the service providers, bodies, groups or agencies charged with responsibility to provide such services; the reason for delays; when it is expected that all such obstacles will be overcome and a full quality service and coverage will be available in all areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16552/10]
There has been significant progress in broadband roll out and broadband quality over recent years. According to ComReg's latest Quarterly Report for Q4/2009, 68% of residential subscriptions in Ireland and 75% of non-residential subscriptions are in the 2-10 Mbps range. Only 19% of the non residential subscriptions and only 25% of the residential subscriptions are in the 1–2 Mbps range. Higher speeds, in some cases up to 50Mbps are also available to residential and SME customers in urban areas. Speeds of up to 24Mbps are becoming more generally available from DSL providers and 30Mbps products are available from the main cable operator.
The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband services, is a matter for electronic communications service providers who operate in a fully liberalised market. In cases of market failure the Government will intervene, where appropriate and possible. Government policy pertaining to the electronic communications market in Ireland is set out in "Next Generation Broadband — Gateway to a Knowledge Ireland", which I published in June 2009.
The Government has undertaken a number of initiatives to bring broadband to those parts of the country where operators have been unable to offer services on a commercial basis. In the case of the National Broadband Scheme (NBS), 3 is progressing its network roll-out and NBS broadband services are now available in more than 60% of the 1,028 designated Electoral Divisions (ED) to be covered under the Scheme. Under the NBS contract, all EDs in the NBS Coverage Area are required to have broadband connectivity by end September 2010. It is accepted that even after the full roll-out of the NBS there will still be isolated incidents of premises outside areas covered by the NBS scheme that will not be capable of receiving broadband services. This is primarily due to technical and other reasons (suitability of a telephone line, distance from an enabled exchange, no line of sight, etc.).
The European Commission has set aside a portion of the European Economic Recovery Plan (EERP) funding for rural broadband initiatives and given State Aid approval to a rural broadband scheme. In this context, my Department is currently progressing the detailed design and implementation of such a scheme which would be available to unserved rural premises outside of the NBS areas.
Mobile Telephony.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:93 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the responsibilities retained by him as opposed to those exercised by ComReg regarding mobile telephones; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16563/10]
My Department sets policy for the communications sector generally and establishes the appropriate regulatory framework. The main objective of communications policy is that it contributes to sustainable economic growth, competitiveness and innovation and to ensure that Ireland is well placed to avail of the opportunities afforded by the development of the electronic communications sector. The objective of the regulatory framework for electronic communications is to deliver a process that encourages and supports a competitive, dynamic and innovative communications industry.
The EU Regulatory Framework for Electronic Communications requires member states to establish an independent, impartial and transparent regulatory process to progress the delivery of a fully liberalised internal market in communications. In Ireland this task is performed by ComReg which has day-to-day responsibility for regulating both communications and postal services in accordance with the Communications Regulation Acts. The provision of mobile phone networks and services is a liberalised service. ComReg issues licences to mobile phone operators and monitors compliance. ComReg informs me that all the mobile phone operators exceed their licence requirements in respect of coverage.
Telecommunications Services.
Joanna Tuffy
Question:94 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the national broadband scheme; the cost of the scheme to date and the overall expected cost; if the project is set for completion in September 2010; the maximum and minimum speeds expected for this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16653/10]
My Department entered into a contract with "3", a Hutchison Whampoa company, for the delivery of the National Broadband Scheme ("NBS") in late December 2008. Since then, 3 has progressed its network roll out and NBS broadband services are now available in more than sixty percent of the 1,028 designated Electoral Divisions ("ED") to be covered under the Scheme. Under the NBS contract, all EDs in the NBS Coverage Area are required to have broadband connectivity by the end of September 2010. The total current and capital cost of the full roll out of the NBS has been estimated by "3" at some €223m, of which a maximum of €79.8m will be contributed by the Government and the EU. The Exchequer contribution to date under the Scheme amounts to some €45m.
Currently, the mobile wireless broadband service (I-HSPA) specifications include a minimum download speed of 1.2Mbps and a maximum download speed of 5Mbps, a minimum upload speed of 200kpbs and a maximum upload speed of 1.8Mbps. A maximum contention ratio of 36:1 also applies. The satellite product, deployed in a very limited number of cases, has contracted minimum speeds of 1Mbps download and 128kbps upload, with a maximum contention ratio of 48:1.
Under the NBS contract, the mobile wireless broadband products will be upgraded to higher specifications (speeds, contention and data caps) in July 2010 and again in October 2012 without any increase in the monthly recurring charge. Following the 2010 upgrade, NBS subscribers will experience minimum download speeds of 1.6Mbps and maximum download speed of 6.8Mbps, minimum upload speeds of 1.2Mbps and maximum upload speed of 4Mbps, with a maximum contention ratio of 22:1.
Following the 2012 upgrade, NBS subscribers will experience minimum download speeds of 2.3Mbps and maximum download speed of 10.4Mbps, minimum upload speeds of 1.4Mbps and maximum upload speed of 4.8Mbps, with a maximum contention ratio of 18:1. Similarly, following contracted upgrades to the satellite product in July 2012 and again in February 2014, minimum download speeds of 1.6Mbps and 2Mbps respectively, together with a minimum upload speed of 256Kbps and a maximum contention ratio of 48:1, will apply.
Energy Resources.
Joe Costello
Question:95 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the fuel mix here; the percentage of fossil fuels that were imported in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16644/10]
The energy balance figures for 2009 are not yet available. The latest figures available were published by Sustainable Energy Ireland in December 2009 and refer to 2008. The figures show that Ireland's overall fossil fuel import dependency reached 91% in 2006 and has decreased slightly to 89% in 2008.
Since the mid-1990s fossil fuel import dependency has grown significantly, due to the overall increase in energy use together with the decline in indigenous natural gas production at Kinsale since 1995 and decreasing peat production. Over the period 1990 to 2008, production of indigenous gas decreased by 81%, and peat by 54%, while the use of renewable energy in contrast increased by 221%.
Question No. 96 answered with Question No. 73.
Energy Conservation.
Kathleen Lynch
Question:97 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the recommendation that has been implemented from the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan published in 2009; the position regarding the target of 20% energy efficiency savings across the economy by 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16647/10]
The National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (NEEAP) sets out 90 actions that Government is either already taking or will take in the period to 2020 to achieve the national energy efficiency targets of 20% across the economy and 33% in the public sector. The savings identified in the Action Plan represent approximately €1.6 billion in avoided energy costs for the economy in 2020. There is a requirement in the Energy Services Directive that all Member States must submit their second NEEAPs in 2011 and progress on savings made will be reported then. The key NEEAP actions undertaken to date are as follows.
The Home Energy Saving (HES) Scheme, which is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), was launched in March 2009. The scheme provides grant assistance to homeowners for energy efficiency retro-fitting measures including attic and wall insulation, very high-efficiency boilers, heating controls and Building Energy Rating (BER) assessments.
The scheme is open to anybody owning a house that was built prior to 2006. Homeowners can expect to save up to €700 per year on their energy bills if they install the full suite of measures available under the scheme. The scheme offers grants of up to 40% of the typical cost of energy efficiency upgrade measures, depending on the measure concerned. In the first 12 months, 61,000 homeowners have applied for grants and to date some 30,000 homeowners have had their work completed and have received grants for almost 60,000 energy efficiency measures. Over 5,600 construction workers have registered to take part in the scheme.
The Warmer Homes Scheme (WHS) provides support for low income housing for insulation and other energy efficiency improvement measures. This scheme is also managed by SEAI and implemented by local community groups. Measures include cavity wall insulation, attic insulation, boiler lagging jackets, draught proofing measures and Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs). These measures are provided free or at a nominal cost to the householder. Advice is also provided on minimising energy use. Some €20 million was provided for the scheme in 2009, which included a contribution of €5 million from ESB and BGE. This enabled energy efficiency improvements to be made in over 19,000 vulnerable homes in 2009, effectively doubling the total number of homes benefiting under the scheme in the previous ten years. Although the scheme is primarily delivered by community-based organisations, it is estimated that over 700 jobs were directly supported by the WHS in 2009.
Funding in 2010 of €90m has been allocated to SEAI for the further expansion of its domestic and non-domestic energy efficiency schemes. A further €40m has been allocated to improving energy efficiency of social housing across the country. This unprecedented level of funding will, this year alone, support energy efficiency improvements in over 60,000 homes and buildings, support 5,000 jobs and create energy efficiency savings worth a total of €400 million over their lifetime.
In tandem with the increased level of activity in existing programmes in 2010, my Department and SEAI are finalising detailed proposals for a new retrofit programme announced on Budget Day. In broad terms the programme will bring together the HES and the WHS as well as support programmes for businesses and the public sector for the implementation of the retrofit programme. I will be bringing proposals to Government shortly. It is the case that pending the finalisation and introduction of the retrofit programme, the HES and the WHS remain fully open for business in 2010.
In the business sector, the most significant cost-cutting and energy saving potential lies in improving the energy performance requirements of new non-residential buildings, improvement of existing buildings, encouraging more businesses and public bodies to actively address their energy use and to use the most energy efficient plant, machinery and equipment. In 2009, SEAI delivered a €5 million programme that provided grant assistance to the business and public sectors. The programme supports energy efficiency measures for businesses and institutions across the country. Over 74 projects have been funded under the programme. As a result of the work carried out, annual energy savings worth €2.6 million and 12kt CO2 were achieved.
SEAI also ran a €1.3m support programme providing energy assessments and training to local authorities and other public sector agencies. This has resulted in savings worth between €1.2m and €1.8m in 2009. A range of best practice guides were also developed and an energy efficiency design process initiated to incorporate energy efficiency principles into the design of new or retrofitted public sector services. Regulations introduced in December 2009 require all public bodies to include, in its annual reports published after January 1st next year, a statement describing the actions it is taking to improve its energy efficiency, together with an assessment of the energy savings arising from those actions. SEAI is currently finalising the methodology for calculating energy savings across the public sector.
The Energy Efficiency in the Public Sector Programme will be the main delivery mechanism for energy efficiency actions by public sector bodies. In addition to the services provided in 2009, areas to be supported in 2010 include:
Developing Energy Service Company (ESCo) led models;
Assisting public sector bodies in the development of 2020 energy efficiency strategies;
Working in partnership with all Departments in relation to energy efficient design and procurement.
Regulations are also in place give effect to the EU Energy Efficiency Directive that include new energy efficient public procurement rules. These new rules will require public bodies to purchase or lease only plant and equipment across a diverse range of technologies that are listed on SEAI's database of highly energy efficient products. This database has already been developed as part of the Accelerated Capital Allowance (ACA) Scheme for energy efficient technologies. SEAI is also required under the regulations with producing general guidelines on energy efficient procurement and these will be progressed in conjunction with the National Procurement Service and the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
A key announcement in Budget 2010 was the decision to extend the Accelerated Capital Allowances scheme. The Scheme has now been expanded to encompass additional categories including IT software solutions, refrigeration and cooling systems, electro-mechanical systems and catering and hospitality equipment, and covers up to 40 categories of technology. Companies can write off the full capital cost of registered energy efficient equipment in the year of purchase, unlike non-ACA equipment which is typically written off over eight years. The ACA scheme now covers equipment accounting for at least 80% of the energy use in industry in Ireland.
In compliance with the 2006 and 2008 Building Regulations, it is the policy of Office of Public Works (OPW) to conduct feasibility studies on the utilisation of renewable energy technologies in all new buildings over 1,000m2 as part of the design process. The OPW has already installed a number of biomass boiler systems and Solar Panel systems in both new and existing buildings where it has been shown to be both technically and economically feasible. OPW will continue to take this approach.
The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has recently prioritised work through the statutory Building Regulations Advisory Board to establish achievable targets for reductions in primary energy and CO2 emissions for buildings in all sectors of the economy including public sector buildings, with a view to upgrading the requirements in Part L (Conservation of Fuel and Energy) of the Building Regulations in 2010. The work programme currently under way will inform the development of a programme for continuous improvement in Part L requirements in coming years with a view to achieving a Carbon Neutral building standard for buildings other than dwellings, including civic buildings, by 2016.
SEAI's Large Industry Energy Network (LIEN) continues to engage with the largest energy using enterprises (in manufacturing and services) where the 120 member companies collectively spend over €800 million per annum on energy. Recently published analysis shows that by spending €1.9 million these companies avoided energy costs of €60 million in 2008 alone.
Proposed Legislation.
Jack Wall
Question:98 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding legislation for geothermal energy here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16634/10]
I have stated on a number of occasions commitment to the early provision of a legislative framework for the exploration for and development of geothermal energy. Accordingly, in the course of 2009, drafting of a General Scheme of a Bill with a view to producing Heads in early 2010 was prioritised in the Department, with detailed legislative drafting to follow by the Office of Parliamentary Counsel. Considerable progress has been made in this regard and I am currently considering an initial proposal for Heads of the Bill. My aim is to have technical legal drafting completed in time to have a publication of a Bill later this year and I will be bringing proposals to Government for this purpose as quickly as possible.
As I have previously stated, geothermal energy is a new area of legislative endeavour in this jurisdiction and so the Bill will be substantial, dealing with a range of matters such as ownership of the resource, regulation and licensing of exploration and development, ancillary rights and protection of third party interests. I would add that I have engaged closely with industry and interested parties in a public consultation process and in a series of meetings and workshops to ensure that the legislative proposals have the benefit of their input.
Telecommunications Services.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:99 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of businesses connected to each metropolitan area network by town; the cost of each connection; his views on whether the usage of this network is satisfactory; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16643/10]
Service providers are deemed as "customers" of the MANs. In other words, a service provider, as a customer of a MAN, uses the MAN to offer services on to the service provider's own customers. 35 service providers are currently offering services on the Phase I MANs and 6 service providers are currently offering services on the Phase II MANs. Service providers use the MANs to provide voice and data services to their own customers over a range of platforms including:
Unbundled local loop;
Mobile wireless;
Fixed wireless;
Cable;
Partial private circuits; and
Directly connected fibre.
Information relating to the use of the MANs by service providers, including the numbers of customers served by each service provider, is commercially sensitive and a matter for e|net, the Management Services Entity and for each service provider.
Customer connection costs depend on a number of factors including the distance a customer is from the existing MAN infrastructure, the presence of existing ducting and the surface type that has to be constructed. Currently the average cost of each connection is between €8,000 and €9,000 which reflects the high cost of any civil construction work carried out in an urban area. Levels of usage on the MANs vary between towns. Whilst take-up by service providers of the Phase I MANs was slow in the initial stages there has been significant improvement in this regard over the past five years. An analysis carried out by e|net recently showed an estimated 570,000 people relied on the MANs' services for some form of communications services.
The IDA believe that the MANs have provided inward investors with much greater choice, service and pricing when it comes to broadband connectivity. The MANs have also contributed significantly to the competitiveness of regional centres in Ireland and their attractiveness to foreign direct investment. While recognising that difficulties remain on backhaul and last mile connections, I believe that the MANs will provide real long term benefits for our national broadband infrastructure and that use of the MANs will continue to evolve in a manner which is of increasing benefit to service providers and end users.
Question No. 100 answered with Question No. 64.
Sean Sherlock
Question:101 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views regarding the OECD figures that rank Ireland 20th out of a table of 30 OECD nations for households with broadband access in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16650/10]
The OECD report is one in a series of periodic reports on electronic communications markets. The broadband market is a fast moving one and international tables do not always capture the full extent of market developments. At the end of 2009, Ireland's broadband per capita penetration rate stood at 32.4% with mobile broadband included, significantly ahead of the June 2009 OECD average of 22.8%. Our penetration rate, excluding mobile, was 21.9% at the end of 2009.
It is noteworthy that Ireland continued to be one of the leading countries in terms of year on year broadband growth in the OECD, adding 2.64 subscribers (per 100 of population) while the OECD average stood at only 1.72 subscribers. With mobile broadband included, our year on year per capita penetration rate grew by 5.3 subscribers, from 27.1% in Q4 2008 to 32.4% at the end of 2009. It is also notable that ComReg's quarterly report for Q3/2009 calculated that when fixed and mobile broadband penetration rates were combined, Ireland ranked 11th out of the EU27 countries (note: no mobile broadband figure was represented for Finland); 14th among fixed broadband penetration rates only and 4th among mobile broadband penetration rates only. However, as set out in the Government's broadband policy document, my ambition is to improve that position so that we match the leading European countries and regions in broadband accessibility.
Alternative Energy Projects.
Pat Rabbitte
Question:102 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding combined heat and power and the soon to be introduced carbon tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16636/10]
There will be no carbon tax liability for Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Plants which are powered by biomass. Plants within the European Emissions Trading System (ETS), which are typically over 20MW in capacity and which account for a very large proportion of the gas fired CHP units are also exempt from the carbon tax. Fossil fuel CHP units outside the ETS scheme are currently subject to carbon tax. Discussions are ongoing with the Department of Finance in this regard.
Energy Conservation.
Ciaran Lynch
Question:103 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his Department or its agencies are considering introducing a pay as you save scheme for energy efficiency; when he expects to roll out this scheme; his views on whether speculation about such a scheme is delaying energy efficiency projects as consumers adopt a wait and see approach; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16646/10]
My Department and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland are developing proposals for implementation of the retrofit programme, announced on Budget Day, which will further reduce energy costs and carbon emissions in homes and businesses while creating employment and developing a sustainable market for energy services in Ireland. Various finance models, including a Pay As You Save Scheme (PAYS), are under consideration and will be part of the forthcoming public consultation process.
There is no evidence to suggest that discussions about PAYS or any other model has had a negative effect on the level of uptake of domestic energy efficiency grants. In the first six months of HES, since its launch in late March 2009 up until the publication of the Renewed Programme for Government, approximately 23,000 applications for grants were made. In the subsequent six months, since the Programme signalled that a PAYS model would be considered, the number of applications has increased to almost 27,000 — a total of 50,000 in 12 months. It is the case that pending the finalisation and introduction of the Retrofit Programme, the HES and the WHS remain fully open for business in 2010.
Energy Resources.
Róisín Shortall
Question:104 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the percentage of bio-fuels in the market here; the percentage that is imported; the locations from which they are imported; the way he envisages that the sustainability criteria will be implemented here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16638/10]
The National Biofuel Obligation will underpin delivery of the national biofuel target and will take full account of EU biofuels policy, including the sustainability criteria. The legislative basis for the obligation is provided for in the Energy (Biofuels Obligation and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill which is currently under consideration in the Oireachtas. Prior to the introduction of the Excise Relief schemes in 2005, market penetration of biofuels in Ireland was almost non existent. While final figures for 2009 are not yet available penetration is expected to be in the region of 2.5%.
My Department currently compiles information on the origin of biofuels imported under the Mineral Oil Tax Relief Schemes (MOTR). As at the end January 2010, under the MOTR Schemes of the excise relief claimed, 49% was for imported biofuel and 25% related to feedstock imports. These imports were from the EU (UK, France, Germany, Holland) and South America. The National Biofuel Obligation will also integrate the EU Sustainability Criteria, the implementation details of which have yet to be finalised by the European Commission. The objective is to ensure that all biofuels counted towards the national obligation are fully sustainable in line with EU legal requirements. The EU sustainability criteria will be the first internationally agreed set of rules governing the origins of biofuels. The EU sustainability criteria will provide competitive advantage for Irish and other EU producers by ensuring that non EU imports meet strict environmental guidelines.
Energy Conservation.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:105 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount of money allocated for home insulation grants and the greener home schemes in the years 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010 in tabular form; the amount allocated in grants under each heading; the number of applicants who applied for and availed of these grants in each year; the amount of funding remaining unused in each of the years to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16639/10]
The following table sets out the relevant figures for the Greener Homes Scheme (GHS) from its inception in 2006 to date, and also sets out the figures for the Home Energy Savings scheme (HES) for 2008, 2009 and 2010. The 2008 figures for HES are for the pilot "Insulation Scheme", which was used to test principles and processes required to deliver the full-scale HES programme.
|
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010*** |
|
|
Greener Homes |
|||||
|
Total Allocation (€) |
€5m |
€28.221m |
€22.5m |
€15.345m |
€6.5m |
|
Total Spend (€) |
€5m |
€27.8m |
€22.5m |
**€11.009m |
€1.21m |
|
Underspend (€) |
0 |
€0.421m |
0 |
€4.336m |
n/a |
|
Number of Grants Paid**excluding operational costs of €0.695m |
1,341 |
8,385 |
9,643 |
7,237 |
910 |
|
Home Insulation |
|||||
|
Total Allocation (€) |
— |
— |
€5m |
€47m |
€43.555m |
|
Total Spend (€) |
— |
— |
€1.4m |
**€16.258m |
€11.1m |
|
Underspend (€) |
— |
— |
€3.6m |
€30.7m |
n/a |
|
Number of Grants Paid |
— |
— |
711 |
33,434 measures 18,183 homes |
24,742 measures 13,706 homes |
**This is the amount disbursed in capital grants and does not include development/system and operational costs of €2.233m.
***To date.
Residential Institutions Redress Scheme.
Michael Kennedy
Question:106 Deputy Michael Kennedy asked the Taoiseach in view of the fact that Justice ForMagdalenes has demonstrated the State’s complicity in referring women to the Magdalene laundries, will he enter into discussions with a person (details supplied) who recently asserted their intent to find a just solution for survivors of the laundries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16748/10]
Michael Kennedy
Question:107 Deputy Michael Kennedy asked the Taoiseach, further to reports in a newspaper (details supplied) that he has promised to look into the situation of women who had been in Magdalene laundries, if he will clarify the position with respect to issuing a formal apology and establishing a distinct redress scheme for survivors of the laundries; if the Magdalene laundries was discussed at the recent meeting with representatives of the religious congregations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16749/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 106 and 107 together.
Along with the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science, the Ministers for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and Health and Children and the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, and following on from the publication last year of the Report of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse (the Ryan Report), I met separately on 15 April 2010 with representatives of religious congregations and representatives from organisations of victims of abuse in residential institutions. The context of the meetings was the Report of the Panel set up by the Government last year to report on the adequacy of the statements of resources to be submitted by the congregations to the Panel as a basis for assessing the responses to be made by the congregations to the call made to them last year by the Dáil and the Government for additional contributions by way of reparation for the abuse suffered by children in residential institutions. The Government published the Panel Report and the congregations' responses later on 15 April, along with a statement on the matter.
The position of women who had been in Magdalene Laundries was raised by representatives of some victims' groups. While the matter was outside the focus of the meeting, the Government side indicated in response that the position of women in such laundries was not analogous with that of children in the residential institutions that were the subject of the Ryan Report. It was noted that the Departments of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Education and Science and Health and Children had each already held meetings with Magdalene women and their representatives and I made it clear that those Departments would be ready to help them with further enquiries as far as possible. The Government is also conscious that the Magdalene laundries were run by a small number of religious congregations with whom it is understood Magdalene women and their representatives are in contact; it is also understood that they are in contact with the person referred to by the Deputy.
Departmental Committees.
Róisín Shortall
Question:108 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Taoiseach the dates of each of the meetings of the Cabinet sub-committee on social inclusion in 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010; and when the next meeting is scheduled. [17032/10]
The Cabinet Committee on Social Inclusion, Children and Integration met on 13 February and 26 November 2008; 20 May and 28 October 2009 and 3 March to date in 2010. The date of the next meeting has yet to be confirmed.
Community Employment Schemes.
Leo Varadkar
Question:109 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will accept the Labour Court recommendation regarding pensions in respect of community employment scheme supervisors; if he has made a decision on the matter; and if not, when he will do so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16458/10]
The implications of the Labour Court recommendation are under consideration by the Department and FÁS.
World Expositions.
John Deasy
Question:110 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of companies participating in the Irish pavilion at Expo 2010 in Shanghai; the nature of businesses covered by the participating companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16800/10]
John Deasy
Question:111 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if there are still opportunities for Irish companies to participate in Expo 2010 in Shanghai; the funding available to Irish companies wishing to participate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16801/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 110 and 111 together.
As I pointed out in my reply to these questions on 20th April, the Department of An Taoiseach is responsible for coordinating the arrangements in relation to all aspects of our participation in Expo 2010 in Shanghai. Any queries on those specific issues should be directed to that Department. It should be appreciated that World Expos are not Trade Fairs. They are, rather, exhibitions with a broad scope and a particular focus on the cultural dimension. Consequently they appeal to a more general audience. Nevertheless, my Department and the development agencies have engaged with the Department of An Taoiseach to ensure that opportunities for any potential trade or investment benefits for Ireland, which could flow from our involvement in the Expo, will be pursued.
Employment Support Services.
Tom Hayes
Question:112 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of formal jobs clubs in counties Sligo, Kilkenny and Carlow in the years 2006, 2007, and 2008; the number of clients that the jobs clubs in counties Sligo, Kilkenny and Carlow each saw on a one-to-one basis in each of the years 2006, 2007, and 2008; their role in tackling unemployment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16310/10]
FÁS Job Clubs were introduced in 1999 to assist people who were actively seeking employment by providing support for the job search process and an environment in which it could be carried out. Independent Sponsor Groups are contracted by FÁS on a year to year basis to run the programme. Job Clubs are seen as an important resource and intervention for those who have recently completed training programmes or have recently become unemployed. They provide both a formal and structured input as well as a drop-in resource facility. They also help the individual in overcoming the personal effects of unemployment by providing a mutual support forum from people in a similar situation.
I am advised that there is one formal Job Club in each of the counties Sligo, Kilkenny and Carlow. The following table contains details of the number of clients dealt with in each of these Jobs Clubs on a one-to-one basis in 2006, 2007 and 2008:
|
Sligo |
Total |
|
2006 |
80 |
|
2007 |
65 |
|
2008 |
109 |
|
TOTAL |
254 |
|
Kilkenny |
Total |
|
2006 |
131 |
|
2007 |
129 |
|
2008 |
155 |
|
TOTAL |
415 |
|
Carlow |
Total |
|
2006 |
119 |
|
2007 |
89 |
|
2008 |
110 |
|
TOTAL |
318 |
Work Permits.
Richard Bruton
Question:113 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the number of work permits being issued has diminished since the current economic climate began; the numbers of permits outstanding; and the number newly issued over the past 30 months. [16348/10]
I set out hereunder the number of work permits issued from 2007 to to-date in 2010. It should be noted that the majority of new permits issued over the last 30 months have been in respect of non-EEA nationals already in the State changing employer or spouses of existing employer permit holders. The Employment Permits Section informs me that it currently has approximately 1,763 applications on hands waiting to be processed.
|
Year |
New |
Renewals |
Group |
Total |
|
2010 |
1,156 |
1,485 |
0 |
2,641 |
|
2009 |
3,934 |
3,891 |
0 |
7,825 |
|
2008 |
8,459 |
4,984 |
0 |
13,443 |
|
2007 |
9,914 |
13,211 |
13 |
23,138 |
Redundancy Payments.
Thomas Byrne
Question:114 Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position regarding a refund of a redundancy payment (details supplied). [16414/10]
My Department administers the Social Insurance Fund (SIF) in relation to redundancy matters on behalf of the Department of Social and Family Affairs. There are two types of payment made from the SIF — rebates to those employers who have paid statutory redundancy to eligible employees, and statutory lump sums to employees whose employers are insolvent and/or in receivership/liquidation. I can confirm that my Department received a redundancy rebate claim from the employer concerned on 24 April, 2009. In the course of processing the claim, a number of queries were raised with the employer. I understand that my Department has recently been in contact with the employer on an outstanding matter. The claim will be processed for payment as soon as the outstanding query is resolved.
Departmental Programmes.
Leo Varadkar
Question:115 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of tenders received in respect of the market activation fund; when a decision will be made on those tenders; the criteria that will be used in assessing applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16457/10]
Róisín Shortall
Question:127 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the tender process for the activation programmes will be decided; when these programmes will be in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17033/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 115 and 127 together.
On 12th March last my Department published a Request for Tender for the provision of training and education programmes for the unemployed to be supported by the Labour Market Activation Fund. Some 350 tenders were received by the deadline of close of business on Thursday 8th April. An Evaluation Committee established by the Department is currently assessing the tenders, and, given the significant volume of work involved, is expected to conclude its work by the end of this month.
The Evaluation Committee will make recommendations to my Department on contract awards based on assessment of the tenders having regard to the criteria set out in the Request for Tender. These criteria are: Assessment of Needs; Management, Capacity and Resources; Programme Methodology and Tuition Standards; Participant Progression; Innovation; and Programme Costs. It is intended that the process of awarding contracts to successful providers will begin in May. A preliminary review of the tenders has shown wide-ranging interest in the Fund with proposals being submitted by organisations in the private and public sectors and from voluntary and not-for-profit organisations, covering most regions in the country. This level of interest is very encouraging.
FÁS Training Programmes.
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:116 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason State agencies such as FÁS can engage the services of schools of motoring driving instructors when such companies are not registered with the Road Safety Authority as opposed to motoring schools that are registered with the Road Safety Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16467/10]
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:119 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will ensure that driving schools used for training purposes by FÁS are run by and employ only instructors who are approved driving instructors by the Road Safety Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16667/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 116 and 119 together.
I understand that in June 2009 the Road Safety Authority (RSA) informed FÁS that following the implementation of Regulations drawn up under the Road Traffic Act 1968, that from 1 May 2009 it had become an offence to give driving lessons for reward unless the instructor was registered with the RSA. FÁS has provided the RSA with a list of all current relevant courses and the nominated instructors together with their relevant RSA ADI number. I have received assurances from FÁS that it is in full compliance with the new Regulations.
Community Employment Schemes.
Leo Varadkar
Question:117 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of persons participating in community employment schemes; the numbers of same who are in receipt of other social welfare payments including the one parent family payment, disability allowance, disability benefit and deserted wives benefit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16477/10]
Community Employment (CE) is an active labour market programme designed to provide eligible long term unemployed people and other disadvantaged persons with an opportunity to engage in useful work within their communities on a fixed term basis. CE helps unemployed people to re-enter the active workforce by breaking their experience of unemployment through a return to a work routine and to assist them to enhance/develop both their technical and personal skills. The information requested by the Deputy is contained in the following table:
|
Description |
No. |
|
(Those in receipt of FÁS funded CE allowances only) |
11,586 |
|
Blind Pension |
18 |
|
Disability Allowance |
2,297 |
|
Illness Benefit |
919 |
|
Invalidity Pension |
1,716 |
|
One Parent Family Payment |
4,814 |
|
Deserted Wife’s Benefit |
186 |
|
Participants Total |
21,536 |
|
Supervisors |
1,427 |
|
Overall Total |
22,963 |
Redundancy Payments.
Michael Ring
Question:118 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their redundancy payment. [16518/10]
My Department administers the Social Insurance Fund (SIF) in relation to redundancy matters on behalf of the Department of Social and Family Affairs. There are two types of payment made from the SIF — rebates to those employers who have paid statutory redundancy to eligible employees, and statutory lump sums to employees whose employers are insolvent and/or in receivership/liquidation. I can confirm that my Department received a statutory lump sum claim for the individual concerned on 26 November 2009 claiming inability to pay on behalf of the employer. This claim awaits processing. In respect of lump sum payments paid directly to employees, such as in this instance, the Section is, in general, processing claims dating from September 2009.
The impact on business of the severe economic circumstances currently pertaining has resulted in an unprecedented increase in the level of Redundancy Payment claims lodged with my Department. This has impacted significantly on the capacity to maintain the customer service targets that previously obtained. The scale of the challenge on the Redundancy side is evident from the statistics that show incoming redundancy claims in 2009 amounted to 77,001 which represents a threefold increase over the level of claims lodged in 2007 and earlier years. In 2007, claims received were of the order of 25,000.
Efforts continue to be made by my Department to deliver more acceptable turnaround processing times for Redundancy payments given the difficulties that this gives rise to for both individual employees and the business community. Measures already taken in the Department in 2009 to alleviate the pressures on the Payments area include:
almostdoubling the number of staff through reassignment to a current level of 52 full time equivalents;
prioritisation of the Department'sovertime budget towards staff in the both Section to tackle the backlog outside normal hours;
establishment of aspecial call handling facility in NERA to deal with the huge volume of telephone calls from people and businesses concerned about their payments.
Better quality information relating to current processing times on the Department's website;
Engagement with the Revenue Commissioners to facilitate theoffset of redundancy rebate payments by employers against outstanding tax liabilities which those employers owe to the Revenue Commissioners.
The backlog and waiting times remain at unacceptable levels. However, improvements are evident. The number of claims processed and paid by the Redundancy Payments Section in 2009 amounted to 50,664, an increase of 70% over 2008. In the first quarter of 2010, my Department processed 21,122 claims — an increase of over 151% on the previous first quarter in 2009. Claims processed in the month of March 2010 was the highest ever achieved in the Section with 8,168 claims processed in the month. In the year to date, inroads have being made on the backlog of claims on hand, which reduced from 41,168 at the end January 2010 to 37,054 at the end of March 2010.
Responsibility for the payment of redundancy and insolvency payments is due to be transferred to the Department of Social Protection. The intention is to transfer by Government order, the payment functions arising under the Redundancy Payment and Insolvency Payment schemes. In transferring the functions between Departments, it is the intention that this will operate seamlessly and without any adverse impact on the service levels being experienced by individuals or the business community awaiting payment of redundancy claims.
Question No. 119 answered with Question No. 116.
Industrial Development.
Olwyn Enright
Question:120 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the priority that has been given to the midlands region under the new strategic plan aimed at attracting foreign direct investment, Horizon 2020; the types of industry that will be earmarked for the region; the way it is intended to market the area to these industries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16736/10]
The recently launched IDA strategy, entitled “Horizon 2020” sets the following high level goals for the five year period 2010 to 2014:
Create 62,000 new jobs in direct employment with a further 43,000 jobs in indirect employment, a total of 105,000 jobs;
640 Investments;
50% of FDI projects outside of Dublin and Cork;
20% of greenfield investments from emerging high-growth markets;
€1.7 billion investment in RD&I per annum by client companies.
The National Spatial Strategy (NSS) aims to achieve a balance of social and economic development across the country and IDA strategy for the regions is closely aligned to the NSS and the gateway and hub locations. However, the challenge in achieving an even spread of investment across the country is intensified as the sophistication of investments increase. These investments require a concentration of highly qualified and educated workers, supporting infrastructure and high level business services.
Already the Midlands region is home to a high concentration of Medical Device industries, and has become a winning location for a vibrant and sustainable Life Sciences environment. There are 44 IDA supported companies employing 4,542 people in the Midlands Region. IDA's Medical Technologies department is based in the Midlands and is well positioned to facilitate collaborations between existing client companies and local indigenous companies to enhance the growing cluster while embracing new technologies and processes.
As well as marketing the Midlands Region for new Greenfield investment, IDA continues to work with existing clients to broaden their mandate in Ireland and to continue to re-invest in their sites within the Region. IDA Ireland strongly encourages client companies to invest in Research and Development and provides a comprehensive R&D package to support this activity. The Athlone Institute of Technology (AIT) has introduced and developed programmes in line with changing regional, national and international needs. The emphasis which the Institute has placed on research activities and liaison with industrial and commercial organisations has helped to ensure the relevance and technological competence of courses at the institute.
The completion of the M6 motorway from Dublin to Galway offers significant benefits to the Midlands with accessibility to larger urban centres, transport links and the ability to attract a large talent pool being critical deciding factors for many FDI clients. This has facilitated the emergence of a new medical technology cluster closely aligned with the Galway cluster. Frequently, competition for Foreign Direct Investment is not between countries but between city regions with populations in excess of one million people. Dublin is the only recognised city region in Ireland that meets these criteria. If FDI is to continue to contribute to balanced regional development, the other regions of the country must be developed and promoted as regions of scale with urban centres that provide the range of infrastructure and services that high value investment projects demand. The development of the Midlands Gateway is intended to be helpful to the Midlands region in this regard.
Employment Rights.
John Deasy
Question:121 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if employers are legally entitled to lay off employees due to lack of work while employing subcontractors to carry out similar work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16799/10]
It is difficult to answer the Deputy's question except in the most general terms to say that there are safeguards built into various pieces of legislation to guard against abuse of the employer-employee relationship, particularly when dealing with matters relating to the termination of that relationship e.g. unfair dismissal. Ultimately, each case will hinge on its facts, as interpreted and ruled upon by various elements of the State's dispute resolution machinery e.g. Rights Commissioners and/or Employment Appeals Tribunal and, if necessary, the Law Courts. The following information relating to the type of issues that can arise in such cases may be of some assistance.
Lay off
A lay-off situation exists when an employer suspends an employee's employment because there is no work available, when the employer expects the cessation of work to be temporary and when the employer notifies the employee to this effect. For a lay-off situation to apply the period of lay-off must be genuinely of a temporary nature.
Redundancy
In general, redundancy is a situation where an employee's job has been made redundant and the employee is not replaced. A key issue in respect of selection for redundancy is that the selection process must be seen to be fair and non discriminatory. Should an individual feel that they have been unfairly dismissed by reason of unfair selection for redundancy, it is open to that individual to take a case to the Rights Commissioners or to the Employment Appeals Tribunal under the Unfair Dismissals Acts.
Collective Redundancy
The issue of collective redundancies is governed by the Protection of Employment (Exceptional Collective Redundancies and Related Matters) Act 2007. Collective Redundancy is the making redundant within a period of 30 consecutive days, of a minimum number of employees. That minimum varies with the size of the workforce. The relevant minimum number of proposed redundancies, vis-à-vis the size of the overall workforce, is as follows:
5 employees in an establishment employing 21-49 employees;
10 employees in an establishment normally employing 50-99 employees;
10% of employees in an establishment normally employing 100-299 employees or;
30 employees in an establishment normally employing 300 or more employees.
There must be a minimum of 20 employees before there can be a collective redundancy situation. The number of employees normally employed in an establishment is taken to be the average of the number so employed in each of the 12 months preceding the date on which the first dismissal takes place. Where companies are being closed down following bankruptcy, winding-up proceedings or an unsuccessful examiner ship there will not be a collective redundancy situation.
Companies proposing collective redundancies must provide certain information to employee representatives regarding the proposed collective redundancy. They must enter into consultation with the employee representatives at least 30 days before anyone receives notice of redundancy. Companies must also notify the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment of the proposed redundancies at least 30 days before any employee receives notice of redundancy. The consultation with the employee representatives and the notification period for the Minister can run concurrently.
Exceptional Collective Redundancy
Exceptional Collective Redundancy is defined under Section 16 of the Act. Essentially, to be considered an exceptional collective redundancy situation under the Act, the proposal must involve a compulsory collective redundancy proposal with the planned replacement of staff by:
Direct employees employed by the employer;
The use of other replacement workers by the aforementioned employer in the same location or elsewhere in the jurisdiction;
On materially inferior Terms and Conditions, and with the new workers performing essentially the same functions as those to be made redundant.
The Unfair Dismissals Acts, 1977 to 2007 generally apply to any employee who has 12 months continuous service with the employer. In the case of a complaint referred to a Rights Commissioner, the employer may object and in that event the matter will be heard by the Employment Appeals Tribunal.
Unfair Dismissal
The Unfair Dismissals Acts provide that the dismissal of an employee shall be deemed, for the purposes of the Acts, not to be an unfair dismissal, if it results wholly or mainly from one or more of the following:
the capability, competence or qualifications of the employee for performing work of the kind which he/she was employed to do;
the conduct of the employee (in which case the issue of disciplinary procedures may be important);
the redundancy of the employee's job.
In determining for the purposes of the Acts whether the dismissal of an employee was an unfair dismissal or not, it shall be for the employer to show that the dismissal resulted wholly or mainly from one or more of the matters specified above or that there were other substantial grounds justifying the dismissal.
If the employees have any further queries, they may contact the National EmploymentRights Authority (NERA) on its Lo-call number 1890 80 80 90 or via its website at www.employmentrights.ie
Redundancy Payments.
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:122 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when payment of statutory redundancy will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16838/10]
My Department administers the Social Insurance Fund (SIF) in relation to redundancy matters on behalf of the Department of Social and Family Affairs. There are two types of payment made from the SIF — rebates to those employers who have paid statutory redundancy to eligible employees, and statutory lump sums to employees whose employers are insolvent and/or in receivership/liquidation. I can confirm that my Department received a lump sum claim for the individual concerned on 14 April, 2010. This claim awaits processing. In respect of lump sum payments paid directly to employees, such as in this instance, the Section is, in general, processing claims dating from September 2009.
The impact on business of the severe economic circumstances currently pertaining has resulted in an unprecedented increase in the level of Redundancy Payment claims lodged with my Department. This has impacted significantly on the capacity to maintain the customer service targets that previously obtained. The scale of the challenge on the Redundancy side is evident from the statistics that show incoming redundancy claims in 2009 amounted to 77,001 which represents a threefold increase over the level of claims lodged in 2007 and earlier years. In 2007, claims received were of the order of 25,000.
Efforts continue to be made by my Department to deliver more acceptable turnaround processing times for Redundancy payments given the difficulties that this gives rise to for both individual employees and the business community. Measures already taken in the Department in 2009 to alleviate the pressures on the Payments area include:
almostdoubling the number of staff through reassignment to a current level of 52 full time equivalents;
prioritisation of the Department'sovertime budget towards staff in the both Section to tackle the backlog outside normal hours;
establishment of aspecial call handling facility in NERA to deal with the huge volume of telephone calls from people and businesses concerned about their payments.
Better quality information relating to current processing times on the Department's website;
Engagement with the Revenue Commissioners to facilitate theoffset of redundancy rebate payments by employers against outstanding tax liabilities which those employers owe to the Revenue Commissioners.
The backlog and waiting times remain at unacceptable levels. However, improvements are evident. The number of claims processed and paid by the Redundancy Payments Section in 2009 amounted to 50,664, an increase of 70% over 2008. In the first quarter of 2010, my Department processed 21,122 claims — an increase of over 151% on the previous first quarter in 2009. Claims processed in the month of March 2010 was the highest ever achieved in the Section with 8,168 claims processed in the month. In the year to date, inroads have being made on the backlog of claims on hand, which reduced from 41,168 at the end January 2010 to 37,054 at the end of March 2010.
Responsibility for the payment of redundancy and insolvency payments is due to be transferred to the Department of Social Protection. The intention is to transfer by Government order, the payment functions arising under the Redundancy Payment and Insolvency Payment schemes. In transferring the functions between Departments, it is the intention that this will operate seamlessly and without any adverse impact on the service levels being experienced by individuals or the business community awaiting payment of redundancy claims.
FÁS Training Programmes.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:123 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will support the case of an international Irish sports person (details supplied) who is not allowed to continue to stage 4 of his FÁS plumbing apprenticeship because he is employed as a professional sports person; the measures he will put in place to ensure that those who are committed to completing apprenticeships whilst involved in time limited sporting careers be given every opportunity to do so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16839/10]
The Apprenticeship Programme is a training and education programme for apprentices employed in a specified trade. Persons who wish to undertake an apprenticeship must be registered with, and employed on a full-time basis by a FÁS-approved employer. The employer will provide the apprentice with a range of work, access to the necessary tools and equipment and the on-the-job training and assessments specified for the trade.
Loan Guarantee Scheme.
Willie O'Dea
Question:124 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when a procedure will enable an application to be made for the loan guarantee to be made. [16861/10]
Work is underway within my Department on the examination of a possible scheme of loan guarantees. This is in line with one of the recommendations contained in the first Mazars report on credit availability. The purpose of this examination is to assess the contribution such a scheme might make to alleviating difficulties being experienced by companies, particularly by SMEs, in accessing finance in the context of the range of measures already taken by the Government for this purpose. Key concerns being addressed include the extent to which such a scheme would increase lending to SMEs (as against enhancing security for the banks) and the extent of taxpayer exposure. The study is nearing completion.
FÁS Training Programmes.
Joanna Tuffy
Question:125 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide details of the number of persons in County Meath attending FÁS training courses; the number of persons in County Meath who have been on training courses with FÁS for the years 2006 to 2009 inclusive, in tabular form; the length of time a person is on a FÁS course; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16880/10]
The table below indicates the number of persons who have undertaken training and apprenticeship courses with FÁS in Co Meath for the years 2006 to 2009 and up to the year to date. The length of time a participant spends on a course varies depending on the type, level and duration of training undertaken:
Bridging/Foundation type courses range in duration from 11 to 14 weeks;
Skill Modular type courses range in duration from 6 to 10 weeks;
Skills Specific type courses range in duration from 12 to 32 weeks depending on the award pursued;
Traineeship courses range in duration from 20 to 42 weeks;
Apprenticeships range in duration from 3 to 4 years.
FÁS in response to the consequences of the economic downturn will continue to ensure a diverse range of measured training interventions are identified, allocated and delivered.
|
Year |
No. of Trainees |
No. of Apprentices |
Total |
|
2006 |
1,101 |
718 |
1,819 |
|
2007 |
1,287 |
700 |
1,987 |
|
2008 |
1,312 |
752 |
2,064 |
|
2009 |
1,978 |
639 |
2,617 |
|
Current YTD |
1,003 |
174 |
1,177 |
|
Total |
6,681 |
2,983 |
9,664 |
Joanna Tuffy
Question:126 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the type of FÁS courses most attended in 2009; if he will provide details of the same figures for each of the following years, 2006 to 2008, inclusive, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16881/10]
The table below sets out the most attended FÁS training initiatives, including apprenticeships, from 2006 to 2009. The figure "1" indicates the most attended training initiative, "2" the second most attended and so on. The table shows that the Electrical apprenticeship course has been the most attended training initiative for the past 4 years.
|
Training/Apprenticeship Initiative |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
|
Electrical (Apprenticeship) |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Carpentry (Apprenticeship) |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
ECDL |
3 |
3 |
4 |
3 |
|
Basic Computing |
4 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
|
Plumbing (Apprenticeship) |
5 |
5 |
3 |
|
|
Computer Applications |
6 |
6 |
6 |
|
|
Manual Computerised Accounts |
4 |
Question No. 127 answered with Question No. 115.
Tax Code.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:128 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the cost increase implications in respect of all energy sources affected by the carbon tax; his expenditure proposals for the revenue accruing from the tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17022/10]
I announced in the Budget that a carbon tax at a rate €15 per tonne would be introduced on fossil fuels. It should be noted that a carbon tax came into effect on 10 December 2009 in respect of petrol and auto-diesel and will apply from 1 May 2010 to kerosene, marked gas oil (also known as "green diesel" or "agricultural diesel"), liquid petroleum gas (LPG), fuel oil and natural gas. The application of the tax to coal and commercial peat is subject to a Commencement Order.
It is estimated that the carbon tax, inclusive of VAT, will yield approximately €250 million in 2010. The revenue will, amongst other things, be used to boost energy efficiency, to support rural transport and to alleviate fuel poverty. The impact on individual fuels in terms of nominal and percentage price changes is illustrated below:
|
Fuel Type |
Unit |
Current Price |
Carbon Tax @ €15 (VAT incl.) |
% change in price |
|
€ |
% |
|||
|
Petrol |
Litre |
1.19* |
4.2 cents |
3.5 |
|
Auto-diesel |
Litre |
1.10* |
4.9 cents |
4.4 |
|
Kerosene |
1,000 Litres |
600.00 |
€43.14 |
7.2 |
|
Marked Gas Oil |
1,000 Litres |
626.00 |
€46.87 |
7.5 |
|
LPG |
1,000 Litres |
690.00 |
€27.97 |
4.1 |
|
Fuel Oil |
1,000 Litres |
660.00 |
€52.15 |
7.9 |
|
Natural Gas |
13,800 kwh** |
685.00 |
€47.86 |
7.0 |
|
Peat Briquettes |
Bale |
3.85 |
39 cents |
10.1 |
|
Coal |
40kg |
15.20 |
€1.79 |
11.8 |
*Price of petrol and auto-diesel in December 2009 when carbon tax was introduced for those fuels.
**Average annual household consumption.
Financial Institutions Support Scheme.
Joan Burton
Question:129 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the amount of senior and subordinated debt outstanding at Anglo Irish Bank; the total amount of senior and subordinated debt outstanding at Anglo Irish Bank guaranteed under the eligible liabilities guarantee scheme, under the credit institution financial support scheme and unguaranteed; if he will provide a breakdown by counter party, nationality, sector and maturity profile for each of the above categories; his plans to roll over the guarantee on, or re-finance, such senior debt guaranteed under the CIFS scheme, under the ELG scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16314/10]
Information on the debt issuance of Anglo Irish Bank is published by the institution in its annual accounts and on other occasions as appropriate. Information on the debt issuance by institutions under the Eligible Liability Guarantee Scheme is also available on the NTMA website (www.ntma.ie). Details of the amounts guaranteed under the schemes are not published because of the commercial sensitivity of such information.
Detailed information on bondholders of domestic credit institutions' senior and subordinated debt is not available. Credit institutions, including Anglo Irish Bank, do not have access to comprehensive information on the holders of their senior and junior, or subordinated, debt, because such debt is publicly traded and dealt through clearing house systems. Issuers do not have access to the records of those systems and the issuer has no means of establishing the underlying ownership of its bonds at any given time. Unlike in the case of shares, the holders of credit institutions' senior and subordinated debt instruments are not subject to a disclosure regime.
As I indicated in my Banks Statement on the 30 March last I will be seeking the Commission's agreement for a modified extension of the current ELG Scheme consistent with a phasing out over a realistic period of time. The scheme is due to be reviewed by the Commission before 1 June 2010 and I intend to make an announcement about the future of the guarantee in advance of that date. I want to stress that, of course the ordinary Deposit Guarantee Scheme that covers €100,000 per depositor per institution is in place and will continue on a permanent basis.
Banking Sector Regulation.
Joan Burton
Question:130 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the legal status of the relationship framework, signed on 8 July 2009, between the Minister and Anglo Irish Bank Corporation Limited; the conflicts between ministerial objectives A and B, as set out in the relationship framework; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16315/10]
The statutory origin of the relationship framework, signed on 8 July 2009, between the Minister and Anglo Irish Bank Corporation Limited lies in Section 3 of the Anglo Irish Bank Corporation Act 2009. In the interests of facilitating compliance with EU State aid and competition policy, the Relationship Framework recognises the separation of Anglo Irish Bank from the Minister and limits intervention by the Minister in the conduct of Anglo Irish Bank's day to day commercial activities. The Relationship Framework may be amended by the Minister as he sees fit, subject to EU consent.
The Relationship Framework is concerned centrally with the alignment of the activities of Anglo Irish Bank with key ministerial objectives which seek to protect the public interest. There is no conflict between the express ministerial objectives, to preserve the capacity of Anglo Irish Bank to continue its operations as a going concern and progressively enhance its financial position and viability to an extent where it can operate without support from the State and to minimise cost and other risk to the public, both of which form but part of a series of key objectives which seek to serve and promote the public interest. Both of the key objectives identified mutually inform one another and serve the protection of the public interest.
As I have outlined on previous occasions, the consequences of an immediate winding up of Anglo Irish Bank would be very severe. It is estimated that to wind up Anglo Irish Bank would lead to a fire-sale of assets resulting in a permanent additional and unnecessary loss of upwards of €30 billion. In addition, the State would have to provide in the order of €70 billion up-front to meet deposits, bondholders and the liabilities due to the Eurosystem. A revised restructuring plan for Anglo Irish Bank is being prepared for submission to the EU Commission under State aid rules. This will explore all options for the future of the bank and it is my main concern to ensure that the interests of the taxpayer are paramount in the plan.
Tax Code.
Leo Varadkar
Question:131 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance the amount refunded to date in 2010 to car dealers in respect of the car scrappage scheme; the amount still owed to car dealers in respect of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16455/10]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that over 4,500 claims have been processed under the car scrappage scheme up to 23rd April 2010. Refunds of VRT amounting to approx €6.5 million were made to car dealers in respect of these claims. There is currently no backlog of scrappage claims. Around 80-100 claims are being received per day at present and these are being processed on receipt or within a maximum of 3 working days.
Mary Upton
Question:132 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Finance if a person (details supplied) in County Dublin will be liable for stamp duty if they purchase a house in County Dublin, though they have not owned a home in this country previously; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16489/10]
Lucinda Creighton
Question:143 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Finance if a couple are classed as first time buyers for the purpose of stamp duty here if they jointly owned a house in Northern Ireland in the past; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16808/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 132 and 143 together.
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that Section 92B of the Stamp Duties Consolidation Act 1999 provides for an exemption from Stamp Duty where a house is purchased by a first time buyer. A person will not qualify for the exemption if he or she has previously purchased a house either within or outside of Ireland. From the details supplied by Deputy Upton, while the person has not previously purchased a house in Ireland, the person did previously purchase a house outside of Ireland. In these circumstances the person is not entitled to avail of the first time buyer exemption in relation to a subsequent purchase of a house in Ireland. However, the person may be entitled to avail of an exemption or relief from Stamp Duty if the house being purchased is newly built.
Section 91A of the Stamp Duties Consolidation Act 1999 provides for an exemption from Stamp Duty where a new house, with a floor area not exceeding 125 square metres, is purchased by a non-first time buyer for occupation as his/her principal place of residence. Section 92 of the Stamp Duties Consolidation Act 1999 provides for a relief from Stamp Duty where a new house, with a floor area exceeding 125 square metres, is purchased by a non-first time buyer for occupation as his/her principal place of residence. Where this relief applies, Stamp Duty is chargeable, at the residential property rates, on the greater of (a) the consideration paid for the site or (b) 25% of the aggregate of the consideration paid for the site and the building costs. The residential property rates of Stamp Duty are set out in the following table:
|
Aggregate Consideration exceeds €127,000* |
|
|
First €125,000 |
Nil |
|
Next €875,000 |
7% |
|
Excess over €1,000,000 |
9% |
*Transactions, where the consideration (or the aggregate consideration) does not exceed €127,000, are exempt from Stamp Duty.
Financial Services Regulation.
Jack Wall
Question:133 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Finance his views regarding a matter (details supplied); the action he proposes to take to address the content of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16492/10]
The concerns outlined in the correspondence enclosed by the Deputy refer to the need to update legislation governing the operation and regulation of credit unions in Ireland and to the proposal to amend Section 35 of the Credit Union Act 1997 which imposes limits on credit unions in relation to longer-term lending.
With reference to credit union legislation, I agree that the current legislative framework needs reform. Accordingly, I have requested the Financial Regulator to initiate a strategic review of the credit union sector in Ireland. This project, which is already underway, will involve an examination of the structure, operation, regulation and legislation of the credit union sector. It will provide a report making recommendations, including specific proposals to strengthen prudential soundness, which will advise and inform an assessment of the future strategic direction of credit unions.
The restrictions contained in Section 35 of the Credit Union Act 1997 are an important asset and liability instrument protecting the financial stability of the credit union movement over many years. The need for such a mechanism will be addressed in the strategic review but in the immediate future it is necessary to address ongoing issues with regard to Section 35 now. The matter was considered by my Department following consultation with the two Credit Union representative bodies — the Irish League of Credit Unions and the Credit Union Development Association — and with the Registrar of Credit Unions, and a provision has been included in the Central Bank Reform Bill 2010, which is receiving its second stage reading in Dáil Éireann at present.
Banking Sector Regulation.
Alan Shatter
Question:134 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Finance if consideration is being given to the State undertaking a valuation of a bank’s (details supplied) art collection; if he will require the bank, in consideration of the support provided by the State and taxpayers, to gift the collection to the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16525/10]
There is no provision under the terms of the Credit Institutions (Financial Support) Scheme 2008 for the action proposed by the Deputy in relation to art collections of covered institutions. Under the terms of the Scheme, covered institutions pay a quarterly charge to the Exchequer in respect of the guarantee provided under the scheme. Accordingly, no consideration has been given to undertaking a valuation of any of the covered institutions' art collections including the institution referred to by the Deputy in his question. The Deputy will be aware of the importance of building up appropriate capital levels in the banks. Accordingly, requiring them to give away assets would not seem appropriate.
National Lottery.
Catherine Byrne
Question:135 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Finance the amount of money collected by the national lottery for the lotto draw on 14 April 2010 which had a jackpot of €16.7 million; if he is committed to using lottery funding to help fund important projects and initiatives around the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16534/10]
The sales of Lotto and Lotto plus for the draw of 14 April 2010 and for the entire roll-over sequence, which began on 10th March 2010, was €60.7 million. Section 5 of the National Lottery Act 1986 provided that the surplus from the National Lottery may be used for the following purposes: Sport and other recreation; national culture, including the Irish Language; the arts, within the meaning of the Arts Act 1951; the health of the community; and for such other purposes as the Government may determine. The following additional categories have been so determined: youth, welfare, national heritage and amenities.
In order to give effect to this statutory provision, the surplus from the National Lottery is transferred to the Exchequer on a regular basis and is applied each year to part-fund the Exchequer allocations to a specified range of expenditure subheads across various Votes. Details of the amounts transferred and the allocations to the relevant subheads are set out each year in Appendix 1 of the Revised Estimates for Public Services.
Tax Code.
Seymour Crawford
Question:136 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Finance if he will reconsider the situation regarding VAT refunds on wind turbines for use at farm or other levels in view of the fact that VAT is refunded on any other form of fixed equipment; his views on the fact that every encouragement should be given to those seeking such an alternative electricity provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16538/10]
Farmers who are not registered for VAT are not in the normal course entitled to credit for, or repayment of, VAT incurred by them on their business inputs. The Value-Added Tax (Refund of Tax) (No. 25) Order, 1993 provides for refunds to unregistered farmers for tax borne on the "construction, extension, alteration or reconstruction of any building or structure which is designed for use solely or mainly for the purposes of a farming business". However, while the installation of an alternative energy generator, such as a wind turbine, may be the construction of a structure, such a structure is not "designed for use solely or mainly for the purposes of a farming business". It is designed rather to generate electricity for wherever required. Consequently, the installation of a wind turbine does not come within the scope of the VAT refund order.
Michael McGrath
Question:137 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the application of the carbon tax to coal and commercial peat. [16540/10]
I announced in the Budget that a carbon tax at a rate of €15 per tonne is being introduced on fossil fuels. The tax was applied to petrol and auto-diesel with effect from midnight, 9 December 2009; and will apply from 1 May 2010 to kerosene, marked gas oil (also known as "green diesel" or "agricultural diesel"), liquid petroleum gas (LPG), fuel oil and natural gas. The application of the tax to coal and commercial peat is subject to a Commencement Order. This is to allow time for issues such as fuel poverty and the sourcing of coal of a lower environmental standard from Northern Ireland to be addressed.
A number of Government Departments, including the Department of Finance are exploring options for how best to offset the impact of the carbon tax on low-income households. With regard to the sourcing of coal from Northern Ireland, work has already commenced on this matter within the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The Department of Environment, my Department and the Revenue Commissioners have recently met with the Solid Fuel Trade Group in this regard.
Public Service Contracts.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:138 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Finance the reason post-doctoral researchers contracted to third level institutions in receipt of public funding have been included in recent public sector pay cuts; if a post-doctoral researcher on a temporary contract with a publicly-funded third level institution is a public servant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16546/10]
The Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (No. 2) Act 2009 makes provision for the reduction in the pay rates of all persons employed by public service bodies with effect from 1 January 2010. As publicly funded third-level institutions come within the definition in the Act of public service bodies, post-doctoral researchers employed by such universities are considered public servants for the purposes of the Act and are subject to the pay reductions provided for under the legislation. I have no plans to exempt persons in that position from the pay reductions.
Terence Flanagan
Question:139 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance if he will support a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16666/10]
Under the Government's Capital Works Management Framework (CWMF), my Department has developed a standard model form of Performance Bond, which is to be used in the procurement of public works contracts. During the procurement process contractors have to show evidence that they can obtain such a Performance Bond, which has been designed specifically to deal with issues of insolvency, bankruptcy and repudiation.
In relation to individual contracts that are about to be awarded, it is a matter for a contracting authority to establish if the contractor/supplier is solvent. Under the European Communities (Award of Public Authorities' Contracts) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 329 of 2006) Section 53(5) and Directive 2004/18/EC Article 45.2(a) and (b), a contracting authority can confirm that contractor/supplier is not:
(i) bankrupt, or
(ii) being wound up in this or any other jurisdiction, or
(iii) the subject of proceedings for a declaration of bankruptcy, or
(iv) the subject of an order for compulsory winding up, or
(v) under administration by a court, or
(vi) subject to an arrangement with creditors in this or any other jurisdiction.
The contracting authority can check these issues throughout a procurement process up to the point of awarding a contract to ensure that such provisions have not changed. If they have changed, the contractor can be excluded from any further participation in the competition.
Tax Collection.
Michael Ring
Question:140 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Finance if a person (details supplied) in County Mayo is entitled to a refund of inheritance tax. [16724/10]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the inheritance tax payment in question was paid by the individual in accordance with a return submitted on her behalf by her solicitor on 12 January 2004. The tax was in respect of one benefit taken under a will. The payment in question, although not the full liability, was paid in advance of the due date. The balance of the tax due was paid on 10 October 2009. Accordingly the full liability due was paid and there is no refund due.
Flood Relief.
Michael Ring
Question:141 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Finance if the Office of Public Works will approve a funding application in respect of a drain (details supplied) in County Mayo (details supplied). [16743/10]
An application was submitted by Mayo County Council for funding for works at the location referred to by the Deputy under the minor flood mitigation works scheme introduced by the Office of Public Works last year. Based on the information provided by the Council, the proposed works would not meet the eligibility criteria of the scheme.
Tax Code.
Róisín Shortall
Question:142 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance, further to Parliamentary Question No. 166 of 9 March 2010, if he will now issue a tax certificate to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9 for the purposes of fulfilling qualifying criteria in respect of an application for a local authority home grant. [16753/10]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a Tax Clearance Certificate issued to the person in question on the 9th March 2010.
Question No. 143 answered with Question No. 132.
Flood Relief.
Denis Naughten
Question:144 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Finance if he will approve an application for funding from Roscommon County Council under the minor flood mitigation works scheme; the total cost of the schemes from the local authority; when a decision will be made on this application; the total value of applications under this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16867/10]
Roscommon County Council have recently submitted a number of applications for funding under the minor flood mitigation works scheme introduced by the Office of Public Works last year. These applications are currently being assessed, in conjunction with the Council, and a decision will be made shortly in respect of these. The total estimated cost of the proposed works and studies in Roscommon in 2010 is €1,975,000. The total estimated cost of applications received to date from all Local Authorities for works and studies under the scheme in 2010 is €25,240,671. It will be open to the Authorities to submit further applications during the remainder of the year.
Denis Naughten
Question:145 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Finance if he will approve an application for funding from Leitrim County Council under the minor flood mitigation works scheme; the total cost of the schemes from the local authority; when a decision will be made on this application; the total value of applications under this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16868/10]
Leitrim County Council have recently submitted a number of applications for funding under the minor flood mitigation works scheme introduced by the Office of Public Works last year. These applications are currently being assessed, in conjunction with the Council, and a decision will be made shortly in respect of these. The total estimated cost of the proposed works and studies in Leitrim in 2010 is €1.7m. The total estimated cost of applications for funding received to date from all Local Authorities for works and studies under the scheme in 2010 is €25,240,671. It will be open to the Authorities to submit further applications during the remainder of the year.
Denis Naughten
Question:146 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Finance, further to Parliamentary Reply No. 166 of 23 March 2010, the position regarding the application under the European Solidarity Fund for assistance on foot of the severe flooding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16869/10]
I refer to the responses to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 73 and 146 on 22nd April 2010. My Department made an application to the EU Commission on 27th January 2010 for funding under the EU Solidarity Fund based on estimates of damage received from Departments and local authorities. The application was formally acknowledged by the Commission on 24th February 2010. The EU Solidarity Fund does not fund full reconstruction nor does it fund prevention works. It funds emergency operations to allow a rapid return to normal living conditions.
A regional application was made as the estimate of the extent of the damage does not meet the Solidarity Fund's threshold of 0.6% of GNI or 935.5m euro for a national disaster. There are specific criteria which must be met to ensure a successful regional application to the EU Solidarity Fund. These criteria include the majority of the population of the region being affected by the disaster and serious and long lasting effects on the region's economic stability and living conditions. My Department continues to work with the Commission on finalising the costs underpinning the application.
Banking Sector Regulation.
Phil Hogan
Question:147 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Finance if he has received complaints regarding the practices of a bank and a building society (details supplied) in the years 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17006/10]
The particular institutions referred to by the Deputy in his question are subject to regulation, in accordance with the relevant statutory provisions, by the Financial Regulator. The Financial Regulator's principal responsibility involves the ongoing monitoring of financial institutions in order to ensure their solvency and compliance with all other regulatory requirements on an individual basis. Any complaints related to solvency, regulation generally, corporate governance and compliance with company law would, therefore, be the responsibility of the Financial Regulator. With regard to unresolved complaints from consumers about their individual dealings with financial service providers, statutory responsibility for dealing with such complaints rests with the Financial Services Ombudsman under the terms of the Central Bank and Financial Services Authority of Ireland Act 2004.
While a wide variety of matters may be brought to the attention of the Minister for Finance over a period of time, these are where appropriate referred for the attention of the relevant body. It is essential that both the regulatory process and the system for resolving the complaints of individual consumers against financial institutions should be wholly independent from the political process and determined by the relevant statutory authorities having regard to the merits of the individual case. The current legislative framework guarantees the independence of each of those functions. This independence will also be fully protected in the legislation which will reform the current structure of the Central Bank and Financial Services Authority of Ireland. The Deputy will be aware that both the Financial Regulator and the Financial Services Ombudsman produce annual reports which are laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas.
Phil Hogan
Question:148 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Finance if meetings took place between the chief executive, chairman or any senior financial officers of any banking institution with him from 1 March 2008 to 31 October 2008; if so, the nature of these meetings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17007/10]
I was appointed Minister for Finance on the 1st May 2008. During the period from my appointment to the date referred to in the Deputy's question, I had meetings with senior representatives of several domestic and international financial institutions operating in Ireland. This, as I have said previously is normal practice for a Minister of Finance. As would be expected, given international and domestic developments in the financial sector over that time a range of relevant issues was discussed at these various meetings.
Health Services.
Maureen O'Sullivan
Question:149 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will allow students (details supplied) stay in their present accommodation and school in order for them to complete their leaving certificate. [16488/10]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Misuse of Drugs.
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Question:150 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Health and Children if there is any legal barrier to making certain combinations of substances illegal until they have been assessed by the EU and national regulatory authorities in order that products are dangerous until proven safe, rather than the other way around; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16665/10]
Alan Shatter
Question:179 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the operation of a head shop directly opposite a secondary school (details supplied) in Dublin 6; the action that she plans to take to address the concerns expressed by the parents of the children attending this school; when she plans to introduce the appropriate legislation to regulate both the operation of these head shops and the products sold there. [16427/10]
Catherine Byrne
Question:196 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to ban the drug 4-MTA; if this drug is to be included in the list of substances due to be banned in June 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16528/10]
Catherine Byrne
Question:197 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Health and Children the list of substances to be banned in June 2010; the legislation that will govern this measure; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16529/10]
Jack Wall
Question:204 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children, in view of the serious circumstances of a health nature that may arise, her plans to introduce legislation, or if present legislation requires outlets such as head shops to carry indemnifying insurance to cover the sale of products for personal use; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16708/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 150, 179, 196, 197 and 204 together.
In the light of the health risks associated with some of the products being sold in so-called "head shops", the Government has agreed to the introduction of regulations under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 which will introduce controls on a range of substances which are currently on sale in head shops. The substances concerned include:
synthetic cannabinoids (SPICE products);
benzylpiperazine (BZP) derivatives;
mephedrone, methylone and related cathinones;
4-methylthioamphetamine (4-MTA);
GBL and 1,4 BD.
In accordance with EU law, it is necessary to notify the European Commission of the proposed regulations and this imposes a 3 month stand-still period on the making of the regulations. The regulations were notified in early April and allowing for the stand-still period will be implemented at end June/early July. Following the introduction of the regulations, the possession and sale of these substances, other than GBL and 1,4BD, will be illegal and subject to criminal sanctions under the Misuse of Drugs Act while the possession and sale of the latter substances will be confined to use in legitimate industrial processes only.
With regard to the suggestion that all substances sold in Headshops should be deemed to be illegal until they have been assessed by the authorities, this is not possible under current legislation. However, my colleagues the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform are urgently examining a range of possible approaches to the regulation of head shops. This may involve making it a criminal offence to supply unregulated psychotropic substances.
Health Service Allowances.
Simon Coveney
Question:151 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of cases of domiciliary care allowance that were rejected in 2008; the number of appeals in 2008; the number of appeals that were overturned in 2008 on a county basis. [16766/10]
Simon Coveney
Question:152 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of cases of domiciliary care allowance that were rejected in 2007; the number of appeals in 2007; the number of appeals that were overturned in 2007 on a county basis. [16767/10]
Simon Coveney
Question:153 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of cases of domiciliary care allowance that were rejected in 2006; the number of appeals in 2006; the number of appeals that were overturned in 2006 on a county basis. [16768/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 151 to 153, inclusive, together.
I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
Health Services.
Michael Ring
Question:154 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved for the home care package. [16311/10]
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.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Joan Burton
Question:155 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the provision of rent supplement for clients of Roselawn health centre in Dublin 15; if there are cases when people have been assured by their community welfare officer that they will qualify for the rent supplement, but cannot get the supplement due to delays in processing applications; if this health centre is still dealing with rent supplement applications; the reason a P.O. box number in Dublin 7 was given to applicants who apply for the rent supplement at Roselawn health centre; the current waiting time for rent supplement applications; the number of applicants that have been waiting for six months or more; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16324/10]
I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
Hospital Services.
Joe McHugh
Question:156 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children the numbers of cancer patients from each county who have received treatment at St. Luke’s Hospital, Dublin, over the past five years in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16328/10]
I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
Joe McHugh
Question:157 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of cancer patients from County Donegal whose names are on waiting lists for surgery at University College Hospital, Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16329/10]
I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
Finian McGrath
Question:158 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support a matter (details supplied). [16336/10]
A new ward block to replace existing accommodation is being developed at the hospital. This facility will provide single room en-suite inpatient accommodation (100 rooms) and a dedicated day unit for people with CF, including 10 single day treatment rooms with en-suite sanitary facilities. Tenders for this development are currently under consideration. It is estimated that the construction, equipping and commissioning of this block will take approximately 18 months. The aim is to have this new facility operational as soon as possible in 2011.
Joe McHugh
Question:159 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children her financial commitment to delivering urology and vascular services to the Health Service Executive west and western health and social care trust areas, as envisaged by Co-operation and Working Together; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16341/10]
The Services to which the Deputy refers is one of the Projects within the Health and Social Care Package of the EU Cross-Border Programme for Territorial Co-operation 2007-2013 (Interreg IVA Programme). The Health and Social Care Package is jointly managed by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, Northern Ireland and the Department of Health and Children. Both Departments have appointed Co-operation And Working Together (CAWT) as the Implementing Agent for the Package. The total value of the package is €30 million and the total gross contribution of my Department is €12 million. However, as the EU reimburses 75% of the funding, €9 million of these costs will be reimbursed to the Exchequer. The total gross cost of the Urology/Vascular Services Project is approximately €9 million. My Department's gross contribution to this Project is estimated at €3.6 million of which €2.7 million will be reimbursed to the Exchequer.
Health Services.
Richard Bruton
Question:160 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the success to date of the new fair deal arrangement in freeing up beds of persons whose discharge was delayed due to the lack of an appropriate placement for them; her views on the concern that many private nursing homes do not wish to take patients with high care needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16349/10]
The Nursing Homes Support Scheme is now the single system of financial support for people in need of long-term nursing home care from 27 October 2009. The scheme encompasses a care needs assessment which considers whether the person has sufficiently high care needs to warrant nursing home care or whether their care needs can be met in the community. A person must be assessed as needing long-term nursing home care in order to qualify for financial support. Therefore, the new funding arrangements encompassed within the Scheme should incentivise private nursing home providers to accept residents with high care needs.
The Nursing Homes Support Scheme also contains a commitment to patient choice. A person wishing to avail of the scheme may choose any public or approved private nursing home subject to the availability of a place and the suitability of the home to meet the person's care needs. With regard to the issue of suitability, the responsibility rests with the particular nursing home provider to ensure that they can meet the prospective resident's care needs. This responsibility is underpinned by a comprehensive quality framework comprising the Health Act 2007, the Health Act 2007 (Care and Welfare of Residents in Designated Centres for Older People) Regulations 2009 and the National Quality Standards for Residential Care Settings for Older People in Ireland.
The Health Act, 2007 provides for the registration and inspection of all nursing homes. Standards are a key requirement for registration and inspection of nursing homes and National Quality Standards for Residential Care Settings for Older People in Ireland are underpinned by the Health Act 2007 (Care and Welfare of Residents in Designated Centres for Older People) Regulations 2009. The standards acknowledge the unique and complex needs of the individual person at the centre of care, and require service providers to deliver a person-centred and comprehensive service that promotes health, well-being and quality of life. If the nursing home is not in compliance with the Regulations it may either fail to achieve or lose its registration status.
In addition, when applying for registration the registered provider must provide a statement of purpose for the designated centre. The statement will include details of the facilities and services which are to be provided, the maximum number of residents that can be accommodated at the centre and the range of needs that the centre is intended to meet. The staffing requirements of each nursing home will differ depending on its configuration, occupancy and dependency levels. As part of the Registration process each designated centred is inspected. Based on the range of services provided and the assessed needs of the residents, inspectors determine whether the nursing home complies with both the Standards and Care and Welfare Regulations and may set conditions concerning the type of service that can be provided at the home. As the Standards provide that "each resident has his/her needs assessed prior to moving into the home”, it is a matter for the registered provider to determine whether the home can provide the services that will meet the assessed needs of prospective residents.
With regard to the first part of the Deputy's question concerning delayed discharges, I wish to advise that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
Richard Bruton
Question:161 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the average processing time of applications for the fair deal scheme and the difference in processing time where there is no requirement to have a court appointed representative approved in respect of commitments to meet payments from a person’s estate after death; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16350/10]
I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
Pat Breen
Question:162 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will report on a meeting (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16361/10]
Joe Carey
Question:218 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children further to a meeting of the 25 February 2010 regarding the provision of dementia services at Clarecastle Daycare Centre, County Clare, if she carried out an in-depth examination of the file; when she expects to report back to those who attended the meeting; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16843/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 162 and 218 together.
On 25 February, 2010 I met with Oireachtas members from Clare and a deputation from Clarecastle Daycare Centre to discuss proposals regarding a new dementia unit. At the meeting I agreed to consider the issues raised and to meet again with the local representatives. I intend to reconvene this meeting shortly and have asked officials in my Office to make the necessary arrangements.
Medical Cards.
Michael Ring
Question:163 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive a medical card. [16363/10]
I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
Ministerial Appointments.
Phil Hogan
Question:164 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Health and Children when an appointment of a nomination by the Irish Vocational Educational Association will be made in respect of the national youth work advisory committee; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16374/10]
The membership of the National Youth Work Advisory Committee is appointed by the Minister for Health and Children under the provisions of Sections 17 and 18 of the Youth Work Act 2001. The appointment of a new nominee of the Irish Vocational Educational Association (IVEA) cannot take place until the existing IVEA representative resigns from his position. My Office has been in contact with the IVEA in this regard and is awaiting a letter of resignation from the current member.
Services for People with Disabilities.
Olwyn Enright
Question:165 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children who have been assessed and diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder in the mid-Leinster region in the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16375/10]
I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
Olwyn Enright
Question:166 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children with a diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorder currently receiving therapy including psychology, occupational, speech and language and physiotherapy by the early intervention team in County Laois; the number of children with a diagnosis of ASD currently receiving therapy by the early intervention team in County Offaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16376/10]
Olwyn Enright
Question:168 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children with a diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorder currently on waiting lists for assessment from an early intervention team in County Laois; the number of children with a diagnosis of ASD currently on waiting lists for assessment from an early intervention team in County Offaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16378/10]
Olwyn Enright
Question:170 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children with a diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorder currently on waiting lists for therapy from an early intervention team in County Laois; the number of children with a diagnosis of ASD currently on waiting lists for therapy from an early intervention team in County Offaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16380/10]
Olwyn Enright
Question:172 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the approximate time frame that children with autistic spectrum disorder may expect to wait for assessment and therapy from an early intervention team in County Laois; the approximate time frame that children with autistic spectrum disorder may expect to wait for assessment and therapy from an early intervention team in County Offaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16382/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 166, 168, 170 and 172 together.
I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
Olwyn Enright
Question:167 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children with a diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorder currently receiving therapy including psychology, occupational, speech and language and physiotherapy in a post-early intervention service in County Laois; the number of children with a diagnosis of ASD currently receiving therapy in a post-early intervention service in County Offaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16377/10]
Olwyn Enright
Question:169 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children with suspected autistic spectrum disorder currently on waiting lists for assessment from the post-early intervention service in County Laois; the number of children with suspected ASD currently on waiting lists for the post-early intervention service in County Offaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16379/10]
Olwyn Enright
Question:171 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children with a diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorder currently on waiting lists for therapy from a post-early intervention team in County Laois; the number of children with a diagnosis of ASD currently on waiting lists for therapy from a post-early intervention team in County Offaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16381/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 167, 169 and 171 together.
I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
Question No. 168 answered with Question No. 166.
Question No. 169 answered with Question No. 167.
Question No. 170 answered with Question No. 166.
Question No. 171 answered with Question No. 167.
Question No. 172 answered with Question No. 166.
Olwyn Enright
Question:173 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the approximate timeframe that children with autistic spectrum disorder may expect to wait for assessment and therapy from a post-early intervention team in County Laois; the approximate timeframe that children with ASD may expect to wait for assessment and therapy by a post-early intervention team in County Offaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16383/10]
I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
Health Service Staff.
Olwyn Enright
Question:174 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of posts currently vacant, including those where therapists are on maternity leave, on the early intervention team in County Laois; the number of posts currently vacant, including those where therapists are on maternity leave, in County Offaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16384/10]
I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive, it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
Olwyn Enright
Question:175 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of posts currently vacant, including those where therapists are on maternity leave, on the post-early intervention team in County Laois; the number of posts currently vacant, including those where therapists are on maternity leave, on the post-early intervention team in County Offaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16385/10]
I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive, it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
Olwyn Enright
Question:176 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the policy regarding the filling of posts vacant where therapists including occupational, speech and language and physiotherapy services are on leave, including maternity leave; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16386/10]
I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive, it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
General Medical Services Scheme.
Mary Upton
Question:177 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to include the medical certificate requirement for drivers over 70 years on the medical card in view of the fact that this cost can be prohibitive for pensioners, (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16398/10]
The contract between the HSE and General Practitioners for the General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme stipulates that fees are not paid to GPs by the HSE in respect of certain medical certificates which may be required, for example, "under the Social Welfare Acts or for the purposes of insurance or assurance policies or for the issue of driving licences". There are no proposals to alter this provision.
Services for People with Disabilities.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:178 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if the Health Service Executive will make provision for the reopening and maintenance of the swimming pool at a premises (details supplied) in Dublin 7 which caters for persons with special needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16423/10]
I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
Question No. 179 answered with Question No. 150.
Proposed Legislation.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:180 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the continuing delay in bringing forward the public health (sunbeds) Bill; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16434/10]
My Department has completed a public consultation exercise in relation to the introduction of restrictions on the use of sunbeds. It has also met with key stakeholders including the Irish Cancer Society, the Sunbed Association of Ireland, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation and the HSE. It is currently finalising a Regulatory Impact Assessment prior to seeking Government approval to draft Heads of a Bill. Subject to Government approval, I envisage that the Bill will provide for the following:
Prohibiting the use of sunbeds by those under 18 years of age;
Introducing measures in relation to the sale or hiring of sunbeds;
Banning unsupervised sunbed use in commercial settings;
Requiring the placing of warning signs on premises where sunbed services are offered to the public;
Requiring the placing of warning labels on sunbeds;
Requiring proprietors of businesses offering sunbed services to register with the HSE;
Introducing enforcement provisions and penalties for non-compliance;
Allowing exemptions in respect of the use of sunbeds for medical purposes.
Health Services.
Alan Shatter
Question:181 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the number of Health Service Executive special care units; the names, addresses and contact details of each unit; the management structure and the number of children for which each unit is certified; the plans that the HSE has regarding a special care unit (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16439/10]
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.
Proposed Legislation.
Maureen O'Sullivan
Question:182 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children when heads of a Bill, an amendment to the Mental Health Act 2001, seeking the deletion of section 59B, will be put to the Houses of the Oireachtas; if she will give a commitment that this will happen before the summer recess; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16449/10]
I am conscious that there are diverging views on the necessity and/or efficacy of Electro Convulsive Therapy and to facilitate informed debate in the matter, I hosted a number of briefing sessions for members of the Oireachtas earlier this year. I am currently considering the issues arising and hope to be in a position to bring forward Heads of a Bill to provide inter alia for the amendment of Section 59 in the coming months. I also draw the attention of the Deputy to a major review of the Mental Health Act 2001 which is scheduled to be undertaken next year. The issue of consent to treatment will be among the matters to be considered in that context; legislation on mental capacity, currently in preparation by the Department of Justice and Law Reform will also be relevant.
Departmental Investigations.
Alan Shatter
Question:183 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children the inquiries she has made into the circumstances surrounding an alleged burglary of 15 Health Service Executive laptop computers at the community care offices in Roscommon town which occurred prior to the commencement by the group (details supplied) inquiring into the circumstances surrounding the Roscommon incest case; if the laptop computers were ever recovered; if she has sought information from the HSE as to whether information contained on the computers was of relevance to the investigation being conducted; if her attention has been drawn to any person being prosecuted arising out of the theft of these computers; if the laptop computers have not been recovered, the extent to which their disappearance inhibited the investigation that occurred; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16478/10]
The Health Service Executive confirmed in June 2009 that a total of fifteen laptops had been stolen from the HSE Community Care Office in Roscommon. Of the fifteen laptops stolen, thirteen were encrypted while the other two were password protected, but not encrypted. The HSE confirmed at the time that it was satisfied that there was no identifying information in relation to patients or clients on one of the unencrypted laptops, while the other contained information relating to a social worker's case notes involving nine families.
The HSE further confirmed at the time that it fully recognises the obligation it has in relation to the personal and sensitive information that it holds and is fully committed to ensuring its protection. The HSE has a comprehensive set of information security policies in place which are based on respecting and protecting the privacy and confidentiality of the information it holds at all times. These policies cover electronic communications, acceptable use of information and communications technology, password standards, encryption and security of mobile devices. The policies apply to all information held by the HSE, all ICT technology resources and all users of HSE information. Following the theft of laptops in Roscommon, the HSE further updated its security procedures to ensure that all laptops are encrypted prior to being issued to staff.
The break in at the Roscommon premises was reported to Gardaí immediately following its discovery. The latest update available to my Department indicates that none of the stolen laptops have to-date been recovered. I have not been informed of any prosecutions arising in relation to the incident and I am not in receipt of information from the HSE regarding any implications for the investigation into the Roscommon incest case arising from the theft of the laptops. I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the HSE it is not possible for the Executive to supply current information in relation to these issues. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
Children in Care.
Alan Shatter
Question:184 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will inquire from the Health Service Executive the reason for the decision made to close down the emergency HSE unit for troubled young persons in Galway; the number of young persons in private residential places being paid for by the HSE; the weekly cost to the HSE for such private residential care provided throughout 2009 and to-date in 2010. [16479/10]
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.
Adoption Services.
Alan Shatter
Question:185 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the long waiting lists encountered by adult adopted children tracing birth parents through the Health Service Executive, with such long lists resulting in an inordinate delay in the processing of such applications; the numbers of such adoptive persons whose applications for tracing services are waiting to be processed; the steps being taken to resolve the backlog; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16480/10]
I regret that due to industrial action I am not in a position to provide details on waiting times for tracing services processed through the HSE. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
The Information and Tracing Unit in the Adoption Board provides an advice and referral service for those seeking to trace or to obtain medical or personal information. This unit provides services directly to adoptees, natural mothers and birth families. It also works closely with the registered adoption societies and the HSE nationwide information and tracing services. Improvements to this service have been effected by the computerisation of the unique adoption files held by the Board.
The National Adoption Contact Register was established in 2005 to assist adopted people and their natural families to make contact with each other, exchange information or state their contact preferences. They decide, through a range of information and contact options, how they wish to proceed. Already 440 matches have been made on the Register representing over 900 individuals who have now received a service. The operation of the Register was reviewed in 2007 and a major upgrading of it has just been completed.
The Adoption Board, together with the societies, the HSE and the support groups, developed the "Standardised Framework for the Provision of a National Information and Tracing Service". This was published in November 2007 and sets standards and provides guidance and advice for information and tracing services providers nationally. The standardised Framework is currently being piloted nationally. In relation to Information and Tracing for persons adopted from abroad, the Adoption Board intends to undertake a consultation process with interested parties to determine how best to address the needs of those adopted from abroad.
Registration of domestic adoptions is governed by Section 22 of the Adoption Act 1952. Under that provision, an tÁrd Chláraitheoir (Registrar General) is required to maintain a register of domestic adoptions (i.e. adoptions effected in Ireland, regardless of where the adopted person was born). The register is called the Adopted Children Register. An index to the register is maintained and can be searched by any person. Any person may obtain a copy of any entry in the register. The legislation also provides for an index linking the birth entry in the register of births (in the case of an Irish-born adopted person) with the entry in the Adopted Children Register. Information from this index may not be given to any person except by order of a court or the Adoption Board. I am aware that the treatment of adopted persons in this regard differs from the rest of the population but consideration of this issue must take place in the context of the complex legal, ethical and constitutional issues arising from the need to fairly balance the rights of all parties to the adoption process.
Medical Cards.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:186 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a medical card will issue to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16493/10]
I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:187 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a medical card will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16497/10]
I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
Health Services.
Mary Upton
Question:188 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans for a Health Service Executive home help service (details supplied); if her attention has been drawn to the fact that employees have been informed by the home help service that they are forced to implement cuts in home help services with effect from the 6 April 2010; her views on the impact this decision will have on both workers and the community; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16501/10]
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.
Hospital Services.
James Bannon
Question:189 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Longford will have a surgical procedure carried out at Tullamore Hospital, County Offaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16504/10]
I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
James Bannon
Question:190 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Longford will have a surgical procedure carried out at Tullamore Hospital, County Offaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16505/10]
I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
James Bannon
Question:191 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Longford will have a surgical procedure carried out at Tullamore Hospital, County Offaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16506/10]
I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
James Bannon
Question:192 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Longford will have a surgical procedure carried out at Tullamore Hospital, County Offaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16507/10]
I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:193 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in Dublin 14 will receive a hospital appointment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16510/10]
I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
Medical Cards.
Michael Ring
Question:194 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when a medical card will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [16511/10]
I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
Hospital Waiting Lists.
James Bannon
Question:195 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Longford will be called for an appointment with a consultant neurologist at Tallaght Hospital, Dublin 24; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16519/10]
I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
Questions Nos. 196 and 197 answered with Question No. 179.
Nursing Home Services.
Catherine Byrne
Question:198 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of public beds available in nursing homes in the Dublin 8, 10 and 12 areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16532/10]
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.
National Lottery Funding.
Willie O'Dea
Question:199 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will respond favourably to a request for lottery funding by a club (details supplied) in County Limerick in view of the work carried out and the number of elderly people involved. [16542/10]
An application for funding from the 2010 National Lottery allocation has been received from Limerick Senior Citizens Club towards its ongoing running costs. This is one of a large number currently being assessed by my Department. The Deputy will be informed of the outcome of the application as soon as a decision has been made.
Special Educational Needs.
Michael Noonan
Question:200 Deputy Michael Noonan asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that an allocation made to a school (details supplied) in County Limerick is inadequate and that on its present spending profile funds will run out in October 2010; if her further attention has been drawn to the fact that further staff cutbacks are not possible; if she will provide the school with the necessary additional funds it requires; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16682/10]
I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
Nursing Home Services.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:201 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children the facts regarding the non-statutory report into the death of a person (details supplied) at Leas Cross Nursing Home, County Dublin; if she will request a copy of this report and place it before the Houses of the Oireachtas in view of the fact that the family of this person have been asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement in relation to its contents by the Health Service Executive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16685/10]
The Health Service Executive engaged Conor Dignam, BL, to carry out the Non-Statutory Inquiry referred to by the Deputy. I understand the Inquiry's initial report was delivered to the HSE in October 2009. Following the receipt of late submissions from a number of parties the Inquiry was asked by the HSE to consider them in the context of the report. I understand that the report was subsequently finalised and delivered to the HSE on 12 March 2010.
While the question of dissemination of the report is a matter for the Executive some issues of concern were expressed in relation to its wider publication and the HSE's legal advisors have been in contact with the legal advisors for the parties affected by the publication of the report in relation to its release. This process has yet to be resolved. However, once this is completed the report will be released to the interested parties.
Prescription Charges.
Liz McManus
Question:202 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans, if any, to change the policy of charging 50 cent for each item on prescriptions in view of the hardship this is causing persons who have long-term illnesses — for example, diabetes — who might have ten different medications to take; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16687/10]
As announced in the Budget last December, in order to address rising costs in both the GMS and Long Term Illness schemes, and to influence to some degree demand and prescribing patterns, a 50 cent charge per prescription item is to be introduced, subject to a monthly ceiling of €10 per family. The full details of the prescription charges are being worked out and will be set out in new legislation which is required to give effect to their introduction. This new legislation will be brought forward in the current Dáil session.
Hospital Services.
John O'Mahony
Question:203 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be called for a CAT scan to Mayo General Hospital. [16697/10]
I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. However, I would like to advise the Deputy that the scheduling of patients for hospital treatment is a matter for the consultant concerned in each case and is determined on the basis of clinical need. Should the patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he/she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant involved.
Question No. 204 answered with Question No. 150.
Medical Cards.
Michael Ring
Question:205 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will investigate the lack of synchronisation between the Health Service Executive medical card lists and the national primary care reimbursement service list in view of the fact that some patients with valid medical cards are not on the PCRS list; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16722/10]
I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
Joe Costello
Question:206 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7; if she will expedite the processing of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16738/10]
I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
Hospital Services.
Joe McHugh
Question:207 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of patients from County Donegal who are awaiting breast reconstruction services at University College Hospital, Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16739/10]
Joe McHugh
Question:208 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children if patients can avail of breast reconstruction services through the National Treatment Purchase Fund; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16740/10]
Joe McHugh
Question:209 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children if it is possible to have a Galway-based Health Service Executive consultant working at Letterkenny General Hospital once a month to perform plastic surgeries; if she will examine this possibility with a view towards delivery; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16741/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 207 to 209, inclusive, together.
Under the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP), there are four managed cancer control networks and eight cancer centres. The designation of cancer centres aims to ensure that patients receive the highest quality care while at the same time allowing local access to services, where appropriate. University Hospital Galway (UHG) and the Midwestern Regional Hospital, Limerick, are the two cancer centres in the Managed Cancer Control Network for the HSE West. Initial breast cancer diagnostic and surgical services for the HSE West region are now provided at these two centres or at Letterkenny General Hospital under an outreach service provided from UHG in conjunction with staff at Letterkenny. Breast reconstruction surgery is not provided at Letterkenny. Women in the area requiring breast reconstruction undergo this surgery at UHG.
Due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive, it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested by the Deputy in regard to the delivery of services. However, I can state that area of residence has no impact on access to breast reconstruction surgical services at Galway. The National Treatment Purchase Fund arranges treatment for patients who have been on a surgical waiting list, including breast reconstruction, for more than three months. It is open to such patients or anyone acting on their behalf to contact the NTPF directly in relation to their case.
Róisín Shortall
Question:210 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Question No. 188 of 9 March 2010, when a reply will issue. [16754/10]
I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
Health Services.
Róisín Shortall
Question:211 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Question No. 239 of 30 March 2010, when a reply will issue. [16758/10]
I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
Róisín Shortall
Question:212 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Question No. 226 of 2 March 2010, when a reply will issue. [16759/10]
I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
Magdalene Laundries.
Michael Kennedy
Question:213 Deputy Michael Kennedy asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will respond to a letter from Justice For Magdalenes, first submitted on 8 February and again on 29 March 2010; if she will clarify her Department’s role in transferring women from State-funded mother and baby homes into Magdalene laundries as outlined in the Department of Local Government and Public Health Annual Report, 1932, and paying capitation grants in the amount of £9.90 per week for problem girls confined at an institution (details supplied) in Dublin 9 as late as 1972; if similar capitation grants were paid to other similar convent institutions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16796/10]
I met with a delegation from the Justice for Magdalenes group recently, together with officials from the HSE and from my Department. The HSE has undertaken to make inquiries regarding the various matters which have been raised by the group with regard to the role of the health boards. I will revert to the group on the completion of those inquiries.
Health Services.
Finian McGrath
Question:214 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 17. [16814/10]
I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
Nursing Home Subventions.
Sean Sherlock
Question:215 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of fair deal applicants; the average processing time for applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16818/10]
I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
Health Services.
Paul Connaughton
Question:216 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway is not in receipt of physiotherapy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16826/10]
I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
Hospital Waiting Lists.
Willie Penrose
Question:217 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath will be admitted for a surgical procedure in view of the fact the person has been on the waiting list for the past three years; if the person can be placed on the list for the National Treatment Purchase Fund to have the procedure expedited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16833/10]
I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course. The National Treatment Purchase Fund arranges treatment for patients who have been on a surgical waiting list for more than three months. It is open to the person in question or anyone acting on their behalf to contact the Fund directly in relation to their case.
Question No. 218 answered with Question No. 162.
Hospital Services.
Jimmy Devins
Question:219 Deputy Jimmy Devins asked the Minister for Health and Children when the carrying out of surveillance mammograms for treated breast cancer patients will resume at Sligo General Hospital; the reasons this service was discontinued despite a promise that these mammograms would continue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16852/10]
Due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive, it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested by the Deputy in regard to the delivery of services. However, I can state that Breast cancer diagnosis and surgery was transferred from Sligo General Hospital to University Hospital Galway (UHG) in August 2009. The National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) intends to continue the provision of follow-up mammography services in Sligo so that women in Sligo will not need to travel to Galway for these services.
The establishment of an outreach service in Sligo requires a radiographer to travel from UHG to undertake the follow-up mammography. The commencement of this service has been delayed. The waiting list for the service was cleared by BreastCheck staff in February who linked with the symptomatic service in UHG. The HSE are working to put arrangements in place for follow-up mammography in Sligo.
Jimmy Devins
Question:220 Deputy Jimmy Devins asked the Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Question No. 456 of 19 January 2010, the reason it will take 15 months before this person will be seen by a consultant and in view of the medical urgency; if this appointment can be expedited. [16853/10]
I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. However, I would like to advise the Deputy that the scheduling of patients for hospital treatment is a matter for the consultant concerned in each case and is determined on the basis of clinical need. Should the patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he/she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant involved. The National Treatment Purchase Fund arranges treatment for patients who have been on a surgical waiting list for more than three months. It is open to the person in question or anyone acting on their behalf to contact the Fund directly in relation to their case
Vaccination Programme.
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:221 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children if the cohort of schoolgirls who were supposed to receive the cervical vaccine this year will now receive it; when vaccination will commence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16866/10]
The public HPV vaccination programme for first year girls in secondary schools will start before the end of this school term. During this calendar year all girls currently in first year will be offered the vaccination.
Health Services.
Pat Breen
Question:222 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to open a drugs treatment centre in Ennis, County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16883/10]
I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
Emmet Stagg
Question:223 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in responding to correspondence (details supplied). [17005/10]
I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible to advise as to when the Executive will be in a position to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
Preschool Services.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:224 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Question No. 257 of 20 April 2010, if her attention has been drawn to the fact that children may start primary school when they are four years of age, not four and a half as indicated in her initial reply; if she will note that a child whose birthday falls between 30 June and 30 August cannot avail of the early childhood care and education scheme unless their parents decide to send them to primary school when they are almost five years of age; if she will consider that a substantial cohort of children are affected by this at present; if she will amend this scheme accordingly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17043/10]
I have responsibility for implementing the free Pre-School Year in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) scheme, which was introduced in January this year. In my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 257 on 20 April 2010 I stated that the majority of children commence primary school between the ages of 4 years and 6 months and 5 years and 6 months. It is accepted that some parents choose to send their children to primary school at an earlier age and the ECCE scheme allows for children to attend the pre-school year and still commence primary school when they are just over 4 years and 2 months of age.
The ECCE scheme takes cognisance of the variation in school admission policies in regard to the age at which children may enter primary school. As a result, the qualifying age range extends to nearly a 17 month period i.e. children eligible for admission this January were born between 2 February 2005 and 30 June 2006. Provision is also made for children to qualify at a later age if this is necessary to meet a particularly high age requirement in local primary schools or if they have special needs which make enrolment at a later age more appropriate.
It is necessary to the objectives of the ECCE scheme that appropriate age-related early learning activities are provided to children in their pre-school year. The scheme must remain sufficiently targeted to ensure the best delivery of pre-school education and, therefore, it is not proposed to extend the eligibility age range beyond that currently provided for.
Air Services.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:225 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the discussion he has had with Irish airlines regarding the impact of the closure of air space caused by the volcanic ash cloud; if he has received requests for State aid as a result of the closure of air space; the details of the meeting he had with European Transport Ministers on 19 April 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16372/10]
Officials from my Department and the Irish Aviation Authority met representatives from the four main Irish air airlines on the morning of Wednesday 21 April to discuss the response to the recent severe disruption of air services. The cooperation of the airlines with the IAA and European regulatory authorities during the crisis was acknowledged. It was noted that the IAA and their UK counterparts had sanctioned the resumption of full services on a phased basis in all Irish and UK airspace to Europe, North America and the UK from 9pm the previous evening, Tuesday 20th April.
The airlines indicated that it would take a number of days before full services could resume. They indicated that the priority that day was the re-positioning of aircraft and crews but advised that passengers would be kept informed of revised flight arrangements through the normal information channels and that additional services would be made available on a number of routes in an effort to clear the backlog of disrupted passengers.
With regard to passenger rights, the Department reminded the airlines of their obligations under Regulation (EC) 261/2004. In was noted that the exemption provisions for "extraordinary circumstances" applies only to the compensation provisions of the Regulation. Airlines still have a duty to provide appropriate care and assistance for passengers, as specified in the Regulation.
I have not received any requests for State aid arising from the closure of airspace. EU Transport Ministers held a meeting by video/audio conference on Monday 19th April to discuss the airspace closure. On the basis of a recommendation agreed unanimously by the national authorities of the 38 Members of Eurocontrol, Ministers agreed to intensify European co-ordination and risk assessment of airspace management resulting in the introduction of new measures with effect from Tuesday 20th April based on the designation of zones based on ash concentration levels which would allow for the progressive and co-ordinated opening of European Airspace.
The Irish Aviation Authority, in conjunction with the Civil Aviation Authority of the UK, sanctioned the resumption of full service on a phased basis in all Irish and UK airspace from 9 p.m. on Tuesday 20th April, following the EU Transport Ministers meeting and further assessment of the impacts, including discussions with aircraft engine manufacturers.
Departmental Programmes.
Paul Connaughton
Question:226 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding an application by Loughrea, County Galway under the smarter travel competition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16485/10]
Loughrea is one of 11 areas nationwide that have been shortlisted for Stage 2 of the National Competition for Smarter Travel Areas. The Loughrea Stage 1 bid is available for Members and the public to view on the smarter travel website www.smartertravel.ie. All Stage 2 bids are to be submitted by Friday April 30th. A selection panel will convene in mid-May to adjudicate, and following consideration of the recommendations I hope to announce the successful bids in June.
Departmental Agencies.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:227 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if the National Transport Authority has responsibility for raising its own funds for capital spending projects; if he or his Department provides any such funding; if he or his Department has any responsibility for the prioritisation of such spending; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16695/10]
My Department provides Exchequer capital funding to the National Transport Authority (NTA) for public transport investment in the Greater Dublin Area. It is a matter for the Authority itself to decide on the detailed allocation of this funding to individual projects and programmes in line with the overall broad strategic investment priorities set out by Government from time to time. The Government has also decided that Metro North and elements of the DART Underground programme should be procured as unitary payment PPPs.
Departmental Expenditure.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:228 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which he or his Department provides funding to Iarnród Éireann for capital expenditure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16696/10]
My Department provides capital funding directly to Iarnród Éireann for the Railway Safety Programme and rail projects outside the Greater Dublin Area such as Cork Suburban Rail and the Western Rail Corridor. In addition my Department provides Exchequer capital funding to the National Transport Authority (NTA) for public transport investment in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA). It is a matter for the Authority itself to prioritise this funding including in respect of Iarnród Éireann's capital expenditure in the GDA.
Airport Development Projects.
Pat Breen
Question:229 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Transport the efforts being made to resolve a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16841/10]
As the Deputy will be aware the Preclearance facilities at Shannon Airport became operational for commercial aircraft on 5 August 2009 and for private aircraft on 1 March this year. I understand from the Shannon Airport Authority (SAA) that airline and passenger feedback of the facility to date has been very positive. When it was brought to my attention that there was a difficulty with the type of private aircraft that could avail of the preclearance facility my officials contacted the US authorities and I wrote to Ms. Janet Napolitano, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security seeking her assistance in resolving the matter. I am fully aware of the critical importance that aviation preclearance has for Shannon Airport and will continue to support the Airport Authority in helping to resolve this issue.
Air Services.
Pat Breen
Question:230 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Transport in view of the recent volcanic ash crisis, which resulted in airports closing down across Europe and the knock-on financial implications for airlines, and in further view of the importance of air travel to Ireland as an island nation, his plans to develop a long-term strategic vision for aviation in Ireland, with particular reference to the difficulties faced by airports such as Shannon Airport; if he will put a team in place to draw up this plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16842/10]
The recent closure of most of European airspace arising from the volcanic ash cloud was unprecedented. The event has had a severe impact on passengers, airlines, airports and on the European economy more generally. EU Transport Ministers held a meeting by video/audio conference on Monday 19th April to discuss the airspace closure. Discussions that day focussed on safety and airspace management issues in order to achieve a progressive and co-ordinated reopening of European airspace. The measures agreed were put into effect on Tuesday 20th April allowing for a phased resumption of services across Europe.
Any actions taken to deal with the impact of the crisis must be taken on a pan-European level. To this end, the Spanish Presidency has scheduled an extraordinary meeting of Transport Ministers for 4th May to discuss areas for actions resulting from the crisis. Among the issues that will be examined are the current European regulatory framework, the economic impact of the crisis and response to it, the application of air passenger rights and future crisis management.
Rural Transport Services.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:231 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the estimated number of transport providers participating in the rural transport initiative annually for the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17034/10]
Pobal administers the Rural Transport Programme (RTP) on behalf of my Department. 36 rural community transport groups are being funded for the provision of transport services in their rural areas. I understand from Pobal that while a small number of the services are operated by the groups themselves, some 300 private transport operators are contracted by the groups on a competitive tendering basis, to deliver the vast bulk of the transport services.
Vetting of Personnel.
Brian Hayes
Question:232 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3 has to wait for their Garda clearance to be approved in view of the fact that they completed their previous job in this field prior to Christmas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16358/10]
The Garda Central Vetting Unit (GCVU) provides employment vetting for a large number of organisations in Ireland registered with the Gardaí for this purpose and which employ persons in a full-time, part-time, voluntary or training capacity to positions where they would have substantial, unsupervised access to children and/or vulnerable adults.
I should clarify for the Deputy that it is not the role of the Garda Síochána in the employment vetting process to give clearance to persons for employment. Rather, in response to a written request for vetting, the GCVU releases the factual criminal history information in respect of the person concerned to the prospective recruiting organisation. These applications are made by recruiting organisations with the consent of the person involved in respect of a particular post or employment. Decisions on the suitability for the recruitment/engagement of the person concerned rest at all times, as they rightly should, with the recruiting organisation. I have sought further information from the Deputy with regard to the individual to whom he refers and when that information is to hand it will be possible to seek an update from the Garda authorities on the application in question.
Visa Applications.
Mary Upton
Question:233 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the average processing times for citizens from each of the following countries (details supplied) obtaining holiday visas from Ireland in each of the last five years; the number of visas issued to each country, in tabular form; if there are plans to improve the efficiency of the visa process in order to encourage tourism from these emerging markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16844/10]
My Department processes visas for non-EEA nationals who are visa required. All types of visa applications are typically processed in the country where the visa applicant resides rather than in their country of citizenship. Also, it is not possible to distinguish between visas granted for holiday purposes as opposed to other short stay visas such as visits to family and friends. Regarding processing times for visa applications, in our dedicated overseas offices in some of the countries mentioned (China, Russia and India), all types of visit visa applications including holiday-type visas are processed typically in two to three weeks (often less for non-complicated applications). Visit visas processed and granted in Saudi Arabia are typically granted under delegated sanction by staff of the Department of Foreign Affairs based in the Irish Embassy in Riyadh.
It is not possible at this time to provide the statistical information requested by the Deputy in the format requested. The information sought by the Deputy will be provided at a later date. The procedure for the issuing of such holiday visas to individuals wishing to travel to Ireland is reviewed on an ongoing basis including the consideration with regards to risk assessment and processing arrangements.
Prison Service Staff.
Emmet Stagg
Question:234 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will clarify the position in relation to the requirements of successful candidates for employment as prison officers to have their leaving certificate; and if it is possible for a candidate who does not have a leaving certificate to qualify for a position as a prison officer when they hold a national craft certificate at FETAC 6 level. [16848/10]
In the most recent recruitment campaign for appointment as a Recruit Prison Officer in the Irish Prison Service, to be eligible for selection it was required that candidates have obtained,
(a) a minimum of five subjects in the Leaving Certificate Established examination or Irish Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme, or
(b) the Merit Grade in the Applied Leaving Certificate programme, or
(c) like grades which are equivalent to those outlined at (a) and (b) above in another examination or assessment of a kind, that in the opinion of the Public Appointments Service is not of a lower standard than the above. Acceptable standards of English and/or Irish are required in each case.
To determine whether a National Craft Certificate at FETAC level 6 is an acceptable alternative to the Leaving Certificate, the subject matter of the FETAC award would need to be considered in order to ascertain whether the broad requirement of five subjects, including English and/or Irish, is met.
Employment Rights.
Willie Penrose
Question:235 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to introduce paternity leave along the lines available in other European countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16849/10]
The question of the introduction of a statutory entitlement to paternity leave was examined in 2002 by a Working Group, membership of which included Government Departments and the Social Partners. The Working Group could not reach consensus on the issue. However, my Department has continued to examine the issue as part of an overall review of maternity, parental and paternity leave and has received submissions on this from the Social Partners and other interested parties.
Citizenship Applications.
Pat Breen
Question:236 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16332/10]
A valid application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in August 2007 and I decided in my absolute discretion to grant a certificate of naturalisation. The person in question was informed of this decision in a letter issued to him on 4 March, 2010. A certificate of naturalisation will issue to the person concerned in the near future.
Court Procedures.
Finian McGrath
Question:237 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will support a matter (details supplied). [16337/10]
As the Deputy may be aware, as part of its Third Programme of Law Reform 2008 — 2014, the Law Reform Commission recently published a Consultation Paper on Jury Service. The Commission has invited submissions on the paper and its provisional recommendations from interested parties by 31st May 2010. I look forward to the outcome of the public consultation process and will consider the matter further upon publication of the Commission’s final report and recommendations.
Prison Staff.
Charles Flanagan
Question:238 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the cost of prison to court escorts in each of the years 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16359/10]
I am informed by the Director General of the Irish Prison Service that precise details of the cost of prisoner escorts for the purposes of court appearances are not readily available. Due to the volume of escorts which took place over the periods in question, including court escorts, inter prison transfers, hospital escorts, etc., it would not be possible to calculate the costs requested without an inordinate amount of manual checking of records by the Irish Prison Service.
In late 2005, the Prison Service Escorts Corps (PSEC) was established on an independent basis within the Irish Prison Service to provide a prisoner escorting service. Provided below are the costs of running PSEC, including payroll, in each of the years requested. These figures include the costs of court escorts, but also include the cost of escorts carried out for other reasons. It should be noted that in instances where PSEC do not have the resources to carry out particular escorts, resources, including staff, will be provided by the relevant prison at its own cost and these costs are not included.
|
Year |
Costs of Prison Service Escort Corps |
|
€M |
|
|
2006 |
9.7 |
|
2007 |
14.6 |
|
2008 |
14.4 |
|
2009 |
12.2 |
The relatively low figure for 2006 reflects the gradual growth in PSEC escort activity throughout its first year of operation. Figures to date for 2010 are not yet available.
Internet Security.
Leo Varadkar
Question:239 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has had investigations made into the possibility of Internet blocking, blocking file-sharing sites; if legislation will be required; the person who will decide which sites should be blocked; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16421/10]
I should advise the Deputy that the Office for Internet Safety (OIS) is an Executive Office within the Department of Justice and has responsibility for promoting internet safety, with a particular focus on combating child abuse imagery, more commonly known as child pornography. The OIS is advised by an Internet Safety Advisory Council, comprised of key stakeholders in the statutory, industry and community sectors.
In a number of EU Member States (the UK, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden and the Netherlands), a system of internet blocking/filtering has been introduced on a voluntary basis, whereby a "blocklist" of sites containing illegal child pornography is made available by the police or other competent authorities, and is utilised by individual Internet Service Providers to prevent access to such content. A small number of other Member States (Germany, France) have introduced or are considering the introduction of legislation requiring ISPs to block access to websites containing child pornography. It is generally acknowledged that all such internet blocking or filtering systems are not foolproof and can be circumvented in certain circumstances. However, such filtering systems are understood to be useful in preventing internet users from inadvertently encountering such illegal content.
Insofar as the Department of Justice is aware, standard internet service providers (ISPs) in Ireland do not currently implement any blocking/filtering system in respect of child pornography at present. This whole issue of such blocking/filtering is being considered further by the Office for Internet Safety with advice from the Internet Safety Advisory Council. In undertaking research to develop policy advice in this area, the Office for Internet Safety has had discussions with a variety of relevant interests in relation to issues pertinent to the consideration of the possibility or feasibility of introducing internet filtering, specifically in respect of illegal child pornography content, in Ireland.
However, I should make it clear that no decisions have been arrived at national level on this issue of internet filtering/blocking of websites containing child pornography material. Any proposals for the introduction of such a system would need, at the very least, to be submitted to the Government for consideration. Indeed it is possible that the introduction of any such system, particularly if on a mandatory basis, might require the introduction of primary legislation.
Closed Circuit Television Systems.
Richard Bruton
Question:240 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if there are protocols prepared by his Department which would allow residents groups to set up closed circuit television schemes for their area when there are persistent problems of anti-social behaviour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16446/10]
Section 38 of the Garda Síochána Act, 2005 provides a legislative basis for the operation of closed circuit television in public places. Detailed guidelines and a Code of Practice for Community Based CCTV Systems are available on my Department's website —www.justice.ie.
Departmental Communications.
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:241 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the special e-mail address Inis Oireachtas Mail service will be operational again; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16473/10]
I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that the Email address referred to by the Deputy continues to be operational for the receipt of queries from Members of the Oireachtas. However, due to the ongoing industrial dispute it is not possible to respond to such requests for the present. As soon as the dispute is resolved, it is planned that the full service will resume immediately thereafter.
Vetting of Personnel.
Alan Shatter
Question:242 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Irish citizens who are required by a prospective employer located and registered outside this State to provide proof of no convictions in this State cannot currently obtain such proof from An Garda Síochána or any other State agency for the purposes of obtaining employment and that this situation is causing difficulty for some Irish citizens in securing employment abroad; the action he has taken or proposes taking to address this difficulty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16475/10]
The Garda Central Vetting Unit (GCVU) provides employment vetting for a large number of organisations in Ireland registered with the Gardaí for this purpose and which employ persons in a full-time, part-time, voluntary or training capacity to positions where they would have substantial, unsupervised access to children and/or vulnerable adults. The vetting service is also conducted for fostering and for the Adoption Board. This vetting service does not and does not purport to operate in respect of general employments. The priority focus has been and remains on enhancing protection for children and vulnerable adults. There are no plans at present to make the employment vetting services of the GCVU available to the generality of employments or employees or for personal reference purposes.
Children in Care.
Alan Shatter
Question:243 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the protocol, if any, in existence regarding communications between An Garda Síochána and the Health Service Executive in relation to children in the care of the HSE who go missing; if copies of any such protocols will be furnished to this Deputy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16522/10]
A joint protocol between An Garda Síochána and the Health Service Executive on missing children was signed by the Garda Commissioner and the Chief Executive of the HSE on 22 April 2009. The joint protocol sets out the roles and responsibilities of both agencies in relation to children missing from care. I am informed by the Garda authorities that an important feature of the protocol is the establishment of a Garda liaison role with the HSE care placements at a local level. The local liaison role includes a mechanism to identify children in care who are reported missing frequently and to escalate the responsibility for them to an appropriate level of authority in both organisations. The joint protocol document is an operational document between An Garda Síochána and the HSE, and consequently the issue of my furnishing a copy to the Deputy does not arise.
Residency Permits.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:244 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16554/10]
I refer the Deputy to my detailed Reply to his earlier Parliamentary Question, No. 704 of Tuesday, 3 November 2009, and the written Reply to that Question. The position in the State of the person concerned now falls to be considered for Subsidiary Protection in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006) and this application is under consideration at present. When consideration of this application has been completed, the person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome.
In the event that the application for Subsidiary Protection is refused, the position in the State of the person concerned will then be decided by reference to the provisions of Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. All representations submitted will be considered before the file is passed to me for decision. Once a decision has been made, this decision and the consequences of the decision will be conveyed in writing to the person concerned.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:245 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16555/10]
The first named person concerned applied for asylum on 2 February 2005. In accordance with Section 9 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended), he was entitled to remain in the State until his application for asylum was decided. His asylum application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Arising from the refusal of his asylum application, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the first named person concerned was notified, by letter dated 30 September 2005, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why a Deportation Order should not be made against him.
Representations have been received on behalf of the first named person concerned and these representations will be fully considered, under Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement, before the file is passed to me for decision. Once a decision has been made, this decision and the consequences of the decision will be conveyed in writing to the person concerned. If an asylum application has been made in respect of the second named person, the Deputy will of course be aware that it is not the practice to comment on asylum applications that are pending.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:246 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if stamp four will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16556/10]
Long Term Residency is granted on the basis that a non-EEA national has completed five years legal residency in the State on work permit / work authorisation / working visa conditions. Residency is calculated from the corresponding Stamp 1 or Stamp 4 endorsements in an applicant's passport and not by the dates of commencement and expiry of each work permit. Periods of time where a person has not had legal residency cannot be counted in any application for long term residency.
It should be noted that dependants of applicants who have been successfully granted Long Term Residency can apply for Long Term Residency but will only be granted a Stamp 3 (Dependants Stamp) for 5 years. In order to apply for Long Term Residency as a Dependant, the applicant must be legally resident in the State as a dependant for the required 60 months. This particular long term permission does not grant an exemption from employment permit requirements to any such dependants. While applications for Long Term Residency are under consideration, the person concerned should ensure that their permission to remain in the State is kept up to date. Officials in the Long Term Residency Section of my Department inform me that there is no record of an application from the person in question.
Misuse of Drugs.
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Question:247 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the plans in place to tackle the selling of dangerous substances to human health in head shops; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16665/10]
I intend to bring proposals to Government shortly for its consideration to make it a criminal offence to supply unregulated psychotropic substances for human use. I am also examining how appropriate powers could be given to the Gardaí and the courts to prevent head shops and other such outlets from selling these products by way of appropriate prohibition orders. My proposals are in addition to the proposals of the Minister for Health and Children to introduce regulations placing controls on certain psychotropic substances for sale in head shops.
In addition to this An Garda Síochána is co-ordinating a national strategic approach to ensure that ‘headshops' do not breach the Misuse of Drugs Acts by selling any banned substances and where appropriate, for proceedings to be considered for any such breaches. The Garda National Drug Unit in conjunction with District and Divisional drug units are continuing to monitor these outlets and the substances they sell. In a number of cases substances have been seized which are subject of forensic analysis and Investigation Files have also been submitted to the Law Officers.
Services for People with Disabilities.
David Stanton
Question:248 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, further to Parliamentary Question No. 488 of 20 April 2010, the responsibilities of his Department in respect of formulating, implementing and overseeing policy in relation to disability issues and the national disability strategy; if he and his Department will retain these responsibilities following the recent reconfiguration of Government Departments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16693/10]
As indicated in my response to Question No. 205 of 18 November 2009 from the Deputy, the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform co-ordinates Government policy on the National Disability Strategy and provides the Secretariat to both the Senior Officials Group on Disability and the National Disability Strategy Stakeholder Monitoring Group. The Department of the Taoiseach chairs both Groups. And, as indicated by An Taoiseach in the House on 23 March 2010, the responsibilities of my Department in relation to disability are being transferred to the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs. The necessary Transfer of Departmental Administration and Ministerial Functions Order will be made by the Government in the near future.
Citizenship Applications.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:249 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for citizenship in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16694/10]
Officials in the Citizenship Division of my Department inform me that there is no record of an application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person concerned.
Criminal Prosecutions.
Finian McGrath
Question:250 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will support a matter (details supplied). [16706/10]
This matter has been through the courts and a conviction recorded. The court also ordered compensation to be paid, and I understand this was done. I am also informed that subsequent civil proceedings were settled before coming to court. If there are concerns about possible offences which may not have been investigated, then the matters in question should be reported to the Gardaí.
Where an offence is disclosed, the matter is investigated by An Garda Síochána and an investigation file prepared for the law officers, who, in the exercise of their independent role, determine the matter of criminal charges against any person. As the Deputy is aware, the courts are, subject only to the Constitution and the law, independent in the exercise of their judicial functions, and it is not open to me to comment on or intervene in any way in the conduct of, or decision in, any individual court case.
Citizenship Applications.
Pat Rabbitte
Question:251 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will review his decision not to grant naturalisation to a person (details supplied) in Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16750/10]
A valid application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in April 2008 and I decided in my absolute discretion not to grant a certificate of naturalisation. The person concerned was informed of this decision in a letter issued to him on 3 February, 2009. There is no appeals process under the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 1956, as amended. It is open to the person in question to lodge a new application for a certificate of naturalisation with the Citizenship Division of my Department at any time.
Residency Permits.
Michael Ring
Question:252 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a person (details supplied) can apply for a scheme in view of a letter which was submitted to his Department. [16752/10]
I have been informed by officials in the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that the closing date for the scheme referred to by the Deputy was 31 December 2009. I have been advised that the person in question would not have been eligible for consideration under that scheme as she was not an undocumented worker. However, I understand that the person referred to is being afforded the opportunity to regularise her status in the State and officials from INIS will be in touch with this person shortly.
Misuse of Drugs.
Mary Upton
Question:253 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to any banned or illegal substances being detected in head shops; if such substances were detected, the action that was taken arising from such findings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16829/10]
I am advised by the Garda Commissioner that he has tasked D/Chief Superintendent, Garda National Drugs Unit to co-ordinate a national strategic approach to ensure that ‘headshops' do not breach the Misuse of Drugs Acts by selling any banned substances and where appropriate, for proceedings to be considered for any such breaches. The Garda National Drug Unit in conjunction with District and Divisional drug units are continuing to monitor these outlets and the substances they sell. In a number of cases substances have been seized which are subject of forensic analysis and Investigation Files have also been submitted to the Law Officers.
Citizenship Applications.
Willie Penrose
Question:254 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will expedite an application for naturalisation by a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16835/10]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question 109 on 22 April, 2010. The position remains as stated.
Crime Levels.
Joanna Tuffy
Question:255 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of crimes recorded in the area of Knockcommon and the surrounding townlands in County Meath; the number of gardaí assigned to the area by number of hours each week; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16864/10]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that as of 28 February 2010, the latest date for which figures are readily available, the personnel strength of Meath Garda Division was 312. I am further informed that for security and operational reasons it is Garda policy not to disclose the number of personnel on duty at any specific time. The allocation of policing resources throughout the country, including personnel, together with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy, is a matter for the Garda Commissioner and senior Garda Officers. Such allocations are continually monitored and reviewed, and this ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the general public.
The Garda Síochána Act 2005 makes provision for the compilation and publication of crime statistics by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose. I have requested the CSO to provide statistics directly to the Deputy.
Garda Deployment.
Joanna Tuffy
Question:256 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí assigned to Duleek Garda station, County Meath; the number of hours the station is open every week; the number of gardaí in towns of similar size; the number of hours per week the stations are open in towns of similar size; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16865/10]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the personnel strength and the opening hours of Duleek Garda Station as at 28 February 2010, the latest date for which figures are readily available is set out in the following table.
|
Strength |
Monday – Friday |
Saturday |
Sunday |
|
2 |
10.00 – 13.00, 18.00 – 21.00 |
10.00 – 13.00 |
12.00 – 13.00 |
The allocation of policing resources including personnel, in Duleek and towns of a similar size throughout the country, together with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy, is a matter for the Garda Commissioner and senior Garda Officers. Resource levels are constantly monitored, in conjunction with crime trends, population and other demands made on An Garda Síochána and the situation is kept under continuing review.
Human Rights Issues.
Chris Andrews
Question:257 Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the potential accession of Israel to the OECD; if he will provide assurance that Israel’s proposed accession to the OECD is considered by him in the context of OECD principles, international law obligations, as well as the Middle East peace process efforts; his further views on the fact that Israeli accession to the OECD should not be considered until such point as when there is a demonstrable improvement in its commitment to human rights and international law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16331/10]
I draw the Deputy's attention to a reply to a written Parliamentary Question No. 151 which I provided on Wednesday, 21 April 2010 and to confirm that the situation concerning this matter has not changed in the intervening days. The text of my reply to Parliamentary Question 16000/10 is attached below, for ease of reference: "The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has periodically enlarged its membership since its foundation with 20 Members, including Ireland, in 1961. It currently has 30 members, with the Slovak Republic the most recent to accede, in 2000. In 2007, the OECD Ministerial Council Meeting decided, by consensus, to open accession discussions with Chile, Estonia, Israel, the Russian Federation and Slovenia.
The OECD accession process involves submission of an initial memorandum (which sets out the country's position on more than 200 OECD legal instruments), technical accession reviews by 22 OECD committees assessing the country's compliance with the OECD acquis (obligations include liberalisation commitments under the OECD investment instruments, adoption of national laws which comply with the requirements of the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention as well as commitments related to environmental policy), and a final decision by the Council of the OECD to invite the candidate country to accede.
An invitation to accede to the OECD is based upon the applicant country's compliance with the Organisation's acquis and does not relate to or imply approval for other actions or policies of that State. An accession agreement with Chile was signed on 11 January of this year and it will accede formally to the Organisation once ratification procedures are completed. It is expected that Slovenia, Estonia and Israel will complete their accession procedures this year. The accession process for Russia is moving at a slower pace and there is no predicted date for completion. In the case of Israel, on the basis of formal opinions and all other relevant technical information, the Secretary-General of the OECD has recommended to the OECD Council that Israel be invited to accede to the Organisation. It is expected that the OECD Council will address this matter over the period ahead.
During the Israeli accession negotiations, the EU has adopted a cohesive approach and plans to issue a common statement at the OECD Council when a decision to formally invite Israel to become a member is taken in the coming weeks. It is anticipated that the EU will note that Israel has taken a number of important steps through the adoption of new legislation, regulations and policy directions in many areas, including anti-corruption, the environment, competition and intellectual property rights.
It is expected that the EU statement will also state that Israel is expected to demonstrate readiness for compliance with the recommendations made by OECD bodies in the accession process and to pursue reforms, especially in areas where implementation periods were granted or where commitments have been undertaken. Taking all requirements of the accession process into consideration it is expected that Ireland will join with the other 29 members of the OECD to formally invite Israel to become a member. We will work with partners in ensuring that Israel fully complies with all the obligations arising from OECD membership."
Passport Applications.
Finian McGrath
Question:258 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will support the case of a person (details supplied). [16343/10]
The passport for the person in question was dispatched on 22 April, 2010.
Billy Timmins
Question:259 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding an application for a passport in respect of a person (details supplied); if this will be issued as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16370/10]
The passport application for the person in question was registered in the Passport Office in London on 31, March 2010. Because of her immediate travel requirements she was provided with an emergency travel certificate to allow her to return to Ireland. Her application was processed in London and a passport was issued on 21 April. The Passport Office in Dublin has been in contact with her and the passport has been dispatched to her at her address in Mayo.
Human Rights Issues.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:260 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the most recent developments in the case of a person (details supplied) who was arrested in Iran on 9 July 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16557/10]
Dr Kian Tajbakhsh is a dual US-Iranian national, arrested in July 2009. Dr. Tajbakhsh's case was heard by an appeals court on 10 February and his sentence was set at five years for a variety of charges linked to the post-election disturbances in Iran. These charges have been strenuously denied by the US government, which has called for his release.
The latest reports from those campaigning for Dr. Tajbakhsh's release are that he was released on bail on 13 March for the Iranian New Year and allowed to return to his family. There have also been unconfirmed reports that Dr. Tajbakhsh was only released after payment of a substantial bail. Dr. Tajbakhsh's release period was further extended in early April. It remains to be seen whether he will be permitted to leave the country.
In a strong statement on Dr. Tajbakhsh's case on 1 December, the EU Presidency reiterated its concerns and described the reports of Dr. Tajbakhsh facing additional charges as "deeply worrying". The EU statement urged Iran to comply with all international and regional human rights instruments which it had ratified, and not least with the relevant articles of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights regarding the right to a fair trial, which is also enshrined in the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The case of Dr. Tajbakhsh, as an American citizen, continues to be dealt with actively by the Swiss Embassy in Tehran, which represents US interests in Iran. Our Embassy in Tehran also continues to monitor closely the case.
Senior officials of my Department have raised Dr. Tajbakhsh's case directly with the Iranian Ambassador to Ireland and have made clear our concerns at his sentencing. We will continue to bring the case of detainees such as Dr. Tajbakhsh to the attention of the Iranian authorities. We will also avail of every opportunity to express our concerns about the marked deterioration of human rights in Iran, both nationally and in an EU and international context.
Diplomatic Representation.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:261 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if a letter of support will issue to a company (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16559/10]
Enterprise Ireland is the State Agency with primary responsibility for providing assistance to Irish companies seeking contracts abroad. The company referred to by the Deputy should be advised to contact their local Enterprise Ireland office to seek guidance from them on this matter.
My Department provides support to Irish companies operating abroad through close cooperation with Enterprise Ireland, to support its activities, and through direct support provided by our Embassies and Consulates abroad. Ireland's diplomatic representation to Ghana is handled by our Embassy in Nigeria, which will be available to provide any possible assistance to the company if it seeks to establish a presence in that country.
Visa Applications.
Pat Breen
Question:262 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has held discussions with the US Government regarding the position of Irish citizens who may have extended their 90 day visitor visa in the United States as a result of the volcanic ash crisis; if so, if the US authorities will facilitate these people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16810/10]
After the Icelandic volcano eruption and the resulting disruption of air travel had given rise to concerns that Irish citizens, through no fault of their own, might enter into overstay status the Embassy in Washington was in communication with the US Department of Homeland Security. The Embassy was advised that remedies were available for those citizens who were about to exceed the authorized stay under either the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) or a visa.
As regards citizens travelling under the Visa Waiver Program, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) were authorised to grant Satisfactory Departure for a traveller stranded at an airport whose VWP admission was about to expire. If the stranded traveller was not at an airport but elsewhere in the country, the traveller would be able to apply for Satisfactory Departure from the local U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office and, if this was granted, the VWP traveller would be allowed to stay in the United States legally for an additional 30 days.
In relation to citizens travelling under a visa, the Embassy was advised that citizens should contact the nearest USCIS office. The Embassy was also advised that the Department of Homeland Security and the Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) had provided their staff with guidance on how to handle such cases.
My Department placed a notice on its website advising citizens concerned that they might overstay in the US as a result of flight disruption to contact either the Department or the US Department of Homeland Security. My Department's Consular Crisis Centre received a number of calls on this matter and was able to advise citizens on their position.
Overseas Development Aid.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:263 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs, further to Parliamentary Question No. 601 of 20 April 2010, if he will provide a breakdown of the purpose of the €8 million provided by Irish Aid to Rwanda since 2007. [16840/10]
Through Irish Aid in the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Government has provided just under €8 million in assistance to Rwanda since 2007. Most of this funding was channelled through development Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs).
Over €4.8 million of the funding was provided through the Irish NGOs, Concern, Trócaire and Christian Aid. Concern has received €2.4 million since 2007 for development programmes focusing on the environment, water, food production and market access, reproductive and child health, nutrition, primary education and HIV and AIDS. Trócaire received over €1.6 million for programmes on human rights, justice, reconciliation, gender based violence and livelihoods. Christian Aid received €840,000 for their programmes on human rights, mediation and reconciliation, gender, HIV and AIDS, and the capacity development of local partners. Other funding was provided for Rwanda as follows:
Ireland contributed €500,000 to the World Food Programme in response to the UN consolidated appeal for Rwanda in 2007. Irish Aid provided €520,000 to Christian Blind Mission for work on disability in Rwanda. Voluntary Service Overseas received just over €500,000 for a teacher placement programme and assistance with the mainstreaming of HIV and AIDS into the Rwandan education curriculum. Health Unlimited received €450,000 for a programme to support the reproductive health of women and young people. Oxfam Ireland received just over €580,000 for peace-building and livelihoods programmes. Save the Children UK received €204,000 for work in child protection and the provision of health care to minors. Minority Rights Group received €188,700 for human rights promotion programmes.
Dublin City YMCA received €60,000 for the provision of clean water access to 7,000 people living in rural Rwandan. Funding of €86,000 was provided to Camara Education, an Irish voluntary organisation which places recycled I.T. equipment in schools, for the Rwandan element of a programme in seven African countries funded by Irish Aid. Finally, Irish Aid provided €42,000 to the Medical Missionaries of Mary to support pre-natal and ante-natal clinics and HIV and AIDS awareness.
Sports Capital Programme.
Mary Upton
Question:264 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if she intends to launch a sports capital programme for 2011; the reasons there has been no programme since 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16419/10]
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 new call for applications for funding has been made since 2008 over 1,550 payments were made in 2009 with a total value of more than €58.7m. For 2010 a provision of €48m has been made to cover the payment of grants allocated under earlier rounds of the programme.
At the start of 2010 there were some 1,900 outstanding grants with a total value of just over €117m. Given the current budgetary situation and the high level of outstanding commitments it was considered prudent to pause prior to announcing the next round of the Programme and no date has been set for the next round of the Programme.
National Library.
Phil Hogan
Question:265 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, further to Parliamentary Question No. 627 of 20 April 2010, the type of technical functions proposed to be merged; the effect that this will have on the respective collections of the institutions in question; the estimated savings from this proposal; the breakdown on the way these savings will be achieved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16689/10]
The types of technical functions that are common to the institutions in question and which will be considered for merger are: Paper Conservation, Digitisation, Collections Management, Exhibitions, Education and Outreach and Maps. It is anticipated that this will have a beneficial effect on the collections of the institutions and it will be easier to exhibit material from the national collections held than is currently the case. While the exact future cost savings are difficult to isolate it is clear that savings can be achieved by this measure.
Swimming Pool Projects.
Mary Upton
Question:266 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when grant aid might be available through her Department to allow the re-opening of the swimming pool programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16729/10]
Under the current round of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme, 45 pools have been opened throughout the country and twelve other projects are at various stages of the Programme. The total expenditure of €142.7m under the Programme from 2000 to the end of 2009 leveraged a total investment of some €400m in swimming pools throughout the country. The allocation of €7.5m in 2010 will be sufficient to meet commitments arising in 2010 under the current round of the Programme. No decision has been taken on the timing of a new round of the Programme.
Sports Capital Programme.
Michael McGrath
Question:267 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position regarding the drawdown of sports capital grants (details supplied) to an organisation in Cork. [16731/10]
The organisation in question has been allocated grants totalling €245,500 under the Sports Capital Programme with €175,000 allocated in 2006 and a further €70,000 in 2007. The club also received a Rapid top-up from the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs of €52,500.
These grant allocations are subject to the terms and conditions of the Programme, which include the execution of a Deed of Covenant and Charge. A Deed provides, inter alia, for a refund of the grant in the event of the facility not continuing to be used for the purpose for which the grant was allocated. The Department’s legal adviser, the Chief State Solicitor’s Office (CSSO), deals with the grantee’s solicitor in executing this Deed. The latest update from the CSSO is that the preparation of the deed is at an advanced stage and is expected to be finalised in the coming weeks.
As soon as the legalities are finalised and upon receipt of a valid tax clearance certificate from the organisation, my Department will be in a position to make a payment of almost €117k on foot of invoices already submitted by the organisation which have been examined and certified by the Department's technical advisers, the OPW.
National Drugs Strategy.
Catherine Byrne
Question:268 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of persons employed in the national advisory committee on drugs; the job titles in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16530/10]
The National Advisory Committee on Drugs currently has a staff complement of 3 people — 1 Director, 1 Higher Executive Officer and 0.6 Clerical Officer. Delays arose in relation to the filling of the Research Officer post in the Committee, against the background of prevailing restrictions on recruitment. The approval of the Department of Finance was recently received to fill the post and it is intended that it will be advertised in the coming weeks.
Catherine Byrne
Question:269 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the progress made on the national advisory committee on drugs overview of psychoactive substances sold in head shops which went out to tender in February 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16531/10]
As the Deputy is aware, the National Advisory Committee on Drugs is undertaking a research project in the areas of Headshops and "Legal Highs". The research will look at new psychoactive substances of natural and synthetic origin and the outlets supplying them. The key objectives of the research project are twofold, namely:
to undertake a review of the products concerned in order to establish what they are supposed to contain and what they actually contain and thereby establish the risk factors associated with consumption of these products; and
to provide an overview and analysis of measures taken in other jurisdictions to restrict psychoactive substances.
Following a recent request for tenders, it is anticipated that a contract will be placed with the preferred bidder to carry out the research in early May. It is expected that the findings of the research will be available by the end of July.
Community Development.
Róisín Shortall
Question:270 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 164 and 165 of 31 March 2010, if he will provide a breakdown of the number of participants by county and by activity. [16744/10]
There are currently 2,600 participant places available under the Rural Social Scheme (RSS). All available places have been allocated and quotas have been assigned to each of the Implementing Bodies who manage the Scheme on my Department's behalf throughout the country. There are eight work measures under which participants under the RSS can undertake activities in their local communities. The Deputy will appreciate that the number of participants on the Scheme varies from week to week and the work undertaken in each county depends on the number of available participants and the specific needs within each community.
The table below sets out the number of participants on the Scheme per county for week ending 23rd April 2010 and the number of participants assigned under each work measure.
|
County |
Maintenance and enhancement of waymarked ways, agreed walks, bog roads etc. |
Energy conservation work for the elderly and the less well off |
Village and countryside enhancement projects |
Social care and care of the elderly, community care for both pre-school and after-school groups |
Environmental maintenance works — maintenance and caretaking of community and sporting facilities |
Projects relating to not for profit cultural and heritage centres |
Community Admin/Clerical Duties |
Any other appropriate community project identified during the course of the Scheme |
Total RSS Participants per County |
|
Carlow |
— |
— |
6.0 |
4.00 |
5.00 |
3.0 |
— |
— |
18 |
|
Cavan |
5.00 |
— |
20.5 |
15.00 |
29.50 |
2.0 |
4.00 |
— |
76 |
|
Clare |
6.00 |
— |
4.5 |
1.00 |
102.50 |
— |
2.00 |
— |
116 |
|
Cork |
30.50 |
4.0 |
42.00 |
29.5 |
49.00 |
11.0 |
9.00 |
3.0 |
178 |
|
Donegal |
42.00 |
4.0 |
47.0 |
11.50 |
103.50 |
5.0 |
9.00 |
— |
222 |
|
Galway |
45.00 |
11.0 |
69.0 |
12.00 |
122.00 |
5.0 |
8.00 |
2.0 |
274 |
|
Kerry |
39.00 |
1.0 |
47.0 |
52.00 |
98.00 |
10.0 |
21.00 |
5.0 |
273 |
|
Kildare |
2.00 |
— |
4.0 |
3.00 |
12.00 |
— |
1.00 |
— |
22 |
|
Kilkenny |
7.00 |
— |
2.0 |
1.00 |
6.00 |
— |
2.00 |
— |
18 |
|
Laois |
2.00 |
— |
8.0 |
1.00 |
10.50 |
2.5 |
— |
— |
24 |
|
Leitrim |
5.00 |
— |
22.0 |
14.00 |
43.00 |
6.0 |
5.00 |
3.0 |
98 |
|
Limerick |
13.50 |
— |
18.0 |
2.00 |
29.00 |
1.5 |
3.00 |
1.0 |
68 |
|
Longford |
7.00 |
2.0 |
9.0 |
5.00 |
10.00 |
15.0 |
5.00 |
2.0 |
55 |
|
Louth |
— |
— |
4.0 |
— |
5.00 |
1.0 |
— |
— |
10 |
|
Mayo |
58.00 |
25.0 |
162.5 |
69.00 |
164.50 |
28.0 |
46.00 |
5.0 |
558 |
|
Meath |
1.00 |
— |
2.5 |
1.00 |
8.00 |
1.5 |
2.00 |
— |
16 |
|
Monaghan |
2.00 |
— |
9.0 |
3.00 |
20.00 |
2.0 |
3.00 |
— |
39 |
|
Offaly |
1.50 |
— |
17.0 |
9.00 |
20.00 |
2.0 |
1.00 |
0.5 |
51 |
|
Roscommon |
12.50 |
— |
45.0 |
15.5 |
57.00 |
7.5 |
5.50 |
1.0 |
144 |
|
Sligo |
9.50 |
6.5 |
31.5 |
17.5 |
38.50 |
8.0 |
8.00 |
4.5 |
124 |
|
Tipperary |
8.75 |
— |
19.0 |
15.25 |
10.75 |
1.0 |
7.25 |
1.0 |
63 |
|
Waterford |
— |
— |
1.0 |
2.00 |
9.00 |
— |
— |
— |
12 |
|
Westmeath |
4.00 |
— |
10.0 |
6.00 |
10.00 |
— |
3.00 |
— |
33 |
|
Wexford |
1.50 |
— |
11.5 |
7.00 |
11.00 |
3.0 |
2.00 |
1.0 |
37 |
|
Wicklow |
3.00 |
— |
2.0 |
0.50 |
14.00 |
— |
0.50 |
— |
20 |
|
Totals |
305.75 |
53.5 |
614.0 |
296.75 |
987.75 |
115.0 |
147.25 |
29.0 |
2,549 |
Anti-Poverty Strategy.
Róisín Shortall
Question:271 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his plans in relation to the proposal by the European Commission that the EU should set a target of reducing poverty by 25% by 2020; and if he will ensure that Ireland actively promotes and advocates the acceptance of this target. [17031/10]
The European Council at its meeting in March 2010 agreed on the inclusion of five headline targets in Europe 2020: A strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. The targets constitute shared objectives guiding the action of the member states and the union on the key areas where action is needed: knowledge and innovation, a more sustainable economy, high employment and social inclusion. The EU poverty targets will be translated into national targets to take account of the differing starting points of member states.
One of the targets is promoting social inclusion, in particular through the reduction of poverty. The purpose of the target is to measure progress in reducing poverty and in ensuring that the benefits of growth and jobs are shared. The Commission proposed a target of reducing poverty in Europe by 25 per cent or 20 million people using the at-risk-of-poverty indicator. The European Council decided that further work is needed on appropriate indicators and will revert to this issue at its June 2010 meeting.
The Irish Government supports the decision to include a poverty target in the European strategy for 2020, but has expressed methodological reservations about the sole use of the ‘at-risk-of-poverty' indicator. Since 1997, the Irish Government has adopted poverty targets as part of its national policy against poverty and for social inclusion. The Irish target is based on a composite poverty measure called ‘consistent poverty'. The measure identifies the percentage of the population which is both below 60 per cent of median income (known as ‘at-risk-of-poverty') and experiencing material deprivation (the enforced lack of two or more basic necessities).
The government target in the National Action Plan for Social Inclusion 2007-2016 is to further reduce consistent poverty to between 2-4 per cent by 2012 and to eliminate it by 2016. The latest results from the EU Survey on Income and Living Conditions (EU-SILC), released in November 2009, which applied to 2008, indicated at that stage that the reductions in poverty were on track to achieve both the 2012 and 2016 targets. It showed that the rate of consistent poverty in the population in 2008 was 4.2 per cent, down from 5.1 per cent in 2007 and 6.5 per cent in 2006.
The EU Social Protection Committee though an expert sub-group is examining the appropriate indicators for an EU poverty target and will make a recommendation to the EPSCO Council on 7/8 June. Officials of the Department are actively participating in these deliberations. The committee's recommendations for appropriate indicators for a poverty target will be considered at the relevant European Council meetings in June.
Social Welfare Benefits.
James Bannon
Question:272 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding an application for a disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16323/10]
Disability Allowance is a weekly allowance paid to people with a specified disability who are aged over 16 and under 66. The disability must be expected to last for at least one year and the allowance is subject to a medical assessment, a means test and a habitual residency test.
The person concerned applied for Disability Allowance on 30 December 2009. His claim was assessed by a Medical Assessor who deemed that he was not medically suitable for Disability Allowance. His means were investigated by a Social Welfare Inspector and he failed to furnish the information requested by the Inspector in order to determine his means. The person's claim was refused by a Deciding Officer on 19 April 2010 on the grounds that he was not medically suitable and that he had failed to show his means did not exceed the statutory limit for receipt of Disability Allowance. A letter issued to the person on 19 April 2010 advising him of this decision and of his right of appeal, within 21 days, to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.
Social Welfare Appeals.
Michael Ring
Question:273 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if an appeal for carer’s allowance will be opened in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [16325/10]
I am informed by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that a form for the opening of an appeal has been forwarded to the person concerned requesting her to state the grounds for her appeal. On receipt of her reply the appeal will be opened and processed in the normal manner.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Pádraic McCormack
Question:274 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his plans to restore entitlements to persons to offset some of the cost of dental treatment from their PRSI contributions; the steps he proposes to take to restore this entitlement to persons who have paid their PRSI contributions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16346/10]
The current budgetary position necessitates the changes made to social welfare benefits, including treatment benefits, in Budget 2010.
As a result from 1st January 2010, treatments available under the optical and dental elements of the scheme are limited to the free examination. There has been no change to the medical appliances element of the scheme. Over 2 million PRSI contributors are eligible for the free dental and optical examination and medical appliance benefit in 2010. In 2009 over 418,000 customers claimed a free dental examination at a cost of over €14 million. In addition 219,000 free eye examinations, at a cost of almost €5.5 million were also provided. There were also 7,500 treatments under the medical appliance scheme, at a cost of over €7.5million. Similar levels of applications can be expected this year. The continued provision of a free examination will allow people to continue to have regular check-ups and help ensure the early detection of disease and other health issues.
While all areas of social welfare expenditure are kept under review, there are no immediate plans to reverse the changes in the current budgetary climate.
Michael Ring
Question:275 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved and paid the one parent family allowance. [16367/10]
The person concerned applied for a one-parent family allowance payment on 18 February, 2010. Her claim is currently with a Social Welfare Inspector for investigation. When all enquiries are completed a decision will be made as soon as possible and she will be notified of the outcome.
Social Welfare Appeals.
Michael Ring
Question:276 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason the decision on an appeal has not been made known to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [16369/10]
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all the evidence, disallowed the appeal of the person concerned. The person concerned was notified of this decision on 22 April 2010. The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Deirdre Clune
Question:277 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will have their application for domiciliary care allowance assessed and approved; when they may expect to receive payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16401/10]
An application was received by the Department on 19th March 2010. This application together with medical reports has been forwarded to one of the Department's Medical Assessors for a medical opinion on the case. Currently applications take approximately eight weeks to process.
Social Welfare Appeals.
Michael Ring
Question:278 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be called for an oral hearing to finalise their carer’s allowance appeal. [16418/10]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that, following receipt of the relevant Departmental papers including comments on the grounds of appeal, the appeal from the person concerned will be referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration. As part of this consideration, the Appeals Officer will decide if an oral hearing is appropriate in this case. The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Leo Varadkar
Question:279 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the savings that would be made from ending payments of one parent family payment, disability allowance, disability benefit and deserted wives benefit to persons participating on community employment schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16460/10]
The Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes in its report published last year estimated that savings from this measure would be €100 million each year when fully implemented. This estimate is based on discontinuing concurrent entitlement to one parent family payment, disability allowance, illness benefit and deserted wife's benefit as well as invalidity pension and widow/er's pensions.
Social Welfare Appeals.
Willie O'Dea
Question:280 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a decision will issue on an appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in Limerick. [16472/10]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that, following receipt of the relevant Departmental papers including comments on the grounds of appeal, the appeal from the person concerned will be referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration. The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:281 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when an appeal on an invalidity pension decision will be heard in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16495/10]
On 8th March 2010, the person concerned was refused Invalidity Pension on the grounds that he was not considered to be permanently incapable of work. He was notified of this decision, the reasons for the decision and of his right of review and appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. To date no appeal has been received by the Social Welfare Appeals Office. Under Social Welfare legislation, decisions in relation to claims must be made by deciding officers and appeals officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in regard to making such decisions
James Bannon
Question:282 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason there has been a delay in the appeal process for carer’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16502/10]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeal from the person concerned has been referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing in the case. The person concerned will be notified when the necessary arrangements have been made.
There has been a 46% increase in the number of appeals received by the Social Welfare Appeals Office in 2009 when compared to 2008, which in itself was 27% greater than the numbers received in 2007. There has been an increase of a further 46% in the number of appeals received in the first quarter of 2010. These increases have caused delays in the processing of appeals. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social and Family Affairs and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
Social Welfare Benefits.
James Bannon
Question:283 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding an application for a jobseeker’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16503/10]
The person applied for jobseeker's allowance on the 23 February 2009, but as he failed to furnish his means to the social welfare investigator his claim was disallowed. He was notified of this decision and of his right of appeal on 7 April 2009. He subsequently appealed this decision. His case is with the Social Welfare Appeals Office and an oral appeal is being scheduled.
James Bannon
Question:284 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding an application for a jobseeker’s allowance by a person (details supplied) in County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16508/10]
The person concerned made an application for jobseeker's allowance on 8 April 2010. The payment of jobseeker's allowance is subject to a means test and, in this regard, his means were found to be in excess of the statutory limits for receipt of that payment. He was notified of this decision and of his right of appeal. To date no notice of appeal has been received by the Department.
Social Welfare Appeals.
Willie O'Dea
Question:285 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a decision will issue on an application to appeal against the refusal of disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [16515/10]
The claim for disability allowance, by the person concerned, was disallowed by a Deciding Officer of the Department on 18 February 2010 following an assessment by a Medical Assessor. An appeal was opened on 21 April 2010 and the Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that, in accordance with statutory requirements, the Department was asked for the documentation in the case and the Deciding Officer's comments on the grounds of the appeal. In that context, an assessment by another Medical Assessor will be carried out. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social and Family Affairs and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Catherine Byrne
Question:286 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the amount of money paid out in rent supplement from January to December 2009; the percentage of single persons and the percentage of married persons of those paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16533/10]
Expenditure on the rent supplement scheme in 2009 was €511m. I have set out a tabular statement of rent supplement recipients by marital status.
|
Coded as: |
Recipients |
% |
|
Single |
54,678 |
58.80 |
|
Married |
19,620 |
21.10 |
|
Separated |
5,311 |
5.70 |
|
Common Law/Cohabiting |
5,103 |
5.50 |
|
Divorced |
3,623 |
3.90 |
|
Deserted |
2,517 |
2.70 |
|
Widowed |
1,426 |
1.50 |
|
Unknown |
499 |
0.50 |
|
Legally Separated |
246 |
0.30 |
|
Unmarried |
5 |
0.00 |
|
Never Married |
2 |
0.00 |
|
Total |
93,030 |
100.00 |
Social Welfare Appeals.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:287 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when disability allowance appeal will be heard in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16558/10]
Disability Allowance is a weekly Allowance paid to people with a specified disability who are aged over 16 and under 66. The disability must be expected to last for at least one year and the allowance is subject to a medical assessment, a means test and a habitual residency test. The person concerned's claimed Disability Allowance was refused by a Deciding Officer on 10 August 2009 on the grounds that he was not Habitually Resident in the State.
The person subsequently appealed this decision. Based on the evidence before them the Appeals Officer decided he was not Habitually Resident in the State and the appeal was disallowed. The person concerned was notified of this decision in writing on 11 February 2010 by the Social Welfare Appeals Office. An Appeal's Officer's decision is final and conclusive in the absence of any fresh facts or evidence.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:288 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will review the cut in disablement pension which affects persons over 65 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16671/10]
Disablement benefit, payable under the Occupational Injuries Scheme, is a compensation payment for loss of faculty arising out of or in the course of insurable employment. Disablement Benefit may be paid as a once off gratuity or in the form of a Disablement Pension which can be payable for life. Weekly rates of primary income support payments to those aged 66 and over were protected from the reductions in welfare rates provided for in Budget 2010. Disablement Pension is a compensation payment not a primary income support payment, so it is not excluded from these budgetary reductions. It should be noted that Disablement Pension is payable in addition to any other Social Welfare payment, including the State (Contributory and Non-Contributory) Pensions. It can also be paid to a person where he or she has returned to work.
Michael Ring
Question:289 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason information (details supplied) was given in respect of a person in County Mayo. [16672/10]
The national fuel allowance scheme assists householders on long-term social welfare or health service executive (HS E) payments with meeting the cost of their heating needs during the winter season. There is an income limit for the fuel allowance. An applicant and members of his/her household may have a combined assessable income of up to €100.00 a week or saving/investments of up to €58,000 above the appropriate maximum contributory rate of old age pension and still qualify for the allowance in the case of non means tested payments. There is no additional means test to qualify for fuel allowance for those already on a long-term means tested payment.
The person concerned applied for the fuel allowance when submitting his application for State Pension Contributory in December 2009. He did not complete the relevant Section of the form relating to his fuel application where details of his weekly income, savings, investments, rent from property or profit from any business (if any) were requested.
However, Departmental records were examined and these records showed that in 2008 the person concerned had a private pension of €14,047 per annum (€270.65 p.w.) in addition to his State Pension Contributory amount of €225.80 giving a total weekly income of €496.45. This is in excess of the income limit of €330.30 applicable to the person concerned, thereby making him ineligible for the fuel allowance. The person concerned was informed of this decision in letter from State Pension Contributory Section dated 11/1/2010. The person concerned should contact my Department if there have been any changes in his circumstances which would affect his entitlement to fuel allowance.
Jack Wall
Question:290 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding an application for rent allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16680/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken in the HSE, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
Michael Ring
Question:291 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason for constantly sending out questionnaires to child benefit recipients requesting the same information when the claimants are living and working here and this can be proven by the contributions paid under their PPS numbers; if he will introduce controls to ensure that persons are not asked for the same information on five or six occasions as is currently the situation; if his Department staff will acknowledge receipt of the information when it is submitted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16710/10]
Michael Ring
Question:293 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a child benefit review form has issued on four occasions this year to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [16723/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 291 and 293 together.
As with all social welfare schemes, it is necessary to ensure that child benefit is paid to all those who are eligible and that the system is protected against fraud and abuse. Given the significant changes in the composition of the child benefit customer base, the control policy was reviewed to ensure that controls against fraud and abuse continue to be effective and relevant. Based on the evidence of this review, enhanced measures have been devised, which enable the automated issue of forms (certificates) to sub-sets of selected groups of customers for completion and return to the Department to confirm that they continue to satisfy the conditions for receipt of child benefit.
In the case of non-Irish national recipients who are resident in Ireland with their children, certification is requested that the children continue to reside here — the proof of such residence can be provided via details of the school or college their children attend or, if the children are not of school-going age, details of the doctor or crèche they attend. This information is used to verify that the children are resident in Ireland, as required under law. This group includes the person to whom the Deputy refers.
With regard to EU nationals who are working in Ireland but who have qualified children living in another EU state and who are entitled to Irish family benefits under EU law, certification by their employer of continuing employment is requested. The certification letters currently issue on a three monthly basis. Where the required certification is not provided within the timescale requested, 21 days, payment of child benefit is suspended pending further enquiry and ultimately terminated if confirmation of continued entitlement is not forthcoming.
The frequency of these requests will be kept under review in the light of the evidence. PRSI contribution data are not available in as timely a way as would be required, as records are updated annually. In addition, in most cases child benefit is paid to the mother and there may not be a link with the father's PPS No. which would make matching very difficult.
Michael Ring
Question:292 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved and paid the living alone increase. [16721/10]
The person concerned applied for a Living Alone Increase on her Disability Allowance claim on 15 April 2010. A decision on her claim will be made shortly and she will be notified of the outcome.
Question No. 293 answered with Question No. 291.
Social Welfare Appeals.
Michael Ring
Question:294 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a disability allowance appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be finalised. [16726/10]
The person concerned applied for disability allowance on 9 July 2009. Her claim was assessed by a Medical Assessor who expressed the opinion that she was not medically suitable for Disability Allowance. The person's claim was refused by a Deciding Officer on 15 October 2009. The person subsequently appealed this decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. The person in question was found by the Social Welfare Appeals Office to be medically suitable for disability allowance and her file was recently returned to the section area. A deciding officer will issue a revised decision and the person concerned will be notified of the revised decision on her claim very shortly.
Pension Provisions.
Michael Ring
Question:295 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a person (details supplied) in County Mayo is entitled to a State contributory pension based on their working partnership with their spouse. [16727/10]
The Department has recently investigated an application from the person concerned to have a commercial partnership recognised back to 1988. A decision accepting that the partnership existed will issue shortly and the position on the State Pension Contributory will then be examined at that stage.
Social Welfare Code.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:296 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of Irish citizens born here who were refused payment for failure to satisfy the habitual residence condition over the past 12 months. [16730/10]
The Department records details of a customer's nationality rather than his or her country of birth so the statistics requested by the Deputy are not available. However, during the week ending 5th February 2010, the central HRC Unit undertook a manual exercise to analyse the outcomes of habitual residency cases relating to Irish born citizens who had applied for Jobseeker's Allowance. 125 cases of Irish born citizens were decided that week and 122 cases were allowed. The 3 disallowed cases related to people who said they were born in the State and subsequently emigrated. In 2 of these cases, there was no evidence that the people involved ever lived in Ireland and in the third case the person intended to stay less than a year as his family continue to reside in Australia.
Olwyn Enright
Question:297 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on the provision of payment options for people in receipt of fuel allowance including the provision of a lump sum option and or weekly payment type; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16737/10]
The national fuel allowance scheme assists householders on long-term social welfare or health service executive (HSE) payments with meeting the cost of their heating needs during the winter season. A detailed review of the fuel allowance scheme was carried out a number of years ago. This review looked at alternatives to the weekly payment method including a single lump sum payment. A survey of recipients with the allowance, carried out in conjunction with the review, showed that the majority favoured weekly payments. The review recommended continuing with the weekly payment method.
While the payment of fuel allowance in lump sums could be advantageous for some people, there would also be disadvantages. The lump sum payment might not be used for the purpose of fuel purchase leading to hardship at a later stage and recourse having to be made to supplementary welfare allowance payments. A person's circumstances could change, leading to disqualification from payment of fuel allowance resulting in an overpayment having to be refunded. Payment of a lump sum in arrears would not be a viable option for persons with immediate needs during the winter period. Many oil companies provide facilities for making payment by instalments over a period of time which allows people to plan and budget for fuel expenses.
The Department is examining alternatives to the weekly payment method including lump sum payments. A number of issues need to be considered in detail including the administrative costs and processes involved in any changes to the current method of paying fuel allowance on a weekly basis. When all issues have been examined, a decision can be made in the best interests of all fuel allowance recipients.
Social Welfare Appeals.
Michael Ring
Question:298 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if an appeal has been opened on behalf of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo in respect of a carer’s allowance refusal. [16751/10]
I am informed by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an appeal for the person concerned hasn't been registered. However, because of the large number of appeals currently being lodged, there is a backlog in the Office in registering appeals. If the appeal has been submitted in recent weeks the appeal will be registered and acknowledged in due course. The Chief Appeals Officer has assured me that all appropriate measures are being taken to address this backlog in registration. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social and Family Affairs and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
Pension Provisions.
Michael Ring
Question:299 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved and awarded the State non-contributory pension. [16762/10]
The person concerned, who will be 66 years on 7 May 2010, has been awarded the maximum rate State Pension Non-Contributory of €219 per week payable from 7 May 2010. Payment of the qualified adult increases on her husband's State Pension (Non-Contributory) will cease at that time. A decision letter issued to the person concerned on the 22 March 2010 outlining details in relation to the award of the State Pension (Non-Contributory) payment.
Social Welfare Appeals.
Michael Ring
Question:300 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if an appeal has been opened in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [16763/10]
I am informed by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an appeal for the person concerned hasn't been registered. However, because of the large number of appeals currently being lodged, there is a backlog in the Office in registering appeals. If the appeal has been submitted in recent weeks the appeal will be registered and acknowledged in due course. The Chief Appeals Officer has assured me that all appropriate measures are being taken to address this backlog in registration. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social and Family Affairs and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Simon Coveney
Question:301 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of cases of domiciliary care allowance that have been rejected in the first quarter of 2010; the number of appeals in the first quarter of 2010; and the number of appeals that were overturned in the first quarter of 2010 on a county basis. [16764/10]
Simon Coveney
Question:302 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of cases of domiciliary care allowance that were rejected in 2009; the number of appeals in 2009; the number of appeals that were overturned in 2009 on a county basis. [16765/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 301 and 302 together.
Since the 1 April 2009 this Department has been accepting new claims for domiciliary care allowance (DCA). This follows the transfer of the scheme from the Health Service Executive on foot of a Government decision to reallocate certain functions between Departments and Agencies as part of the health service reform programme. In the period 1 April 2009 to 31 December 2009 a total of 2,823 DCA applications were fully processed by the Department, of which 1,792 have been deemed not to satisfy the criteria for the scheme. 836 appeals were registered in 2009 with 60 finalised to date, of these cases, 47 were revised by the Deciding Officer based on additional information received, 2 withdrawn, 5 disallowed and 6 allowed by the appeals officer.
In the first quarter of 2010, a total of 1,280 DCA applications were fully processed by the Department, of which 944 were deemed not to satisfy the criteria for the scheme. 382 appeals were registered in the first quarter of 2010, with 225 finalised to date. Decisions have been revised by the Deciding Officer in 165 cases following review based on additional information supplied, 3 withdrawn, 49 have been disallowed, 1 partially allowed and 7 allowed by the appeals officer. The information requested in relation to a breakdown of appeal outcomes by county is not held. Information on the number, and outcomes, of applications received before April 2009 is not held by the Department as the Domiciliary Care Allowance scheme was operated by the HSE prior to this date.
Social Welfare Code.
David Stanton
Question:303 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if the conditions ODD, ADHD, sensory integration dysfunction and dyspraxia or a combination of these conditions are considered by his Department as conditions which meet the medical criteria for a child to qualify for domiciliary care allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16823/10]
In order to qualify for domiciliary care allowance a child must have a disability so severe that it requires the child needing care and attention and/or supervision substantially in excess of another child of the same age. This care and attention must be given by another person, effectively full-time so that the child can deal with the activities of daily living. The child must be likely to require this level of care and attention for at least 12 months.
Eligibility for domiciliary care allowance is not based primarily on the medical or psychological condition, but on the resulting lack of function of body or mind necessitating the degree of extra care and attention required. Each application is assessed on an individual basis taking account of the evidence submitted. As such it is not possible to say if a child with ODD, ADHD or any other intellectual disability will qualify for a payment under the scheme. In the case of an application which is refused on medical grounds, the applicant may submit additional information and/or ask for the case to be reviewed by a different Medical Assessor. Where a person is not satisfied with the decision of a Deciding Officer they may appeal the decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.
David Stanton
Question:304 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if, in view of a child satisfying the additional care criteria of the domiciliary care allowance scheme, the provision of a full-time special needs assistant for a child would be considered by his Department to illustrate the extra level of care required by a child; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16824/10]
The position of a full time special needs assistant for a child is a matter for the Department of Education and Science.
Flood Relief.
Paul Connaughton
Question:305 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a person (details supplied) in County Galway is entitled to payment under the humanitarian assistance scheme being administered by his Department in view of the fact that they suffered severe flood damage in December 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16828/10]
The humanitarian assistance scheme is being administered by the Health Service Executive on behalf of the Department. However, due to staff action currently being taken in the HSE, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
Pension Provisions.
Michael Ring
Question:306 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when State contributory pension payments will be restored to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [16884/10]
The pension of the person concerned has been reinstated and all arrears issued to her bank account on 05 March 2010.
Anti-Poverty Strategy.
Róisín Shortall
Question:307 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the arrangements that are in place in his Department for the analysis of the impact of policy on poverty; and the way in which the proposed changes in the functions of Departments will alter these arrangements. [17044/10]
The Department of Social and Family Affairs routinely carries out poverty impact assessments in line with the guidelines on new policy developments, VFM and programme expenditure reviews and on the annual Budget. The outcomes of the poverty income assessments are generally published except in circumstances where a particular policy initiative is part of the deliberative process of government or subject to cabinet confidentiality rules.
The Social Inclusion Division in the Department of Social and Family Affairs has an important role in promoting the implementation of poverty impact assessment, as a key tool in promoting good practice and innovation in policy implementation. In carrying out this responsibility the Division provides assistance to government departments on the application of the poverty impact assessment guidelines and works with a number of local authorities on the application of the guidelines in a local Government context.
The Division is due to transfer to the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (to be renamed the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs), as announced by the Taoiseach in Dáil Eireann on 23rd March, 2010. Responsibility for promoting the implementation of poverty impact assessment, as well as the other key functions of the Division that relate to the National Action Plan for Social Inclusion 2007-2016 and include research and analysis, data availability and communications, will continue to be carried out by the Division under the remit of the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs.
Tax Code.
Maureen O'Sullivan
Question:308 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason the liability date for payment of non-principal private residence tax is 31 March 2010 when the date for 2009 was 31 July resulting in a 25% retrospective increase on last year’s annual tax which should have another four months to run. [16351/10]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 182 of 21 April 2010.
Foreshore Licences.
Michael Ring
Question:309 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when a decision will be made on a foreshore licence application in County Mayo to facilitate the Killala sewerage scheme. [16679/10]
The processing of this application is at a very advanced stage. I expect to be in a position to make a final determination on it shortly.
EU Funding.
Mary Upton
Question:310 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will investigate the funding options around the EU JESSICA programme and the possibilities of sourcing such funding for the swimming pool programme in the Dublin area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16729/10]
The Jessica Programme (Joint European Support for Sustainable Investment in City Areas) was launched by the European Commission and the European Investment Bank in co-operation with the Council of Europe Development Bank in 2005 as a means of introducing resources from EU structural funds into urban development, in tandem with national or local grant programmes. It is a form of Public Private Partnership (PPP) which can only be used on the basis of integrated urban development plans and only on projects which generate revenue. It is open to Dublin City Council, should they wish, in liaison with my Department, to explore funding possibilities under this programme.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:311 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans regarding the purchase of carbon credits in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17012/10]
The National Climate Change Strategy signalled the possibility of supplementing greenhouse gas emission reductions with the purchase of up to 3.6 million carbon credits on average each year in the five-year Kyoto Protocol commitment period 2008-2012 or 18 million credits in total, costing an estimated €270m. Under the Carbon Fund Act 2007, the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) has been designated as purchasing agent for the State. To date, the NTMA has purchased 5.255m certified emission reduction units at a cost of some €73.7m exclusive of VAT.
Prior to the designation of the NTMA as purchasing agent, my Department committed €10 million each to the Carbon Fund for Europe and the BioCarbon Fund operated by the World Bank. In December 2006, my Department entered into an agreement with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development to invest €20m in the Multilateral Carbon Credit Fund. This investment was made on foot of a once-off provision from the Department's vote. Management of these investments is a matter for my Department and they are expected to yield some 3m carbon credits at an estimated cost of some €26m prior to the end of the five-year Kyoto commitment period 2008-2012.
The economic downturn has implications for the purchasing programme. Recent EPA projections suggest that, with full implementation of all announced emission reduction measures, we may already have purchased or contracted to purchase sufficient carbon credits to meet our Kyoto commitment. In the circumstances, the NTMA has been asked to put its purchasing programme on hold for the foreseeable future. In the current economic climate an unusually high degree of uncertainty attaches to all projections. Accordingly, purchasing requirements to ensure Kyoto compliance are being kept under review.
Residential Housing Output.
Charles Flanagan
Question:312 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of housing units for which planning permission was granted in County Laois between the years 2000 and 2007 inclusive; the locations at which such final permission to build was granted on appeal to An Bord Pleanála; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16313/10]
My Department collates and publishes a wide range of housing statistics that inform the formulation and evaluation of housing policy. The full range of data compiled can be viewed on my Department's website, www.environ.ie. However, the information sought in the Question is not collected. Planning permission statistics are published by the Central Statistics Office. The number of residential units for which planning permissions are granted on a county basis is available on the CSO’s website, www.cso.ie. My Department does not have information on the location of planning permissions granted within a specific county council area. This information may be available from the planning authority in question.
Waste Management.
Finian McGrath
Question:313 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will support a proposal (details supplied). [16338/10]
While economic instruments such as that proposed in the Question can contribute to the achievement of environmental objectives the key to success in tackling the issue in question is to foster a public attitude that looks upon the behaviour concerned as unacceptable. Awareness raising, education and enforcement are critical in this regard and my Department provides support to a number of successful partnership initiatives, provides local authorities with grants for awareness schemes involving local communities, and also contributes significantly to the cost of employing enforcement officers. In addition to these initiatives, over the past 8 years my Department has been assisting local authorities by meeting up to 75% of the capital cost of waste recycling infrastructure to provide a convenient means to dispose of items responsibly.
In November 2009 I published the consultants' report in the International Review of Waste Management. The consultants considered, inter alia, the possibility of introducing deposit-refund schemes and concluded that there was not sufficient evidence to support a recommendation to introduce such schemes, but further study was merited to assess whether the benefits of such schemes outweighed the costs. The consultants suggested that the issue should be considered further, with the benefit of further study, should other recommendations relating to targets for packaging recycling not be met.
In the coming weeks, I will be publishing a consultation document to allow all parties to contribute to the debate on how best to develop a sustainable, resource-based waste management policy. As part of this process the issue of enhanced producer responsibility, and the potential for increased use of economic instruments on certain materials such as that specified in the Question, will be examined.
Local Government Charges.
Brian Hayes
Question:314 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the persons liable to pay the second home tax; if property has to be in the name of individuals for them to pay this tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16352/10]
The Local Government (Charges) Act 2009 provides that, with certain exceptions, any person who owns a residential property in which he or she does not live as a sole or main residence becomes liable for the charge on that property. The Act defines "owner" as a person "entitled to receive the rent of the property or, where the property is not let, would be so entitled if it were so let." A "person" may be an individual or a company.
Departmental Reports.
Joanna Tuffy
Question:315 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the value for money study in relation to the water services investment programme being carried out by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16399/10]
My Department is currently finalising the Value for Money Study in relation to the efficiency and effectiveness of delivery of the Water Services Investment Programme as part of the Government's Value for Money Reviews for 2009 — 2011. The outcome of the study, which I expect to be completed in early Summer, will influence the implementation of future water services investment programmes. The study is comprehensive in nature and is overseen by a Steering Committee, which includes representation from my Department, the Department of Finance and the County and City Managers' Association.
Archaeological Sites.
Brian O'Shea
Question:316 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans regarding the provision of a museum, heritage centre or an interpretative centre at the Woodstown Viking site, County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16403/10]
Brian O'Shea
Question:317 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans regarding the conducting of a further dig at the Woodstown Viking site, County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16404/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 316 and 317 together.
The view of the Woodstown Working Group, established to provide expert advice to the Minister, is that the archaeological findings in this case, which are entirely underground, are not suitable for presentation to the public on site and that the interpretation of the site and the display of artefacts should take place at the Waterford Museum of Treasures in Waterford City. In light of the scale of the work already undertaken, and the comprehensive findings from it, which are being prepared for publication, there are no plans to conduct further archaeological excavations at this time.
Building Regulations.
Finian McGrath
Question:318 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will support a matter (details supplied). [16437/10]
Mary Upton
Question:322 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will respond to correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16520/10]
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:325 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16688/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 318, 322 and 325 together.
The position regarding implementation of Part 3 of the Building Control Act 2007 has been set out in replies to previous Questions, and most recently in the reply to Question No. 270 of 10 February, 2010. My colleague, the Minster for Housing and Local Services, Michael Finneran T.D., held a meeting in August 2009 with representatives from the group called "Architects Alliance" in regard to Part 3 of the Act, in particular the technical assessment process. Part 3 of the Act provides for registration of the title of "Architect".
The Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI), which is designated as registration body for Architects under the Building Control Act 2007, has established an Admissions Board and a Technical Assessment Board so that the registration process may commence in the near future. The RIAI has appointed architects to the boards and I have appointed the Chairpersons and nominated the non-architect majority to both boards. I have received and examined a submission from the RIAI on all registration fees under the Act and I am currently awaiting further information on the submission from the RIAI, which I requested at a recent meeting with representatives of the organisation
Section 14 of the Act sets out the eligibility criteria for registration in the statutory register of architects. Section 21 of the Act provides for the establishment of the Technical Assessment Board which will set out the criteria for assessment and consider applications for registration from persons who have been practising architecture for a minimum period of 10 years in the State. Section 22 sets out the procedures for the operation of the Technical Assessment Board. The Act provides for an appeal against a decision of the Technical Assessment Board to an Appeals Board which will be appointed shortly. The Appeals Board will also have an independent Chairperson and a majority of lay members. There is ultimately an appeal to the High Court against a decision of the Appeals Board or any other Board or Committee.
Once statutory registration has formally commenced it will be an offence under sections 18 (1)(a) and 18(1)(d) of the Act to use the title of "Architect" unless registered on the statutory register. However, those sections will not apply
(i) where a person has applied for registration to either the Admissions Board or the Technical Assessment Board and where a decision has not been made on the application;
(ii) where a decision is awaited on an appeal to the Appeals Board against a decision of either Board referred to, or
(iii) where a decision is awaited on an appeal to the High Court against a decision of the Appeals Board, subject to the requirement that the application for registration to the Admissions Board or the Technical Assessment Board, or the appeal to either the Appeals Board or the High Court, has not been withdrawn.
Departmental Correspondence.
Michael McGrath
Question:319 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, further to Parliamentary Question No. 222 of 11 February 2010, if he will respond to the substantive issue raised in correspondence by a person (details supplied). [16447/10]
A reply has issued to the correspondent.
Water and Sewerage Schemes.
Michael Creed
Question:320 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department has received an application for funding in respect of sewage treatment works at locations (details supplied) in County Cork; if this scheme will process to construction in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16470/10]
The scope and format of the Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2012 is designed to better reflect ongoing environmental and economic priorities, to maximise the return on public funds being invested in the sector and to ensure that the Programme is realistic in its level of ambition. The total value of contracts underway and those proposed for commencement during the period of the programme in County Cork is some €231.6m.
The Innishannon Sewerage Scheme is included in the Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2012 as a contract to start with an estimated cost of €2 million and will incorporate the upgrading of the Wastewater Treatment Plant at Innishannon. The Ballvourney/Ballymakeera Sewerage Scheme (treatment plant) is also included in the Programme as a scheme to advance through planning. The Ballingeary Sewerage Scheme is not included in the Programme.
The contracts and schemes that were not included in the Programme on this occasion were those which did not feature highly on public health grounds or other environmental compliance requirements (for example, those relating to European Court of Justice proceedings, or those which were required in the context of the River Basin Management Plans, Shellfish Pollution Production Programmes, EPA reports etc) and projects that were proposed simply for capacity expansion and which in the case of water supply can be deferred, in many cases, in favour of accelerated water conservation measures.
The Programme will be reviewed and updated annually to reflect any emerging priority projects. This is intended to deal with investment requirements arising, for example, from the clarification of appropriate treatment for certain agglomerations from the licensing and certification process for waste water discharges being implemented by the EPA, or from the ongoing monitoring of drinking water standards which may highlight risks which need to be addressed.
Frank Feighan
Question:321 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will meet with a delegation from Leitrim County Council to hear the implications of the Environmental Protection Agency directive relating to the new code of practice for waste water treatment and disposal systems serving single houses and the implications for persons living in rural Ireland especially County Leitrim. [16516/10]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 162 of 22 April 2010. The position is unchanged. However, on foot of a request already submitted, I have asked my Department to arrange to meet with a delegation from Leitrim County Council.
Question No. 322 answered with Question No. 318.
Special Areas of Conservation.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:323 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the interdepartmental group on cessation of turf-cutting in designated areas is due to report; if he will extend the derogation on turf cutting on the 32 designated bogs pending the report of that interdepartmental group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16547/10]
The scientific evidence available to me concludes that there is significant ongoing damage to protected habitats in these Special Areas of Conservation due to turf-cutting and associated drainage. The ten-year derogation granted in 1999 has now lapsed for these sites and an extension cannot be provided. I expect to receive the report of the Inter-departmental Working Group on Cessation of Cutting in Designated Raised Bogs very shortly. I will conclude my consideration of the report and any recommendations it contains as rapidly as possible, and will then be in touch with affected individuals and representative groups in regard to the position.
Local Authority Housing.
Terence Flanagan
Question:324 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of vacant affordable housing stock for each local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16669/10]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 9 of 22 April 2010. The position is unchanged.
Question No. 325 answered with Question No. 318.
Foreshore Licences.
Pat Breen
Question:326 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding an application (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16809/10]
My Department has not received an application for a foreshore licence in respect of works at Doolin Pier. I understand, however, that Clare County Council is preparing such an application for lodgement.
Noise Pollution.
Lucinda Creighton
Question:327 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on introducing legislation to ban all contractors working after 9 p.m. in residential areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16813/10]
The planning code provides a vehicle for controlling noise from construction works and from the use of premises for which planning permission is granted. While there are no times specified statutorily during which construction works are prohibited, on a case by case basis, conditions can be attached to individual permissions, under section 34(4) of the Planning and Development Acts to "reduce or prevent the emission or the intrusion of noise and vibration," through, for example, imposing restrictions on noise levels during the construction phase and/or imposing permitted noise levels and operating hours that are permitted in the use of the premises. It is open to anybody suffering a noise nuisance from construction works to contact their Planning Authority and ascertain if such restrictions apply and to report any apparent breaches of the planning permission granted.
In addition, a person may contact their local authority to ascertain if it will initiate proceedings on grounds of noise nuisance under the Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1992. It is also open to any person, or group of persons, to seek an order in the District Court to have noise giving reasonable cause for annoyance abated under section 108 of the Act. The procedures involved have been simplified to allow action to be taken without legal representation. A public information leaflet A Guide to the Noise Regulations, outlining the legal avenues available to persons experiencing noise nuisance, is available on my Department's website www.environ.ie.
The Government is committed to introducing comprehensive legislation on noise pollution more generally. As part of the preparatory process, extensive public consultation was undertaken during which over 200 submissions were received from the public and key stakeholders. After due consideration of these submissions, the General Scheme of a Noise Nuisance Bill was prepared and approved by the Government in May 2009 and is scheduled for publication later this year.
Given the measures outlined above which are already in place to deal with noise from construction, further legislative measures in this area are not being considered in the context of the Noise Nuisance Bill. However, it is envisaged that the Bill will provide for the development of a number of codes of practice, including in relation to noise from construction activity. The issue of the times within which construction works should be permitted to be undertaken will be among the many issues considered in the development of the relevant code of practice in due course.
Waste Disposal.
Martin Ferris
Question:328 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will confirm and name the 20 sites that have been identified in the north of Ireland that contain around 250,000 tonnes of waste illegally transported from the south of Ireland. [16819/10]
Martin Ferris
Question:329 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide a copy of the framework agreement which paves the way for work to begin on putting in place contractual arrangements to remove the waste illegally dumped in the 20 sites. [16820/10]
Martin Ferris
Question:330 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide a timescale for the removal of waste at Patrick’s Road, Ballymartin, County Down. [16821/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 328 to 330, inclusive, together.
The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) estimates that up to 250,000 tonnes of municipal and commercial waste from Ireland was illegally deposited at 20 sites in Northern Ireland between October 2002 and the end of 2004. As there are legal proceedings involved, NIEA are not releasing specific details of the sites concerned.
A framework agreement between both jurisdictions was endorsed by Environment Ministers in June 2009. The framework itself derives from a ‘road map' in relation to co-operation in dealing with illegal waste movements, which was endorsed by both jurisdictions in October 2007 and by the European Commission. Under the Framework Agreement the full cost of disposal, or other necessary management of the waste, will be met by Ireland but the costs of excavating, examining and removing the waste and remediating the site afterwards will be apportioned on the basis of 80% Ireland, 20% Northern Ireland. I have arranged for copies of both the road map and the agreement to be sent to the Deputy.
The agreement relates in the first instance to the removal of illegally dumped waste at two priority sites, at Slattinagh, Co Fermanagh and near Trillick, Co Tyrone, involving 14,000 tonnes of waste. The approach followed in these cases will form the basis for action on the remaining 18 sites. The NIEA will prioritise the order in which these sites will be dealt with, based on a number of factors including the risk of environmental pollution. I understand that a site in Ballymartin, Co. Down will be the next site to be dealt with, in 2011, following the two sites referred to above.
Animal Welfare.
Maureen O'Sullivan
Question:331 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will make a commitment to a complete ban on the snaring of badgers in view of the fact that some 7,000 badgers appear to be snared annually by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. [16862/10]
My responsibilities under the Wildlife Acts relate to the conservation of populations of certain protected species including the badger. Badgers may not be hunted, injured or wilfully interfered with or their breeding place destroyed. However, the legislation enables me, as Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government, to issue a licence to a person to capture and humanely kill a protected wild animal for specified scientific or other purposes. Since 2004, 30 licences have been issued annually to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food — one for each District Veterinary Office (DVO). There is one DVO per county, with the exception of County Cork, which has 3, and Counties Tipperary and Wicklow, which have 2 DVOs each.
These licences permit taking and humane killing of badgers for the purpose of carrying out research into bovine tuberculosis in cattle and badgers, which the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food considers essential. The badger has been identified as an important reservoir of Mycobacterium bovis, the bacterium that causes bovine tuberculosis (TB).
Licences issued in this regard are subject to strict conditions and must comply with the Part 3(d) of Wildlife Act 1976 (Approved Traps, Snares and Nets) Regulations 2003 which specifically stipulates, with respect to badgers, that a "stopped body restraint", complying to certain dimensions, must be used when capturing badgers. Figures provided by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food indicate that in 2009 just over 6,000 badgers were captured compared to almost 7,300 in 2008. I understand that the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food is funding research on the development of a bait based vaccination against TB for badgers and that a pilot project has commenced. I would be hopeful that an effective vaccination will become available as a result of this research.
Proposed Legislation.
Joanna Tuffy
Question:332 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to review the existing legislation, including the 1990 Derelict Sites Act to empower local authorities and communities to resolve the dereliction problem and the neglect caused by these eyesores in view of the large number of existing derelict sites around the country. [17045/10]
Under the Derelict Sites Act 1990, local authorities are required to take all reasonable steps, including the exercise of appropriate statutory powers, to ensure that any land within their functional area does not become or continue to be a derelict site. To this end, they have been given substantial powers under the Act in relation to any such sites, including powers to require specified measures to be taken in relation to a derelict site, to impose a levy on derelict sites, or to compulsorily acquire any derelict site. I expect local authorities to use their statutory powers as they consider appropriate. While I have no plans to amend the Derelict Sites Act at this time, as I indicated in reply to Priority Question No. 4 on 22 April 2010, I will keep the need for further legislative reforms to assist local authorities in addressing the issue of unfinished or unoccupied estates under review.
Telecommunications Services.
Seymour Crawford
Question:333 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when broadband will be available in an area (details supplied) in County Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16537/10]
Broadband services are provided by private service providers over various platforms including DSL (i.e over telephone lines), fixed wireless, mobile, cable, satellite and fibre. I understand that broadband is available in the general area of Rockorry village, County Monaghan, from wireless service providers and therefore this area will not be addressed by the National Broadband Scheme (NBS).
It is important to clarify that, in designing the NBS, which was approved by the EU Commission, a balance had to be struck between reaching as many un-served areas as possible and minimising the impact of the scheme on businesses already providing broadband services in rural areas. EU State Aid and competition rules govern how states can intervene in areas where there are existing service providers. Accordingly, the NBS is prohibited from providing a service in served areas where to do so would give rise to an unacceptable level of market distortion. Details of telecommunications service providers operating in county Monaghan can be found at www.callcosts.ie on ComReg's website.
It continues to be a priority of the Government that there will be broadband coverage across the entire country. However, despite Government and private investment in broadband, I am aware that there continues to be a small percentage of premises throughout the country that will not be capable of receiving broadband services. This is primarily due to technical and other reasons (suitability of a telephone line, distance from an enabled exchange, no line of sight etc.).
The European Commission has set aside a portion of the European Economic Recovery Programme (EERP) funding and granted State Aid approval for rural broadband initiatives. My Department is currently progressing the design and implementation of a scheme which would be available to un-served rural premises outside of the NBS areas. This work will include the identification of premises not capable of receiving broadband. It is hoped to commence this scheme in late 2010 and have it completed by 2012. As the scheme is only at the design stage, there is no application process at this juncture. Information in relation to acceptance of applications and the process of qualification under the scheme will be made available in due course when the scheme is launched.
Electric Vehicles.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:334 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will report on the first stage of the roll out of the charging points for electric cars; when the nationwide network will be in operation; the amount of same that will be dispersed throughout the country; the number of electric cars that are in the national vehicle fleet; the standards and targets that his Department is aiming for in relation to electric and hybrid private transport by 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12784/10]
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:335 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has made any contribution to the EU discussions on new and electric and hybrid car standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12769/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 334 and 335 together.
Electric vehicles offer an increasingly realistic solution to the challenge of reducing the transport sector's Greenhouse Gas Emissions and reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels. There is now very significant global investment under way in research and development in this area. The technology is maturing to a point where large scale commercial deployment appears feasible in the short to medium term. There is keen interest internationally in Ireland's decision to be an early mover in this field. Ireland is seen as an excellent test-bed particularly in relation to network infrastructure development. The Government has set a target of 10% of all vehicles to be powered by electricity by 2020, which equates to around 225,000 vehicles. Ireland aims to be at the forefront of technology developments and we are working with relevant Departments and Agencies to ensure that the necessary policies and infrastructure are in place to meet this target.
In the European Union context, the Spanish Presidency has placed electric vehicles firmly on the EU energy policy agenda. The Presidency, together with Ireland, Denmark and Portugal, has underlined the real opportunities for Europe to transform energy use in transport. We agreed at the informal meeting of Energy Ministers in Seville last January that the development of electric vehicles technology and standards should be progressed by the European Union as part of delivery of energy efficient and low carbon systems. Informed by those discussions, the Commission will bring forward a policy document in relation to green vehicles shortly.
The Council has also agreed that electric vehicles will be included as a priority technology sector under the Strategic Energy Technology Plan. ESB, through its membership of Eurelectric, is also playing a leading role in work by European utilities and car manufacturers to progress essential technical standardisation across Europe. The challenge now for Ireland is to develop a cost efficient electric vehicle infrastructure network, together with measures to develop a market for the vehicles themselves.
An Agreement establishing a comprehensive partnership to position Ireland as one of the European leaders in electric transport was recently signed by myself, the ESB and the Renault-Nissan Alliance. This new Agreement, builds on the Memorandum of Understanding signed in April last year to study the promotion of electric vehicles in Ireland, and includes the development of a nationwide electric car charging infrastructure, the continued sharing of technical and market data between the parties and the early supply of electric cars into the Irish market by both Renault and Nissan from 2011.
Under the agreement, ESB will roll out 1,500 charge points nationwide by December 2011. The roll out has already begun in Dublin and charging points will also be installed in Cork, Galway, Waterford and Limerick. ESB also plans to install 30 fast charge points across Ireland by the end of 2011, with nine expected to be set up by the end of this year. The intention is that the infrastructure will be non-exclusive and that, on a market basis, it will be readily accessible by all electricity supply companies.
A number of incentives are already in place which underline the Government's commitment to promoting electric vehicles in Ireland. The VRT exemption for electric vehicles and the VRT reliefs of up to €2,500 for plug-in hybrid vehicles, which were due to end in Dec 2010, have been extended in the last budget for a further two year period. In addition to this I recently announced that those purchasing an electric vehicle will be grant aided for a 2-year period of up to €5,000, depending on the price of the vehicle. Grant aid of up to €2,500 is also being provided for eligible plug in hybrid electric vehicles. The grant scheme will be administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland and full details will be finalised in the coming months in advance of the scheme commencement date of Jan 2011.
The support schemes are non-exclusive and will be open to any vehicle from any manufacturer which meets the qualifying criteria. My Department does not have statistics in relation to the number of electric or hybrid vehicles in the public sector vehicle fleet.
Energy Conservation.
Olwyn Enright
Question:336 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, further to Parliamentary Question No. 912 of 19 January 2010, if he will review the matter on further evidence submitted confirming the applicant was living in the house for more than one year; if he is satisfied with the time Greener Homes is responding to correspondence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16673/10]
The Greener Homes Scheme is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) on behalf of my Department and any decisions regarding applications under the scheme are a matter for determination by SEAI. In my previous response to the Deputy I outlined the terms and conditions for applications under the third phase of the Greener Homes Scheme. I understand that with regard to the particular case referred to, an appeal was made and has been considered by SEAI and that the installation concerned is not eligible for support under the terms of the scheme. Should the applicant wish to pursue the matter further they should forward the required information to SEAI.
Telecommunications Services.
Sean Fleming
Question:337 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when a full broadband service will be available in Kinnitty, County Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16691/10]
The provision of broadband services is in the first instance a matter for private sector service providers operating in Ireland's fully liberalised telecommunications market. Broadband services are provided by private service providers over various platforms including DSL (i.e over the telephone lines), fixed wireless, mobile, cable, fibre and satellite. Details of broadband services available in each county, including county Offaly, can be found on ComReg's website at www.callcosts.ie.
Kinnitty, County Offaly, does not come within the scope of the National Broadband Scheme which aims to provide access to affordable and scalable broadband services to fixed residences and businesses within its designated rural areas. This is because, in designing the NBS, which was approved by the EU Commission, a balance had to be struck between reaching as many unserved areas as possible and minimising the impact of the scheme on businesses already providing broadband services in rural areas. EU State Aid and competition rules govern how states can intervene in areas where there are existing service providers. Accordingly, the NBS is prohibited from providing a service in areas where to do so would give rise to an unacceptable level of market distortion.
It continues to be a priority of the Government that there will be broadband coverage across the entire country. However, despite Government and private investment in broadband, I am aware that there continues to be a small percentage of premises throughout the country that will not be capable of receiving broadband services. This is primarily due to technical and other reasons (suitability of a telephone line, distance from an enabled exchange, no line of sight etc.).
The European Commission has set aside a portion of the European Economic Recovery Programme (EERP) funding and granted State Aid approval for rural broadband initiatives. My Department is currently progressing the design and implementation of a scheme which would be available to unserved rural premises outside of the NBS areas. This work will include the identification of premises not capable of receiving broadband. It is hoped to commence this scheme in late 2010 and have it completed by 2012. As the scheme is only at the design stage, there is no application process at this juncture. Information in relation to acceptance of applications and the process of qualification under the scheme will be made available in due course when the scheme is launched.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:338 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the national emission targets are likely to be achieved on time without a detrimental economic impact; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17010/10]
The reporting on and forecasting of greenhouse gas emissions is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government and for the Environmental Protection Agency.
Digital Hub.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:339 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the extent to which the digital hub project is progressing with original intentions and objectives, costs or investments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17011/10]
The Digital Hub Development Agency (DHDA) is continuing to work towards its development objectives to grow the Digital Hub. As of early 2010 there were 98 companies operating in the Digital Hub with 664 full time and a further 220 part time employees. The DHDA continues to promote the identity and brand of the Hub and companies located there have enjoyed notable successes and have gained national and international recognition.
On its educational remit the DHDA has delivered a very successful learning programme, which has provided state-of-the-art digital media education to schools and the wider community in Dublin's inner city. The DHDA has developed an award-winning community engagement process, the Community Public Private Partnership.
The DHDA has reached the point where all of its own available office space has been occupied and has leased office space to meet the requirements of its tenant companies. An additional 20,000 square feet will be delivered shortly through redevelopment of a building in the Hub in partnership with the OPW. The Agency had plans for the development of further office space that would have eliminated its reliance on Exchequer funding. This development is not progressing at present and the Agency is pursuing the matter with the two developers concerned.
I have initiated a review of the DHDA which is currently underway. It will, inter alia, focus on the objectives of the Agency, how these have been achieved and set out recommendations for the continuing role of the Agency and its potential role in the delivery of the Government’s Smart Economy objectives.
Alternative Energy Projects.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:340 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will indicate the number of companies or individuals involved in the production of ethanol or bio-diesel; the number of such companies not included in the excise related incentive scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17013/10]
The Biofuels Mineral Oil Tax Relief Schemes have resulted in 18 projects being awarded excise relief between 2005 and 2010. Of these projects, four are in the biodiesel category, five are in the pure plant oil category, four are in the bioethanol category and five are in the captive fleets category.
Since the excise relief schemes were introduced there has been a steady increase in biofuels used in Ireland, albeit from a very low base. Prior to the introduction of the schemes, market penetration of biofuels was almost non-existent. In 2007, penetration was 0.6% and in 2008 penetration had risen to 1.6%. While figures for 2009 are not yet available the penetration rate is expected to be in the region of 2.5%. While my Department is aware that there are other companies outside of the Scheme producing biofuel my Department does not have details of these companies.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:341 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the extent to which alternative energy now supplies the national electricity grid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17015/10]
There are currently approximately 1,540 megawatts (MWS) of renewable powered electricity generating plants accessing the electricity grid. Wind powered technology is the dominant renewable technology. There are almost 100 windfarms connected with a combined capacity of around 1,264 MWs, compared to hydro-power with 240 MWs connected and the balance made up of biomass, mainly landfill gas. Based on current technology trends, the dominance in the renewable sector of the wind-powered category is expected to continue out to 2020 at least. The amount of renewable-powered plant connected and accessing the electricity grid is increasing steadily from year to year. In 2008, 12.2% of all electricity consumed came from renewable resources compared to just 4.4% in 2003.
Under EU Directive 2001/77/EC, Ireland has a target of 13.2% for renewable electricity to be achieved by 2010. Ireland is on track to exceed this target and will meet the higher national target of 15% of electricity from renewable sources by 2010. Under the recently agreed Renewable Energy Directive 2009/28/EC, Ireland's target is for 16% of all energy (to include electricity, heating and transport) to be from renewable sources by 2020. The Government's target of 40% of electricity from renewable sources by 2020 is commensurate with Ireland's EU target.
In December 2008, the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) issued a decision which requires EirGrid and ESB Networks to provide connection offers for an additional 3,900 MWs of new renewable capacity to ensure the 2020 target can be achieved. This additional level of capacity, taken together with the capacity already built and the capacity that already has connection offers, is capable of meeting our 40% 2020 electricity target which EirGrid and the CER equate to an overall capacity of 5,800 MW of renewable capacity.
Postal Services.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:342 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the cost of the introduction of post codes; the way in which this will be funded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17016/10]
Estimates of the costs of the introduction of postcodes are contained in the Report of the Postcode Project Board, which was published in 2006 and a Cost Benefit analysis published in 2008. Copies of both reports are available on the website of the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.
The non-recurring initial capital cost of the establishment of postcodes will be €15m. Recurring costs are estimated at €2.5m annually. The actual gross costs, which will be incurred on foot of postcode implementation in the public and private sectors, will be determined by the proposal which is chosen for system implementation by public procurement. The net costs of postcode implementation will be a function of both the gross costs and the gross benefits accruing over time as a result of the implementation of the project. These again will be determined by the proposal, which is chosen for system implementation through public procurement.
Television Licence Fee.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:343 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the extent of the TV licence fund reserve; the annual income from TV licences; the way in which it is spent; the way in which this compares with established practices over the years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17018/10]
Television licence revenue is generated from the sales of television licences and the recoupment of the cost of free television licences from the Department of Social and Family Affairs. There is no fund reserve as such because the revenue generated is received and paid out on an ongoing basis. The annual income generated from television licences was €226.2m in 2009.
Under Section 123 of the Broadcasting Act, 2009, with the approval of the Minister for Finance, I may pay RTÉ in respect of each financial year an amount equal to the total of receipts in that year in respect of broadcasting (TV) licence fees less (i) any expenses incurred in relation to the collection of those fees, and (ii) an amount being equal to 7% of these net television licence fee receipts, which is paid under Section 156 of the Broadcasting Act 2009 to the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland in respect of the Broadcasting Funding Scheme. This amount was increased from 5% to 7% under the 2009 Act, to support public service broadcasting activities. In effect, therefore, RTÉ is now being paid 93% of net television licence fee receipts on an annual basis.
Alternative Energy Projects.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:344 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of wind farms contributing to the national grid; the amount of electricity generated thereby; the number, if any, of such farms seeking access to the national grid; their capacity to produce electricity in the future; when it is expected that approval will be given to all such applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17019/10]
EirGrid's most recent report of 8 February advises that there are just over 100 wind farms connected to the grid with an installed wind capacity 1264MW. There are an additional 100 wind farms with a total contracted capacity of 1415MW which have contracted for grid connections which will be built out over the next number of years.
The CER decision on the ‘Gate 3' round provides for connection offers for an additional 4,000 MW of renewable electricity capacity. This additional renewable capacity would at a minimum ensure that Ireland can meet its national target. Approximately 90% of those in Gate 3 are wind powered capacity including around 800 MW of offshore wind. Grid connection offers for projects within the Gate 3 process began to issue in December 2009 and will continue to be issued on a phased basis until mid 2011. Beyond Gate 3, there are further applications for several thousand megawatt of grid connection. A breakdown of these applications by type is not available.
Postal Services.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:345 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will outline his preferred options for the future development of the postal services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17020/10]
The Government's core policy goal for the postal sector is to ensure that Irish customers, both business and residential, enjoy competitively priced, high quality postal services. Legislation is currently being drafted in my Department to transpose the third Postal Services Directive which mandates opening the postal market to full competition from 1 January, 2011 and to provide for a regulatory framework for a liberalised postal market. I expect to publish this Bill in the second half of the year. In designing the new regulatory framework, the key principles are the maintenance of universal postal services and the provision of competitively priced high quality postal services to both business and residential customers.
Prospecting Licences.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:346 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of oil, gas or other mineral exploration licences issued on an annual basis from 2005 to date in 2010; the number that have been activated; the number that have been deemed to be commercially viable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17021/10]
Details of the number of Mineral Prospecting Licences and Petroleum Exploration Licences granted in the period 2005 to 2010 are contained in the following table:
|
Year |
Prospecting Licences (Minerals) |
Petroleum Exploration Licences (Oil and Gas) |
|
2005 |
51 |
7 |
|
2006 |
165 |
4 |
|
2007 |
143 |
5 |
|
2008 |
91 |
5 |
|
2009 |
66 |
1 |
|
2010 to date (January to March) |
45 |
0 |
Eighteen of the twenty two Petroleum Exploration Licences issued since 2005 are still active. Exploration under these Licences is ongoing and while there have been a number of new finds of oil and gas in the Irish Offshore in recent years, none of these have been declared commercial to date.
There is a total of five hundred and eight active mineral Prospecting Licences. Details of these Licences can be found in the six-monthly report to the Oireachtas, which the Minister is obliged to lay before the House under the Minerals Development Acts, 1940 to 1999. The last such report was in respect of the six-month period ended 31 December 2009. This report is also available on the Department's website. While no new commercially viable deposits of minerals have been discovered in recent years, there have been some encouraging results.
Natural Gas Grid.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:347 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when products from the Corrib gas field will become available to Irish consumers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17023/10]
Production of first gas from the Corrib gas field is a matter for the developer, SEPIL, subject to conformity with all statutory consent requirements. For the Deputy's information, construction of the Corrib Gas Terminal at Bellanaboy is substantially completed as are the sub-sea facilities at the Corrib Gas Field. Last summer the 83 km offshore section of the Corrib gas pipeline was installed. The developers are engaged in the process of securing a number of statutory consents required for the construction of the onshore section of the Corrib gas pipeline. Completion of the development works by the developer is the principal factor that will determine the date for first gas. Pending such completion, it is not possible to state a date for when gas from the Corrib gas field will become available.
Telecommunications Services.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:348 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has had discussions at EU level on the matter of the future development of the telecommunications sector with particular reference to a high quality of service in respect of landline or mobile phone telephony; if any effort is being made to achieve a higher standard and quality of service throughout the Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17024/10]
The provision of telecommunications services including fixed line and mobile telephony is, in the first instance, a matter for the private sector. The relevant service providers operate in a fully liberalised market. Statutory responsibility for the regulation of the electronic communications sector, including regulatory issues surrounding quality of services is a matter for the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, in accordance with the requirements of the Communications Regulation Act 2002 and the Regulations, which transpose the EU Regulatory Framework for Electronic Communications.
Over the past two years officials from my Department were engaged in a thorough review of the EU Regulatory Framework for Electronic Communications. The revised framework came into effect in December 2009 and is to be transposed into law by the Member States before end May 2011. Implementation of the new framework will result in increased standards and quality of services for consumers throughout the Union.
Specific measures on service quality included in the revised framework include a requirement for operators to publish comparable and up-to-date information for end-users on the minimum service quality levels offered; the types of maintenance service offered and customer support services provided and any compensation and refund arrangements that apply if contracted service quality levels are not met.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:349 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the areas throughout County Kildare that are in receipt of modern high-speed broadband services; the areas in which no such service is available; the reason for this deficiency; if he expects that a full service will become available; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17025/10]
The provision of broadband services is in the first instance a matter for private sector service providers operating in Ireland's fully liberalised telecommunications market. Broadband services are provided by private service providers over various platforms including DSL (i.e. over the telephone lines), fixed wireless, mobile, cable, fibre and satellite. Details of broadband services available in each county can be found on ComReg's website at www.callcosts.ie.
The Government intervenes when there is clear evidence of market failure. An example of such an intervention is the National Broadband Scheme which aims to provide access to affordable and scalable broadband services to fixed residences and businesses within certain designated rural areas. 11 electoral divisions in county Kildare are included in this Scheme. Details of these areas can be found on the NBS service provider's (3 Ireland) website, www.three.ie
It continues to be a priority of the Government that there will be broadband coverage across the entire country. However, despite Government and private investment in broadband, I am aware that there continues to be a small percentage of premises throughout the country that will not be capable of receiving broadband services. This is primarily due to technical and other reasons (suitability of a telephone line, distance from an enabled exchange, no line of sight etc.).
The European Commission has set aside a portion of the European Economic Recovery Programme (EERP) funding for rural broadband initiatives. In addition, we have received State Aid clearance from the Commission for the scheme. My Department is currently progressing the design and implementation of a scheme which would use this funding to address the issue of basic broadband availability to un-served rural premises outside of the NBS areas. This work will include the identification of premises not capable of receiving broadband. It is hoped to commence this scheme in late 2010 and have it completed by 2012. The application process has not yet begun. Information in relation to acceptance of applications and the process of qualification under the scheme will be made available in due course when the scheme is launched.
Departmental Bodies.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:350 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of complaints received or submitted to the various regulators associated with his Department in each of the past five years to date in 2010; the extent of resolution or satisfaction achieved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17026/10]
The management and recording of complaints received by the regulators operating under the aegis of my Department are day to day operational matters for them in the context of their operations. As my Department does not hold the relevant material, I will request that the regulators reply directly to the Deputy with the information sought.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:351 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he is satisfied that the various regulatory procedures operating within the ambit of his Department are adequate and responsive in every respect having particular regard to the experiences in other sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17027/10]
The legal, policy and operational frameworks applying to the regulatory procedures operating within the ambit of my Department are subject to ongoing review. This is to ensure that, insofar as is possible, those procedures are fit for purpose. As part of that oversight, account is taken of developments in other sectors, where relevant.
The Government Statement on Economic regulation published in October, 2009 commits Departments and regulators to undertake "stress testing" of our regulatory systems against various challenging scenarios. Key economic Departments and regulators are initiating their respective stress-testing exercises which will help to ensure that Ireland's regulatory framework is continually adjusted to reflect changing markets, new technological developments, the climate change agenda and the international regulatory environment. The exercise in respect of regulators under the aegis of my Department is expected to be completed later this year.
Broadcasting Services.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:352 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his preferred options for the future development of the public and private broadcasting sectors; the degree, if any, to which the economic situation is expected to affect the development of the industry in the short to medium term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17028/10]
Under the provisions of the Broadcasting Act 2009 the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) is charged with, inter alia, providing a regulatory environment that is stable and predictable and that will facilitate the development of a broadcasting sector in Ireland that is responsive to audience needs. The BAI is also charged with stimulating the provision of high quality, diverse and innovative programming by commercial, community and public service broadcasters and independent producers.
I recognise the difficult challenges that broadcasters are facing in the current economic climate. Obviously, I support the provisions of the Broadcasting Act as the correct policy framework for the development of the Broadcasting sector. I will continue to work with the BAI and other stakeholders, private and public, to progress the objectives in the Broadcasting Act for the sector.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:353 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of occasions he has met representatives of both the private and public broadcasting sectors since June 2007; the context of such meetings; the issues under discussion; if he received submissions in respect of the future utilisation and purpose of the licence fees; his preferences for the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17029/10]
In the context of the development of broadcasting policy in the past three years my officials and I have had cause, on a regular basis, to meet with the various interests that comprise the broadcasting sector including but not limited to commercial broadcasters, public service broadcasters and independent producers. I have also received submissions on a range of issues, including licence fees.
I am not in a position to inform the Deputy on the precise number of occasions I have met with representatives of the public and private broadcasting sectors. These discussions have related to various aspects of broadcasting policy and policy implementation. I take full account as appropriate, of such discussions and submissions in the formulation and implementation of broadcasting policy.
Departmental Properties.
Ulick Burke
Question:354 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the total amount of money returned to the Exchequer by Teagasc for each of the years 2007, 2008 and 2009, following the sale of property in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16747/10]
In addition to the normal annual grant in aid payments, Teagasc was allowed to retain €28m of the total proceeds of €37.4m from the proceeds of property disposals in Galway for specific capital investment purposes. The retained proceeds are being used by Teagasc for capital investment in the development of certain research centres of excellence under the Teagasc Research Vision Programme. An amount of €9.4m was returned to the exchequer as an Extra Exchequer Receipt in 2007.
Afforestation Programme.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:355 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will indicate by species the number of hectares of trees planted in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17014/10]
The following are the number of hectares of trees planted in each of the past five years by species.
|
Year |
Broadleaf |
Conifer |
Total |
|
2005 |
3,002 |
7,094 |
10,096 |
|
2006 |
2,527 |
5,509 |
8,036 |
|
2007 |
2,182 |
4,765 |
6,947 |
|
2008 |
2,227 |
4,022 |
6,249 |
|
2009 |
2,473 |
4,175 |
6,648 |
National Flock.
Joe McHugh
Question:356 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the size of the national sheep flock at the end of each of the years 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16327/10]
According to the CSO, the size of the national sheep flock in December for the years in question was as shown in the table:
|
Year |
No. of sheep on farms in December |
|
2005 |
4,257,000 |
|
2006 |
3,826,300 |
|
2007 |
3,530,500 |
|
2008 |
3,422,900 |
|
2009 |
3,182,600 |
I am aware of the decline in numbers in the national flock, although Ireland is not unique in that regard. Most of the main sheep-producing countries in Europe and indeed worldwide are facing problems, with reducing flocks, pressure on income and producers leaving the sector. I have identified this sector as one in need of specific supports and earlier this month, I launched a three-year, €54 million grassland sheep scheme, the funding for which, comes from unused Single Payment funds. The focus of this scheme is on breeding ewes and it should help to prevent further declines in flock numbers, by giving farmers a real incentive to maintain their production levels. It should also provide sheep farmers with a much-needed boost to their incomes. The sector should also benefit under the Rural Development Programme, where an indicative figure of €8 million has been allocated for sheep fencing and mobile handling facilities, to help sheep farmers in reducing labour input.
In addition to this extra funding, last year I assigned €7 million from the 2009 Single Farm Payment National Reserve to 13,000 hill sheep farmers, under the Uplands Sheep Payment Scheme. Bord Bia will also spend up to €1 million this year on the promotion of sheep and lamb at home and abroad and Teagasc has allocated almost €1.5 million for sheep research for 2010.
All of these supports complement the work being undertaken by my Department, its state agencies and the industry, following the recommendations of the Sheep Industry Development Strategy Group — "the Malone Report". This report provides a clear blueprint for the development of a more profitable sheep sector in Ireland and covers production, processing and marketing. While most of the recommendations in the Malone report fall to be implemented by the industry itself, my Department is playing its part by providing assistance for areas such as breeding and quality assurance. I am confident that every effort is being made to support this sector, which is a valuable part of the overall agrifood sector.
Tax Code.
Joe Carey
Question:357 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on whether farmers here can absorb the impending carbon levy on agricultural diesel and whether the food industry here can remain competitive in view of the fact that fuel prices have risen dramatically in the past number of months since the introduction of the proposal in budget 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16345/10]
The implementation of a carbon tax on fossil fuels is, in the first instance, a matter for my colleagues, the Minister for Finance and the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The Finance Bill, 2010, introduced carbon taxation of mineral oils, which will apply to petrol, auto-diesel, kerosene, marked gas oil, liquid petroleum gas, fuel oil and natural gas. These increases, which, when VAT is included, amounted to 4.2 cent on a litre of petrol and 4.9 cent on a litre of diesel, arose from the application, in budget 2010, of a carbon charge on those fuels, at a rate equivalent to €15 per tonne of CO2 emitted.
When introducing the levy, Minister Gormley explained the principle of carbon pricing, noting that this mechanism is widely accepted as the most effective way to secure emission reductions. It is the basis of the EU's Emission Trading Scheme, which applies to the bigger emitters such as power generators and industrial plants and a significant number of food processing installations. Apart from installations that have already made very considerable emissions reductions through their participation in the EU's emissions trading scheme, no other sector of society is exempt from the tax.
The aim of the carbon tax is to promote economies in the consumption of fossil fuel and a consequent reduction in emissions. At present, each litre of gas oil, whether used in a tractor, diesel engine car or truck, generates the equivalent of almost 3 kilograms of Carbon Dioxide (CO2). In 2008, greenhouse gas emissions associated with the combustion of fossil fuel in the agriculture sector were over 850,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent. The imposition of the carbon levy is not without consequence for farmers and for tillage farmers in particular. However, the agriculture sector will continue to benefit from a special reduced excise duty rate of 4.7 cent per litre in relation to marked gas oil, which is far below the excise duty rate of 41 cent per litre applied to auto-diesel.
Together with my Government colleagues, I intend to ensure that up to date guidance material is provided on how best to reduce fossil fuel based energy use. My colleague, the Minister for Finance has indicated me that the estimated amount of revenue arising from a carbon tax of €15 per tonne on marked gas oil or ‘green diesel' used by farmers is €12.5 million in a full year, and, being applied from 1 May, approximately €7 million in 2010.
Energy costs are a significant proportion of production costs for food and drink exporting companies. As costs in Ireland are above the EU average and our indigenous energy sources are limited, this is a competitive issue for the industry. The continuation of some costs rebate for large energy users and industry's own efforts to make their heat and power systems as energy efficient as possible have mitigated this to an extent but it requires continued attention as the Agrifood sector generates around 30% of our net foreign earnings from the indigenous manufacturing and primary sectors.
Greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture have not grown at the rate of other sectors but do account for almost 40% of Ireland's non-trading sector emissions. Teagasc is engaged in practical research at farm level on farming techniques that could contribute a modest but permanent reduction in the level of emissions. Addressing these critical issues, requires a greater commitment to, and implementation of, energy savings and efficiency measures, as well as the development and promotion of large scale uptake of energy from renewable sources. The government has encouraged measures relating to forestry, the growing of miscanthus and energy conservation to promote local and renewable sources of energy.
Crop Losses.
Ulick Burke
Question:358 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of persons in County Galway who applied for compensation under the crop damage compensation scheme to date; when these applications will be processed; the estimated amount of compensation to be paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16405/10]
I introduced this Scheme to provide some compensation to growers for damage to potatoes and root vegetables caused by frost in January of this year. The Scheme is aimed at providing a limited and targeted financial contribution to those growers, who suffered significant losses of produce due to frost damage. Financial aid will only be paid in instances where genuine damage to crops was caused by the severe frost in January 2010.
The level of aid must not exceed 80% (90% in Disadvantaged Areas) and, for growers that have no crop insurance, the level of compensation must be reduced by 50%. In accordance with EU State Aid Rules, aid is confined to actual losses and conditional on at least 30% of the crop being destroyed when compared with the previous 3 years production. A total of 357 applications were received nationally, of which 12 applications were received from County Galway; one of these was rejected, as it did not meet the 30% requirement. The decision as to the level of aid payable to eligible applicants cannot be made until all the necessary investigative work has been completed and the required calculations, as outlined above, are finalised in the case of individual applicants.
Grant Payments.
P. J. Sheehan
Question:359 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when an application under the installation aid scheme from a person (details supplied) in County Cork was received; when the application will be processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16464/10]
The person concerned is an applicant under the Installation Aid Scheme. An initial application (IAS 1) was received on 7 June 2007 and an application for payment (IAS 2) was received on 14 October 2008 following which further information was requested from the applicant concerned. Under the terms of the Scheme, payment of the grant is made once it has been established that the requirements of the Scheme have been met, including the conditions in relation to property, education and income. The outcome of my Department's examination of the application will be made known to the applicant shortly.
Michael Creed
Question:360 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason for the delay in processing and issuing payment in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork under the young farmer installation aid scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16471/10]
The person concerned is an applicant under the Young Farmers' Installation Scheme. Under the terms of the Scheme, payment of the grant is made once it has been established that the requirements of the Scheme have been met, including the conditions in relation to property, education and income. The outcome of my Department's examination of the application will be made known to the applicant shortly.
Domestic Abattoirs.
John Deasy
Question:361 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the responsibilities of his Department and of local authorities in the licensing and supervision of abattoirs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16509/10]
The European Communities (Food and Feed Hygiene) Regulations 2009 (S.I. No. 432 of 2009), which give further effect in Ireland to the EU food hygiene regulations ("the Hygiene Package"), provide for the approval and supervision of meat processing establishments including slaughtering establishments. My Department currently supervises 51 slaughter plants and 220 such plants are supervised by local authorities.
The regulations set out demarcation limits for supervision in terms of volume of throughput. Where the volume of throughput is greater than specified amounts, an application for approval for a new slaughter plant should be made to my Department, where it is lower the application should be directed to the relevant local authority. On receipt of an application and the requisite information, the appropriate competent authority will arrange for and carry out an approval inspection to determine whether the establishment meets all of the requirements of the regulations. Areas covered include the establishment's food safety management system, structures, staff training and provision for welfare of animals. Once approval is granted by my Department or by a local authority, slaughtering may take place under veterinary supervision.
Competent authorities are also required by the European regulations to carry out audits and inspections of slaughterhouses, and these are done by an official veterinarian. Regulation (EC) 854/2004 requires that these include audits of good hygiene practices and hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP) -based procedures. The competent authority must verify the food business operator's systems, which includes verification of records; taking samples for laboratory analysis where appropriate; and documenting the findings of an audit.
The nature and intensity of auditing in respect of individual establishments depends upon the assessed risk and to this end, the competent authority must regularly assess factors including public and, where appropriate, animal health risks; animal welfare aspects; the type and throughput of the processes carried out; and the food business operator's past record as regards compliance with food law.
Grant Payments.
Michael Ring
Question:362 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive the first instalment of their REPS 4 payment. [16512/10]
Payment will issue to the person named within ten days.
Michael Ring
Question:363 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a REP scheme payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [16513/10]
Payment will issue to the person named within ten days.
Michael Creed
Question:364 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Limerick will be approved for benefit under the early retirement scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16684/10]
The application from the person named is currently being examined in my Department. The applicant will be informed of the outcome once this examination is complete.
Crop Losses.
Michael McGrath
Question:365 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding an application by a person (details supplied) in County Cork under the compensation scheme for potato and vegetable growers arising from the extreme weather spell during the winter. [16732/10]
I introduced this Scheme to provide some compensation to growers for damage to potatoes and root vegetables caused by frost in January of this year. The Scheme is aimed at providing a limited and targeted financial contribution to those growers who suffered significant losses of produce due to frost damage.
In accordance with EU State Aid Rules, aid is confined to actual losses and conditional on at least 30% of the crop being destroyed when compared with the previous 3 years production. Following consideration of the application of the person named, it was found that the minimum 30% loss was not met and, therefore, the person named could not qualify for aid under this Scheme. The person named was advised of this decision by letter dated 13 April and was also advised for his right to appeal the decision.
Commonage Division.
Michael Ring
Question:366 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if three shares can be allocated to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [16769/10]
The commonage shares in question relates to a migration and voluntary re-arrangement scheme undertaken by the former Land Commission and for which I now have responsibility. According to the records in my Department, there are three 1/16th shares on hands to be allotted. The person named has been offered one of these but has refused to accept it. Examination of the records does not support the contention of the person named that he is entitled to the three 1/16th shares. A Scheme has been approved allotting one share to the person named and my Department will contact him shortly in this regard.
Grant Payments.
Michael Creed
Question:367 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he plans to award the outstanding moneys due to sheep farmers under the 2009 uplands sheep scheme; the amount outstanding; the amount paid to date; the date when he expects to have completed payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16815/10]
Payments worth €7 million in total are being made to 13,000 hill sheep farmers under the 2009 Upland Sheep Payment. Payments commenced in early December and, to date, payments amounting to €5 million have issued to sheep farmers. The balancing payments, worth €2 million in total, are scheduled to commence in the coming weeks.
On-farm Investment Schemes.
Michael Creed
Question:368 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects to be in a position to announce the detailed application criteria for the €8 million sheep grant aid scheme for handling facilities and fencing; the target date when he expects to be making the first payments under the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16816/10]
My Department recently received EU Commission approval for the various targeted on-farm investment schemes announced by my Department in 2009. Due to the relatively short time-frames for completion of the investment works concerned, my priority is to introduce the Sow Welfare and Poultry Welfare Schemes first. Arrangements will then be made to introduce the three remaining schemes, including the Sheep Handling/Fencing Scheme.
Discussions are ongoing with the relevant farming organizations in regard to the terms and conditions of the Schemes concerned. These should be completed in the near future and I hope to be in a position to make an announcement regarding the new Schemes at that stage. Payments under the various Schemes will commence when it has been established that applicants have successfully completed investment works under the Schemes concerned.
Grant Payments.
Paul Connaughton
Question:369 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason the cow welfare scheme 2009 has not been awarded in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16825/10]
The person named has 20 animals for consideration under the 2008 Suckler Welfare Scheme. During the validation process it was deemed that the applicant breached one of the Terms and Conditions of this Scheme and was, therefore, not eligible for payment. However, the person subsequently provided confirmation to my Department that he had, in fact, adhered to the condition. If this is confirmed via further validation, payment will issue to the applicant shortly.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:370 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason for the continuing delay in issuing REPS 4 payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in Cork South-West; and if he will confirm that same will be issued without further delay. [16847/10]
Payment will issue within 10 days.
Adult Education.
Frank Feighan
Question:371 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science if a person who is qualified as a solicitor and has been made redundant recently can now avail of retraining at Fetac five level or higher; and the training programmes in place for such persons to retrain to enable them to be employed in a different field in the future. [16307/10]
It is open to a person with a professional qualification to apply to attend a PLC programme to gain additional skills in order to enhance his/her prospects of gaining employment. The level of certification on completion of a PLC programme is generally at FETAC Level 5 or Level 6. PLC places are allocated by my Department to providers, mainly VECs. Applications for places on individual courses can be made directly by learners to the relevant schools and colleges which make the decision on the offer of a place.
All higher education programmes can be accessed by unemployed people. Indeed, CAO applications from mature students have increased in recent years and accounted for 14% of all applications in 2009, up from almost 12% in 2008. Last year more than 6,200 mature students accepted an offer of a higher education place through the CAO, an increase of 26% on 2008. It should be noted, however, that an individual who has qualified as a solicitor would not be eligible for a maintenance grant for a PLC or third level course, or for free tuition fees at third level as he/she already holds an award which is higher than level 5/6.
School Accommodation.
Phil Hogan
Question:372 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science if funding will be provided for extra accommodation in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16312/10]
I can confirm that the school to which the Deputy refers recently applied to my Department for an additional mainstream classroom. This application is currently being assessed and the school authority will be notified of my Department's decision in this matter in due course.
State Examinations.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:373 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science if her Department has not issued any certificates for those students who have successfully completed the leaving certificate qualification since 2005; the reason for this delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16330/10]
The State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations, including organising the holding of examinations, making arrangements for the marking of work presented for examination and issuing the results of examinations. In view of this, I have forwarded your query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to you.
Special Educational Needs.
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Question:374 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science her views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding supports at a school; if she will reinstate these supports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16347/10]
As the Deputy will be aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), for allocating resource teachers and Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) to schools to support children with special educational needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support.
The NCSE is an independent agency with responsibility for determining the appropriate staffing levels in relation to the support of pupils with special educational needs in mainstream and special schools. The review of SNA allocations being carried out by the NCSE, through its network of SENOs is with a view to ensuring that the criteria governing the allocation of such posts are properly met. This is an exercise in identifying surplus posts which are in the system and which do not meet the current criteria — posts that have been retained when a pupil's care needs have diminished or where the pupil has left. At the same time the NCSE is allocating additional posts where the criteria are met. The terms and criteria for the SNA scheme have not changed.
The Deputy may be aware that the NCSE has introduced an appeals process whereby schools and parents, where appropriate, may seek to appeal the decision of a SENO in relation to the allocation of resources. Information regarding the appeals process is available on the NCSE's website at www.ncse.ie.
I want to take this opportunity to state that the NCSE will continue to support schools, parents, children and teachers and resources will continue to be allocated to schools to meet children's needs in line with my Department's policy. In cases where adjustments to the staffing allocation in a school are necessary, the NCSE will liaise with the school authorities regarding the adjustment process.
Schools Refurbishment.
Joe Carey
Question:375 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science the position regarding an application for a summer works scheme in respect of a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16365/10]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that I announced details of successful applicants under the current Summer Works Scheme on 19 April, 2010. 1,490 primary and post primary schools across the country will benefit from small and medium scale building works this summer under the €122 million investment programme announced. The Planning and Building Unit of my Department has recently contacted all schools approved for grant aid, which includes the school referred to by the Deputy, with details and instructions on how to proceed.
Details of the successful applications are available on the Department's website, www.education.ie. The Deputy may also be aware that schools were invited to apply for funding for water conservation measures as part of the Summer Works Scheme. It is intended that these applications will be processed separately and I hope to announce details of the successful applicants later this year.
Joe Carey
Question:376 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science the position regarding an application for a summer works scheme in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16366/10]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that I announced details of successful applicants under the current Summer Works Scheme on 19 April, 2010. 1,490 primary and post primary schools across the country will benefit from small and medium scale building works this summer under the €122 million investment programme announced. The Planning and Building Unit of my Department has recently contacted all schools approved for grant aid, which includes the school referred to by the Deputy, with details and instructions on how to proceed. Details of the successful applications are available on the Department's website, www.education.ie.
The Deputy may also be aware that schools were invited to apply for funding for water conservation measures as part of the Summer Works Scheme. It is intended that these applications will be processed separately and I hope to announce details of the successful applicants later this year.
State Examinations.
Brian Hayes
Question:377 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science the number of students registered to take Irish in their leaving certificate examination in each of the past three years; and the number that actually sat the examination over the same period. [16387/10]
The State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations, including organising the holding of examinations, making arrangements for the marking of work presented for examination and issuing the results of examinations. In view of this, I have forwarded your query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to you.
I wish to inform the Deputy that Statistics from Year 2000 showing the number of candidates who sat the different examinations and the results obtained are available on the State Examinations Commission website. www.examinations.ie/statistics. It should be noted that while Irish is an essential subject which must be studied by all students other than those who have been granted an exemption, there is no obligation on students to sit an examination in the subject. The proportion of candidates who sat Irish in the Leaving Certificate in 2009, 2008 and 2007 was 84.2%, 85.6%, and 86.5% respectively.
Schools Building Projects.
Brian Hayes
Question:378 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science the amount of the €579 million investment in school building under the school building and modernisation programme that has been spent in the past four months. [16388/10]
To date in 2010 a total of just over €65 million of this year's capital allocation of €578.8m for the primary and post-primary sectors has issued from my Department under the school building and modernisation programme. This expenditure level is very much on target with expenditure expectations for the early months of the year.
Educational Projects.
Seán Ardagh
Question:379 Deputy Seán Ardagh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science the financial assistance she can give to the initial set up of a book rental scheme to commence in September 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16402/10]
The Deputy will be aware that the Renewed Programme for Government provides for funding to be made available to allow schools to provide grant assistance for books. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that €7.65m of additional grant support has been made available as a result of the Budget for 2010, which is in addition to the €7m that was allocated for books to DEIS schools in 2009.
I intend to streamline and rationalise the different grant schemes that provide finding to primary and post-primary schools, both for ease of administration and to ensure that school management has greater autonomy over the funding provided. As part of this process, my officials will be consulting with the management bodies to consider the details of how these funds will be channelled to schools having regard to the desirability of streamlining grant payments. Schools will be advised of the arrangements following this process. I will be encouraging all schools to use this funding to implement book rental schemes, which are the most effective means of lowering costs for parents and ensuring that books are recycled.
Schools Building Projects.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:380 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science the band rating of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 16; the prospects for funding in the current year in view of the fact that the school was not approved for summer works; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16415/10]
Alan Shatter
Question:386 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science if she will prioritise the advancement of the building project in respect of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 16, architectural plans having been submitted to her Department since March 2008; if her attention has been drawn to the poor structural condition of the school; the reason an application to the summer works scheme for a grant to replace rotten windows was unsuccessful; and the steps she will take in respect of this school. [16524/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 380 and 386 together.
The project to which the Deputies refer has a priority band rating of 2.4 and is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning. I announced details of successful applicants under the current Summer Works Scheme on 19 April, 2010. 1,490 primary and post primary schools across the country will benefit from small and medium scale building works this summer under the €122 million investment programme announced.
The application for Summer Works Scheme funding from the school was unsuccessful because the building project, which will also address the need identified in the Summer Works Scheme application, is in the advanced stages of architectural planning. The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction is dependent on the prioritisation of competing demands on the funding available under my Department's capital budget. The proposed building project will be considered in the context of the Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme for 2011 and subsequent years. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the delivery of the project at this time.
Swimming Pool Projects.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:381 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science if her Department will make provision for the reopening and maintenance of the swimming pool at a premises (details supplied) in Dublin 7 which caters for students at the special school funded by her Department in view of the fact that swimming is a core part of the students’ curriculum. [16424/10]
The priority for my Department is to apply all capital funding allocated to it for school and college buildings. It has no role to play in resourcing privately owned and managed facilities, including swimming pools. The Deputy may wish to pursue this matter with the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism, which is responsible for the disbursement of the sports capital grant, and/or the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
Institutes of Technology.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:382 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science if the draft strategic plan for the Grangegorman Dublin Institute of Technology project has been approved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16435/10]
The Grangegorman Development Agency was established under Section 8 of the Grangegorman Development Agency Act 2005. The general aim of the Agency is to oversee the development of the lands at Grangegorman on behalf of the Departments of Education and Science, Health and Children, Dublin Institute of Technology and the Health Services Executive.
Section 12 of the Act provides that the Agency following its establishment must prepare a Strategic plan consisting of a written statement and a plan indicating the objectives for the development of the Grangegorman site, including the setting of a budget for the strategic plan subject to the approval of the Minister for Education and Science together with a strategy for its delivery within the set budget. The draft Strategic plan and budget has been received by my Department and I intend bringing proposals to Government for consideration as quickly as possible.
School Enrolments.
Leo Varadkar
Question:383 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science the projected growth in primary school enrolment between 2008/09 and 2014 in the following areas in Dublin 15 including Blanchardstown west, Carpenterstown, Castleknock and Blanchardstown east; the number of additional classrooms that will be required to meet this expected increase in enrolment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16461/10]
The Forward Planning Section of my Department has carried out a study of the country to identify the areas where, due to demographic changes, there may be a requirement for significant additional school provision at both primary and post-primary levels over the coming years. This study has been conducted using data from the Central Statistics Office, the General Register Office and the Department of Social & Family Affairs with reference to recent schools' enrolment data. The study indicates that the requirement for additional primary provision in years 2010, 2011 and 2012 is likely to be greatest in more than 40 identified locations across the country based on significant changes to the demographics of those areas.
Forward Planning Section is in the process of carrying out detailed analysis and reports for each of these locations in order to identify the school accommodation requirements for each area up to and including the school year 2014/2015. Educational accommodation requirements in the Blanchardstown West, Carpenterstown and Blanchardstown East areas have been considered in this regard and Forward Planning Section projects that accommodation will be required to cater for a total enrolment of up to 10,586 pupils for these areas by the year 2014, with a requirement for in the region of 116 additional classrooms, over and above existing accommodation.
When the required reports have been completed for the initial areas Forward Planning Section will continue to work on preparing reports on a priority basis for the remainder of the country. Overall accommodation requirements in the Castleknock area will be analysed as part of this process. Any proposed building projects required arising from Forward Planning Section's analysis will be considered in the context of the Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme for 2010 and subsequent years.
Special Educational Needs.
Joe Costello
Question:384 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science the circumstances surrounding the post of special needs assistants in primary schools; the number and location of schools here which have lost SNAs; the number of SNA posts lost in Dublin Central; the effect of the current review of SNA posts on the schools in Dublin Central; if a school (details supplied) in Dublin 7 is adversely affected by the cutbacks on SNA posts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16481/10]
As the Deputy will be aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), for allocating resource teachers and Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) to schools to support children with special educational needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support.
The NCSE is an independent agency with responsibility for determining the appropriate staffing levels in relation to the support of pupils with special educational needs in mainstream and special schools. The review of SNA allocations being carried out by the NCSE, through its network of SENOs is with a view to ensuring that the criteria governing the allocation of such posts are properly met. This is an exercise in identifying surplus posts which are in the system and which do not meet the current criteria — posts that have been retained when a pupil's care needs have diminished or where the pupil has left. At the same time the NCSE is allocating additional posts where the criteria are met. The terms and criteria for the SNA scheme have not changed.
The specific information requested by the Deputy regarding SNA posts in the Dublin Central region is not readily available in the format requested. I have arranged for the details supplied to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply. I want to take this opportunity to state that the NCSE will continue to support schools, parents, children and teachers and resources will continue to be allocated to schools to meet children's needs in line with my Department's policy.
School Enrolments.
Alan Shatter
Question:385 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science the number of children between the ages of five years and 16 years attending a recognised primary or post-primary school; the numbers of such children undergoing home education; and the steps being taken by the State to ensure each child receives an education of appropriate standard. [16523/10]
In the school year 2008/2009 there were 712,945 pupils between the ages of five and sixteen attending primary and post-primary schools aided by this Department. This is the most recent year for which data are available. For children enrolled in such schools but who are unable to attend school for a variety of reasons such as a serious medical problem or where a child does not have a school placement, Home Tuition support may be provided, on application, as a temporary interim measure. This facilitates a compensatory educational service to ensure continuum of education during extended absences.
As the deputy will be aware if a parent makes a choice of home education for their child they must register the child/ren with the National Educational Welfare Board. In such circumstances the child/ren is not enrolled in a recognised school. The Education (Welfare) Act, 2000, established the National Educational Welfare Board which is charged with ensuring that each child attends a recognised school or otherwise receives a certain minimum education.
The Irish Constitution acknowledges the role of a parent or guardian as the primary educator of the child and has enshrined in law that a parent or guardian may home educate a child. Section 14 (1) of the Education (Welfare) Act, 2000 states that the National Educational Welfare Board shall establish and maintain a register of all children in receipt of an education in a place other than a recognised school. Where a parent chooses to educate, or have educated, his or her child in a place other than a recognised school, the Act outlines the process of application, assessment, registration and appeal that should be adhered to by the Board. Applications are made to the Board and the education provision assessed before the child is registered. To the end of 2009, the Board has registered 638 children educated at home and 5121 children educated in non-recognised schools, throughout the country.
In May 2009, my Department extended the remit of the National Educational Welfare Board to bring together a number of education services namely the Home School Community Liaison Service (HSCL), the School Completion Programme (SCP), the Visiting Teacher Service for Travellers (VTST), as well as the National Educational Welfare Service (EWS) under one common management team thereby providing for a single, more focussed, strategic direction at local, regional and national levels. The underlying rationale for this new single strategic approach is to deliver better outcomes for children, families, and schools through targeted coordinated responses that will more effectively address the challenges that impact negatively on attendance, participation and attainment.
Question No. 386 answered with Question No. 380.
Schools Building Projects.
Catherine Byrne
Question:387 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the building project at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 8; the band level of the school; the timeframe for this building work to be carried out; if her attention has been drawn to the need for additional classrooms in this school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16526/10]
On 16th February last, details of large scale capital projects proceeding under my Department's Capital programme for 2010 were announced. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that a project for the school to which she refers, and which has a band 1 rating, was included in that announcement for the appointment of a design team in the fourth quarter of this year. The school authority will be contacted at the appropriate time in relation to the steps to be taken to enable the design team appointment. In the meantime, an application from the school for additional accommodation is currently being examined and a decision on this application will issue to the school authority in due course.
Catherine Byrne
Question:388 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science the position regarding a school building project (details supplied) in Dublin 12; if she will expedite the building of classrooms and sports hall, promised since 2000; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16527/10]
I can confirm that the school to which the Deputy refers has made an application to my Department for large scale capital funding. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and assigned an appropriate band rating. Information in respect of the current school building programme along with all assessed applications for major capital works, including the project referred to by the Deputy, is now available on my Department's website at www.education.ie.
The priority attaching to individual projects is determined by published prioritisation criteria, which were formulated following consultation with the Education Partners. There are four band ratings under these criteria, each of which describes the extent of accommodation required and the urgency attaching to it. Band 1 is the highest priority rating and Band 4 is the lowest. Documents explaining the band rating system are also available on my Department's website.
The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.
Schools Refurbishment.
Michael McGrath
Question:389 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science the position regarding an application under the summer works scheme 2010 by a school (details supplied) in Cork city. [16535/10]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that I announced details of successful applicants under the current Summer Works Scheme on 19 April, 2010. 1,490 primary and post primary schools across the country will benefit from small and medium scale building works this summer under the €122 million investment programme announced. The Planning and Building Unit of my Department has recently contacted all schools approved for grant aid, including the school referred to by the Deputy, with details and instructions on how to proceed. Details of the successful applications are available on the Department's website, www.education.ie.
The school to which the Deputy refers to has been approved for the provision of an electrical upgrade. The Deputy may also be aware that schools were invited to apply for funding for water conservation measures as part of the Summer Works Scheme. It is intended that these applications will be processed separately and I hope to announce details of the successful applicants later this year.
Michael McGrath
Question:390 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the application under the summer works scheme 2010 by a primary school (details supplied) in County Cork. [16536/10]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that I announced details of successful applicants under the current Summer Works Scheme on 19 April, 2010. 1,490 primary and post primary schools across the country will benefit from small and medium scale building works this summer under the €122 million investment programme announced. The Planning and Building Unit of my Department has recently contacted all schools approved for grant aid, including the school referred to by the Deputy, with details and instructions on how to proceed. Details of the successful applications are available on the Department's website, www.education.ie.
The school to which the Deputy refers to has been approved for the provision of a toilet upgrade. The Deputy may also be aware that schools were invited to apply for funding for water conservation measures as part of the Summer Works Scheme. It is intended that these applications will be processed separately and I hope to announce details of the successful applicants later this year.
Schools Building Projects.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:391 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the provision of a second level gaelscoil serving counties Louth, Meath and north County Dublin. [16548/10]
The Forward Planning Section of the Department is in the process of carrying out detailed analysis of over 40 locations of highest population growth in order to identify the school accommodation requirements up to and including the school year 2014/2015. Given the increase in the birth rate in recent years the initial focus of this analysis is on primary school accommodation requirements and this will be followed by a more detailed analysis of post-primary accommodation requirements.
When the required reports have been completed for these initial identified areas the Forward Planning Section will continue to work on preparing reports on a priority basis for the remainder of the country. Overall school accommodation requirements in Louth, Meath and North County Dublin, including the case for the provision of a new Irish language post-primary school, will be considered in this regard. In addition to this detailed analysis of accommodation needs currently being carried out by Forward Planning Section, the Department is also currently examining a number of broad policy issues regarding the establishment of new post-primary schools. As part of this, consideration is being given to the setting up of a new framework in relation to the establishment of new second level schools and their patronage.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:392 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the proposed new school (details supplied) in County Meath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16549/10]
The Forward Planning Section of the Department is in the process of carrying out detailed analysis of over 40 locations of highest population growth in order to identify the school accommodation requirements up to and including the school year 2014/2015. Given the increase in the birth rate in recent years the initial focus of this analysis is on primary school accommodation requirements and this will be followed by a more detailed analysis of post-primary accommodation requirements.
When the required reports have been completed for these initial identified areas the Forward Planning Section will continue to work on preparing reports on a priority basis for the remainder of the country. Overall school accommodation requirements in the area referred to by the Deputy, including the case for the provision of a new Irish language post-primary school, will be considered in this regard.
In addition to this detailed analysis of accommodation needs currently being carried out by Forward Planning Section, the Department is also currently examining a number of broad policy issues regarding the establishment of new post-primary schools. As part of this, consideration is being given to the setting up of a new framework in relation to the establishment of new second level schools and their patronage.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:393 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the provision of permanent accommodation for a school (details supplied) in County Meath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16550/10]
A project to provide permanent accommodation for the school to which the Deputy refers involves the acquisition of a site. The progression of a project from site acquisition and initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the Department's capital budget, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of a project for the school at this time.
Third Level Examinations.
James Bannon
Question:394 Deputy James Bannon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science her views on whether University College Dublin has the right to hold examinations for evening students during the daytime, when this discriminates against students who cannot get leave from employment to sit same, and who are refused the option of an alternative time, therefore failing end of year examinations; if the college has the right to interfere with the employment terms of its part-time students, particularly at a time of recession and high unemployment, nor is it conducive to the principle of life-long education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16560/10]
Universities are autonomous academically independent institutions within the meaning of the Universities Act, 1997. Neither I nor my Department has any function in relation to the day to day management or academic affairs of a university and the decision of any university on when and how to conduct its examinations is a matter for that university.
Departmental Correspondence.
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Question:395 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science if she will consider correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16562/10]
My Department and my office are in receipt of the correspondence referred to by the Deputy and will continue to correspond with the person concerned in relation to the matters she has raised in her correspondence.
School Staffing.
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Question:396 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science if she has plans to review the abolition of supply panels in view of their importance in areas of disadvantage and the likely negative knock-on effects for what is a small investment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16663/10]
Michael Ring
Question:400 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science if she will reconsider the decision to abolish the supply panel based in a school (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16720/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 396 and 400 together.
The supply teacher scheme was initially set up at primary level over 15 years ago at a time when schools had difficulty getting substitute teachers. The supply scheme operates on the basis of an additional full-time teacher being allocated to a school to cover certified sick leave absences in that school and a cluster of neighbouring schools. If the teacher is not required on a given day to cover sick leave absences they generally assist with other work in their school such as administrative duties. There are 60 posts allocated to the scheme.
A value for money review of the Supply Teacher Scheme was published in July 2006. The review found that approximately 60% of these teachers' time was used to cover sick leave absences with the balance on various other school duties. This reflects the unpredictable nature of sick leave absences.
While there are benefits for schools in having these full-time teachers it is considered more cost effective to use the normal substitution arrangements that apply to all other schools to cover sick leave absences instead of having a cohort of full-time teachers ‘‘on call'' all the time in these schools to cover sick leave absences that may or may not arise. The supply teacher scheme will cease from the start of the 2010/11 school year. The teachers concerned will be redeployed in accordance with the existing redeployment arrangements to other schools that have vacancies.
Schools Refurbishment.
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Question:397 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science if all summer works scheme announcements for 2010 have been made yet; if not, when they will be made; if she will clarify if a school (details supplied) has been included; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16664/10]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that I announced details of successful applicants under the Summer Works Scheme for 2010 on 19 April last. 1,490 primary and post primary schools across the country will benefit from small and medium scale building works this summer under the €122 million investment programme announced.
The Planning and Building Unit of my Department has recently contacted all schools approved for grant aid with details and instructions on how to proceed. This includes the school to which the Deputy refers, which has been approved funding for window replacement. A full list of the successful applicants is available on my Department's website www.education.ie.
The Deputy may also be aware that schools were invited to apply for funding for water conservation measures as part of the Summer Works Scheme. It is intended that these applications will be processed separately and I hope to announce details of the successful applicants later this year.
School Management.
Michael Noonan
Question:398 Deputy Michael Noonan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science the guidelines that are provided to patrons of primary schools on the qualifications of persons being appointed as chairpersons of boards of management; if these guidelines contain any reference to age; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16681/10]
In accordance with the provisions of the Education Act 1998, the appointment of a Board of Management of a school is a matter for the relevant school patron. The agreed procedures for the appointment of Boards of Management of primary schools are set out in the publication, Boards of Management Constitution of Boards and Rules of Procedure (revised November, 2007), copies of which are available in all primary schools and to Board of Management members. It is also available on my Department website, www.education.ie. The procedures therein provide for the Patron to appoint one of the board members to the position of Chairperson. The procedures for appointment of Chairpersons do not contain any age-related provisions.
Higher Education Grants.
Denis Naughten
Question:399 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science the number and value of higher education grants paid in each of the past three academic years, for which figures are available, to persons for academic years prior to the year of application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16686/10]
The information is not available in the format requested by the Deputy. However, details of the number of students that benefitted from funding under the student grant schemes over the last three academic years for which figures are available, together with details of the spend on a financial year basis for the periods concerned are set out in the following table.
|
Year |
Number |
|
2006-2007 |
56,175 |
|
2007-2008 |
54,666 |
|
2008-2009 |
57,261 |
|
Year |
€ million |
|
2007 |
243 |
|
2008 |
264 |
|
2009 |
306 |
Question No. 400 answered with Question No. 396.
Physical Education Facilities.
Brian Hayes
Question:401 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science if she will confirm that all new school buildings approved by her Department have physical education halls as part of the project; if this is not the case, the total number without PE halls built in the past two years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16770/10]
Physical education facilities are included as an intrinsic part of the design of all permanent new school building or refurbishment/extension projects. In rapidly developing areas where a project is delivered on a phased basis, the emphasis has been on the provision of sufficient school places to cater for the needs of new or rapidly growing communities. In such circumstances the provision of the general purpose hall is generally not provided in the first phase of the building project.
In the past two years a total of 27 school projects were built where the inclusion of a general purpose\physical education hall did not form part of the initial development. Two of these schools have subsequently had a general purpose hall provided as part of the phase two development while a number of the remaining projects are currently in architectural planning for the delivery of subsequent phases.
Departmental Correspondence.
Michael Kennedy
Question:402 Deputy Michael Kennedy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science if she will respond to a letter from Justice for Magdalenes, dated 29 March 2010 (details supplied); if she will commit to raising the issues detailed in this letter at Cabinet level and work to encourage a formal Government response to the organisation’s calls for an official apology and the establishment of a distinct redress scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16797/10]
A response has issued to the letter referred to by the Deputy and officials of my Department had already met with representatives of the Justice for Magdalenes Group. The position in relation to my Department has been explained both in correspondence with the Group and at the meeting between my officials and representatives of the Group.
Schools Building Projects.
Olwyn Enright
Question:403 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science the position regarding an application for large capital funding by a school (details supplied) in County Offaly; when this application will be processed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16811/10]
As the Deputy is aware, the school to which she refers has made an application to my Department for Major Capital funding. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and assigned a Band 1 rating. The priority attaching to individual projects is determined by published prioritisation criteria, which were formulated following consultation with the Education Partners. There are four band ratings under these criteria, each of which describes the extent of accommodation required and the urgency attaching to it. Band 1 is the highest priority rating and Band 4 is the lowest. Documents explaining the band rating system are also available on my Department's website.
The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of my Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time. In the interim, the school have applied for grant aid for additional accommodation for September 2010 and have recently been requested to forward further information in respect of their application.
Olwyn Enright
Question:404 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science the position regarding an application by a school (details supplied) in County Offaly that has been waiting to proceed to tender and construction; when its application will be processed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16812/10]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the school to which she refers was recently authorised to proceed to tender.
Jimmy Devins
Question:405 Deputy Jimmy Devins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science the number of schools in County Sligo awaiting a new building, refurbishment or extension; the schools in County Sligo that are using prefabs or other buildings as temporary classroom facilities; the cost of same to each school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16851/10]
Information in respect of the current school building programme, along with all assessed applications for major capital works, including the Co. Sligo projects referred to by the Deputy, is now available on my Department's website at www.education.ie.
The priority attaching to individual projects is determined by published prioritisation criteria, which were formulated following consultation with the Education Partners. There are four band ratings under these criteria, each of which describes the extent of accommodation required and the urgency attaching to it. Band 1 is the highest priority rating and Band 4 is the lowest. Documents explaining the band rating system are also available on my Department's website. For ease of reference, a table listing 26 applications from Co. Sligo schools currently seeking major capital building projects follows.
In the context of addressing accommodation needs in the short term, the Department grant-aids the provision of temporary accommodation in respect of schools requiring accommodation to cater for additional staffing allocations while awaiting the provision of permanent accommodation. The following table, compiled from information sent to my Department by schools in Co. Sligo, shows a list of schools in the county using rented prefabs as temporary classroom facilities. The rental cost per annum to each school is included in the table.
|
County |
School Roll No. |
School Name |
Current Status |
Application For |
Provisional Band Rating |
|
Sligo |
02013S |
Ballintogher NS Ballintogher |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
Sligo |
14051T |
Stokane NS Enniscrone |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 3 |
|
Sligo |
14636B |
Carraroe NS An Ceathru Rua |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
Sligo |
15004P |
Scoil Asicus Lar Easa |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
Sligo |
15217J |
Ardkeerin NS Riverstown |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
Sligo |
15342M |
SN Naomh Mhuire Ceis Chorainn |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 3 |
|
Sligo |
15571E |
Kilglass NS Enniscrone |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
Sligo |
17641J |
S N Realt na Mara, Rosses Point |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 3 |
|
Sligo |
17725P |
SN Bhride Carn |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
Sligo |
18053U |
Sooey NS Sughaidh |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
Sligo |
18543O |
SN Clochog Castlebaldwin |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 3 |
|
Sligo |
18575E |
SN Molaoise Grainseach |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
Sligo |
18979F |
SN Ursula Strandhill Road |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
Sligo |
19206B |
Sch of Immaculate Conc Cregg House |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 1 |
|
Sligo |
19340F |
St. Josephs Special Sch Ballytivan |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 3 |
|
Sligo |
19408N |
Rathcormack NS Rathcormack |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
Sligo |
19964U |
Scoil Mhuire Gan Smal Ballymote |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
Sligo |
20044I |
Gaelscoil Chnoc Na Re Bothar Baile Uí Dhugain |
Application |
New School |
Band 2 |
|
Sligo |
20122C |
Scoil Mhuire & Iosaf National School, Colloney |
Design Team to be appointed |
New School |
Band 1 |
|
Sligo |
65130E |
St. Marys College, Ballysadare |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
Sligo |
65150K |
Jesus & Mary Secondary School Enniscrone |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
Sligo |
72310U |
Coola Post Primary School Riverstown |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
Sligo |
72320A |
Coláiste Iascaigh Easkey |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 2 |
|
Sligo |
72360M |
Ballinode College Ballinode |
Application |
Extension/Refurb |
Band 4 |
|
County |
School Roll No. |
School Name |
Current Status |
Application For |
Provisional Band Rating |
|
Sligo |
19495L |
Carbury NS The Mall Sligo |
In advanced Architectural Planning |
New School |
Band 2 |
|
Sligo |
65170Q |
Summerhill College Sligo |
In advanced Architectural Planning |
New School |
Band 2 |
|
Roll No. |
School |
Address |
County |
Annual Rental |
Type |
|
€ |
|||||
|
04487E |
Achonry NS |
Achonry, Tubbercurry |
Sligo |
15,194.53 |
Prefab |
|
13242V |
Castlerock NS |
Castlerock, Adare |
Sligo |
2,768.48 |
Prefab |
|
14636B |
Scoil Naomh Eanna |
Carraroe |
Sligo |
7,550.40 |
Prefab |
|
15571E |
Kilglass NS |
Kilglass, Enniscrone |
Sligo |
15,795.00 |
Prefab |
|
16492N |
Rathlee NS |
Rathlee, Easkey |
Sligo |
13,778.10 |
Prefab |
|
18053U |
Sooey NS |
via Boyle |
Sligo |
3,146.00 |
Prefab |
|
18298E |
Culfadda NS |
Ballymote |
Sligo |
15,730.00 |
Prefab |
|
18334F |
Knockminna |
Ballymote |
Sligo |
22,113.00 |
Prefab |
|
18575E |
Scoil Naomh Molaise |
Grange |
Sligo |
13,899.60 |
Prefab |
|
18575E |
Scoil Naomh Molaise |
Grange |
Sligo |
11,372.40 |
Prefab |
|
18575E |
Scoil Naomh Molaise |
Grange |
Sligo |
11,372.40 |
Prefab |
|
18575E |
Scoil Naomh Molaise |
Grange |
Sligo |
15,795.00 |
Prefab |
|
18979F |
Scoil Ursula |
Strandhill Rd |
Sligo |
18,006.30 |
Prefab |
|
18979F |
Scoil Ursula |
Strandhill Rd |
Sligo |
18,006.30 |
Prefab |
|
18979F |
Scoil Ursula |
Strandhill Rd |
Sligo |
4,738.50 |
Prefab |
|
19495L |
Carbury |
The Mall |
Sligo |
36,450.00 |
Prefab × 5 |
|
20044I |
Gaelscoil Chnoc Na Re |
Baile Ui Dhugain |
Sligo |
72,250.00 |
Land and Buildings |
|
20044I |
Gaelscoil Chnoc Na Re |
Baile Ui Dhugain |
Sligo |
17,058.60 |
Prefab |
|
20044I |
Gaelscoil Chnoc Na Re |
Baile Ui Dhugain |
Sligo |
15,731.82 |
Prefab |
|
20044I |
Gaelscoil Chnoc Na Re |
Baile Ui Dhugain |
Sligo |
12,303.00 |
Prefab |
|
20044I |
Gaelscoil Chnoc Na Re |
Baile Ui Dhugain |
Sligo |
11,752.34 |
Prefab |
|
20044I |
Gaelscoil Chnoc Na Re |
Baile Ui Dhugain |
Sligo |
7,950.00 |
Prefab |
|
20044I |
Gaelscoil Chnoc Na Re |
Baile Ui Dhugain |
Sligo |
4,323.16 |
Prefab |
Proposed Legislation.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:406 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science, further to Parliamentary Question No. 919 of 20 April 2010, if she will publish the education (patronage) Bill in draft form in view of the fact that it has now been completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16870/10]
As the Deputy will be aware, Government approval is required for the publication of primary legislation. It is my intention to seek the necessary Government approval for the publication of legislation providing for VEC patronage at primary level very shortly.
School Staffing.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:407 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science, further to Parliamentary Question No. 918 of 20 April 2010, if she will provide the name, address, patron and roll number of each of the 743 schools concerned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16871/10]
I am arranging to forward to the Deputy a list of the schools concerned setting out the name and address of the school, the school roll number and details of the Patron of each school.
School Patronage.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:408 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science, further to Parliamentary Question No. 923 of 20 April 2010, her views on establishing, without prejudice, a national forum on patronage in primary schools, as suggested by the Catholic Archbishop of Dublin when he noted that his church was the patron of 92% of all existing 3,175 ordinary primary schools here; if she will invite all of the relevant stakeholders to participate in such a forum with a view to agreeing to the orderly restructuring of the existing pattern of patronage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16872/10]
The issue of patronage and governance of our primary schools is of significant national importance. Irish society will continue to change at pace over the years to come and our education system must therefore continue to adapt and change to reflect this. I have publicly indicated at the recent INTO conference that I recognise that there is a need to seek the input and views of a wide cross section of contemporary Ireland on the relevant issues.
As the Deputy is aware consideration of many of the relevant issues is underway already. A review of procedures for establishment of new primary schools is being undertaken by the Commission on School Accommodation. Among the range of issues being considered is the issue of patronage including the criteria that must be met to become a patron and the circumstances where changes to patronage may be warranted. Furthermore, my Department has had discussions on the potential transfer of patronage of Catholic primary schools with senior representatives of the Catholic Church. The Department will shortly be providing an initial list of about 10 areas that can be used to test the concept of reducing the number of Catholic schools.
There has already been significant consultation around these issues with stakeholders. The extent and nature of the further consultation under consideration will be determined as the work underway is completed. My Department will continue to liaise with all of the relevant stakeholders in relation to the issues concerned.
Proposed Legislation.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:409 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 920 of 20 April 2010, she will now publish the draft amendments and communicate them to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Education and Science in order that the preliminary discussion can take place after a two-year delay, with a view to making constructive progress on this legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16873/10]
The Deputy will be aware that I am re-assessing organisational options for the student grants administration function in the context of the Government's wider programme of public service reform. Possible options for a more significant centralisation of functions are being explored with a view to streamlining operations and maximising administrative efficiency. This involves revisiting the proposals for administration currently provided for in the Student Support Bill. I would like to assure the Deputy that these proposed amendments are now at an advanced stage of preparation and it is my intention to proceed with the Bill on this basis in the shortest possible timeframe.
School Accommodation.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:410 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science if, further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 915 and 916 of 20 April 2010, she will publish the results of the pilot phase immediately in order to familiarise all of the primary school stakeholders with these developments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16874/10]
It is not my intention to publish the results of the pilot phase of the inventory of accommodation as this was carried out on a test basis only. Officials in my Department had meetings with the Education partners last year in relation to this and the Education partners supplied the list of schools that were willing to participate in the pilot scheme. The intention of this pilot phase was to test the most appropriate format for the inventory of accommodation and get feedback from the school users.
School Patronage.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:411 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 957 of 20 April, 2010, she will define the precise areas, including ordnance survey maps, if possible, of the ten locations which are currently being assessed for a transfer of patronage by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16875/10]
My Department had discussions on this matter with senior representatives of the Catholic Church. The Catholic School Patrons and my Department agreed that it was essential to engage in planning for change. In order to advance the matter, my Department agreed that it would examine a number of initial locations to see what scope or options might exist for change of patronage in these cases. The particular focus was on identifying a sample number of areas of relatively stable demographics where the establishment of new schools was unlikely to emerge in the foreseeable future and where the provision is exclusively Catholic or where there is very limited diversity of provision at present. The aim is that these areas can then be used to trial the modalities by which the number of Catholic places and schools will be reduced and released for others.
In this context, officials in my Department are currently carrying out an assessment of 10 locations where changes to patronage may be warranted, given changed demographic profiles in recent decades. My Department has not yet completed this assessment. When the assessment is completed it is planned to establish a list of locations where such change may be warranted. The aim is to complete the assessment within the next month with a view to publication of the list. I will ensure that the Deputy is provided with a copy of the list and Geographical Information System (GIS) maps of the areas at that time.
Higher Education Strategy.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:412 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science when she will publish the report into third level strategy chaired by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16876/10]
As the Deputy is aware, a High Level Group is currently developing a new national strategy for higher education. That Group is examining how well Ireland's higher education system is performing, how it ranks internationally, how well existing resources are being used and how the system should be configured to best meet the many challenges it faces over the next decade having regard to the key role it has to play in contributing to Ireland's economic recovery.
A first round of consultation was completed in summer 2009, under which an open call for written submissions elicited a significant and valuable response. In addition to this first round of consultation, a series of discussion forums with academics, students, enterprise as well as bilateral meetings with other stakeholders, including the institutions, have been held. The outcomes of these consultations and other ongoing discussions are feeding into the current deliberations of the Strategy Group who are expected to finalise their report before the Summer.
State Examinations.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:413 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science, further to Parliamentary Question No. 939 of 20 April 2010, the date on which she forwarded her query to the State Examinations Commission; if she has requested a comprehensive reply as a matter of urgency in view of the fact that this question was asked by the Oireachtas and was not a routine departmental reply; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16877/10]
This question relates to the procurement arrangements for printing of examination papers, which is an operational matter. The State Examinations Commission was established by Government in 2003 to assume operational responsibility for the operation of the certificate examinations. The Deputy's question was referred to the Commission for direct reply on 15 April 2010, and I understand that a reply has issued to the Deputy. I am satisfied that competitive tendering in line with national and EU procurement guidelines, directives and regulations is the standard procedure in the procurement processes of the Commission.
Higher Education Grants.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:414 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science, further to Parliamentary Question No. 906 of 20 April 2010, the steps a person, who has not got refugee status but has been fostered here for the past three years, should take in order to obtain grant assistance to enable them to pursue a third level education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16878/10]
The eligibility requirements for student grants, including those relating to nationality, are set out annually in the relevant grant schemes drawn up by my Department. Under the terms of the Higher Education Grant Scheme, grant assistance is awarded to students who meet the prescribed conditions of funding, including those which relate to nationality, residency, means and previous academic attainment.
The nationality requirement, as set out in clause 4.5 of the 2009 scheme, states that candidates must:
be a national of an EU Member State, a state which is a contracting state to the EEA Agreement, the Swiss Confederation or
a refugee or other person entitled for the time being to the rights and privileges specified in section 3 of the Refugee Act 1996; or
be a person, pursuant to the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006) who the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform has determined is eligible for the time being for subsidiary protection pursuant to Regulation 4 of those Regulations, or to whom the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform has granted permission for the time being in writing to enter and reside in the State pursuant to Regulation 16 of those Regulations; or
have permission to remain in the State by virtue of marriage to a national of another EU Member State who is residing in the State and who is or has been employed, or self-employed, in the State, or be the child of such a person, not having EU nationality; or
have permission to remain in the State by virtue of marriage to an Irish national residing in the State, or be the child of such person, not having EU nationality; or
have been granted Humanitarian Leave to Remain in the State (prior to the Immigration Act 1999); or
be a person in respect of whom the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform has granted permission to remain following a determination not to make a deportation order under section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999.
Students should apply to their assessing authority to have their eligibility assessed. The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter, in the first instance, for the relevant assessing authority, i.e. the applicant's local authority or VEC. An applicant may appeal the decision to the relevant local authority or VEC. Where the assessing authority decides to reject the appeal, the applicant may appeal this decision to my Department by submitting an appeal form outlining clearly the grounds for the appeal.
School Staffing.
Brendan Howlin
Question:415 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science if the draft contract of indefinite duration for long-serving unqualified teachers has been cleared by her Department’s legal advisers; her plans to seek trade union approval of this draft contract; when she expects the process to be completed to enable teachers in this situation to receive their entitlement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16882/10]
The draft contract of indefinite duration for unqualified teachers is currently under consideration by my Department and school management bodies. When this process is completed, it is intended to discuss the draft contract with the Staff Side at the Teachers Conciliation Council. The Teachers Conciliation Council is the recognised forum for dealing with matters relating to pay and conditions of service of teachers. The parties to the forum include representatives of the managerial authorities of schools, the teacher unions and the Departments of Education and Science and Finance. The final contract will then be issued for use by schools and VECs. I anticipate that the draft contract will be sent to the Staff Side shortly.
State Examinations.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:416 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science the body responsible for determining or changing Central Applications Office points into universities; the role of the CAO office in this process; the role of her Department in this process; if it will be impossible for bonus points in mathematics to be applied to leaving certificate results if the universities concerned choose not to accept this system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17030/10]
The Deputy will be aware that I have indicated my own view of the desirability of sending a clear signal to our second level students with the introduction of CAO bonus points for achievement in Leaving Certificate mathematics at higher level. I believe that a suitably devised bonus points system could successfully encourage students who study higher level maths not to drop down to ordinary level at the final stage of their programme.
The higher education institutions have delegated to the CAO the task of processing applications to their first year undergraduate courses. However, the participating institutions retain the function of making decisions on admissions. Neither my Department nor the Higher Education Authority has any role to play in relation to the operation of the CAO or the admissions policies of third level institutions.
School Transport.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:417 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science the number of CIE school buses in operation annually in the past five years; the cost of operating this service annually for the past five years; the hours of operation daily of the CIE school buses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17038/10]
Bus Éireann is responsible for the day to day operation of school transport services throughout the country. This is a complex national operation supporting in the region of 65,000 post primary pupils, 52,000 primary and 8,000 special needs pupils.
The number of Bus Éireann vehicles operating within the School Transport Scheme varies throughout the course of a school year. The following list shows the number of Bus Éireann vehicles that operated daily during the month of October for each year:
|
Year |
School |
|
2005 |
539 |
|
2006 |
530 |
|
2007 |
541 |
|
2008 |
520 |
|
2009 |
508 |
The cost of providing school transport services, using a mix of almost 4,000 Bus Éireann and private contractor vehicles each school day over the last five years, is:
|
Year |
€ million |
|
2005 |
106 |
|
2006 |
126 |
|
2007 |
146 |
|
2008 |
162 |
|
2009 |
159 (est.) |
The planning, routing and timetabling of school transport services is an operational matter for Bus Éireann and routes are coordinated to ensure that buses are fully utilised in an efficient and cost effective manner. In this regard, Bus Éireann vehicles operate for a period of about 4/5 hours daily providing transport services to both primary and post primary pupils.